bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educator organizational citizenship behavior and job satisfaction moderation in the GCC expatriate-dominated market
Authors: Sawalha Nabeel , Kathawala Yunus , Magableh Ihab
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between job characteristics (JC) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) moderated by job satisfaction (JS) among educators in the higher education institutions in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman, taking into consideration that most educators at the higher education institutions in this area are expatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 157 faculty members and instructors was used. Five job characteristics (skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy and feedback) and five OCB behaviors (altruism, civic virtue, courtesy, conscientiousness, and sportsmanship) were studied. The overall job satisfaction was measured with seven general items adopted from Al-Damour and Awamleh (2002). Data were collected voluntarily using social media network announcements and pencil and paper. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was used in testing this moderation relationship.

Findings

Results showed that job satisfaction plays a significant moderating effect in enhancing the relationship between four out of the five job characteristics (feedback, skill variety, task identity and autonomy) and only two out of five OCB behaviors, namely, altruism and courtesy. Also, culture showed no significant impact on results.

Research limitations/implications

Using a self-reporting tool, the respondents could give biased responses that might influence results. In addition, the use a complex relationship to establish a causality relationship among many variables measured with many items did make it difficult and sometimes errored out using SEM analysis.

Practical implications

This study delivers important suggestions to the management of these institutions as well as higher education administration about how to enhance their educators’ OCBs as a source of competitive advantage taking into consideration that expatriates work within certain legal and social contexts.

Originality/value

With very limited related research covering this region, this study provides an insight into how educators’ OCBs can be enhanced within unique employment structures and policies designed for expatriate educators in the GCC countries.
The moderated mediation processes in firm-specific human capital development and task performance relationship
Authors: Osei Hannah Vivian , Agyapong Ahmed , Owusu Kwateng Kwame
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Interest has been generated for a while in unpacking the “black box” and providing a contingency approach to understanding the effects of human resource management (HRM) practices. This study aims to investigate the possibility that the relationship between human capital development and task performance is mediated by work self-efficacy and work engagement – and that this mediation depends on the degree of perceived investment in employees’ development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a synthesis of theories –systems, social cognitive and social identity theories – a moderated mediation model is tested using data from 220 academic employees and Heads of Departments from multiple Higher Educational Institutions in Ghana. AMOS and Hayes Conditional Process analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study finds support for a bundle of human capital investments boosting work self-efficacy and motivating work engagement, as well as task performance. Consistent with expectations, the mediation in human capital investments to task performance via work self-efficacy is conditional on the degree of perceived investment in employees’ development.

Originality/value

The study provides the first attempt at studying a conditional process model in human capital development by addressing whether, how and when human capital system functions more or less effectively, and provides knowledge on the “black box” in HRM.
Improving operation of the croissant production line through overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
Authors: Tsarouhas Panagiotis
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a metric for estimating equipment effectiveness of the industrial systems. The purpose of this paper is to identify maintenance improvement potentials using an OEE assessment within the croissant production line.

Design/methodology/approach

The present work is carried out by analyzing the failure and repair data of the line. The failure data cover a period of 15 months. During this period the croissant production line usually operates over the entire day (24 h per day) in three 8-h shifts per day, and pauses at the weekends. Descriptive statistics of the failure and repair data for the line based on scheduled and unscheduled interruptions were carried. Moreover, the actual availability (A), performance efficiency (PE) and quality rate (Q) measures, together with the complete OEE for each working day for the croissant production line, were shown.

Findings

The main objectives are to understand the operation management of the croissant production line, and to measure the OEE characteristics in precise quantitative terms. OEE analysis can help the company to identify the primary problems concerning the A, PE and Q and acts immediately.

Originality/value

This paper presents a successful evaluation of OEE which will provide a useful guide to aspects of the production process, which identifies the critical points of the line that require further improvement through effective maintenance strategy (i.e. total productive maintenance). Moreover, the analysis provides a useful perspective and helps managers and engineers make better decisions on how to improve manufacturing productivity and quality.
Prevention of cybercrimes in smart cities of India: from a citizen’s perspective
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Kar Arpan Kumar , Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Kizgin Hatice
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing the citizens of India to prevent cybercrimes in the proposed Smart Cities of India.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model has been developed for identifying factors preventing cybercrimes. The conceptual model was validated empirically with a sample size of 315 participants from India. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with SPSS and AMOS softwares.

Findings

The study reveals that the “awareness of cybercrimes” significantly influences the actual usage of technology to prevent cybercrimes in Smart Cities of India. The study reveals that government initiative (GI) and legal awareness are less influential in spreading of the awareness of cybercrimes (AOC) to the citizens of the proposed smart cities.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual model utilizes two constructs from the technology adoption model, namely, perceived usefulness and ease of use. The study employs other factors such as social media, word of mouth, GIs, legal awareness and organizations constituting entities spreading awareness from different related literature works. Thereby, a comprehensive theoretical conceptual model has been proposed which helps to identify the factors that may help in preventing cybercrimes.

Practical implications

This study provides an insight to the policy maker to understand several factors influencing the AOC of the citizens of the proposed Smart Cities of India for the prevention of cybercrimes.

Originality/value

There are few existing studies analyzing the effect of AOC to mitigate cybercrimes. Thus, this study offers a novel contribution.
Employee perception of impact of knowledge management processes on public sector performance
Authors: Al Ahbabi Sultan Ali , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Balasubramanian Sreejith , Gaur Sanjaya Singh
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The application of knowledge management (KM) is critical to public sector firm as it is to private sector firm. However, despite its significance, the academic enquiry of KM in public sector is at its nascent stage. This forms the motivation of the present work; this paper aims to analyze and understand the intricate relationship between KM processes and public sector firm performance in terms of operational, quality and innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive KM processes–performance framework consisting of seven constructs (four constructs of KM processes and three constructs of KM performance) and their underlying factors was developed through an extensive literature review. The employee perceptions of these seven constructs were captured on a five-point Likert scale using a country-wide survey in the UAE public sector. The 270 valid responses captured were then used to first validate the KM framework and then test the hypothesized relationships between KM processes and KM performance.

Findings

The findings show that all four KM processes (knowledge creation, knowledge capture and storage, knowledge sharing and knowledge application and use) had a positive and significant impact on operational, quality and innovation performance of public sector in the UAE.

Research limitations/implications

The findings confirm the validity and reliability of all the seven constructs and their underlying factors and the assessment framework. Overall, this study fills a gap in the literature about applying/implementing a KM framework for the public sector and therefore significantly contributes toward the theoretical advancement of the field. However, the study does acknowledge the use of perceptual measures of individual employees as a limitation instead of more objective measures to capture the impact KM processes on KM performance.

Practical implications

The strong and significant impact of KM processes on firm performance is expected to provide the impetus for practitioners and policymakers to implement and leverage from KM processes and improve firm performance in the public sector.

Originality/value

A comprehensive development, validation and assessment of a KM framework for the public sector has not been attempted previously anywhere, let alone UAE, and hence constitutes the novelty of this work.
Cross-country evidence of Islamic portfolio diversification: are there opportunities in Saudi Arabia?
Authors: Ali Md Hakim , Uddin Md Akther , Chowdhury Mohammad Ashraful Ferdous , Masih Mansur
Published: December 2018

Purpose

On the backdrop of growing importance of Shariah compliant equity markets, the purpose of this paper is to study cross-country portfolio diversification benefits for investors with major trading partners of Saudi Arabia, namely, USA, China, Japan, Germany and India, who have already invested or tend to invest in Saudi Arabian stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have investigated time invariant, dynamic correlations at different investments horizons of the investors among Islamic asset classes by applying relevant econometric techniques like multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic –DCC and continuous wavelet transforms. For robustness, this study also applied maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform.

Findings

The findings tend to indicate that the Saudi Arabian investors have portfolio diversification benefits with all major trading partners in the short-term investment horizon. Interestingly, Saudi Arabian market has the least portfolio diversification benefits with the Chinese market. However, in the long run, all markets are correlated, yielding minimum portfolio diversification benefits and most importantly Saudi Arabian investors have portfolio diversification benefits with the Indian Islamic equity market in almost all investment horizons. The findings are highly consistent across different econometric technique estimations.

Research limitations/implications

The authors are only considering five major trading partners of Saudi Arabia. Also, the authors are using S&P and FTSE shari’ah index. Moreover, the time period of the study is constrained by the availability of shari’ah indices. Econometric limitations are also well documented in the literature.

Practical implications

The results could be beneficial for the investors, portfolio managers, hedge fund managers and institutional investors and also could be useful for the policy makers in their policy-making decisions.

Originality/value

Only very few studies have looked into the benefits of international portfolio diversification from the perspective of local investors as well as the portfolio diversification benefits with the major trading partners of Saudi Arabia. One of the novelties of the method is to make the stock investors, practitioners and policy makers aware of the portfolio diversification benefits available at different time scales such as 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 256 trading days as investment holding periods to unveil the true dynamics of co-movement between those different assets.
Litigation risk and working capital
Authors: Malm James , Sah Nilesh
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the association between litigation risk and working capital management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ four different regression techniques (OLS regressions, regressions with industry and time controls, median regressions, and Fama Macbeth regressions) to study the relation between litigation risk (contemporaneous and lagged measures) and working capital management (cash conversion cycle (CCC) and its components). The authors also conduct numerous robustness tests.

Findings

The authors find that high-litigation risk firms tend to have longer CCC. Decomposing CCC into days receivable outstanding, days inventory outstanding and days payable outstanding, the authors find that high-litigation risk firms have longer receivable periods, take a longer time to convert inventory to cash and do not pay their suppliers promptly. These results are robust to a series of robustness tests including using an alternate measure of working capital and accounting for firm type (high-tech vs labor intensive).

Originality/value

This paper contributes in several ways to the litigation and corporate finance literature. The authors identify another determinant of working capital management and document another avenue whereby legal institutions affect short-term financial decision making. The link between litigation risk and working capital management is of interest to the business community, financial economists, management and the investing public.
Does peer firm executive compensation affect earnings management?
Authors: Park KoEun
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relation between executive compensation of peer firms and earnings management. Given the prevalence of the competitive benchmarking practice in executive compensation, chief executive officer (CEO) compensation of potential peer firms can influence the behavior of CEOs at their current firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs an ordinary least squares regression model to test whether CEO compensation of other firms in similar product markets is associated with a firm’s accruals management. It also employs firm fixed effects regressions to control for time invariant omitted variables. Lastly, it conducts subsample analyses based on CEO duality and the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and a propensity score matching analysis.

Findings

Using time-varying industry classifications based on product similarity, the author finds that CEO compensation of other firms in similar product markets is positively associated with a firm’s accruals management. The relation is more pronounced for firms with CEO duality, while it is less pronounced in the period after the passage of SOX. The main findings are robust to the use of firm fixed effects regressions, a propensity score matching analysis, and an alternative weighting scheme.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on executive compensation and earnings management. It provides useful insight into the spillover effect of other firms’ executive compensation on earnings management.
The self-thinking supply chain
Authors: Calatayud Agustina , Mangan John , Christopher Martin
Published: December 2018

Purpose

An emerging theme in the practitioner literature suggests that the supply chain of the future – enabled especially by developments in ICT – will be autonomous and have predictive capabilities, bringing significant efficiency gains in an increasingly complex and uncertain environment. This paper aims to both bridge the gap between the practitioner and academic literature on these topics and contribute to both practice and theory by seeking to understand how such developments will help to address key supply chain challenges and opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-disciplinary, systematic literature review was conducted on relevant concepts and capabilities. A total of 126 articles were reviewed covering the time period 1950-2018.

Findings

The results show that both IoT and AI are the technologies most frequently associated with the anticipated autonomous and predictive capabilities of future supply chains. In addition, the review highlights a lacuna in how such technologies and capabilities help address key supply chain challenges and opportunities. A new supply chain model is, thus, proposed, one with autonomous and predictive capabilities: the self-thinking supply chain.

Originality/value

It is our hope that this novel concept, presented here for the first time in the academic literature, will help both practitioners to craft appropriate future-proofed supply chain strategies and provide the research community with a model (built upon multidisciplinary insights) for elucidating the application of new digital technologies in the supply chain of the future. The self-thinking supply chain has the potential in particular to help address some of today’s key supply chain challenges and opportunities.
A review: metamaterial sensors for material characterization
Authors: Vivek A. , Shambavi K. , Alex Zachariah C.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on research work related to metamaterial-based sensors for material characterization that have been developed for past ten years. A decade of research on metamaterial for sensing application has led to the advancement of compact and improved sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, relevant research papers on metamaterial sensors for material characterization published in reputed journals during the period 2007-2018 were reviewed, particularly focusing on shape, size and nature of materials characterized. Each sensor with its design and performance parameters have been summarized and discussed here.

Findings

As metamaterial structures are excited by electromagnetic wave interaction, sensing application throughout electromagnetic spectrum is possible. Recent advancement in fabrication techniques and improvement in metamaterial structures have led to the development of compact, label free and reversible sensors with high sensitivity.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the development of metamaterial sensors for material characterization.
Transmission + reflection anisotropic wave‐equation traveltime and waveform inversion
Authors: Feng Shihang , Schuster Gerard T.
Published: December 2018

A transmission + reflection wave‐equation traveltime and waveform inversion method is presented that inverts the seismic data for the anisotropic parameters in a vertical transverse isotropic medium. The simultaneous inversion of anisotropic parameters and ε is initially performed using transmission wave‐equation traveltime inversion method. Transmission wave‐equation traveltime only provides the low‐intermediate wavenumbers for the shallow part of the anisotropic model; in contrast, reflection wave‐equation traveltime estimates the anisotropic parameters in the deeper section of the model. By incorporating a layer‐stripping method with reflection wave‐equation traveltime, the ambiguity between the background‐velocity model and the depths of reflectors can be greatly mitigated. In the final step, multi‐scale full‐waveform inversion is performed to recover the high‐wavenumber component of the model.  We use a synthetic model to illustrate the local minima problem of full‐waveform inversion and how transmission and reflection wave‐equation traveltime can mitigate this problem. We demonstrate the efficacy of our new method using field data from the Gulf of Mexico.
Wages and Labour Productivity in African Manufacturing
Authors: Mawejje Joseph , Okumu Ibrahim Mike
Published: December 2018

We examine the relationship between labour productivity and wages using a sample of manufacturing firms in 39 African countries. The analysis is based on the World Bank's enterprise survey data. Controlling for regressor endogeneity and country fixed effects, our main finding is that wages reflect labour productivity and worker skills. In addition, the adoption of management quality standards, foreign ownership, and location in the capital city are all positively associated with wages. Female workers and adverse business environments characterized by electricity outages and bribery are negatively associated with wages. These findings are robust to inclusion of control variables, alternative measures of labour productivity, and exclusion of firms located in upper middle income countries and North Africa.
Dealing with High Bank Interest Margins in Tunisia: A Dynamic Panel Investigation
Authors: Saadaoui Zied
Published: December 2018

By investigating factors influencing interest margins adjustment, this paper aims to provide some answers on how to improve the efficiency of the Tunisian banking system. Focusing on different theoretical views on the determinants of banks intermediation margins using a quite representative sample observed between 1999 and 2014, we estimate an augmented model using the system GMM estimator assuming the existence of adjustment costs. Estimations results and robustness checks show that reducing intermediation margins of Tunisian banks is fundamentally a matter of improving cost efficiency, scale economies and competitiveness. Considering the highly distressed economic and financial context in which Tunisian banks operate since 2011, we think that improving bank efficiency and credit access in Tunisia is closely related to the capacity of the government and the regulatory authority to enforce urgent strategic reforms in order to consolidate the banking system and to improve its competitiveness.
A Novel Method for Generation of a Fingerprint Using Electronic Nose on the Example of Rapeseed Spoilage
Authors: Rusinek Robert , Gancarz Marek , Krekora Magdalena , Nawrocka Agnieszka
Published: December 2018

The paper presents application of a new three‐parameter method for identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and creation of fingerprints based on the impregnation time (tIM), cleaning time (tCL), and maximum response ([ΔR/R]max) of chemically sensing sensors for detecting spoilage of agricultural commodities. The novelty of this method consists in the use of two additional parameters: an impregnation time and a cleaning time for the first time. An Agrinose built of eight metal oxide semiconductors was used for identification of loss in the rapeseed quality during a short period of storage after harvest. Principal component analysis was applied as a method of data analysis to verify the suitability of the new three‐parameter method and visualization of groups of different quality of raw materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra for identification of the infrared bands of fungal polysaccharides and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of the headspace was applied to describe volatile metabolite contents in reference to the electronic nose technique. The investigations and analyses have demonstrated that the new three‐parameter method for determination of volatile compounds ([ΔR/R]max, tIM, tCL) describes the changes in VOCs more efficiently than the single‐parameter approach based only on the maximum sensor response ([ΔR/R]max). The proposed method for generation of electronic fingerprints clearly discriminated between rapeseed samples infected with field and storage microflora. Three‐parameters method can be useful for quality control in food microbiology and safety, as a rapid method of analysis and detection, including electronic nose sensor technology.

Practical Application

The use of the proposed method for generation of fingerprints requires no interference with the hardware of the electronic nose but necessitates modification of the software only. This facilitates implementation of the three‐parameter method in available devices. This kind of methods and devices can be useful for example in storage process with active ventilation.
Trends in medication utilization, glycemic control and outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary referral center in Singapore from 2007 to 2017
Authors: Tan Yan Zhi , Cheen McVin Hua Heng , Goh Su‐Yen , Bee Yong Mong , Lim Paik Shia , Khee Giat Yeng , Thumboo Julian
Published: December 2018

Background

Use of glucose‐lowering agents is a cornerstone in combating type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Treatment guidelines have changed significantly over the past decade. We report temporal trends in medication utilization, glycemic control and rate of severe hypoglycemia in T2DM patients at a tertiary referral center in Singapore.

Methods

We analyzed data of 36 924 T2DM patients seen at Singapore General Hospital from 2007 to 2017. Annual age‐, sex‐ and racially‐standardized proportions of patients (a) prescribed with each class of glucose‐lowering agent, (b) on various glucose‐lowering regimens, and (c) had an HbA1c of less than 6%, 6% to less than 7%, 7% to less than 8%, 8% to less than 9%, or 9% or more were estimated using logistic regression. Poisson regression was used to estimate standardized rate of severe hypoglycemia.

Results

From 2007 to 2017, use of metformin (45.9% to 59.6%) and insulin (24.4% to 57.9%) increased, while utilization of sulfonylureas (52.0% to 44.9%) decreased (all P < 0.001). Utilization of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (1.2% to 31.2%) and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (0.5% to 7.4%) increased from 2008 to 2017 and 2012 to 2017, respectively (all P < 0.001). More patients were prescribed a combination of insulin and oral agents (17.3% to 46.0%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with HbA1c of 8% or more increased (33.7% to 36.0%, P < 0.001). Rates of severe hypoglycemia (5.0 to 8.4 per 100 patient‐years, P < 0.001) also rose.

Conclusion

Medication utilization patterns have changed significantly over the past 11 years with a shift towards newer agents. Glycemic control has remained stable, and rate of severe hypoglycemia increased. Further analysis is required before causal relationships can be inferred.
Cost‐effectiveness of an adherence‐enhancing intervention for gout based on real‐world data
Authors: Lin Lydia Wenxin , Teng Gim Gee , Lim Anita Yee Nah , Yoong Joanne Su‐Yin , Zethraeus Niklas , Wee Hwee‐Lin
Published: December 2018

Aim

Medication non‐adherence influences outcomes of therapies for chronic diseases. Allopurinol is a cornerstone therapy for patients with gout; however, non‐adherence to allopurinol is prevalent in Singapore and limits its effectiveness. Between 2008‐2010, an adherence‐enhancing program was implemented at the rheumatology division of a public tertiary hospital. The cost‐effectiveness of this program has not been fully evaluated. With healthcare resources being finite, the value of investing in adherence‐enhancing interventions should be ascertained. This study aims to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of this adherence‐enhancing program to inform optimal resource allocation toward better gout management.

Method

Adopting a real‐world data approach, we utilized patient clinical and financial records generated in their course of routine care. Intervention and control groups were identified in a standing database and matched on nine risk factors through propensity score matching. Cost and effect data were followed through 1‐2 years. A decision tree was developed in TreeAge using a societal perspective. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess parameter uncertainty.

Results

At an assumed willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $50 000 USD ($70 000 SGD) per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY), the intervention had an 85% probability of being cost‐effective compared to routine care. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was $12 866 USD per QALY for the base case and ranged from $4 139 to $21 593 USD per QALY in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

The intervention is cost‐effective in the short‐term, although its long‐term cost‐effectiveness remains to be evaluated.
Asking sensitive questions using the unmatched count technique: Applications and guidelines for conservation
Authors: Hinsley Amy , Keane Aidan , St. John Freya A. V. , Ibbett Harriet , Nuno Ana
Published: December 2018

Researchers and practitioners are increasingly using methods from the social sciences to address complex conservation challenges. This brings benefits but also the responsibility to understand the suitability and limitations of these methods in different contexts. After years of use in other disciplines, the unmatched count technique (UCT) has recently been adopted by conservation scientists to investigate illegal and socially undesirable human behaviours. Here we provide guidance for practitioners and researchers on how to apply UCT effectively, and outline situations where it will be the most and least appropriate.

We reviewed 101 publications in refereed journals that used UCT to draw conclusions on its use to date and provide recommendations on when and how to use the method effectively in conservation. In particular, we explored: type of studies undertaken (e.g. disciplines; behaviour being studied; rationale for using UCT); survey administration (e.g. sample size, pilot studies, administration mode); UCT outcomes (e.g. type of analyses, estimates, comparison with other methods); and type of recommendations.

We show that UCT has been used across multiple disciplines and contexts, with 10 studies that focus on conservation and natural resource use. The UCT has been used to investigate topics falling into five categories: socially undesirable behaviours, socially undesirable views, illegal or non‐compliant behaviours, socially desirable behaviours; and personal topics (e.g. being HIV positive). It has been used in 51 countries and is suitable to several situations, but limitations do exist, and the method does not always improve reporting of sensitive topics.

We provide best‐practice guidance to researchers and practitioners considering using UCT. We highlight that alternate methods should be considered if sample sizes are likely to be small, the behaviour in question is likely to be extremely rare, or if the behaviour is not particularly sensitive. UCT can be a useful tool for estimating the extent of non‐compliance within a conservation context, but as with all scientific investigation, careful study design, robust sampling and consistent implementation are required in order for it to be effective.
Elucidating the Effect of a Brief Drinking Intervention Using Neuroimaging: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Grodin Erica N. , Ray Lara A. , MacKillop James , Lim Aaron C. , Karno Mitchell P.
Published: December 2018

Background

Brief interventions have empirical support for acutely reducing alcohol use among non–treatment‐seeking heavy drinkers. Neuroimaging techniques allow for the examination of the neurobiological effect of behavioral interventions, probing brain systems putatively involved in clinical response to treatment. Few studies have prospectively evaluated whether psychosocial interventions attenuate neural cue reactivity that in turn reduces drinking in the same population. This study aimed to examine the effect of a brief intervention on drinking outcomes, neural alcohol cue reactivity, and the ability of neural alcohol cue reactivity to prospectively predict drinking outcomes.

Methods

Non–treatment‐seeking heavy drinking participants were randomized to receive a brief interview intervention (n = 22) or an attention‐matched control (n = 24). Immediately following the intervention or control, participants underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan comprised of the alcohol taste cues paradigm. Four weeks after the intervention (or control), participants completed a follow‐up visit to report on their past‐month drinking. Baseline and follow‐up percent heavy drinking days (PHDD) were calculated for each participant.

Results

There was no significant effect of the brief intervention on PHDD at follow‐up or on modulating neural activation to alcohol relative to water taste cues. There was a significant association between neural response to alcohol taste cues and PHDD across groups (Z > 2.3, p < 0.05), such that individuals who had greater neural reactivity to alcohol taste cues in the precuneus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) had fewer PHDD at follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study did not find an effect of the brief intervention on alcohol use in this sample, and the intervention was not associated with differential neural alcohol cue reactivity. Nevertheless, greater activation of the precuneus and PFC during alcohol cue exposure predicted less alcohol use prospectively suggesting that these neural substrates subserve the effects of alcohol cues on drinking behavior.
Do Working Capital Strategies Matter? Evidence from Small Business Data in Japan
Authors: Tsuruta Daisuke
Published: December 2018

Previous studies show that a high level of working capital is harmful to firm performance. Using data from over 100,000 small businesses in Japan, we show that a high level of working capital has a positive effect on default risk and sales growth. Therefore, this activity has both positive and negative effects. Additionally, the relationship between working capital and firm performance is negative over a 1‐year period, but positive over longer periods, implying that a high level of working capital is ultimately not harmful for small businesses.
Measuring depth of anaesthesia using changes in directional connectivity: a comparison with auditory middle latency response and estimated bispectral index during propofol anaesthesia
Authors: Lioi G. , Bell S. L. , Smith D. C. , Simpson D. M.
Published: December 2018

General anaesthesia is associated with changes in connectivity between different regions of the brain, the assessment of which has the potential to provide a novel marker of anaesthetic effect. We propose an index that quantifies the strength and direction of information flow in electroencephalographic signals collected across the scalp, assess its performance in discriminating ‘wakefulness’ from ‘anaesthesia’, and compare it with estimated bispectral index and the auditory middle latency response. We used a step‐wise slow induction of anaesthesia in 10 patients to assess graded changes in electroencephalographic directional connectivity at propofol effect‐site concentrations of 2 μg.ml−1, 3 μg.ml−1 and 4 μg.ml−1. For each stable effect‐site concentration, connectivity was estimated from multichannel electroencephalograms using directed coherence, together with middle latency response and estimated bispectral index. We used a linear support vector machine classifier to compare the performance of the different electroencephalographic features in discriminating wakefulness from anaesthesia. We found a significant reduction in the strength of long‐range connectivity (interelectrode distance > 10 cm) (p < 0.008), and a reversal of information flow from markedly postero‐frontal to fronto‐posterior (p < 0.006) between wakefulness and a propofol effect‐site concentration of 2 μg.ml−1. This then remained relatively constant as effect‐site concentration increased, consistent with a step change in directed coherence with anaesthesia. This contrasted with the gradual change with increasing anaesthetic dose observed for estimated bispectral index and middle latency response. Directed coherence performed best in discriminating wakefulness from anaesthesia with an accuracy of 95%, indicating the potential of this new method (on its own or combined with others) for monitoring adequacy of anaesthesia.
Effects of astaxanthin‐rich dried cell powder from Paracoccus carotinifaciens on carotenoid composition and lipid peroxidation in skeletal muscle of broiler chickens under thermo‐neutral or realistic high temperature conditions
Authors: Inoue Hiroki , Shimamoto Saki , Takahashi Hironori , Kawashima Yuki , Wataru Sato , Ijiri Daichi , Ohtsuka Akira
Published: December 2018

Thirty‐two 15‐day old broiler chicks (Chunky strain ROSS 308) were randomly divided into four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The main factors were diet (basal diet or basal diet supplemented with 0.15% astaxanthin‐rich dried cell powder (Panaferd‐P [astaxanthin 30 ppm]) and ambient temperature (thermo‐neutral [25 ± 1°C] or high [35 ± 1°C for 6 hr]). Dietary supplementation with Panaferd‐P did not affect growth performance, though high ambient temperature decreased feed intake and the weight of breast tender muscle, liver, and heart. High ambient temperature also decreased redness in both breast and leg muscles of chickens, while Panaferd‐P increased redness and yellowness of breast and leg muscles of chickens. Panaferd‐P increased Paracoccus carotinifaciens‐derived pigments (i.e., adonixanthin, astaxanthin, adonirubin, and cantaxanthin) as well as corn‐derived pigments such as zeaxanthin and lutein in breast and leg muscles. High ambient temperature increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in breast muscle, while Panaferd‐P decreased the MDA concentration in breast muscle under both temperature conditions. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation with Panaferd‐P increases muscle carotenoid content, the redness and yellowness of meat and decreases the muscle MDA concentration in broiler chickens kept under thermo‐neutral or high ambient temperature conditions.
Evaluation of recent changes in genetic variability in Japanese thoroughbred population based on a short tandem repeat parentage panel
Authors: Kakoi Hironaga , Kikuchi Mio , Tozaki Teruaki , Hirota Kei‐ichi , Nagata Shun‐ichi
Published: December 2018

The integrity of thoroughbreds is maintained under strict regulation involving DNA parentage testing, which is robust in a population with high genetic variability. The genetic variability of the thoroughbred population is possibly fluctuating because of selective breeding that has focused on adaptations for racing performance. To monitor genetic variability within the population and the effectiveness of short tandem repeat (STR) parentage testing, we investigated allele frequencies and the exclusion probability (PE) of 16–17 loci of a parentage panel in the Japanese thoroughbred population over 15 years. Expected heterozygosities (He) of 14 loci indicated a decreasing trend, and the average He of the population decreased significantly. Low genetic variability was possibly induced by a decrease in population size and a selective breeding bias. Four loci showed both a significant increase in allele frequency and a significant decrease in He; it is assumed that those loci were affected by positive selection for racing performance. There was a significant decrease in the PE because of the changes in genetic variability; however, it has remained over 0.99995. The current STR panel is still effective for parentage control, but it will be necessary to continuously monitor genetic variability, which has decreased over 15 years.
Financial capacity of First Nations in Canada
Authors: Brock Kathy , Migone Andrea
Published: December 2018

This article analyzes the financial capacity of First Nations in Canada using data contained in the audit information on the First Nation Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA) website for fiscal years 2013‐2014 through 2016‐2017 inclusive. Our analysis tackles three connected questions: What is the general state of First Nations finances? Are there recurrent issues with financial practices? Are principles of good government and good management, especially accountability and transparency, in evidence according to the audits of the statements and schedules? This data presents an image of First Nations fiscal management as much different from the one usually emerging from popular commentary.
Issues of independence in Northern Aboriginal‐state co‐management boards
Authors: White Graham
Published: December 2018

A unique set of governance institutions has recently emerged in Canada’s territorial North under finalized comprehensive land claims agreements: Aboriginal‐state co‐management boards for land‐use planning, environmental regulation and wildlife management. Public administration scholars have paid little attention to these boards and the issues – practical and theoretical – that arise with them. Board members are required to act “in the public interest” and not as representatives of the governments and Aboriginal organizations that nominated or appointed them. Yet the boards have strong co‐management mandates. This article examines this apparent contradiction as well as various issues of independence facing the boards: appointment processes and concerns relating to members’ independence once appointed, board staffing and support, financial arrangements, and instances of government attempts to fundamentally alter boards or abolish them altogether.
Struggling toward Indigenous representation and service improvement within the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development
Authors: Rousseau Jane
Published: December 2018

This article explores organizational conditions for change to promote active Indigenous representation and service outcome improvements in a provincial child welfare program responsible for the ongoing oppression of Indigenous Peoples. Specific structural and environmental variables that support or impede Indigenous professionals’ efforts toward critically needed improvements to Indigenous child welfare services are explored. Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis level of Indigenous children in care, the results indicate that developing highly specialized and equitably resourced Indigenous services, rather than ongoing ineffective and vague organizational approaches toward “indigenizing” provincial child welfare programs, are strongly indicated.
Spinning wheels: Surmounting the Indian Act’s impact on traditional Indigenous governance
Authors: Poucette Terry Lynn
Published: December 2018

Prior to European settlement, First Nations governance systems were centered on extended families organized by clans. Traditional kin‐based leadership selection practices, combined with consensus decision‐making, ensured that all clans were equally represented and participated in governance. This article discusses findings from dissertation research on First Nations governance in Western Canada. It examines how contemporary First Nations governments, despite enduring ongoing legacies of colonization and operating under the Indian Act, a law that does not support good democratic governance, have worked to achieve effective governance. For this article, findings related to the Indian Act’s impact on traditional clan‐based systems of First Nations governance will be discussed: particularly, the ways Indian Act elections perpetuate nepotism and maintain the political status quo, creating a culture of spinning wheels that makes it difficult to maintain change.
Synergies between the key biodiversity area and systematic conservation planning approaches
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Bennun Leon , Brooks Thomas M. , Butchart Stuart H.M. , Cuttelod Annabelle , Di Marco Moreno , Ferrier Simon , Fishpool Lincoln D.C. , Joppa Lucas , Juffe‐Bignoli Diego , Knight Andrew T. , Lamoreux John F. , Langhammer Penny , Possingham Hugh P. , Rondinini Carlo , Visconti Piero , Watson James E.M. , Woodley Stephen , Boitani Luigi , Burgess Neil D. , De Silva Naamal , Dudley Nigel , Fivaz Fabien , Game Edward T. , Groves Craig , Lötter Mervyn , McGowan Jennifer , Plumptre Andrew J. , Rebelo Anthony G. , Rodriguez Jon Paul , Scaramuzza Carlos A. de M.
Published: December 2018

Systematic conservation planning and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are the two most widely used approaches for identifying important sites for biodiversity. However, there is limited advice for conservation policy makers and practitioners on when and how they should be combined. Here we provide such guidance, using insights from the recently developed Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs and the language of decision science to review and clarify their similarities and differences. We argue the two approaches are broadly similar, with both setting transparent environmental objectives and specifying actions. There is however greater contrast in the data used and actions involved, as the KBA approach uses biodiversity data alone and identifies sites for monitoring and vigilance actions at a minimum, whereas systematic conservation planning combines biodiversity and implementation‐relevant data to guide management actions. This difference means there is much scope for combining approaches, so conservation planners should use KBA data in their analyses, setting context‐specific targets for each KBA type, and planners and donors should use systematic conservation planning techniques when prioritizing between KBAs for management action. In doing so, they will benefit conservation policy, practice and research by building on the collaborations formed through the KBA Standard's development.
Individual diet specialisation in sparrows is driven by phenotypic plasticity in traits related to trade‐offs in animal performance
Authors: Maldonado Karin , Newsome Seth D. , Razeto‐Barry Pablo , Ríos Juan Manuel , Piriz Gabriela , Sabat Pablo
Published: December 2018

Individual diet specialisation (IS) is frequent in many animal taxa and affects population and community dynamics. The niche variation hypothesis (NVH) predicts that broader population niches should exhibit greater IS than populations with narrower niches, and most studies that examine the ecological factors driving IS focus on intraspecific competition. We show that phenotypic plasticity of traits associated with functional trade‐offs is an important, but unrecognised mechanism that promotes and maintains IS. We measured nitrogen isotope (δ15N) and digestive enzyme plasticity in four populations of sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) to explore the relationship between IS and digestive plasticity. Our results show that phenotypic plasticity associated with functional trade‐offs is related in a nonlinear fashion with the degree of IS and positively with population niche width. These findings are opposite to the NVH and suggest that among individual differences in diet can be maintained via acclimatisation and not necessarily require a genetic component.