bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical investigation of efficiency and productivity in the Indian non-life insurance market
Authors: Ilyas Ashiq Mohd , Rajasekaran S.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the performance of the Indian non-life (general) insurance sector in terms of efficiency, productivity and returns-to-scale economies. In addition to this, it identifies the determinants of efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) bootstrap approach to estimate the level and determinants of efficiency. In the first stage, the DEA bootstrap approach is employed to estimate bias-corrected efficiency scores. In the second stage, the truncated bootstrapped regression is used to identify the effect of firm-level characteristics on the efficiency of insurers. Moreover, the bootstrapped Malmquist index is used to examine the productivity growth over the observation period 2005–2016.

Findings

The bootstrapped DEA results show that the Indian non-life insurance sector is moderately technical, scale, cost and allocative efficient, and there is a large opportunity for improvement. Moreover, the results reveal that the public insurers are more cost efficient than the private insurers. It is also evident that all the insurers irrespective of size and ownership type are operating under increasing returns to scale. Malmquist index results divulge an improvement in productivity of insurers, which is attributable to the employment of the best available technology. Bootstrapped DEA and bootstrapped Malmquist index results also show that the global financial crisis of 2008 has not severely affected the efficiency and productivity of the Indian non-life insurance sector. The truncated regression results spell that size and reinsurance have a statistically significant negative relationship with efficiency. It also shows a statistically significant positive age–efficiency relationship.

Practical implications

The results hold practical implications for the regulators, policy makers, practitioners and decision makers of the Indian non-life insurance companies.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind that comprehensively investigates different types of robust efficiency measures, determinants of efficiency, productivity growth and returns-to-scale economies in the Indian non-life insurance market for an extended time period.
Humanitarian supply chain management frameworks
Authors: Agarwal Sachin , Kant Ravi , Shankar Ravi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare extant framework in humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) and to propose a framework on humanitarian supply chain (HSC) performance measurement based on the content, context and process.

Design/methodology/approach

The structured keywords, namely humanitarian supply chain (HSC), humanitarian logistic (HL), humanitarian relief chain (HRC) and humanitarian chain (HC) as an exact phrase were searched in the title, abstract and keywords in the academic database. A total of 66 peer-reviewed articles were selected for analysis purpose that reports framework from the reviewed literature. These selected frameworks are categorized in dimensions, namely framework novelty, framework source, recognize elements/constructs of framework, comparative analysis of the framework and in-depth study of HSCM performance measurement.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the majority of these developed frameworks are novel and academic based. Case study is most prominent research methodology in the development of HSCM framework. Lack of coordination among humanitarian stakeholders is the major challenge in the empirical implementation of framework. This study proposes future research trend toward a unified HSCM framework that will facilitate to uncover the coherent set of elements/constructs in the field of HSCM.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers peer-reviewed articles published in English language, and excludes conference papers, working articles, technical data/reports and book chapters.

Practical implications

This study categorizes new dimension for framework analysis and proposed an HSC performance measurement framework which gives new insights to the academicians, practitioners and policy makers for future work.

Social implications

This examination gives the establishment to facilitate investigation of viable, efficient and effective HSCM, and detail opportunities for practices.

Originality/value

This study critically analyzes 66 frameworks under the different criteria to identify research gap and trends. Furthermore, this study proposes the HSC performance measurement framework.
The concept of trust in disasters: the Slovenian experience
Authors: Malesic Marjan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the level of public trust in disaster response actors, i.e. the government, civilian disaster response institutions, the military, NGOs and the media.

Design/methodology/approach

The data source is the 2015–2016 Slovenian Public Opinion Survey, which used face-to-face interviews (computer-assisted personal interviewing software), and a standardised instrument (questionnaire). A two-stage probability sampling design with stratification at the first stage was applied. The first stage involved a probability proportional to size selection of 150 small areas (statistical areas), where the size measurement was a the number of adult persons in the Central Population Register. The second stage involved the simple random sampling of 12 persons from each of the 150 primary sampling units. A total of 1,024 adult residents participated in the survey.

Findings

The findings suggest that trust in the government under normal situations is low; however, it becomes slightly higher during disaster conditions. Civilian disaster response institutions (especially firemen and civil protection), the military and NGOs (humanitarian and other volunteer organisations) are highly trusted before and during disasters. Trust in the authorities and media to inform the public in a timely and comprehensive manner about the disaster is also relatively high.

Research limitations/implications

Perhaps in another period of research, disaster-related experiences of the population might be different, which could certainly change the survey results about trust. Nevertheless, the main finding that low pre-disaster trust can be recovered during a disaster by adequate performance of the institution is not jeopardised.

Originality/value

The survey results are original.
A new spectral integral equation method for solving two-dimensional unsteady advection-diffusion equations via Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Hadadian Nejad Yousefi Mohsen , Ghoreishi Najafabadi Seyed Hossein , Tohidi Emran
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an efficient and reliable spectral integral equation method for solving two-dimensional unsteady advection-diffusion equations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the considered two-dimensional unsteady advection-diffusion equations are transformed into the equivalent partial integro-differential equations via integrating from the considered unsteady advection-diffusion equation. After this stage, by using Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind and the operational matrix of integration, the integral equation would be transformed into the system of linear algebraic equations. Robustness and efficiency of the proposed method were illustrated by six numerical simulations experimentally. The numerical results confirm that the method is efficient, highly accurate, fast and stable for solving two-dimensional unsteady advection-diffusion equations.

Findings

The proposed method can solve the equations with discontinuity near the boundaries, the advection-dominated equations and the equations in irregular domains. One of the numerical test problems designed specially to evaluate the performance of the proposed method for discontinuity near boundaries.

Originality/value

This study extends the intention of one dimensional Chebyshev approximate approaches (Yuksel and Sezer, 2013; Yuksel et al., 2015) for two-dimensional unsteady advection-diffusion problems and the basic intention of our suggested method is quite different from the approaches for hyperbolic problems (Bulbul and Sezer, 2011).
The effect of relational selling on life insurance decision making in India
Authors: Ankitha Shetty , Basri Savitha
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The biggest challenge in the Indian life insurance industry is mis-selling and unfair business practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of relational selling behaviour on investor decision making in life insurance market in India. This study also aims to elucidate the mediating role of trust in predicting the purchase of life insurance policies by investors.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect quantitative data using a validated structured questionnaire. A total of 813 policyholders of life insurance companies operating in Karnataka, South India, were chosen. The data were analysed using the partial least square method of structural equation modeling.

Findings

The process of investors’ life insurance buying decision is directly influenced by interaction intensity, co-operative intentions of agents, sharing of overt and covert policy information, and indirectly through the partial mediation of trust. Also, trust fully mediates the effect of agent disclosure and personal rapport on decision making by investors. The importance‒performance map analysis highlights the pivotal role of overt policy information in investors’ decision making.

Practical implications

The financial mis-selling in India can be curtailed significantly if the insurance companies insist on responsible and relational selling by their sales agents. The companies would also strategically gain by investing in trust-building programs that enhance quality interactions and honest disclosure of overt and covert policy information, unpretentious intention to co-operate in the policy selection, and emphasize emotional connection and personal rapport with customers. These genuine actions and behavioural manifestations would certainly facilitate appropriate decision making by the investors.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of research in India which explicates the role of relational selling behaviour in insurers’ decision making. As such, this article expands the scope of relational marketing research in insurance by assessing the relational determinants of investor decisions as well as the role of trust as the mediator in influencing insurance decision making.
Design limits for framed wall assemblies dependent on material choices for sheathing membranes and exterior insulation
Authors: Lee Ivan , Roppel Patrick , Lawton Mark , Ferreira Prudence
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for evaluating the hygrothermal performance of framed wall assemblies based on design limits. This methodology allows designers to evaluate wall assemblies based on their absolute performance rather than relative performance which is typically done for most hygrothermal analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach in developing this methodology was to evaluate wall assemblies against three typical design loads (e.g. air leakage, construction moisture, rain penetration) and determine limits in minimum insulation ratio, maximum indoor humidity and maximum rain penetration rates. This analysis was performed at both the field area of the wall and at framing junctions such as window sills.

Findings

The findings in this paper shows example design limits for various wall assemblies in heating-dominated climates in North America. Design limits for wall assemblies with moisture membranes of different vapour permeance are provided for both the field area of the wall and at window sills. Discussions about the importance of 2D hygrothermal simulation and performance of vapour permeable sub-sill membranes are also provided.

Originality/value

This framework of hygrothermal analysis will enable designers to make better decisions when designing framed wall assemblies suitable to the local climate and interior specifications for their projects. It will also enable the development of a design tool that will allow designers to visually see the implications of certain design decisions and filter out designs that do not meet their design conditions.
Application of ANFIS, ANN and fuzzy time series models to CO2 emission from the energy sector and global temperature increase
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zahir , Khan Muhammad Farid
Published: June 2019

Purpose

A significant number of studies have been conducted to analyze and understand the relationship between gas emissions and global temperature using conventional statistical approaches. However, these techniques follow assumptions of probabilistic modeling, where results can be associated with large errors. Furthermore, such traditional techniques cannot be applied to imprecise data. The purpose of this paper is to avoid strict assumptions when studying the complex relationships between variables by using the three innovative, up-to-date, statistical modeling tools: adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), artificial neural networks (ANNs) and fuzzy time series models.

Design/methodology/approach

These three approaches enabled us to effectively represent the relationship between global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the energy sector (oil, gas and coal) and the average global temperature increase. Temperature was used in this study (1900-2012). Investigations were conducted into the predictive power and performance of different fuzzy techniques against conventional methods and among the fuzzy techniques themselves.

Findings

A performance comparison of the ANFIS model against conventional techniques showed that the root means square error (RMSE) of ANFIS and conventional techniques were found to be 0.1157 and 0.1915, respectively. On the other hand, the correlation coefficients of ANN and the conventional technique were computed to be 0.93 and 0.69, respectively. Furthermore, the fuzzy-based time series analysis of CO2 emissions and average global temperature using three fuzzy time series modeling techniques (Singh, Abbasov–Mamedova and NFTS) showed that the RMSE of fuzzy and conventional time series models were 110.51 and 1237.10, respectively.

Social implications

The paper provides more awareness about fuzzy techniques application in CO2 emissions studies.

Originality/value

These techniques can be extended to other models to assess the impact of CO2 emission from other sectors.
Interoperability optimisation for shared equity housing model development and FTB homeownership in the UK
Authors: Ayoade Oladotun , Ahmed Vian , Baldry David
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to assess financial interoperability implications associated with first-time buyers (FTB) in housing development and the role of the community land trust shared equity housing model (CLT SEHM).

Design/methodology/approach

The interoperability optimisation process adopted by this study involved triangulated findings from the literature, semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys. The text analysis of interview responses was actualised with Nvivo 9.0. This process informed the validation of themes through a questionnaire survey (purposive sampling), of which findings were subsequently analysed with statistical methods including binary logistic regression to validate interoperability rational and implications.

Findings

The study identified positive financial interoperability outcomes for a successful synergy between the CLT SEHM and FTBs. From the analysis, there were sustainable results for average income multiple and property transfer/resale value for the CLT SEHM compared to conventional models. However, for the most at risk FTB groups, recommendations included increased concessions for CLT SEHM developments to incentivise bespoke rent purchase hybrid schemes.

Originality/value

This research provided a good starting point for achieving an improved level of efficiency necessary for the introduction of emerging/renewed alternative housing models into mainstream operational capabilities in housing and local development policies.
Analyzing China’s OFDI using a novel multivariate grey prediction model with Fourier series
Authors: Jiang Hang , Hu Yi-Chung , Lin Jan-Yan , Jiang Peng
Published: June 2019

Purpose

With the development of economy, China’s OFDI constantly increase in recent year. Meanwhile, OFDI has spillover effect on economic development and technological development of home country. Thus, accurate OFDI prediction is a prerequisite for the effective development of international investment strategies. The purpose of this paper is to predict China’s OFDI accurately using a novel multivariable grey prediction model with Fourier series.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applied a multivariable grey prediction model, GM(1,N), to forecast China’s OFDI. In order to improve the prediction accuracy and without changing local characteristics of grey model prediction, this paper proposed a novel grey prediction model to improve the performance of the traditional GM(1,N) model by combining with residual modification model using GM(1,1) model and Fourier series.

Findings

The coefficients indicate that the export and GDP have positive influence on China’s OFDI, and, according to the prediction result, China’s OFDI shows a growing trend in next five years.

Originality/value

This paper proposed an effective multivariable grey prediction model that combined the traditional GM(1,N) model with a residual modification model in order to predict China’s OFDI. Accurate forecasting of OFDI provides reference for the Chinese Government to implement international investment strategies.
User engagement with political “facts” in the context of the fake news phenomenon
Authors: Marcella Rita , Baxter Graeme , Walicka Agnieszka
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study that explored human behaviour in response to political “facts” presented online by political parties in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consisted of interactive online interviews with 23 citizens in North-East Scotland, in the run-up to the 2017 UK General Election.

Findings

Participants demonstrated cognitive and critical responses to facts but little affective reaction. They judged facts swiftly and largely intuitively, providing evidence that facts are frequently consumed, accepted or rejected without further verification processes. Users demonstrated varying levels of engagement with the information they consume, and subject knowledge may influence the extent to which respondents trust facts, in previously unanticipated ways. Users tended to notice facts with which they disagreed and, in terms of prominence, particularly noted and responded to facts which painted extremely negative or positive pictures. Most acknowledged limitations in capacity to interrogate facts, but some were delusionally confident.

Originality/value

Relatively little empirical research has been conducted exploring the perceived credibility of political or government information online. It is believed that this and a companion study are the first to have specifically investigated the Scottish political arena. This paper presents a new, exploratory fact interrogation model, alongside an expanded information quality awareness model.
Women directors and firm performance: Malaysian evidence post policy announcement
Authors: Ahmad Maslina , Raja Kamaruzaman Raja Nur Syazwani , Hamdan Hamdino , Annuar Hairul Azlan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In 2011, the Malaysian cabinet approved the policy that all board of directors of companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia should consist of 30 per cent women in decision-making positions by the year 2016. The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between the presence of women on the board and firms’ performance following the introduction of the diversity policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses the information of the top 200 Malaysian public listed companies for the financial year 2011–2013. The multiple regression analysis is used to estimate the relationship between the firm performance (return on assets (ROA)) as the dependent variable and the independent variables.

Findings

The results show that during the period under study, the proportion of women directors on board is negatively correlated with ROA. This indicates that the firm performance may not be dependent on the number of women directors on board. However, the results of the study also show that the academic backgrounds of the women board members add some value toward generating better firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample size of only the top 200 public listed companies was utilised. Consequently the outcome may not be generalisable to smaller public companies or private firms. Another limitation is regarding the sample period. Taking only one year before and one year after the policy’s approval may be too short of the period under study and may be too early to study the impact of the policy. Future studies could sample a longer period.

Practical implications

The findings encourage public listed companies to appoint women with the necessary qualities as members of the board and not to simply increase the number of women on boards.

Originality/value

There is a lack of work on studying women’s effectiveness on board in developing countries, whereby previous work and literature review were predominantly based upon the experience of Western economies. This study, thus, contributes to the rising literature on women board member representation based on the firm performance of the top 200 listed companies in Malaysia.
Do rational bubbles exist in emerging markets of SAARC?
Authors: Nazir Mian Sajid , Mahmood Javeria , Abbas Fizza , Liaqat Ayesha
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The upsurge of globalization has made investors cautious toward investing decisions, and, resultantly, sophisticated techniques of forecasting and analyzing the stock markets have emerged. Particularly, this trend has gained momentum in emerging economies. One such trend is to overcome the investing risks associated with formation of rational bubbles. Bubbles are formed when asset prices inflate to a very high level temporarily, and they ultimately burst. Investors may take advantage of this short-lived phenomenon and gain high returns, but may also suffer as the entire investing value declines when the bubble bursts. The purpose of this paper is to identify rational bubbles in the emerging capital markets of South Asian region.

Design/methodology/approach

The monthly data have been obtained from June 1997 to February 2018 for Pakistan, Bombay, Dhaka and Colombo stock markets, and supremum-Augmented Dicky Fuller test developed by Phillips and Yu (2011) has been utilized to identify the rational bubbles.

Findings

The results revealed the presence of rational bubbles in South Asian equity markets. The current study is of significant nature for the facilitation of investors in future-making investing decisions concerning with the formation of rational bubbles.

Originality/value

Several studies have been conducted on stock markets of developed regions. Specific bubble episodes, which occurred previously, have helped the researchers and investors in gaining plenty of insights. A lot of studies have been conducted on the SAARC region as well. But they have used the conventional unit root test for bubble identification and not used as extensive data as, in this study, have been taken. This research is aimed to study equity prices of the four stock markets to establish the fact that if rational bubbles exist in the index, they are reflected in the returns or not.
Microscoping the challenges of sustainable construction in developing countries
Authors: Aghimien Douglas Omoregie , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present the result of an assessment of the challenges of sustainable construction (SC) in two developing countries (Nigeria and South Africa). This was done with a view to improving sustainable project delivery, which is a problem among most developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative survey approach with questionnaire used as the instrument for data collection from quantity surveyors, construction and project managers from both countries. Data analysis was done using a four-step analysis approach and relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted.

Findings

The study revealed a considerable level of awareness of SC and involvement in the use of the same among the assessed professionals. Also, it was discovered that SC materials are mostly used in the aspect of surface finishing and masonry construction. Further findings revealed that resistance to change, client’s preference, fear of the increased cost of investment and inadequate knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability are some of the major challenges of SC in these countries.

Originality/value

The strength of this study lies in the assessment of happenings from two developing countries and its recommendation can to a large extent promote improved SC in developing countries particularly in Africa were construction activities are similar.
Industry 4.0 as a data-driven paradigm: a systematic literature review on technologies
Authors: Klingenberg Cristina Orsolin , Borges Marco Antônio Viana , Antunes Jr José Antônio Valle
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify current technologies related to Industry 4.0 and to develop a rationale to enhance the understanding of their functions within a data-driven paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 119 papers published in journals included in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) was conducted to identify Industry 4.0 technologies. A descriptive analysis characterizes the corpus, and a content analysis identifies the technologies.

Findings

The content analysis identified 111 technologies. These technologies perform four functions related to data: data generation and capture, data transmission, data conditioning, storage and processing and data application. The first three groups consist of enabling technologies and the fourth group of value-creating technologies. Results show that Industry 4.0 publications focus on enabling technologies that transmit and process data. Value-creating technologies, which apply data in order to develop new solutions, are still rare in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework serves as a structure for analysing the focus of publications over time, and enables the classification of new technologies as the paradigm evolves.

Practical implications

Because the technical side of the new production paradigm is complex and represents an evolving field, managers benefit from a simplified and data-driven approach. The proposed framework suggests that Industry 4.0 should be approached by looking at how data can create value and at what role each technology plays in this task.

Originality/value

The study makes a direct link between Industry 4.0 technologies and the key resource of this revolution, i.e. data. It provides a rationale that not only establishes relationships between technologies and data, but also highlights their roles as enablers or creators of value. Beyond showing the current focus of Industry 4.0 publications, this paper proposes a framework that is useful for tracking the evolution of the paradigm.
What’s citizenship got to do with mental health? Rationale for inclusion of citizenship as part of a mental health strategy
Authors: MacIntyre Gillian , Cogan Nicola Ann , Stewart Ailsa Elizabeth , Quinn Neil , Rowe Michael , O’Connell Maria
Published: June 2019

Purpose

People with lived experience of mental health problems (MHPs) are often marginalised and have difficulty achieving community inclusion. Citizenship, a relatively novel concept in mental health, provides a means of understanding what is necessary for marginalised individuals and groups to gain a sense of belonging within their communities. By exploring the “what, why, how and who” of citizenship, the purpose of this paper is to provide a rationale for the inclusion of citizenship as part of a person-centred and holistic mental health strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, with peer researchers, was adopted to develop a model of citizenship within a Scottish context. The aim of the model is to link the concept of citizenship with specific strategies that systems, agencies and individuals can use within mental health policy and practice to promote greater inclusion and participation. Concept mapping was used as part of a mixed-methods participatory methodology and data were then analysed using multivariate statistical methods of multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis.

Findings

It is argued that using a CBPR approach, utilising concept mapping, encourages the development of a model of citizenship that is entirely grounded in the perspectives and lived experiences of people with MHPs. The need for adequate resources, preparatory work, training, research management and reflexive practice are key to the success of a CBPR approach with peer researchers.

Originality/value

Working with peer researchers and key stakeholder groups is central to a CBPR approach and the implementation of a model of citizenship within mental health policy and practice. Developing a model of citizenship derived specifically from the experiences of people with lived experience is likely to promote their inclusion. It provides a means of challenging the structural deficits and inequalities that cause distress and prevent people with lived experience of MHPs of recovering their citizenship.
About time
Authors: Salonen Ville , Karjaluoto Heikki
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper seeks to develop a motivation-based complementary framework for temporally dynamic user preferences to facilitate optimal timing in web personalisation. It also aims to highlight the benefits of considering user motivation when addressing issues in temporal dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Through theory, a complementary framework and propositions for motivation-based temporal dynamics for further testing are created. The framework is validated by feeding back findings, whereas some of the propositions are validated through an experiment.

Findings

The suggested framework distinguishes two ways (identifying/learning and shifting) of using a motive-based approach to temporal dynamics in web personalisation. The suggested outcomes include enhanced timing in matching current preferences and improved conversion. Validation measures predominantly support both the framework and the tested propositions. The theoretical basis for the approach paves a path towards refined psychological user models; however, currently on a complementary level.

Research limitations/implications

While the framework is validated through feeding back findings, and some of the propositions are validated through basic experimentation, further empirical testing is required.

Practical implications

A generalised approach for complementing personalisation procedures with motivation-based temporal dynamics is offered, with implications for both user modelling and preference matching.

Originality/value

This paper offers novel insights to web personalisation by considering the in-depth effects of user motivation.
A process approach to examining mobile commerce adoption progression
Authors: Ali Mazen , Wali Esra , Al-Hinai Yousef , Kurnia Sherah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Most studies of mobile commerce (MC) adoption by individuals have focused on the influence of a set of factors at a single point in time, and thus, cannot capture the process by which the individuals progress from simple to sophisticated MC adoption. This paper aims to enhance the current understanding of MC adoption by using a process approach to investigate MC adoption progression among individuals and the factors influencing their decisions to adopt different MC activities of varying complexity levels over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was used. Data were collected through a series of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 22 users of mobile devices to understand how they progressed in MC adoption over time and the factors influencing their decisions to adopt different levels of MC activities. The data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques.

Findings

The findings showed reciprocal influences between individuals’ perceptions and MC adoption. As individuals adopted and gained experience with basic MC activities, their perceptions of MC improved over time, leading to the adoption of more advanced MC activities.

Originality/value

This research proposes a novel process approach and an innovative MC Adoption Maturity model to explain MC adoption progression over a time dimension. The model includes three levels of MC adoption maturity and explains adoption progression from one level to the next. The concept of MC adoption maturity will enable researchers to understand changes in users’ experiences and perceptions throughout adoption maturity progression.
Do English Skills Affect Muslim Immigrants’ Economic and Social Integration Differentially?
Authors: Guven Cahit , Akbulut‐Yuksel Mevlude , Yuksel Mutlu
Published: June 2019

This paper estimates the returns to English‐speaking fluency on the socioeconomic outcomes of childhood immigrants. We further investigate whether Muslim childhood immigrants face additional hurdles in economic and social integration into the host country. Motivated by the critical age hypothesis, we identify the causal effects of English skills on socioeconomic outcomes by exploring the differences in the country of origin and age at arrival across childhood immigrants. We first document that all childhood immigrants who migrate from non‐English‐speaking countries at a younger age attain higher levels of English skills. We also find that acquiring better English‐language skills improves the educational attainment and labour and marriage market prospects of non‐Muslim childhood immigrants significantly and increases their participation in volunteer work. However, our results show that while a good command of English enhances the educational attainments of Muslim childhood immigrants, it shows no positive return in either the labour or marriage markets. Our results also show that progress in English fails to improve Muslim childhood immigrants’ engagement in voluntary work, meaning that the opportunity for social cohesion is missed.
Media, fake news, and debunking
Authors: Long Ngo Van , Richardson Martin , Stähler Frank
Published: June 2019

We construct a modified Hotelling‐type model of two media providers, each of whom can issue fake and/or real news and each of whom can invest in the debunking of their rival’s fake news. The model assumes that consumers have an innate preference for one provider or the other and value real news. However, that valuation varies according to their bias favouring one provider or the other. We demonstrate a unique subgame perfect Nash equilibrium in which only one firm issues fake news and we show, in this setting, that increased polarisation of consumers (represented by a wider distribution) increases the prevalence of both fake news and debunking expenditures and is welfare‐reducing. We also show, inter alia, that a stronger preference by consumers for their preferred provider lowers both fake news and debunking. Finally, we compare monopoly and duopoly market structures in terms of ‘fake news’ provision and show that a public news provider can be welfare‐improving.
Association of interleukin‐10‐1082 (‐1087) A > G polymorphisms and periodontitis risk: An updated meta‐analysis based on 26 case‐control studies
Authors: Li Yao , Hu Bo , Feng Ge , Chen Qian , Zhu Mengyuan , Ying Siqi , Song Jinglin
Published: June 2019

Background

The association between interleukin‐10 (IL‐10)‐1082 (‐1087) A > G polymorphism and either chronic (CP) or aggressive periodontitis (AgP) susceptibility was conflicting. This meta‐analysis aimed to quantitatively estimate the association.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and WANFAN databases were searched for relevant studies that were submitted prior to January 31, 2018, and meta‐analyses were performed using STATA 14.0.

Results

Database mining yielded 26 studies of interest. For the IL‐10‐1082 (‐1087) A > G (rs1800896) polymorphism and its relation to CP susceptibility, the overall analysis showed no significant estimates, but subgroup analysis revealed significant associations in the AA versus GG + GA model in the Caucasian population (odds ratio [OR] = 1.274, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.069–1.518,P = 0.007;I2 = 0.0%,P = 0.483) and in the GG versus AA + AG model in the Han population (OR = 6.66, 95% CI = 7.72–9.41,P = 0.000;I2 = 0.0%,P = 0.82), which all showed no obvious publication bias by Egger's linear regression test. For the association between an IL‐10‐1082 (‐1087) A > G polymorphism and AgP susceptibility, the overall analysis and Caucasian subgroup analysis yielded nonsignificant estimates.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis indicated that the IL‐10‐1082 (‐1087) AA genotype in the Caucasian population, and the GG genotype in the Han population might be putative risk factors for CP.

Practical implications

The IL‐10‐1082 (‐1087) AA genotype and the GG genotype might be potential biomarkers for Caucasian CP and for Han CP, respectively. However, additional research will be required to validate the findings of this meta‐analysis.
Should I want to live to 100?
Authors: Pence Gregory E.
Published: June 2019

Is it virtuous for someone to try to live to 100? Casting aside questions of intergenerational justice and internal obligations in families, what about the basic desire itself? Discussions of longevity and aging in bioethics are skewed to controversial end‐of‐life decisions, largely avoiding questions of how to age well before such decisions arise. Respected writers such as Atul Gawande, Daniel Callahan, and Ezekiel Emanuel champion accepting a natural life span and not trying to live beyond it. The Stoic Seneca says a desire to live to 100 is foolish because, however long people live, they waste most of their lives, so if they lived a thousand years, they would still waste most of it. Against Seneca and Emanuel, we argue that a functional, not a chronological, view of aging should guide us and that for some seniors, hoping to be centenarians may be neither foolish nor misguided. Using Cicero, we argue that the pleasures of seniors are not necessarily inferior to those of youth and may even surpass them. Finally, we agree with Emanuel that the “symptom burden” of some lives makes living to 100 unpalatable and with Seneca that, given life’s vicissitudes, we should not plan on living to 100, but heeding his wisdom, try to make the most of the time given to us.
Might there be a medical conscience?
Authors: Ben‐Moshe Nir
Published: June 2019

I defend the feasibility of a medical conscience in the following sense: a medical professional can object to the prevailing medical norms because they are incorrect as medical norms. In other words, I provide an account of conscientious objection that makes use of the idea that the conscience can issue true normative claims, but the claims in question are claims about medical norms rather than about general moral norms. I further argue that in order for this line of reasoning to succeed, there needs to be an internal morality of medicine that determines what medical professionals ought to do qua medical professionals. I utilize a constructivist approach to the internal morality of medicine and argue that medical professionals can conscientiously object to providing treatment X, if providing treatment X is not in accordance with norms that would have been constructed, in light of the end of medicine, by the appropriate agents under the appropriate conditions.
Dynamic Regression with Recurrent Events
Authors: Soh J. E. , Huang Yijian
Published: June 2019

Recurrent events often arise in follow-up studies where a subject may experience multiple occurrences of the same event. Most regression models with recurrent events tacitly assume constant effects of covariates over time, which may not be realistic in practice. To address time-varying effects, we develop a dynamic regression model to target the mean frequency of recurrent events. We propose an estimation procedure which fully exploits observed data. Consistency and weak convergence of the proposed estimator are established. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method works well, and two real data analyses are presented for illustration.
Lovastatin attenuates hypertension induced by renal tubule‐specific knockout of ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1, by inhibiting epithelial sodium channels
Authors: Wu Ming‐Ming , Liang Chen , Yu Xiao‐Di , Song Bin‐Lin , Yue Qiang , Zhai Yu‐Jia , Linck Valerie , Cai Yong‐Xu , Niu Na , Yang Xu , Zhang Bao‐Long , Wang Qiu‐Shi , Zou Li , Zhang Shuai , Thai Tiffany L. , Ma Jing , Sutliff Roy L. , Zhang Zhi‐Ren , Ma He‐Ping
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

We have shown that cholesterol is synthesized in the principal cells of renal cortical collecting ducts (CCD) and stimulates the epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). Here we have determined whether lovastatin, a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, can antagonize the hypertension induced by activated ENaC, following deletion of the cholesterol transporter (ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1; ABCA1).

Experimental Approach

We selectively deleted ABCA1 in the principal cells of mouse CCD and used the cell‐attached patch‐clamp technique to record ENaC activity. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate protein expression levels. Systolic BP was measured with the tail‐cuff method.

Key Results

Specific deletion of ABCA1 elevated BP and ENaC single‐channel activity in the principal cells of CCD in mice. These effects were antagonized by lovastatin. ABCA1 deletion elevated intracellular cholesterol levels, which was accompanied by elevated ROS, increased expression of serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (Sgk1), phosphorylated neural precursor cell‐expressed developmentally down‐regulated protein 4‐2 (Nedd4‐2) and furin, along with shorten the primary cilium, and reduced ATP levels in urine.

Conclusions and Implications

These data suggest that specific deletion of ABCA1 in principal cells increases BP by stimulating ENaC channels via a cholesterol‐dependent pathway which induces several secondary responses associated with oxidative stress, activated Sgk1/Nedd4‐2, increased furin expression, and reduced cilium‐mediated release of ATP. As ABCA1 can be blocked by cyclosporine A, these results suggest further investigation of the possible use of statins to treat CsA‐induced hypertension.
Preschoolers Flexibly Shift Between Speakers' Perspectives During Real‐Time Language Comprehension
Authors: Khu Melanie , Chambers Craig G. , Graham Susan A.
Published: June 2019

In communicative situations, preschoolers use shared knowledge, or “common ground,” to guide their interpretation of a speaker's referential intent. Using eye‐tracking measures, this study investigated the time course of 4‐year‐olds’ (n = 95) use of two different speakers’ perspectives and assessed how individual differences in this ability related to individual differences in executive function and representational skills. Gaze measures indicated partner‐specific common ground guided children's interpretation from the earliest moments of language processing. Nonegocentric online processing was positively correlated with performance on a Level 2 visual perspective‐taking task. These results demonstrate that preschoolers readily use the perspectives of multiple partners to guide language comprehension and that more advanced representational skills are associated with the rapid integration of common ground information.
Sacred Rhythms and Political Frequencies: Reading Lefebvre in an Urban House of Prayer
Authors: Ram Moriel , Aharon Gutman Meirav
Published: June 2019

In recent years, Lefebvre's concept of rhythm analysis has been implied in various ways to critically examine how rhythms are formed, disrupted, and reformed through different urban venues. One theme that this body of knowledge has yet to comprehensively examine, however, is how changes in the urban sphere impact the spatial rhythms of religious institutions in cities, which can be pivotal for understanding how religious institutions are formed as urban public spaces. This article addresses this issue with a rhythm analysis of a particular religious urban locus: a synagogue in the mixed Palestinian and Jewish city of Acre in northern Israel. Based on ethnographic fieldwork and an urban survey, the article discusses how different forms of rhythm‐making undergo a process of contested synchronization with linear and cyclical rhythms of the city. More specifically, how the ability to forge a space hinges on the ability to maintain a rhythmic cycle of attendance, which, in turn, is not only dependent on the ability to achieve synchronization amongst the needs of the different participants but is also intertwined with the larger linear cycle of urban life as a rhythmic equation that fuses the personal with the political, the linear with the cyclical, and the religious with the urban.
Impact of electrical pulse cut mode during endoscopic papillectomy: Pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Iwasaki Eisuke , Minami Kazuhiro , Itoi Takao , Yamamoto Kenjiro , Tsuji Shujiro , Sofuni Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Machida Yujiro , Takimoto Yoichi , Tamagawa Hiroki , Katayama Tadashi , Kawasaki Shintaro , Seino Takashi , Horibe Masayasu , Fukuhara Seiichiro , Kitago Minoru , Ogata Haruhiko , Kanai Takanori
Published: June 2019

Objective

Endoscopic papillectomy is increasingly being used for ampullary adenoma treatment. However, it remains challenging despite increased safety with treatment advances. The ideal power output and electrosurgical current mode for mucosal resection are not established. We aimed to identify the ideal electrical pulse for use during resection.

Methods

This pilot randomized, single‐blind, prospective, multicenter trial, recruited patients with ampullary adenomas and conventional anatomy who were scheduled to undergo endoscopic papillectomy. Endoscopic treatment was performed using a standardized algorithm and patients were randomized for endoscopic papillectomy with Endocut or Autocut. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed bleeding. Incidence of procedure‐related pancreatitis, successful complete resection, pathological findings, and other adverse events were secondary endpoints.

Results

Sixty patients were enrolled over a 2‐year period. The incidences of delayed bleeding (13.3% vs. 16.7%, P = 1.00) and pancreatitis (27% vs. 30%, P = 0.77) were similar between both groups. The rate of crush artifacts was higher in the Endocut than in the Autocut group (27% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.03). Immediate bleeding when resecting tumors greater than 14 mm in diameter was more common in the Autocut than in the Endocut group (88% vs. 46%, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The Autocut and Endocut modes have similar efficacy and safety for endoscopic papillectomy. The Endocut mode may prevent immediate bleeding in cases with large tumor sizes, although it causes more frequent crush artifacts.

Registry and the registration number

The Japanese UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN‐CTR: 000021382).