bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility in a local subsidiary: internal and external stakeholders’ power
Authors: Marques Pilar , Bernardo Merce , Presas Pilar , Simon Alexandra
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Using a theoretical and empirical focus on the power stakeholders exert, the purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the factors that influence the subsidiaries of multinationals’ participation in corporate social responsibility (CSR) under the pressures (expectations and demands) their complex system of internal and external stakeholders’ places upon them.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an in-depth case study, the relationship a local subsidiary in the food and beverage industry has with its stakeholders as regards CSR is analyzed.

Findings

The findings illustrate three main aspects: how the local company is affected by and how it affects its stakeholders (an example of the multidirectionality of power and influence); the direct and indirect practices that are adopted to address challenges; and the importance of the role the local subsidiary plays as an implementer and diffuser of its parent organization’s responsible practices across the industry value chain.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, the focus is on analyzing the power stakeholders have in the context of multinational companies that has not been applied before, and the outcome of using this approach is that the authors have uncovered gaps in the literature for future research.
Health service engagement with consumers and community in Australia for issue
Authors: Rendalls Shane , Spigelman Allan D. , Goodwin Catherine , Daniel Nataliya
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of consumer and community engagement in health service planning, quality improvement and programme evaluation in Australia, and key components and importance of a strong suite of tools for achieving effective outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a non-systematic review of Australian national, state and territory websites in relation to policy commitment to consumer engagement, best practice framework for consumer engagement and recent project example.

Findings

Consumer engagement is a recognised component of the Australian health system. It is reflected in the national and state health policy and is a mandatory requirement of hospital accreditation. The application of co-design principles is gaining increasing popularity in health service planning and programme evaluation. Co-design is an important enabler of patient/community-centred service planning and evaluation; however, on its own it may lead to poorer outcomes. Co-design must occur within a broader systemic framework.

Practical implications

The research identifies a conceptual framework, approaches and tools of value to health service management and planners.

Originality/value

Consumer and community engagements are critical to the development of consumer-centric services. However, this should complement and add value to, not divert attention away from established principles of service planning, continuous quality improvement and programme evaluation. To do so may result in poorer quality health and well-being outcomes, reduced efficiency and ultimately reduced consumer and community satisfaction with services. This paper examines consumer and community engagement within the broader planning and quality improvement framework and practical implications for keeping planning, research and evaluation on track.
Health delivery system for older adults in academic campus in India
Authors: Bhattacharyya Tulika , Chatterjee Chandrima , Chopra Chatterjee Suhita
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Residential academic campuses generally support a skewed population profile that favours a younger population, mainly the student community, and thereby marginalize the needs of the older people staying within the campus. Health delivery systems are often not in accordance with the needs of staff members co-habiting with their aged parents and relatives as well as older staff members themselves. This poses a serious problem, especially in India, where filial piety is a norm and many employees cohabit with their parents. Moreover, the Government of India has reformulated its retirement policy under which the age for superannuation of teaching staff has been enhanced. This in turn, has raised the older-younger ratio in campuses in recent years. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

To address these issues, a household survey was carried out on older people staying in a residential academic campus of India followed by a focus group discussion with family caregivers of the older people.

Findings

It was found that older people were a marginalized group in campus, as health delivery system and allied facilities were not consistent with their needs. As a result, they and their family caregivers faced various challenges.

Originality/value

This is the first study exploring the possibility of academic campuses in India to emerge as alternate sites for supporting older care.
Skilled migration: a structural determinant of health
Authors: Vandenberg Miriam , Fan Si , Cooling Nick , Harris Keith M. , Chin James
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Attention on world migration has mostly focused on economic and inter-personal impacts, leaving a large gap in our understanding of how migration can affect migrants’ health. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the interdependent experiences of skilled migrants, as they undertake the latter part of their journey of skilled migration and resettle into their adopted homeland, can be conceptualised as a structural determinant of health.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews collected data on skilled migrants’ experiences, including health impacts, related to their migration to Tasmania, Australia. A social determinants of health (SDOH) framework and Bourdieu’s theory of practice were applied to interpret the findings.

Findings

In total, 16 skilled migrants, from several nations and occupations, provided wide-ranging accounts of social inclusion and exclusion, and frequently reported experiencing psychological stress. There were also some reports of improved mental health. The migration process shapes life’s chances and choices. Many migrants reported access to important social, economic and cultural resources, however, good health was also impeded by equally significant systemic barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is small and confined to a geographically isolated location, and did not include all types of skilled migrants.

Practical implications

Countries resettling skilled migrants should modify systems to promote rather than inhibit wellbeing, e.g. government and industry partnerships to facilitate employability and enhance access to supportive information about the migration process.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to link Bourdieu’s theory to SDOH relevant to skilled migrants. This approach helped reveal the prominence of structural factors beyond the control of migrants but potentially modifiable by the host country. This study illustrates the importance of examining both positive and negative health outcomes associated with migration, and how these factors relate to theory and policy.
The factors affecting technology transaction value in Vietnam: technology demand approach
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thi , Nguyen Minh Khac , Dang Huong Thu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify variables and their effects on the value of technology transaction according to technology demand approach in Vietnam technology market, by testing the hypotheses including the effects of technology absorption capacity, internal research and development (R&D) productivity of firms and difficulties in external infrastructure on technology demand.

Design/methodology/approach

The technology transaction value and its impact factors are assessed using Vietnam annual enterprise survey and using technology in production survey from 2012 to 2016. The effects of factors on value of technology transaction are determined by using feasible generalized least squares model.

Findings

The results indicate three main points. First, companies having higher technology absorption capacity and higher dominance in the domestic or foreign markets tend to acquire higher technology demand in the technology market. Second, companies having lower internal R&D productivity tend to require higher external technology demand. Finally, higher level of difficulty from external infrastructure prevents enterprises in accessing technology demand.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is that data of firm’s R&D productivity are not available. The study also does not mention information flows from competitors that perhaps have potentially significant impacts on external technology demand of firms.

Practical implications

The paper includes policy implications for the government and industry managers to increase technology transaction value.

Originality/value

The focus of many previous research papers on technology transactions was generally to look at the decisive factors behind firm’s technology supply in both developed and developing countries. However, knowledge about firm’s technology demand is very limited, particularly in the context of developing countries. This paper clarifies the effect of factors on the decision buying external technology for innovation purpose and productivity improvement in Vietnamese manufacturing sector.
Zakat and waqf as instrument of Islamic wealth in poverty alleviation and redistribution
Authors: Razak Shaikh Hamzah Abdul
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Zakat has a strong humanitarian and social-political value. Zakat occupies a central role in Islamic fiscal policy and operations. At the same time, it does not preclude the use of modern tools and techniques in raising the state revenues. Islam provides its own comprehensive approach how the state can raise its revenue and how the revenue should be spend. Zakat is collected from those who are qualified and distributed to the eight recipients as identified in the Quran. Waqf instrument plays an important role in Muslim societies as its support the aged, the poor, the orphans through provision of education, training and business activities. The creation of waqf is strongly advocated, especially the creation of cash waqf in view of the expensiveness of land as waqf. There are collaboration efforts for cash waqf and zakat collection being done through Islamic banks and takaful. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were source from the inland revenue, government agencies and state religious authorities, interviews, articles and conference reviews, as well as economic reports and later transcribe into charts and figures.

Findings

Its shows the efficiency of wealth distribution according to the Islamic principles and application of the financial inclusion in the Islamic society.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is in verifying the accuracy of data gathering from the government agencies.

Social implications

The study can be used in financial inclusion through the application of zakah and waqf being applied to alleviate poverty.

Originality/value

The research is an extended work done on zakah and waqf in Islamic wealth distribution.
Hyperdocumentation: origin and evolution of a concept
Authors: Le Deuff Olivier , Perret Arthur
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide context and raise interest for the term hyperdocumentation in the context of document theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The origin of the term is established through etymology and bibliographical research. The term is contextualized with conceptual research on the nature of documents and the construction of social reality through documentation. Prominent uses of the term outside of traditional research on documents is investigated.

Findings

The authors describe what hyperdocumentation translates to in terms of experience as of today (the different types of hyperdocumentation). Comparison to the initial definition underlines a key issue: the absence of a social contract that would define hyperdocumentality.

Originality/value

This paper presents novel research on the term hyperdocumentation, including its origin before hypertext, its use outside of traditional document science and its implications for document theory.
Customers’ value co-creation with healthcare service network partners
Authors: Kim Jiyoung
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify customers’ service network partners in medical encounters and demonstrate the extent to which customers’ evaluation of each co-creation practice with their service network partners affects their perceived service quality and satisfaction. In addition, the moderating effect of patient age is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a field survey, data collected from 164 inpatients were examined through structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.

Findings

The value-creating activities of customers with service providers, companions and other customers during healthcare service encounters have a positive effect on their perception of service quality and satisfaction related to behavioral intentions. Co-creating with service value network partners has a greater impact on perceived service quality and service satisfaction for patients aged 60 or older.

Research limitations/implications

By focusing on participants in customers’ service value co-creating networks, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by confirming the importance of each actor and analyzing customers’ value co-creating activities.

Originality/value

This is the first study to show that when customers’ level of involvement is high, such as in healthcare services, their value-creating activities when interacting with medical staff, companions and other patients positively affect perceived service quality and satisfaction.
Measuring the efficiency of medical tourism industry in EU member states
Authors: Androutsou Lorena , Metaxas Theodore
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Under the Directive 2011/24/EU, medical tourism and cross-border health are interrelated terms regarding the freedom to move to get the most accessible medical treatment into EU Member State within the defined procedures for reimbursement. Little known empirically regarding the efficiency of the cross-border health/medical tourism industry. This study aims to measure its efficiency in Europe for the years 2010-2014, by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA).

Design/methodology/approach

Data obtained from OECD and the European Core Health Indicators (ECHI), which is collecting the data through Eurostat. Eurostat collects data on health-care activities and provides data on hospital discharges, including the hospital discharges of non-residents and these include hospital discharges of in-patients and day care patients. The analysis uses “DEA.P, 2.1 for windows” by Coelli (1996).

Findings

The results show that the Members States health systems were very efficient in handling non-residents in-patients; however, when managing day cases/outpatients, the efficiency scores dropped.

Practical implications

The findings would have significant associations affecting intentions to revisit clinics and the destination country. In addition, will be useful to those seeking a better understanding of the cross-border health and medical tourism industry efficiency.

Originality/value

Extending the findings of the European Commission report (2015c) by examining how well medical tourists are informed about the decision they are making, would be of perceived value. These are important indicators at European level by helping each Member State to measure its medical tourism services.
Brand equity in social media-based brand community
Authors: Hoang Hoa Thi , Wang Feng , Ngo Quang Van , Chen Man
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of social media-based brand community (SMBBC) markers on customer-based brand equity (CBBE). Moreover, this research evaluates the mediating effect of brand community commitment and the moderating effect of customer gender.

Design/methodology/approach

This research collected data from a questionnaire survey with participants who are members of the Xiaomi Community in Vietnam on Facebook (XCVF). Finally, 512 valid and usable questionnaires were tested by applying the structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

On the basis of social identity theory, results showed that three components of brand community markers significantly affect two aspects of CBBE. Moreover, brand community commitment plays a mediating role in the relationship of shared consciousness, ritual and traditions, and CBBE. In addition, the influence of SMBBC on CBBE is stronger for women than for men.

Research limitations/implications

The sample selected is limited to only members of XCVF, so the results may have an inadequate view in comparison with other brand communities. This research can eliminate other important variables that can contribute to this relationship.

Originality/value

This research is among the first studies that have focused on the importance of SMBBC markers on CBBE, the mediating role of brand community commitment and the moderating effect of customer gender.
Exploring the reliability and validity of the learning styles questionnaire (LSQ) in an Arab setting
Authors: Yousef D.A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the reliability and validity of the learning style construct conceptualized by Honey and Mumford (1986) in educational settings in the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

Two independent samples from the UAE were used: one comprised 1,463 undergraduate students at the UAE University, and the other comprised 152 undergraduate students at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. The data were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha, inter-correlations and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

Measured by alpha coefficients, the outcomes suggest that the learning styles questionnaire (LSQ) had moderate internal consistency in both samples. The inter-correlations reveal positive (weak to modest) correlations among the four learning styles for both samples, implying a lack of support for the two bipolar dimensions proposed by Kolb. CFA failed to support the four learning styles described by Honey and Mumford.

Research limitations/implications

This study used only two samples to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. Second, other statistical tools (e.g. test-retest, item analysis) usually used to determine the reliability and validity of instruments were not used. Furthermore, the study was conducted over a short period; nonetheless, it has various implications for researchers, educators and managers.

Originality/value

This investigation represents the first attempt to assess the LSQ’s reliability and validity in educational settings in the UAE. The findings contribute to the study of learning styles and instruments testing.
Determination of mechanical properties of FFF 3D printed material by assessing void volume fraction, cooling rate and residual thermal stresses
Authors: Quelho de Macedo Rafael , Ferreira Rafael Thiago Luiz , Jayachandran Kuzhichalil
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present experimental and numerical analyses of fused filament fabrication (FFF) printed parts and show how mechanical characteristics of printed ABS-MG94 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are influenced by the void volume fraction, cooling rate and residual thermal stresses.

Design/methodology/approach

Printed specimens were experimentally tested to evaluate the mechanical properties for different printing speeds, and micrographs were taken. A thermo-mechanical finite element model, able to simulate the FFF process, was developed to calculate the temperature fields in time, cooling rate and residual thermal stresses. Finally, the experimental mechanical properties and the microstructure distribution could be explained by the temperature fields in time, cooling rate and residual thermal stresses.

Findings

Micrographs revealed the increase of void volume fraction with the printing speed. The variations on voids were associated to the temperature fields in time: when the temperatures remained high for longer periods, less voids were generated. The Young's Modulus of the deposited filament varied according to the cooling rate: it decreased when the cooling rate increased. The influence of the residual thermal stresses and void volume fraction on the printed parts failure was also investigated: in the worst scenarios evaluated, the void volume fraction reduced the strength in 9 per cent, while the residual thermal stresses reduced it in 3.8 per cent.

Originality/value

This work explains how the temperature fields can affect the void volume fraction, Young's Modulus and failure of printed parts. Experimental and numerical results are shown. The presented research can be used to choose printing parameters to achieve desired mechanical properties of FFF printed parts.
The evolution of herd behavior: Will herding disappear over time?
Authors: Shantha Kalugala Vidanalage Aruna
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolutionary nature of herding phenomenon in the context of a frontier stock market, the Colombo Stock Exchange of Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the cross-sectional absolute deviation methodology for daily frequencies of data of all the common stocks listed during the period from April 2000 to March 2018. The regression coefficients are estimated by using both the ordinary least square and the quantile regression procedures.

Findings

The findings reveal significant changes to the pattern of herding over different market periods, each with specific characteristics. Herding is strongly evident in up and down market days in the 2000-2009 period, during which the market was highly uncertain with the impact of the political instability of the country due to the Civil War on the stock trading. Even after this Civil War period, herd tendency is strongly manifested toward the up market direction as a result of the investors’ optimism about the country’s economy and political stability, which caused to a speculative bubble in the market. After that, it is turned into negative herding due to the panic selling occurred in view of the uncertainty of the inflated prices, which led to a market crash. Notably, herding appears to be consistently absent over the period after the crash, despite the presence of herd motives such as high market uncertainties triggered by political instability and economic crisis during that period.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that herd behavior is an evolving phenomenon in financial markets. Consistent with the adaptive market hypothesis, the absence of herding evident after the market crash could be attributed to the investors’ learning of the irrationality of herding/negative herding for adapting to market conditions. As a result, herding and negative herding tendencies declined and disappeared at the aggregate market level.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by providing novel evidence on the evolutionary nature of behavioral biases, particularly herding, as predicted by the adaptive market hypothesis. With the application of the quantile regression procedure, in addition to customary used ordinary least squares approach, it also provides robust evidence on this phenomenon.
Trophic plasticity in a common reef‐building coral: Insights from δ13C analysis of essential amino acids
Authors: Fox Michael D. , Elliott Smith Emma A. , Smith Jennifer E. , Newsome Seth D.
Published: September 2019

Reef‐building corals are mixotrophic organisms that can obtain nutrition from endosymbiotic microalgae (autotrophy) and particle capture (heterotrophy). Heterotrophic nutrition is highly beneficial to many corals, particularly in times of stress. Yet, the extent to which different coral species rely on heterotrophic nutrition remains largely unknown because it is challenging to quantify.

We developed a quantitative approach to investigate coral nutrition using carbon isotope (δ13C) analysis of six essential amino acids (AAESS) in a common Indo‐Pacific coral (Pocillopora meandrina) from the fore reef habitat of Palmyra Atoll. We sampled particulate organic matter (POM) and zooplankton as the dominant heterotrophic food sources in addition to the coral host and endosymbionts. We also measured bulk tissue carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values of each sample type.

Patterns among δ13C values of individual AAESS provided complete separation between the autotrophic (endosymbionts) and heterotrophic nutritional sources. In contrast, bulk tissue δ13C and δ15N values were highly variable across the putative food sources and among the coral and endosymbiont fractions, preventing accurate estimates of coral nutrition on Palmyra.

We used linear discriminant analysis to quantify differences among patterns of AAESS δ13C values, or ‘fingerprints’, of the food resources available to corals. This allowed for the development of a quantitative continuum of coral nutrition that can identify the relative contribution of autotrophic and heterotopic nutrition to individual colonies. Our approach revealed exceptional variation in conspecific colonies at scales of metres to kilometres. On average, 41% of AAESS in P. meandrina on Palmyra are acquired via heterotrophy, but some colonies appear capable of obtaining the majority of AAESS from one source or the other.

The use of AAESS δ13C fingerprinting analysis offers a significant improvement on the current methods for quantitatively assessing coral trophic ecology. We anticipate that this approach will facilitate studies of coral nutrition in the field, which are essential for comparing coral trophic ecology across taxa and multiple spatial scales. Such information will be critical for understanding the role of heterotrophic nutrition in coral resistance and/or resilience to ongoing environmental change.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
When history matters: The overlooked role of priority effects in grassland overyielding
Authors: Delory Benjamin M. , Weidlich Emanuela W. A. , von Gillhaussen Philipp , Temperton Vicky M.
Published: September 2019

Biodiversity–ecosystem functioning experiments have shown that plant species and functional group richness are important drivers of grassland productivity, but the impact that plant order of arrival (i.e. priority effects) has on grassland overyielding and its drivers (complementarity and dominance effects) has been overlooked so far.

Using species‐specific plant biomass data collected in mixture and monoculture plots of a grassland field experiment (Jülich Priority Effect experiment) that manipulated the order of arrival of three plant functional groups (forbs, grasses and legumes), we quantified net biodiversity effects (overyielding) as well as complementarity and dominance effects in mixtures one and 2 years after sowing. In this experiment, priority effects were created by sowing one functional group 6 weeks before the two others. First, we tested whether plant order of arrival affected overyielding, complementarity and dominance effects. Second, we investigated whether the magnitude of net biodiversity, complementarity and dominance effects was dependent on the strength and direction of priority effects.

We found that complementarity and dominance effects were affected by plant order of arrival during community assembly. In addition, we found that moving from negative to positive priority effects increased grassland overyielding, mainly via increased complementarity effects.

These results highlight the need to combine biodiversity and assembly approaches in future ecosystem functioning research, as this will increase the predictive power of community ecology in conservation and ecological restoration.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The patient–doctor relationship in the transnational healthcare context
Authors: Skountridaki Lila
Published: September 2019

Moving away from paternalism to more equal forms of interaction in the patient–doctor relationship has been seen in positive light by policymakers, patients’ rights advocates and scholars alike. Nonetheless, against the background of commercialisation and consumerism, empirical research showcases how reduced asymmetries bring in tensions and friction between patients and doctors (Greenfield et al. 2012). This paper contributes to the discussion through the examination of the patient–doctor relationship in the niche setting of private transnational healthcare markets which involve patients travelling overseas for care and where commodification, consumerism and care go hand‐in‐hand. It is geographically focused on two large cities in South‐Eastern Europe as settings where health care is provided to foreign patients – Athens and Istanbul – and empirically draws on qualitative interviews with doctors who run small/medium practices. The findings highlight that, despite excessive consumerism, power asymmetries are not mitigated but patient vulnerability shapes the patient–doctor relationship. In the transnational context, the patient faces an additional source of vulnerability: a condition of foreignness. As such, the findings stress that one relationship model (the consumerist) does not, per se, replace an older one (e.g. the Parsonian). Instead, the consumer–provider dimension co‐exists with the client–expert, patient–doctor and, finally, host–guest relation.
Quercetin Mitigates Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Rats with Bile Duct Ligation Through Modulation of the STAT3/SOCS3/IRS1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Khodarahmi Ameneh , Eshaghian Azam , Safari Fatemeh , Moradi Ali
Published: September 2019

Insulin resistance (IR) and inflammatory mediators are correlated with hepatic fibrosis. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid with well‐known antidiabetic and antifibrotic properties. Bile duct ligation (BDL) is a surgical model performed on animals to produce a murine model in which increased oxidative stress occurs, which results in liver fibrosis. Our study aimed to determine whether quercetin improves hepatic IR as well as hepatic fibrosis in rats experiencing BDL. Male Wistar rats were allocated to four groups according to a random pattern, including a sham group, a sham and quercetin group (30 mg/kg/day), a BDL alone group, and a BDL and quercetin group (30 mg/kg/day). Evaluation of STAT3, SOCS3, IRS1, Rac1, Rac1‐GTP, Sp1, NOX1, HIF‐1α, and ERK1 expression was performed by RT‐PCR along with the western blot analytical technique in liver tissue. The antidiabetic impact of quercetin was associated with reduction in mRNA and expression of protein in STAT3 and SOCS3, along with an increase in IRS1. The antifibrotic effect of quercetin was also determined by downregulation of mRNA or the levels of protein expression of Rac1‐GTP, Rac1, HIF‐1α, NOX1, and Sp1, along with ERK1. Our study indicates that quercetin may improve hepatic fibrosis via inhibiting ROS‐associated inflammation as well as ameliorating hepatic IR by beneficial regulation of the STAT3/SOCS3/IRS1 signaling pathway.
Age at first intercourse, number of partners and sexually transmitted infection prevalence among Danish, Norwegian and Swedish women: estimates and trends from nationally representative cross‐sectional surveys of more than 100 000 women
Authors: Hansen Bo T. , Kjær Susanne K. , Arnheim‐Dahlström Lisen , Liaw Kai‐Li , Juul Kirsten E. , Thomsen Louise T. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Elfström K. Miriam , Munk Christian , Nygård Mari
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Sexual behavior at the population level impacts on public health. Recent representative sexual behavior data are lacking.

Material and methods

Cross‐sectional surveys in 2005 and 2012 on women age 18‐45 years randomly selected from the general population in Denmark (n = 40 804), Norway (n = 30 331) and Sweden (n = 32 114).

Results

Median (interquartile range) age at first intercourse was 16 (15‐18) years in Denmark, 17 (16‐18) years in Norway, and 17 (15‐18) years in Sweden. Women in the most recent birth cohort had sexual debut at the lowest age, and were most likely to have sexual debut before the legal age of consent. Proportions with debut age ≤14 years among women born 1989‐1994 vs 1971‐1976, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) were: 18.4% vs 10.9%, 1.95 (1.74‐2.18) in Denmark, 12.9% vs 6.3%, 2.38 (2.01‐2.82) in Norway, 17.8% vs 11.4%, 1.75 (1.55‐1.98) in Sweden. Median (interquartile range) number of lifetime sexual partners was 6 (3‐10) in Denmark, 5 (2‐10) in Norway, and 6 (3‐11) in Sweden. The proportion of women reporting >10 sexual partners was also highest in the most recent survey. The percentage with odds ratio (95% confidence interval) in 2012 vs 2005 surveys were: 24.9% vs 22.8%, 1.13 (1.07‐1.18) for Denmark; 23.8% vs 19.8%, 1.27 (1.19‐1.34) for Norway; and 28.3% vs 23.8%, 1.31 (1.24‐1.38) for Sweden. Similarly, the proportion of women reporting ever having had a sexually transmitted infection among women age <30 years were: 29.4% vs 26.4%, 1.21 (1.13‐1.31) in Denmark, 28.9% vs 25.0%, 1.20 (1.10‐1.31) in Norway, and 29.4% vs 22.2%, 1.45 (1.33‐1.58) in Sweden.

Conclusions

Scandinavian women reported lower age at first intercourse in younger birth cohorts. Moreover, they reported more lifetime sexual partners and a higher prevalence of ever having a sexually transmitted infection in 2012 than in 2005. Our findings may inform the interpretation of trends in outcomes associated with sexual health, and public health policies.
A detailed lipoprotein profile in relation to intima‐media thickness and echogenicity of three major arteries
Authors: Lind Lars
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate differences in risk‐factor profile, with special emphasis on detailed characterization of the lipoprotein profile, for intima‐media thickness (IMT) and echogenicity of the intima‐media complex (IM‐GSM) in three major arteries: the carotid, femoral and brachial arteries.

Methods

IMT and IM‐GSM were measured by ultrasound in the carotid, femoral and brachial arteries in 778 subjects, all aged 75 years (50% women), in the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study, in which a detailed lipoprotein profile was also determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

First, IMT was considerably lower, and IM‐GSM higher, in the brachial artery compared to the other two arteries. Second, IMT and IM‐GSM in the arteries were related to each other. Third, significant different traditional risk‐factor profiles were seen for both IMT and IM‐GSM, with generally weaker relationships for IMT in the femoral and brachial arteries compared with the carotid artery. Fourth, the strength of associations between an atherogenic lipoprotein profile and IMT in the carotid artery was attenuated in the femoral artery and virtually absent in the brachial artery. Fifth, slightly different lipoprotein profiles were seen for IM‐GSM in the three arteries.

Conclusion

Differences between the carotid, femoral and brachial artery IMT and IM‐GSM were seen regarding the traditional risk factors, as well as the lipoprotein profile.
The implementation and utilization of an organ donation dedicated medical advisory service: A descriptive study
Authors: Cohen Jonathan , Ashkenazi Tamar
Published: September 2019

Background

Obstacles encountered during the organ donation process may result in the loss of organs. A centralized medical advisory service (MAS), providing a 24/7/365 service, was established in 2007 to respond to queries from healthcare professionals regarding organ safety, brain death (BD) determination, and donor management.

Methods

Data collected from 2007 to 2017 included the number and context of the queries and the mean number of organs transplanted/donor. Since 2012, the number of six donor management goals (DMGs) met at the time of consent has been monitored.

Results

The number of queries relative to the number of potential donors increased from 12.4% (n = 78 queries) in 2007 to 48.2% (304 queries) in 2009 and has remained widely utilized, with most queries consistently related to organ safety. The context of the queries informed the formulation of protocols relating to donor infections and malignancy and identified difficulties regarding BD determination and subsequent implementation of solutions. A mean of 5.0 ± 0.7 DMGs was achieved, while the number of organs transplanted/donor increased from 3.4 in 2007 to 4.0 in 2017.

Conclusion

We suggest that this model may provide a valuable resource to improve the safety, standardization, and quality of the donation process.
Principles and practice to facilitate complete photodocumentation of the upper gastrointestinal tract: World Endoscopy Organization position statement
Authors: Emura Fabian , Sharma Prateek , Arantes Vitor , Cerisoli Cecilio , Parra‐Blanco Adolfo , Sumiyama Kazuki , Araya Raul , Sobrino Sergio , Chiu Philip , Matsuda Koji , Gonzalez Robinson , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Tajiri Hisao
Published: September 2019

Although esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the most commonly used procedure in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the method of esophageal, gastric and duodenal mucosa photodocumentation varies considerably worldwide. One probable explanation is that for generations, EGD has primarily been taught by GI faculty and instructors based on their perceptions and experience, which has resulted in EGD being a non‐standardized procedure. Currently, the procedure is facing a challenging scenario as endoscopy societies are implementing procedure‐associated quality indicators aiming for best practice among practitioners and evidence‐based care for patients. Contrary to colonoscopy where cecum landmarks photodocumentation is considered proof of completeness, there are currently no reliable performance measures to gauge the completeness of an upper endoscopy nor guidance for complete photodocumentation. This World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) position statement aims to provide practical guidance to practitioners to carry out complete EGD photodocumentation. Hence, an international group of experts from the WEO Upper GI Cancer Committee formulated the following document using the body of evidence established through literature reviews, expert opinions, and other scientific sources. The group acknowledged that although the procedure should be feasible in any facility, what is needed to achieve a global shift on the concept of completeness is a common written statement of agreement on its potential impact and added value. This best practice statement offers endoscopists principles and practical guidance in order to carry out complete photodocumentation from the hypopharynx to the second duodenal portion.
Investigating the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps in cutaneous lesions of different subtypes of lupus erythematosus
Authors: Safi Rémi , Al‐Hage Jana , Abbas Ossama , Kibbi Abdul‐Ghani , Nassar Dany
Published: September 2019

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, little is known about the implication of NETs in cutaneous lupus. In this case series of 30 patients, we compared the amounts of neutrophils producing NETs in cutaneous lesions of different subtypes of lupus (5 with discoid lupus or DLE, 5 with subacute cutaneous lupus or SCLE, 11 with acute cutaneous SLE, 7 with lupus panniculitis and 2 with chilblains). Immunofluorescence was performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skin biopsies using antibodies against neutrophilic granules (elastase, myeloperoxidase, PR‐3 proteins and citrullinated histone 3). Dihydroethidium staining was performed to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS), known inducers of NETs. NETs were detected in the different subtypes of cutaneous lupus as well as in cutaneous lesions of SLE. The amounts of neutrophils producing NETs were significantly higher in lupus panniculitis (49%), acute cutaneous SLE (41%) and DLE (32%), in comparison with SCLE (5%) and chilblains (0%). This suggests that NETs might be associated with more tissue damage and scarring. ROS were observed in the different cutaneous subtypes of lupus independent of NETs.
Regulation of inflammation as an anti‐aging intervention
Authors: Neves Joana , Sousa‐Victor Pedro
Published: September 2019

Aging is accompanied by a decline in physiological integrity and a loss of regenerative capacity in many tissues. The development of interventions that prevent or reverse age‐related disease requires a better understanding of the interplay of cell intrinsic, inter‐cellular communication and systemic deregulations that underlie the aging process. Immune dysfunction and changes in inflammatory pathways are transversal contributors to the aging process and are essential propagators of tissue deterioration. Here, we propose and discuss the rejuvenation potential of interventions that target chronic inflammation and how modulation of tissue repair capacity could be an important mediator of such anti‐aging strategies. We highlight how current knowledge on the systemic nature of inflammatory dysregulation in old organisms, together with the development of new animal models that allow for the isolation of the inflammatory component of aging, could provide new targets for interventions in aging based on the modulation of inflammatory pathways.
Incorporation of Cró thermal water in a dermocosmetic formulation: cytotoxicity effects, characterization and stability studies and efficacy evaluation
Authors: Nunes F. , Rodrigues M. , Ribeiro M. P. , Ugazio E. , Cavalli R. , Abollino O. , Coutinho P. , Araujo A. R. T. S.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Development of cosmetic formulations to provide a controlled release of hydrophilic active compounds from mineral medicinal waters constitutes an attractive challenge. The objective of this study was the development and the characterization of a dermocosmetic gel formulation with Cró thermal water, from Beira Interior of Portugal, as a major functional ingredient.

Methods

Concentrations of mineral chemical elements of Cró thermal water were previously determined by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry or mass spectrometry and cytotoxicity assays using thermal water were carried out on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cells. Then, the Cró thermal water was included (more than 90%) in a developed gel formulation that was characterized through rheological and texture analysis and submitted to stability assays during 30 days. The effects on the skin volunteers, namely skin pH, the degree of hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin relief, were evaluated through non‐invasive biometric techniques. A gel formulation including purified water was used as a control.

Results

Cró thermal water is rich on several chemical elements in particular sodium, silica, potassium and calcium besides some trace elements, with important functions for the skin. NHDF cells adhered and proliferated in the presence of thermal water confirming the biocompatibility of the major component of the gel formulation. The developed gel formulation based on thermal water resulted in an improvement of textural parameters, comparing with the purified water‐based one. Significant improvements in the cutaneous biometric parameters (degree of hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin relief) of volunteers were also registered for the gel formulation containing thermal water.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated for the first time the potential benefits of Cró thermal water in a gel formulation to be used in cosmetic and dermatological applications.
Synthesis and mechanical properties of mullite ceramics with coal gangue and wastes refractory as raw materials
Authors: Liu Yin , Lian Wei , Su Wanfu , Luo Juhua , Wang Luming
Published: September 2019

With coal gangue and high alumina refractory solid wastes as raw materials, needle‐like mullite powder, with an average diameter of about 1 μm, was synthesized at 1300°C by using the conventional solid‐state reaction method. Mullite ceramics were derived from the inexpensive needle‐like powder. Phase composition was examined by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), while morphologies of the ceramics were observed by using scanning electron microscopy. The content and distribution of elements in the sintered samples were characterized with energy dispersive spectrometer and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Mechanical properties of the mullite ceramics were studied by using the three‐point bending method. The aspect ratio of the needle‐like mullite particles was up to 6. The mullite sample sintered at 1500°C for 3 hours had a density of 2.515 g·cm−3, which was slightly lower than the theoretical density. Maximum fracture toughness and bending strength of the mullite ceramics were 1.82 MPa·m1/2 and 71.76 MPa, respectively. This study realizes the resource utilization of gangue and high alumina refractory solid wastes, and the prepared mullite ceramics have good application prospect.
Applications of soy protein hydrolysates in the emerging functional foods: a review
Authors: Ashaolu Tolulope Joshua
Published: September 2019

Several applications of protein hydrolysates have been documented including gelation, solubility and emulsifying properties. However, very rare reviews have solely explored the potentials of soy protein hydrolysates (SPHs). Varying and abundant pieces of information on the physicochemical properties of soy proteins, such as foaming, solubility, emulsifying, gelling, fat‐ and water‐holding capacities, suggest their hydrolysates to be equally or more important. In this regard, this review highlights the different methods that have been used to prepare SPHs, coupled with the most promising applications and potentials of SPHs. Nonetheless, further investigations are necessary to validate the potentialities of SPHs as food agents for the emerging functional foods.
Manipulation and free will in shared decision making
Authors: Christiansen Regina , Emiliussen Jakob
Published: September 2019

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on patient involvement in treatment planning in the health care system. To reduce the risk of the clinician moving towards paternalism, various methods have been introduced—shared decision making, among others. The goal of shared decision making is for the clinician and patient to share available evidence on the best treatment and to raise awareness on the needs and preferences of the patient as to make a genuinely informed choice. However, in the present article, we discuss to which degree paternalism can be avoided in light of the clinician's role as an authority with certain knowledge and expertise. Through the philosophical theory of reasons‐responsiveness, we discuss to which extend free will and control applies to the patient. Through theoretical analysis, we come to suggest that the clinician has a role as an ally rather than manipulator.
Campaign Contributions by Non‐profit Executives and Government Grants
Authors: Cox Christian
Published: September 2019

United States election candidates seek monetary support for their campaigns and many individuals oblige. Non‐profit organizations are limited in their political spending, but their executives, in a personal capacity, are not. This paper investigates whether individual campaign contributions are a political workaround for non‐profits. I pair non‐profit tax filings and Federal Election Commission records to form the first large‐scale panel linking non‐profit executive contributions and non‐profit financials. My analysis covers the 1998, 2000 and 2002 elections for 29,682 non‐profit organizations. I estimate a series of models and find an economically significant, robust and positive relationship.