bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tawarruq time deposit with wakalah principle: an option that triggers new issues
Authors: Ismail Abdul Ghafar , Nik Abdul Ghani Nik Abdul Rahim , Mat Zain Mat Nor
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to make an attempt to analyze the adoption of wakalah in the tawarruq deposit that may trigger new issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a review on the underlying contracts for deposit-taking activities.

Findings

There are two mains findings from this paper – first, the current deposit taking activities are characterized by principal guaranteed, it deems contrary to the nature of mudarabah. Second, we suggest the presence of wakalah in tawarruq term deposits and we argue that the application of the concept of bay al-wakillinafsihi would not affect the validity of wakalah.

Originality/value

This paper is considered to have its own originality in the sense that the introduction of tawarruq-based deposit product by Islamic banks could be the best alternative to the current deposit products.
Bilateral rebate (ibra’ mutabadal) in Islamic banking operation: a critical appraisal
Authors: Abdul Khir Mohamed Fairooz
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study aims to examine the scholars’ views on the legality of bilateral rebate in Islamic financial transactions. It also aims to evaluate the contemporary application of bilateral rebate in Islamic banking operation as an alternative to the conventional mechanism in handling the events of early settlement of debt, early termination of debt facility and early withdrawal of term deposit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used deductive and inductive methods to analyze the juristic literature of all the major schools of law on the legality of both bilateral and unilateral rebate in a financial transaction.

Findings

The study found bilateral rebate (ibra’ mutabadal), instead of unilateral rebate, to be the best and fairest Islamic mechanism to overcome injustice in several events that may impact the bank’s liquidity such as that of early settlement of debt facility and early withdrawal of term deposit in the sense that the interest (maslahah) of both transacting parties is equally secured.

Research limitations/implications

This study has its limitation, as it only covers the applicability of bilateral rebate in Islamic banking operation. It does not include the applicability of bilateral rebate in other segments of Islamic finance such as Islamic capital markets and Islamic insurance (Takaful business).

Practical implications

This paper has practical implication for Islamic banking industry particularly with regard to its liquidity management in the event of early settlement of a debt facility, early termination of an Islamic facility and early withdrawal of Islamic term deposit. It may also assume policy implication in the event that the regulator adopts the legality of bilateral rebate in its Islamic banking policy and guidelines.

Originality/value

This paper offers an Islamic alternative to the conventional mechanism in handling the event of early settlement of a debt facility, early termination of an Islamic facility and early withdrawal of Islamic term deposit. Under conventional banking, there are certain fees and charges imposed on customers in the above events like early settlement charge and early withdrawal charge. Unlike its conventional counterpart, Islamic banks cannot opt for the conventional method that seems unjust to the customers as the charge is imposed without Sharīʿah basis. In this case, bilateral rebate serves as a fair mechanism to manage the bank’s liquidity in the aforementioned events.
Islamic values and negotiator behavior
Authors: Bachkirov Alexandre A. , AlAbri Salem
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether and how the fundamental Islamic values of Arab Muslim business negotiators influence their views of the negotiation process and negotiation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an interpretive qualitative approach. The data were obtained by semi-structured interviews. The participants were managers whose role entails negotiations as an essential component of their job.

Findings

For Arab Muslim negotiators, the use of knowledge is associated with a moral imperative of being truthful and using knowledge responsibly. The virtues of honesty, transparency, trust, integrity, fairness, peace, respect and concern for the counterpart’s negotiation outcomes emerged as important considerations for Arab Muslim negotiators.

Research limitations/implications

All the research participants were from an Arab Islamic country. Empirical data obtained from non-Arab Islamic respondents can provide further insights into how religious beliefs shape negotiation behavior of Muslim negotiators.

Practical implications

The international negotiation practitioners involved in cross-cultural negotiations in the Arabian Gulf should consider their counterpart’s behavioral patterns and expectations shaped by the Islamic faith. Appreciating what matters to an Arab Muslim negotiator will increase the probability of a positive negotiation experience and the likelihood of attaining negotiation goals.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on innovative management practices by emphasizing the need to broaden the knowledge of a cultural perspective of management innovation. Innovative interventions in intercultural negotiations should include a consideration of the counterparts’ religious beliefs in both intra- and inter-firm bargaining situations.
Strategy and control: 25 years of empirical use of Simons’ Levers of Control framework
Authors: Martyn Patricia , Sweeney Breda , Curtis Emer
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Tremendous change has taken place in organisational structures, networks and strategy over the past 25 years. Yet, a strategic management framework developed 25 years ago has increased in popularity among researchers in the past decade. This paper aims to review how Simons’ Levers of Control (LOC) framework has been used in empirical research studies over the past 25 years.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are based on electronic database searches of papers adopting Simons’ framework published in accounting and management journals.

Findings

A total of 45 empirical studies adopting the LOC framework are presented chronologically by research method. The review highlights the far greater use of the framework in qualitative compared to quantitative studies. Qualitative studies have extended the application of the framework to broader organisational issues such as sustainability, environmental accounting and inter-organisational controls. The quantitative studies have mainly sought to add to our understanding of the antecedents and outcomes of the use of interactive control systems.

Originality/value

This paper furthers our understanding of Simons’ framework by synthesising and analysing the literature over 25 years. It provides insight into the varying interpretations of the concepts underlying the framework in empirical studies including differences in operationalisation of the concepts in quantitative studies. In addition, it highlights the application of the framework beyond the original domain in which it was developed. Fruitful areas for future research are pointed to in the paper.
The impact of intellectual capital – knowledge management strategy fit on firm performance
Authors: Wang Zhining , Wang Nianxin , Cao Jinwei , Ye Xinfeng
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the fit between intellectual capital (IC) and knowledge management (KM) strategy and its impacts on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the fit view, the authors posit that firms can enhance performance by aligning the structure of their IC with KM strategy, as reducing the extent to which their actual IC profile deviate from the “ideal” profile when implementing certain type of KM strategy. Using survey data collected from 328 high technology firms in China, the authors tested the research model.

Findings

The more fit a firm’s IC is to its KM strategic type, the better operational and financial performance it can achieve.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of high technology firms in China might limit the generalization of the findings. Nonetheless, this study is based on and extends prior research, which provides a deepened understanding of the role of IC-KM strategy fit in organizational settings.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that firms should adjust their IC according to KM strategy they employ. According to the findings, managers can selectively develop IC to achieve performance goals under certain type of KM strategy.

Originality/value

As one of the first studies to investigate the relationship among IC, KM strategy and firm performance in a holistic way, it indicates that the IC-KM strategy fit can be a novel explanation for performance variances through the alignment of knowledge-based capability and strategy.
Failure processes of young manufacturing micro firms in Europe
Authors: Lukason Oliver , Laitinen Erkki K. , Suvas Arto
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out which different failure processes exist among the young manufacturing micro firms, and whether the representation of those processes differs first, in European countries, and second, among exporting and non-exporting firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on financial data of 1,216 manufacturing micro firms from European countries. Failure processes have been detected with a two stage-method: by extracting latent dimensions from financial variables with factor analysis, and then, by clustering the established factor scores.

Findings

With firms’ age, the number of different failure processes reduces from four to two. Strong evidence was found about the dominance of different failure processes in different countries for most firm age groups. Failure processes are not strongly associated with (non-)exporting.

Originality/value

This paper is the first one determining young manufacturing micro firms’ failure processes and comparing the representation of those processes in different firm subsets, either based on their country of origin or (non-)exporting behavior. Moreover, previous studies have not encompassed specific sectors, young or very small firms.
Sustaining the self in the “fourth age”: a case study
Authors: Tanner Denise
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate from the perspective of an older person (Harriet) the factors that support and jeopardise mental well-being in the fourth age.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on unstructured narrative interviews with an older woman who was originally interviewed for a previous research study 15 years ago. At that time she was aged 82; she is now aged 97. This paper explores themes of change and continuity in her experience of ageing with a view to re-evaluating the model of sustaining the self-developed in the earlier study and comparing the findings with current conceptions of the fourth age.

Findings

Harriet’s previous efforts to remain independent have been replaced by an acceptance of dependency and diminished social relationships and activity. However, she retains significant threads of continuity with her earlier life and employs cognitive strategies that enable contentment. Her experience of advanced old age fits conceptions of neither the third nor fourth age, indicating the need for more sophisticated and nuanced understandings.

Originality/value

The paper is original in exploring the lived experience of someone in advanced age across a 15 year time period. Its value lies in rendering visible the factors that have promoted and/or undermined her mental well-being and in generating insights that can be applied more generally to experiences of advanced age.
Improving mental health in later life: the role of service user involvement
Authors: Crepaz-Keay David
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe service user involvement, explain some of the key issues that define, affect or protect mental health in later life and show how involvement may contribute to better mental health in later life.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews existing definitions of involvement and mental health in later life; provides a more detailed review of some examples of involvement at a range of levels and illustrates how these could have a positive impact on mental health.

Findings

Active involvement and engagement at all levels offers significant opportunities for older people to protect and improve their own mental health and the mental health of society as a whole.

Research limitations/implications

This research does not set out to promote any particular intervention or involvement technique. The examples given have been evaluated in a variety of ways.

Practical implications

Service user involvement should be considered as an important potential contributor to mental health in later life.

Social implications

The paper encourages people in later life to be considered as a community resource rather than a problem that needs to be solved.

Originality/value

This paper brings together existing research with a focus on the relationship between involvement and individual and collective mental health.
A comment to Gobo: the next challenge – from mixed to merged methods
Authors: Hervieux Chantal
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further the discussion on points made by Giampietro Gobo, provide additional information on the place of qualitative research in management, and question the space of merged methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Use a conversational approach as well as a review of qualitative vs quantitative research in three top tier journals for the years 2013-2016 (by a simple count).

Findings

Quantitative methods remain very much mainstream in management research, yet one finds that for one of the journals, space is evenly shared between qualitative and quantitative methods.

Research limitations/implications

This is a viewpoint and does not offer a systematic review of all top tier management journals.

Originality/value

It is hope that with this viewpoint debate as to the space of qualitative research, and merged methods can be stimulated.
Investigation of soldering for crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Yang Hong , Wang He , Cao Dingyue
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Tabbing and stringing are the critical process for crystalline silicon solar module production. Because of the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients between silicon and metal, phenomenon of cell bowing, microcracks formation or cell breakage emerge during the soldering process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of soldering on crystalline silicon solar cells and module, and reveal soldering law so as to decrease the breakage rates and improve reliability for crystalline silicon solar module.

Design/methodology/approach

A microscopic model of the soldering process is developed by the study of the crystalline silicon solar cell soldering process in this work. And the defects caused by soldering were analyzed systematically.

Findings

The defects caused by soldering are analyzed systematically. The optimal soldering conditions are derived for the crystalline silicon solar module.

Originality/value

The quality criterion of soldering for crystalline silicon solar module is built for the first time. The optimal soldering conditions are derived for the crystalline silicon solar module. This study provides insights into solder interconnection reliability in the photovoltaic (PV) industry.
Tree ring‐based metrics for assessing old‐growth forest naturalness
Authors: Di Filippo Alfredo , Biondi Franco , Piovesan Gianluca , Ziaco Emanuele
Published: September 2016

Old‐growth studies commonly emphasize structural and age conditions, selecting proxy indicators of long‐term ecological processes. Transition dynamics from mature to old‐growth status reveal how natural legacies are progressively accumulated in forests after major disturbances, including human ones. In late‐successional, multi‐aged forests, the chronosequential ranking of developmental stages is a difficult task, as stand age provides little information, and time since last stand‐replacing disturbance cannot be easily determined.

Canopy age features, disturbance/suppression history and growth trajectories were reconstructed from ring‐width series of canopy trees in a network of 19 old‐growth and managed European beech forests in the eastern Alps and central Apennines. A set of tree‐ring metrics able to describe the intensity and time distribution of biological and ecological processes (e.g. understorey suppression, canopy accession age) were used to describe the advancement of old‐growth status and compared to established metrics of forest structure.

Tree‐ring metrics were site dependent, as biogeoclimate affects turnover rates and constrains the onset and recovery rate of old‐growth attributes. Under the same environmental conditions (high‐mountain, limestone‐bedrock beech forests), values of the best indicators (number/duration of growth suppression phases; synchronicity of first release; maximum and range of canopy tree age; canopy accession age of the slowest‐growing trees) increased monotonically (two to five times) from managed to secondary and primary old‐growth forests. Trees in well‐conserved primary old‐growth forests experienced several and long suppressions, showing the highest complexity in recruitment history, canopy accession and growth trajectories. The best tree‐ring metrics, condensed in a Naturalness Score to provide a synthetic functional ranking of forests, varied coherently with structural complexity, which represented stand dynamics more closely than biomass‐related metrics.

Synthesis and applications. We propose a synthetic ranking of forest functional naturalness based on the ecological processes experienced by trees. This ranking helps to overcome the limitations associated with the use of arbitrary size‐ or age‐related thresholds of old‐growth status and provides a functional approach to establish chronosequences in ecological studies. The quantitative description of complex processes underpinning the unique biological and ecological features (e.g. extreme tree longevity) found in primary old‐growth forests enhances their irreplaceable value in nature conservation. The proposed framework of tree‐ring indicators describes functional traits tightly related to forest naturalness and may thus become a tool to identify and protect old‐growth forests, benchmark the impact of silvicultural practices, prescribe targets or evaluate the effectiveness of restoration programmes.
The landscape of anthropogenic mortality: how African lions respond to spatial variation in risk
Authors: Loveridge Andrew J. , Valeix Marion , Elliot Nicholas B. , Macdonald David W.
Published: September 2016

Demography and conservation status of many wild organisms are increasingly shaped by interactions with humans. This is particularly the case for large, wide‐ranging carnivores.

Using 206 mortality records (1999–2012) of lions in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, we calculated mortality rates for each source of anthropogenic mortality, modelled risk of anthropogenic mortality across the landscape accounting for time lions spent in different parts of the landscape, and assessed whether subsets of the population were more at risk.

Anthropogenic activities caused 88% of male and 67% of female mortalities; male mortality being dominated by trophy hunting while the sources for female mortality were more varied (bycatch snaring, retaliatory killing, hunting).

Landscapes of anthropogenic mortality risk revealed that communal subsistence farming areas, characterized by high risk (due to retaliatory killing) but avoided by lions, are population sinks. Trophy hunting areas and areas within protected areas bordering communal farmland, where bushmeat snaring is prevalent, form ‘ecological traps’ (or ‘attractive sinks’).

Lions avoided risky areas, suggesting they may make behavioural decisions based on perceptions of risk. Experienced adults used risky areas less and incorporated lower proportions of them in their home ranges than young individuals, suggesting that the latter may either be naïve or forced into peripheral habitats.

Synthesis and applications. This paper contributes to an understanding of how large carnivore populations are affected by anthropogenic mortality across the conservation landscape. This is critical to designing focussed, appropriate and cost‐effective conservation management strategies. Agricultural areas are intuitively identified by conservationists as being risky for carnivores due to retaliatory killing, with threats largely mitigated against by improving livestock protection. However, parts of protected areas may also form less easily identified ‘attractive sinks’ for carnivores. In particular, trophy hunting areas adjacent to national parks need careful management to avoid damaging effects of overhunting. Law enforcement is needed to reduce the effects of bushmeat poaching on predators and other wildlife in protected areas. To be most effective, resource‐limited antipoaching activities should prioritize wildlife‐rich areas close to human settlement as these tend to be hot spots for bushmeat poaching.
Slow decomposition of leaf litter from mature Fagus sylvatica trees promotes offspring nitrogen acquisition by interacting with ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Trap Jean , Akpa‐Vinceslas Marthe , Margerie Pierre , Boudsocq Simon , Richard Franck , Decaëns Thibaud , Aubert Michaël
Published: September 2016

Leaf litter chemistry and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are key drivers of the below‐ground nitrogen (N) cycling within forest ecosystems. Their combined effects on litter decomposition and N competition between microbial decomposers and plants are still uncertain.

We conducted a glasshouse microcosm experiment with low or high ECM‐colonized beech (Fagus sylvatica) saplings, growing with litter collected from old or young beech trees growing on the same loamy soil. After 6 months of growth, we investigated litter decomposition rates, microbial respiration and the N pools within leaf litter, soil (different pools), microbial and plant shoot biomass.

We found that the mass loss of the litter from young trees was always higher than the litter from the mature trees. The microbial biomass N per unit soil carbon was low when the litter, especially from mature trees, was added, suggesting that the litter provided recalcitrant compounds and limited soil microbial activity. In contrast to the ‘Gadgil effect’ hypothesis, the high ECM‐colonized roots increased the litter decomposition rate and N immobilization in poorly decomposable litter in comparison with the litter incubated with the low ECM‐colonized roots. Finally, the high ECM‐colonized plants that received the poorly decomposable leaf litter exhibited the highest shoot N amount and biomass and were associated with the lowest microbial biomass N.

Two‐way anovas revealed that litter and ECM fungi occurrence together impacted final particulate organic N, microbial biomass N, the amount of shoot N and shoot biomass. Four N pools are key drivers of microbial biomass N and shoot N: particulate organic N, total N, soil ammonium concentration and litter N concentration.

Synthesis. Our results support the hypothesis that poorly decomposable leaf litter produced by mature beech trees and ECM fungi together decrease microbial N immobilization but increase tree N acquisition. Increasing N retention within the recalcitrant N forms in soil was identified as a key mechanism by which beech alters soil N cycling with potential positive feedbacks on its acquisition by the plant. Our result emphasizes the importance of considering within‐species litter‐trait variability in litter decomposition.
The FIFA Crisis: Examining Sponsor Response Options
Authors: Fortunato John A.
Published: September 2016

A crisis not only affects the organization that engaged in the improper act, but its stakeholders as well. While there are many studies that analyse response options for the organization involved in the crisis, there is little research focusing on the strategic response of stakeholders. This article uses the crisis involving FIFA as its focus and how its sponsors, an essential stakeholder group, responded. While no companies terminated their sponsorship, sponsors did issue statements that indicated the severity of the crisis and encouraged FIFA to engage in corrective action. FIFA engaging in corrective action is the best outcome for sponsors as they can maintain their partnership and continue to accrue the promotional communication and business benefits of this sponsorship.
Ethnic Diversity and Trust: New Evidence from Australian Data
Authors: Mendolia Silvia , Tosh Alex , Yerokhin Oleg
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates the relationship between neighbourhood ethnic and linguistic heterogeneity and individuals’ local and generalised trust. A wide literature across economics and sociology has recognised the importance of trust in facilitating economic growth and development. We use fixed effects and instrumental variable regression and control for a wide set of individual and local area characteristics. Our results show that a 1 standard deviation increase in ethnic and linguistic fractionalisation is associated with a decrease in local trust of about 0.12 standard deviations, while we do not find any significant relationship between heterogeneity and generalised trust.
Executive‐level support for flexible work arrangements in a large insurance organization
Authors: Williams Penelope , McDonald Paula , Cathcart Abby
Published: September 2016

Strategic workforce initiatives, such as flexible work arrangements (FWAs) are established at the executive level, yet executive support for FWAs has been given scant attention. This study applies Bowen and Ostroff's human resource (HR) process dimensions of distinctiveness, consistency, and consensus to explore how executives in a large Australian insurance company signal support for the implementation of flexible work policy to subordinate supervisors. The findings show that executives signal their support through explicit statements encouraging use of FWAs, through reporting, and by their own use of FWAs. Importantly, the findings also show that the strategic context influence how executives interpret and implement HR policy, in this case with an emphasis on profitability and risk aversion. This study contributes to knowledge about HR policy implementation and the role of executives in shaping a work environment supportive of FWAs.
Feasibility of home‐based dietetic intervention to improve the nutritional status of older adults post‐hospital discharge
Authors: Hamirudin Aliza Haslinda , Walton Karen , Charlton Karen , Carrie Amanda , Tapsell Linda , Milosavljevic Marianna , Pang Glen , Potter Jan
Published: September 2016

Aim

To determine if a model of home‐based dietetic care improves dietary intake and weight status in a specific group of older adults post‐hospitalisation.

Methods

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients aged 65 years and over were recruited from hospitals in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia (n = 32 men, n = 36 women). Nutritional status was assessed at home at baseline (within two weeks post‐discharge) and three months post‐discharge using a diet history, a food frequency checklist and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Personalised dietary advice was provided by a single dietitian according to participants’ nutritional status.

Results

Mean body weight improved significantly (P = 0.048), as well as mean MNA score (21.9 ± 3.5 vs 25.2 ± 3.1) (P < 0.001). Mean energy, protein and micronutrient intakes were adequate at baseline and three months, except for vitamin D. At three months, the underweight group (body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m2) had significantly higher mean protein intake per body weight (1.7 ± 0.4 g/kg) compared to those who were a desirable weight (BMI 23–27 kg/m2) (1.4 ± 0.3 g/kg) or overweight (BMI>27 kg/m2) (1.1 ± 0.3 g/kg) peers (P < 0.001). There was significant improvement in energy intake contributed from oral nutrition supplements (+95.5 ± 388.2 kJ/day) and milk (+259.6 ± 659.8 kJ/day).

Conclusions

Dietetic intervention improved nutritional status 3 months after hospital discharge in older adults living in the community.
Different Flavonoids Can Shape Unique Gut Microbiota Profile In Vitro
Authors: Huang Jiacheng , Chen Long , Xue Bin , Liu Qianyue , Ou Shiyi , Wang Yong , Peng Xichun
Published: September 2016

The impact of flavonoids has been discussed on the relative viability of bacterial groups in human microbiota. This study was aimed to compare the modulation of various flavonoids, including quercetin, catechin and puerarin, on gut microbiota culture in vitro, and analyze the interactions between bacterial species using fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS) as carbon source under the stress of flavonoids. Three plant flavonoids, quercetin, catechin, and puerarin, were added into multispecies culture to ferment for 24 h, respectively. The bacterial 16S rDNA amplicons were sequenced, and the composition of microbiota community was analyzed. The results revealed that the tested flavonoids, quercetin, catechin, and puerarin, presented different activities of regulating gut microbiota; flavonoid aglycones, but not glycosides, may inhibit growth of certain species. Quercetin and catechin shaped unique biological webs. Bifidobacterium spp. was the center of the biological web constructed in this study.
Minimally Processed Functional Foods: Technological and Operational Pathways
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana
Published: September 2016

This paper offers a concise review of technical and operational concepts underpinning commercialization of minimally processed functional foods (FFs), foods with fresh‐like qualities commanding premium prices. The growing number of permitted nutritional content/health claims, many of which relate to well‐being, coupled with emerging extraction and food processing technologies offers new exciting opportunities for small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) specializing in fresh produce to play an active role in the health market. Supporting SMEs, governments could benefit from savings in healthcare costs and value creation in the economy. Consumers could benefit from novel FF formats such as refrigerated RTE (ready‐to‐eat) meals, a variety of fresh‐like meat‐, fish‐, and egg‐based products, fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables, cereal‐based fermented foods and beverages. To preserve these valuable commodities, mild biological (enzymatic treatment, fermentation and, bio‐preservation) and engineering solutions are needed. The latter include nonthermal techniques such as high‐pressure treatment, cook‐chill, sous‐vide, mirco‐encapsulation, vacuum impregnation and others. “De‐constructive” culinary techniques such as 3D food printing and molecular gastronomy as well as developments in nutrigenomics and digital technologies facilitate novel product formats, personalization and access to niche markets. In the operational sense, moving from nourishment to health improvement demands a shift from defensive market‐oriented to offensive market‐developing strategies including collaborative networks with research organizations.
Alcohol Policies and Suicide: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Xuan Ziming , Naimi Timothy S. , Kaplan Mark S. , Bagge Courtney L. , Few Lauren R. , Maisto Stephen , Saitz Richard , Freeman Robert
Published: September 2016

Both intoxication and chronic heavy alcohol use are associated with suicide. There is extensive population‐level evidence linking per capita alcohol consumption with suicide. While alcohol policies can reduce excessive alcohol consumption, the relationship between alcohol policies and suicide warrants a critical review of the literature. This review summarizes the associations between various types of alcohol policies and suicide, both in the United States and internationally, as presented in English‐language literature published between 1999 and 2014. Study designs, methodological challenges, and limitations in ascertaining the associations are discussed. Because of the substantial between‐states variation in alcohol policies, U.S.‐based studies contributed substantially to the literature. Repeated cross‐sectional designs at both the ecological level and decedent level were common among U.S.‐based studies. Non‐U.S. studies often used time series data to evaluate pre–post comparisons of a hybrid set of policy changes. Although inconsistency remained, the published literature in general supported the protective effect of restrictive alcohol policies on reducing suicide as well as the decreased level of alcohol involvement among suicide decedents. Common limitations included measurement and selection bias and a focus on effects of a limited number of alcohol policies without accounting for other alcohol policies. This review summarizes a number of studies that suggest restrictive alcohol policies may contribute to suicide prevention on a general population level and to a reduction of alcohol involvement among suicide deaths.
No effect of elevation and fragmentation on genetic diversity and structure in Polylepis australis trees from central Argentina
Authors: Peng Yanling , Morales Laura , Hensen Isabell , Renison Daniel
Published: September 2016

Phenological differences in flowering arising along elevational gradients may be caused by either local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity. Local adaptation can lead to reproductive isolation of populations at different elevational zones and thus produce elevational genetic structuring, while phenotypic plasticity does not produce elevational genetic structuring. In this study, we examined the effects of elevation and fragmentation on genetic diversity and structure of Polylepis australis populations, where individuals exhibit phenological differences in flowering along an elevational gradient. We assessed the polymorphism of amplified fragment length polymorphism markers in adults and saplings from one conserved and one fragmented forest covering elevations from 1600 to 2600 m asl. Over 98% of variation was found within populations, and we found very low and similar genetic differentiation along elevational gradients for adults and saplings in both continuous and fragmented forests. In addition, there was no significant relationship between genetic diversity and elevation. Results indicated that phenological differences along elevational gradients are more likely caused by phenotypic plasticity than local adaptation, and fragmentation does not appear to have affected genetic diversity and differentiation in the studied populations. Results therefore imply that if necessary, seeds for reforestation purposes may be collected from different elevations to the seeding or planting sites.
Commissions of inquiry and policy change: Comparative analysis and future research frontiers
Authors: Inwood Gregory J. , Johns Carolyn M.
Published: September 2016

Canadian governments have spawned hundreds of federal and provincial commissions of inquiry (COIs). Many scholars have completed in‐depth analysis of particular COIs but less attention has been paid to policy impact and comparisons across COIs. This study addresses the following questions. What role do COIs play in policy change? Would policy change likely have occurred without the COI? Why do some COIs result in policy change and others do not? This analysis reports on findings from in‐depth case studies of ten COIs. It uses a theoretical framework focusing on ideas, institutions, actors and relations to examine whether and how COIs lead to policy and administrative change.
Synthesis, in vitro evaluation and molecular docking studies of novel coumarin‐isatin derivatives as α‐glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Wang Guangcheng , Wang Jing , He Dianxiong , Li Xin , Li Juan , Peng Zhiyun
Published: September 2016

This study synthesized a series of novel coumarin‐isatin derivatives and evaluated them for α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. The majority of the screened compounds exhibited excellent inhibition activities with IC50 values of 2.56 ± 0.08–268.79 ± 3.04 μm, when compared to acarbose. Among the newly derivatives, compound 5p was found to be the most active compound in the library of coumarin‐isatin derivatives. Furthermore, enzyme kinetic studies showed that compound 5p is a non‐competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 2.14 μm. Molecular docking analysis revealed the existence of hydrophobic and hydrogen interactions between compound 5p and the active site of α‐glucosidase. Our results indicate that coumarin‐isatin derivatives as a new class of α‐glucosidase inhibitors.
Ocular surface microbiome in meibomian gland dysfunction
Authors: Watters Grant A , Turnbull Philip R , Swift Simon , Petty Alex , Craig Jennifer P
Published: September 2016

Background

To investigate the ocular microbiome in meibomian gland dysfunction in Auckland, New Zealand.

Design

Prospective, cross‐sectional, observational, university‐based study.

Participants

Participants resident in New Zealand for ≥2 years (n = 157) were classified as normal (n = 66), mild (n = 41) or moderate‐to‐severe meibomian gland dysfunction (n = 50). Contact lens wear and anterior blepharitis status were recorded, as well as symptoms and clinical features.

Methods

Bacteria collected from lid margin swabs, before and after gland expression, were isolated and identified by conventional microbiological culture techniques. Aerobic isolates were identified in all 157 participants, and both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria isolated in a subset of 87 subjects.

Main Outcome Measures

Bacterial incidence according to meibomian gland dysfunction status

Results

Symptoms, bulbar hyperaemia, conjunctival staining, lipid layer grade and tear film stability, but not corneal staining, showed moderate association with meibomian gland dysfunction severity. Participants with and without meibomian gland dysfunction showed a similar microbiome, unaffected by gland expression. Anterior blepharitis, a common co‐morbidity, was not an independent predictor of the microbiome. Sterile cultures were more common in contact lens wearers than non‐wearers. The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus was higher than anticipated across all severity groups, and that of coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and streptococci was lower.

Conclusions

Modest differences in relative proportions of bacteria compared with other studies support climatic variations in the ocular surface microbiome. Similarity in microbiome profile, irrespective of meibomian gland dysfunction severity, anterior blepharitis presence or contact lens wear, suggests potential for commonality in treatment.
Clinical presentations, risk factors and outcomes of ceftazidime‐resistant Gram‐negative endophthalmitis
Authors: Dave Vivek Pravin , Pathengay Avinash , Nishant Kumar , Pappuru Rajeev R , Sharma Savitri , Sharma Pranjali , Narayanan Raja , Jalali Subhadra , Mathai Annie , Das Taraprasad
Published: September 2016

Background

To describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients diagnosed with ceftazidime‐resistant Gram‐negative endophthalmitis and the role of intravitreal imipenem in these cases.

Design

Retrospective consecutive interventional case series at a tertiary eye care centre in South India.

Participants

Consecutive cases of ceftazidime‐resistant Gram‐negative endophthalmitis from April 2010 to December 2014. Fifty‐six cases diagnosed during this time period were included.

Methods

All cases were managed with vitreous biopsy/vitrectomy, microscopy and undiluted vitreous culture, antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates and received intravitreal antibiotics.

Main Outcome Measures

Anatomic and visual outcome of these cases, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of intravitreal imipenem and outcome of cases injected with it.

Results

Commonest presentation was acute endophthalmitis following cataract surgery (27 eyes, 48.21%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 33 eyes (58.93%; 95% CI 46.05–71.81%). Nineteen eyes (34%; 95% CI 21.59–46.41%) developed phthisis; 14 eyes (25%; 95% CI 13.66–36.34%) had vision <20/200; 17 eyes (30.35%; 95% CI 18.31–42.39%) eyes had an ambulatory vision >20/200 (logMAR 1); 6 eyes (10.71%; 95% CI 2.61–18.81%) had a reading vision >20/40 (logMAR 0.3). Trend was towards better anatomic (72.73% vs. 40%) (P = 0.05) and visual improvement in the imipenem group (logMAR 3.94 + 0.21 to 2.43 + 1.4; P = 0.002), as compared with non‐imipenem group (logMAR 2.99 + 1.3 to 2.55 + 1.4; P = 0.13).

Conclusions

Outcome of ceftazidime‐resistant Gram‐negative endophthalmitis is poor. P. aeruginosa is the commonest isolated organism. All cases were sensitive to imipenem. There was a trend towards better anatomic outcome in imipenem‐treated eyes.
Electromyography evaluation of masseter and temporalis, bite force, and quality of life in elderly patients during the adaptation of mandibular implant‐supported overdentures
Authors: Sônego Mariana Vilela , Goiato Marcelo Coelho , dos Santos Daniela Micheline
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of the installation of two implant‐supported overdentures until such treatment is complete. Although this treatment is well established in the literature, there are no studies comparing what happens to muscles and the quality of life (QoL) of patients during the treatment.

Methods

We selected 13 completely edentulous patients, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, to rehabilitate with mandibular overdentures retained by two dental implants and a complete denture as antagonists. We evaluated the efficacy of the treatment and its evolution in five steps: (i) initially, with the old complete dentures, (ii) after the implants' placement with the mandibular prosthesis relined, (iii) after the placement of the healing abutments, (iv) after the installation and adaptation of new prostheses, and (v) after a 3‐month follow‐up period. At each stage, we evaluated patients via temporal and masseter electromyography (EMG), molar and incisive bite force, and QoL.

Results

The results for EMG found a decrease in muscle activity during rest, the mastication of raisins, and lateral movements when the overdentures were installed. For the bite force and QoL, there was a gradual improvement from the placement of the healing abutments period (P ˂ 0.05), which was sustained until the follow‐up.

Conclusions

Comfort and stability improved during the treatment, demonstrated by the QoL and bite force results. These results are positive for elderly patients who might refuse an implant‐supported overdenture due to treatment length.
Effects of ageing and senescence on pancreatic β‐cell function
Authors: Helman A. , Avrahami D. , Klochendler A. , Glaser B. , Kaestner K. H. , Ben‐Porath I. , Dor Y.
Published: September 2016

Ageing is generally associated with deterioration of organ function and regenerative potential. In the case of pancreatic β‐cells, an age‐related decline in proliferative potential is well documented, and was proposed to contribute to the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the elderly. The effects of ageing on β‐cell function, namely glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), have not been studied as extensively. Recent work revealed that, surprisingly, β‐cells of mature mice and humans secrete more insulin than young β‐cells in response to high glucose concentrations, potentially serving to counteract age‐related peripheral insulin resistance. This functional change appears to be orchestrated by p16Ink4A‐driven cellular senescence and downstream remodelling of chromatin structure and DNA methylation, enhancing the expression of genes controlling β‐cell function. We propose that activation of the cellular senescence program drives life‐long functional maturation of β‐cells, due to β‐cell hypertrophy, enhanced glucose uptake and more efficient mitochondrial metabolism, in parallel to locking these cells in a non‐replicative state. We speculate that the beneficial aspects of this process can be harnessed to enhance GSIS. Other age‐related mechanisms, which are currently poorly understood, act to increase basal insulin secretion levels also in low glucose conditions. This leads to an overall reduction in the amplitude of insulin secretion between low and high glucose at old age, which may contribute to a deterioration in metabolic control.
Three‐dimensional pancreas organogenesis models
Authors: Grapin‐Botton A.
Published: September 2016

A rediscovery of three‐dimensional culture has led to the development of organ biogenesis, homeostasis and disease models applicable to human tissues. The so‐called organoids that have recently flourished serve as valuable models bridging between cell lines or primary cells grown on the bottom of culture plates and experiments performed in vivo. Though not recapitulating all aspects of organ physiology, the miniature organs generated in a dish are useful models emerging for the pancreas, starting from embryonic progenitors, adult cells, tumour cells and stem cells. This review focusses on the currently available systems and their relevance to the study of the pancreas, of β‐cells and of several pancreatic diseases including diabetes. We discuss the expected future developments for studying human pancreas development and function, for developing diabetes models and for producing therapeutic cells.
β‐Cell replacement as a treatment for type 1 diabetes: an overview of possible cell sources and current axes of research
Authors: Vieira A. , Courtney M. , Druelle N. , Avolio F. , Napolitano T. , Hadzic B. , Navarro‐Sanz S. , Ben‐Othman N. , Collombat P.
Published: September 2016

To efficiently treat type 1 diabetes, exogenous insulin injections currently represent the main approach to counter chronic hyperglycaemia. Unfortunately, such a therapeutic approach does not allow for perfectly maintained glucose homeostasis and, in time, cardiovascular complications may arise. Therefore, seeking alternative/improved treatments has become a major health concern as an increasing proportion of type 2 diabetes patients also require insulin supplementation. Towards this goal, numerous laboratories have focused their research on β‐cell replacement therapies. Herein, we will review the current state of this research area and describe the cell sources that could potentially be used to replenish the depleted β‐cell mass in diabetic patients.
Shaping and preserving β‐cell identity with microRNAs
Authors: Dumortier O. , Fabris G. , Van Obberghen E.
Published: September 2016

The highly sophisticated identity of pancreatic β‐cells is geared to accomplish its unique feat of providing insulin for organismal glucose and lipid homeostasis. This requires a particular and streamlined fuel metabolism which defines mature β‐cells as glucose sensors linked to an insulin exocytosis machinery. The establishment of an appropriate β‐cell mass and function during development as well as the maintenance of their identity throughout life are necessary for energy homeostasis. The small non‐coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), are now well‐recognized regulators of gene transcripts, which in general are negatively affected by them. Convincing evidence exists to view miRNAs as major actors in β‐cell development and function, suggesting an important role for them in the distinctive β‐cell ‘identity card’. Here, we summarize key features that associate miRNAs and the establishment of the appropriate β‐cell identity and its necessary maintenance during their ‘long life’.