bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grey relational analysis between Turkey’s macroeconomic indicators and domestic savings
Authors: Duran Engin , Uzgur Duran Burcu , Akay Diyar , Boran Fatih Emre
Published: January 2017

Purpose

It is of great importance for economy policy makers to comprehend the relationship between macroeconomic indicators and domestic savings, and to find out which indicator is more determinative on the dynamics of domestic savings. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the degree of relationship between Turkey’s domestic savings and selected macroeconomic indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the relationship, grey relational analysis (GRA) is applied together with the entropy method to determine the weight of the indicators according to the information level they provide. The analysis covers the data of the period from 1990 to 2014. In practice, however, the data set is used by dividing into two separate periods including before and after the 2001 crisis.

Findings

The results indicate that the unemployment rate and the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth stand out with a relatively high degree of relationship for the period before 2001. When examining the post-2001 period, current balance ratio and GDP growth are ascertained as indicators which have a high degree of relationship with domestic savings.

Practical implications

These indicators have different aspects affecting both public and private savings. Therefore, it may be beneficial to concentrate on these indicators when designing a policy in order to increase the domestic saving rate.

Originality/value

There are many econometric models used for investigating Turkey’s macroeconomic indicators and domestic savings causality. But before now, any study which investigates relationship between macroeconomic indicators and domestic savings by GRA could not be encountered. Using one of the newest developed theories (the grey systems theory) for this subject is the significance of this research.
Population forecast of Anhui province based on the GM(1,1) model
Authors: Gao Hong , Yao Tianxiang , Kang Xiaoru
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to predict the population of Anhui province. The authors analyze the trend of the main demographic indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the main methods of statistics, this paper studies the tendency of the population of Anhui province. It mainly analyzes the sex structure and the age structure of the current population. Based on the GM(1,1) model, this paper forecasts the total population, the population sex structure, and the population age structure of Anhui province in the next ten years.

Findings

The results show that the total population was controlled well, but there have been many problems of the population structure, such as the aging population, high sex ratio, heavy social dependency burden, and the declining labor force.

Social implications

This paper forecasts the main indexes of the population of Anhui province and provides policy recommendations for the government and the relevant departments.

Originality/value

This paper utilizes data analysis method and the grey forecasting model to study the tendency of the population problems in Anhui province.
Explanation of terms of grey clustering evaluation models
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Yang Yingjie
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the terms of grey clustering evaluation models.

Design/methodology/approach

The definitions of basic terms about grey clustering evaluation models are presented one by one.

Findings

The reader could know the basic explanation about the important terms about various grey clustering evaluation models from this paper.

Practical implications

Many of the authors’ colleagues thought that unified definitions of key terms would be beneficial for both the readers and the authors.

Originality/value

It is a fundamental work to standardise all the definitions of terms for a new discipline. It is also propitious to spread and universal of grey system theory.
Estimating a civil aircraft’s development cost with a GM(1,N) model and an MLP neural network
Authors: Xie Nai-ming , Yin Song-Ming , Hu Chuan-Zhen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study a new approach by combining a multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) algorithm with a GM(1,N) model in order to estimate the development cost of a new type of aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

First, data about developing costs and their influencing factors were collected for several types of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Second, a GM(1,N) model was constructed to simulate development costs for a civil aircraft. Then, an MLPNN algorithm was added to optimize and revise the simulative and forecasting values. Finally, a combined approach, using both a GM(1,N) model and an MLPNN algorithm was adopted to forecast development costs for new civil aircraft.

Findings

The results show that the proposed approach could do the work of cost estimation for new types of aircraft. Rather than using a single model, the combined approach could improve simulative and forecasting accuracy.

Practical implications

Scientific cost estimation could improve management efficiency and promote the success of a new type of civil aircraft development. Considering that China’s civil aircraft research and development is at its very beginning stages, only very limited data could be collected. The development costs for civil aircraft are affected by a series of factors. The approach outlined by this paper could be applied to development cost estimations in China’s civil aircraft industry.

Originality/value

The paper has succeeded by constructing a cost estimation index system and proposing a novel combined cost estimation approach comprised of a GM(1,N) model and an MLPNN. It has undoubtedly contributed to improving the accuracy of cost estimations.
The role of tolerance of ambiguity on ethical decision-making students
Authors: Moardi Mahdi , Salehi Mahdi , Marandi Zakiyeh
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of affect and tolerance of ambiguity on ethical decision-making of management and accounting students.

Design/methodology/approach

Weisbrod’s (2009) questionnaire on ethical decision-making in individual and organizational situations, McDonald’s (1970)16-factor questionnaire on tolerance of ambiguity and Watson et al.’s (1988) Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were used to study the students’ views toward research hypotheses. The population used in this study includes graduate and PhD students of accounting and management during the academic year 2014-2015. The number of samples is 398 and sample members selected using simple random sampling method. Hypotheses test using structural equation modeling in the AMOS software version 18.

Findings

Results of hypotheses shows that individual characteristics of positive and negative affect and tolerance of ambiguity have no effect on accounting students’ ethical decision-making, but there is a significant positive relationship between management students’ negative affect and ethical decision-making, and a significant negative relationship between management students’ increased level of tolerance of ambiguity and ethical decision-making. The findings also show that affect (positive and negative) and tolerance of ambiguity have no interactive effect on accounting students’ ethical decision-making, whereas among students of management, there is a significant relationship between interactive effect of negative affect and tolerance of ambiguity on ethical decision-making. The results show that there is a significant difference between students of management and accounting based on negative effects and tolerance of ambiguity on ethical decision-making.

Originality/value

The current paper is almost the first paper which was conducted in developing countries.
Unique aspects of the Islamic microfinance financing process
Authors: Wulandari Permata , Kassim Salina , Adhi Kasari Sulung Liyu , Iwani Surya Putri Niken
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight on the unique aspects of Islamic microfinance based on the experience of Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

It adopts the content analysis approach and focuses on three phases of financing, namely, pre-financing, financing and post-financing using coding and model buildings. Data are collected through in-depth interview with a sample of representatives of BMTs that offer product based on Islamic principle for the poor located in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tanggerang and Bekasi (JABODETABEK), Sulawesi Selatan, Yogyakarta and Nusa Tenggara Barat (sample chosen based on the most concentrated areas of Islamic microfinance that offered product based on Islamic principles). Ultimately, a model based on the unique features of Islamic microfinance will be developed based on the findings of the content analysis.

Findings

The proposed model incorporates the peculiarities of the poor people in pre-financing, financing and post-financing activities of micro-financing products to serve as a reference for policy makers. The paper also found that each region has unique product preferences depending on the poor’s characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

This study is only conducted in four areas with BMT representation, namely, Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (often abbreviated as JABODETABEK), Sulawesi Selatan, Yogyakarta and Nusa Tenggara Barat) in Indonesia. Despite the limited scope, the findings have wide applications to the Islamic microfinancing in general.

Originality/value

The paper adds value to the literature on Islamic microfinance by enabling researchers and practitioners to understand the model of three step financing (pre-financing, financing and post-financing) in Islamic microfinance in Indonesia. Although not a new issue, the paper provides the practice of pre-financing, financing and post-financing processes which may differ from the practices of Islamic microfinance in other settings because of different cultural influences unique to every region.
The hybrid identity of micro enterprises
Authors: Nunes Francisco G. , Anderson Janet E. , Martins Luis M. , Wiig Siri
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of ownership of community pharmacies on the perception of organizational identity and its relationships with organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out on a sample of pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Portugal. The sample comprised 1,369 pharmacists, of whom 51 percent were owner-managers. Measures of pharmacies’ normative (community health oriented) and utilitarian (business oriented) identities, identity strength (clear and unifying), substantive (stockholder focused) and symbolic (society focused) performance were included.

Findings

Both owners and employed pharmacists rated the normative identity of pharmacies higher than the utilitarian identity. Compared with employed pharmacists, owners perceive a lower level of utilitarian identity, the same level of normative identity, and higher levels of identity strength. Normative identity and identity strength predicted symbolic performance. Normative and utilitarian identities and identity strength predicted substantive performance. The relationship between utilitarian identity and substantive performance was significant among owner pharmacists but not among employed pharmacists.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations include the use of perceptive measures and the focus on the individual level of analysis.

Practical implications

In order to improve pharmacies’ performance, pharmacists who manage community pharmacies are challenged to reconcile tensions arising from the co-existence of business and community health identities and from their own agency (self-serving) and stewardship (altruistic) motives.

Originality/value

This study draws on institutional, identity and stewardship theories to understand how pharmacists, owners and employees, view the identity of community pharmacies and how identity relates to organizational performance.
Female entrepreneurial networks and foreign market entry
Authors: Rosenbaum Gitte O.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of networks in the 116 foreign market entries (FMEs) of women-owned small businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study based on semi-structured interviews with eight female entrepreneurs in the Danish fashion design industry.

Findings

The results show that contrary to the traditional emphasis placed on the role of networks in the internationalization literature, the focal female entrepreneurs only spartanly used networks to expand into new foreign markets. Indeed, networks were used in only 24 of the 116 FMEs. The respondents largely attributed this reluctance to use networks to work-life balance issues and misgivings about knowledge misappropriation. In contrast, the focal entrepreneurs strongly attested to the decisive role played by information and communication technology (ICT) in allowing firms to enter foreign markets without incurring the costs of network membership or compromising their work-life balance.

Research limitations/implications

The present study’s findings suggest that ICT has a much stronger role in the FME of firms than previously envisioned.

Practical implications

The study’s findings also have important implications for policymakers and practitioners charged with promoting the international growth of female entrepreneurial ventures.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to explore the way in which female entrepreneurs enter new foreign markets.
Formal compensation practices in family SMEs
Authors: Michiels Anneleen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

By investigating the use of formal compensation practices in family small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the purpose of this paper is to provide important new insights in these issues for academics, as well as family business practitioners, prospective applicants and financiers of family businesses. Moreover, this study includes a contingency that allows to explore heterogeneity across family businesses in their use of formal compensation practices: the CEO type.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 124 small- and medium-sized Belgian family businesses to explore the use of formal compensation practices is analyzed by the author.

Findings

The results support the hypothesis that family firms with a family CEO adopt significantly less formal compensation practices than their counterparts that are led by a non-family CEO.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizing the findings of this study must be taken with care, as the findings are based on a cross-sectional sample of family SMEs in one country, Belgium. Future research can build on these findings with studies on larger samples in other countries.

Practical implications

This study may be interesting for family business practitioners and consultants, as it provides insight in the actual use of formal compensation practices that are recommended as a best practice in numerous practitioner handbooks. Also, the results of this study might be important for prospective applicants and financiers, since the compensation system is an important communication device to signal legitimacy to external stakeholders.

Originality/value

Compensation issues are among the main challenges SMEs, especially family firms, face. Despite the clear importance of this matter, academic interest has been rather limited. This paper therefore displays sound descriptive survey results and empirically investigates the determinants of the use of formal compensation practices in Belgian family SMEs by distinguishing between different types of family businesses.
Comparing benefit- and attribute-based menu assortments: an exploratory study
Authors: Kwon Eunjin , Mattila Anna
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint effects of menu pages (single page vs multiple pages) and assortment organization (benefit- vs attribute-based) on consumers’ perceptions of variety with large assortments.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (assortment structure: single page vs multiple pages)×2 (assortment organization: benefit- vs attribute-based) experimental between-subjects design was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that with a one-page tea menu, participants perceived greater variety with the attribute-based (e.g. black teas, herbal teas, green teas, and oolong teas) menu than with the (e.g. energy-boosting, stress-relief, weight loss, and immune system-improvement) benefit-based menu. Conversely, when the menu was displayed on four pages, participants showed similar perceptions of variety across the two menu types.

Research limitations/implications

In some contexts, 20 menu items may not be considered a large assortment. Also, the authors did not test consumers’ preexisting preferences.

Practical implications

When food service operators offer an extensive benefit-based menu, it is advisable to place the options over multiple pages. If the menu needs to be displayed on a single spatial unit (e.g. a black board, or applications on a tablet or smartphone), practitioners should organize the menu based on attributes rather than benefits.

Originality/value

Although the demand for healthy dining options has led many foodservice operators to apply benefit-based organization to items on their menus, for example, by using terms such as “energy-boosting,” “stress-relief,” “weight-loss,” and “immune system-improvement,” little is known about the effectiveness of such a strategy.
Value drivers and adventure tourism
Authors: Williams Paul , Soutar Geoff , Ashill Nicholas Jeremy , Naumann Earl
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the drivers of customer value, and their respective relationships with customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions, between two culturally distinct groups of adventure tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a descriptive design and compared data from 301 Japanese and Western adventure tourists who experienced the same adventure tour. The respondents were split into two groups, and a path modeling approach was used to examine similarities and differences.

Findings

The results indicated that Japanese tourists attached more importance to emotional value and novelty value. Western tourists, however, attached relatively more importance to the utilitarian dimension of price value for money.

Practical implications

The main implication of this study is that tourism operators should account for differences in value perceptions between Japanese and Western tourists when planning tour operations, training tour guides, and managing tour itineraries. Operators should also consider customizing their tour products to fit the specific needs of these different cultural groups. This reinforces the adaptation argument when marketing tourism to international consumers.

Originality/value

This study highlights that different value drivers affect the satisfaction and behavioral intentions of Japanese tourists, relative to Western tourists. The need for adaptation of tourism products toward certain international tourists is thus necessary. The research also reinforces the importance of conceptualizing and measuring customer value as a multidimensional construct in an international adventure tourism context.
The moderating effect of supervisor and coworker support for error management on service recovery performance and helping behaviors
Authors: Pasamehmetoglu Aysin , Guchait Priyanko , Tracey J.B. , Cunningham Christopher J.L. , Lei Puiwa
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to amend and extend the emerging research that has utilized an employee-focused approach to examining the service recovery process. In doing so, the authors examine the influences of supervisor and coworker support for error management on two measures of employee service performance: service recovery performance and helping behaviors during service failure and recoveries. Specifically, this study examines the linear and non-linear interaction effects of supervisor and coworker support for error management on the outcome variables.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the proposed relationships, the authors conducted a field study that utilized survey data from a sample of 243 restaurant employees and their immediate supervisors. Employee ratings of supervisor and coworker support for error management were matched with the data gathered for the two dependent variables (i.e. supervisory ratings of service recovery performance and helping behaviors). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the linear interaction effects on the outcome variables. To examine the non-linear interaction effects on the outcome variables the authors utilized polynomial regression and response surface modeling.

Findings

The results showed that the interaction effects of supervisor and coworker support for error management was significantly positively related to both service recovery performance and helping behaviors. In addition, an alternative analysis of the shape of the interaction effects using polynomial regression and response surface modeling showed that the moderating effects may be better conceptualized as non-linear.

Originality/value

These findings offer new insights about the roles and impact of various forms of support in the service recovery process. First, the current study focuses specifically on supervisor and coworker support for error management and the impact on employees’ service recovery performance and helping behaviors. Second, this research investigates the interaction effects of these two forms of support on service recovery performance and helping behaviors. Third, along with linear interaction effects, the current work examines non-linear interaction effects. These relationships examined in this study have not been tested before. Thus, the findings of this research make a unique contribution to research in service management. The findings of this study provide more prescriptive insights about the means to prevent and respond effectively to service errors.
Response surface methodology (RSM) mediated interaction of media concentration and process parameters for the pigment production by Monascus purpureus MTCC 369 under solid state fermentation
Authors: Sehrawat Rachna , Panesar Paramjit S. , Swer Tanya L. , Kumar Anit
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to extract colour from micro-organisms (as a source of natural pigments) using agro-industrial substrates to replace synthetic media by solid state fermentation. Nature is filled with colours. Due to health and environmental consciousness among people, use of synthetic colour has declined, and so the need to develop colour from cheap and easily available natural sources (plants, animals, micro-organisms and algae) using a cost-effective technique with higher yield and rapid growth. Monascus purpureus colour is a potent source of compounds (Dimerumic acid, Monacolin-k and -aminobutyric acid) having antimutagenic, antimicrobial and antiobesity, which helps in combating diseases.

Design/methodology/approach

Response surface methodology was used to optimise the biopigments extraction from Monascus purpureus using solid state fermentation.

Findings

The best optimised conditions for biopigments production using Monascus purpureus MTCC 369 were pH 5.4 at 32°C for 8 days 9 hours (8.9 days) from sweet potato peel and pea pod powder, 7.8 (w/w) and 3.9 per cent (w/w), respectively, which gave a final yield of 21 CVU/g. The model F-value of 69.18 and high value of adjusted determination coefficient 96.00 per cent implies high level of significance of the fitted model.

Practical implications

Extracted colour can be used in beverages, confectionery and pharmaceutical industries.

Social implications

Colour produced using Monascus purpureus MTCC 369 is a natural source. As consumers are reluctant to use synthetic colour because of the undesirable allergic reactions caused by them, so a biopigment produced is natural colouring compound with wide application in food sector.

Originality/value

Selected sources of carbon and nitrogen were not used earlier by any researcher to extract biopigment from Monascus purpureus MTCC 369.
Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for UV coating
Authors: Çanak Tuba Çakır , Vurur Ömer Faruk , Serhatlı İ. Ersin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate effects of acrylic functionalisation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on properties of carbon nanotubes/epoxy nanocomposites.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, were used to assess the effects of acid treatment on MWCNTs. Ultraviolet-curable coatings were fabricated by sonication and cast moulding process. The mechanical properties of MWCNTs/epoxy composites at different weight fractions were evaluated by performing tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis tests. Also, gel contents were examined.

Findings

It was found that addition of nanotubes monomer to epoxy formulations had significant effect on the viscoelastic and mechanical properties.

Practical implications

Improving dispersion and alignment of MWCNTs in the composite matrix will contribute to the development of resin/MWCNTs nanocomposites and promote the applications.

Originality/value

The paper establishes a method to introduce MWCNTs into epoxy matrix as a monomer to enhance the photo curable and dispersion properties of the MWCNT/epoxy films.
Evaluating the core microbiota in complex communities: A systematic investigation
Authors: Astudillo‐García Carmen , Bell James J. , Webster Nicole S. , Glasl Bettina , Jompa Jamaluddin , Montoya Jose M. , Taylor Michael W.
Published: January 2017

The study of complex microbial communities poses unique conceptual and analytical challenges, with microbial species potentially numbering in the thousands. With transient or allochthonous microorganisms often adding to this complexity, a ‘core’ microbiota approach, focusing only on the stable and permanent members of the community, is becoming increasingly popular. Given the various ways of defining a core microbiota, it is prudent to examine whether the definition of the core impacts upon the results obtained. Here we used complex marine sponge microbiotas and undertook a systematic evaluation of the degree to which different factors used to define the core influenced the conclusions. Significant differences in alpha‐ and beta‐diversity were detected using some but not all core definitions. However, findings related to host specificity and environmental quality were largely insensitive to major changes in the core microbiota definition. Furthermore, none of the applied definitions altered our perception of the ecological networks summarising interactions among bacteria within the sponges. These results suggest that, while care should still be taken in interpretation, the core microbiota approach is surprisingly robust, at least for comparing microbiotas of closely related samples.
The PacC transcription factor regulates secondary metabolite production and stress response, but has only minor effects on virulence in the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Luo Zhibing , Ren Hui , Mousa Jarrod J. , Rangel Drauzio E. N. , Zhang Yongjun , Bruner Steven D. , Keyhani Nemat O.
Published: January 2017

The PacC transcription factor is an important component of the fungal ambient pH‐responsive regulatory system. Loss of pacC in the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana resulted in an alkaline pH‐dependent decrease in growth and pH‐dependent increased susceptibility to osmotic (salt, sorbitol) stress and SDS. Extreme susceptibility to Congo Red was noted irrespective of pH, and ΔBbpacC conidia showed subtle increases in UV susceptibility. The ΔBbPacC mutant showed a reduced ability to acidify media during growth due to failure to produce oxalic acid. The ΔBbPacC mutant also did not produce the insecticidal compound dipicolinic acid, however, production of a yellow‐colored compound was noted. The compound, named bassianolone B, was purified and its structure determined. Despite defects in growth, stress resistance, and oxalate/insecticidal compound production, only a small decrease in virulence was seen for the ΔBbpacC strain in topical insect bioassays using larvae from the greater waxmoth, Galleria mellonella or adults of the beetle, Tenebrio molitor. However, slightly more pronounced decreases were seen in virulence via intrahemcoel injection assays (G. mellonella) and in assays using T. molitor larvae. These data suggest important roles for BbpacC in mediating growth at alkaline pH, regulating secondary metabolite production, and in targeting specific insect stages.
Have Free Trade Agreements Created Trade? Evidence from CEPA
Authors: Zhou Yonghong
Published: January 2017

This paper revisits the issue of trade creation effects in multi‐stage free trade agreements (FTA). In contrast to the empirical studies that use the gravity equation to study trade creation effects, we apply a triple difference in differences approach to resolve their shortcomings, including factors being omitted and endogeneity. After the identification of treatment and control groups at the eight‐digit Harmonized System (HS) code product level, the regression analysis results show that there are no significant trade creation effects with the FTA, suggesting that the role of FTA may be a signalling beyond trade.
Bringing Privacy into the Fold: Considerations for the Use of Social Media in Crisis Management
Authors: Watson Hayley , Rodrigues Rowena
Published: January 2017

This article presents findings from a European project on the Contribution of Social Media in Crisis management (COSMIC). While limited, the findings are based on desk‐based research and a stakeholder workshop. The authors find there are a number of inherent privacy‐related challenges to be considered, if those involved in crisis management activities are to optimally use social media. They analyse some applicable challenges such as surveillance, (unrestricted) collection and processing of personal and sensitive personal information, and key European legal provisions that apply, including the General Data Protection Regulation. In conclusion, the authors argue that if not appropriately addressed, these challenges may result not only in harms to individuals and society, but also in a loss of institutional reputation and trust.
Granulocyte‐Monocyte Apheresis as an Adjuvant Therapy to Anti‐Tumor Necrosis Factor Drugs for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Lago Iago , Gómez‐Irwin Laura , Fernández Encarnación , Higuera Rebeca , Cabriada José Luis
Published: January 2017

Biologic anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs have demonstrated their efficacy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Nevertheless, some patients will not respond to this therapy or will develop loss of response. Leukapheresis is the main non‐pharmacological therapy for some immune‐mediated diseases. The aim of our study was to describe our experience with this therapy in ulcerative colitis patients after loss of response to anti‐TNF treatment. Leukapheresis was indicated in four patients with left‐sided or extensive colitis because of partial response to biological therapy or secondary loss of response to it. All patients received 8 to 10 sessions in an intensive regimen. Globally, a decrease in the Mayo score was observed. The overall response rate was 50% with one patient who displayed sustained response. No patients have required colectomy during follow‐up. Adjuvant treatment with leukapheresis in patients with inadequate response to anti‐TNF treatment showed some beneficial effect, although of limited duration, in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Women on boards and greenhouse gas emission disclosures
Authors: Hollindale Janice , Kent Pamela , Routledge James , Chapple Larelle
Published: January 2017

We apply institutional and board capital theory to examine whether women on boards are associated with disclosure and quality of corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related reporting. We examine the research problem in Australia in a period when no requirements existed for listed companies to appoint female directors or to report GHG emissions. This environment allows us to examine the association between women on boards and GHG emissions related disclosure in annual and sustainability reports in a voluntary setting. We find that companies with multiple female directors make GHG emissions related disclosures that are of higher quality.
Further evidence of the relationship between accruals and future cash flows
Authors: Farshadfar Shadi , Monem Reza M.
Published: January 2017

Focusing only on operating accruals in accrual‐based studies results in a loss of information and noisy measures of both accrual and cash flow components of earnings. Thus, we examine the relative importance of working capital accruals, non‐current operating accruals, and financing accruals with regard to future cash flows from operations (CFO). Using Australian data, we provide evidence that both working capital and non‐current operating accruals are important for explaining future CFO but that the contribution of financing accruals is not significant. Moreover, the asset component of accruals plays a more important role in explaining future CFO than the liability component.
Real‐world use, effectiveness and safety of anti‐viral treatment in chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infection
Authors: Cornberg M. , Petersen J. , Schober A. , Mauss S. , Böker K. H. W. , Link R. , Günther R. , Serfert Y. , Pfeiffer‐Vornkahl H. , Manns M. P. , Sarrazin C. , Hüppe D. , Berg T. , Niederau C.
Published: January 2017

Background

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 (GT3) is more challenging compared with other genotypes. Since 2014, several new treatment regimens have been approved but sometimes based on limited data.

Aim

To validate the use, effectiveness and safety of anti‐viral treatment in chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infection under real‐word conditions.

Methods

The German Hepatitis C‐Registry is a large national non‐interventional real‐world study for patients with chronic hepatitis C. A total of 1322 GT3 patients were enrolled (211 untreated and 1111 treated patients).

Results

Between February 2014 and September 2015, five different treatment strategies have been used (PegIFN+RBV, PegIFN+RBV+SOF, SOF+RBV, DCV+SOF±RBV, LDV/SOF±RBV). Treatment uptake and use of treatment concepts changed markedly and rapidly during the study influenced by new approvals, guideline recommendations, and label updates. PegIFN‐based therapies constantly declined while DCV‐based therapies increased with one interruption after the approval of LDV/SOF, which was frequently used until new guidelines recommended not using this combination for GT3. Per‐protocol SVR ranged from 80.9% in the PegIFN+RBV group to 96.1% in PegIFN+RBV+SOF treated patients. Treatment‐experienced patients with cirrhosis showed a suboptimal SVR of 68% for SOF+RBV but a high SVR of 90–95% for DCV+SOF±RBV. The safety analysis showed more adverse events and a stronger decline of haemoglobin for RBV containing regimens.

Conclusions

Real‐world data can validate the effectiveness and safety for treatment regimens that had previously been approved with limited data, in particular for specific subgroups of patients. The present study demonstrates how rapid new scientific data, new treatment guidelines, new drug approvals and label changes are implemented into routine clinical practice today.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: rifaximin is effective and safe for the treatment of small intestine bacterial overgrowth
Authors: Gatta L. , Scarpignato C.
Published: January 2017

Background

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a heterogeneous syndrome, characterised by an increased number and/or abnormal type of bacteria in the small bowel. Over the past decades, rifaximin has gained popularity for this indication despite its use is not evidence based.

Aim

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarise evidence about the efficacy and safety of rifaximin to eradicate SIBO in adult patients.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CCRCT, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 16, 2015 for RCTs and observational studies. Furthermore, abstract books of major European, American and Asian gastroenterological meetings were also examined.

Results

Thirty‐two studies involving 1331 patients were included. The overall eradication rate according to intention‐to‐treat analysis was 70.8% (95% CI: 61.4–78.2; I2 = 89.4%) and to per protocol analysis 72.9% (95% CI: 65.5–79.8; I2 = 87.5%). Meta‐regression identified three covariates (drug dose, study design and co‐therapy) independently associated with an increased eradication rate. The overall rate of adverse events was 4.6% (95% CI: 2.3–7.5; I2 = 63.6%). In the subset of studies (n= 10) allowing the analysis, improvement or resolution of symptoms in patients with eradicated SIBO was found to be 67.7% (95% CI: 44.7–86.9; I2 = 91.3%).

Conclusions

Rifaximin treatment seems to be effective and safe for the treatment of SIBO. However, the quality of the available studies is generally poor. Well‐designed RCTs are needed to substantiate these findings and to establish the optimal regimen.
Metabolic adaptation of colonic microbiota to galactooligosaccharides: a proof‐of‐concept‐study
Authors: Mego M. , Manichanh C. , Accarino A. , Campos D. , Pozuelo M. , Varela E. , Vulevic J. , Tzortzis G. , Gibson G. , Guarner F. , Azpiroz F.
Published: January 2017

Background

Prebiotics have been shown to reduce abdominal symptoms in patients with functional gut disorders, despite that they are fermented by colonic bacteria and may induce gas‐related symptoms.

Aim

To investigate changes in the metabolic activity of gut microbiota induced by a recognised prebiotic.

Methods

Healthy subjects (n = 20) were given a prebiotic (2.8 g/day HOST‐G904, HOST Therabiomics, Jersey, Channel Islands) for 3 weeks. During 3‐day periods immediately before, at the beginning and at the end of the administration subjects were put on a standard diet (low fibre diet supplemented with one portion of high fibre foods) and the following outcomes were measured: (i) number of daytime gas evacuations for 2 days by means of an event marker; (ii) volume of gas evacuated via a rectal tube during 4 h after a test meal; and (iii) microbiota composition by faecal Illumina MiSeq sequencing.

Results

At the beginning of administration, HOST‐G904 significantly increased the number of daily anal gas evacuations (18 ± 2 vs. 12 ± 1 pre‐administration; P < 0.001) and the volume of gas evacuated after the test meal (236 ± 23 mL vs. 160 ± 17 mL pre‐administration; P = 0.006). However, after 3 weeks of administration, these effects diminished (11 ± 2 daily evacuations, 169 ± 23 mL gas evacuation). At day 21, relative abundance of butyrate producers (Lachnospiraceae) correlated inversely with the volume of gas evacuated (r = −0.52; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The availability of substrates induces an adaptation of the colonic microbiota activity in bacterial metabolism, which produces less gas and associated issues. Clinical trials.gov NCT02618239.
Investigation of underlying comorbidities as risk factors for symptomatic human hepatitis E virus infection
Authors: Zhang S. , Chen C. , Peng J. , Li X. , Zhang D. , Yan J. , Zhang Y. , Lu C. , Xun J. , Li W. , Ling Y. , Huang Y. , Chen L.
Published: January 2017

Background

Symptomatic Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection occurs in few infected subjects, and the risk factors are not completely known.

Aim

To explore the risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes in acute HEV infections.

Methods

A large retrospective study was conducted. The baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and laboratory data of 512 acute HEV infection cases were analysed using logistic regression models.

Results

All patients exhibited autochthonous sporadic HEV infections, and most were elderly. Their symptoms varied from asymptomatic to severe liver diseases. In all, 215 patients (42.0%) had liver failure and/or decompensation, and 45 (8.2%) patients died within 3 months. Nearly 60% of patients had underlying chronic liver diseases (CLDs), 20% were cirrhotic, and various extrahepatic underlying comorbidities were common. The logistic regression analysis revealed that underlying CLDs, especially cirrhosis, were closely associated with disease severity (OR = 8.78, P < 0.001) but not with mortality in patients with severe liver diseases. In addition to the known factors, including an old age, the male gender and CLDs, we identified pre‐existing extrahepatic tumours, diabetes, and chronic respiratory and renal diseases as novel independent predictors for adverse clinical outcomes. Importantly, patients without these four extrahepatic comorbidities showed a much lower mortality rate (4.2%, P < 0.001) than patients with one (18.5%) or more comorbidities (34.5%).

Conclusions

Previous comorbidities, including tumours, diabetes, and chronic liver, lung and kidney diseases, were independent risk factors for adverse outcomes, especially mortality, in acute HEV infections. This study provides valuable data for improving the prevention and control of HEV infection.
Low immunoglobulin E flags two distinct types of immune dysregulation
Authors: Elkuch M , Greiff V , Berger C T , Bouchenaki M , Daikeler T , Bircher A , Navarini A A , Heijnen I , Recher M
Published: January 2017

During the last two decades, hyper-immunoglobulin (Ig)E syndromes have been characterized clinically and molecularly in patients with genetically determined primary immunodeficiencies. However, the detection of low IgE levels, defined here as below detection limit in the routine clinical immunology laboratory, has received little attention. We analysed the association of serum IgA, IgM and IgG levels (including IgG subclasses) with low, normal or high serum IgE levels in patients evaluated in a single-centre out-patient immunodeficiency and allergy clinic. The correlation of serum IgE levels with IgG subclasses depended on the clinical phenotype. In patients with immunodeficiencies, IgE correlated with IgG2 and IgG4 but not with IgG3. In contrast, in patients referred for signs of allergy, IgE correlated with IgG3 but not with IgG2. A low IgE result was associated with low IgG3 and IgG4 in allergy referrals, while immunodeficiency referrals with a low IgE result had significantly lower IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 levels. Hierarchical clustering of non-IgE immunoglobulin profiles (IgM, IgA, IgG, IgG1–4) validated that non-IgE immunoglobulin levels predict the clinic referral, i.e. phenotype, of low-IgE patients. These results suggesto guide the clinical management of patients with low serum IgE levels.
Cytology of rheumatoid pleuritis
Authors: Ghozzi A. , Ben Rejeb S. , Ben Ghachem D. , Yengui F. , Bellil K.
Published: January 2017

In this correspondence, the authors have described the characteristic cytological features of rheumatic pleural effusion together with differential diagnosis and the importance of recognition of these features to avoid unnecessary investigation.
Bufalin, a bufanolide steroid from the parotoid glands of the Chinese toad, inhibits L‐type Ca2+ channels and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Song Tao , Chu Xi , Zhang Xuan , Song Qiongtao , Zhang Ying , Zhang Yuanyuan , Han Xue , Zhang Jianping , Chu Li
Published: January 2017

Bufalin is a bufanolide steroid compound in Chan Su. Chan Su is a traditional Chinese medicine prepared from the dried white secretion of the auricular and skin glands of toads and has been used as an oriental drug. However, the effect of bufalin on cardiac function and its underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we explore the cellular mechanisms of bufalin on myocardial protection via the whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording and video‐based edge detection system. Exposure to bufalin resulted in a concentration‐dependent blockade of ICa‐L, with the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 60 μm and the maximal inhibitory effect of 71.50 ± 2.67%. Bufalin at 100 μm reduced cell shortening by 33.83 ± 4.01%. Bufalin restrained L‐type Ca2+ channels conductance, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes. Thus, the protective effects of bufalin on the heart may be determined by the inhibitory effect on ICa‐L and the negative inotropic action caused by the decrease of intracellular Ca2+ in rat myocardial cells.
Life threatening nutritional deficiencies in a dialysis patient
Authors: Aziz Fahad , Chaudhary Kunal
Published: January 2017

Nutritional deficiencies are very common among the patient on chronic hemodialysis. But they can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. Deficiencies of trace elements and phosphorous is rare among this patient population but if neglected can lead to catastrophic effects. We describe a case report of a patient with ESRD recently started on outpatient maintenance hemodialysis, who presented with life threatening muscular weakness with respiratory failure requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. On initial workup, it was unclear what the cause of her weakness was, however, further investigations showed undetectable phosphorous levels as well as very low levels of trace elements. Replacement of these compounds to normal levels led to marked improvement in the clinical picture. On further evaluation, the patient was also found to be profoundly depressed with poor appetite even prior to initiation of hemodialysis. This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis of depression and malnutrition in patients on chronic hemodialysis, as severe depression can contribute to malnutrition and life threatening deficiencies of organic as well as inorganic compounds, which may cause life threatening complications as evidenced in this patient.
Gender and the management of climate‐related risks in Northern Thailand
Authors: Lebel Louis , Lebel Phimphakan , Lebel Boripat
Published: January 2017

In much past research on the sustainability of natural resource management, gender was either ignored or women were essentialised as care‐takers or victims. Recent programmes on disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change seem to be retracing these myths. There is a need for more critical research on how gender influences the experience and management of climate‐related risks. This paper draws on a set of earlier studies to explore the influences of gender on climate risk management by farming households in northern Thailand. We find that women fish farmers perceived greater climate‐related risks to profits, and this corresponded with attaching greater importance to risk management practices at the farm and community levels. Women and men crop farmers had very similar perceptions of changing drought risks. Research on the roles of women in community‐level water management, and gendered social norms suggest that it will be more difficult for women to reduce risks to their farms at the larger, collective, scales than it is for men. This study shows that gender can influence risk‐taking and decision‐making and therefore should be taken into account when strengthening climate risk management practices or designing adaptation interventions.