bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the protection and use of online personal information in South Africa and the United Kingdom in line with data protection requirements
Authors: Da Veiga Adéle , Vorster Ruthea , Li Fudong , Clarke Nathan , Furnell Steven M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between South Africa (SA) and the United Kingdom (UK) in terms of data protection compliance with the aim to establish if a country that has had data protection in place for a longer period of time has a higher level of compliance with data protection requirements in comparison with a country that is preparing for compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

An insurance industry multi-case study within the online insurance services environment was conducted. Personal information of four newly created consumer profiles was deposited to 10 random insurance organisation websites in each country to evaluate a number of data privacy requirements of the Data Protection Act and Protection of Personal Information Act.

Findings

The results demonstrate that not all the insurance organisations honored the selected opt-out preference for receiving direct marketing material. This was evident in direct marketing material that was sent from the insurance organisations in the sample to both the SA and UK consumer profiles who opted out for it. A total of 42 unsolicited third-party contacts were received by the SA consumer profiles, whereas the UK consumer profiles did not receive any third-party direct marketing. It was also found that the minimality principle is not always met by both SA and UK organisations.

Research limitations/implications

As a jurisdiction with a heavy stance towards privacy implementation and regulation, it was found that the UK is more compliant than SA in terms of implementation of the evaluated data protection requirements included in the scope of this study, however not fully compliant.

Originality/value

Based upon the results obtained from this research, it suggests that the SA insurance organisations should ensure that the non-compliance aspects relating to direct marketing and sharing data with third parties are addressed. SA insurance companies should learn from the manner in which the UK insurance organisations implement these privacy requirements. Furthermore, the UK insurance organisations should focus on improved compliance for direct marking and the minimality principle. The study indicates the positive role that data protection legislation plays in a county like the UK, with a more mature stance toward compliance with data protection legislation.
Capital flight and extent of corruption control in the least corrupt African countries
Authors: Yapatake Kossele Thales Pacific , Ngaba Mbai-Akem Magalie Gabriella
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corruption control on capital flight in the least corrupt African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data covering the period of 1996-2010.

Findings

The results show that the extent of corruption, the total natural resources rent are statistically significant and affect positively the capital across the pooled, random and fixed effects. Inflation and economic growth are also found to have a negative impact on capital flight. Moreover, the exchange rate has a negative and significant effect on capital flight.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that the extent of corruption control by responsible institutions can be considered as one of the most effective weapons in the fight against capital flight in the least corrupt African countries.

Social implications

The paper recommends to the government of the least corrupt countries in Africa to create an enabling political and economic environment for investor’s attractiveness. This, in turn, will reduce the occurrence of capital flight and lead to the sustainable development.

Originality/value

The findings of this study suggest that the extent of corruption control by responsible institutions can be considered as one of the most effective weapons in the fight against capital flight in the least corrupt African countries. The paper recommends to the government of the least corrupt countries in Africa to create an enabling political and economic environment for investor’s attractiveness. This, in turn, will reduce the occurrence of capital flight and lead to the sustainable development.
Effect of compression pants on EEG spectrum
Authors: Lee Hyojeong , Kim Kiseong , Lee Yejin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of wearing compression pants of varying pressure levels on the wearer’s attention/concentration to investigate the appropriate level of compression for sport performance and confirm whether this methodology is feasible as a means of evaluating sportswear functionality.

Design/methodology/approach

After wearing compression pants of varying compression levels, spontaneous potentials were analyzed by calculating the spontaneous electroencephalography (EEG) indices: relative low beta (RLB) power spectrum ((12~15 Hz)/(4~50 Hz)), relative mid beta (RMB) power spectrum ((15~20 Hz)/(4~50 Hz)), and ratio of sensory motor rhythm to theta waves ((12~15 Hz)/(4~8 Hz)). The activation of brain waves was mapped and visualized from EEG data using BioScan-Map (BioBrain Inc., Daejeon, Korea).

Findings

The influence of pressure levels on brain waves was confirmed: RLB power, RMB power and RST varied by experimental clothing. CP3, the compression pants that applied moderate pressure (1.57±0.41 kPa), was associated with a relatively higher level of attention/concentration – i.e., the results confirmed that sports compression pants that apply approximately 1.0~2.0 kPa to the area between the thighs and shins are improve attention/concentration. It was further confirmed that EEG is a useful tool for evaluating the psychophysiological effects of functional apparel.

Originality/value

Unlike preceding studies that considered only alpha waves and the effects of clothing on comfort, this study investigated the influence of compression garments on attention/concentration.
Antecedents of collaboration and drivers of relational risk in public safety networks
Authors: Sienkiewicz-Małyjurek Katarzyna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the inter-related impact of the antecedents of collaboration on the emergence of relational risk and the impact of relational risk on the effectiveness of collaboration in public safety networks (PSNs).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on desk research and a survey questionnaire. The analysis of the results was based on the modelling of structural equations.

Findings

The analyses indicate how the antecedents of collaboration influence relational risk in PSNs and the extent to which this risk, in turn, may affect the overall effectiveness of collaboration in the networks studied. The findings identify the antecedents that have the greatest impact on the emergence of relational risks, the drivers of relational risk in PSNs and the impact of the drivers of relational risk on collaboration in the networks.

Originality/value

The study of relational risk is rarely undertaken with little literature or research in the field of public safety. The added value is the identification of the causes of the relational risk among the antecedents of collaboration in PSNs and the analysis of the impact of this risk on the effectiveness of inter-organisational collaboration.
Applying lean six sigma to grading process improvement
Authors: Oliver Jennie , Oliver Zachary , Chen Charles
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how the lean six sigma (LSS) methodology can be implemented in a teaching context to positively impact the experience of both the instructor and student. The paper focuses on: describing the application of the LSS methodology in streamlining the grading process; reporting the findings; and examining possibility of deploying the LSS methodology in additional aspects in the education sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The observations presented in this paper stem from a small-scale case study of LSS implementation in an instructional context.

Findings

The implementation of LSS methodology allowed the authors to generate a feedback system that is focused, scaffolding and cumulative while meeting the goal of requiring less time to produce for the instructor.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on an empirical study of a single process intervention with only a small sample in a single instructional context; therefore, the research results may lack generalizability. Further testing of the proposed propositions is encouraged.

Practical implications

The paper includes an analysis of current practice and implications for the deployment of DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) method. A combination of lean and six sigma techniques were deployed in a post-secondary class setting to demonstrate how different techniques can be used to improve instructional processes.

Originality/value

This paper produces one more example for LSS implementation in an educational–instructional context for a small but growing base of literature.
Conceptualizing project team momentum: a review of the sports literature
Authors: Coulon Thibaut , Barki Henri , Paré Guy
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a clear and generalizable conceptualization of project team momentum, as well as a detailed and engaging research agenda on this concept.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted to achieve the study’s objectives. The review acknowledges the meanings that researchers in the field of sports have ascribed to the concept of momentum.

Findings

The paper develops a multidimensional (cognitive, affective and behavioral) conceptualization of project team momentum, as well as a conceptual framework that clearly distinguishes this construct from its antecedents and consequences.

Research limitations/implications

The paper encourages researchers to adopt the proposed conceptualization of project team momentum and to investigate the questions proposed in the research agenda.

Originality/value

The paper develops a strong conceptual basis for a concept that is highly relevant to, but currently not well-understood in, the project management domain. The proposed conceptualization is likely to contribute to the development of a sound theory of project team dynamics and project success.
An exploratory study on Texas wine club members’ intention to remain
Authors: Bauman Matthew J. , Taylor Christopher D.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the antecedents that contribute to wine club members’ intention to remain in the wine club. Additionally, this study examines the potential departure and retention rates of wine club members, as well as provides insight into socio-demographic profiles and differences of wine club members.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relied on prior literature to build hypotheses that were tested using multiple linear regression analyses. An online questionnaire was used to recruit a total of 352 usable surveys from wine club members of a winery located in Fredericksburg, Texas. The researchers examined the predictive power of perceived service quality, winery wine club policy, customer loyalty and brand attitude on wine club members’ intention to remain in the wine club.

Findings

Customer loyalty and brand attitude were found to significantly predict wine club members’ intention to remain in the wine club, accounting for approximately 49 per cent of the variance explained. However, perceptions of service quality and winery wine club policy were not found to significantly predict wine club members’ intention to remain in the wine club. Additionally, household income was found to also positively correlate with wine club members’ intention to remain.

Research limitations/implications

First, this research relied on self-reported measures. Second, wine club members from only one winery were surveyed, limited generalizability. Third, this paper specifically examined the antecedents of wine club members’ intention to remain and did not examine the reasons why wine club members leave. Ultimately, the main implication of this research is in demonstrating the importance of customer loyalty and brand attitude as antecedents of wine club members’ intention to remain in the wine club, as well as in providing insights as to the potential retention and churn rates of wine club members.

Originality/value

Prior research is yet to investigate the factors that predict wine club members’ intention to remain in the wine club. Thus, this paper provides evidence as to two powerful predictive antecedents that prevent wine club member churn. Furthermore, this research yields additional insights regarding wine consumer behavior within the context of the direct-to-consumer marketing channel.
Servitization and digitalization in manufacturing: the influence on firm performance
Authors: Martín-Peña María-Luz , Sánchez-López José-María , Díaz-Garrido Eloísa
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a comprehensive framework that integrates the emerging trends of servitization and digitalization in manufacturing. The influence between digitalization and servitization is defined and quantified. Their contribution to firm performance is analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a theoretical model that captures the relationships between the analyzed variables. Drawing on the Spanish Business Strategy Survey, hypothesis testing is conducted using data on 828 Spanish industrial firms. Linear regression models are built to capture the effect of each variable on firm performance and the type of interaction between the variables.

Findings

Servitization and digitalization are positively related to firm performance. Digitalization positively mediates the relationship between servitization and firm performance. The mediating effect of digitalization contributes to differentiating between the direct and indirect effects of servitization on firm performance.

Practical implications

The paper provides a useful analysis framework for firms to evaluate servitization and digitalization as success strategies. It is proposed that firms must simultaneously commit to digital transformation and the incorporation of services to create value, especially in business-to-business settings. Servitization and digitalization interact to exert a greater influence on performance.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the theory on service strategy by providing an analysis model that includes digitalization as a mediator of the relationship between servitization and firm performance. Digitalization may provide a mechanism to unlock the benefits of servitization and thereby enhance firm performance.
Does the organizational climate predict the innovation in sports clubs?
Authors: Escamilla-Fajardo Paloma , Núñez-Pomar Juan , Parra-Camacho David
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of organizational climate (OC) (with its different dimensions) and type of category (international–national or regional–local) on innovation, also taking into account the level of competition in which the club participates. This paper also aims to analyze the effect of the type of category on the relationship between OC and innovation. This could provide new information in the sports sector and in the organizational area.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research was chosen with a sample of 485 Spanish sports clubs. The statistical analyses carried out were descriptive, mean difference, correlations between studied variables and hierarchical regression models, with the statistical package SPSS 23.0 and the macro PROCESS.

Findings

The results showed that there are significant differences in innovation depending on the level of competition. There is a positive correlation between the dimensions of OC (training, formation, supervision, resources, safety and overall) and innovation. The OC dimensions that have the highest prediction of innovation in sports clubs are training and motivation, in sports clubs with regional–local and international–national level of competition.

Practical implications

This paper provides information on the aspects that most influence innovation so that one can focus and pay more attention to some aspects over others.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate by offering a relationship of CB with innovation in the non-profit or associative sports sector. This provides organizational and entrepreneurial information to the sports environment.
Fashion exposure
Authors: Gopura Sumith , Payne Alice Ruth , Buys Laurie , Bandara Deepthi Chandrika
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Developing countries engaged in apparel value chain are going global, seeking opportunities to upgrade the industry through providing higher value-added products and services. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how Sri Lankan apparel industry designers interact with the western fashion world in the apparel value chain process, and how they acquire, adapt and apply the knowledge needed to develop high-value fashion products in their fashion design practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews conducted with fashion design and product development professionals in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. An inductive thematic analysis is used in identifying participants’ experience of the western fashion world within their fashion design practice.

Findings

The study proposes a “fashion knowledge bridge” illustrating the ways in which Sri Lankan designers acquire and merge high-value fashion consumer culture and lifestyle knowledge with the manufacturing industry, through multisensory and virtual experience, termed “exposure”, in their interactions with the western fashion world as well as the manufacturing culture of the Sri Lankan apparel industry. Designers’ exposure improves the feasibility and reliability of their apparel products, aligning to the end-consumer needs. The study also proposes a “designers’ exposure framework” that illustrates gains made by the Sri Lankan apparel industry resulting from knowledge enhancement through the designers’ exposure.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a qualitative methodology that has potential subjective biases on the part of the researchers; in this case only the Sri Lankan designers’ perspectives were used in synthesising the findings.

Originality/value

The findings propose frameworks with theoretical and managerial implications for developing designers’ capabilities in apparel manufacturing countries that seek industrial upgrading through value-added fashion design practice.
FDI in Africa: potential implications of Brexit on South Africa’s financial sector
Authors: Buthelezi Silindile Nomfihlakalo
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether any potential weakening of the UK’s financial sector, as a result of Brexit, will have a negative impact on South Africa’s financial sector given the close ties between the countries’ financial systems. This paper seeks to also argue that Brexit may provide an opportunity for South Africa to pursue new trade linkages with other countries in Africa and Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a review of relevant sources from foreign direct investment (FDI) and international economic literature. It analyses comparative and cross-disciplinary research and examines the current trends in the legal and economic climate in South Africa – within the context of economic growth and FDI inflows patterns.

Findings

This paper finds that Brexit does not pose a systemic risk to South Africa’s financial system. This paper also finds that South Africa’s recent policy changes may serve as obstacles to South Africa attracting new FDI.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of Brexit on the investment in the economy of African countries are under-researched, and this paper provides an additional contribution to the euro-centric discussion of the ramifications of Brexit on the economic developments in the financial sector after Britain’s exit.

Originality/value

This paper argues for an enhanced FDI system for South Africa and its policy proposals can be used to further the independence of African countries from European investment streams.
Unqualified social work: “a positive caring approach” for the Scottish private rented sector
Authors: Bridgman Benjamin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the emic theme of “unqualified social work” as part of the process of property management in a self-described “letting agency with a difference” in Edinburgh, set in the context of the rapid expansion of the private rented sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based upon ethnographic data from participant observation in a letting agency and unstructured interviews with their employees.

Findings

The paper suggests that the shift in Scotland in terms of the provision of housing and housing-related services from the public sector to the private rented sector in recent decades has engendered new social and economic relations in which property managers become “unqualified social workers”.

Practical implications

The paper aims to exemplify how anthropology and ethnographic research may contribute to the understanding of the private rented sector and of property management.

Originality/value

The paper aims to contribute to the wider literature on the private rented sector by foregrounding the role of the property manager. The paper also brings an analysis derived from the anthropology of ethics to an ethnographic understanding of property management and the private rented sector.
Possible key factors for Brazilian publicly traded companies to adopt a sponsorship strategy
Authors: de Alcântara Jessica Nunes , de Benedicto Gideon Carvalho , da Silva Sabrina Soares
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify organizational and industrial characteristics of publicly traded Brazilian firms with sport and cultural sponsorships.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data, as organization variables and industry level variables, were sourced from Economatica®. The data were analyzed using logistic regression.

Findings

Both size and asset profitability were associated with a sponsorship strategy. Both industry concentration and company size are positively related to both cultural and sport sponsorship strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this paper provide support to resource-based view and SPC theories. The notable limitation of the study is the reliance on non-standardized social reporting.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study the importance for sponsorship to companies’ performance. The adoption of sponsorship strategies has been growing in Brazil and becoming more and more important for sponsor companies’ performance and in developing these industries, sport and creative. Through culture and sports, companies try to add value to their brands, delivering a socially responsible image to the audience.
The wicked problem of social cohesion: moving ahead
Authors: Yassim Mazia
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Despite the amount of attention given to social cohesion, divisions within many societies are becoming wider due to various factors including religious and far-right extremism and economic austerity. Given its “wickedness”, social cohesion has been researched from various dimensions. However, to develop an effective solution-based programme, these multi-facets need to be brought together for a clearer way forward. This paper aims to bring together multiple disciplines to propose a way forward in the social cohesion discourse in the following two ways: by developing a common conceptualisation of social cohesion and identifying an effective approach to operationalise social cohesion.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a critical qualitative research approach and used three expert discussion forums consisting of academics and practitioners from multiple disciplines.

Findings

The research identifies contact theory and participatory approaches as providing an effective way forward for social cohesion. Social cohesion is conceptualised in the form of factors needed to build a cohesive society and outcomes of a cohesive society. Using the social marketing approach of down- mid- and up-stream strategies and interventions, this research proposes a bottom-up approach to addressing the wicked problem of social cohesion.

Originality/value

Social cohesion has been discussed by various academics and practitioners from multiple disciplines. This paper developed a common conceptualisation of social cohesion based on a review of multi-disciplinary literature combined with discussions with experts from academia and practice. Relating this to the down-, up- and mid-stream social marketing, and this paper also identified the participatory approach, based on contact theory, as an effective way in which social marketers can achieve downstream social marketing objectives.
A survey of time based approaches for linked data
Authors: Radio Erik
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Linked data technologies promise different ways of querying and retrieving information that enable individuals to have search experiences that are broader and more coordinated than those common in current library technologies. It is vital that information technologies be able to incorporate temporal capabilities or reasoning to allow for the more nuanced interactions with resources, particularly as they change over time. The purpose of this paper is to assess methods currently in use that allow for temporal querying of resources serialized as linked data.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines philosophical models, experimental approaches and common standards to identify areas of alignment and divergence in their orientations toward serializing time and change as linked data. By framing approaches and standards within the context of philosophical theories, a clear preference for certain models of time emerge.

Findings

While there have been several approaches to serializing time as linked data, none have found their way into a full implementation by standards in common use. Further, approaches to the issue are largely rooted in one model of philosophical thought that is particularly oriented to computational approaches. As such there is a gap between methods and standards, and a large room for further investigation into temporal models that may be applicable for different contexts. A call for investigation into a model that can cascade in to different temporal approaches is provided.

Originality/value

While there are many papers concerning serializing time as linked data, none have tried to thoroughly align these to philosophical theories of time and further to standards currently in use.
Intelligent site selection for bricks-and-mortar stores
Authors: Ge Dongdong , Hu Luhui , Jiang Bo , Su Guangjun , Wu Xiaole
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to achieve intelligent superstore site selection. Yonghui Superstores partnered with Cardinal Operations to incorporate a tremendous amount of site-related information (e.g. points of interest, population density and features, distribution of competitors, transportation, commercial ecosystem, existing own-store network) into its store site optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper showcases the integration of regression, optimization and machine learning approaches in site selection, which has proven practical and effective.

Findings

The result was the development of the “Yonghui Intelligent Site Selection System” that includes three modules: business district scoring, intelligent site engine and precision sales forecasting. The application of this system helps to significantly reduce the labor force required to visit and investigate all potential sites, circumvent the pitfalls associated with possibly biased experience or intuition-based decision making and achieve the same population coverage as competitors while needing only half the number of stores as its competitors.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this project is among the first to integrate regression, optimization and machine learning approaches in site selection. There is innovation in optimization techniques.
Effect of natural antimicrobials on in vitro Escherichia Coli in Minas Frescal cheese
Authors: Silva Kamilla Soares , Viana Letícia Fleury , Guariglia Bruna Ariel Dias , Soares João Paulo , Garcia Lismaíra Gonçalves Caixeta , Santos Priscila Alonso dos
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The growing consumer demand for microbiologically safe and quality products with sensory properties similar to those of natural products has spurred the search for natural flavourings with an antimicrobial effect on foods. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of “malagueta” chili pepper and “dedo de moça” hot pepper on Minas Frescal cheese supplemented with Escherichia coli strains.

Design/methodology/approach

Each cheese contained 0, 10, 15 and 20 per cent concentrations of “malagueta” chilli pepper and “dedo de moça” hot pepper supplemented with 200 µL of E. coli/kg cheese. The cheeses were stored under refrigeration at 7 °C for 28 days. The E. coli, pH and titratable acidity were analysed for this cheese.

Findings

“Dedo de moça” hot pepper showed a bacteriostatic effect on E. coli strains being more efficient on day 1. However, the “malagueta” hot pepper showed bactericidal effect and was efficient during the 28 days of storage. The pH showed a gradual decrease (p = 0.000) throughout the storage period; therefore, the acidity was increased even when the CFU/g count remained constant. The peppers had an antimicrobial effect on E. coli strains, and thus might be an alternative to extend the shelf life of Minas frescal cheese.

Originality/value

The study of natural condiments as an antimicrobial alternative is important because they prevent infections and food infections, increase shelf life and make it possible to offer differentiated products in the market.
Corporate social responsibility in Vietnam: opportunities and innovation experienced by multinational corporation subsidiaries
Authors: Nguyen Hieu Thanh , Hoang Thinh Gia , Luu Hiep
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the opportunity- and innovation-based view of multinational subsidiaries (MNSs) in Vietnam. While CSR has traditionally been investigated in the developed market, this paper demonstrates how MNSs can take advantage of their CSR practises and create business opportunities and innovation activities for themselves and local society in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory qualitative research-based on four MNSs that have practised CSR in Vietnam. Data were collected from 18 individual interviews with managers and business leaders in four case firms.

Findings

This study finds that CSR activities in the studied firms potentially drive new business opportunities and innovation in the form of product, process, idea and management practises. In addition, both opportunities and innovation also benefit MNSs and the local community in Vietnam.

Research limitations/implications

The paper makes clear that CSR literature varies depending on the different countries or areas where the studies take place and these studies tend to focus on a specific area that was appropriate within a particular socio-economic and political context. Given that the business context in Vietnam is characterised by opportunities and incentives for innovation from the socio-economic of the context of a South East Asian developing market, the research provides an important first step in the integration and consolidation of CSR practises, opportunities and innovation. In light of the findings presented above, the study provides an important contribution to the CSR literature, particularly the CSR practises of multinational corporations (MNCs) in developing countries.

Practical implications

The study suggests that CSR practitioners in Asian emerging countries should ground themselves in an understanding of the local society and try to gain an understanding of the priorities of local stakeholders. MNCs should develop an appreciation of the context in which CSR is initiated, as addressing such issues often inspires firms to bring in social innovations in the form of products, services and processes and discover or create opportunities based on the emergent social problems through business solutions that overall benefit their business and local stakeholders.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to explore the interaction between MNSs undertaking CSR and business opportunities and innovation in the context of a developing country – Vietnam.
Philadelphia’s taxing decision: pros and cons of a “soda tax”
Authors: Byrne Paul , Chulkov Dmitriy , Nizovtsev Dmitri
Published: August 2019

Theoretical basis

This descriptive case study applies economic concepts to an issue of public policy, and helps build students’ critical thinking, analytical and quantitative skills. The case addresses a variety of topics typically taught in microeconomics and public economics courses. Topics most prominently represented in the case include elasticity of demand and supply, tax policy, tax incidence and negative externalities. Theoretical basis for each topic is laid out in the discussion section of the instructors’ manual, along with insights from student responses. The core nature of the concepts covered in this case study allows it to be integrated with common economics textbooks.

Research methodology

This descriptive case is based on critical economic analysis of secondary sources.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study focuses on the imposition of the controversial “soda tax” on sweetened beverages in the City of Philadelphia in 2017 and considers the economic lessons that can be learned from Philadelphia’s experience with the tax. The tax was proposed as a way to raise the city’s revenue while reducing obesity. After the tax was enacted, the sales of sweetened beverages declined in the city, but increased outside the city’s borders. The receipts from the tax have been below projections.

Complexity/academic level

Learning outcomes covered by the case are typical for a microeconomics, public economics or managerial economics course. The appropriate course levels range from the principles to the MBA level of the economics and business curriculum. Discussion questions may be selected to fit a specific course focus and level. The instructors’ manual outlines question sets suitable for various types of economics courses.
Prominent dermal Langerhans cells in an Omenn syndrome patient with a novel mutation in the IL2RG gene
Authors: Ibusuki Atsuko , Nishikawa Takuro , Hiraki Tsubasa , Okano Tsubasa , Imai Kohsuke , Kanegane Hirokazu , Ohnishi Hidenori , Kato Zenichiro , Fujii Kazuyasu , Tanimoto Akihide , Kawano Yoshifumi , Kanekura Takuro
Published: August 2019

Prominent dermal infiltration by Langerhans cells (LC) is a rare finding in patients with Omenn syndrome (OS). Here, we report the case study of a 7‐month‐old boy with OS and with prominent dermal infiltration by LC, which is a rare histological manifestation of the skin. Striking erythroderma appeared in the patient 2 weeks after birth. We also noted alopecia, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, eosinophilia and an elevated serum immunoglobulin E level with hypogammaglobulinemia. Peripheral blood flow cytometry showed the TlowNK+B+ immunophenotype and genetic analysis, a novel mutation in the IL2RG gene (c.337_339delTCT, p.Ser113del). The final diagnosis was that of OS. He responded well to an allograft umbilical cord blood transplantation that was performed when the patient was 8 months of age. We speculate that the LC accumulated in the dermis will eventually migrate to the regional lymph node, then stimulate autoreactive T cells by overpresenting antigens, thus causing OS‐specific skin symptoms.
Comparing diel activity patterns of wildlife across latitudes and seasons: Time transformations using day length
Authors: Vazquez Carmen , Rowcliffe J. Marcus , Spoelstra Kamiel , Jansen Patrick A.
Published: August 2019

Camera trapping allows scientists to study activity patterns of animals under natural conditions. However, comparisons of activity patterns across seasons or latitudes can be biased, because activity is often attuned to sunrise and sunset, the timing of which varies with latitude and season. Existing transformation methods to solve this problem have limitations.

Here, we explore whether and how activity patterns can be transformed more accurately using two alternative ‘double anchoring’ transformations – equinoctial and average anchoring – that anchor activity time to two chosen anchor points during the study period.

Using simulated noisy datasets mimicking species with either crepuscular, diurnal or cathemeral activity patterns, we compared the ability of different transformation methods to extract the latent pattern and activity levels under different study conditions. We found that average anchoring best retrieved the original diel activity pattern and yielded accurate estimates of activity level. Two alternative transformation methods – single anchoring and equinoctial anchoring – performed less well. Bias in estimates from using untransformed clock times was most marked (up to 2.5‐fold overestimation) for longer studies covering 4–5 months either side of an equinox at high latitude, and focusing on crepuscular species.

We applied the average anchoring method to 9 months of data on Red deer Cervus elaphus, Wild boar Sus scrofa and Mouflon Ovis amon musimon activity as captured by camera traps in National Park Hoge Veluwe, the Netherlands. Average anchoring revealed more pronounced peaks of activity after sunset than was apparent from untransformed data in red deer and wild boar, but not for mouflon, a cathemeral species. Similarly, activity level was lower when calculated using average anchored time for red deer and wild boar, but no difference was observed for mouflon.

We conclude that transformation of time might not be necessary at latitudes below 20°, or in studies with a duration of less than a month (below 40° latitude). For longer study periods and/or higher latitudes, average anchoring resolves the problem of variable day length. Code is provided. The transformation functions are incorporated in the r‐package ‘activity’.
Inhibition of digestive trypsins by plant Kunitz proteins reduces the viability of Spodoptera cosmioides larvae
Authors: Meriño‐Cabrera Yaremis , de Oliveira Mendes Tiago Antônio , Macedo Maria Ligia Rodrigues , de Almeida Oliveira Maria Goreti
Published: August 2019

The acquired resistance by insects and the harmful environmental effects of chemical pesticides have encouraged the search of new tools for proper pest management. Among them, the use of protease inhibitors (PIs) obtained from plants has gained interest because they are a natural system against herbivory, are organic molecules with higher specificity and have the potential to cause less damage to nature. The aim of this work was to characterise the inhibitory potential of the proteins ApTI (Adenanthera pavonina trypsin inhibitor) and ILGA (Inga laurina trypsin inhibitor) on the digestive trypsins of Spodoptera cosmioides through molecular docking, enzymatic kinetics and biological survival analyses. The docking between trypsins and inhibitors was performed using the program CLUSPRO; the inhibitory constant Ki and the inhibition type were determined through chromogenic assays. In order to analyse survival, several concentrations of ApTI and ILTI inhibitors were included in the artificial diet of neonatal larvae. In this study, we determined that ILTI binds to the active site of the trypsins with a specificity similar to its natural substrate, whereas APTI showed that the inhibitor reactive site is not in contact with the trypsins catalytic site. The ILTI and APTI inhibitors were characterized as competitive and uncompetitive tight‐binding inhibitors, respectively. The survival curves obtained using Kaplan–Meier estimators indicated that the lowest percentage survival (20%) for all inhibitors tested was obtained using 1.0% doses at a development time of less than 20 days. We concluded that ILTI and APTI present biotechnological potential as agents against phytophagous Lepidoptera insects, inhibiting trypsins through tight‐binding inhibition, with competitive and non‐competitive mechanisms, respectively. The effect of ApTI and ILTI on the development of S. cosmioides larvae is shown to be toxic.
Axillary dissection in sentinel lymph node positive breast cancer: Is the staging information worthwhile for patients?
Authors: Chang David W. , Bressel Mathias , Hansen Carmen , Blinman Prunella , Schofield Penelope , Chua Boon H.
Published: August 2019

Aims

The Z0011 randomized trial demonstrated no significant difference in axillary recurrence rate or survival with or without axillary dissection in patients with a positive sentinel node biopsy. However, there is continuing controversy regarding the generalizability of its results, and axillary dissection provides additional pathologic staging information that may guide adjuvant therapy. Thus, axillary dissection after positive sentinel node biopsy is being further investigated in an actively recruiting randomized trial. We elicited patients’ preferences for axillary dissection versus no axillary dissection after positive sentinel node biopsy for early breast cancer.

Methods

Patients who had undergone axillary dissection after positive sentinel node biopsy as part of breast conserving therapy were provided with a validated, self‐rated questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised two trade‐off questions to determine the maximum chance of developing arm side‐effects from axillary dissection to justify the benefit of additional axillary staging information. Social, demographic, and clinical details were collected.

Results

Ninety‐nine of the 126 eligible patients returned the questionnaire and 76 completed the trade‐off assessment. The median age of participants was 62 years. The median numbers of sentinel and axillary nodes removed were 2 and 12, respectively. Forty‐seven percent of participants had arm swelling or tenderness of any severity. Seventy‐five percent of participants would have axillary dissection even if the chance of arm side‐effects like they had experienced was 100%.

Conclusion

Most patients with early breast cancer preferred axillary dissection after positive sentinel node biopsy for the additional staging information even though there was no survival benefit from axillary dissection.
The Choice of Fiscal Year and the Earnings–Return Relationship
Authors: Dierker Martin J. , Kim Taekyu , Park Sang Hyun
Published: August 2019

The positive earnings–return relationship is weaker for US‐listed firms with a calendar fiscal year. Furthermore, stock returns for these firms are more positively related to industry earnings, as a common fiscal year‐end improves comparability of earnings. December fiscal year‐ends are more frequent among large and low market‐to‐book industries and firms, consistent with firms trading off the benefits of better comparability against the associated higher accounting and auditing costs. Our results imply that the prevalence of a single standard for fiscal year‐ends in other Asia–Pacific economies is indeed beneficial, as it promotes market transparency.
Does Improved Governance Lead to a Higher Share of FDI in Foreign Equity Investments?
Authors: Baek Hyungkee Young , Maskara Pankaj K. , Miller Laura S.
Published: August 2019

We investigate the relationship between a country's share of FDI in its foreign equity investments (FDI plus foreign portfolio investment (FPI)) and its governance quality relative to that of the investor's country. Poorly governed countries are often advised to improve their governance structures to attract FDI. Contrary to this prescription, we find that as the governance quality of poor‐governance host countries improves, FDI share of foreign equity investments declines, because of a relatively higher increase in FPI than FDI. Only after a sustained and meaningful improvement in governance quality, do low‐quality host countries reap the benefits of attracting greater FDI from investors in high‐quality countries.
Gasdermin D: Evidence of pyroptosis in spontaneous preterm labor with sterile intra‐amniotic inflammation or intra‐amniotic infection
Authors: Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Tarca Adi L. , Miller Derek , Panaitescu Bogdan , Schwenkel George , Gudicha Dereje W. , Hassan Sonia S. , Pacora Percy , Jung Eunjung , Hsu Chaur‐Dong
Published: August 2019

Problem

Pyroptosis, inflammatory programmed cell death, is initiated through the inflammasome and relies on the pore‐forming actions of the effector molecule gasdermin D. Herein, we investigated whether gasdermin D is detectable in women with spontaneous preterm labor and sterile intra‐amniotic inflammation or intra‐amniotic infection.

Method of study

Amniotic fluid samples (n = 124) from women with spontaneous preterm labor were subdivided into the following groups: (a) those who delivered at term (n = 32); and those who delivered preterm (b) without intra‐amniotic inflammation (n = 41), (c) with sterile intra‐amniotic inflammation (n = 32), or (d) with intra‐amniotic infection (n = 19), based on amniotic fluid IL‐6 concentrations and the microbiological status of amniotic fluid (culture and PCR/ESI‐MS). Gasdermin D concentrations were measured using an ELISA kit. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining was also performed to determine the expression of gasdermin D, caspase‐1, and interleukin‐1β in the chorioamniotic membranes. Flow cytometry was used to detect pyroptosis (active caspase‐1) in decidual cells from women with preterm labor and birth.

Results

(a) Gasdermin D was detected in the amniotic fluid and chorioamniotic membranes from women who underwent spontaneous preterm labor/birth with either sterile intra‐amniotic inflammation or intra‐amniotic infection, but was rarely detected in those without intra‐amniotic inflammation. (b) Amniotic fluid concentrations of gasdermin D were higher in women with intra‐amniotic infection than in those with sterile intra‐amniotic inflammation, and its expression in the chorioamniotic membranes was associated with caspase‐1 and IL‐1β (inflammasome mediators). (c) Decidual stromal cells and leukocytes isolated from women with preterm labor and birth are capable of undergoing pyroptosis given their expression of active caspase‐1.

Conclusion

Pyroptosis can occur in the context of sterile intra‐amniotic inflammation and intra‐amniotic infection in patients with spontaneous preterm labor and birth
Editorial: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus—authors’ reply
Authors: Chang Kai‐Chi , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Lin Lung‐Huang , Chen Huey‐Ling
Published: August 2019

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chang et al and Han and Hou papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15321 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15383.