bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation and entrepreneurial intention: cross-country evidence
Authors: Ghosh Sriparna
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Entrepreneurship, along with its effect on economic growth, has been a major topic of research for quite some time now. However, none of these studies employs the use of entrepreneurial intention, a key indicator of latent entrepreneurs, as a measure of entrepreneurship. Till now, some small-scale studies have been done using survey data, with results indicating that external entrepreneurial environment affects entrepreneurial intention. A handful of studies have also looked at the linkages between economic freedom and entrepreneurial activities. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel data setting, this paper investigates the effects of economic freedom, especially regulation, on entrepreneurial intention. The empirical analysis uses data for 79 countries from 2001 to 2012.

Findings

The findings suggest that stricter credit market regulation reduces entrepreneurial intention whereas more stringent labor regulations restricts job availability and thereby encourage more people to take up entrepreneurship as a career choice.

Research limitations/implications

The entrepreneurial intention data available from GEM is a highly unbalanced data and the data also does not differentiate between latent entrepreneurship in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

Practical implications

Future research should focus more on latent entrepreneurship which is a rough estimate of future entrepreneurs.

Social implications

Entrepreneurship acts as a channel to improve economic growth by creating more jobs and the institutional qualities might act as a barrier for aspiring entrepreneurs to take up entrepreneurship as their career choices in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study has a twofold contribution in the literature. First, it is the foremost large scale study that deals with entrepreneurial intention using secondary data from Global Economic Monitor (GEM) report. Second, this study explores the linkages between economic freedom index and entrepreneurial intention.
A PCA-DEA framework for stock selection in Indian stock market
Authors: Jothimani Dhanya , Shankar Ravi , Yadav Surendra S.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Portfolio optimization is the process of making an investment decision on a set of assets to realize high returns with low risk. It has three major stages: asset selection, asset weighting and asset management. Asset selection is an important phase because it influences asset allocation and ultimately affects the returns of a portfolio. Today, there is an increase in the number of listings on a stock exchange. Therefore, it is important for an investor to screen and select stocks for investment. This study focuses on the first stage of the portfolio optimization problem, namely, asset selection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and select profitable stocks quoted on National Stock Exchange (NSE) for portfolio optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial ratios are considered as the input and output parameters for evaluating the financial performance of the firms. This study adopts a hybrid principal component analysis (PCA) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to evaluate the efficiency of the firms. Based on the efficiency scores, the firms are selected for the investment process.

Findings

The model helps to determine the relative efficiencies of the firms. The efficient firms are considered to be the potential stocks for investment. It helps the investors to screen the stocks from a large number of stocks quoted on NSE.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of the standard DEA model is that it fails to discriminate the firms when the number of input and output parameters are larger than the number of firms. To overcome this problem, either a parameter can be ignored or weight-restricted DEA can be applied. When an input/output parameter is dropped, the information in that variable is lost. Weight-restricted DEA model uses expert opinion for measuring the relative importance of input and output parameters. Expert opinion is subjective and might be biased. The PCA-DEA model helps to identify the efficient firms by improving the discriminatory power of standard DEA without any loss of information and without the need for expert opinion, which might be biased.

Practical implications

Asset selection is an important stage in the investment process. Selection of stocks based on the efficiency score is an easier option available to the investors. But the misclassification of firms either due to biased expert opinion or discrimination inability of DEA can be costly to an investor. The PCA-DEA model overcomes both these limitations. Investors can select the potential candidates for asset allocation based on the efficiency scores obtained using the PCA-DEA model. Further, the relative efficiencies obtained can help the firms to benchmark their performance against the best performing firms within their industry.

Originality/value

This paper is one of few papers to adopt the PCA-DEA framework to select stocks in the Indian stock market.
A memetic algorithm for maximizing earned attention in social media
Authors: Godinho Pedro , Moutinho Luiz , Pagani Margherita
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a measure for earned attention and a model and procedure for the maximization of earned attention by a company over a period of time.

Design/methodology/approach

Utility functions are used as the base of the earned attention measure. An evolutionary algorithm – a memetic algorithm – is applied to identify strategies that aim to maximize earned attention. Computational analysis is performed resorting to simulated data, and the memetic algorithm is assessed through the comparison with a standard steepest ascent heuristic.

Findings

The shape of the utility functions considered in the model has a huge impact on the characteristics of the best strategies, with actions focused on increasing a single variable being preferred in case of constant marginal utility, and more balanced strategies having a better performance in the case of decreasing marginal utility. The memetic algorithm is shown to have a much better performance that the steepest ascent procedure.

Originality/value

A new mathematical model for earned attention is proposed, and an approach that has few applications in business problems – a memetic algorithm – is tailored to the model and applied to identify solutions.
The magic of place branding: regional brand identity in transition
Authors: Cassinger Cecilia , Eksell Jörgen
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the transition of a place brand identity from a cultural anthropological perspective. More specifically, the paper analyses the ritual features and magical qualities of the development process of a regional brand in Scandinavia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consists of an exploratory, longitudinal single case study of regional branding. An abductive research design was used in which the data, consisting of qualitative interviews, policy and promotional documents, were analysed with an interpretive approach.

Findings

Three place branding rituals of re-naming, managing ambiguity and instilling faith are identified as central in the transition process. These practices generate different forms of magic that facilitate transition and accommodate change.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that the theoretical lens of the anthropological concept of the rite of passage is useful to capture the mechanisms and practices of the transition from an old to a new place brand identity.

Practical implications

The approach outlined in this paper is relevant for brand development and planning in that it demonstrates the ritual features and magical qualities of branding. In contrast to the linear step-by-step approach to brand planning, the study visualises brand development as overlapping phases in a process.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates the value of anthropological insights into transition rituals for understanding how change is alleviated in the development of place brands.
Participatory planning in Israel: from theory to practice
Authors: Eshkol Batel , Eshkol Alon
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the gap between the declarations regarding participatory planning and its actual implementation in practice within the Israeli spatial planning context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the gap between theory of participatory spatial planning and its implementation in practice by a comparative analysis of three participatory case studies in the Israeli planning context. The data collected to analyze the case studies is secondary data, including previous research on the three case studies and their re-evaluation on the basis of indicators for participation.

Findings

Participatory spatial planning processes are not often implemented in the Israeli context, as they are not required by law. All the three case studies explored in this paper deal with local spatial plans at the neighborhood level, but each expresses a very different participation mode: one is a national, government-led program; the second is a residents-led opposition to a municipal plan; and the third is a third-sector initiative offering an alternative plan to an existing one. The findings suggest that there is a correlation between the initiating body, its commitment to participation and the level of success of the participatory process.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on three specific participatory spatial planning projects in Israel. Further exploration of additional participatory projects may prove useful to verify or refute the conclusions reached in this paper.

Originality/value

There is very little exploration and evaluation of participatory spatial planning processes in Israel. This paper provides a valuable, although limited, analysis, linking participatory planning theory to practice within the Israeli context.
Dealing with missing data as it pertains of e-maintenance
Authors: Loukopoulos Panagiotis , Zolkiewski George , Bennett Ian , Pilidis Pericles , Duan Fang , Mba David
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Centrifugal compressors are integral components in oil industry, thus effective maintenance is required. Condition-based maintenance and prognostics and health management (CBM/PHM) have been gaining popularity. CBM/PHM can also be performed remotely leading to e-maintenance. Its success depends on the quality of the data used for analysis and decision making. A major issue associated with it is the missing data. Their presence may compromise the information within a set, causing bias or misleading results. Addressing this matter is crucial. The purpose of this paper is to review and compare the most widely used imputation techniques in a case study using condition monitoring measurements from an operational industrial centrifugal compressor.

Design/methodology/approach

Brief overview and comparison of most widely used imputation techniques using a complete set with artificial missing values. They were tested regarding the effects of the amount, the location within the set and the variable containing the missing values.

Findings

Univariate and multivariate imputation techniques were compared, with the latter offering the smallest error levels. They seemed unaffected by the amount or location of the missing data although they were affected by the variable containing them.

Research limitations/implications

During the analysis, it was assumed that at any time only one variable contained missing data. Further research is still required to address this point.

Originality/value

This study can serve as a guide for selecting the appropriate imputation method for missing values in centrifugal compressor condition monitoring data.
Corporate social responsibility: Internet social and environmental reporting by banks
Authors: Khalil Sandra , O’sullivan Patrick
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide further insight into internet social and environmental reporting (ISER) in the Middle East by investigating the ISER of Lebanese banks as well as their greenwashing behaviour and identifying its extent, quality and association with different variables such as profitability, size, religion and other variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed methodology. Interviews were conducted to seek the opinions of banks towards corporate social responsibility (CSR). Content analysis of bank’s websites was used to examine the extent, quality and association of ISER with several bank characteristics.

Findings

The results show the prevalent use of ISER and greenwashing by Lebanese banks. The most disclosed category of ISER is community, whereas the least disclosed is environment. The study found a positive association between ISER and bank profitability, size, leverage and ownership concentration and an insignificant relationship with age and religion.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recognise that the sample is small and addresses a single context and that it could have been expanded to other Middle Eastern contexts. However, the study is exploratory focusing on the Lebanese banking sector which is one of the most developed in the region. Further longitudinal studies could also be conducted to complement the work. The process used to measure greenwashing could be enhanced by addressing the materiality of CSR disclosures to stakeholders and the purpose of communicating CSR information.

Practical implications

In light of the empirical findings, banks will gain a better understanding of the status and importance of ISER and will understand the risks of greenwashing leading them towards higher standard ISER and more ethical activities, which will have a positive impact on the Lebanese economy and society.

Originality/value

This study examines almost all aspects of online social and environmental disclosures including the webpage, CSR sections in addition to online published reports; it is an investigation about ISER with reference to Lebanon which has perhaps the most significant banking sector in the Middle East. It tackles the greenwashing issue in a new context and in a different way by examining its association with several variables. The study also investigates the association between religion and ISER which has seldom been tackled in similar studies.
Determinants of capital structure in Australia: an analysis of important factors
Authors: Li Hui , Stathis Petros
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the many factors that affect the leverage decisions of publicly traded Australian companies, and tests to see whether these factors are reliably important. The relationship between these factors and the leverage decision is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multiple linear panel regressions to study the relationship between the factors and leverage.

Findings

The authors find a set of eight factors which are reliably important for capital structure decision making. These factors include: profitability, log of assets, median industry leverage, industry growth, market to book ratio, tangibility, capital expenditure, and investment tax credits. The empirical evidence indicates weakening support for the pecking order hypothesis and increasing support for the trade-off theory in Australia.

Originality/value

This paper examines the determinants of capital structure using Australian firms and provides a comprehensive empirical support for the capital structure theories.
Relationship between resistance, TCR and stabilization temperature of amorphous Ni-P alloy
Authors: Filipowski Wojciech , Pruszowski Zbigniew , Waczynski Krzysztof , Kowalik Piotr , Kulawik Jan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to present a research on the impact of the stabilization process of a thin metallic layer (Ni-P) produced on a ceramic surface (Al2O3) by means of electroless metallization on its electric parameters and structure. On the basis of the research conducted, the existence of a relationship between resistance (R) and the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the test structure with a Ni-P alloy-based layer and the temperature of stabilization was proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Metallic Ni-P layers were deposited on sensitized and activated substrates. Metallization was conducted in an aqueous solution containing two primary ingredients: sodium hypophosphite and nickel chloride. The concentration of both ingredients was (50-70) g/dm3. The process lasted 60 min, and the metallization bath pH was kept at 2.1-2.2, whereas the temperature was maintained at 363 K. The thermal stabilization process was conducted in different temperatures between 453 and 623 K. After the technological processes, the resistance and TCR of the test structures were measured with a micro ohmmeter. The composition and the morphology of the resistive layer of the structures examined was also determined.

Findings

The dependence of the resistance on the temperature of the stabilization process for the temperature range 553 to 623 K was described using mathematical relationships. The TCR of test resistors at the same thermal stabilization temperature range was also described using a mathematical equation. The measurements show that the resistive layer contains 82.01 at.% of nickel (Ni) and 17.99 at.% of phosphorus (P).

Originality/value

The results associate a surface morphology Ni-P alloy with the resistance and TCR according to temperature stabilization. The paper presents mathematical relationships that have not been described in the literature available.
Prediction performance of compressive strength of cementitious materials containing rubber aggregates and filler using fuzzy logic method
Authors: Turki Mohamed , Zarrad Ines , Quéneudec Michéle , Bouaziz Jamel
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on compressive strength modelling of cementitious mixtures like mortar and Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) containing rubber aggregates from shredded worn tires and filler using adaptive neuro fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS).

Design/methodology/approach

The volume substitution contains a ratio of rubber aggregates vs sand in mortar and with crushed sand in RCC and ranges from 0 to 50 per cent. As for the filler, they are substituted with sand by 5 per cent in mortar mixture. The methodology consists of optimizing the percentage of substitution in cementitious mixtures to ensure better mechanical properties of materials like compressive strength. The prediction of compressive strength and the optimization of cementitious mixtures encourage their uses in such construction pavements, in area games or in other special constructions. These cementitious materials are considered as friendly to the environment by focussing on their improved deformability.

Findings

The results of this paper show that the performance of the constructed fuzzy method was measured by correlation of experimental and model results of mortar and RCC mixtures containing both rubber aggregates and filler. The comparison between elaborated models through the error and the accuracy calculations confirms the reliability of the ANFIS method.

Originality/value

The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of the constructed fuzzy model by the ANFIS method for two types of cementitious materials like mortar and RCC containing rubber aggregates and filler. The fuzzy method could predict the compressive strength based on the limited measurement values in the mechanical experiment. Furthermore, the comparison between the elaborated models confirms the reliability of the ANFIS method through the error and the accuracy calculations for the best cementitious material mixtures.
CEO’s political connections, institutions and audit opinions
Authors: Hu Fang , Stewart Jenny , Tan Weiqiang
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether audit opinions of listed firms in China vary systematically with the political connections of the firm’s chief executive officer (CEO). Prior literature only shows the importance of political influence to auditor choice and audit quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A politically connected firm is defined as a firm in which the CEO has a political background. The authors use a “difference-in-difference” model to control for self-selection problems.

Findings

The authors find that the likelihood of receiving a favourable opinion in the subsequent period is positively associated with a CEO’s political connections. This positive association is stronger with CEOs connected to local government within the same region. The authors further find that the CEO’s political connections have more influence on favourable audit opinions in non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs) in a less developed and lower investor protection region. The influence is also less significant in the regions where there are more non-state-owned or foreign banks and where there are greater penalties for political corruption and relationship-based contracting.

Originality/value

The study complements and extends the existing literature on the role of political connections in the economy by providing evidence on the effect of a CEO’s political connections on audit opinions. The authors extend the research on auditing in emerging markets by explicitly accounting for unique institutional and market factors in China. They explore audit quality by observing how audit opinions are directly shaped by political and institutional factors.
Analyst ratings for firms filing for and reorganizing under Chapter 11
Authors: Precourt Elena , Oppenheimer Henry
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine analyst followings of firms starting from one year prior to their filing for Chapter 11 and as the firms progress through bankruptcy proceedings with a focus on firms receiving “Hold” or better recommendations. The authors attempt to answer questions such as what the common characteristics of the firms receiving stronger than expected recommendations one year prior to filing for bankruptcy reorganization or while in bankruptcy are, and how the market reacts to the issuance of stronger ratings for those firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors design various regressions and apply them to a total of 2,754 sell-side analyst recommendations and 325 firms that are either approaching bankruptcy filing or in the process of reorganizing. In each analysis, the authors control for several firm and performance characteristics.

Findings

The authors find that the probability of securing stronger ratings is higher for small firms and for those followed by a greater number of analysts than for large firms and firms followed by fewer analysts. The market becomes more skeptical of optimistic evaluations closer to the date of bankruptcy filing (perhaps reflecting some anticipation) and reacts more positively to rating upgrades issued during bankruptcy protection than to the upgrades issued before the bankruptcy filing.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions are based on the analysis of analyst recommendations issued shortly before Chapter 11 filings and during bankruptcy proceedings. The conclusions could be strengthened by further analysis of firms’ post-bankruptcy recovery and performance and examination of analyst recommendations issued for the firms after they emerge from Chapter 11..

Practical implications

Analyst security ratings that are more positive than expected are perhaps the result of superior expertise and access to private information. During bankruptcy proceedings, when information disclosure is limited, investors could greatly benefit from reports issued by security analysts.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in a number of ways. First, the authors contribute to the literature on the analyst ratings of firms in distress by considering the period between bankruptcy filing and emergence, while the existing literature provides analysis of pre-bankruptcy recommendations and forecasts. Second, the authors focus on better than expected ratings rather than all types of ratings as the firms approach bankruptcy filings and proceed through reorganization. Finally, they evaluate how investors react to stronger than expected analyst ratings.
Information asymmetry and incentive contracting with the tax department
Authors: Lin Horn-chern , Zeng Tao
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the design of optimal incentives for a firm’s tax department in the presence of information asymmetry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a theoretical model to examine the design of optimal incentives. The focus is on a situation in which a risk-averse tax department has private information about its efficiency type or effort to be exerted before the firm sets the incentive schemes.

Findings

This paper shows that a tax department’s risk aversion leads to a decline in the fraction of the cost borne by the tax department. It also shows that the optimal contract schemes should be designed to filter out as much uncontrollable risk as possible by using third-party information relevant to a tax department’s realized cost.

Social implications

It contributes to a better understanding of the impact of corporate incentive plans on firms’ tax practices. This study, by designing a theoretical model, helps explain why there exist differences in tax planning across firms based on the finding that incentives for tax planning activities differ across firms.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study that considers the situation in which tax managers’ risk-averse and types, as well as relevant information collected by the firms, can be used to set up incentive schemes and investigates whether and how the incentive schemes will be affected when firms improve their prior information by acquiring relevant information before the tax department acts.
The determinants of currency derivatives usage among Indian non-financial firms
Authors: M. Praveen Bhagawan , P.J. Jijo Lukose
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Theoretical studies suggest that hedging helps firms to reduce their financial distress costs and underinvestment problem especially if the markets are imperfect. Hence hedging, through the use of currency derivatives, is one of the important financial policies for firms. The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the determinants of derivatives usage by Indian firms using financial disclosures on currency derivatives by non-financial constituents of S&P CNX 500 for 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

We manually collect the data on foreign currency derivatives from firms’ annual reports for 2009 and then follow Haushalter’s (2000) approach to examine the determinants of firms’ decision to hedge. A firm can make its hedging decision at once, deciding whether to hedge and how much to hedge. Given the nature of dependent variable that is censored, it is appropriate to use Tobit regression. A firm can also decide its hedging decision in two steps by deciding first on whether to hedge and later how much to hedge. The former is modelled by probit regression and later by conditional regression.

Findings

Our empirical evidence suggests that forwards are the main instruments for managing currency risk followed by options and swaps. The objectives, in the order of priority, are reduction in exposure associated with foreign currency receivables, foreign currency long-term loans and foreign currency payables. Firm’s decision to hedge is positively related to size, foreign exchange exposure and leverage, while negatively related to liquidity and investment opportunities. We find evidence of higher derivative usage by firms with both higher currency risk and higher financial distress costs.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper will help corporates, researchers and regulators to understand firms’ motives behind hedging.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study that examines the determinants of firm’s decision to hedge and the extent of hedging in the context of emerging economies like India.
Biotic interactions and seed deposition rather than abiotic factors determine recruitment at elevational range limits of an alpine tree
Authors: Neuschulz Eike Lena , Merges Dominik , Bollmann Kurt , Gugerli Felix , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin
Published: July 2017

Abiotic factors, biotic interactions and dispersal ability determine the spatial distribution of species. Theory predicts that abiotic constraints set range limits under harsh climatic conditions and biotic interactions set range limits under benign climatic conditions, whereas dispersal ability should limit both ends of the distribution. However, empirical studies exploring how these three components jointly affect species across environmental gradients are scarce.

Here, we present a study that jointly examines these factors to investigate the constraints of the recruitment of Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) at and beyond its upper and lower elevational range limits in the Swiss Alps. We investigated the natural recruitment of pines and additionally conducted seed transplant experiments to test how much abiotic factors (mean summer and winter temperatures, soil moisture), biotic interactions (understorey vegetation cover, canopy cover, seed predation) and/or seed deposition by the spotted nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) affect pine establishment.

We found significant effects of biotic interactions and seed deposition by spotted nutcrackers on the recruitment of Swiss stone pine at both the upper and lower elevational range, but could not detect significant effects of abiotic factors. Importantly, dispersal limitation rather than temperature and soil moisture restricted the recruitment of pines at the upper elevational range.

Synthesis. Our study highlights the importance of biotic interactions and dispersal ability in setting the upper range limits of species that have been regarded as mainly controlled by climate. This suggests that potential range shifts of plants in response to climate warming may strongly depend on seed dispersal and biotic interactions and not only on climatic factors.
Do Patient‐Centered Medical Homes Improve Health Behaviors, Outcomes, and Experiences of Low‐Income Patients? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: van den Berk‐Clark Carissa , Doucette Emily , Rottnek Fred , Manard William , Prada Mayra Aragon , Hughes Rachel , Lawrence Tyler , Schneider F. David
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To examine: (1) what elements of patient‐centered medical homes (PCMHs) are typically provided to low‐income populations, (2) whether PCMHs improve health behaviors, experiences, and outcomes for low‐income groups.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Existing literature on PCMH utilization among health care organizations serving low‐income populations.

Study Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We obtained papers through existing systematic and literature reviews and via PubMed, Web of Science, and the TRIP databases, which examined PCMHs serving low‐income populations. A total of 434 studies were reviewed. Thirty‐three articles met eligibility criteria.

Principal Findings

Patient‐centered medical home interventions usually were composed of five of the six recommended components. Overall positive effect of PCMH interventions was d = 0.247 (range −0.965 to 1.42). PCMH patients had better clinical outcomes (d = 0.395), higher adherence (0.392), and lower utilization of emergency rooms (d = −0.248), but there were apparent limitations in study quality.

Conclusions

Evidence shows that the PCMH model can increase health outcomes among low‐income populations. However, limitations to quality include no assessment for confounding variables. Implications are discussed.
Identifying Homeless Medicaid Enrollees Using Enrollment Addresses
Authors: Vickery Katherine D. , Shippee Nathan D. , Bodurtha Peter , Guzman‐Corrales Laura M. , Reamer Elyse , Soderlund Dana , Abel Stephanie , Robertshaw Danielle , Gelberg Lillian
Published: July 2017

Objective

To design and test the validity of a method to identify homelessness among Medicaid enrollees using mailing address data.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Enrollment and claims data on Medicaid expansion enrollees in Hennepin and Ramsey counties who also provided self‐reported information on their current housing situation in a psychosocial needs assessment.

Study Design

Construction of address‐based indicators and comparison with self‐report data.

Principal Findings

Among 1,677 enrollees, 427 (25 percent) self‐reported homelessness, of whom 328 (77 percent) had at least one positive address indicator. Depending on the type of addresses included in the indicator, sensitivity to detect self‐reported homelessness ranged from 30 to 76 percent and specificity from 79 to 97 percent.

Conclusions

An address‐based indicator can identify a large proportion of Medicaid enrollees who are experiencing homelessness. This approach may be of interest to researchers, states, and health systems attempting to identify homeless populations.
Anaesthesia practices for endovascular therapy of acute ischaemic stroke: a Nordic survey
Authors: Rasmussen M. , Simonsen C. Z. , Sørensen L. H. , Dyrskog S. , Rusy D. A. , Sharma D. , Juul N.
Published: July 2017

Background

The optimal method of anaesthesia for endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) has not been identified. Nordic departments of anaesthesiology may handle EVT cases for AIS differently. The aim of this survey was to describe the current practice patterns of Nordic anaesthesia departments in anaesthetic management of EVT in AIS.

Methods

A survey consisting of 13 questions was sent to one qualified individual at all Nordic departments of anaesthesiology who manage anaesthesia for EVT interventions. The individual completed the questionnaire on behalf of their department.

Results

Response rate was 100%. The majority of departments (84%) managed all EVT cases at their respective centres. Most departments have institutional guidelines on anaesthetic management (84%) including blood pressure management (63%) and were able to provide a 24‐h immediate response to an EVT request (63%). Conscious sedation was favoured by 68% of the departments using a variety of sedation protocols. Propofol and remifentanil was preferred for GA (58%). Emergent conversion to GA due to uncontrolled patient movements or loss of airway was experienced by 82% and 35% of the departments, respectively. Majority of the departments (89%) responded that non‐specialist anaesthetists occasionally handle EVT cases.

Conclusions

This survey indicates that the majority of Nordic anaesthesia departments who manage anaesthesia for EVT are able to provide immediate 24‐h response to an EVT request. Most of these departments have institutional guidelines for EVT anaesthesia and haemodynamic management. Conscious sedation appears to be the preferred method of anaesthetic care.
High mortality and small population size prevent population recovery of a reintroduced mesopredator
Authors: Cremona T. , Crowther M. S. , Webb J. K.
Published: July 2017

Northern Australia's native mammal fauna has undergone a severe decline in recent decades. Putative factors include altered fire regimes, cat predation, poisoning by cane toads and disease. Populations of northern quolls, Dasyurus hallucatus severely declined following cane toad invasion and have not recovered. We monitored a population of northern quolls in Kakadu National Park that was supplemented with ‘toad‐smart’ individuals, to determine whether cane toad poisoning or predation was preventing population recovery. The population increased after supplementation, but crashed in March 2012, coincident with a high level of trap disturbance by canids. Canid predation was the major source of mortality for radio‐tagged quolls. We used population viability analyses (PVA) to explore how changes in mortality influenced the likelihood of extinction. With no management, the quoll population has a 48% chance of extinction over the next 20 years. Sensitivity analyses highlighted small population size and high mortality as the main reasons for the population failing to recover. We then explored whether population supplementation or reducing mortality could increase the likelihood of persistence. One year of supplementation increased the probability of population survival over 20 years from 51.6% to 81.7%. Continuing supplementation for 3 or 5 years increased the probability of population survival to 96.5% and 98.1% respectively. Similarly, a 2.5% reduction in the rate of mortality for juveniles and adult females increased the probability of population persistence over 20 years to 83.6%. Further reductions in mortality of 5% and 10% increased the probability of survival to 92.2% and 99.4% respectively. The results of the PVA suggest that small interventions could have a significant positive effect on population survival. We hypothesize that predation from food‐subsidized canids is preventing the recovery of quoll populations. Future management actions to reduce mortality, via improved fire management, or through population supplementation, are necessary to ensure the persistence of the northern quoll.
Models of childhood cancer survivorship care in Australia and New Zealand: Strengths and challenges
Authors: Signorelli Christina , Wakefield Claire E. , McLoone Jordana K. , Fardell Joanna E. , Lawrence Renae A. , Osborn Michael , Truscott Jo , Tapp Heather , Cohn Richard J. ,   the ANZCHOG Survivorship Study Group
Published: July 2017

Aim

Childhood cancer survivors remain at risk of developing life‐altering and/or life‐threatening health conditions following the completion of curative treatment. However, no uniform model of care for childhood cancer survivors exists in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). This study reports on current childhood cancer survivorship care in ANZ, highlighting the challenges childhood cancer survivor long‐term follow‐up (LTFU) clinics face.

Methods

We conducted semistructured, telephone interviews with the pediatric medical director and clinical nurse consultant from all 11 LTFU clinics at tertiary referral pediatric oncology units across ANZ (n = 19; 100% response rate). Data were analyzed using NVivo10.

Results

Participants unanimously identified limited options for transitioning older survivors out of pediatrics and inadequate funding as central challenges to the provision of best‐practice LTFU care. There is duplication of resource development between clinics (e.g. survivorship care plan templates and clinic systems). Although participants recognized an overly prescriptive model of LTFU care as potentially unfeasible, the majority endorsed a national, or even bi‐national, model of care that could be tailored to meet the needs of their local environment.

Conclusion

The lack of an accepted model of optimal childhood cancer survivorship care across ANZ prevents the synergistic development of survivorship guidelines, survivorship care plans, transition pathways, information technology solutions, funding streams and late effects data consortiums. Sufficient resources to facilitate growth may be difficult to secure if approached by individual centers rather than via a national, cooperative effort. Improved solutions are urgently needed for transitioning survivors to appropriate care beyond the pediatric age.
Meat allergy associated with galactosyl‐α‐(1,3)‐galactose (α‐Gal)—Closing diagnostic gaps by anti‐α‐Gal IgE immune profiling
Authors: Jappe U. , Minge S. , Kreft B. , Ludwig A. , Przybilla B. , Walker A. , Varga R. , Seidel P. , Biedermann T. , Anemüller W. , Kromminga A. , Ruëff F. , Merk H. , Wagner N. , Treudler R. , Worm M. , Waldmann I. , Saloga J. , Becker W. M. , Goldmann T. , Platts‐Mills T. A. , Homann A.
Published: July 2017

Background

Glycoproteins and glycolipids of some mammalian species contain the disaccharide galactosyl‐α‐(1,3)‐galactose (α‐Gal). It is known that α‐Gal is immunogenic in humans and causes glycan‐specific IgG and also IgE responses with clinical relevance. α‐Gal is part of the IgE‐reactive monoclonal therapeutic antibody cetuximab (CTX) and is associated with delayed anaphylaxis to red meat. In this study, different α‐Gal‐containing analytes are examined in singleplex and multiplex assays to resolve individual sensitization patterns with IgE against α‐Gal.

Methods

Three serum groups, α‐Gal‐associated meat allergy (MA) patients, idiopathic anaphylaxis (IA) patients with suspected MA, and non‐meat‐allergic healthy control individuals (HC), were analyzed via singleplex allergy diagnostics and a newly established immunoblot diagnostic system. The new dot blot detection system resolved individual IgE sensitization profiles for α‐Gal‐containing analytes CTX, bovine thyroglobulin (Bos d TG), and human serum albumin (HSA)‐conjugated α‐Gal.

Results

Singleplex allergy diagnostics using the α‐Gal analytes CTX and Bos d TG confirms the history of MA patients in 91% and 88% of the cases, respectively. A novel dot blot‐based assay system for the detection of IgE against α‐Gal reveals individual IgE sensitization profiles for α‐Gal‐containing analytes. An α‐Gal‐associated IgE cross‐reactivity profile (IgE against CTX, Bos d TG, and HSA‐α‐Gal) was identified, which is associated with MA.

Conclusions

Detection of individual sensitization patterns with different α‐Gal‐containing analytes provides the basis for an individual allergy diagnosis for α‐Gal‐sensitized patients. Higher amounts of α‐Gal in pork and beef innards compared to muscle meat as indicated by a higher staining intensity are a plausible explanation for the difference in allergic symptom severity.
Retinal venous pressure is higher than the airway pressure and the intraocular pressure during the Valsalva manoeuvre
Authors: Stodtmeister Richard , Heyde Maria , Georgii Sylvana , Matthè Egbert , Spoerl Eberhard , Pillunat Lutz Ernst
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The aims of this prospective experimental study were to explore the influence of the Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) on retinal venous pressure (RVP) in human volunteers in a university setting and to establish correlations for RVP with the increase in airway pressure (∆AirP) and in intraocular pressure (∆IOP).

Methods

In total, 31 healthy young volunteers (age: 24 ± 1.7 years) were investigated. The instruments used included a dynamic contour tonometer, a contact lens dynamometer (Imedos) and an electronic pressure transducer for measuring airway pressure. The following measurements were successively performed in left eyes: tonometry, dynamometry, repeated simultaneous dynamometry and airway pressure measurement during the VM and tonometry during the VM. The pressures obtained during the VM were determined at 10, 20 and 30 seconds after onset of the VM by linear interpolation.

Results

The pressures (in mmHg) at baseline and during the VM (median and range with outliers) were as follows: ∆AirP: 10 seconds: 10.0 (7.5); 20 seconds: 12.5 (11.0); and 30 seconds: 11.0 (10.0); and RVP: Start: 17.1 (2.4); 10 seconds: 26.0 (7.5); 20 seconds: 25.0 (6.5); and 30 seconds: 24.0 (6.0). During the VM, the RVP was significantly increased compared with the ∆AirP (p = 0.0017). The IOP during the VM was 13.5 (2.7), and the increase in IOP (∆IOP) was 0.8 (5.6).

Conclusion

During the VM, the RVP was increased compared with the ∆AirP. The increase in RVP (∆RVP) was significantly greater than the ∆IOP. During the VM, the calculated retinal perfusion pressure may be more strongly reduced by the ∆RVP than by the ∆IOP. These properties may influence retinal and optic nerve head pathophysiology.
The Dark Side of Employee Referral Bonus Programs: Potential Applicants’ Awareness of a Referral Bonus and Perceptions of Organisational Attractiveness
Authors: Stockman Sara , Van Hoye Greet , Carpentier Marieke
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of potential applicants’ awareness of employees being rewarded for referrals on organisational attractiveness, based on credibility theory and the multiple inference model. In a first study (N = 450), final‐year students were less attracted to the organisation when they knew employee referrals were rewarded, which was partially explained by lower credibility perceptions. Moreover, varying the specific characteristics of the referral bonus program (i.e. timing, size, type, recipient) did not improve potential applicants’ perceptions of credibility and attractiveness. A second study (N = 127) replicated the negative effect of referral bonuses on organisational attractiveness and found that it could be explained by both potential applicants’ inferences about the referrer's other‐oriented motive and lower referrer credibility. Whether employees explicitly stated that their referral reason was bonus‐driven or not did not affect these results.
Short‐term changes in the structure of termite assemblages associated with slash‐and‐burn agriculture in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Dosso Kanvaly , Roisin Yves , Tiho Seydou , Konaté Souleymane , Yéo Kolo
Published: July 2017

Termites are major decomposers in tropical regions and play critical roles in many soil‐related processes. Studies conducted in Asia and the Neotropics suggest that habitat modification can strongly affect termite assemblages, but data on termite communities from forests in Africa, especially West Africa, are scarce. Here, we measured the short‐term impact of slash‐and‐burn agriculture on termite assemblages in an agricultural region of central Côte d'Ivoire. We assessed termite diversity and relative abundance in four habitat types: secondary forest, cleared forest, burned forest, and crop fields. The secondary forest had higher species richness compared with the other habitats, but all habitat types had similar assemblage structures. Fungus‐growing termites were the most abundant feeding group in all habitats. Soil feeders were most abundant in secondary forest, intermediately abundant in cleared and burned forests, and almost entirely absent in crop fields. Wood‐feeding species showed clear responses to burning; their abundances decreased after fire. We conclude that slash‐and‐burn agriculture does not appear to severely erode the diversity of termite assemblages. This could be due to the dominance of ecologically versatile fungus growers or to the relatively long time between clearing and burning. However, forest clearing negatively affects soil feeders, with the Apicotermitinae most affected by canopy loss.
The effect of interleukin (IL)-21 and CD4+CD25++ T cells on cytokine production of CD4+ responder T cells in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Alahgholi-Hajibehzad M , Durmuş H , Aysal F , Gülşen-Parman Y , Oflazer P , Deymeer F , Saruhan-Direskeneli G
Published: July 2017

Impairment of the suppressive function of regulatory T (Treg) cells has been reported in myasthenia gravis (MG). In this study, cytokine-related mechanisms that may lead to the defect of Treg were investigated in patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG (AChR + MG). Proliferation and cytokine production of responder T (Tresp) cells in response to polyclonal activation were measured in a suppression assay. The effect of interleukin (IL)-21 on suppression was evaluated in vitro in co-culture. IL-21 increased the proliferation of Tresp cells in Tresp/Treg co-cultures. Tresp cells from patients with MG secreted significantly lower levels of IL-2. In patients with MG, IL-2 levels did not change with the addition of Treg to cultures, whereas it decreased significantly in controls. In Tresp/Treg co-cultures, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 production increased in the presence of Treg in patients. Interferon (IFN)-γ was decreased, whereas IL-17A was increased in both patient and control groups. IL-21 inhibited the secretion of IL-4 in MG and healthy controls (HC), and IL-17A in HC only. The results demonstrated that IL-21 enhances the proliferation of Tresp cells in the presence of Treg. An effect of IL-21 mainly on Tresp cells through IL-2 is implicated.