bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accountability practices in microfinance: cultural translation and the role of intermediaries
Authors: Marini Lisa , Andrew Jane , van der Laan Sandra
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how accountability practices are affected and potentially transformed when mediated by translation. Adopting a postcolonial lens, the authors consider the ways in which translation functions and how intermediaries act as cultural translators in the context of microfinance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors take a qualitative approach to a case study of a microfinance organization based in South Africa. Fieldwork allowed for the collection of data by means of direct observations, interviews, documents and a fieldwork diary.

Findings

The study demonstrates the presence of spaces of hybridity that co-exist within the same organizational context (Bhabha, 1994). Two spaces of hybridity are highlighted, in which translation processes were possible because of the proximity between borrowers and fieldworkers. The first space of hybridity was found locally and here translation shaped an accountability that aimed at leveraging local cultures and favoring cultural framing. The second space of hybridity was characterized by the interaction between oral and written cultures and the translation of responsibilities and expectations was predominantly unidirectional, prioritizing accountability practices consistent with organizational requirements.

Originality/value

This research offers in-depth insights into the links between intermediation, translation and accountability practices. It differs from prior research in considering intermediaries as active translators of accountability practices who act in-between cultures. The authors contend that the translation process reinscribes culture allowing dominant accountability practices to prevail and local cultural traditions to merely contextualize accountability practices.
Innovation and internationalization on the competitiveness of exporting firms
Authors: Pino Soto César Gustavo
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a new theoretical model from the interaction between two theoretical approaches. This model can explain the development of organizational innovations from a specific type of knowledge that the firm generate when they face internationalization process. Also, the model shows the effects of the innovations on the performance and competitiveness of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, this study connects empirical evidence in two aspects. First, the development of institutional knowledge from experiential learning of the firm in foreign markets. Second, the influence of organizational innovations on the market performance in exporting firms from South American emerging economies.

Findings

The main finding of this study is that the connection between two theoretical perspectives, internationalization process and innovation, it is possible by the international entrepreneurship (IE) field, because IE establishes that the opportunities are in international borders and the firms exploit these opportunities when they build new experiential knowledge associated with institutional conditions in foreign markets. And then, the firms are able to create product innovations and services innovations from this knowledge.

Originality/value

This study shows the theoretical base for explaining that in South American emerging economies the exporting firms can build their competitive advantages based on innovations that arise when they do business in foreign markets.
From the boundaries of management to the management of boundaries
Authors: Caputo Andrea , Fiorentino Raffaele , Garzella Stefano
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the new capabilities that are required for the facilitation of business processes management (BPM) in the current political and technological landscape. Specifically, the goal is to investigate the role of firm boundaries, from a business processes perspective, in new contexts in which the affirmation of digitalization requires more integration across a complex network of partners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of relevant literature on BPM, firm boundaries and negotiation. By critically integrating this literature, a framework is developed with the objective of supporting the management of boundaries.

Findings

BPM, new competitive contexts, and the technological landscape require the development and management of boundary capabilities. Among these capabilities, “boundary management” – how managers coordinate resources, activities and business processes on the boundaries of the firm – should play a key role. Moreover, as managers must continuously interact with multiple partners in digital supply chains, the organizational model of negotiation serves as a means of effectively managing firm boundaries.

Practical implications

The framework offers insights and guidelines that can help practitioners manage the boundaries of business processes. The authors encourage a focus on business processes occurring at firm boundaries. Furthermore, the authors encourage the development of new capabilities in response to the needs of practitioners to ensure best practices of negotiation.

Originality/value

This study shifts the emphasis of BPM from the boundaries of management to the management of boundaries. By shedding light on new capabilities required, this paper enriches the BPM literature and can assist, on the one hand, in reconfiguring business processes in the new political and technological landscape and, on the other hand, in facilitating effective negotiation.
The ultimate controlling owner and corporate governance in Brazil
Authors: Crisóstomo Vicente Lima , de Freitas Brandão Isac
Published: September 2018

Purpose

High ownership concentration makes controlling blockholders powerful enough to use private benefits of control and able to shape the corporate governance system to favor their own interests. This paper aims to examine the effect of the nature of the ultimate firm owner on the quality of corporate governance in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

Econometric models are estimated to assess whether the nature of the ultimate controlling shareholder affects the quality of the corporate governance system. Models are estimated using panel data methodology with coefficients estimated by the generalized method of moments system estimator.

Findings

The results show that the absence of a controlling shareholder has a positive effect on corporate governance, whereas the presence of a controlling blockholder, or a shareholder agreement among a few large shareholders, has a negative effect. This adverse effect holds when the controlling blockholder is a family or another firm. The findings are in line with the expropriation effect given that weaker corporate governance system facilitates controlling shareholders’ ability to extract private benefits of control. The findings also give support to the substitution effect as powerful blockholders take on the management monitoring function by weakening the board.

Originality value

Following important previous literature, the study investigates the effect of the nature of large controlling shareholders on the adoption of good corporate governance practices. The work provides additional evidence on the effect of the nature of large controlling shareholders on the quality of the corporate governance system in Brazil, taking into account the main kinds of controlling blockholders present in that market. The findings give support to both the expropriation and substitution hypotheses highlighting the presence of the principal-principal agency model in an important emerging market, Brazil.
Manager’s report: organizational culture & strategy association
Authors: Thakur Ramendra , Hale Dena , AlSaleh Dhoha
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Strategy and organizational culture are indispensable for success within a business. Both behavioral scientists and practitioners have shown keen interest in understanding the association between culture and strategy; however, no strong consensus has been formed about this relationship. This paper aims to shed light on this relationship by answering the following questions: Is organizational culture separable from its strategies? Is there an association between organizational culture and strategy?

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 496 service managers, this study empirically examines the relationship between culture and strategy. Due to the nature of the data, cross-tabulation research method was used for analysis and to check the association between organizational culture and strategy.

Findings

Results indicate that successful firms with a bureaucratic and innovative culture may demonstrate any of the four examined strategies (command, rational, transactive and generative). The results also suggest that successful firms with a supportive culture will likely use a transactive or generative strategy. Overall, the results found that all four strategies are associated with each of the three corporate cultures, except for the supportive culture-command strategy and supportive culture-rational strategy dyads.

Originality/value

There are diverse views about the organizational culture-strategy relationship; however, no strong consensus has been formed about this relationship. Using managerial data collected from service industry, this study examines the relationship between three organizational cultures, namely, bureaucratic, supportive and innovative, and four different types of strategies, namely, specially command, rational, transactive and generative.
Leadership expectation gap and LMX quality: ethnic and nationality dissimilarities as moderator
Authors: Subramaniam Anusuiya , Sambasivan Murali
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Demographically similar individuals often believe they are similar, in spite of the differences in values, beliefs and expectations. However, dissimilar dyads experience will encounter more interpersonal difficulties due to misunderstandings, misperceptions and conflicts of interest. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of leadership expectation gap on LMX quality and the moderating role of ethnic and nationality dissimilarity between manager and their superior on the relationship between leadership expectation gap and LMX quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative research design. A purposive sampling survey of 137 lower-to middle-level managers working under the supervision of Malaysian and Japanese superiors in Japanese multi-national corporations was conducted to test the hypotheses of this study.

Findings

The study found the following: leadership expectation gap has a significant and negative effect on LMX quality; and ethnic dissimilarity and nationality dissimilarity moderates the relationship between leadership expectation gap and LMX quality.

Practical implications

There is a need for a comprehensive training programme for both leaders and followers, towards developing their interpersonal skills on how to work better and more effectively in the workplace. Furthermore, prior to the start of the expatriate assignment, organisations can help expatriate superiors to adapt themselves by providing pre-departure and cross-cultural training.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an important and not so well researched issue. It analyses the moderation effect of ethnic and nationality dissimilarity between manager and their superior on the relationship between leadership expectation gap on LMX quality in the Malaysian context.
Sustainable development goals and reproductive healthcare rights of internally displaced persons in India
Authors: Sahoo Madhulika , Pradhan Jalandhar
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) are often overlooked population, falling between the cracks of international and national commitments. Displaced women and children go through more hardship than the male counterpart, as they are frequently at greater risk and do not get adequate access to the reproductive healthcare rights; they suffer from poor health amid threats of eviction. The purpose of this paper is to look into the IDPs reproductive healthcare situation in India and sustainable development goal (SDG) role in addressing the reproductive healthcare rights of the IDPs in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the available literature on reproductive rights of IDPs in India, analysis of the SDGs 3 and other legal safeguards.

Findings

The newly arrived IDPs in the camps have complex needs and health problems. They are susceptible to a number of health problems due to the exposure to physical and environmental threats, violence and trauma. Many of them face a loss of social networks and assets, knowledge and information in the new environment, and lack food security. They have inadequate shelter, healthcare services, sanitation and access to safe water.

Research limitations/implications

This is a viewpoint paper and most of the information in this paper are taken from different sources which are cited in the reference section. There is a lack of sufficient data on IDPs in India. Most of the IDPs figures/data are quoted from Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre and other literature.

Practical implications

To achieve the SDGs by 2030, India needs to take account of all people’s vulnerabilities to address their humanitarian and sustainable development needs. It is important that the development, humanitarian actors, along with the local communities, work collectively to respond to the health needs of the IDPs. Moreover, the active role of the government can provide the necessary assistance to guarantee the rights of IDPs health, adequate standard of living and to social security.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the reproductive healthcare rights of the IDPs in India and the challenges faced by them. It has analyzed the policy gaps. The paper also suggests few measures that can be undertaken to address those challenges under the SDGs.
The relationship between ethical leadership and organizational commitment in banking sector of Jordan
Authors: Abuzaid Ahmad Nasser
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Organizations with committed employees create a sustainable high-performance and stable environment over the long term. Leadership should be a key component determining organizational commitment. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and its association to employee commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method was chosen for this study because the objective was to correlate variables and predict a set of outcomes. Employees from 13 commercial banks listed in Amman Stock Exchange completed a survey designed to gather their perceptions of study variables.

Findings

The results show that there is a positive and significant relationship between ethical leadership and two components of organizational commitment, namely, affective commitment and normative commitment. Additionally, the results show that there is no relationship between ethical leadership and continuous commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in the banking sector of Jordan. Therefore, the results may not generalize to other sectors. Additionally, this study might have self-selection and non-response bias. This occurs when the entities in the sample are given a choice to participate. If a set of members in the sample decides not to participate, it reduces the ability to generalize the results to the entire population.

Practical implications

Managers should strive to enhance the levels of both affective and normative commitment in their organizations and that the ethical leadership of managers plays a significant role in developing employees and ethical organizational cultures.

Originality/value

To date, there has been little empirical research regarding the relationship between ethical leadership and its influence on organizational commitment, and, as such, this study has been beneficial in its contribution to the early body of knowledge of ethical leaderships which provides confirmatory evidence about a significant effect that perceived ethical leadership has on organizational.
Purchase intention of “Halal” brands in India: the mediating effect of attitude
Authors: Garg Prerna , Joshi Richa
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing state of research on “Halal” branding and to propose and empirically test the framework for understanding the purchase intention for “Halal” branded products in Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is cross-sectional in nature; convenience sampling and snowball sampling is done, and completely filled 288 questionnaires are considered for testing the conceptual framework. Structural equation modeling is used to assess the fit of framework. The study has incorporated attitude as a mediating variable in relation to purchase intention for “Halal” branded products. The originality of the research is based on responses collected from the respondents in the form of online and offline questionnaires.

Findings

Findings of the direct and indirect effects in the study show that attitude has a full mediation effect on purchase intention, i.e. in the presence of attitude as a mediation variable the direct effect of subjective norm and religiosity is insignificant and the effect caused through attitude is significant.

Practical implications

In a country like India, which enjoys a sufficiently good percentage of Muslim population (14.2 per cent), an understanding of attitude provides enough scope for marketers to strategize techniques to reduce dissonance of non-availability of “Halal” brands.

Originality/value

Research is atypical, as it has focused on the mediation effects of attitude toward “Halal” branded products with the help of cosmetic range of products.
Applying ethics to itself: recursive ethical questioning in architecture and second-order cybernetics
Authors: Sweeting Ben
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forward a way that ethics may be applied recursively to itself, in the sense that how we speak and reason about ethics is an activity to which ethical considerations and questions apply.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is built on parallels between design and cybernetics, integrating elements of ethical discourse in each field. The way that cybernetics and design can each act as their own meta-disciplines, in the design of design and the cybernetics of cybernetics, is used as a pattern for a similarly recursive approach to ethics. This is explored further by drawing parallels between Heinz von Foersters’ criticism of moral codes and concerns about paternalism in designing architecture.

Findings

Designers incorporate implicit ethical questioning as part of the recursive process through which they design their design activity, moving between conversations that pursue the goals of a project and meta-conversations in which they question which goals to pursue and the methods they employ in doing so. Given parallels between designing architecture and setting out an ethics (both of which put forward ways in which others are to live), a similar approach may be taken within ethical discourse, folding ethics within itself as its own meta-discipline.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework in which to address ethical considerations within ethical discourse itself. Recursive ethical questioning of this sort offers a way of coping with the incommensurability of values and goals that is commonplace given the fragmented state of contemporary ethics.
International STEM graduate students: reaching a deeper understanding
Authors: Yu Jen-Chien , Trei Kelli Jean , Carlstone Jamie
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the perceptions international STEM students have of the library and higher education based on their responses to the Ithaka S+R Graduate Student Survey.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand these groups, this study conducted the Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test on the Ithaka survey results to compare the groups and identify any statistically significant differences that the international STEM graduate students group (ISG) has to other groups.

Findings

This paper found that ISG valued Higher Education objective variables more than the non-ISG group, with the exception of one question. The ISG group also valued 7 of the 13 role of the library (ROL) variables statistically different.

Research limitations/implications

Since the students self-reported as international or STEM, the authors are unable to assess whether the response pool is representative of the university as a whole.

Practical implications

By understanding how international/STEM students may differ from other populations, libraries can better design spaces and services for these groups.

Originality/value

Existing studies tend to focus on international students or STEM students and information literacy. This study intends to fill a gap in the understanding of how these groups perceive the ROL and their education.
Recovery and reuse of immobilized α-amylase during desizing of cotton fabric
Authors: Madhu Amit , Chakraborty J.N.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Enzymatic desizing using α-amylase is the conventional and eco-friendly method of removing starch based size. Conventionally, enzymes are drained after completion of process; being catalysts, they retain their activity after reaction and need to be reused. Immobilization allows the recovery of enzymes to use them as realistic biocatalyst. This study aims to recover and reuse of α-amylase for desizing of cotton via immobilization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the application of α-amylase immobilized on Chitosan and Eudragit S-100 for cotton fabric desizing. A commercial α-amylase was immobilized on reversibly soluble-insoluble polymers to work out with inherent problems of heterogeneous reaction media. The immobilization process was optimized for maximum conjugate activity, and immobilized amylases were applied for grey cotton fabric desizing.

Findings

The desizing performance of immobilized amylases was evaluated in terms of starch removal and was compared to free enzyme. The immobilized amylases showed adequate desizing efficiency up to four cycles of use and were recovered easily at the end of each cycle. The amylase immobilized on Eudragit is more efficient for a particular concentration than chitosan.

Practical implications

Immobilization associates with insolubility and increased size of enzymes which lead to poor interactions and limited diffusion especially in textiles where enzymes have to act on macromolecular substrates (heterogeneous media). The selection of support materials plays a significant role in this constraint.

Originality/value

The commercial α-amylase was covalently immobilized on smart polymers for cotton fabric desizing. The target was to achieve immobilized amylase with maximum conjugate activity and limited constraints. The reversibly soluble-insoluble polymers support provide easy recovery with efficient desizing results in heterogeneous reaction media.
Stakeholder performance, corporate social performance
Authors: Biwole Fouda Jean , Abessolo Abessolo Irène
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out what added value does the stakeholder performance concept bring with respect to that of corporate social performance. To better understand the developments of these concepts, the authors resort to Gallie’s theory (1956) of essentially contested concepts, the life-cycle model of Hirsch and Levin’s (1999) umbrella concepts. Reconciling these two theoretical frameworks allows us to introduce the competing category notion consisting of a dominant and a dominated-type concepts. Through a historical and synchronic literature examination, CSP is shown to have characteristics of the dominant type, thanks to its more diffuse character. On the other hand, the stakeholder performance would relate to the dominated type, though it provides better operationalization possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand the developments of these concepts, Gallie’s theory (1956) of essentially contested concepts, the life cycle model of Hirsch and Levin’s (1999) umbrella concepts are used.

Findings

CSP has characteristics of the dominant type, thanks to its more diffuse character. On the other hand, the stakeholder performance relates to the dominated type, though it provides better operationalization.

Originality/value

CSP as a dominant type and stakeholder performance is a dominated type.
Approaches to help the practitioner determine “are we a learning organization”
Authors: Reese Simon
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The “Implication for practitioners” paper summarizes the articles within this issue of The Learning Organization in an easy-to-digest format for the practitioner audience. This paper aims to outline how in practice the structure and people and the interplay of both have an impact in creating a learning organization. Included in the paper is a summary of articles within this issue that outline different studies that can easily lead toward actions in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The summary identifies specific elements from the articles within this issue that can applied in practice.

Findings

This issue of The Learning Organization is full of content to help practitioners think more deeply about assessing their organization and offers application of tools that can be easily applied in any organization.

Practical implications

The “Implication for practitioners” paper aims to outline areas where the articles can be further applied. The articles within this issue outline how structure and characteristics (or people) can provide a significant impact on developing a learning organization.

Originality/value

Readers can gain value in reading this summary, as it outline some of the many practical ideas outlined within the articles of this issue of The Learning Organization.
Japanese guidelines for the management and treatment of generalized pustular psoriasis: The new pathogenesis and treatment of GPP
Authors: Fujita Hideki , Terui Tadashi , Hayama Koremasa , Akiyama Masashi , Ikeda Shigaku , Mabuchi Tomotaka , Ozawa Akira , Kanekura Takuro , Kurosawa Michiko , Komine Mayumi , Nakajima Kimiko , Sano Shigetoshi , Nemoto Osamu , Muto Masahiko , Imai Yasutomo , Yamanishi Kiyofumi , Aoyama Yumi , Iwatsuki Keiji ,   The Japanese Dermatological Association Guidelines Development Committee for the Guidelines for the Management and Treatment of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis
Published: September 2018

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare disease characterized by recurrent fever and systemic flushing accompanied by extensive sterile pustules. The committee of the guidelines was founded as a collaborative project between the Japanese Dermatological Association and the Study Group for Rare Intractable Skin Diseases under the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare Research Project on Overcoming Intractable Diseases. The aim of the guidelines was to provide current information to aid in the treatment of patients with GPP in Japan. Its contents include the diagnostic and severity classification criteria for GPP, its pathogenesis, and recommendations for the treatment of GPP. Since there are few clinical trial data with high levels of evidence for this rare disease, recommendations by the committee are described in the present guidelines.
Dual excitatory and smooth muscle‐relaxant effect of β‐phenylethylamine on gastric fundus strips in rats
Authors: Batista‐Lima Francisco José , Rodrigues Felipe Macário dos Santos , Gadelha Kalinne Kelly Lima , Oliveira Daniel Maia Nogueira de , Carvalho Emanuella Feitosa , Oliveira Tatyanne Linhares , Nóbrega Fernanda Carlos , Brito Teresinha Silva , Magalhães Pedro Jorge Caldas
Published: September 2018

β‐Phenylethylamine (β‐PEA) is a trace amine with chemical proximity to biogenic amines and amphetamines. It is an endogenous agonist of trace amine‐associated receptors (TAARs) that acts as a neuromodulator of classic neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. At high concentrations, β‐PEA contracts smooth muscle, and a role for TAARs in these responses has been postulated. The high dietary intake of trace amines has been associated with such symptoms as hypertension and migraine, especially after the intake of foods containing such compounds. In gastrointestinal tissues, TAAR expression was reported, although the effect of β‐PEA on gastric contractile behaviour is unknown. Here, isolated strips that were obtained from the rat gastric fundus were stimulated with high micromolar concentrations of β‐PEA. Under resting tonus, β‐PEA induced contractions. In contrast, when the strips were previously contracted with KCl, a relaxant response to β‐PEA was observed. The contractile effect of β‐PEA was inhibited by 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor antagonists (i.e., cyproheptadine and ketanserin) but not by the TAAR1 antagonist EPPTB. In gastric fundus strips that were previously contracted with 80 mmol/L KCl, the relaxant effect of β‐PEA intensified in the presence of 5‐HT receptor antagonists, which was inhibited by EPPTB and the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor MDL‐12,330A. The guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ did not alter the relaxant effects of β‐PEA. In conclusion, β‐PEA exerted dual contractile and relaxant effects on rat gastric fundus. The contractile effect appeared to involve the recruitment of 5‐HT receptors, and the relaxant effect of β‐PEA on KCl‐elicited contractions likely involved TAAR1.
Ochronosis Presenting as Methemoglobinemia
Authors: Hugar Sarah B. , Shulman Joshua , Yanta Joseph , Nine Jeffrey
Published: September 2018

Ochronosis is the blue‐gray discoloration of collagen‐containing tissues due to homogentisic acid (HGA) deposition, secondary to endogenous alkaptonuria or exogenous enzyme inhibition. In renal disease, accumulation of HGA in serum can cause methemoglobinemia. A 60‐year‐old woman with renal disease and anemia presented with 3 days of weakness and months of gray skin discoloration. Her hemoglobin was 8.1g/dl with 24.5% methemoglobin. Despite treatment with methylene blue, exchange transfusion, and continuous renal replacement therapy, the patient died. Autopsy revealed gray discoloration and ochronotic pigment in the ribs and cartilage. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with ochronosis, suggestive of alkaptonuria, complicated by methemoglobinemia. The differential diagnosis for blue‐gray skin discoloration includes argyria, methemoglobinemia, and ochronosis. This patient's clinical and autopsy findings suggested alkaptonuria complicated by methemoglobinemia due to progressive renal dysfunction. Development of methemoglobinemia in the setting of chronic skin discoloration and renal failure should prompt consideration of alkaptonuria.
Early Signs of Fracture Repair in the Human Rib Cage: Implications for Forensic Casework
Authors: Rubin Katie M. , Stock Michala K.
Published: September 2018

The decomposed body of a woman discovered beneath a collapsed structure was examined at the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory. Despite a mix of rib fractures with and without indications of healing, it is most likely that all fractures occurred as a result of a single, compressive event. Signs of intramembranous, and possibly direct, fracture healing at the incomplete fractures without signs of endochondral ossification at the complete fractures suggest the individual died very shortly—but not immediately—after injury. Given the case circumstances, the findings inform immediate cause of death. This case study highlights that differential healing as a result of a single event is possible. Further, it illustrates the importance of careful examination of micro‐discontinuities/cracks that can occur in association with major fractures. Fracture healing and dating data are discussed, as is the possible need for critical evaluation of the antemortem/perimortem boundary.
Oropharyngeal leak pressure of the LMA Protector™ vs the LMA Supreme™; a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Moser Berthold , Keller Christian , Audigé Laurent , Bruppacher Heinz R.
Published: September 2018

Background

Clinical characteristics such as oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) and ventilation peak pressure are important factors for successful use of supraglottic airway devices in general anaesthesia. We hypothesized that the LMA Protector™ compared to the LMA Supreme™ may develop a higher OLP, which could be of clinical significance.

Methods

Ninety‐six patients were randomized to the LMA Protector™ or LMA Supreme™ groups. We measured oropharyngeal leak pressure within 5 minutes after insertion of the supraglottic airway device with a standardized cuff pressure at 60 cm H2O. Secondary parameters, such as insertion time of the supraglottic airway device, the number of attempts inserting the supraglottic airway device and the gastric tube, volume of gastric contents, and maximum airway pressure, as well as pulse oximetry throughout the operation were measured. Further, blood staining after removal of the supraglottic airway device and postoperative airway morbidity 3 hours after surgery were determined.

Results

The mean difference of oropharyngeal leak pressure was 5.2 (95% CI 2.8‐7.6), ie, 30.9 (7.4) cmH2O for the LMA Protector™ vs 25.6 (4.4) cmH2O for the LMA Supreme™ (P < 0.001; mean(SD)). Similarly, there was a mean difference between OLP and maximal ventilation peak pressure 5.6 (95% CI 3.1‐8.2) ie 19.6 (7.7) cmH2O for the LMA Protector™ vs 14.0 (4.4) cmH2O for the LMA Supreme™ (P < 0.001). No difference was found between the groups for other secondary parameters, as well as postoperative airway morbidity.

Conclusion

The LMA Protector™ enabled a higher OLP compared to the LMA Supreme™. This finding may be important for patients requiring a higher peak pressure for sufficient supraglottic airway device ventilation.
Hawks, Doves, and Peace: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Mattes Michaela , Weeks Jessica L. P.
Published: September 2018

An old adage holds that “only Nixon could go to China”; that is, hawkish leaders face fewer domestic barriers than doves when it comes to pursuing reconciliation with foreign enemies. However, empirical evidence for this proposition is mixed. In this article, we clarify competing theories, elucidate their implications for public opinion, and describe the results of a series of survey experiments designed to evaluate whether and why there is a hawk's advantage. We find that hawks are indeed better positioned domestically to initiate rapprochement than doves. We also find support for two key causal mechanisms: Voters are more confident in rapprochement when it is pursued by a hawk and are more likely to view hawks who initiate conciliation as moderates. Further, the hawk's advantage persists whether conciliatory efforts end in success or failure. Our microfoundational evidence thus suggests a pronounced domestic advantage for hawks who deliver the olive branch.
Remission of proteinuria in multidrug‐resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome following immunoglobulin immunoadsorption
Authors: Nattes Elodie , Karaa Danièle , Dehoux Laurène , Peuchmaur Michel , Kwon Theresa , Deschênes Georges
Published: September 2018

Aim

Complete or partial resistance to prednisone and calcineurin inhibitors in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome often leads to end‐stage renal disease. The aim of the study was to report the outcome of patients with multidrug‐resistant nephrotic syndrome treated with an association of immunoglobulin immunoadsorption, intravenous immunoglobulins and B‐cell depletion.

Methods

At treatment initiation, patients received ten sessions of immunoglobulin immunoadsorption and intravenous immunoglobulins in two weeks followed by one rituximab in case of remission.

Results

A remission of proteinuria was obtained in nine out of 14 patients at the end of the initial phase and in two additional patients after an extended period. The remission was stable in three patients and after additional IgIA and heavy immunosuppression in six. Two patients that initially responded relapsed after IgIA withdrawal and remained with an uncontrolled disease at last follow‐up. Three patients did not respond to the treatment including two who were found to have a genetic podocytopathy.

Conclusion

Patients with multidrug‐resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome can be successfully led into remission by IgIA prior to reaching end‐stage renal disease. However, IgIA does not suppress the need for heavy additional immunosuppression to control INS in most cases.
Clustering of Lifestyle Risk Factors in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Prevalence and Change after the First Event
Authors: Monzani Dario , D'Addario Marco , Fattirolli Francesco , Giannattasio Cristina , Greco Andrea , Quarenghi Francesco , Steca Patrizia
Published: September 2018

Background

Healthy lifestyles are modifiable risk factors for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) onset and recurrence. While unhealthy lifestyles tend to cluster together within the general healthy population, little is known about the prevalence and clustering of these behaviours in people with ACS before and after the first acute event. The aim of this study was to identify lifestyle profiles of patients with ACS and to explore their change after their first coronary event.

Methods

Three hundred and fifty‐six patients completed self‐report measures of healthy habits at the beginning of cardiac rehabilitation and 6 months later. By adopting a person‐oriented approach, we analysed lifestyle clustering and its change over time. Differences in depression, anxiety, and negative illness perception among lifestyle profiles were assessed.

Results

We identified seven profiles, ranging from more maladaptive to healthier clusters. Findings showed a strong interrelation among unhealthy habits in patients. We highlighted a moderate individual and group stability of cluster membership over time. Moreover, unhealthier lifestyle profiles were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and negative illness perception.

Conclusion

These results may have implications for the development and implementation of multimodal interventions addressing wider‐ranging improvement in lifestyles by targeting multiple unhealthy behaviours in patients with ACS.
Promoting Youth Mental Health via Text‐Messages: A New Zealand Feasibility Study
Authors: Arps Emily R. , Friesen Myron D. , Overall Nickola C.
Published: September 2018

Background

A growing body of research has documented the positive effects of gratitude programs on participants’ mental health and well‐being. For children and adolescents, these programs typically rely on school‐based group designs tied with a health curriculum, whereas innovative technology‐based programs are relatively understudied.

Methods

This experiment investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a gratitude text‐messaging program for promoting adolescent mental health relative to a positive reflective control condition.

Results

Young people showed positive changes over the course of the program in their general sense of gratitude, subjective well‐being, and reduced depressive symptoms, with some evidence that those with higher levels of depressive symptoms benefited more from the gratitude program. However, there were no significant differences across the two groups in the magnitude of these mental health changes. Participants in both conditions valued and were highly engaged with the interactive text‐messaging approach.

Conclusion

This interactive e‐health promotion strategy seemed to promote strong engagement and showed promising effectiveness with young people, with some challenges to feasibility due to the labor intensive nature of sending and responding to a large number of text‐messages. The importance of carefully considering risk management strategies when developing such programs was also highlighted.
Recovery of a lost wall painting at the Etruscan Tomb of the Blue Demons in Tarquinia (Viterbo, Italy) by multispectral reflectometry and UV fluorescence imaging
Authors: Adinolfi G. , Carmagnola R. , Cataldi M. , Marras L. , Palleschi V.
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the results of a multispectral reflectometry and ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence study on the entrance wall of the Tomb of the Blue Demons in the Necropolis of Monterozzi (450–430 bc) in Tarquinia (Viterbo, Italy), which is a UNESCO site. The technique is based on the acquisition of a multispectral set ranging from 10 to 25 images, acquired at wavelengths between 370 and 1120 nm, with a spectral width of 50 nm per image, using both halogen lamps for visible and infrared images and high‐purity UV diodes for fluorescence. Blind‐source separation algorithms were then applied to the whole image set to extract from the resulting images the details not otherwise visible in the single spectral images. The multispectral technique presented was tested and improved upon over the last decade on ancient Etruscan and Roman wall paintings and, because of its quickness and cost‐effectiveness, it can now be proposed as a powerful tool for the study of poorly conserved archaeological wall paintings and a preliminary diagnostic survey before any future conservation intervention on them.
North Korea’s Economic Integration and Growth Potential
Authors: Lee Jong‐Wha , Pyun Ju Hyun
Published: September 2018

The growth projections based on cross‐country evidence show that North Korea could achieve higher economic growth in the long run if it embarks on substantial policy reforms toward a market‐oriented and open economy. Using an empirical gravity model of trade and direct investment, we forecast that, when the two Koreas pursue economic integration and cooperation without military conflicts, North Korea's trade with South Korea can increase by up to 36 percent of North Korea's GDP and its foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from South Korea by up to 6 percent of GDP. Overall, by promoting trade and FDI integration with South Korea, North Korea can boost its GDP growth by approximately 3 percentage points per year. Combined with a market‐oriented reform, the North Korean economy could grow by approximately 4.7 percent per year over the coming decades. Conversely, if more rigid sanctions imposed on North Korea become effective, its trade and investment will decrease and its GDP growth rate is expected to fall by approximately 2 percentage points per year.
Institutional Economic Integration between South and North Korea and the Economic Impacts of Integration
Authors: Kang Moonsung , Park Soonchan
Published: September 2018

This paper proves theoretically that bilateral trade between South and North Korea, between whom many political barriers to trade exist, is Pareto‐inefficient, and that a Pareto‐efficient situation can be achieved through the attainment of institutional economic integration, enabled by mutual agreement between South and North Korea. Based on our theoretical analysis, we propose a comprehensive economic integration agreement as an instrumental framework for the gradual integration of South and North Korea. In addition, we analyze the economic impacts of such integration. We estimate that gradual integration would positively affect North Korean GDP, increasing it by 3.55–4.88 percent from the baseline, depending on the various scenarios we analyze.
Networks, Trust and Trade: The Microeconomics of China–North Korea Integration
Authors: Haggard Stephan , Noland Marcus
Published: September 2018

A central hope of engagement with North Korea is that increased cross‐border exchange will encourage the strengthening of institutions and, eventually, a moderation of the country's foreign policy. An unprecedented survey of Chinese enterprises operating in North Korea reveals that trade is largely dominated by state entities on the North Korean side, although we cannot rule out de facto privatization of exchange. Little trust is evident beyond the relationships among Chinese and North Korean state‐owned enterprises. Formal networks and dispute settlement mechanisms are weak and do not appear to have consequences for relational contracting. Rather, firms rely on personal ties for identifying counterparties and resolving disputes. The results cast doubt that integration between China and North Korea, at least as it is currently proceeding, will foster reform and opening.
System justification: Experimental evidence, its contextual nature, and implications for social change
Authors: Friesen Justin P. , Laurin Kristin , Shepherd Steven , Gaucher Danielle , Kay Aaron C.
Published: September 2018

We review conceptual and empirical contributions to system justification theory over the last fifteen years, emphasizing the importance of an experimental approach and consideration of context. First, we review the indirect evidence of the system justification motive via complimentary stereotyping. Second, we describe injunctification as direct evidence of a tendency to view the extant status quo (the way things are) as the way things should be. Third, we elaborate on system justification's contextual nature and the circumstances, such as threat, dependence, inescapability, and system confidence, which are likely to elicit defensive bolstering of the status quo and motivated ignorance of critical social issues. Fourth, we describe how system justification theory can increase our understanding of both resistance to and acceptance of social change, as a change moves from proposed, to imminent, to established. Finally, we discuss how threatened systems shore up their authority by co‐opting legitimacy from other sources, such as governments that draw on religious concepts, and the role of institutional‐level factors in perpetuating the status quo.
The house dust mite allergen Der p 5 binds lipid ligands and stimulates airway epithelial cells through a TLR2‐dependent pathway
Authors: Pulsawat Pinya , Soongrung Tewarit , Satitsuksanoa Pattraporn , Le Mignon Maxime , Khemili Souad , Gilis Dimitri , Nony Emmanuel , Kennedy Malcolm W. , Jacquet Alain
Published: September 2018

Background

Protein crystallographic studies suggest that the house dust mite (HDM) allergen Der p 5 potentially interacts with hydrophobic ligands. Der p 5, in association with its ligand(s), might therefore trigger innate immune signalling pathways in the airway epithelium and influence the initiation of the HDM‐allergic response.

Objective

We investigated the lipid binding propensities of recombinant (r)Der p 5 and characterized the signalling pathways triggered by the allergen in airway epithelial cells.

Methods

rDer p 5 was produced in Pichia pastoris and characterized by mass spectrometry, multi‐angle light scattering and circular dichroism. Its interactions with hydrophobic ligands were investigated in fluorescence‐based lipid binding assays and in‐silico docking simulations. Innate immune signalling pathways triggered by rDer p 5 were investigated in airway epithelial cell activation assays in vitro.

Results

Biophysical analysis showed that rDer p 5 was monomeric and adopted a similar α‐helix‐rich fold at both physiological and acidic pH. Spectrofluorimetry experiments showed that rDer p 5 is able to selectively bind lipid ligands, but only under mild acidic pH conditions. Computer‐based docking simulations identified potential binding sites for these ligands. This allergen, with putatively associated lipid(s), triggered the production of IL‐8 in respiratory epithelial cells through a TLR2‐, NF‐kB‐ and MAPK‐dependent signalling pathway.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Despite the fact that Der p 5 represents a HDM allergen of intermediate prevalence, our findings regarding its lipid binding and activation of TLR2 indicate that it could participate in the initiation of the HDM‐allergic state.