bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of value-adding services on quality, loyalty and brand equity in the brewing industry
Authors: Juga Jari , Juntunen Jouni , Paananen Mikko
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of logistics value-adding services and perceived service quality on brand equity among B2B customers of a brewery company.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model is developed and tested using survey data from 173 hotel, restaurant and catering (HoReCa) industry customers of a brewery company in Finland.

Findings

Value-adding services play an important role in building the brewery company’s brand equity through perceived service quality. Besides a direct impact on overall service quality, an indirect impact is detected through the operational dimension of service quality in logistics.

Research limitations/implications

A broader data set would be needed to generalize the findings also beyond the brewery business and the HoReCa industry customers in Finland.

Practical implications

To increase brand equity, value-adding services like logistics can play an important role for B2B customers. This study is important for practitioners and academics, as there has been little quantitative research available regarding value-adding services in the context of service quality and brand equity research.

Originality/value

This paper combines logistics as value-adding service to customers’ willingness to pay extra profits to cooperate with service producer.
Classification model and e-loyalty implications for online services
Authors: Salegna Gary
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The majority of past classification models for services have failed to account for the different nature of online services, and therefore, they are not helpful in classifying online services. This paper aims to present a new model for classifying online services, and managerial implications for creating customer loyalty to online service organizations are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an overview of the research in service classifications and a classification model for online services based on a review of the services literature.

Findings

The model for online services presented in this paper classifies online services into four categories: online mass services, online mass e-tailing services, online professional and personal services and online service shops.

Originality/value

The classification of online services has received very limited research attention; yet, online services represent a rapidly growing area. The model presented in this paper provides a foundation for the further study and research of online services.
Analytical study of training program factors to develop the competency of regional operating officer (ROO) in the virtual service provider office (VSPO) in Thailand
Authors: Boonda Phongpisanu , Preedeekul Aree , Markmee Phataraphon
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Virtual regional service provider is a key management mechanism created to realize the health service system development plans and a mechanism established to bring about integration of all elements of the health system. However, a virtual service provider office (VSPO) to support the work of the executive has not yet been formally established, and there are no operations practitioners deployed yet, who are necessary to develop the competency of regional operating officer (ROO) in each province. The purpose of this paper is to analyze training program factors to develop the competency of ROO in the VSPO in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive research that used structural equation model. The research sample consisted of 274 executives and 664 practitioners in the Vice Chief of the provincial health office under the 12 regions; executives’ questionnaire and a VSPO questionnaire were used as tools for this study; data were statistically analyzed by three methods, namely, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), second-order confirmatory factor analysis (second-order CFA), and path analysis (PA).

Findings

The variable model was composed of ten factors, selected from 40 variables, which are as follows: service plan and personal administration, summary to present for administrators in the VSPO, network management and team building, summary to adjust strategies, key performance indicator (KPI) and action plan, new management skills, system thinking, analytical thinking, synthesis thinking, conflict management style, and leadership; presentation of methods and data for monitoring, presentation skill, conference management skill; researching, learning skill, communication skill exercise, action plan workshop, preparation to study in the fields workshop; fiscal and monetary, internal control and risk management; project management, monitoring, and data definition; and positive thinking, conflict management process, negotiation skill contingency management.

Originality/value

Ten factors of the variable model of training program factors to develop the competency of ROO in the VSPO in Thailand had high construct validity and they were analyzed using three methods, i.e. EFA, second-order CFA and PA, that were appropriate to be used for developing a training program.
Gear fault detection using dynamic transmission variance
Authors: Mechefske Chris K. , Rapos David Benjamin , Timusk Markus
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study that used measurements of shaft relative rotational position, made using inexpensive Hall Effect sensors and magnets mounted at the ends of a gearbox input and output shafts, to determine gear “transmission variance.” The transmission variance signals, as a function of gear/shaft rotational position, were then used to detect and diagnose gear faults.

Design/methodology/approach

Two sets of spur gears (one plastic and one steel) were used to experimentally determine the relative shaft rotational position between the input and the output gearbox shafts. Fault-free and faulted (damaged tooth faces and cracked tooth bases) gears were used to collect representative dynamic signals. Signal processing was used to extract transmission variance values as a function of shaft rotational position and then used to detect and diagnose gear faults.

Findings

The results show that variations in the relative rotational position of the output shaft relative to that of the input shaft (the transmission variance) can be used to reveal gear mesh characteristics, including faults, such as cracked or missing gear teeth and flattened gear tooth faces, in both plastic gears and steel gears under appropriate (realistic) loads and speeds.

Research limitations/implications

The operational mode of the non-contact rotational position sensors and the dynamic accuracy limitations are explained along with the basic signal processing required to extract transmission variance values.

Practical implications

The results show that shaft rotational position measurements can be made accurately and precisely using relatively inexpensive sensors and can subsequently reveal gear faults.

Social implications

The inexpensive and yet trustworthy fault detection methodology developed in this work should help to improve the efficiency of maintenance actions on gearboxes and, therefore, improve the overall industrial efficiency of society.

Originality/value

The method described has distinct advantages over traditional analysis methods based on gearbox vibration and/or oil analysis.
Maintenance strategies: Decision Making Grid vs Jack-Knife Diagram
Authors: Seecharan Turuna , Labib Ashraf , Jardine Andrew
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Maintenance management is a vital strategic task given the increasing demand on sustained availability of machines. Machine performance depends primarily on frequency and downtime; therefore, ranking critical machines based on these two criteria is important to determine the appropriate maintenance strategy. The purpose of this paper is to compare two methods, using case studies, to allocate maintenance strategies while prioritising performance based on frequency and downtime or Mean Time to Repair: the Decision Making Grid (DMG) and Jack-Knife Diagram (JKD).

Design/methodology/approach

The literature indicates the need for an approach able to integrate maintenance performance and strategy in order to adapt existing data on equipment failures and to routinely adjust preventive measures. Maintenance strategies are incomparable; one strategy should not be applied to all machines, nor all strategies to the same machine.

Findings

Compared to the Pareto histogram, the DMG and JKD provide visual representations of the performance of the worst machines with respect to frequency and downtime, thus allowing maintenance technicians to apply the appropriate maintenance strategy. Each method has its own merits.

Research limitations/implications

This work compares only two methods based on their original conceptualisation. This is due to their similarities in using same input data and their main features. However, there is a scope to compare to other methods or variations of these methods.

Practical implications

This paper highlights how the DMG and JKD can be incorporated in industrial applications to allocate appropriate maintenance strategy and track machine performance over time.

Originality/value

Neither DMG nor JKD have been compared in the literature. Currently, the JKD has been used to rank machines, and the DMG has been used to determine maintenance strategies.
Hybrid feature descriptor and probabilistic neuro-fuzzy system for face recognition
Authors: Bindu Hima , K. Manjunathachari
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop the Hybrid feature descriptor and probabilistic neuro-fuzzy system for attaining the high accuracy in face recognition system. In recent days, facial recognition (FR) systems play a vital part in several applications such as surveillance, access control and image understanding. Accordingly, various face recognition methods have been developed in the literature, but the applicability of these algorithms is restricted because of unsatisfied accuracy. So, the improvement of face recognition is significantly important for the current trend.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a face recognition system through feature extraction and classification. The proposed model extracts the local and the global feature of the image. The local features of the image are extracted using the kernel based scale invariant feature transform (K-SIFT) model and the global features are extracted using the proposed m-Co-HOG model. (Co-HOG: co-occurrence histograms of oriented gradients) The proposed m-Co-HOG model has the properties of the Co-HOG algorithm. The feature vector database contains combined local and the global feature vectors derived using the K-SIFT model and the proposed m-Co-HOG algorithm. This paper proposes a probabilistic neuro-fuzzy classifier system for the finding the identity of the person from the extracted feature vector database.

Findings

The face images required for the simulation of the proposed work are taken from the CVL database. The simulation considers a total of 114 persons form the CVL database. From the results, it is evident that the proposed model has outperformed the existing models with an improved accuracy of 0.98. The false acceptance rate (FAR) and false rejection rate (FRR) values of the proposed model have a low value of 0.01.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a face recognition system with proposed m-Co-HOG vector and the hybrid neuro-fuzzy classifier. Feature extraction was based on the proposed m-Co-HOG vector for extracting the global features and the existing K-SIFT model for extracting the local features from the face images. The proposed m-Co-HOG vector utilizes the existing Co-HOG model for feature extraction, along with a new color gradient decomposition method. The major advantage of the proposed m-Co-HOG vector is that it utilizes the color features of the image along with other features during the histogram operation.
Self‐efficacy in undergraduate students with dyslexia: a mixed methods investigation
Authors: Stagg Steven D. , Eaton Elizabeth , Sjoblom Amanda M.
Published: January 2018

It may be thought that gaining a place at university confers self‐belief on students with dyslexia; after all, they have succeeded in their academic studies. Our research explored self‐efficacy beliefs in university students with and without dyslexia. An Academic Self‐Efficacy Scale and a Sources of Academic Self‐Efficacy Scale were completed by 44 university students. These scores were compared between dyslexic and non‐dyslexic students. Interviews were conducted with eight participants to gain a fuller understanding of how their self‐efficacy beliefs develop. Undergraduate students with dyslexia scored lower than students without dyslexia on four out of the five measures of academic self‐efficacy. The dyslexic students reported role models, teachers and school performance as factors influencing their motivation toward academic work. The research suggests that university students with dyslexia still need interventions to help boost their self‐efficacy profiles, despite the level of success they have achieved in gaining a place at university.
Medical Schools in Fragile States: Implications for Delivery of Care
Authors: Mateen Farrah J. , McKenzie Erica D. , Rose Sherri
Published: January 2018

Objective

To report on medical schools in fragile states, countries with severe development challenges, and the impact on the workforce for health care delivery.

Data Sources

2007 and 2012 World Bank Harmonized List of Fragile Situations; 1998–2012 WHO Global Health Observatory; 2014 World Directory of Medical Schools.

Data Extraction

Fragile classification established from 2007 and 2012 World Bank status. Population, gross national income, health expenditure, and life expectancy were 2007 figures. Physician density was most recently available from WHO Global Health Observatory (1998–2012), with number of medical schools from 2014 World Directory of Medical Schools.

Study Design

Regression analyses assessed impact of fragile state status in 2012 on the number of medical schools in 2014.

Principal Findings

Fragile states were 1.76 (95 percent CI 1.07–2.45) to 2.37 (95 percent CI 1.44–3.30) times more likely to have fewer than two medical schools than nonfragile states.

Conclusions

Fragile states lack the infrastructure to train sufficient numbers of medical professionals to meet their population health needs.
Monitoring Shelf Life of Pasteurized Whole Milk Under Refrigerated Storage Conditions: Predictive Models for Quality Loss
Authors: Ziyaina Mohamed , Govindan Byju N. , Rasco Barbara , Coffey Todd , Sablani Shyam S.
Published: January 2018

The shelf life of pasteurized milk is generally determined through microbiological analysis. The objective of this study was to correlate microbial quality parameters then to design predictive models for shelf life of pasteurized milk. We analyzed pasteurized milk (3.9% fat) for aerobic plate counts (APCs), psychrotrophic bacteria counts (PBCs), and Bacillus spp. counts at 5, 7, 10, 13, 15, and 19 (±1 °C) to the end of storage time. We also monitored titratable acidity, pH, and, lipase, and protease activity and correlated this with APC, which is the principal index defining shelf life. Results indicate that the shelf life of pasteurized milk was 24, 36, and 72 h at 19, 15, and 13 °C respectively, as determined by APC and acidity indicators. However, milk stored at lower temperatures of 5, 7, and 10 °C had longer shelf life of 30, 24, and 12 d, respectively. A sharp increase in titratable acidity, while decrease pH were observed when APCs reached 5.0 log10 CFU/mL at all storage temperatures. Lipase and protease activities increased with storage temperature. At 5 and 7 °C, however, protease activity was very low. Therefore, we eliminated this parameter from our quality parameters as a potential spoilage indicator.

Practical Application

Findings of this research are useful for monitoring the quality of commercial pasteurized milk, particularly in locations where environmental conditions make longer storage difficult. The study also provides valuable information for development of colorimetric shelf life indicators.
Influence of Food with High Moisture Content on Oxygen Barrier Property of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/Vermiculite Nanocomposite Coated Multilayer Packaging Film
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Lee Min Hyeock , Ko Jung A. , Kang Dong Ho , Bae Hojae , Park Hyun Jin
Published: January 2018

This study investigates the potential complications in applying nanoclay‐based waterborne coating to packaging films for food with high moisture content. Multilayer packaging films were prepared by dry laminating commercially available polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/vermiculite nanocomposite coating films and linear low‐density polyethylene film, and the changes in oxygen barrier properties were investigated according to different relative humidity using 3 types of food simulants. When the relative humidity was above 60%, the oxygen permeability increased sharply, but this was reversible. Deionized water and 3% acetic acid did not cause any large structural change in the PVA/vermiculite nanocomposite but caused a reversible deterioration of the oxygen barrier properties. In contrast, 50% ethanol, a simulant for the semifatty food, induced irreversible structural changes with deterioration of the oxygen barrier property. These changes are due to the characteristics of PVA rather than vermiculite.

Practical Application

We believe this manuscript would be of interest to the wide group of researchers, organizations, and companies in the field of developing nanoclay‐based gas barrier packaging for foods with high moisture content. Hence, we wish to diffuse our knowledge to the scientific community.
Comparison of Cinnamon Essential Oils from Leaf and Bark with Respect to Antimicrobial Activity and Sensory Acceptability in Strawberry Shake
Authors: Brnawi Wafaa I. , Hettiarachchy Navam S. , Horax Ronny , Kumar‐Phillips Geetha , Seo Han‐Seok , Marcy John
Published: January 2018

Cinnamon leaf and bark essential oils have long been used as natural preservatives and flavoring agents in foods. This study determined antimicrobial effects of leaf and bark of cinnamon essential oils (CEOs) against 2 foodborne pathogens, Salmonella Typhimurium (S.T.) and Listeria monocytogenes (L.m.), at 2 initial bacterial levels (4‐ and 9‐log CFU/mL) in strawberry shakes. The antimicrobial study of CEOs at 0.1% and 0.5% in strawberry shakes against S.T. and L.M. showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in log reductions of both bacterial growth at low (4‐log CFU/mL) and high (9‐log CFU/mL) initial bacterial levels. Addition of 0.5% CEOs into strawberry shakes at 4 °C completely inhibited both bacteria after a period of 8 d storage. Shelf‐life study showed that acidity and total solid content were not affected during storage. The strawberry shakes containing bark CEO had higher ratings of sensory acceptability compared to leaf CEO, with or without the addition of 1% masking agent. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that CEO derived from bark was better than that from leaf in terms of their antimicrobial activity and sensory aspect.

Practical Application

This study demonstrates that essential oils derived from cinnamon bark and leaf have the potential to be used as natural antimicrobial ingredient in milk beverages with respect to sensory aspect. This finding promotes the acceptance of natural antimicrobials among consumers, while providing enhanced safer products to the food industry application.
The Transnationalisation of Competing State Projects: Carbon Offsetting and Development in Sumatra's Coastal Peat Swamps
Authors: Hein Jonas , Faust Heiko , Kunz Yvonne , Mardiana Rina
Published: January 2018

Indonesia's peatlands can be considered as conflict arenas where different state projects and actors compete. The case presented here stands for a new conservation controversy. The Berbak Carbon Initiatives overlap with a settlement project, inducing struggles among different state apparatuses, transnational actors, and peasants. This article is based on a novel conceptual approach building on political ecology, politics of scale and state theory for investigating divergent and transnationalised state projects. Empirically we draw on qualitative research conducted in the province of Jambi, Sumatra. We argue that the territorial conflicts mirror the contradictory interests of different state apparatuses influenced by conservation‐oriented and development‐oriented actors in society but also by supra‐national planning institutions. In our case, the contestation becomes visible through inconsistent notions of development and property. We show how political change challenges the implementation of a forest carbon project, illustrating the high risks of mitigating climate change through offsetting.
Phenotype and natural history of elderly onset inflammatory bowel disease: a multicentre, case‐control study
Authors: Mañosa M. , Calafat M. , de Francisco R. , García C. , Casanova M. J. , Huelín P. , Calvo M. , Tosca J. , Fernández‐Salazar L. , Arajol C. , Zabana Y. , Bastida G. , Hinojosa J. , Márquez L. , Barreiro‐de‐Acosta M. , Calvet X. , Monfort D. , Gómez‐Garcia M. R. , Rodríguez E. , Huguet J. M. , Rojas‐Feria M. , Hervias D. , Atienza R. , Busquets D. , Zapata E. , Dueñas C. , Charro M. , Martínez‐Cerezo F. J. , Plaza R. , Vázquez J. M. , Gisbert J. P. , Cañete F. , Cabré E. , Domènech E. ,   GETECCU
Published: January 2018

Background

Onset during old age has been reported in upto 10% of total cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aim

To evaluate phenotypic characteristics and the use of therapeutic resources in patients with elderly onset IBD.

Methods

Case‐control study including all those patients diagnosed with IBD over the age of 60 years since 2000 who were followed‐up for >12 months, identified from the IBD databases. Elderly onset cases were compared with IBD patients aged 18 to 40 years at diagnosis, matched by year of diagnosis, gender and type of IBD (adult‐onset).

Results

One thousand three hundred and seventy‐four elderly onset and 1374 adult‐onset cases were included (62% ulcerative colitis (UC), 38% Crohn's disease (CD)). Among UC patients, elderly onset cases had a lower proportion of extensive disease (33% vs 39%; P < 0.0001). In CD, elderly onset cases showed an increased rate of stenosing pattern (24% vs 13%; P < 0.0001) and exclusive colonic location (28% vs 16%; P < 0.0001), whereas penetrating pattern (12% vs 19%; P < 0.0001) was significantly less frequent. Regarding the use of therapeutic resources, there was a significantly lower use of corticosteroids (P < 0.0001), immunosuppressants (P < 0.0001) and anti‐TNFs agents (P < 0.0001) in elderly onset cases. Regarding surgery, we found a significantly higher surgery rate among elderly onset UC cases (8.3% vs 5.1%; P < 0.009). Finally, elderly onset cases were characterised by a higher rate of hospitalisations (66% vs 49%; P < 0.0001) and neoplasms (14% vs 0.5%; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Elderly onset IBD shows specific characteristics and they are managed differently, with a lower use of immunosuppressants and a higher rate of surgery in UC.
Long‐term effect of medical treatment of diarrhoea in 377 patients with SeHCATscan diagnosed bile acid malabsorption from 2003 to 2016; a retrospective study
Authors: Damsgaard B. , Dalby H. R. , Krogh K. , Jørgensen S. M. D. , Arveschough A. K. , Agnholt J. , Dahlerup J. F. , Jørgensen S. P.
Published: January 2018

Background

Excessive amounts of bile acids entering the colon due to bile acid malabsorption cause chronic bile acid diarrhoea. Diagnosis is possible by measuring the retention fraction of orally ingested75Selenium homotaurocholic acid (SeHCAT). The knowledge of long‐term effects of medical treatment is sparse.

Aim

To describe diarrhoea, adherence to treatment, treatment effects and quality of life in a large, well‐defined cohort of patients with bile acid diarrhoea.

Methods

A retrospective survey was performed among 594 patients with bile acid malabsorption verified by SeHCATscans at our unit between 2003 and 2016. Questionnaires about medical history, diarrhoea, use of medication, and quality of life scores were mailed to all patients.

Results

Among 594 patients 377 (69%) responded. Among respondents, 121 (32%) had bile acid diarrhoea due to ileal disease or resection (type 1), 198 (52%) idiopathic bile acid diarrhoea (type 2) and 58 (16%) bile acid diarrhoea due to other non‐ileal disease, mainly cholecystectomy (type 3). At follow‐up, half of the patients, 184 (50%), reported improvement of diarrhoea. However, 273 patients (74%) still reported diarrhoea and 234 (62%) regularly used anti‐diarrhoeal medication. In spite of treatment, 235 (64%) considered reduced quality of life by diarrhoea and 184 (50%) reported that diarrhoea was unaltered or worse than before established diagnosis.

Conclusion

Many patients with bile acid diarrhoea continue to have bothersome diarrhoea in spite of correct diagnosis and treatment.
Prevalence of axis II comorbidities in bipolar disorder: relationship to mood state
Authors: Post Robert M , Leverich Gabriele S , McElroy Susan , Kupka Ralph , Suppes Trisha , Altshuler Lori , Nolen Willem , Frye Mark , Keck Paul , Grunze Heinz , Hellemann Gerhard
Published: January 2018

Objectives

A high incidence of Axis II personality disorders is described in patients with bipolar disorder; however, their relationship to mood state remains uncertain.

Methods

A total of 966 outpatients with bipolar disorder gave informed consent and filled out the Personality Disorder Questionnaire, 4th edition (PDQ4) and a questionnaire on demographics and course of illness prior to Bipolar Treatment Outcome Network entry at average age 41 years. Patients were rated at each visit for depression on the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms‐Clinician version (IDS‐C) and for mania on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). In a subgroup, the PDQ4 was retaken during periods of depression and euthymia.

Results

Patients met criteria for most personality disorders at a much higher rate when they took the PDQ4 while depressed compared to while euthymic, and scores were significantly related to the severity of depression (IDS) and of mania (YMRS) assessed within 2 weeks of taking the PDQ. Even when euthymic, more than quarter to half of the patients met criteria for a cluster A, B or C personality disorder.

Conclusions

A wide range of personality disorders occur in bipolar patients, but are highly dependent on filling out the form while depressed compared to while euthymic. How this relates to having a personality disorder assessed using a structured clinical interview remains to be tested. However, higher PDQ4 scores are related to an earlier age of onset of bipolar disorder and other factors portending a more difficult course of bipolar disorder, and the optimal treatment of these patients remains to be illuminated.
Influencing relatives to respect donor autonomy: Should we nudge families to consent to organ donation?
Authors: Sharif Adnan , Moorlock Greg
Published: January 2018

Refusing consent to organ donation remains unacceptably high, and improving consent rates from family or next‐of‐kin is an important step to procuring more organs for solid organ transplantation in countries where this approval is sought. We have thus far failed to translate fully our limited understanding of why families refuse permission into successful strategies targeting consent in the setting of deceased organ donation, primarily because our interventions fail to target underlying cognitive obstacles. Novel interventions to overcome these hurdles, incorporating an understanding of cognitive psychology and behavioral change therapy, may be beneficial. One potential intervention is to use the concept of nudge theory, where decision‐making is influenced by encouraging positive reinforcement and indirect suggestion. Purposefully nudging families to given consent for organ donation by understanding, and then overcoming, their inherent cognitive biases is novel but also controversial. This article explores the roles of relatives in decisions about organ donation, how nudge theory translates to organ donation and discusses the arguments for and against its application.
Commentary: Bipolar disorder in youth – what is it and where is it? – a commentary on Parry et al. (2018)
Authors: Carlson Gabrielle A.
Published: January 2018

Parry and colleagues reexamine the 12 articles that comprise a widely cited, 2011 meta‐analysis of community studies of pediatric bipolar that stated no differences exist between rates in the United States and other countries. This reexamination concludes not only are there in fact considerable differences in rates of bipolar disorder (both bipolar I disorder and bipolar spectrum disorder) but also the rates overall are lower than the meta‐analysis stated.

This editorial explains some of the reasons behind the overly enthusiastic reports of bipolar disorder rates in youth including definitional (what is pediatric and what is bipolar) and assessment ambiguities and the bona fide effort to explain the psychopathology underpinning explosive children. Although the questions of what prepubertal bipolar disorder is have themselves been polarizing, common ground is being increasingly found.
DO TAX CUTS ENCOURAGE RENT SEEKING BY TOP CORPORATE EXECUTIVES? THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Andersen Dana C. , López Ramón
Published: January 2018

This paper explores the role of tax policy in shaping incentives for executive effort (labor supply) and rent seeking within the firm. We develop a theoretical model that distinguishes between effort and rent‐seeking responses to income taxes, and provides a framework to estimate a lower bound for the rent‐seeking response. Using executive compensation and governance data, we find that rent seeking represents an important component of the response to changes in tax rates, especially among executives in firms with the worst corporate governance. (JEL D31, G30, H21)
Resistance exercise and episodic memory function: a systematic review
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Frith Emily , Edwards Meghan K.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Emerging research demonstrates that aerobic‐based physical activity is favourably associated with episodic memory function. Despite resistance exercises being associated with a multitude of health outcomes, independent of aerobic physical activity, less research has examined the effects of resistance exercise on episodic memory function. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to examine the extent to which resistance exercise may be associated with episodic memory function.

Methods

Computerized searches were performed in PubMed, PsychInfo and Sports Discuss. Studies were included if they employed an experimental, cross‐sectional or prospective study design, and included acute or chronic resistance exercise as the independent variable, with episodic memory function as the outcome variable.

Results

Eight experimental (one acute and seven chronic training studies) studies met the study inclusionary criteria. Seven of these studies were published in the last 5 years, highlighting the infancy of this line of research. Only three of the eight evaluated studies provided evidence of a positive effect of resistance exercise on memory function; within each of these three studies, there was also some indication of null (or unfavourable) effects.

Conclusion

The findings of this systematic review do not provide compelling evidence for a beneficial effect of acute or chronic resistance exercise on episodic memory function. Additional research in this under‐investigated field is warranted.
Incretins: Beyond type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dandona Paresh , Ghanim Husam , Chaudhuri Ajay
Published: January 2018

While the use of incretins, including GLP‐1 receptor agonists and PDD‐IV inhibitors, is well established in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, many other aspects of these agents are yet to be discovered and utilized for their potential clinical benefit. These include the potential role of GLP‐1 receptor agonists in the induction of weight loss, blood pressure reduction, anti‐inflammatory and nephro‐ and cardio‐protective actions. Their potential benefit in type 1 diabetes is also being investigated. This review will attempt to comprehensively describe novel discoveries in the field of incretin pathophysiology and pharmacology beyond their classical role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
MARCH MADNESS? UNDERREACTION TO HOT AND COLD HANDS IN NCAA BASKETBALL
Authors: Stone Daniel F. , Arkes Jeremy
Published: January 2018

The hot hand bias is the widely documented bias toward overestimation of positive serial correlation in sequential events. We test for the hot hand bias in a novel real‐world context, the seeding of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament teams. That is, we examine whether teams that perform relatively well heading into “March Madness” are seeded too high, and/or teams with poor recent performance are seeded too low. The seeds are determined by a 10‐member committee that only has implicit incentives, but these incentives are still substantial as the committee's decisions are highly scrutinized by the media, fans, and other stakeholders. We find that, contra the hot hand bias, the committee underreacts to signals of momentum heading into the NCAA tournament. Various results indicate this behavior can be attributed to both: (1) inattention to relatively detailed information indicating momentum; and (2) under‐appreciation of the predictive value of this information. Betting markets incorporate this information efficiently, but neglect some additional information that is predictive of winning NCAA tournament games but not of beating the spread. We note that the NCAA tournament has been highly popular and lucrative partly due to the “madness” (high frequency of wins by lower‐seeded teams), which the bias we document contributes to, making the persistence of bias less surprising. (JEL D83, L83)
Refinancing short‐term debt with a fixed monthly interest rate into funded juros under Philip II: an asiento with the Maluenda brothers
Authors: Álvarez‐Nogal Carlos , Chamley Christophe
Published: January 2018

In the fragmented geographical, fiscal, and financial state inherited by Philip II of Spain, while the public debt reached an unprecedented level (50–60 per cent of GDP), the critical refinancing of unfunded asientos into funded juros was operated by merchant‐bankers who signed the asientos. This process is illustrated, using abundant archival documentation, by an asiento with the Maluenda brothers in 1595, which provided the Crown with steady monthly cash payments for a year with options to sell juros for two‐thirds of the credit, and a monthly rate of 1 per cent on the interim balance. Other examples are provided.
Genetic variation in IL28B (IFNL3) and response to interferon‐alpha treatment in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Lindgren Marie , Samuelsson Jan , Nilsson Lars , Knutsen Håvar , Ghanima Waleed , Westin Johan , Johansson Peter L. , Andréasson Björn
Published: January 2018

Objective

In myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) is an effective treatment with disease‐modifying properties but currently with no clear predictors of treatment outcome. Recent genomewide association studies in chronic hepatitis C have found a strong influence of genetic polymorphism near the IL28B (IFNL3) gene in response to IFN‐α treatment. In this study, we sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of IL28B rs12979860, rs8099917, and rs12980275 on IFN‐α treatment response in myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Method

We retrospectively evaluated 100 patients with MPN treated with IFN‐α. The hematologic treatment response on IFN‐α was compared between patients and correlated with host genetic variations in IL28B. The genotypes of IL28B were determined by allelic discrimination assays.

Results

The CC genotype of rs12979860 was found significantly associated with hematologic response in polycythemia vera (PV) with a complete response (CR) in 79% (CC) compared to 48% (non‐CC), (P = .036). No association between the genotypes and treatment response on hydroxyurea was found.

Conclusion

These results imply an effect of IL28B genotype on the outcome of IFN‐α treatment in MPN.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: an emerging predictor of stroke risk, severity and outcome
Authors: Papagianni M. , Tziomalos K.
Published: January 2018

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Long‐established and emerging pesticide poisoning in horses
Authors: Nagy A. L. , Cortinovis C. , Spicer L. J. , Perego M. C. , Caloni F.
Published: January 2018

Poisoning is a frequent problem in domestic animals. Horses are the third most commonly affected species and pesticides are one of the main causes of toxicosis. Here within are reviewed the most frequent toxicoses where it emerges that the main causes are misuse and accidental exposure. Rodenticides, acetylcholinesterase insecticides followed by herbicides are the main cause of toxicosis and effects of emerging chemicals are being reported. Metaldehyde is still a problem, together with methiocarb. No information has been reported on poisoning with pesticide mixtures.
Advancing understanding and prediction in multiple stressor research through a mechanistic basis for null models
Authors: Schäfer Ralf B. , Piggott Jeremy J.
Published: January 2018

Global environmental change is driven by multiple anthropogenic stressors. Conservation and restoration require understanding the individual and joint action of these stressors to evaluate and prioritize management measures. To date, most studies on multiple stressor effects have sought to identify potential stressor interactions, defined as deviations from null models, and related meta‐analyses have focused on quantifying the relative proportion of stressor interactions across studies. These studies have provided valuable insights about the complexity of multiple stressor effects, but remain largely devoid of a theoretical framework for null model selection and prediction of effects. We suggest that multiple stressor research would benefit by (1) integrating and developing additional null models and (2) selecting null models based on their mechanistic assumptions of the stressor mode of action and organism sensitivities as well as stressor–effect relationships for individuals and populations. We present a range of null models and outline their underlying assumptions and application in multiple stressor research. Moving beyond mere description requires multiple stressor research to shift its focus from identifying statistically significant interactions to the use and development of mechanistic (null) models. Justified selection of the appropriate null model is a first step to achieve this.
Cerebrospinal fluid HIV RNA in persons living with HIV
Authors: Di Carlofelice M , Everitt A , Muir D , Winston A
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Despite adequate suppression of plasma HIV RNA, viral escape in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is widely reported. Rates of CSF HIV RNA escape vary in the literature. In persons living with HIV (PLWH) undergoing lumbar puncture examination for clinical reasons, we assessed rates of CSF HIV RNA escape.

Methods

Persons living with HIV attending a designated HIV neurology service undergoing CSF assessment for clinical reasons between January 2015 and April 2017 were included in the study. CSF HIV RNA escape was defined as HIV RNA ≥ 0.5 log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL higher than plasma HIV RNA or detectable CSF HIV RNA when plasma HIV RNA was < 20 copies/mL. Clinical factors associated with CSF HIV RNA were assessed using logistic regression modelling.

Results

Of 38 individuals, 35 were receiving antiretroviral therapy, 30 were male and their mean age was 51 years. Clinical reasons for CSF assessment included investigation for cognitive decline (n = 25), early syphilis (n = 4) and other central nervous system (CNS) conditions (n = 9). HIV RNA was detectable in plasma and CSF in seven and six individuals, respectively, with two individuals (5.3%) meeting the definition of CSF escape. Detectable CSF HIV RNA was associated with a detectable plasma HIV RNA (P < 0.001) and a history of known antiretroviral drug resistance mutations (P = 0.021).

Conclusions

The prevalence of CSF viral escape in PLWH undergoing lumbar puncture examination for clinical reasons is lower than previously reported.
Gene flow from multiple sources maintains high genetic diversity and stable population history of Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus in China
Authors: Ruan Luzhang , Xu Wei , Han Yuqing , Zhu Chaoying , Guan Bicai , Xu Changxin , Gao Bin , Zhao Dongqin
Published: January 2018

In this study, we used mitochondrial control sequences and microsatellite data from 231 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus individuals sampled from 19 sites in China to analyse their genetic structure and evolutionary history. High genetic diversity was found for all populations, although microsatellite analysis showed that the genetic diversity in non‐migratory populations was significantly higher than in migratory populations. High gene flow occurred between neighbouring populations, although long‐distance gene flow also occurred. The Huazhong population was the single greatest genetic source for other populations. High gene flow probably led to the shallow genetic structure that we observed. Demographic expansion was found in migratory populations, non‐migratory populations and with all individuals combined. The expansion time for all populations combined was estimated to be 221 000 years ago. The Common Moorhen population grew rapidly during the interglacial before the last glacial maximum (LGM), then remained generally stable from the LGM to the present.
Study on radiation performances of dipole antenna with diamond‐structure EBG substrate fabricated by 3D printing technique
Authors: Chen Shibin , Zhao Xuan , Yao Yunshi , Ma Jingcun , Yang Shuangjian
Published: January 2018

In order to improve antenna radiation performances, a dipole antenna with 3D diamond‐structure electromagnetic band‐gap (EBG) substrate is analyzed and its transmission performances are investigated. The diamond‐structure EBG substrate was fabricated with aluminum oxide ceramic by 3D printing technique and sintering process, and its band‐gap measured by a transmission‐reflection method was between 9 and 11.5 GHz, with a maximal loss of −50 dB at 9.9 GHz. The radiation frequency of designed dipole antenna corresponded to the frequency of strongest reflection of the EBGs. Comparison of E‐plane radiation patterns of dipole antenna without substrate, dipole antenna with a common ceramic substrate and dipole antenna with EBGs showed that gain of dipole antenna with EBGs was 3 dB higher than that of dipole antenna with a common ceramic substrate and 5 dB higher than that of dipole antenna without substrate, thus the gain was improved by 3.2 times. Moreover, the radiation pattern of dipole antenna with EBGs was smoother, which showed that EBGs can effectively suppress propagation of surface waves. In addition, the main lobe width was reduced, thus antenna directivity was improved.
Daylight saving time and crime: Does tiredness also affect criminal behavior?
Authors: Munyo Ignacio
Published: January 2018

This paper explores the effect of Daylight Saving Time (DST) change on aggregate crime rates. In order to do so I run regressions with hourly data on crime and I implement a regression discontinuity design with a treatment variable centered on the beginning of DST in spring. After the DST change in spring, which implies the loss of an hour at 2 a.m., there is a significant decrease in crime. Further evidence suggests that the results are not driven by a temporal displacement of crime or changes in the level of darkness. The empirical evidence suggests that reduction in crime rates could be driven by the tiredness of potential offenders and interpreted under the lens of the Routine Activities Theory. However, the study is not able to identify the direct causal effect.
Right heart remodeling induced by arterial hypertension: Could strain assessment be helpful?
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Bombelli Michele , Grassi Guido
Published: January 2018

Left ventricular structural and functional changes in patients with arterial hypertension are well established. However, the influence of arterial hypertension on right ventricular (RV) remodeling is still being investigated. The introduction of strain analysis provided an insight into RV function and mechanics. Previous research has demonstrated the predictive value of RV longitudinal strain in patients with various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, congenital heart diseases, and valvular disease. Nowadays, we are aware of the fact that conventional echocardiographic methods usually do not provide necessary information about RV dysfunction in patients with arterial hypertension, which is why the evaluation of new parameters that could detect RV subtle changes in hypertension is essential. The present review article is an overview of the main principles of RV deformation and a summary of the current knowledge and clinical significance of RV strain in patients with arterial hypertension.
Association of betaine with blood pressure in dialysis patients
Authors: Wang Lulu , Zhao Mingming , Liu Wenjin , Li Xiurong , Chu Hong , Bai Youwei , Sun Zhuxing , Gao Chaoqing , Zheng Lemin , Yang Junwei
Published: January 2018

Mechanisms underlying elevated blood pressure in dialysis patients are complex as a variety of non‐traditional factors are involved. We sought to explore the association of circulating betaine, a compound widely distributed in food, with blood pressure in dialysis patients. We used baseline data of an ongoing cohort study involving patients on hemodialysis. Plasma betaine was measured by high performance liquid chromatography in 327 subjects. Blood pressure level was determined by intradialytic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The mean age of the patients was 52.6 ± 11.9 years, and 58.4% were male. Average interdialytic ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 138.4 ± 22.7 mm Hg and 84.4 ± 12.5 mm Hg, respectively. Mean plasma betaine level was 37.6 μmol/L. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations of betaine with both systolic blood pressure (β = −3.66, P = .003) and diastolic blood pressure (β = −2.00, P = .004). The associations persisted even after extensive adjustment for cardiovascular covariates. Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between betaine and blood pressure was mainly limited to female patients. Our data suggest that alteration of circulating betaine possibly contributes to blood pressure regulation in these patients.
Relationship between brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure
Authors: Kang Jeehoon , Kim Hack‐Lyoung , Lim Woo‐Hyun , Seo Jae‐Bin , Zo Joo‐Hee , Kim Myung‐A , Kim Sang‐Hyun
Published: January 2018

Although brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has been widely used as an index of arterial stiffness, no consensus exists about whether baPWV can reflect central aortic stiffness. The authors investigated the association between baPWV and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure (APP) in a total of 109 consecutive patients (mean age, 62.3 ± 11.3 years; 67.9% men). Most patients (91%) had obstructive coronary artery disease, and mean baPWV and APP values were 1535 ± 303 cm/s and 66.8 ± 22.5 mm Hg, respectively. In univariate analysis, there was a significant linear correlation between baPWV and APP (r = .635, P < .001). The correlation between baPWV and APP remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (β = 0.574, P < .001; R2 = .469). Arterial stiffness measured by baPWV showed a strong positive correlation with invasively measured APP, independent of clinical confounders. Therefore, baPWV can be a good marker of central aortic stiffness.