bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How applicable are conventional strategic marketing practices in emerging markets? An exploratory study in India
Authors: Brooksbank Roger , Subhan Zahed , Calderwood Richard John
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Questions surrounding the uptake patterns and applicability of conventional strategic marketing practice (CSMP) within emerging markets remain largely unanswered. The purpose of this paper is to address some of these questions in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The usage patterns of conventional, developed world, basic strategic marketing practices within manufacturing firms in India – one of the world’s fastest growing emerging markets – are compared against the usage of the same practices among their counterparts operating in the highly developed market of the USA. The study is based on separate surveys conducted in each country. Data analyses are conducted using χ2 tests.

Findings

CSMPs are being quite widely adopted in India albeit to a lesser extent than in the USA. However, several notable areas of difference suggest that some practices might not be appropriate in emerging markets due to one or more of their unique and strategically relevant situational characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

Low response rates render questionable the extent to which the study samples can be considered representative of the populations under scrutiny. Equally, differences in the respondents’ interpretation of some of the marketing terminology used in the questionnaire cannot be ruled out.

Practical implications

The research confirms that Indian marketing strategists appear to judge many conventional practices to be appropriate within an emerging market environment. However, it also casts doubt on the relevance of at least eleven specific practices.

Originality/value

The study provides a useful starting point for better understanding the adoption patterns and applicability of conventional strategic marketing within a uniquely interesting cross-cultural context that has attracted little academic attention to date.
Information technology and profitability: evidence from Indian banking sector
Authors: Gupta Sangita Dutta , Raychaudhuri Ajitava , Haldar Sushil Kumar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Information Technology has transformed the banking sector with respect to various systems and processes. Banks have adopted various measures to quicken their business activity and also save cost and time. That is why there has been large requirement of IT in the banking sector. The question arises whether this investment is enhancing the profitability of the bank or not. The purpose of this paper is to examine the presence of profitability paradox in Indian Banking Sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from ten nationalized banks and three private sector banks from 2006 to 2013. The impact of IT expenditure on return on assets and profit efficiency is examined. Profit efficiency is determined using Stochastic Frontier Analysis. Data are collected from annual reports of the banks. Data on IT expenditure are collected through Right to Information Act 2005. Correlation and Panel Regression are used to investigate the relationship between IT expenditure and ROE or Profit Efficiency.

Findings

The findings of the paper confirm the presence of profitability paradox in the Indian Banking sector.

Research limitations/implications

Extension of this study to other developing countries of the world will help to identify if any common pattern is there among the developing countries as far as productivity or profitability paradox is concerned.

Originality/value

There are some studies on the impact of IT on the banking sector in USA and Europe. This type of study however is rare in the context of India or for that matter other developing countries. Therefore, this paper will add new dimension to the existing literature and pave the way for future research in this area.
Relational capability and strategic alliance portfolio configuration
Authors: Rezende da Costa Priscila , Silva Braga Junior Sergio , Silveira Porto Geciane , Martinez Marta Pagán
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on evaluating relational capability regarding the configuration of a network of technological partners in Brazilian technology-based firms (TBFs).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using an online questionnaire made available to technology-based companies resident in Brazilian Technological Parks. A total of 73 companies responded. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques and were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The statistical tests included factor analysis, Cronbach’sαand multiple regression.

Findings

The paper shows that the strategic alliance portfolio is influenced by organizational learning, diversity of partners, governance structure, intensity of partnership relations and configuration. In particular, the portfolio of alliances with competence orientation is characterized by tacit knowledge exchanges and learning exploration, homogeneity of partners, informal governance mechanisms, strong bonds of trust and reciprocity with partners and low diversification of actors’ profiles, their attributions and the results obtained in the portfolio. Meanwhile, the characteristics of alliance portfolios with legitimacy orientation include explicit knowledge exchange and learning exploitation, heterogeneity of partners, formal governance mechanisms, weak bonds of trust and reciprocity with partners and high diversification of the profile of the actors, their attributions and the results obtained from the portfolio.

Practical implications

The configuration of the alliance portfolio plays an important role in innovation. To stimulate the creation of new technological skills, the executive of a technology-based company from emerging countries such as China, Russia and India, can configure the portfolio of strategic alliances with more homogeneous partners in terms of profile and attribution. However, if this executive is challenged to seek legitimacy and complementary resources in these markets he can invest in the diversification of the strategic alliance portfolio, prioritizing partners with differentiated profiles and attributions.

Originality/value

The originality of the research lies in the adoption of a complementary and multidimensional theoretical prism, considering the relational capacity of TBFs in the configuration of alliances, both in the intra-firm and portfolio perspective. Furthermore, it was considered that the configuration of alliances can be based on both competence and legitimacy factors.
Bank lending channel and banking sector efficiency: panel data of Egypt
Authors: Shokr Mohamed Aseel , Al-Gasaymeh Anwar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance of the bank lending channel (BLC) of monetary policy and the bank efficiency in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the effectiveness of bank lending channel using generalized method of moments GMM model during the period from 1996 to 2014. Also, it uses stochastic frontier approach (SFA) to examine the bank efficiency in Egypt.

Findings

This study supports the relevance of the BLC using panel data. Moreover, applying SFA, this paper computes cost efficiency taking account of both time and country effects directly. The finding suggests that banks with low inflation and high GDP tend to perform more efficiently.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study is examining one country only.

Practical implications

The finding signals that the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) should adjust interest rate in order to stabilize the bank loan supply.

Social implications

It is important for the CBE and Egyptian banks because it highlights the importance of BLC.

Originality/value

It examines one channel of monetary policy and bank efficiency in Egypt.
Does innovation matter for total factor productivity growth in India? Evidence from ARDL bound testing approach
Authors: Kale Seenaiah , Rath Badri Narayan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether innovation plays a significant role in the total factor productivity (TFP) growth in India at an aggregate level.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first estimates the TFP growth using a growth accounting framework. In the second stage, the authors examine the long-run and short-run impact of innovation on TFP growth using the ARDL bound testing approach.

Findings

The results indicate a cointegrating relationship between innovation and TFP growth. Further, coefficients of long-run elasticity show that the increase in overall innovation activities improves the TFP growth. Other factors such as human capital, financial development and FDI do not affect the TFP growth in the long run; however, these variables significantly affect the productivity growth in the short run.

Practical implications

Findings of the study suggest that the innovation-friendly policies such as the strengthening of intellectual property rights, R&D subsidies and innovation rebates may spur the productivity growth, and hence, good growth and prosperity as well.

Originality/value

Having devoted a large volume of literature to address the sources of economic growth, the present study focuses on the determinants of TFP growth in India which may fall in similar category but differ in several angles: First, the authors construct a TFP index using a growth accounting framework. Second, the authors construct an innovation index using principal component analysis which is new to the literature and also an innovation index. Third, given the scanty innovation activities in low developed countries like India and its widening role in the contemporary literature, special emphasis will be given to this aspect. Finally, the effect of the examined relationship on TFP growth in the long run and short run provides several implications for policy purpose to the developing nations like India.
Trade intensity and revealed comparative advantage: an analysis of Intra-BRICS trade
Authors: Maryam Javeria , Banday Umer Jeelanie , Mittal Ashok
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In the recent international scenario, the rise of emerging economies, in particular, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) has gained ample of attention. The global trade flows of the BRICS countries have significantly increased during the last one-and-a-half decade. The purpose of this paper is to examine the intra-BRICS and BRICS–EU trade flows.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the intensity of trade among BRICS countries and with EU, the Trade Intensity Index is employed for the period 2001–2015. Balassa’s revealed comparative advantage (RCA) index is computed for the assessment of comparative advantages of exports by BRICS countries in the year 2015 in the global markets. A comparative analysis of export similarity is done for India and other BRICS countries in EU.

Findings

The findings of trade intensity showed large bilateral trade flows among BRICS member. Russia has emerged as the main trading partner with EU in BRICS. For the year 2015, the comparative study of RCA at HS-two digits and HS-four digits classification highlights marginal structural changes in the export composition of these countries. The analysis revealed that Brazil and Russia have comparative advantages in natural resource-based products, while India and China possessed comparative advantages in manufactured and processed products. The export similarity index shows the presence of competition between India and China in EU.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the need for closer cooperation to promote intra-BRICS trade and to make structural transformations in the basket of trading products by them to have trade benefits at large.

Originality/value

Numerous studies are available on bilateral trade of BRICS members. However, limited studies are available to get a holistic view of intra-BRICS trade. This paper is an attempt to examine the BRICS countries trade profile both at global levels and within the group.
Corporate governance and conglomerate diversification strategy – evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Xuan Trang
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of internal corporate governance mechanisms, including interest alignment and control devices, on the unrelated diversification level in Vietnam. Additionally, the moderation of free cash flow (FCF) on these relationships is also tested.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a balanced panel data set of 70 listed companies in both stock markets, Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange and Hanoi Stock Exchange, in Vietnam for the years 2007–2014, which gives 560 observations in total.

Findings

The results show that if executive ownership for CEOs is increased, then the extent of diversification is likely to be reduced. However, the link between unrelated diversification level and executive stock option, another interest alignment device, cannot be confirmed. Among three control devices (level of blockholder ownership, board composition and separation of CEO and chairman positions), the study finds a positive connection between diversification and blockholder ownership, and statistically insignificant relations between the conglomerate diversification level and board composition, or CEO duality. Additionally, this study discovers a negative link between diversification and state ownership, although there is no evidence to support the change to the effect of each internal corporate governance mechanism on the diversification level of a firm between high and low FCF.

Practical implications

The research can be a useful reference not only for investors and managers but also for policy makers in Vietnam. This study explores the relationship among corporate governance, diversification and firm value in Vietnam, where the topics related to effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms to public companies has been increasingly attractive to researchers since the default of Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group (Vinashin) happened in 2010 and the Circular No. 121/2012/TT-BTC on 26 July 2012 of the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance was issued with regulations on corporate governance applicable to listed firms in this country.

Originality/value

This research, first, enriches current literature on the relationship between corporate governance and firm diversification. It can be considered as a contribution to the related topic with an example of Vietnam, a developing country in Asia. Second, the research continues to prove non-unification in results showing the relationship between corporate governance and conglomerate diversification among different nations. Third, it provides a potential input for future research works on the moderation of FCF to the effects of corporate governance on diversification.
Prioritizing the factors affecting cloud ERP adoption – an analytic hierarchy process approach
Authors: H.L. Meghana , Mathew Asish Oommen , Rodrigues Lewlyn L.R.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In today’s competitive world, the adoption of cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) has become one of the critical criteria for running a successful business. In this regard, knowing the factors that influence cloud ERP adoption plays a significant role. The purpose of this paper is to rank the factors influencing the cloud ERP adoption in multi-national companies (MNCs) in India. This research would enable the cloud ERP vendors to identify the expectations of MNC customers and develop suitable strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is being conducted among the cloud ERP consultants of designation middle managers and above from 29 different ERP consulting firms located in India. Analytical hierarchical processing approach was used to rank the factors influencing the cloud ERP adoption in MNCs located in India. The primary factors considered for this study are usability, assurance, agility, security and privacy, and vendor-related factors.

Findings

The three most preferred criteria were usability, assurance and agility. The five most preferred sub-criteria were data accessibility, availability, user friendliness, scalability, and data backup and recovery.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the perspective of cloud ERP consultants in India.

Practical implications

The outcome of this research provides cloud ERP vendors with a better understanding of factors that influence the adoption of cloud ERP in MNCs so that they can develop a focused strategy. From the MNCs point of view, the study provides a guideline on what factors they should consider while going for a cloud ERP implementation.

Originality/value

The research model is developed based on the cloud ERP literature, and the research results and findings would add value to the body of knowledge.
Political strategies of Chinese firms in Germany: an institutionalist perspective
Authors: Holtbrügge Dirk
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) often causes negative public responses, particularly in western industrialized countries. An important instrument of Chinese multinational corporations (MNCs) to overcome these concerns is the use of political strategies. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on institutionalist theory, the author formulates research hypotheses and tests them with a sample of 611 subsidiaries of Chinese MNCs in Germany.

Findings

The study shows that CEO political connection is positively associated with the use of the information and financial incentives strategies, while state ownership influences the use of the financial incentives and reputation-building strategies. Also, moderating effects of subsidiary age on these three political strategies are revealed.

Originality/value

The author derives implications for the literature on corporate political strategies as well as for research on Chinese OFDI, institutional theory and international management theory.
Modelling welfare effects under Pakistan–China free trade agreement
Authors: Uzair Lubna , Nawaz Ahmad
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the trade creation and diversion impacts on merchandise imports of Pakistan under the Pakistan–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The analysis of Pakistan’s preferential treatment with its largest trade partner as well as the most substantial exporter of the world will help to shape trade policy, open windows for academic research and also gives an immense contribution in literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A disaggregated panel data on the imports of Pakistan from China and other WTO member countries and tariff concessions at Harmonized System (HS) two-digit level used for the agreement period of 2006-2012. The empirical analysis takes care of bias through robust and panel-corrected standard errors with time, industry-specific effects and controlling for multilateral trade resistance.

Findings

Evidence found in support of trade creation under the Pakistan–China FTA. It means overall this agreement increased the welfare of Pakistani consumers.

Practical implications

Findings are in favour of negotiations and signing for the next round of this agreement and with other major trade partners like the US and Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

It is worth investigating empirically the impact of preferential trade liberalization between Pakistan – a developing country – and China – the largest importer of the world – explicitly, in the form of trade creation or diversion. The empirical assessment of this FTA signed with the world’s largest exporter will not only contribute immensely to the literature but also help in trade policy formulation and open windows for academic research. Another unique aspect of this study is the use of disaggregated data consisting of all goods imports along with tariff concessions at two-digit Harmonized System (HS) code.
Supporting students’ self-directed learning in the flipped classroom through the LMS TES BlendSpace
Authors: Zainuddin Zamzami , Perera Corinne Jacqueline
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of the learning management system (LMS), in promoting students’ self-directed experiential learning using the flipped classroom approach. This study further evaluates the effectiveness of integrating video lectures, perceived as a social interface, for students to watch, prior to their class session conducted in class.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study that investigated a group of undergraduate students of English as a foreign language (EFL) to identify the impact of the LMS TES BlendSpace in fostering their self-directed learning capacity, using a flipped classroom approach. Data were gathered through a qualitative approach from student interviews and observations of student activities and video-recordings uploaded on TES BlendSpace.

Findings

Flipped classrooms have begun to redesign learning spaces and promote active learning through video-enabled instructional practices. This study provides an overview of flipped classrooms and the benefits students’ gain from the wealth of online content posted on the LMS. The flipped classroom model has clearly shifted the learning paradigm, enabling students the autonomy of their self-directed learning pace and to become acquainted with the currency of video lectures that promote efficacious learning. This study concludes with implications for further research in this area.

Originality/value

This study has the potential to contribute towards the advancement of students’ self-directed learning and proposes its continued application for future EFL classes in this institution, as well as across all courses, to enable self-direction for all students.
Independent losses and duplications of autophagy‐related genes in fungal tree of life
Authors: Wang Qinhu , Liu Huiquan , Xu Huaijian , Hei Ruonan , Zhang Shijie , Jiang Cong , Xu Jin‐Rong
Published: October 2018

Autophagy is important for growth, development and pathogenesis in fungi. Although autophagic process is generally considered to be conserved, the conservation and evolution of ATG genes at kingdom‐wide remains to be conducted. Here we systematically identified 41 known ATG genes in 331 species and analyzed their distribution across the fungal kingdom. In general, only 20 ATG genes are highly conserved, including most but not all the yeast core‐autophagy‐machinery genes. Four functional protein groups involved in autophagosome formation had conserved and non‐conserved components, suggesting plasticity in autophagosome formation in fungi. All or majority of the key ATG genes were lost in several fungal groups with unique lifestyles and niches, such as Microsporidia, Pneumocystis and Malassezia. Moreover, majority of ATG genes had A‐to‐I RNA editing during sexual reproduction in two ascomycetes and deletion of FgATG11, the ATG gene with the most editing sites in Fusarium affected ascospore releasing. Duplication and divergence also was observed to several core ATG genes, such as highly divergent ATG8 paralogs in dermatophytes and multiple ATG15 duplications in mushrooms. Taken together, independent losses and duplications of ATG genes have occurred throughout the fungal kingdom and variations in autophagy exist among different lineages and possibly different developmental stages.
Physical activity level in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: Lifestyle INtervention for Diabetes prevention After pregnancy (LINDA‐Brasil) study
Authors: Galliano Leony M. , Del Vecchio Anelita H. M. , Silvani Juliana , Façanha Cristina , Del Vecchio Fabrício B.
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate physical activity and associated factors in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed on 2706 women as part of the Lifestyle INtervention for Diabetes prevention After pregnancy (LINDA‐Brasil) study, recruited between 2012 and 2016 in Brazil. A structured questionnaire was used to assess physical activity. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were used to investigate physical activity and associated factors.

Results

Counseling regarding physical activity practices was reported by 47.4% and 34.3% of women before and after a diagnosis of GDM, respectively. During pregnancy, 26% of women were classified as inactive, 39.7% were classified as insufficiently active, and 34.3% were classified as active. Compared with prepregnancy, 63.1% of women reported a decrease in physical activity levels during pregnancy. The prevalence of being inactive during pregnancy was higher among women who did not live with a partner (P = 0.003), had a lower household income (P = 0.01), were employed (P < 0.001), and who had four or more children (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Among Brazilian women with GDM, physical activity levels and practices were low, with most women reporting decreased physical activity during pregnancy. A low socioeconomic status was associated with lower physical activity. These findings indicate the need to reinforce the importance of physical activity in the management of GDM in Brazil.
PvdRT‐OpmQ and MdtABC‐OpmB efflux systems are involved in pyoverdine secretion in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Henríquez Tania , Stein Nicola Victoria , Jung Heinrich
Published: October 2018

Fluorescent pseudomonads produce and secrete a siderophore termed pyoverdine to capture iron when it becomes scarce. The molecular basis of pyoverdine secretion is only partially understood. Here, we investigate the role of the putative PvdRT‐OpmQ and MdtABC‐OpmB efflux systems in pyoverdine secretion in the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Expression from the respective promoters is stimulated by iron limitation albeit to varying degrees. Deletion of pvdRT‐opmQ leads to reduced amounts of pyoverdine in the medium and decreased growth under iron limitation. Deletion of mdtABC‐opmB does not affect growth. However, when both systems are deleted, strong effects on growth and pyoverdine secretion (yellow colony phenotype, less pyoverdine in medium, more pyoverdine in the periplasm) are observed. Overexpression of pvdRT‐opmQ causes the opposite effect. These results provide first evidence for an involvement of the multidrug efflux system MdtABC‐OpmB in pyoverdine secretion. In addition, the PvdRT‐OpmQ system was shown to contribute to pyoverdine secretion in P. putida KT2440, extending previous investigations on its role in Pseudomonas species. Since the double deletion mutant still secrets pyoverdine, at least one additional efflux system participates in the transport of the siderophore. Furthermore, our results suggest a contribution of both efflux systems to ampicillin resistance.
Correlates of Alcohol‐Related Treatment Among American Indians and Alaska Natives with Lifetime Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Emerson Marc A. , Moore Roland S. , Caetano Raul
Published: October 2018

Background

To describe sociodemographic and selected psychiatric disorder patterns and estimate correlates of seeking alcohol treatment among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) and non‐Hispanic Whites (NHW) with lifetime alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods

Data come from the 2012 to 2013 U.S. National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III. We retrospectively identified participants who completed information on lifetime AUD, race/ethnicity, and seeking alcohol treatment or help for AUD. We used a generalized linear model with a log link and Poisson distribution to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) among adults with DSM‐5 lifetime AUD. We included the following correlates: race/ethnicity, sex, age, personal annual income, marital status, education, urban/rural status, U.S. region, any illegal drug use disorder, nicotine use disorder, and select mood‐, anxiety‐, personality‐, and trauma‐related disorders.

Results

Among AIAN, the prevalence of lifetime AUD was 46.6%. Among AIAN with lifetime AUD, 33.8% sought alcohol‐related treatment. Among individuals with lifetime AUD, AIAN were associated with greater alcohol‐related treatment‐seeking compared to NHW (adjusted PR = 1.41 [95% CI 1.26 to 1.58]). Among AIAN with AUD, being male and age 35 to 64 were statistically significant correlates of seeking treatment or help for AUD.

Conclusions

A relatively higher proportion of AIAN than NHW with AUDs sought alcohol treatment. Among individuals with lifetime AUD, significant demographic and psychiatric disorder correlates of treatment are present, showing that certain groups are less likely to seek treatment or help for alcohol‐related issues. Among AIAN with AUD, these correlates may reflect distinct patterns of seeking alcohol‐related treatment, which can inform more effective treatment promotion efforts with this population.
Estimating alcohol‐attributable fractions for injuries based on data from emergency department and observational studies: a comparison of two methods
Authors: Ye Yu , Shield Kevin , Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Manthey Jakob , Korcha Rachael , Rehm Jürgen
Published: October 2018

Aim

To compare the injury alcohol‐attributable fractions (AAFs) estimated using emergency department (ED) data to AAFs estimated by combining population alcohol consumption data with corresponding relative risks (RRs).

Design

Comparative risk assessment.

Setting and participants

ED studies in 27 countries (n = 24 971).

Measurements

AAFs were estimated by means of an acute method using data on injury cases from 36 ED studies combined with odds ratios obtained from ED case‐cross‐over studies. Corresponding AAFs for injuries were estimated by combining population‐level data on alcohol consumption obtained from the Global Information System on Alcohol and Health, with corresponding RRs obtained from a previous meta‐analysis.

Findings

ED‐based injury AAF estimates ranged from 5% (Canada 2002 and the Czech Republic) to 40% (South Africa), with a mean AAF among all studies of 15.4% (18.9% for males and 8.4% for females). Population‐based injury AAF estimates ranged from 21% (India) to 51% (Spain and the Czech Republic), with a mean AAF among all country‐years of 36.8% (42.5% for males and 22.5% for females). The Pearson correlation coefficient for the two types of injury AAF estimates was 0.09 for the total, 0.06 for males and 0.32 for females.

Conclusions

Two methods of estimating the injury alcohol‐attributable fractions—emergency department data versus population method—produce widely differing results. Across 36 country‐years, the mean AAF using the population method was 36.8%, more than twice as large as emergency department data‐based acute estimates, which average 15.4%.
Are stacked species distribution models accurate at predicting multiple levels of diversity along a rainfall gradient?
Authors: Del Toro Israel , Ribbons Relena R. , Hayward Jodie , Andersen Alan N.
Published: October 2018

We use observed patterns of species richness and composition of ant communities along a 1000 mm rainfall gradient in northern Australian savanna to assess the accuracy of species richness and turnover predictions derived from stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) and constrained by macroecological models (MEMs). We systematically sampled ants at 15 sites at 50 km intervals along the rainfall gradient in 2012 and 2013. Using the observed data, we created MEMs of species richness, composition and turnover. We built distribution models for 135 of the observed species using data from museum collections and online databases. We compared two approaches of stacking SDMs and three modelling algorithms to identify the most accurate way of predicting richness and composition. We then applied the same beta diversity metrics to compare the observed versus predicted patterns. Stacked SDMs consistently over‐predicted local species richness, and there was a mismatch between the observed pattern of richness estimated from the MEM, and the pattern predicted by S‐SDMs. The most accurate richness and turnover predictions occurred when the stacked models were rank‐ordered by their habitat suitability and constrained by the observed MEM richness predictions. In contrast with species richness, the predictions obtained by the MEM of community similarity, composition and turnover matched those predicted by the S‐SDMs. S‐SDMs regulated by MEMs may therefore be a useful tool in predicting compositional patterns despite being unreliable estimators of species richness. Our results highlight that the choice of species distribution model, the stacking method used, and underlying macroecological patterns all influence the accuracy of community assembly predictions derived from S‐SDMS.
Using sacral nerve modulation to improve continence and quality of life in patients suffering from low anterior resection syndrome
Authors: Croese Alexander D. , Whiting Scott , Vangaveti Venkat N. , Ho Yik‐Hong
Published: October 2018

Background

Sphincter preserving surgery for the treatment of rectal cancer is very often feasible, avoiding a permanent colostomy. It is well recognized that a large proportion of patients will experience altered bowel habit following low anterior resection (LAR). Faecal incontinence is a common symptom associated with LAR syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long‐term improvement in continence and quality of life (QoL) in LAR patients treated with sacral nerve modulation.

Methods

Patients with ongoing faecal incontinence for >1 year after reversal of diverting ileostomy post ultra‐LAR were selected for the study. Eligible patients underwent sacral nerve modulator implantation as a two‐stage procedure. Bowel diaries and the Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Score were used to measure faecal incontinence and QoL.

Results

Twelve patients underwent permanent implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator. Median follow‐up was 34 months (interquartile range (IQR) 20.25–62.5 months). The median improvement in faecal incontinence was 90% (IQR 76.25–98.75%) and the median improvement in patient QoL was 80% (IQR 71.25–93.75%). Patients who had previously been treated with biofeedback showed a median improvement in incontinence of 75% compared to 90% which was found in patients who had not had prior biofeedback treatment. The mean percentage improvement in patients with an internal anal sphincter defect was 80% compared to 90% seen in patients with an intact sphincter.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that sacral nerve modulation should be more widely considered as an effective treatment strategy for patients with faecal incontinence following LAR.
The novel antidepressant ketamine enhances dentate gyrus proliferation with no effects on synaptic plasticity or hippocampal function in depressive‐like rats
Authors: Michaëlsson Henrik , Andersson Mats , Svensson Johan , Karlsson Lars , Ehn Johan , Culley Georgia , Engström Anders , Bergström Nicklas , Savvidi Parthenia , Kuhn Hans‐Georg , Hanse Eric , Seth Henrik
Published: October 2018

Aim

Major depressive disorder is a common and debilitating condition with substantial economic impact. Treatment options, although effective, are aimed at relieving the symptoms with limited disease modification. Ketamine, a commonly used anaesthetic, has received substantial attention as it shows rapid antidepressant effects clinically. We studied the effects of ketamine on hippocampal function and dentate gyrus proliferation in rats showing a depressive‐like phenotype.

Methods

Adolescent and adult animals were pre‐natally exposed to the glucocorticoid analog dexamethasone, and we verified a depressive‐like phenotype using behavioural tests, such as the sucrose preference. We subsequently studied the effects of ketamine on hippocampal synaptic transmission, plasticity and dentate gyrus proliferation. In addition, we measured hippocampal glutamate receptor expression. We also tested the ketamine metabolite hydroxynorketamine for NMDA‐receptor independent effects.

Results

Surprisingly, our extensive experimental survey revealed limited effects of ketamine or its metabolite on hippocampal function in control as well as depressive‐like animals. We found no effects on synaptic efficacy or induction of long‐term potentiation in adolescent and adult animals. Also there was no difference when comparing the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. Importantly, however, ketamine 24 hours prior to experimentation significantly increased the dentate gyrus proliferation, as revealed by Ki‐67 immunostaining, in the depressive‐like phenotype.

Conclusion

We find limited effects of ketamine on hippocampal glutamatergic transmission. Instead, alterations in dentate gyrus proliferation could explain the antidepressant effects of ketamine.
Persistent damage on magnetic resonance enterography in patients with Crohn’s disease in endoscopic remission
Authors: Rimola Jordi , Alfaro Ignacio , Fernández‐Clotet Agnès , Castro‐Poceiro Jesús , Vas Daniel , Rodríguez Sonia , Masamunt Maria Carme , Ordás Ingrid , Ricart Elena , Panés Julián
Published: October 2018

Background

In Crohn's disease, it is essential to distinguish between persistent damage and abnormalities that can heal with anti‐inflammatory therapy.

Aim

To assess magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) lesions that persist in patients in long‐standing endoscopic remission, analyse their relationship with baseline characteristics, and determine their prognostic implications.

Methods

We systematically reviewed pre‐ and post‐treatment MRE findings in patients with Crohn's disease and severe inflammation (segmental CDEIS ≥ 7 or ulcers in at least one segment) who achieved endoscopic remission (CDEIS < 2) after 1 year of treatment with TNF‐inhibitors or autologous haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of persistent abnormalities.

Results

Endoscopic remission was achieved in 73 intestinal segments in 28 patients (69% females; 9.95 years disease duration, 67.9% inflammatory phenotype; 39.3% ileal location). Creeping fat and intestinal wall fat deposits were unchanged on pre‐ and post‐treatment MRE despite the endoscopic remission. Luminal strictures persisted in 6 out of the 8 segments with baseline strictures, and wall thickening in 23 out of the 72 of segments with thickening at baseline. Predictors of persistent mural thickening were pre‐treatment wall thickness > 5.9 mm (OR = 4.38, P = 0.027) and refractory disease prior to baseline (OR = 2.35, P = 0.001). Creeping fat was the only predictor for persistence of creeping fat (OR = 36.43, P < 0.001). Persistence of strictures at MRE is associated with earlier recurrence (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Persistent MRE abnormalities are frequent in patients with Crohn's disease despite achieving endoscopic remission. Significant wall thickening, intestinal fat deposition, strictures, and creeping fat at baseline MRE are signs of established damage.
Perceptual grouping boosts visual working memory capacity and reduces effort during retention
Authors: Morey Candice C.
Published: October 2018

Consistent, robust boosts to visual working memory capacity are observed when colour–location arrays contain duplicate colours. The prevailing explanation suggests that duplicated colours are encoded as one perceptual group. If so, then we should observe not only higher working memory capacity overall for displays containing duplicates, but specifically an improved ability to remember unique colours from displays including duplicates compared with displays comprising all uniquely coloured items. Furthermore, less effort should be required to retain displays as colour redundancy increases. I recorded gaze position and pupil sizes during a visual change detection task including displays of 4–6 items with either all unique colours, two items with a common colour, or three items with a common colour in samples of young and healthy elderly adults. Increased redundancy was indeed associated with higher estimated working memory capacity, both for tests of duplicates and uniquely coloured items. Redundancy was also associated with decreased pupil size during retention, especially in young adults. While elderly adults also benefited from colour redundancy, spillover to unique items was less obvious with low redundancy than in young adults. This experiment confirms previous findings and presents complementary novel evidence linking perceptual grouping via colour redundancy with decreased mental effort.
Bayesian evaluation of informative hypotheses for multiple populations
Authors: Hoijtink Herbert , Gu Xin , Mulder Joris
Published: October 2018

The software packageBaincan be used for the evaluation of informative hypotheses with respect to the parameters of a wide range of statistical models. For pairs of hypotheses the support in the data is quantified using the approximate adjusted fractional Bayes factor (BF). Currently, the data have to come from one population or have to consist of samples of equal size obtained from multiple populations. If samples of unequal size are obtained from multiple populations, theBFcan be shown to be inconsistent. This paper examines how the approach implemented inBaincan be generalized such that multiple‐population data can properly be processed. The resulting multiple‐population approximate adjusted fractional Bayes factor is implemented in the R packageBain.
Gene therapy and the adeno‐associated virus in the treatment of genetic and acquired ophthalmic diseases in humans: Trials, future directions and safety considerations
Authors: Ramlogan‐Steel Charmaine A. , Murali Aparna , Andrzejewski Slawomir , Dhungel Bijay , Steel Jason C. , Layton Christopher J.
Published: October 2018

Voretigene neparvovec‐rzyl was recently approved for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis, and the use of gene therapy for eye disease is attracting even greater interest. The eye has immune privileged status, is easily accessible, requires a reduced dosage of therapy due to its size and is highly compartmentalized, significantly reducing systemic spread. Adeno‐associated virus (AAV), with its low pathogenicity, prolonged expression profile and ability to transduce multiple cell types, has become the leading gene therapy vector. Target diseases have moved beyond currently untreatable inherited dystrophies to common, partially treatable acquired conditions such as exudative age‐related macular degeneration and glaucoma, but use of the technology in these conditions imposes added obligations for caution in vector design. This review discusses the current status of AAV gene therapy trials in genetic and acquired ocular diseases, and explores new scientific developments, which could help ensure effective and safe use of the therapy in the future.
Repurposing blue laser autofluorescence to measure ocular sun exposure
Authors: Lingham Gareth , Burton Alex , Brown Holly A. , Huynh Emily , Yazar Seyhan , Coroneo Minas T. , Mackey David A.
Published: October 2018

Importance

Excessive ocular sun exposure is linked to various eye pathologies. Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) is a method of detecting sun‐related conjunctival damage; however, the custom‐built camera system required is not readily available.

Background

We investigated whether blue laser autofluorescence (BAF) on a commonly used confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) can be utilized to measure CUVAF area.

Design

Cross‐sectional evaluation of a diagnostic technology at a medical research institute.

Participants

Sixty‐four participants recruited from three on‐going observational eye studies in Western Australia.

Methods

All participants had four images, two of each eye, captured using the CUVAF camera and BAF on the same day. Participants with pterygium or poor quality images were excluded from the analysis. Two graders measured CUVAF area in each image twice. CUVAF area measured by BAF was then compared to measurements determined with the conventional camera system.

Main Outcome Measures

CUVAF area.

Results

After exclusions, 50 participants' images were analysed. Intra‐ and inter‐observer repeatability were similar between the two systems. When comparing CUVAF area measured by BAF to the camera measurement, grader 1 had a mean difference of +1.00 mm2, with 95% limits of agreement −5.75 to 7.77 mm2. Grader 2 had a mean difference of +0.21mm2, with 95% limits of agreement −7.22 to 7.64 mm2.

Conclusions and Relevance

BAF on a commercially available cSLO is a valid method for measuring CUVAF area. This finding provides broader opportunity for identifying, monitoring and educating patients with sun‐exposure‐related ocular conditions and for researching the ocular impacts of sun exposure.
Influence of the keratinized mucosa on the stability of peri‐implant tissues and brushing discomfort: A 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Perussolo Jeniffer , Souza André B. , Matarazzo Flávia , Oliveira Ricardo P. , Araújo Mauricio G.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The purpose of the present prospective follow‐up study was to evaluate the long‐term influence of the peri‐implant keratinized mucosa (KM) on marginal bone level (MBL), peri‐implant tissues health, and brushing discomfort.

Material and Methods

Eighty patients were initially recruited during their maintenance visit from January to October 2013 and allocated in two groups according to KM width around implants: Wide Group (KM ≥ 2 mm) and Narrow Group (KM < 2 mm). In the four‐year follow‐up examination (T4), marginal bone level (MBL), modified plaque index (mPI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BoP), and brushing discomfort (BD) were reassessed and compared to the initial assessments (T0). Mann–Whitney, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and a multilevel model were used for the statistical analysis.

Results

Fifty‐four patients with 202 implants returned at T4. Mean mPI (0.91 ± 0.60), BoP (0.67 ± 0.21), and BD (12.28 ± 17.59) were higher in the Narrow Group than in the Wide Group (0.54 ± 0.48, 0.56 ± 0.26, and 4.25 ± 8.39, respectively). Marginal bone loss was higher in the Narrow Group (0.26 ± 0.71) than in the Wide Group (0.06 ± 0.48). Multilevel analysis suggested that KM width and time in function had a statistically significant effect on MBL.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicate that KM width had an effect on MBL, plaque accumulation, tissue inflammation, and brushing discomfort over the studied period. Thus, the presence of a KM ≥ 2 mm around implants appears to have a protective effect on peri‐implant tissues.
An Extension Specialist's Reflections from the Field: Discovering Ag of the Middle in the Shift from Direct Sale to Wholesale Vegetable Production
Authors: Thompson Jennifer Jo , Gaskin Julia
Published: October 2018

Although consumer demand for local and organic food continues to grow, some direct market outlets have tightened. In response, small and mid‐acreage farmers are beginning to consider the value of shifting from the direct marketing of hundreds of varieties for farmers markets or community supported agriculture to growing fewer crops for sale in a wholesale market. We report on one field study of a simplified crop rotation indicating that regionally adapted crop rotations may allow producers to achieve profitable harvests while maintaining or building soil health. However, this shift toward mid‐scale practice may be risky. Growers reduce variety and increase mechanization with the assumption that increased volume will compensate for lower prices; yet, it is unclear what the scale‐shift must be to make wholesale economically feasible. Farmers must also enact a series of organizational reforms to meet the regulations and expectations of wholesale markets, regardless of acreage.
Developmental trajectory of self‐care in children with cerebral palsy with different manual abilities
Authors: Chen Chia‐Ling
Published: October 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Burgess et al. on pages 570–578 of this issue.