bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold capability development in intensive mode business units
Authors: Crispin Stuart , Hancock Phil , Male Sally Amanda , Baillie Caroline , MacNish Cara , Leggoe Jeremy , Ranmuthugala Dev , Alam Firoz
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore: student perceptions of threshold concepts and capabilities in postgraduate business education, and the potential impacts of intensive modes of teaching on student understanding of threshold concepts and development of threshold capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The student experience of learning was studied in two business units: strategic management, and accounting. The method involved two phases. In the first, students and unit coordinators identified and justified potential threshold concepts and capabilities. In the second, themes were rationalized.

Findings

– Significantly more so in intensive mode, the opportunity to ask questions was reported by student participants to support their development of the nominated threshold capabilities. This and other factors reported by students to support their learning in intensive mode are consistent with supporting students to traverse the liminal space within the limited time available in intensive mode.

Research limitations/implications

– Respondents from future cohorts will address the small participant numbers. Studies in only two units are reported. Studies in other disciplines are presented elsewhere.

Practical implications

– The findings will be important to educators using intensive mode teaching in business, and researchers working within the framework.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to explore the potential impacts of intensive modes of teaching on student understanding of threshold concepts and development of threshold capabilities.
Attitudes of Nigerian facilities management professionals to the benefits of benchmarking
Authors: Adetoro Adewunmi Yewande , Damilola Ajayi Oluwaseun
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the benefits of benchmarking among Nigerian facilities management (FM) practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was through semi-structured interviews with 34 FM heads from three selected cities in Nigeria. Of this number, 16 were from Lagos, 10 from Abuja, while 8 managers were from Port Harcourt. These managers were selected using purposive sampling based on their experience in the field of FM across the various sectors of the economy. The interviews were analysed with Nvivo 10 software qualitative computer software so as to reduce manual tasks, discover tendencies and recognize themes on the practice, meaning and benefits of benchmarking. Matrix coding of the Nvivo software was used to distinguish between benefits realized by those that conduct formal and informal benchmarking.

Findings

The paper found that those that perform informal benchmarking find that the benchmarking tool helps them to improve performance, service quality and their processes. On the other hand, those that perform formal benchmarking affirmed that benchmarking helped them in making strategic plans, striving to be the best in the industry and obtaining explanations for those improvements that are made now and in the near future.

Practical implications

The results, therefore, suggest that formal benchmarking in Nigeria is needed in performing strategic role in FM, as well as in making good business case agitations. Practitioners also need to know the benefits of benchmarking to improve its usage.

Originality/value

The paper categorised FM benchmarking benefits. Also, there are limited empirical studies on benchmarking benefits in developing countries.
Usability and affordances for inquiry-based learning in a blended learning environment
Authors: Sandström Niclas , Eriksson Robert , Lonka Kirsti , Nenonen Suvi
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the core dimensions of user experiences in a physical and technologically embedded learning environment (LE) designed to support active student-led inquiry-based studies and collaborative knowledge creation in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper integrated the USEframe of usability of built environments and the inquiry-based engaging learning environment (ELE) to test and develop the usability and pedagogy of future LEs. A group of ten teacher students was studied and interviewed semi-structurally after a seven-week inquiry-based course unit. The findings were considered in light of the two frameworks.

Findings

The physical and embedded LEs provided the students with socio-digital affordances that promoted experienced study engagement, knowledge co-creation and sharing and a sense of safety and belonging in the scientific community. The application of the ELE model and the agile physical setting complemented and supported each other and promoted learning.

Practical implications

The results shed light on how to integrate understanding the user process, user experience and use of embedded LEs to develop usability of new LEs.

Originality/value

The living lab provides different stakeholders with tangible information about usability and helps the designers in concrete streamlining of pedagogy and physical LEs.
Provision of facilities management services in Sri Lankan commercial organisations
Authors: Perera B.A.K.S , Ahamed M.H.S. , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Chileshe Nicholas , Hosseini M. Reza
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore sourcing strategies for facilities management services using core-competency theory of outsourcing. The aim is to develop a screening framework for deciding the suitability of outsourcing versus in-house delivery for these services based on three levels of managerial functions prevalent in a typical commercial organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was administered for facilities managers in Sri Lanka to investigate the relative importance of these managerial functions for facilities management services and obtain their opinions on the best delivery mode. The managerial functions were derived from a literature review and verified using three semi-structured interviews prior to the questionnaire survey design.

Findings

The findings showed that facilities management services that are aligned to strategic functions are suitable for in-house delivery, while those that are aligned to tactical and operational functions for outsourcing.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies should be conducted and extended to other types of organizations beyond commercial ones. Secondly, the quantitative study employed a smaller sample (n = 40), and the survey items were based on the review of literature which was verified using a very small number of interviews (n = 3).

Practical implications

The proposed framework can be utilized when choosing the best facilities management approach for commercial organizations in developing countries such as Sri Lanka.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject of facilities management by exploring the context in Sri Lankan which has not previously been done.
Deconstructing Islamic banking – history of debates, and steps to an alternative future
Authors: El-Ghattis Nedal
Published: May 2016

Purpose

There is almost a consensus amongst Muslim scholars that the most crucial problem faced by the Muslim world is in the prevailing ideas (including sanctification, archaism, the common paradigm, the absence of the role of the intellectual, etc.) which formulate people’s thoughts and determine their options. There will not be a genuine renaissance of Islam without updating these ideas and emerging from the cocoon of the past. This can be done through a modern approach which would respond to the changes by looking towards the future rather than towards the past. This study aims to identify the intellectual aspects of this crisis and how this crisis has formed and influenced Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyse this crisis, the methodology called causal layered analysis (CLA) is used, which is drawn from the field of strategic foresight and designed by Inayatullah (2002). CLA is designed on the basis that the way to understand the nature of the problem will determine the proposed solutions, by diving through the surface phenomena of the problem to the depth of the “motors” of the crisis.

Findings

The author finds that Islamic banking is the offspring of its incubator ideas and reform, and the change and progress of Islamic banking can only deal with a critical approach of these ideas; Islamic banking promotes itself as an alternative to conventional banking, but this has not been achieved except on the level of form rather than substance; Islamic banking is a movement within a variable reality, and inertia in specific form and context will keep it in a state of crisis and may lead to its demise.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study showing the roots of the ideas making up the fabric of banking in the Muslim world and the repercussions of intellectual crisis on Islamic banking.
Sustainability of positive relationship between environmental performance and profitability of SMEs
Authors: Shahedul Quader Mohammed , Kamal Md. Mostafa , Hassan A.B.M. Enamol
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct an in-depth study of any changes that small medium enterprises (SMEs) environmental performance face, in the retailing and manufacturing sector, as well as to identify their main drivers. Furthermore, it seeks to investigate SMEs’ perspectives regarding the environmental management systems and more specifically International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001 on the one side, whether it is a positive relationship between the implementation of “ISO 14001” by SMEs and their profitability of business on the other.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a qualitative research, which combines secondary data enriched with daily articles and primary data using in-depth interviews with experts from the SME sectors, which attempts to build a sufficient “theory” by answering the research questions.

Findings

The business world has started to get widely involved with the environmental issues and even if this, in some cases, happened only for marketing purposes, it is difficult now to be changed. The SMEs have started to realise their responsibilities and act accordingly, but there is a long way to cover until their actions will be actually beneficial for the environment. However, the improvement or stability of SMEs’ environmental performance, meaning the implementation of more environmental activities, depends on the impact that those changes will have in every SME, due to the unique idiosyncrasy that each of it consists.

Originality/value

This paper reveals proper method for documenting monetary rewards to entrepreneurship through maintaining environmental issues accurately using information about profitability of SME’s. After maintaining environmental factors, the premia illustrates about the entrepreneurs concentrating not only profitability but also environmental concern.
Why did they do it? How customers’ self-service technology introduction attributions affect the customer-provider relationship
Authors: Nijssen Edwin J. , Schepers Jeroen J. L. , Belanche Daniel
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Customers often think that innovations, such as self-service technologies (SSTs), are introduced by service providers to cut costs rather than extend customer service levels. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how customers use such attributions to adjust their perceptions of relational value.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on attribution and relationship marketing theories, this study proposes a conceptual model that includes benefit and cost attributions, their antecedents, and consequences. Survey data came from customers of a supermarket that recently introduced self-scanning technology.

Findings

– Attributions mediate the impact of SST performance on relational value. This value is highest for customers with high-benefit and low-cost attributions; customers with low-benefit and low-cost attributions exhibit detrimental effects on the exchange relationship with the firm. Characterized by low self-efficacy, low education, and low spending, these latter customers appear ambivalent and possibly confused about the provider’s motives for introducing SST.

Practical implications

– This research has important implications for service managers responsible for communicating technological innovations to customers. A clear reason for the introduction should be provided, to stimulate customers’ attribution and prevent ambivalence among those with low self-efficacy and low education.

Originality/value

– Most SST research focusses on adoption, non-adoption, and disadoption. The more subtle responses by customers facing a new SST and the consequences for the customer-provider exchange relationship, as addressed herein, have been left largely unexplored.
Liquidity and corporate governance: evidence from family firms
Authors: Yu-Thompson Yin , Lu-Andrews Ran , Fu Liang
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to perform empirical analysis to test whether less severe agency conflict between managers and controlling shareholders may improve family firms’ corporate and stock liquidity, compared to non-family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the ordinary least square and two-stage generalized method of moments regression analyses. They also use match-paired design for robustness check.

Findings

Focusing on Standard & Poor’s 500 firms, the authors find that family firms are more conservative by hoarding more corporate liquid assets (as measured by accounting balance sheet liquidity ratios) than their peer non-family firms to prevent underinvestment from external costly finance. These family firms also exhibit higher level of stock liquidity and lower liquidity risk as measured by effective bid–ask spread than non-family firms. The results are consistent with the motivation that organizations (i.e. family firms in this study) whose shareholders can efficiently monitor that their managers are associated with higher level of corporate liquidity and stock liquidity, and lower level of liquidity risk.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on liquidity (both corporate liquidity and stock liquidity) and ownership structure, more broadly corporate governance. It provides insights into corporate and stock liquidity within a unique ownership context: family firms versus non-family firms. Family firms in the USA are subject to both Type I (agency problems arising from the separation of ownership and control) and Type II agency problems (agency conflict arising between majority and minority shareholders). It is an ongoing debate whether family firms suffer more or less agency problems from one type versus the other than non-family firms. The finding that family firms have higher corporate and stock liquidity is consistent with that family firms being subject to less severe agency conflict due to separation of ownership from control.
Disclosure quantity and the efficiency of price discovery
Authors: Chung Dennis , Hrazdil Karel , Suwanyangyuan Nattavut
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the information disclosure quantity on the pricing efficiency of stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of large and actively traded Canadian companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the authors utilize annual reports filed on system for electronic document analysis and retrieval (SEDAR) between 2003 and 2013 to estimate the amount of publicly available information and find that the length and size of annual reports are important determinants of short-horizon return predictability from historical order flows, which is an inverse indicator of market efficiency.

Findings

The results show that longer and larger annual reports are associated with reduced information asymmetry, lower cost of immediacy, higher trading activity, and an overall improvement in the efficiency of price discovery. The results are robust to the inclusion of controls for various determinants of short-horizon return predictability, such as trading costs, volatility, informational effects and other firm-specific characteristics.

Research Limitations/implications

Collectively, the findings provide empirical support for the benefits of detailed corporate disclosure in Canada.

Originality/value

This is the first study to utilize the short-horizon return predictability approach to evaluate the efficiency of price discovery in relation to the amount of information disclosure.
The role of sport science in the elite football labour process
Authors: Kennedy Peter , Kennedy David
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the elective affinity between sport science and elite football by situating it first, within the wider political economy of football and second, within the dynamics of the market and work situation faced by elite players in the modern game.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology underpinning this paper continues this movement by considering the impact on market and work situation of elite footballers due to wider social structures and the distribution of social power peculiar to the football industry. It is premised on the view that observed events and contingent relations and processes are linked to more enduring social structures and that knowledge must take account of all three.

Findings

– The resulting impact of sport science on elite football is contradictory, facilitating, on the one hand, the development of football as an aesthetic experience, while on the other hand, threatening to transform the football spectacle into a mundane exercise in the search for increased functional peak performance for its own sake.

Research limitations/implications

– The value of this paper is that it considers salaries and player power to determine value by exploring the impact on market and work situation of elite footballers set in the context of wider social structures and the distribution of social power peculiar to the football industry.

Practical implications

– Elite footballers yield immense power over their market situation, which sport science has the potential to enhance and sustain by fine honing peak fitness. The football club’s relative lack of control of the player’s market situation necessitates the appliance of sport science to help maximize control over the player’s work situation.

Social implications

– The paper demonstrates that sport science develops elite footballers to peak fitness, while also developing footballers as commodities; and this latter aspect if taken too far may potentially transform football into a mundane exercise in the search for increased functional peak performance for its own sake.

Originality/value

– The paper draws together the relatively neglected analysis of the football labour process with the increasing interventions of sport science to football and sets this within a broader political economy of football.
Volunteers at biking race events
Authors: Mykletun Reidar J. , Himanen Krista
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of volunteer commitment and intention to remain volunteering for the same event in the future, in the context of two annually held Norwegian cycling race events.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-sectional design was used, applying a questionnaire that was developed and distributed to the cycling events volunteers both in hard copies and as online format by QuestBack.

Findings

– The volunteers were motivated by egoistic, altruistic, connection to the sport, and external factors. They were highly committed and intended to remain as a volunteers in the future events. Older age; satisfaction from their own contribution and type of work, from recognition; and motivation as personal connections to the sport predicted commitment. Higher levels of education, commitment, and motivation by personal connections to the sport predicted intention to remain as a volunteer for future events. A factor-based structure of sport event volunteer satisfaction was presented, which, to the best of the knowledge is the first of its kind.

Research limitations/implications

– The study should be replicated across several events to test the external validation of the models.

Practical implications

– This understanding of motivation and satisfaction can be beneficial for the management of volunteers in order to retain the experienced and motivated volunteers and to ensure the continuation of the event in the future.

Originality/value

– The study adds new knowledge to the research field by presenting an extensive, updated literature review, development of a fist factor-analysed scale for volunteer satisfaction, and the first application of the model including volunteer demographics, satisfaction, motivation, and commitment in predicting intention to remain volunteers for the biking event in the future.
Performance measurement and quality costing in Tunisian manufacturing companies
Authors: Kerfai Nejla , Bejar Ghadhab Bahia , Malouche Dhafer
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an exploratory survey on the implementation of quality costs programmes in Tunisian manufacturing companies. It aims also to observe the impact of quality cost system (QCS) adoption on operational performance by the manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– An interview-based survey was employed in order to investigate the extent and consequences of implementing quality costs programmes in Tunisian manufacturing companies. A questionnaire was developed and used in the interviews across a sample of Tunisian companies.

Findings

– A factor analysis revealed that companies which adopted QCS have less internal and external failures costs than others. It also revealed that these companies invest more in prevention and appraisal actions than others. It showed that QCS adoption has positive consequences on the companies’ performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The presented results are limited by the low response rate and the small sample size. Since the respondents belong to manufacturing companies, the research results could be only indicative of this type of companies.

Originality/value

– The results of the research presented in this paper reflect the general practices and perceptions of manufacturing companies on quality performance measures in Tunisia. It provides a new sight of quality costs programmes practiced in Tunisian manufacturing companies. It highlights the implementation of QCS in manufacturing companies.
Critical success factors for Lean Six Sigma in SMEs (small and medium enterprises)
Authors: Lande Manisha , Shrivastava R. L. , Seth Dinesh
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and list critical success factors (CSFs) of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies, developing frameworks and to ensure effective implementation experience of LSS.

Design/methodology/approach

– It systematically reviews literature on CSFs and Indian experience regarding LSS. It uses exploratory approach for data collection and documents various studies depicting both manufacturing and service experiences by using time tested statistical tools to prioritize CSFs, which critically influence LSS implementation.

Findings

– The study guides and facilitates researchers and practitioners in using the most appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies and in developing/modifying/reviewing application frameworks. It also guides implementation experience regarding LSS, which can be beneficiary for both developing and developed country contexts. Industries can accelerate implementation by understanding and using most important CSFs, which influence LSS framework.

Research limitations/implications

– The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for LSS implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent.

Originality/value

– The value lies in documenting, and prioritizing CSFs influencing LSS in a meaningful manner so that researchers/companies take advantage of Indian experience in prioritizing CSFs for framework. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally utilized in deciding determinants of LSS framework.
Therapeutic effect of tyndallized Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 on atopic dermatitis mediated by down‐regulation of immunoglobulin E in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Lee Seung‐Hun , Yoon Jong‐Min , Kim Young‐Hoo , Jeong Dong‐Gu , Park Soobong , Kang Dae‐Jung
Published: May 2016

The therapeutic effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 tyndallizate (RHT3201) on atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice were investigated. After induction of dermatitis in NC/Nga mice with house‐dust mite extract, each group was fed RHT3201 with 1 × 108, 1 × 109, or 1 × 1010 cells orally once a day for 8 weeks. Dermatitis scores and frequency of scratching were improved by oral feeding with RHT3201. In contrast to the control group, RHT3201‐fed mice showed significantly down‐regulated mast cell numbers and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations had significantly less IL4 in their axillary lymph node cells. The therapeutic effect of RHT3201 was found to be dose‐dependent. These findings indicate that RHT3201 has potential for treating AD.
Culture‐independent characterization of novel psychrophilic magnetotactic cocci from Antarctic marine sediments
Authors: Abreu Fernanda , Carolina Ana , Araujo V. , Leão Pedro , Silva Karen Tavares , Carvalho Fabíola Marques de , Cunha Oberdan de Lima , Almeida Luiz Gonzaga , Geurink Corey , Farina Marcos , Rodelli Daniel , Jovane Luigi , Pellizari Vivian H. , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza de , Bazylinski Dennis A. , Lins Ulysses
Published: May 2016

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a heterogeneous group of ubiquitous aquatic microorganisms capable of biomineralizing nano‐sized, membrane‐bound, magnetic iron‐rich mineral particles called magnetosomes. MTB are found in chemically‐stratified aquatic sediments and/or water columns with a wide range of salinities, moderate to high temperatures, and pH varying from neutral to strongly alkaline. MTB from very cold environments have not been investigated to any great degree and here we characterize MTB from the low temperature Antarctic maritime region. Sediment samples were collected at nine sampling sites within Admiralty Bay, King George Island (62°23′S 58°27′W) from 2009 to 2013. Samples from five sites contained MTB and those from two of these sites contained large number of magnetotactic cocci that were studied using electron microscopy and molecular techniques. The magnetotactic cocci contained magnetosomes either arranged as two or four chains or as a disorganized cluster. The crystalline habit and composition of all magnetosomes analyzed with high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis were consistent with elongated prismatic crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4). The retrieved 16S rRNA gene sequences from magnetically‐enriched magnetotactic cocci clustered into three distinct groups affiliated with the Alphaproteobacteria class of the Proteobacteria. Novel sequences of each phylogenetic cluster were confirmed using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Metagenomic data analysis of magnetically‐enriched magnetotactic cocci revealed the presence of mam genes and MTB‐specific hypothetical protein coding genes. Sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis indicated that predicted proteins are related to those of cultivated alphaproteobacterial MTB. The consistent and continuous low temperature of the sediment where the magnetotactic cocci are present (always below 1°C) suggests that these MTB from maritime Antarctica are psychrophiles. Moreover, similar morphotypes and 16S gene sequences were retrieved from samples collected from different sites from maritime Antarctica for several years suggesting that these new strains of MTB are indigenous members of Antarctic microbiota.
Radiation dose and diagnostic image quality associated with iterative reconstruction in coronary CT angiography: A systematic review
Authors: Abdullah Kamarul Amin , McEntee Mark F , Reed Warren , Kench Peter L
Published: May 2016

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the radiation dose reduction achieved using iterative reconstruction (IR) compared to filtered back projection (FBP) in coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and assess the impact on diagnostic image quality. A systematic search of seven electronic databases was performed to identify all studies using a developed keywords strategy. A total of 14 studies met the criteria and were included in a review analysis. The results showed that there was a significant reduction in radiation dose when using IR compared to FBP (P < 0.05). The mean and standard deviation (SD) difference of CTDIvol and dose‐length‐product (DLP) were 14.70 ± 6.87 mGy and 186 ± 120 mGy.cm respectively. The mean ± SD difference of effective dose (ED) was 2.9 ± 1.7 mSv with the range from 1.0 to 5.0 mSv. The assessment of diagnostic image quality showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The mean ± SD difference of image noise, signal‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐noise ratio (CNR) were 1.05 ± 1.29 HU, 0.88 ± 0.56 and 0.63 ± 1.83 respectively. The mean ± SD percentages of overall image quality scores were 71.79 ± 12.29% (FBP) and 67.31 ± 22.96% (IR). The mean ± SD percentages of coronary segment analysis were 95.43 ± 2.57% (FBP) and 97.19 ± 2.62% (IR). In conclusion, this review analysis shows that CCTA with the use of IR leads to a significant reduction in radiation dose as compared to the use of FBP. Diagnostic image quality of IR at reduced dose (30–41%) is comparable to FBP at standard dose in the diagnosis of CAD.
Artisan Flowers Inc.: A Framework‐Based Approach to IFRS Leasing Standards
Authors: MacTavish Carolyn , Moore James
Published: May 2016

Artisan Flowers Inc.'s (AFI) business is centered on importing and selling cut flowers. The company has entered into a number of lease transactions that have the president of AFI perplexed with their accounting treatment and implications. Now, the audit firm needs to explain to AFI's president the appropriate treatment and implications of these lease transactions using current IFRS (IAS 17) and (optionally) the 2013 Lease Exposure Draft. The purpose of this case is for students to gain an understanding and appreciation of the intricacies of IAS 17 as well as the proposed Lease Exposure Draft and the implication of these standards on debt covenants. Students are asked for an explanation of the conceptual basis for the standards and for an analysis of the impact of the standards on AFI's statement of financial position.
Homewonder Ltd: Shareholders Versus Other Stakeholders
Authors: Niu Flora , Xu Bixia
Published: May 2016

Corporate social responsibility involves various economic and social issues. This case presents a dilemma of the trade‐off between economic benefits to shareholders and social benefits to other stakeholders. To respond to recent flat sales growth, as well as serious needs for cost reduction and meeting analysts' expectations, Homewonder Manufacturing Ltd. is considering a strategic plan to expand into Asia. To facilitate this plan, the CEO of the company proposed offshoring and outsourcing some business operations, as well as downsizing the company's current social programs. Various stakeholders will be affected by this plan. This case analysis requires an integration of the shareholder and stakeholder theories of the firm. It provides opportunities for students to consider whether relationships with other stakeholders are a salient corporate strategic concern, and perform costs and benefits analyses arising from this dilemma.
First case of drug eruption due to ipragliflozin: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Saito‐Sasaki Natsuko , Sawada Yu , Nishio Daisuke , Nakamura Motonobu
Published: May 2016

Ipragliflozin is a new drug for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Its action of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition induces glucosuria and decreases blood glucose levels. We report the first case of ipragliflozin‐related eczematous drug eruption and a review of the past literature on drug eruptions caused by SGLT2 inhibitors.
Effects of disturbed sleep on gastrointestinal and somatic pain symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Patel A. , Hasak S. , Cassell B. , Ciorba M. A. , Vivio E. E. , Kumar M. , Gyawali C. Prakash , Sayuk G. S.
Published: May 2016

Background

Sleep disturbances are common, and perhaps are even more prevalent in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aims

To determine the effect of measured sleep on IBS symptoms the following day, IBS‐specific quality of life (IBS‐QOL) and non‐GI pain symptoms.

Methods

IBS patients' sleep patterns were compared to healthy individuals via wrist‐mounted actigraphy over 7 days. Daily bowel pain logs (severity, distress; 10‐point Likert) stool pattern (Bristol scale) and supporting symptoms (e.g. bloating, urgency; 5‐point Likert) were kept. Validated measures, including the GI Symptom Rating Scale‐IBS, Visceral Sensitivity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the IBS‐Quality of Life were collected. Mediation analysis explored the relationship between sleep, mood and bowel symptoms.

Results

Fifty subjects (38.6 ± 1.0 years old, 44 female; 24 IBS and 26 healthy controls) completed sleep monitoring. IBS patients slept more hours per day (7.7 ± 0.2 vs. 7.1 ± 0.1, P = 0.008), but felt less well‐rested. IBS patients demonstrated more waking episodes during sleep (waking episodes; 12.1 vs. 9.3, P < 0.001). Waking episodes predicted worse abdominal pain (P ≤ 0.01) and GI distress (P < 0.001), but not bowel pattern or accessory IBS symptoms (P > 0.3 for each). Waking episodes negatively correlated with general‐ and IBS‐specific QOL in IBS (r = −0.58 and −0.52, P < 0.001 for each). Disturbed sleep effects on abdominal pain were partially explained by mood as an intermediate.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbances are more common in irritable bowel syndrome, and correlate with IBS‐related pain, distress and poorer irritable bowel syndrome‐related quality of life. Disturbed sleep effects extend beyond the bowel, leading to worse mood and greater somatic pain in patients with the irritable bowel syndrome.
Social identity change in response to discrimination
Authors: Perozzo Cristina , de la Sablonnière Roxane , Auger Emilie , Caron‐Diotte Mathieu
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the conditions under which discrimination can lead to social identity changes among members of a minority group. Both positive and negative relations between perceptions of discrimination and social identity have previously been reported. To explain the conflicting results and understand the complex reality of members of stigmatized groups, we argue that group‐based emotions (e.g., group‐based dissatisfaction) and ambiguity of discrimination cues (i.e., overt vs. ambiguous) need to be considered. We hypothesized that perceptions of discrimination would play a moderating role between group‐based dissatisfaction and social identity change in a context of ambiguous, but not of overt, discrimination. The sample was comprised of 151 Arab Muslims living in the province of Quebec. Participants read fictitious newspaper articles portraying either overt (n = 76) or ambiguous (n = 75) discrimination towards in‐group members. Results revealed that for participants in the overt discrimination condition, only group‐based dissatisfaction was positively associated with social identity change. In contrast, for the participants in the ambiguous discrimination condition, those who perceived little discrimination and felt low group‐based dissatisfaction reported a decrease in social identity. However, those who perceived low group discrimination and felt high group‐based dissatisfaction reported a positive social identity change.
Race and Color: Two Sides of One Story? Development of Biases in Categorical Perception
Authors: Timeo Susanna , Farroni Teresa , Maass Anne
Published: May 2016

Categorical perception is a phenomenon that leads people to group stimuli into categories instead of perceiving their natural continua. This article reviews the literature of two biases connected with categorical perception: categorical color perception and the other‐race effect. Although these two phenomena concern distant targets (colors and faces) and imply different biases (one attentional, one mnemonic), they share at least three commonalities. First, they both involve the chunking of continuous dimensions into categories. Second, adult categories are shaped by cultural processes. Third, infants' discrimination performance seems universal and guided by perception. In this article, it is proposed to look for a common developmental mechanism that clarifies the shift from a perceptual to a sociocognitive knowledge of the environment. New perspectives are discussed.
Predicting the recipients of social work support, and its impact on emotional and behavioural problems in early childhood
Authors: Zhang Meng Le , Henderson Morag , Cheung Sin Yi , Scourfield Jonathan , Sharland Elaine
Published: May 2016

This paper examines the recipients of social work support in the Millennium Cohort Study. Using panel analysis and fixed effects models, it investigates the factors that lead to the receipt of any type of social work support for individuals with young children and the effects of this support on changes in the prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems in these children. We find that divorce or separation, and episodes of homelessness are two important factors that lead to the receipt of social work support. Mothers with male children are also more likely to receive social work support. However, we find no clear evidence that social work support has any effect on changes in children's emotional and behavioural problems over time. The implications of these findings for social work research and for practice and policy are discussed.
Reducing Carbon Emissions from Forest Conversion for Oil Palm Agriculture in Gabon
Authors: Burton Mark E. H. , Poulsen John R. , Lee Michelle E. , Medjibe Vincent P. , Stewart Christopher G. , Venkataraman Arun , White Lee J. T.
Published: May 2016

Growing demand for palm oil is driving its expansion into the African tropics, potentially leading to significant carbon emissions if tropical forest is converted to palm monoculture. In this first study of a Central African oil palm concession (31,800 ha), we predict that the conversion of 11,500 ha of logged forest to a palm plantation in Gabon will release 1.50 Tg C (95% CI = [1.29, 1.76]). These emissions could be completely offset over 25 years through sequestration in planned forest set‐asides given a 2.6:1 ratio of logged to converted forest. Using an agricultural suitability model, we find that careful national land‐use planning could largely avoid high carbon emissions while meeting goals for palm oil production. We recommend that Gabon adopts a national carbon threshold for land conversion and requires concession‐level set‐aside ratios that meet no‐net emissions criteria as mechanisms for steering plantations away from high carbon forests.
The prevalence of QT prolongation in a population of patients with substance use disorders
Authors: Scott Alexander J. , Dunlop Adrian J. , Brown Amanda , Sadler Craig , Isbister Geoffrey K.
Published: May 2016

Introduction and Aims

Drug induced QT prolongation occurs in patients with substance use disorders from prescription medications that prolong the QT, such as methadone. Knowing the prevalence of QT prolongation in this population is important for prescribers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of QT prolongation in patients with current substance use disorders.

Design and Methods

We undertook a retrospective review of electrocardiograms (ECG) from patients with substance use disorders from an urban general hospital with a large drug and alcohol service and toxicology unit. ECGs were taken from patients seen by the alcohol and drug unit over three years. The QT interval was measured manually on each ECG and defined as abnormal if above the line on the QT nomogram. The QT was also heart rate corrected using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) to investigate associated factors.

Results

Nine of 446 (2.0%; 95% confidence interval 1.0–3.9%) patients had an ECG with a prolonged QT interval. Three were prescribed methadone for opiate dependence (80, 90 and 125 mg daily), one also with hypokalemia; one prescribed escitalopram with hypokalaemia/hypomagnesaemia; three more with hypokalaemia alone. Only two patients had a prolonged QT with no identifiable cause. There was no association between QTcF and sex (P = 0.34), but there was a statistically significant association with age (Pearson R = 0.19, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.28, P < 0.0001).

Discussion and Conclusions

QT prolongation is rare in patients with substance use disorders and is most likely similar to the general population once cases related to methadone use and electrolyte abnormalities are excluded. [Scott AJ, Dunlop AJ, Brown A, Craig S. The prevalence of QT prolongation in a population of patients with substance use disorders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:239‐244]
Macroeconomic Expectations and the Size, Value, and Momentum Factors
Authors: Bergbrant Mikael C. , Kelly Patrick J.
Published: May 2016

When examining the sources of risk associated with priced factors, the prior literature often uses macroeconomic realizations to proxy for changes in expectations. However, realizations can be biased, so instead we use changes in macroeconomic forecasts and macroeconomic news surprises. The sensitivity of common factors to macroeconomic risks is not robust, and generally economically and statistically insignificant. Sometimes the factors even hedge risk. Importantly, the weak relation between the factors and risks is not the result of low powered tests. These findings are inconsistent with the notion that the factors are priced because they proxy for the macroeconomic risks examined.
Age‐dependent increase in serum levels of indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate is not related to their precursors: Tryptophan and tyrosine
Authors: Wyczalkowska‐Tomasik Aleksandra , Czarkowska‐Paczek Bozena , Giebultowicz Joanna , Wroczynski Piotr , Paczek Leszek
Published: May 2016

Aim

Retention of indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate is associated with many diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine serum levels of indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate, the dynamics of their changes according to age, and their precursors.

Methods

The study included 180 healthy individuals aged 20–90 years (n = 180), divided into subgroups by decade (n = 30 in each subgroup) and into subgroups of ≥65 years (n = 42) or <65 years (n = 138). Serum indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate, tryptophan, and tyrosine were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

The 70–90 years age group had higher indoxyl sulphate than the 50–59 years age group (P = 0.033). The 70–90 years age group had higher p‐cresol sulphate than the 20–29 years (P < 0.001), 30–39 years (P < 0.001), 40–49 years (P = 0.007) and 50–59 years (P = 0.001) age groups; the 60–69 years age group had higher p‐cresol sulphate than the 20–29 years (P = 0.043) and 30–39 years (P = 0.011) age groups. Indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate serum levels were higher in those aged ≥65 years. Indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate serum levels correlated positively with age, but not with tryptophan and tyrosine, respectively.

Conclusions

Healthy aging is associated with indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate serum level increases, which are not linked to tryptophan and tyrosine serum levels. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1022–1026.
Effectiveness of direct and non‐direct auditory stimulation on coma arousal after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Park Soohyun , Davis Alice E
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of direct and non‐direct auditory stimulation on arousal in coma patients with severe traumatic brain injury and to compare the effects of direct vs. non‐direct auditory stimulation. A crossover intervention study design was used. Nine participants who were comatose after a severe traumatic brain injury underwent direct and non‐direct auditory stimulation. Direct auditory stimulation requires a higher level of interpersonal interaction between the patient and stimuli such as voices of family members, orientation by a nurse or family member and familiar music. In contrast, non‐direct auditory stimuli were characterized as more general, less familiar, less interactive, indirect and not lively such as general music and TV sounds. Participants received both direct and non‐direct auditory stimulation in randomized order for 15 minutes. Recovery of consciousness was measured with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Sensory Stimulation Assessment Measure (SSAM). The Friedman test with post hoc analysis by Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test comparisons was used for data analysis. Patients who received both direct and non‐direct auditory stimulation exhibited significantly increased GCS (p = 0.008) and SSAM scores (p = 0.008) over baseline. The improvement in SSAM scores after direct auditory stimulation was significantly greater than that after non‐direct auditory stimulation (p = 0.021), but there was no statistically significant difference in GCS scores (p = 0.139). Auditory stimulation, in particular direct auditory stimulation, might be useful for improving the recovery of consciousness and increasing the arousal of comatose patients. The SSAM is more useful for detecting subtle changes from stimulation intervention than the GCS.
Pharmacist–patient communication about medication regimen adjustment during Ramadan
Authors: Amin Mohamed E K , Chewning Betty
Published: May 2016

Objectives

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset while abstaining from food and drink. Although Muslim patients may be aware of their religious exemption from fasting, many patients still choose not to take that exemption and fast. This study examines pharmacists’ initiation and timing of communication about medication regimen adjustment (MRA) with patients related to Ramadan. Predictors for initiating this communication with patients were also explored.

Methods

A probability sample of community pharmacists in Alexandria, Egypt was surveyed. The self-administered instrument covered timing and likelihood of initiating discussion about MRA. Using ordered logistic regression, a model was estimated to predict pharmacists’ initiation of the conversation on MRA during Ramadan.

Results

Ninety-three percent of the 298 approached pharmacists completed surveys. Only 16% of the pharmacists reported that they themselves usually initiated the conversation on MRA. Pharmacists’ initiation of these conversations was associated with pharmacists’ perceived importance of MRA on pharmacy revenue odds ratio ((OR) = 1.24, CI = 1.03–1.48). Eighty percent of the responding pharmacists reported the MRA conversation for chronic conditions started either 1–3 days before, or during the first week of Ramadan.

Conclusion

These results suggest considerable pharmacist patient communication gaps regarding medication use during Ramadan. It is especially important for pharmacists and other health professionals to initiate communication with Muslim patients early enough to identify how best to help patients transition safely into and out of Ramadan as they fast.