bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridges to sustainable health systems: public-private interaction for market access
Authors: Guercini Simone , Milanesi Matilde , Runfola Andrea
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the market access (MA) of ethical drugs, the underlying public-private interaction (PPI) between pharmaceutical companies and public actors, and the implications for the sustainability of the health system.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative interpretivist approach was selected. Interviews were carried out as the primary method of data collection: 27 interviews were conducted with 13 key informants from the pharmaceutical industry.

Findings

The perspective of MA evolves from formal negotiation with the public actor at various levels to PPI, which should include aspects of interactions with other actors in the network. Conceptualization in these terms is fundamental because it allows an understanding of the implications in terms of the sustainability of the health system.

Originality/value

The paper discusses MA by highlighting the shift from a “market access as formal negotiation” perspective to a “public-private interaction for market access” perspective, in which the focus is on the content of the interaction and the representation of the network of relevant actors for MA. It contributes to the debate on the sustainability of health systems by suggesting the adoption of a medium-to-long-term approach to economic and social sustainability based on PPI; it adopts an industrial marketing approach and contributes to the recent debate on PPI.
Transformational leadership and MNCs: evidence from Morocco community
Authors: Palalic Ramo , Ait Sidi Mhamed El Mustapha
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment in multinational companies (MNCs) in Morocco.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a sample size of 256 employees to attain results regarding a relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment. Proposed hypotheses are tested through regression analysis.

Findings

Findings show a relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment. Organisations use different leadership styles and thus act differently. However, tranformational leadership shows its importance in leading organisations who aim to be constantly committed.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research in North Africa that investigates the level of transformational leadership and organizational commitment in MNCs.
Wind and solar energy utilization for seawater desalination and hydrogen production in the coastal areas of southern Iran
Authors: Rezaei Mostafa , Mostafaeipour Ali , Jafari Niloofar , Naghdi-Khozani Nafiseh , Moftakharzadeh Ali
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Acute shortage of potable water and energy supplies is expected to raise in developing countries in the near future. One solid way to address these issues is to exploit renewable energy resources efficiently. Hence, this study aims to investigate wind and solar energy use in the coastal areas of southern Iran for renewable-powered seawater desalination and hydrogen production systems.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish the aforementioned purpose, five areas most prone to the problems in Iran, namely, Mahshahr, Jask and Chabahar ports and Kish and Hormoz islands were scrutinized. To ascertain the amount of wind and solar energy available in the areas, Weibull distribution function, Angstrom–Prescott equation and HOMER software were used.

Findings

The findings indicated that wind energy density in Kish was 2,014.86 (kWh/m2.yr) and solar energy density in Jask equaled to 2,255.7 (kWh/m2.yr) which possessed the best conditions among the areas under study. Moreover, three commercial wind turbines and three photovoltaic systems were examined for supplying energy needed by the water desalination and hydrogen production systems. The results showed that application of wind turbines with rated power of 660, 750 and 900 kWh in Kish could result in desalting 934,145, 1,263,339 and 2,000,450 (m3/yr) of seawater or producing 14,719, 20,896 and 31,521 (kg/yr) of hydrogen, respectively. Additionally, use of photovoltaic systems with efficiency of %14.4, %17.01 and %21.16 in Jask could desalinate 287, 444 and 464 (m3/yr) of seawater or generate 4.5, 7 and 7.3 (kg/yr) of hydrogen, respectively.

Originality/value

Compared to the huge extent of water shortage and environmental pollution, there has not been conducted enough studies to obtain broader view regarding use of renewable energies to solve these issues in Iran. Therefore, this study tries to close this gap and to give other developing nations the idea of water desalination and hydrogen production via renewable energies.
OPEC news and predictability of energy futures returns and volatility: evidence from a conditional quantile regression
Authors: Derbali Abdelkader , Wu Shan , Jamel Lamia
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an important perspective to the predictive capacity of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting dates and production announcements for energy futures (crude oil West Texas Intermediate (WTI), gasoline reformulated gasoline blendstock for oxygen blending (RBOB), Brent oil, London gas oil, natural gas and heating oil) market returns and volatilities.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the impact of OPEC news on energy futures market returns and volatilities, the authors use a conditional quantile regression methodology during the period from April 01, 2013 to June 30, 2017.

Findings

From the empirical findings, the authors show a conditional dependence between energy futures returns and OPEC-based predictors; hence, the authors can find clear the significance of relationship in the process of financialization of the OPEC announcements and energy futures in the case of this paper. From the quantile-causality test, the authors find that the effect of OPEC news is important to energy futures. Specifically, OPEC announcements dates predict the quantiles of the conditional distribution of energy futures market returns.

Originality/value

The authors confirm the presence of unidirectional nexus between OPEC news and energy commodities futures in the long term.
The impact of foreign direct investment on trade in Pakistan: the moderating role of terrorism
Authors: Shah Syed Hasanat , Hasnat Hafsa , Sarath Delpachitra
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Pakistan suffered with the menace of terrorism for long and become a front line state in the “War on Terror”. Terrorism shattered Pakistan economy and rendered her external sector vulnerable to instability and uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, using system generalized method of moment (GMM), this paper investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on exports, imports and trade deficit in the face of unabated terrorism in Pakistan.

Findings

The findings of the paper suggest that as terrorism in Pakistan increased, FDI contribution to Pakistan exports decreased while FDI contribution to Pakistan imports significantly increased. Terrorism also disrupted the chain of local production and increased Pakistan reliance on imports. Thus terrorism widened Pakistan trade deficit of Pakistan and expose Pakistan to external imbalances.

Originality/value

Despite rise in organized acts of terrorism and its adverse impact on various departments of economy, hardly any study bothers to check its impact on trade and investment nexus. This is the first study of its nature that looks deep down to understand how terrorism affects the relation of major economic variables.
Corruption and anti-corruption in China: a case study of high-ranking officials
Authors: He Jiahong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

With the analysis of the causes of corruption, this study aims to investigate specific anti-corruption measures that can be implemented to reform the political system and the social climate of China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines 97 severe corruption cases of high-ranking officials in China, which occurred between 2012 and 2015. As this insinuates that both institutional and social corruption are major problems in China, the analysis delves into multiple facts of corruption, including different types, four primary underlying causes, and suggestions regarding the implementation of three significant governmental shifts that focus on investigation, prevention tactics and legal regulations.

Findings

China’s corruption is not only individual-based but also it has developed into institutional corruption and social corruption. Besides human nature and instinct, the causes of corruption can be organised into four categories, namely, social customs, social transitions, institutional designs and institutional operations. For the removed high-ranking officials, the formation of interest chains was an important underlying cause behind their corruption.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because this study provides a well-rounded approach to a complex issue by highlighting the significance of democracy and the rule of law as ways to regulate human behaviour to combat future corruption.
The instrumentation of science parks: an integrative framework of enabling factors
Authors: Meseguer-Martinez Angel , Popa Simona , Soto-Acosta Pedro
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Research on Science parks (SPs) has attracted a growing interest in the last decades. This widespread innovation policy initiative pursues technology-based industrial and entrepreneurial growth through business development and technology transfer across new and mature firms. Despite the common agreement on SPs' potential benefits, literature have showed mixed results regarding the performance of SPs. To explain this findings, current research pointed out at the lack of a common guiding framework. To cover this knowledge gap, this manuscript proposes an integrative definition and research model together with a multidimensional measurement instrument suitable to encompass the diverse reality of this global phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a systematic literature review of 281 indexed journal articles published between 1990 and 2018, the paper provides an integrative framework of enabling factors of SPs' performance.

Findings

The results illustrate an integrative conceptual framework of SPs that allows further comparison and generalization of research. At the same time, this manuscript provides valuable insights for managers and entrepreneurs as it conveys a standardized view of SPs' internal context useful for benchmarking.

Originality/value

Grounded in the resource-based view (RBV), the paper conducts a thorough literature review to develop an integrative research model featuring three value streams: physical infrastructures, formal links and support services. In addition, a multidimensional measurement tool to operationalize these three dimensions is proposed.
The branding of religious financial institutions in the UK: conversations with market actors within the Islamic financial sector
Authors: Kok Seng Kiong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

We are beginning to observe the growth of Islamic finance beyond the borders of traditionally Islamic markets such as the Middle East and the Far East. The proliferation of such religious financial institutions in non-Islamic and more secular markets has raised some pertinent questions about how these quasi-religious institutions brand themselves in light of the need to balance the conflation of Islamic theology with that of financial economic principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a process-based qualitative methodology proceeded with an initial data reduction-theoretical conceptualization of the extant literature. This is followed by data display via quote research of participants’ precepts and concludes with a synthesis the extant academic conceptualizations with empirical perspectives.

Findings

The findings highlight a framework explaining the interface between Islamic and non-Islamic participation on the branding of Islamic financial institutions in the UK. The findings also set forth a need for consideration of non-religious and purely economic participation in the Islamic financial system in light of branding.

Originality/value

This study derives its incremental contribution by extending the extant academic literature on the branding and consumption of Islamic financial products and services within non-Islamic and secular markets. Furthermore, by adopting a multi-disciplinary, qualitative lens and engaging pertinent individuals within the field, the study provides a rich framework from which to explore the branding of these quasi-religious institutions and the interface between religious and non-religious consumption. This framework puts forth to the leaders of Islamic financial institutions of the between- and within-group interactions in terms of religio-financial consumption and branding.
Halal meat production in Pakistan: status and prospects
Authors: Magsi Habibullah , Randhawa Abid Ali , Shah Atta Hussain
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore halal meat production potential and export potential in Pakistan. Following this, the paper is to both stimulate the business and encourage research within this field.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, both primary and secondary data were used. Time-series meat production and export data from 1994-1995 to 2015-2016 were collected from different secondary sources; where primary data were collected from distinguish livestock experts on the possibility of halal meat production in various provinces of the country.

Findings

Results show that during 1994-1995 to 2015-2016, annual average growth rates of meat production and export were 3 and 32%, respectively. Based on these growth rates, it was estimated that Pakistan's total meat production and export is projected to be 6,078 thousand tons and $17,477m by 2029-2030. Results regarding the expert opinion survey indicates that Balochistan province has comparative advantage to rare livestock for beef and mutton meat production over rest of the provinces; there is potency for producing chicken meat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Punjab provinces, while Sindh province has almost the same efficiency to produce beef and chicken meat.

Practical implications

Experts were in opinion that high yielding livestock breeds should be introduced to farmers; and comprehensive training programs should be designed for all the stockholders involved in meat production, and processing to exports chains. Therefore, it is suggested that registered and corporate livestock farming can be only solution to fulfill required standards of raw and processed meat business in international markets.

Originality/value

At current, halal meat export is considered as major activity of livestock sector of Pakistan: where, this is one of the pioneer studies exploring potential of halal meat production in various parts of the country, which can not only contribute in national income but support the balance of payments of the country.
Replicate or adapt? Franchising and organizational routines
Authors: Maalouf Jamal T. , Combs James , Gillis William E. , Perryman Alexa
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce strategy as a factor that explains when franchisors – through the franchisees they select – seek to replicate routines exactly versus allow local adaptation of routines.

Design/methodology/approach

Combined archival and survey data from 248 US and Canadian franchisors actively seeking franchisees were used to test hypotheses via structural equation modeling. The robustness of results was comprehensively explored.

Findings

As hypothesized, results suggest that franchisors pursuing plural form strategies select franchisees with traits that foster replication, such as prior managerial experience and the desire to become multi-outlet franchisees. Those franchisors pursuing turnkey strategies seek franchisees who exhibit a willingness to experiment and adapt. In contrast to expectations, plural form franchisors were more likely to seek franchisees with local market knowledge.

Originality/value

Strategy influences whether franchisors select franchisees who will replicate versus adapt organizational routines. The authors introduce strategy as a factor affecting the extent to which routines are replicated exactly versus adapted locally. For franchising research, they challenge prior theory by explaining why franchisors invest in franchisee selection rather than waiting for the best franchisees to self-select into franchising.
Accountable algorithms? The ethical implications of data-driven business models
Authors: Breidbach Christoph F. , Maglio Paul
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify, analyze and explain the ethical implications that can result from the datafication of service.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a midrange theorizing approach to integrate currently disconnected perspectives on technology-enabled service, data-driven business models, data ethics and business ethics to introduce a novel analytical framework centered on data-driven business models as the general metatheoretical unit of analysis. The authors then contextualize the framework using data-intensive insurance services.

Findings

The resulting midrange theory offers new insights into how using machine learning, AI and big data sets can lead to unethical implications. Centered around 13 ethical challenges, this work outlines how data-driven business models redefine the value network, alter the roles of individual actors as cocreators of value, lead to the emergence of new data-driven value propositions, as well as novel revenue and cost models.

Practical implications

Future research based on the framework can help guide practitioners to implement and use advanced analytics more effectively and ethically.

Originality/value

At a time when future technological developments related to AI, machine learning or other forms of advanced data analytics are unpredictable, this study instigates a critical and timely discourse within the service research community about the ethical implications that can arise from the datafication of service by introducing much-needed theory and terminology.
Leadership and performance in intermunicipal networks
Authors: Cepiku Denita , Mastrodascio Marco
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to highlight the impact of integrative leadership behaviors on network performance in local government networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were retrieved from a survey conducted on 362 local government network leaders in Italy. Their leadership behaviors were compared with the level of network performance anonymously self-reported.

Findings

The findings show that high frequency in the usage of a specific category of behavior does not always lead to high performance in local government networks. Moreover, leadership behaviors leading to highly performing networks are not always engaged most frequently by networks' leaders.

Originality/value

This research gives an empirical contribution to a neglected topic: network leadership. Moreover, the authors attempt to highlight how it is able to influence network performance.
Atomic layer deposition of TiO2blocking layers for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Drygała Aleksandra , Szindler Marek , Szindler Magdalena , Jonda Ewa
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) which present promising low-cost alternative to the conventional silicon solar cells mainly due to comparatively low manufacturing cost, ease of fabrication and relatively good efficiency. One of the undesirable factor in DSSCs is the electron recombination process that takes place at the transparent conductive oxide/electrolyte interface, on the side of photoelectrode. To reduce this effect in the structure of the solar cell, a TiO2blocking layer (BL) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was deposited.

Design/methodology/approach

Scanning electron microscope, Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to evaluate the influence of BL on the photovoltaic properties. Electrical parameters of manufactured DSSCs with and without BL were characterized by measurements of current-voltage characteristics under standard AM 1.5 radiation.

Findings

The TiO2BL prevents the physical contact of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and the electrolyte and leads to increase in the cell’s overall efficiency, from 5.15 to 6.18%. Higher density of the BL, together with larger contact area and improved adherence between the TiO2layer and FTO surface provide more electron pathways from TiO2to FTO which facilitates electron transfer.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that the introduction of a BL into the photovoltaic device structure is an important step in technology of DSSCs to improve its efficiency. Moreover, the ALD is a powerful technique which allows for the highly reproducible growth of pinhole-free thin films with excellent thickness accuracy and conformality at low temperature.
Numerical exploration of heat and mass transport for the flow of nanofluid subject to Hall and ion slip effects
Authors: Naz Rahila , Sohail Muhammad , Hayat T.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper addresses the three-dimensional flow of viscous nanofluid bounded by two plates. The lower plate stretches while the upper plate remains stationary. The fluid is electrically conducting in the presence of an applied magnetic field. In addition, the Hall, ion slip and Joule heating effects are retained. Governing equations for the considered physical happening are modeled under the phenomenon of boundary layer analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Both analytical and numerical solutions for the resulting nonlinear system are derived. Numerical solutions have been presented by using bvp4c and NDSolve techniques. The homotopy analysis method is utilized for the development of convergent analytical solutions. A comparative study for the presented solutions is made. An excellent agreement between analytical and numerical solutions is noticed.

Findings

The dimensionless velocities, temperature and concentration are examined physically by two-dimensional plots, stream plot and tabular values. It is observed that Hall and ion slip parameters reduce the velocity field and temperature profile increases for the mounting values of the Eckert number.

Originality/value

This manuscript contains the novel contents which comprise the Hall and ion slip effects for the transportation of heat and mass for the flow of viscous nanofluid.
Experiencing fashion: the interplay between consumer value and sustainability
Authors: Ritch Elaine L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore consumers perceptions of sustainability, including how information is accessed, evaluated and practiced and how sustainability concepts transfer to fashion consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a phenomenological approach of unstructured interviews with 28 professionally working mothers. Garment labels indicating concepts of sustainability from UK fashion-retailers were used as a vehicle for discussion. Data was analysed through the theoretical lens of Holbrook’s (1999) typology of consumer value.

Findings

The findings identity that the participants struggle with understanding how sustainability is compromised within fashion-production and how their sustainability practice fluctuates depending on information, guidance and practical support. The findings also identify preferences for sustainability, where sustainable concepts are perceived as adding value.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations are assumed through the small focussed sample, however, the research does provide rich insight into micro-analytic idiographic lifeworlds to better understand how everyday deliberations of household management and sustainability concepts are practiced.

Practical implications

The findings illustrate pathways for retailers, producers and policymakers to guide sustainability and support sustainability through the use of labels and marketing which will enhance notions of value. Similarly, the findings can enable policymakers to position campaigns and practical solutions that advance the sustainability agenda.

Social implications

The research indicates that sustainability is filtering through society and drawing the attention of a broader consumer market, including passive mainstream consumers who are developing expectations that mainstream fashion-retailers address sustainability.

Originality/value

The research is novel in adopting a phenomenological approach that provides a unique insight into how sustainability is experienced in everyday households, through the adaptation of related behaviours and evaluating sustainability concepts.
Gaze and tourist-host relationship – state of the art
Authors: Lin Bingna , Fu Xiaoxiao
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an up-to-date review of the gaze, proposing new research agendas with regard to the various gazes actively operating at destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study thoroughly and systematically reviewed the existing literature by gathering papers related to gaze research in tourism contexts. Analysis of existing knowledge is centered around the gaze and a triadic framework among three key stakeholders.

Findings

A theoretical schema of the gaze was developed via a thorough examination of existing studies. The framework disclosed the subject of the gaze, be it tourist-initiated and/or host-initiated, and tourist–host interactions. Along with five dominant types (tourist gaze, intratourist gaze, local gaze, mutual gaze and reverse gaze), a triadic framework among stakeholders was further revealed.

Originality/value

The literature review provides meaningful insights into gaze research in the tourism field, representing the first effort to delineate relationships among relevant stakeholders. Further, this study proposes future research priorities related to the tourist–host relationship for destination experience development.
A review of factors affecting mining operation
Authors: Mishra Padma Charan , Mohanty Manoj Kumar
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore operation influencing factors of mining. To collect gaps of study and to form a thematic representation of principal influencing factors and their unique influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Articles were collected from different sources from 1974 to 2019 consisting of research articles, technical papers, expert blogs, working papers and conference papers covering various disciplines from psychology, human resource, finance and economics to mining engineering. Mining operation influencing factors were noted down. Four massively deposed mines were visited to observe the sequence of mining process. The field experts were also consulted to identify factors influencing their respected industry. Gaps were observed while comparing with the reviewed articles and opinions of field experts. Finally, senior experts were consulted to identify unique factors from the final list prepared and a framework of seven thematic categories consisting of unique factors was formulated.

Findings

A total of 197 sub-factors were collected from literature review and 2 sub-factors from Indian Mining experts during field study. These 199 sub-factors were initially categorised as 48 factors and one more factor was collected from Indian field experts. Finally, these 49 factors were thematically represented as principal factors and termed as operation, marketing and management, human resource, finance, resource and utility, corporate affairs and corporate social responsibility and environment.

Research limitations/implications

This study can be very helpful in the direction of different qualitative and quantitative studies, as the factors and sub-factors groups are identified.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils an identified need to provide a holistic review for understanding and documenting principal factors, unique factors and sub-factors those influence mining operation, profitability or sustainability issues of mines.
Functional characterization of pheromone receptor candidates in codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Tian Ke , Liu Wei , Feng Li‐Kai , Huang Tian‐Yu , Wang Gui‐Rong , Lin Ke‐Jian
Published: May 2020

Sex pheromones serve a critical role in Lepidopterans finding mates. Male moths perceive and react to sex pheromones emitted by conspecific females through a delicate pheromone communication system. Pheromone receptors (PRs) are the key sensory elements at the beginning of that process. The codling moth (Cydia pomnonella) is an important pome fruit pest globally and a serious invasive species in China. Pheromone‐based techniques have been used successfully in monitoring and controlling this species. We conducted ribonucleic acid sequencing analysis of the codling moth antennal transcriptome and identified 66 odorant receptors (ORs) in a population from Xinjiang province, China, of which 14 were PRs, including two novel PRs (CpomOR2e and CpomOR73). Four PRs that contain full‐length open reading frames (CpomOR1, OR2a, OR5, OR7) and four PRs with ligands that have not been reported previously (CpomOR1, OR2a, OR5, OR7) were selected to deorphanize in the heterologous Xenopus oocyte expression system. Specifically, we found that CpomOR2a and CpomOR5 responded to (E,E)‐8, 10‐dodecadien‐1‐yl acetate (codlemone acetate). Furthermore, CpomOR5 (EC50 = 1.379 × 10−8 mol/L) was much more sensitive to codlemone acetate than CpomOR2a (EC50 = 1.663 × 10−6 mol/L). Since codlemone acetate is an important component of C. pomonella sex pheromone, our results improve the current understanding of pheromone communication in codling moths and will be helpful for the development of pest management strategies.
Epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in non‐obese populations: Meta‐analytic assessment of its prevalence, genetic, metabolic, and histological profiles
Authors: Zou Zi Yuan , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Fan Jian Gao
Published: May 2020

Objective

As a subgroup of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), patients with non‐obese NAFLD may also have an increased risk of adverse hepatic and metabolic outcomes. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of non‐obese NAFLD and to describe its clinical characteristics in this systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of 1235 citations published up to Mar 2020. Meta‐analyses, stratified analyses and meta‐regression were all performed.

Results

Of the 46 studies included, 28 cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies of 155 846 non‐obese participants reported a pooled NAFLD prevalence of 14.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.3%‐17.1%). A multivariate meta‐regression analysis showed the trend that the prevalence varied by their geographical location. Further stratified analyses showed that NAFLD was relatively prevalent among people aged ≥45 years (16.2%; 95% CI 10.8‐23.4) and those in South America (25.7%; 95% CI 24.4‐27.0). The PNPLA3 rs738409 gene polymorphism was more frequently observed in non‐obese NAFLD than in both obese NAFLD and non‐obese controls, while the metabolic profiles of non‐obese NAFLD were less severe than those of the obese NAFLD group. Patients with non‐obese NAFLD had 4.81‐fold and 5.43‐fold higher risk of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, respectively, than the non‐obese controls.

Conclusions

Non‐obese NAFLD is common, particularly in South America and among people aged ≥45 years. Metabolic diseases and PNPLA3 rs738409 gene polymorphism are more frequent in the non‐obese NAFLD group than in non‐obese controls.
Presence of amniotic fluid sludge and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Pergialiotis Vasilios , Bellos Ioannis , Antsaklis Aris , Loutradis Dimitrios , Daskalakis George
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Several studies acknowledge that the presence of amniotic fluid sludge (AFS) is an independent predictive factor for preterm birth. In the present systematic review, we summarize research that focuses on the comparison of pregnancy outcomes among women with and without AFS.

Material and methods

Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched from inception. Both observational and randomized controlled studies were considered eligible provided that they reported data on pregnancy outcomes among women with and without AFS. Outcomes were not meta‐analyzed because of the high heterogeneity in terms of selected population and outcome reporting.

Results

Seventeen studies of 2432 women were included in this review. Six studies evaluated women at high risk for preterm birth. Pregnancies complicated by AFS had a lower gestational age at delivery and increased incidence of preterm delivery at <37 weeks. Neonatal death rates and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were also increased. Evidence in low‐risk women, those with signs of preterm labor, in those carrying twins, and in women with cervical cerclage or Arabin pessary was extremely limited.

Conclusions

Women with AFS seem to deliver at an earlier gestational age, and preterm birth rates are also increased. Limited data seem to point to neonatal morbidity and mortality being increased. However, the presence of a direct association should not be assumed because the evidence is not adjusted for the presence of confounders.
Preeclampsia was a risk factor for pulmonary interstitial emphysema in preterm infants born ≤32 weeks of gestational age
Authors: Behnke Judith , Windhorst Anita , Oehmke Frank , Berthold Lars D. , Zimmer Klaus‐Peter , Waitz Markus , Ehrhardt Harald
Published: May 2020

Aim

This study determined the prenatal and postnatal risk factors for pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) in preterm infants born at up to 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) and their contribution to severe complications.

Methods

We studied 179 preterm infants, who had undergone chest X‐rays during the first five days of life at Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany, between 2016 and 2017. Of these, 33 were retrospectively classified as PIE and 146 as non‐PIE. The PIE cases were also matched with 33 non‐PIE cases by GA and gender. Risk factors were identified by univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Previously known risk factors for pulmonary interstitial emphysema were confirmed, including GA and birthweight and the associations with adverse outcomes like intraventricular haemorrhage and mortality. We identified preeclampsia and haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome as additional risk factors for PIE (P = .027), and lung impairment was associated with respiratory distress syndrome (P = .001), higher maximum inspired oxygen (P = .014) and needing surfactant (P = .006).

Conclusion

Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were identified as possible additional risk factors for PIE in preterm infants. These conditions should be included in future studies, to identify preterm infants at risk of PIE straight after birth.
Three cases of hybridity in learning spaces: Towards a design for a Zone of Possibility
Authors: Cook John , Mor Yishay , Santos Patricia
Published: May 2020

The paper contributes to design discourse by drawing on Educational Design Research (EDR) that has been conducted into what we call a Zone of Possibility (ZoP) over the past seven years. We define a ZoP as a place where individuals can overcome the constraints of expectations and power structures to effect desired change. Specifically, this paper presents details of how our initial research question (RQ1) has evolved to the one presented in the conclusions (RQ2); both RQs are summarised below in the section “Research Questions.” To describe this evolution, the paper is presented as 3 cases (Confer, ZoP Stokes Croft and Google Lens in HE) that have provided insights to explore the concept of the ZoP and its implications for EDR. Specifically, one of the main conclusions is the importance of bridging positioning practices as “successful communication” and an understanding of social context in hybrid contexts (ie, the ZoP).
Inferences about which of J dependent groups has the largest robust measure of location
Authors: Wilcox Rand R.
Published: May 2020

Recently, a multiple comparisons procedure was derived with the goal of determining whether it is reasonable to make a decision about which of J independent groups has the largest robust measure of location. This was done by testing hypotheses aimed at comparing the group with the largest estimate to the remaining J − 1 groups. It was demonstrated that for the goal of controlling the familywise error rate, meaning the probability of one or more Type I errors, well‐known improvements on the Bonferroni method can perform poorly. A technique for dealing with this issue was suggested and found to perform well in simulations. However, when dealing with dependent groups, the method is unsatisfactory. This note suggests an alternative method that is designed for dependent groups.
Potential therapeutic targets and promising drugs for combating SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Zhou Hong , Fang Yan , Xu Tao , Ni Wei‐Jian , Shen Ai‐Zong , Meng Xiao‐Ming
Published: May 2020

As of April 9, 2020, a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) had caused 89,931 deaths and 1,503,900 confirmed cases worldwide, which indicates an increasingly severe and uncontrollable situation. Initially, little was known about the virus. As research continues, we now know the genome structure, epidemiological and clinical characteristics, and pathogenic mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2. Based on this knowledge, potential targets involved in the processes of virus pathogenesis need to be identified, and the discovery or development of drugs based on these potential targets is the most pressing need. Here, we have summarized the potential therapeutic targets involved in virus pathogenesis and discuss the advances, possibilities, and significance of drugs based on these targets for treating SARS‐CoV‐2. This review will facilitate the identification of potential targets and provide clues for drug development that can be translated into clinical applications for combating SARS‐CoV‐2.
Redox à la carte: Novel chemogenetic models of heart failure
Authors: Sorrentino Andrea , Michel Thomas
Published: May 2020

Many current animal models of heart failure are hampered by intrinsic methodological complexities, while other models yield only a subtle cardiac phenotype even after prolonged in vivo treatments. A new ‘chemogenetic’ animal model of heart failure reproduces a critical characteristic shared by many disease states that lead to heart failure in humans: an increase in redox stress in the heart. This ‘chemogenetic’ approach exploits a recombinant yeast enzyme that can be dynamically and specifically activated in vivo to generate the ROS hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in cardiac myocytes. Redox stress can be rapidly, selectively and reversibly manipulated by chemogenetic generation of ROS in cardiac myocytes, yielding a new model of dilated cardiomyopathy. Treatment of animals with the angiotensin receptor antagonist valsartan promotes recovery of ventricular function and resolution of adverse cardiac remodelling. This mini‐review discusses in vivo chemogenetic approaches to manipulate and analyse oxidative stress in the heart.
REGULATION AND THE PAYDAY LENDING INDUSTRY
Authors: Ramirez Stefanie R.
Published: May 2020

Using a unique, multistate data set and exploiting policy heterogeneity across states and time, I examine average and marginal effects of changing payday‐lending policies on county‐month‐level branch counts between January 2001 and December 2010. Average results on operating branches are mixed: the effects of adopting liquidity requirements and fee ceilings are negative while the effects of adopting balance and rollover limits are positive. Adopting balance limits decreases new branch counts. Marginal effects of relaxing rollover ceilings are positive for operating branches, though negative for new branches. Results highlight the need to consider both consumer‐ and producer‐interest perspectives when examining the relationship between industry and regulation. (JEL L22, G28, D22)
A subaltern middle class: The case of the missing “Black bourgeoisie” in America
Authors: Darity William , Addo Fenaba R. , Smith Imari Z.
Published: May 2020

A convention, particularly in economics and sociology, for empirical identification of the “middle class” has been to mark off a segment of the population above a lower bound with respect to income, occupational status, and/or educational attainment. Instead, we argue here that wealth constitutes a superior standard for demarcation of the middle class. Wealth is an especially useful standard for identification of the middle class from subaltern communities, communities that have a generally marginalized status. We illustrate the value of the wealth criteria by examining the specific case of America's Black middle class. This alternative approach enables us to demonstrate that the Black middle class is proportionately much smaller than the White middle class and to demonstrate the limitations of several proposals recently advanced to close the racial wealth gap.
Guidelines for the management of diabetes in care homes during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Sinclair A. , Dhatariya K. , Burr O. , Nagi D. , Higgins K. , Hopkins D. , Patel M. , Kar P. , Gooday C. , Howarth D. , Abdelhafiz A. , Newland‐Jones P. , O’Neill S.
Published: May 2020

The National Diabetes Stakeholders Covid‐19 Response Group was formed in early April 2020 as a rapid action by the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care, Diabetes UK, the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists, and Diabetes Frail to address and support the special needs of residents with diabetes in UK care homes during Covid‐19. It was obvious that the care home sector was becoming a second wave of Covid‐19 infection and that those with diabetes residing in care homes were at increased risk not only of susceptibility to infection but also to poorer outcomes. Its key purposes included minimising the morbidity and mortality associated with Covid‐19 and assisting care staff to identify those residents with diabetes at highest risk of Covid‐19 infection. The guidance was particularly created for care home managers, other care home staff, and specialist and non‐specialist community nursing teams. The guidance covers the management of hyperglycaemia by discussion of various clinical scenarios that could arise, the management of hypoglycaemia, foot care and end of life care. In addition, it outlines the conditions where hospital admission is required. The guidance should be regarded as interim and will be updated as further medical and scientific evidence becomes available.
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: An event‐related potential study of working memory
Authors: Arjona Valladares Antonio , Gómez Carlos M. , Rodríguez‐Martínez Elena I. , Barriga‐Paulino Catarina I. , Gómez‐González Jaime , Diaz‐Sánchez José A.
Published: May 2020

Working memory (WM) impairments have been frequently observed as an important feature of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Event‐related potential (ERP) differences between ADHD and healthy controls (HC) would be expected during WM task performance. Especially, the so‐called slow wave (SW), which is related to the retention process, might present amplitude differences in ADHD. In this ERP study participated twenty‐nine ADHD children and adolescents and thirty‐four HC. WM performance was assessed using the Working Memory Test Battery for Children (WMTB‐C), and ERPs were analyzed with a Delayed Match‐To‐Sample (DMTS) task. ADHD sample showed worse behavioral performance in both WMTB‐C and DMTS task, and higher SW amplitude during the retention phase of the DMTS task. Additionally, the principal component analysis indicated that the scores on the component explaining the centro‐parietal SW were significantly different between ADHD subjects and HC. The observed impaired neurophysiological activity during the encoding and retention periods in ADHD, which would be the origin of the behavioral deficits in WM task performance, might be reflecting a delayed maturation of the neural processes underlying the centro‐parietal SW.
Noncoding RNAs in vascular smooth muscle cell function and neointimal hyperplasia
Authors: Maguire Eithne Margaret , Xiao Qingzhong
Published: May 2020

Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) is a pathological process occurring in the blood vessel wall during atherosclerosis and in‐stent restenosis (ISR). Due to the abundance of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within neointimal lesions, VSMCs have long been considered as a key cellular target in preventing NIH. Noncoding RNA molecules such as microRNA (miRNAs), long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) expressed in VSMCs offer unique therapeutic targets for tackling VSMC phenotype switching, proliferation, migration and apoptosis processes responsible for promoting NIH. In this review, we provide an extensive overview of VSMC RNA biology, highlighting the most recent discoveries in the field of lncRNAs and circRNAs, with the aim of identifying key molecular players that could be harnessed for future therapeutic interventions, in our quest to halt NIH in vascular disease.
Molecular characterization, expression pattern and RNAi‐mediated silencing of vitellogenin receptor gene in almond moth, Cadra cautella
Authors: Husain M. , Rasool K. G. , Tufail M. , Aldawood A. S.
Published: May 2020

The almond moth is an important pest of date fruits worldwide. The females produce several eggs; however, role of vitellogenin receptor (VgR) in oocyte development by mediating endocytosis of major yolk protein precursor Vg remains yet unexplored. To investigate the role of vitellogenin receptor (VgR) in reproduction, Cadra cautella vitellogenin receptor (CcVgR) transcript was obtained using rapid amplification of cDNA ends‐polymerase chain reaction. Expression analysis of CcVgR was performed using reverse transcriptase and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in different developmental stages. RNA interference was performed by injecting CcVgR‐based double‐stranded (ds)RNA at different exposure times. The results revealed that CcVgR is 5421 bp long, encoded 1807 amino acid, belongs to low‐density lipoprotein receptor superfamily and contains all conserved domains. Expression analysis confirmed that CcVgR is sex‐specific and starts to express in female larvae on day 19. Additionally, RNA interference (RNAi) of CcVgR‐based dsRNA inhibited CcVgR expression up to 83% after 72 h, reduced fecundity and hatchability, and confirmed involvement of CcVgR in C. cautella reproduction. This report provides a basis for gene silencing in this species, and proposes RNAi technology potential for pest management.