bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers and barriers for adoption of a leading social management standard (SA8000) in developing economies
Authors: Koster Mieneke , Vos Bart , van der Valk Wendy
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify drivers and barriers for adopting Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000), a leading global social management standard.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach involves combining insights from Institutional Theory with a focus on economic performance to study SA8000 adoption by suppliers operating in a developing economy (i.e. India). Data collection involves interviews with adopters and non-adopters, social standard experts and auditors, and archival data on local working conditions.

Findings

This study confirms that customer requests are the major reason for adopting SA8000 in order to avoid loss of business. It is noteworthy, however, that those customer requests to adopt SA8000 are often symbolic in nature, which, in combination with the lack of a positive business case, hinders effective implementation.

Practical implications

The findings imply that symbolic customer requests for SA8000 adoption induce symbolic implementation by suppliers, a “supply chain effect” in the symbolic approach. Substantive requests in contrast lead to more substantive implementation and require customer investment in the form of active support and an interest in the standard’s implementation, context and effects.

Originality/value

This study is original in that it addresses social sustainability from a supplier’s perspective, using the lens of Institutional Theory. The value lies in demonstrating the “supply chain effects” that arise from the “quality” of customer requests: a purely symbolic approach by customers leading to symbolic implementation vs the merits of substantive customer requests which stimulate substantive implementation.
An application of integrated EPC–SPC methodology for simultaneously monitoring multiple output characteristics
Authors: John Boby , Singhal Shreya
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated engineering process control (EPC)–statistical process control (SPC) methodology for simultaneously monitoring and controlling autocorrelated multiple responses, namely, brightness and viscosity of the pulp bleaching process.

Design/methodology/approach

The pulp bleaching is a process of separating cellulose from impurities present in cooked wood chips through chemical treatment. More chemical dosage or process adjustments may result in better brightness but adversely affect viscosity. Hence, the optimum chemical dosage that would simultaneously minimize the deviation of pulp brightness and viscosity from their respective targets needs to be determined. Since the responses are autocorrelated, dynamic regression is used to model the responses. Then, the optimum chemical dosage that would simultaneously optimize the pulp brightness and viscosity is determined by fuzzy optimization methodology.

Findings

The suggested methodology is validated in 12 cases. The validation results showed that the optimum dosage simultaneously minimized the variation in brightness and viscosity around their respective targets. Moreover, suggested solution has been found to be superior to the one obtained by optimizing the responses independently.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable information on how to identify the optimum process adjustments to simultaneously ensure autocorrelated multiple responses on or close to their respective targets.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to provide application of the integrated EPC–SPC methodology for simultaneously monitoring multiple responses. The study also demonstrates the application of dynamic regression to model autocorrelated responses.
Optimal availability for determining choice and repair policy of system components
Authors: Jeang Angus , Ko Chang Pu , Chung Chien-Ping , Chen You-Jie , Lin I.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the regression model by a simulation method that was obtained by using the system response at unit cost as the response value. The unit availability was maximized, while the unit cost was minimized.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the Monte Carlo simulation method was used to simulate an operational system, and the regression model was obtained by using response surface methodology with the experimental matrix and different levels of experimental combinations.

Findings

The optimal value of mean time between failure (MTBF) and mean time to repair (MTTR) of each component was then obtained by using the system response at unit cost as the response value.

Practical implications

Due to the upgrading of industrial technology and the maturity of electronic technology, product development technology has become highly sophisticated with complex designs. Reliability engineering has become a key procedure of high-tech industry.

Social implications

Based on the system availability of unit cost as the response value, it can maximize the availability to help decision makers to formulate the best selection strategy components and repair strategy.

Originality/value

Previous works regarding the parameter settings of reliability values never mention the simulation methodology. However, this study aims to achieve the above goals in finding the relationship of MTBF and MTTR simultaneously.
Endogenous specification of foreign capital inflows, human capital development and economic growth
Authors: Musibau Hammed Oluwaseyi , Yusuf Agboola Hammed , Gold Kafilah Lola
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the relationship between foreign capital inflows, human capital development (HCD) and economic growth in ECOWAS countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the augmented Solow model, the relationship between foreign capital inflows, human capital development and gross domestic product in the ECOWAS member countries is investigated using the pool mean group method.

Findings

The authors find overwhelming evidence that foreign capital inflows and human development have a significant effect on economic growth in ECOWAS member countries. However, foreign direct investment (FDI), official development assistant, HCD and gross domestic investment are positively related to economic growth in sub-regions economies. Conversely, migrate official remittance, portfolio investments and external debts are negatively related to economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recommend that sound economic policies should be targeted in encouraging foreign capital accumulation and HCD, especially on FDI, official development assistance that exerts a positive impact on the economic growth of the sub-region. Therefore, training is required to prepare the labor force to work with new technologies and promote efficient enterprise for ECOWAS economies to compete with developed countries and emerging economies.

Social implications

This study argued that the development of human capital is a pathway that may lead countries away from sustained growth. In the context of any economy which lack well-developed capital and education markets, many otherwise qualified citizens may be denied the basic skills they need in order to contribute fully to the nation’s economic development. HCD would encourage foreign investments, resulting in reduction in poverty in ECOWAS countries.

Originality/value

Several studies have been done on foreign capital inflow and economic growth nexus such as Orjiet al.(2014), Ajide and Raheem (2016), Musibauet al.(2017), etc.; however, none of the research studies has actually examined the effect of the relationship between foreign capital inflows and HCD on economic growth in ECOWAS countries. This study is designed to fill the vacuum.
Approach to establish a hybrid intelligent model for crack diagnosis in a fix-hinge beam structure
Authors: Behera Sanjay Kumar , Parhi Dayal R. , Das Harish C.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

With the development of research toward damage detection in structural elements, the use of artificial intelligent methods for crack detection plays a vital role in solving the crack-related problems. The purpose of this paper is to establish a methodology that can detect and analyze crack development in a beam structure subjected to transverse free vibration.

Design/methodology/approach

Hybrid intelligent systems have acquired their own distinction as a potential problem-solving methodology adopted by researchers and scientists. It can be applied in many areas like science, technology, business and commerce. There have been the efforts by researchers in the recent past to combine the individual artificial intelligent techniques in parallel to generate optimal solutions for the problems. So it is an innovative effort to develop a strong computationally intelligent hybrid system based on different combinations of available artificial intelligence (AI) techniques.

Findings

In the present research, an integration of different AI techniques has been tested for accuracy. Theoretical, numerical and experimental investigations have been carried out using a fix-hinge aluminum beam of specified dimension in the presence and absence of cracks. The paper also gives an insight into the comparison of relative crack locations and crack depths obtained from numerical and experimental results with that of the results of the hybrid intelligent model and found to be in good agreement.

Originality/value

The paper covers the work to verify the accuracy of hybrid controllers in a fix-hinge beam which is very rare to find in the available literature. To overcome the limitations of standalone AI techniques, a hybrid methodology has been adopted. The output results for crack location and crack depth have been compared with experimental results, and the deviation of results is found to be within the satisfactory limit.
Analysis of interpretive structural model of Indian railway security system by analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
Authors: Srivastava Anoop , Gaur Sant Kumar , Swami Sanjeev , Banwet D.K.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Security and safety have remained important concerns for mankind since ancient times. In the context of railways, however, the threat perceptions to safety and security have increased significantly lately. In view of this, the Indian Railways requires an effective and efficient security management system. The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated approach to help develop the Indian railway security system (IRSS) by successively reducing the complexity of the system through a series of studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant elements of the complex system of Indian Railways have been identified. The framework in which the elements exist and interact with each other has been clearly established using the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique. The output of ISM is further reduced in complexity by having different policy option profiles. A comparison of different option profiles has been done by a multi-criteria decision-making technique, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), by choosing suitable criteria for comparison.

Findings

The following elements need to be pursued as the key objectives for making IRSS: protection of passengers, protection of property, modernisation, manpower enhancement, multi-skilling of staff, latest technology and enhanced legal powers.

Research limitations/implications

The present research can be extended in many important ways. Interpretive structural models for different contextual relationships can be developed and used for formulating and implementing customised security policy. Policy elements and the ISM structure obtained in this research can be utilised for the system dynamic modelling of IRSS. A pilot study can be done to implement the recommendations made in this study.

Practical implications

The ISM model developed can be implemented as a policy tool in enhancing the railway’s security. Some of the policy elements proposed appear to be consistent with the strategic direction being undertaken in the railway security in the country.

Social implications

Security is an important concern for mankind and social civilisations. The results have significant welfare implications in India and the rest of the world.

Originality/value

The present study is one of the first approaches in a series of studies in railway security in India. The results of this study can be extended to other security scenarios with similar needs.
Factors influencing inbound medical travel to India
Authors: Medhekar Anita , Wong Ho Yin , Hall John Edward
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the demand-side factors that influence the inbound medical tourists’ (MTs) decision to travel abroad for medical treatment/surgery.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers conducted thematic analysis of in-depth interviews in India with 24 foreign MTs’ to generate the themes, identify factors and propose a model with hypothesis for future quantitative survey.

Findings

The findings conclude that patients ranked in ascending order less waiting time for surgery, healthcare quality and accreditation, staff/surgeons expertise, healthcare information, hospital facilities and services, patient safety, travel risk, surgical costs and holiday opportunity as important factors that influence the decision to travel abroad for medical treatment/surgery.

Research limitations/implications

Foreign patients from six private hospitals were willing to be interviewed with the permission of the hospital. Due to confidentiality and privacy policy, many hospitals declined interviews with foreign patients.

Practical implications

The findings are generalised in case of foreign patients as MTs and all private hospitals treating foreign patients in India and other global healthcare destinations. Policy implications suggest that private hospitals in developing countries need to provide first-class quality of healthcare as foreign patients look for internationally accredited quality, no waiting time, patient safety, qualified and experienced surgeons, healthcare workers education and experience hospital facilities and post-surgery care with positive healthcare outcomes.

Originality/value

There is little empirical research on the views of inbound MTs, about factors influencing their decision to travel abroad for surgery to India.
Investigating the impact of inventory inaccuracy on the bullwhip effect in RFID-enabled supply chains using colored petri nets
Authors: Drakaki Maria , Tzionas Panagiotis
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Information distortion results in demand variance amplification in upstream supply chain members, known as the bullwhip effect, and inventory inaccuracy in the inventory records. As inventory inaccuracy contributes to the bullwhip effect, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of inventory inaccuracy on the bullwhip effect in radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled supply chains and, in this context, to evaluate supply chain performance because of the RFID technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation modeling method based on hierarchical timed colored petri nets is presented to model inventory management in multi-stage serial supply chains subject to inventory inaccuracy for various traditional and information sharing configurations in the presence and absence of RFID. Validation of the method is done by comparing results obtained for the bullwhip effect with published literature results.

Findings

The bullwhip effect is increased in RFID-enabled multi-stage serial supply chains subject to inventory inaccuracy. The information sharing supply chain is more sensitive to the impact of inventory inaccuracy.

Research limitations/implications

Information sharing involves collaboration in market demand and inventory inaccuracy, whereas RFID is implemented by all echelons. To obtain the full benefits of RFID adoption and collaboration, different collaboration strategies should be investigated.

Originality/value

Colored petri nets simulation modeling of the inventory management process is a novel approach to study supply chain dynamics. In the context of inventory errors, information on RFID impact on the dynamic behavior of multi-stage serial supply chains is provided.
Impact of word-of-mouth, job attributes and relationship strength on employer attractiveness
Authors: Ahamad Faiz
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Job information through word-of-mouth (WOM) has a crucial impact on employer attractiveness. The phenomenal rise of social media offers alternate WOM platforms for sharing job information, which is quite different from traditional face-to-face WOM. The purpose of this paper is to examine the differential impact of traditional word-of-mouth (t-WOM) and social media word-of-mouth (s-WOM) on employer attractiveness along with the difference in the job attributes and relationship strength with the information source.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 2 × 2 experiment was conducted to examine the impact of information source (t-WOM and s-WOM), job attributes (tangible and intangible) and relationship strength (strong and weak), on employer attractiveness. Source expertise and source trust were treated as the control variable.

Findings

The result shows the differential impact of t-WOM and s-WOM on employer attractiveness. Moreover, t-WOM from strong relation source found to have a high impact on employer attractiveness than s-WOM. No significant difference due to job attributes was found.

Research limitations/implications

Use of only positive WOM and not the negative one, student as the subjects, etc.

Practical implications

The present study suggests using t-WOM and s-WOM to attract talented job seekers.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze the differential impact of t-WOM and s-WOM on employer attractiveness.
Reducing apartment vacancy duration: lessons from affordable housing
Authors: Bollo Christina S.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine how much variance in vacancy duration can be explained by the architectural attributes of apartments and to illuminate strategies to reduce vacancy duration utilized by non-profit housing providers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a sequential mixed methods research study with a qualitative variable-gathering phase followed by a quantitative variable-testing phase. Vacancy duration in days was the dependent variable and the attributes of the apartments were the independent variables. Each building functioned as a separate case, with its own results, and the cases were compared to draw conclusions about the strongest predictors for vacancy duration.

Findings

Each case study project has a significant linear regression equation with multiple variables contributing to the variance in tenancy duration. The R2 statistic varied for the case study projects from a low of 10.2 percent to a high of 36.9 percent. Factors that resulted in longer vacancies for two or more of the projects include: unit mix, floor level, road proximity and length of tenancy for the tenant moving out. Factors resulting in shorter vacancies include: corner position in the building and relatively larger size of the apartment.

Research limitations/implications

The geography of the study is limited to Washington State in the USA. However, the case study projects represent three metropolitan statistical areas, with distinct climates and economic conditions. There are limitations to the stepwise analysis method because the degrees of freedom limit the complexity of models that can be estimated.

Practical implications

This paper highlights influences on vacancy duration and proposes conceptual models for measuring the periods of vacancy duration.

Social implications

Through this study, architectural contributions to vacancy were uncovered and tested so that subsidized housing, a public good, can be distributed more efficiently.

Originality/value

This research is the first known study to compare vacancy durations on a unit-by-unit basis.
Structural analysis of wing ribs obtained by additive manufacturing
Authors: Carneiro Pedro Miguel Cardoso , Gamboa Pedro
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged over the past years as a key technology in aircraft structural components’ manufacturing. This paper aims to describe the numerical analysis and experimental testing of five wing ribs with different 2D topologies manufactured with polylactic acid (PLA) using the fused deposition modeling technology. The main purpose is to determine the best wing rib topology in terms of strength, stiffness and mass.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical analyses are performed using Ansys Workbench’s static structural analysis for two distinct loading cases. In the first loading, the chord-wise distributed load, resulting from wing lift, is replaced by two equivalent concentrated loads at the leading and trailing edges. This simplification allows the numerical results to be experimentally validated. The second loading has distributed loads applied on the upper and on the lower surfaces of the wing rib to produce a more realistic structural response. Experimental tests are performed with the first loading case to determine maximum displacement and failure loads of the wing ribs studied. SEM is used to analyze fracture surfaces.

Findings

From the five different PLA printed wing rib topologies studied, it is found that truss type configurations are the more structural efficient, that is, truss topologies exhibit better specific strength and specific stiffness. Additionally, the limiting factor in the design of these wing ribs is stiffness rather than strength.

Originality/value

The work identifies the kind of structural topologies that are best suited for 2D wing ribs obtained by AM and leads the way to more complex and more efficient structural layouts to be explored in the future using topology optimization coupled with simple Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Feeling lucky: hierarchies of suffering and stories of endometrial cancer in a Danish context
Authors: Sidenius Anne , Mogensen Ole , Rudnicki Martin , Møller Lars M. A. , Hansen Helle P.
Published: February 2019

Illness stories are a prime analytical way of understanding patient perspectives on cancer. Nevertheless, limited studies have focused on stories of endometrial cancer. An ethnographic study including participant observation and interviews among 18 Danish women with endometrial cancer was conducted to examine prevalent stories and the ways the women responded to them. In this article, the analysis focuses on two exemplary cases, which present a line of issues related to the kinds of experiences that suffering includes. Findings illustrate that feelings of luck were central to the experience of being diagnosed, treated and cured, which was related to the way health professionals framed endometrial cancer as favourable through notions of curable/incurable, trivial and gentle/invasive and brutal, and aggressive/non‐aggressive. Drawing upon the concept of a ‘hierarchy of suffering’, we exemplify how women tended to scale own experiences of suffering against others’, leading some to believe they were not in a legitimate position to draw attention to themselves nor seek help and support, despite adverse physical, psychosocial effects. Thus, feelings of being lucky were intertwined with a sense of ambivalence. We conclude by discussing how suffering arises within a moral context, suggesting that the ways we speak of cancer may make some experiences unspeakable. This calls for increased clinical attention to more diverse narratives of cancer.
Everyone deserves quiche: French school lunch programmes and national culture in a globalized world
Authors: Maxwell Rahsaan
Published: February 2019

Globalization poses many challenges for national cultural unity, especially in Europe. Some doubt whether national cultures will be able to survive, but there are many counter‐trends pushing to maintain national cultural unity. I analyse the dual trends of global diversity and maintaining unity through an everyday manifestation of French culture: elementary school lunches. French school lunch programmes are part of the nation‐building process because they are designed to teach students how to eat, which is especially important in France where the art of gastronomy is a key source of identity and pride. I analyse cultural influences on over 11,000 school lunch menu items from eight municipalities across two French regions. I also conduct in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with the people who design and approve school lunch menus. My inquiry is guided by three key questions. First, to what extent are foreign influences included? Second, does openness to foreign influences vary across different parts of France? Finally, how are foreign cultures represented? My results suggest that foreign cultures are deployed to nationalize difference. The limited foreign influences that appear in school lunches are strategically chosen to appeal to and to educate students, but in a way that reinforces the centrality of traditional French cultural norms. This article contributes to our understanding of the tension between national culture and a globalizing world.
Susceptibility to ERAP1 gene single nucleotide polymorphism modulates the inflammatory cytokine setting in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Hemmatzadeh Maryam , Babaie Farhad , Ezzatifar Fatemeh , Mohammadi Fatemeh S. , Ebrazeh Mehrdad , Golabi Aghdam Shirin , Hajaliloo Mehrzad , Azizi Gholamreza , Gowhari Shabgah Arezoo , Shekari Najibeh , Sehati Nasrin , Hosseinzadeh Ramin , Mohammadi Hamed , Babaloo Zohreh
Published: February 2019

Aim

To evaluate the association of ERAP1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and their role in modulation of the inflammatory interleukin (IL)‐17/IL‐23 axis in the disease.

Methods

For genotyping, 190 AS cases and 190 healthy controls were enrolled. After DNA extraction, all the subjects were genotyped for rs17482078, rs469876, and rs27038 polymorphisms using single specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. After isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis, real‐time PCR using SYBR Green master mix was employed to determine messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of IL‐17A and IL‐23 in PBMCs. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the concentration of these cytokines was determined in serum samples.

Results

It was observed that the A allele of rs27038 polymorphism significantly increased AS risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, 95% CI =1.11‐2.12; P = 0.0096). Moreover, AA and AG genotypes of this SNP were associated with increased (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.42‐5.85; P = 0.0031) and decreased (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.36‐0.92; P = 0.021), respectively, risk of the disease. The rs27038 SNP was associated with C‐reactive protein level. There were significantly increased mRNA and serum concentrations of both IL‐17A and IL‐23 in AS patients compared with controls. Furthermore, AS patients with the AA in comparison to other genotypes for rs27038 SNP indicated significantly increased mRNA and serum concentration levels for both cytokines.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the association of ERAP1 gene rs27038 polymorphism with the risk of AS in an Iranian population. Additionally, it seems that rs27038 is involved in the modulation of the inflammatory IL‐17/IL‐23 axis in AS.
17‐α estradiol ameliorates age‐associated sarcopenia and improves late‐life physical function in male mice but not in females or castrated males
Authors: Garratt Michael , Leander Danielle , Pifer Kaitlyn , Bower Brian , Herrera Jonathan J. , Day Sharlene M. , Fiehn Oliver , Brooks Susan V. , Miller Richard A.
Published: February 2019

Pharmacological treatments can extend mouse lifespan, but lifespan effects often differ between sexes. 17‐α estradiol (17aE2), a less feminizing structural isomer of 17‐β estradiol, produces lifespan extension only in male mice, suggesting a sexually dimorphic mechanism of lifespan regulation. We tested whether these anti‐aging effects extend to anatomical and functional aging—important in late‐life health—and whether gonadally derived hormones control aging responses to 17aE2 in either sex. While 17aE2 started at 4 months of age diminishes body weight in both sexes during adulthood, in late‐life 17aE2‐treated mice better maintain body weight. In 17aE2‐treated male mice, the higher body weight is associated with heavier skeletal muscles and larger muscle fibers compared with untreated mice during aging, while treated females have heavier subcutaneous fat. Maintenance of skeletal muscle in male mice is associated with improved grip strength and rotarod capacity at 25 months, in addition to higher levels of most amino acids in quadriceps muscle. We further show that sex‐specific responses to 17aE2—metabolomic, structural, and functional—are regulated by gonadal hormones in male mice. Castrated males have heavier quadriceps than intact males at 25 months, but do not respond to 17aE2, suggesting 17aE2 promotes an anti‐aging skeletal muscle phenotype similar to castration. Finally, 17aE2 treatment benefits can be recapitulated in mice when treatment is started at 16 months, suggesting that 17aE2 may be able to improve aspects of late‐life function even when started after middle age.
DSM‐5 Alcohol Use Disorder Severity as a Function of Sexual Orientation Discrimination: A National Study
Authors: McCabe Sean Esteban , Hughes Tonda L. , West Brady T. , Veliz Phil , Boyd Carol J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Sexual minorities are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to develop alcohol use disorder (AUD), and understanding the underlying reasons for this heightened risk is a public health priority. This study examined relationships between sexual orientation discrimination and DSM‐5 AUD severity.

Methods

The 2012 to 2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III conducted in‐person interviews with a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 36,309). Approximately 2.8% of the target population self‐identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, 3.1% had at least 1 past‐year same‐sex sexual partner, and 8.3% reported same‐sex sexual attraction.

Results

Adults who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual with same‐sex attraction and/or current same‐sex sexual partners, and those not sure of their sexual identity, had higher rates of individual DSM‐5 AUD criteria than heterosexual‐identified adults with only opposite‐sex attraction and sexual partners. Respondents who were bisexual or unsure of their sexual identity consistently had the highest probabilities of endorsing each of these AUD criteria relative to the other subgroups. Differences in AUD severity across sexual orientation subgroups were much larger among women than among men. Sexual minorities who experienced higher levels of sexual orientation discrimination had significantly higher levels of AUD severity than sexual minorities who experienced lower levels or no discrimination. In particular, greater levels of sexual orientation discrimination increased the odds of impaired control criteria and pharmacologic criteria. Associations between prior‐to‐past‐year sexual orientation discrimination and AUD severity were not as robust as those involving past‐year discrimination.

Conclusions

Sexual minorities are at substantially greater risk of severe DSM‐5 AUD, and this is particularly true among those who experience high levels of sexual orientation discrimination. Findings indicate that proximal experiences of discrimination are more salient than distal experiences. AUD treatment should address recent sexual orientation discrimination given that such experiences are associated with more severe AUD.
Politically connected independent directors and corporate fraud in China
Authors: Kong Dongmin , Xiang Junyi , Zhang Jian , Lu Yiyang
Published: February 2019

This study investigates the effect of politically connected independent directors on a firm's likelihood of committing fraud in China. We classify the political backgrounds of independent directors into three categories based on their employment histories: local background, central background, and local and central background. Using corporate fraud data from 2000 to 2014, we find that independent directors with local political backgrounds significantly reduce the likelihood of a firm committing fraud. Further analysis shows that locally connected independent directors are more likely to have both employment experience in regulatory agencies and financial/accounting/law expertise.
Association between human papillomavirus infection and prostate cancer: A global systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moghoofei Mohsen , Keshavarz Mohsen , Ghorbani Saeed , Babaei Farhad , Nahand Javid Sadri , Tavakoli Ahmad , Mortazavi Helya Sadat , Marjani Arezoo , Mostafaei Shayan , Monavari Seyed Hamidreza
Published: February 2019

Although an increasing number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and distribution of HPV types worldwide with the risk of prostate cancer (PC), the results remain inadequate. Hence, we investigated the association between HPV infection and PC risk using a meta‐analysis. Relevant studies from January 1990 to December 2016 were searched in PubMed, Web of sciences, and Scopus databases. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to find the association between the prevalence of HPV and prostate cancer risk. To do so, data from 24 studies with 5546 prostate cancer cases were pooled in order to evaluate the heterogeneity of chief parameters including study region, specimen type, HPV DNA source, detection technique, publication calendar period, and Gleason score. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA 11 and MedCalc 13. A significant positive association was found between HPV infection and PC risk (OR = 1.281; P = 0.026). The genotype 16 was more frequently found in patients with PC which significantly increased the cancer risk (OR = 1.60; P < 0.001). Age 65 and older could significantly escalate PC risk (OR = 3.564; P < 0.001). Our results clearly favor the potential pathogenetic link between HPV infection and increased risk of PC affirming that HPV infections could play a part in the risk of PC.
Business Group Affiliation, Internal Labor Markets, External Capital Markets, and Labor Investment Efficiency
Authors: Jung Boochun , Lee Dongyoung , Rhee S. Ghon , Shin Ilhang
Published: February 2019

We examine how business group affiliation affects a firm's labor investment decisions. Using data from 2002 to 2014, we find that Korean business group‐ (chaebol‐) affiliated firms make more efficient labor investments than nonaffiliated firms. The positive relation between chaebol‐affiliated firms and labor investment efficiency is attributed to the mitigation of underinvestment in labor. Moreover, chaebol affiliates have higher labor productivity than stand‐alone firms. We further show that both labor sharing among affiliated firms and their easy access to external financing lead to more efficient labor investments for chaebol firms, compared to stand‐alone firms.
Conceptual skills and verbal abilities were better in children aged six to seven years who were from more highly educated families and attended sports clubs
Authors: Riso E M , Mägi K , Vaiksaar S , Toplaan L , Jürimäe J
Published: February 2019

Aim

We explored the cognitive abilities, health behaviour and cardiorespiratory fitness of preschool Estonian children aged 6–7 and any association with parental education, attending sports clubs and gender.

Methods

Data were obtained from 256 children recruited from 13 randomly chosen kindergartens in Tartu, Estonia. Cognitive abilities were assessed using the modified Boehm Test of Basic Concepts – Third Edition. Objective physical activity (PA) intensity and sedentary levels were measured over seven days by accelerometry. To assess cardiorespiratory fitness, we used the 20‐m shuttle run from the PREFIT test battery. Parents reported their educational attainment, together with their child's sports club attendance, sleep duration and screen time.

Results

Children from more highly educated families had significantly better test results for conceptual skills, verbal abilities and cardiorespiratory fitness. PA levels, cardiorespiratory fitness and perception and conceptual skills test results were better in children who attended sports clubs. Higher cardiorespiratory fitness level, shorter screen time and sleep duration were associated with better conceptual skills.

Conclusion

Conceptual skills and verbal abilities were better in the children of more highly educated families and if they attended sports clubs. Children's cognitive abilities may benefit from better cardiorespiratory fitness, reduced sedentary activity and less screen time.
High prevalence of pituitary hormone deficiency in both unilateral and bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia
Authors: Dahl Sara , Kristoffersen Wiberg Maria , Teär Fahnehjelm Kristina , Sävendahl Lars , Wickström Ronny
Published: February 2019

Aim

This study examined the prevalence of neurological impairment and pituitary hormone deficiency (PHD) in patients with unilateral and bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH).

Methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional cohort study of 65 patients (51% female) with ONH was conducted in Stockholm. Of these were 35 bilateral and 30 unilateral. The patients were below 20 years of age, living in Stockholm in December 2009 and found through database searching. The median age at the analysis of the results in January 2018 was 16.1 years (range 8.1–27.5 years). Neurological assessments and blood sampling were conducted, neuroradiology was reviewed and growth curves were analysed. Diagnoses of PHDs were based on clinical and biochemical evidence of hormone deficiency.

Results

Neurological impairments were identified in 47% of the patients and impairments in gross and fine motor function were more prevalent in bilateral ONH (p < 0.001). In addition, 9% had cerebral palsy and 14% had epilepsy. The prevalence of PHD was 29 and 19% had multiple PHD.

Conclusion

Children with ONH had a high risk of neurological impairment, especially in bilateral disease. Both unilateral and bilateral ONH signified an increased prevalence of PHD and all these children should be endocrinologically followed up until completed puberty.
Biomarkers in tumors of the central nervous system – a review
Authors: Scheie David , Kufaishi Huda Haidar Abdallah , Broholm Helle , Lund Eva Løbner , de Stricker Karin , Melchior Linea C. , Grauslund Morten
Published: February 2019

Until recently, diagnostics of brain tumors were almost solely based on morphology and immunohistochemical stainings for relatively unspecific lineage markers. Although certain molecular markers have been known for longer than a decade (combined loss of chromosome 1p and 19q in oligodendrogliomas), molecular biomarkers were not included in the WHO scheme until 2016. Now, the classification of diffuse gliomas rests on an integration of morphology and molecular results. Also, for many other central nervous system tumor entities, specific diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers have been detected and continue to emerge. Previously, we considered brain tumors with similar histology to represent a single disease entity. We now realize that histologically identical tumors might show alterations in different molecular pathways, and often represent separate diseases with different natural history and response to treatment. Hence, knowledge about specific biomarkers is of great importance for individualized treatment and follow‐up. In this paper we review the biomarkers that we currently use in the diagnostic work‐up of brain tumors.
Bile and fat excretion are biomarkers of clinically significant diarrhoea and constipation in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Vijayvargiya Priya , Camilleri Michael , Burton Duane , Busciglio Irene , Lueke Alan , Donato Leslie J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Biomarkers in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may guide targeted therapy in this multifactorial disease. It has been suggested that 75% accuracy and cost <$500 categorise biomarkers as cost‐effective.

Aim

To identify differences in faecal bile acids, faecal fat and fasting serum C4 (7a‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one) and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) among patients with IBS‐D, IBS‐C and healthy controls and to determine accurate, cost‐effective biomarkers for clinically relevant diarrhoea and constipation.

Methods

We assessed daily stool frequency and consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale) from validated bowel diaries, 48 hours total and individual faecal bile acids, 48 hours faecal fat and weight, fasting serum C4 and FGF19, and colonic transit by scintigraphy from healthy volunteers (HV) and patients with IBS‐D and IBS‐C (Rome III criteria). We utilised multivariate logistic regression to determine biomarkers of clinically significant diarrhoea or constipation based on stool frequency, consistency and weight.

Results

Among the 126 HV (44M/82F, 37.5 ± 10.9 years [SD]), 64 IBS‐D (5M/59F, 41.9 ± 12.2 years), and 30 IBS‐C (0M/30F, 44.6 ± 10 years) patients, there were significant differences between all groups in stool weight, frequency, and consistency; in addition, there were differences in colonic transit at 48 hours, faecal fat, and total and individual faecal bile acids between IBS‐D and IBS‐C. Reduced total and primary faecal bile acids and increased faecal lithocholic acid were significant predictors of decreased faecal weight, frequency and consistency with AUC > 0.82 (sensitivity >76%, specificity >72%). Total and primary faecal bile acids and faecal fat were significant predictors of increased stool weight, frequency and consistency with AUC > 0.71 (sensitivity >55%, specificity >74%).The faecal parameters had a 11.5 positive likelihood ratio in predicting elevated faecal weight.

Conclusions

Faecal bile acids and faecal fat are cost‐effective and accurate biomarkers associated with significant bowel dysfunction among IBS‐D and IBS‐C patients.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: risk factors for recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis after liver transplantation
Authors: Steenstraten Iris C. , Sebib Korkmaz Kerem , Trivedi Palak J. , Inderson Akin , van Hoek Bart , Rodriguez Girondo Mar D. M. , Maljaars P. W. Jeroen
Published: February 2019

Background

After liver transplantation primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), the condition returns in the transplanted liver in a subset of patients (recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis, rPSC).

Aim

To define risk factors for rPSC.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for articles published until March 2018. Studies addressing risk factors for developing rPSC were eligible for inclusion. A random effects meta‐analysis was conducted using hazard ratios (HR) as effect measure. Study quality was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager.

Results

The electronic database search yielded 449 results. Twenty‐one retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria for the review; 14 were included in the meta‐analysis. The final cohort included 2159 patients (age range 31‐49 years, 68.8% male), of whom 17.7% developed rPSC. Colectomy before liver transplantation, HR 0.65 (95% CI: 0.42‐0.99), cholangiocarcinoma before liver transplantation, HR 2.42 (95% CI: 1.20‐4.86), inflammatory bowel disease, HR 1.73 (95% CI: 1.17‐2.54), donor age, HR 1.24 (95% CI 1.0‐1.45) per ten years, MELD score, HR 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02‐1.08) per point and acute cellular rejection, HR of 1.94 (95% CI: 1.32‐2.83) were associated with the risk of rPSC.

Conclusions

Multiple risk factors for rPSC were identified. Colectomy before liver transplantation reduced the risk of rPSC.
Economic evaluation of artificial insemination of sex‐sorted semen on a Brown Swiss dairy farm—A case study
Authors: Osada Masahiro , Iwabuchi Hitomi , Aoki Toru , Sasaki Kika , Ushijima Hitoshi , Ozawa Takeyuki
Published: February 2019

Artificial insemination using sex‐sorted semen is employed to efficiently increase the number of female dairy calves born. Previous studies have determined that using sex‐sorted semen is beneficial to improve the management, but the mechanism by which it increases cattle numbers through objective indices of breeding remains unclear. This study focused on a Brown Swiss cattle herd in which frozen female sex‐sorted semen was systematically employed to increase the number of cattle. We analyzed the correlation between the increase in the number of cattle and the screening accuracy of sex‐sorted semen, measuring indices such as pregnancy rate and birth rate of female calves. Study revealed that: (1) production cost for female calves is influenced by the pregnancy rate, rate of female calves, and using sex‐sorted semen is less expensive than using nonsorted semen; (2) improvements in screening accuracy nearly doubled the number of cows and tripled the number of heifers in 5 years; and (3) use of sex‐sorted semen improved milk quality. The pregnancy rate was lower when sex‐sorted semen was used, but the birth rate of heifers was improved. Results suggest that artificial insemination using sex‐sorted semen is beneficial because it economically produces offspring to increase the herd.
Five‐year trends in acetaminophen use exceeding the recommended daily maximum dose
Authors: Kaufman David W. , Kelly Judith P. , Battista Deena R. , Malone Mary K. , Weinstein Rachel B. , Shiffman Saul
Published: February 2019

Temporal patterns of acetaminophen use exceeding the recommended daily maximum dosage of 4 g over a 5‐year period (4/1/2011–3/31/2016) were evaluated in an online 1‐week diary study of 14 434 adult acetaminophen users who also reported acetaminophen use in the previous month. Specific medications taken were identified by list‐based prompting; respondents were not required to know their medications contained acetaminophen. Details of use were recorded daily; total daily dosage was determined programmatically. Prevalence of >4 g use over time was modelled and tested for linear changes. The overall prevalence of >4 g use (6.3% of users and 3.7% of usage days) did not change over the 5 years: odds ratio (OR) persons, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.98–1.09); OR days, 0.98 (0.92–1.05). Deviations from label directions were largely unchanged, though concomitant use increased slightly. Thus, over a recent 5‐year period, there was no evidence of change in how often acetaminophen use exceeded the labelled maximum daily dose.
Explaining different orientations to the 2013 Gezi Park demonstrations in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Stewart Andrew L. , Leach Colin Wayne , Bilali Rezarta , Çelik Ayşe Betül , Cidam Atilla
Published: February 2019

Although a notable minority orient to real‐world demonstrations by actively participating, other less involved, safer, orientations are more frequent. Thus, in the context of anti‐government demonstrations in Gezi Park/Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2013, we distinguished between the orientations of participating, visiting, and watching. Study 1 (N = 359) and Study 2 (N = 327) confirmed that participating was characterized by greater experience of police violence and feelings of collective empowerment (Drury & Reicher, European Journal of Social Psychology, 35, 2005, 35) than visiting and watching the demonstrations. Expanding upon and replicating the findings from Study 1, Study 2 examined identification with protestors and left‐wing ideology, along with constructs (social support, anger at the government, protestor's efficacy, endorsement of protestors) from the dynamic dual pathway model (van Zomeren et al., Personality and Social Psychology Review, 16, 2012, 180) as predictors of the three different orientations to the demonstrations. As expected, the dynamic dual pathway model predicted reported participation via endorsement of protestors, independent of identification with protestors and left‐wing ideology.