bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural rubber institutional arrangement in efforts to accelerate rural economic development in the province of Riau
Authors: Syahza Almasdi , Backe Djaimi , Asmit Brilliant
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the pattern and sequence growth or changes in formulating policy strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to get an accurate information, in this study using rapid rural appraisal method (RRA). RRA is a method with participatory approach to obtain data/information and assessments, generally in the field in a relatively short time.

Findings

The result of index multiplier effect analysis in the rubber development region in 2010 was 1.83. In 2014 it dropped to 0.65. The conditions show decline in the rubber farming in the countryside. Natural rubber and its derivatives are believed to spur regional economic growth and be able to improve income distribution and poverty alleviation through employment. Institutional arrangement with the concept of natural rubber farming sustainability-based natural rubber (ABKA) provides two effects: first, the direct effect, i.e. the concept of ABKA provides direct benefits to the parties involved in the business. Second, indirect effects, namely, the concept of ABKA, provides benefits to the parties who are not directly involved in the company.

Originality/value

Originality of this paper shows that a participatory approach used in this research is an RRA and the location of the research is Riau, Indonesia, both of which have not been studied earlier.
The long run performance of secondary equity offerings on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: da Cunha Jesse Alves , Seetharam Yudhvir
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Opinions have been divided on whether there is a rational explanation to the reason behind seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) or whether the explanation lies within the behavioural intricacies attributed to stock market participants. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the long-run performance of firms conducting SEOs on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) over the period of 1998–2015, by examining the return performance and operating performance of firms, along with the impact of investor sentiment on these variables.

Findings

The results of this study are inconsistent with the existing literature, which argues that the long-run performance of issuing firms signalled an initial underreaction to SEOs buoyed by over-optimistic investors.

Research limitations/implications

Instead, the long-run performance of issuing firms is adequately explained by the rational models centred on the risk-return framework, implying that investors are reacting swiftly to SEOs in an unbiased fashion.

Originality/value

Investor sentiment does not materially influence the long-run share performance or operating performance of issuing firms, casting doubt on the ability of the market timing theory to explain the long-run performance of SEOs. The authors thus find that SEO performance cannot be explained by behavioural-based reasoning, in contrast to some asset pricing studies on the JSE which indicate the role of sentiment in explaining returns.
Debt holdings and investment cash flow sensitivity of listed firms
Authors: Ahiadorme Johnson Worlanyo , Gyeke-Dako Agyapomaa , Abor Joshua Yindenaba
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of debt holdings on the sensitivity of firms’ investment to availability of internal funds.

Design/methodology/approach

For a panel data set of 27 Ghanaian listed firms for the period 2007–2013, the paper applies the Euler equation approach to the empirical modeling of investment.

Findings

The study finds support for the assertion that listed firms face less severe corporate control problems and lower financing constraints, and thus, have lower investment cash flow sensitivities. The study also finds that a significant positive sensitivity of investment to internal funds is associated with firms that have high debt holdings.

Practical implications

An implication of this study is that firms with high debt holdings face greater challenges in accessing external finance. These firms are likely to experience under-investment which at a macro level would translate into lower investments and economic growth for the country.

Originality/value

Empirical literature document that in the presence of market imperfections, investments of financially constrained firms become sensitive to the availability of internal finance. There are also contradictory evidences regarding the pattern of the observed investment cash flow sensitivity. This study examines the effect of debt holdings on the sensitivity of firms’ investment to availability of cash flow. This is yet to be empirically tested despite some theoretical explanations.
Is government borrowing crowding out long term debt resources
Authors: Hasnat Tanzeem , Ashraf Shahid
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the possibility of financial crowding out in the long-term debt market in India taking the corporate bond market as a proxy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a two-pronged approach. First, it tests the corporate bond market sensitivity to interest rate, along with other determinants like commercial bank credit and government securities size using the autoregressive distributed lag approach. These are considered instrumental in the development of a long-term debt market. Second, it tests if the interest rate changes are fiscal deficit (FD) induced using Granger causality framework.

Findings

It finds evidence of both the interest rate sensitivity of the corporate bond market and the interest rates to be FD induced, thereby empirically validating the possibility of financial crowding out in the Indian debt market segment.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the results, it seems that any deviation from the path of fiscal prudence can prove dear in the development of the corporate bond market. Also, the banking sector is overexposed to the risks it is not geared to handle, given by the serious asset-liability mismatches and contraction it leads in the market debt, like the corporate bond market. The government securities market could be further developed, which would provide a cue to corporate segment further and also a benchmark yield curve.

Originality/value

The study adds to the very limited literature on the corporate bond market in India, especially in the empirical domain and possibly is the first attempt to empirically explore the aspect of financial crowding out with reference to corporate bond market.
The impact of within-industry diversification on firm performance
Authors: Pangboonyanon Varaporn , Kalasin Kiattichai
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how within-industry diversification affects the financial performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets (EMs). The authors draw on both the resource-based view and the institutional perspective and argue that within-industry diversification can enhance the financial performance of SMEs in EMs. Due to institutional voids in emerging economies, SMEs can gain additional benefits from scope economies, as well as from market returns, by filling product market voids and gaps in business ecosystems, while also enjoying low input and labor costs that reduce the coordination costs of diversification. This, in turn, enhances benefits of within-industry diversification, thereby resulting in higher financial profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs panel data econometrics to estimate the model. The authors test hypotheses on 195 firms, originating from five countries in Southeast Asia, during the period of 2009–2014.

Findings

The empirical results support the arguments. Within-industry diversification has a positive impact on the performance of SMEs in EMs. These effects become weaker when the institutional contexts are more developed. Nevertheless, such effects become stronger when SMEs in EMs are more efficient.

Research limitations/implications

The relationship between within-industry diversification and performance is a positive linear pattern, which differs from the pattern in advanced economies. In addition to unrelated diversification, the related diversification is preferable for firms in EMs.

Practical implications

The paper provides implications for SMEs that aim to enhance their performance by engaging in single product lines and within-industry diversification.

Originality/value

This paper examines the different ways within-industry diversification can enhance SMEs performance in EM contexts.
International transfer pricing and income shifting in developing countries: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Agana Joseph Akadeagre , Mohammed Abu-Khanifa , Zamore Stephen
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential use of international transfer pricing (ITP) as an income shifting mechanism by multinational corporations (MNCs) in developing countries. The paper postulates that income shifting through ITP is likely to be more pronounced in developing countries where weak institutions are present.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a unique unbalanced panel data of 18 companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange covering the period of nine years (2008–2016), to investigate whether MNCs use ITP to shift income out of the country. The comparison is made using an indirect approach where performance (e.g. profit before tax) and post-performance measures (e.g. dividend payment) are used for an equal number of foreign and local companies. The empirical analyses include t-tests, pooled and random effects logistic regressions.

Findings

The results show significant differences between foreign controlled entities (FCEs) and Ghanaian controlled entities in terms of capability, profitability and dividend distribution. Since there is a positive between these measures, the results do not suggest possible income shifting by FCEs through ITP.

Research limitations/implications

This paper uses an indirect method of investigating income shifting among MNCs. For future studies, a more direct method can be adopted by examining import and export prices of specific products for both foreign and domestic firms.

Originality/value

The study investigates the possibility of income shifting arising from ITP practices among multinationals in developing countries. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first in this regard. Thus, the study contributes to the transfer pricing and income shifting literature by providing evidence from a developing country.
The effects of networks and autonomy on foreign-owned subsidiary competence development in Taiwan
Authors: Dahms Sven
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of networks and autonomy in competence development of foreign-owned subsidiaries (FOS) located in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data have been collected from FOS located in the mid-range emerging economy of Taiwan and analysed using structured equation modelling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) techniques.

Findings

The results show that decision-making autonomy and intra-organisational networks are important factors for primary and support competence development. However, by using fsQCA technique the authors also show that many subsidiaries differ from that main pattern. For instance, local business and non-business networks can also contribute to primary competence development, but only in high autonomy subsidiaries.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the detailed investigation of how fine grained network relationship strengths (intra-, business-, non-business local networks) affect different levels of subsidiary competencies (primary and support activities). The authors also provide novelty in applying a combination of symmetric (structural-equation modelling – partial least squared) and non-symmetric (fsQCA) analytical techniques.
The springboard network: multinationals in Latin America
Authors: Chaves Federico Quesada
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence regarding the springboard regionalization strategy implemented by multinationals entering Latin America and the organizational networks developed to serve this end.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the organizational network approach, a typology is developed to explain the Springboard network. Quantitative analysis is used, in the form of logistic binary regression, to study these networks composition.

Findings

From a sample of 154 subsidiaries extracted from the AMADEUS intelligent database, three categories for multinational’s networks are created, with the Spanish subsidiary acting as the leader: strategic centers (SCs), administrative centers (ACs) and regional headquaters (RHQs). Findings provide evidence of cultural features, industry behavior and the multinational’s size and entry mode influence these networks organization.

Research limitations/implications

It is proposed that culture and historical ties have evolved together and management scholars should be aware of this phenomenon. Specific limitation that this study exhibits is the data provided by AMADEUS and the fact that R&D information for both the Spanish and the Latin American subsidiary were not available.

Practical implications

Staffing composition and expatriate corporate policy should consider the springboard effect to manage springboard networks.

Social implications

Industries and authorities in all countries involved should be aware of their role in MNC strategies for regional expansion.

Originality/value

It is argued that a network of subsidiaries within the multinational can participation in the springboard behavior, which is determined by the culture that the multinational originates from, as well as the Spanish culture, creating a particular type of leadership.
Impact of oil and gas prices shocks on banks’ deposits in an oil and gas-rich economy
Authors: Saif-Alyousfi Abdulazeez Y.H. , Saha Asish , Md-Rus Rohani
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare the impact of oil and gas prices changes on bank deposits at the aggregate as well as at the level of commercial and Islamic banks in Qatar over the period 2000–2016.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the BankScope Database as well as bank-level balance sheet and financial statements data, the authors use one-step system GMM dynamic model to examine and compare the association between oil and gas prices changes with bank deposits in Qatar. The authors also test hypotheses of direct and indirect impacts of oil and gas prices changes on bank deposits.

Findings

The results indicate that oil and gas prices changes have a direct impact on deposits of banks at the aggregate level in Qatar. However, the authors find that oil and gas price changes significantly affect deposits of Qatari commercial banks directly prompting enhanced lending by banks and the consequent business activities in the economy, while their impact on the deposits of Qatari Islamic banks is indirect, i.e. the impact is permeated through the macroeconomic and institutional characteristics of the country that are reinforced by the growing expectations and commercial sentiment of the country. The authors find that significant association between oil price changes and deposit growth during the global financial crisis 2008 has been distorted. However, the authors find that there was a sharp rise in the deposits of Islamic banks during the period of global financial crisis.

Practical implications

The results of this study necessitate policy measures that can counter the effects of changes in oil and gas prices on the effectiveness of bank deposits.

Originality/value

It is widely recognized that oil and gas prices and the level of production are of great importance to the economic development of oil and gas exporting countries. So far, however, no econometric study has been reported in the literature which analyses and compares the impact of oil and gas prices changes on bank deposits of commercial and Islamic banks and also at the aggregate level in any of the oil-exporting economies. Thus, this study provides the first empirical evidence on distinct direct and indirect channels through which oil and gas prices changes may affect bank deposits.
Bank income smoothing in South Africa: role of ownership, IFRS and economic fluctuation
Authors: Ozili Peterson K. , Outa Erick Rading
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of the use of loan loss provisions (LLPs) to smooth income by banks in South Africa. More specifically, the authors examine the influence of ownership, IFRS disclosure rules and economic fluctuation on the income smoothing behaviour of South African banks while controlling for the traditional determinants of bank income smoothing via LLPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs fixed effect regression methodology to estimate the determinants of discretionary LLPs.

Findings

The authors find that South African banks do not use LLPs to smooth income when they are: under-capitalised, have large non-performing loans and have a moderate ownership concentration. On the other hand, income smoothing is pronounced when South African banks are rather more profitable during economic boom periods, well-capitalised during boom periods and is pronounced among banks that adopt IFRS and among banks with a Big 4 auditor. The authors also find that banks use LLPs for capital management purposes, and bank provisioning is procyclical with economic fluctuations.

Practical implications

Bank supervisors in South Africa should monitor the bank provisioning practices in South Africa closely to ensure that LLPs are not used as a substitute for bank capital. Banks in South Africa should not use sufficient provisioning as a substitute for sufficient bank capital. Second, the evidence for procyclical bank provisioning shows that provisioning by South African banks reinforce the current state of the economy and might compel bank supervisors in South Africa to consider the adoption of a dynamic provisioning system that is already adopted by bank supervisors in Spain, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia and Bolivia.

Originality/value

Bank income smoothing is an important issue because it has implications for banking stability and accounting transparency. There are few studies on bank income smoothing for emerging economies particularly in Africa where there are substantial differences in ownership and accounting rules. This is the first South African study to examine the influence of disclosure rules, ownership and economic cycle fluctuations on bank income smoothing behaviour via LLPs.
Managing institutional complexity in a transitional economy
Authors: Woldesenbet Kassa
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how senior managers in a transitional economy context deal with the challenge of handling competing institutional logics through legitimacy work.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 34 senior managers in Ethiopia in matched pairs of four commercial organisations in private and state sectors and secondary sources.

Findings

The research reveals how the erstwhile protected state-owned organisations responded to institutional complexity, by seeking to extend their legitimacy claims whereas the emergent private sector organisations sought to construct a new legitimacy, in part by adopting some of the logics used by state-firms.

Research limitations/implications

Extending this study with longitudinal comparative case studies across other emerging market economies could cast light on the varied ways in which organisations manage institutional complexities.

Practical implications

It is imperative that the government and policy makers have clarity in issuing directives and other signals about valued objectives to be pursued by enterprises. Otherwise, the organisational level actors may remain uncertain about the acceptable behaviours and responses and are likely to waste time and resources in trying to anticipate an unclear sense of direction.

Originality/value

This is a novel study which examines how organisational actors manage institutional complexity in a transitional economy context by undertaking legitimacy building work and appearing to meet state-public expectations.
Connecting the dots
Authors: Mahrous A.A. , Genedy M.A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the intra-organizational environment factors that affect entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and examine the mediating role of market orientation (MO) in the relationship between and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted in a less-researched area, Egypt. Data were collected using a survey from 120 large-sized manufacturing firms working in seven industries: engineering and home appliances, communication and information technology (IT), food and beverage, chemicals, furniture and decoration, clothing and smoking. The research framework was examined using partial least square approach of structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings indicate that the intra-organizational environment factors that affect entrepreneurial orientation practices are deep locus of planning, planning flexibility, planning horizon, integration and organizational support. Also, the results show that MO mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance.

Practical implications

The findings provide insights about how to manage the intra-organizational environment of the firm and how to configure strategic capabilities, i.e. entrepreneurial orientation and MO, to enhance the organization’s performance.

Originality/value

This paper provides a holistic approach that identifies the intra-organization environmental factors necessary to create an organizational culture that facilitates and encourages entrepreneurial orientation and MO, as well as examine the role of MO in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the organizational performance.
Credit risk assessment for unbalanced datasets based on data mining, artificial neural network and support vector machines
Authors: Khemakhem Sihem , Ben Said Fatma , Boujelbene Younes
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Credit scoring datasets are generally unbalanced. The number of repaid loans is higher than that of defaulted ones. Therefore, the classification of these data is biased toward the majority class, which practically means that it tends to attribute a mistaken “good borrower” status even to “very risky borrowers”. In addition to the use of statistics and machine learning classifiers, this paper aims to explore the relevance and performance of sampling models combined with statistical prediction and artificial intelligence techniques to predict and quantify the default probability based on real-world credit data.

Design/methodology/approach

A real database from a Tunisian commercial bank was used and unbalanced data issues were addressed by the random over-sampling (ROS) and synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE). Performance was evaluated in terms of the confusion matrix and the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Findings

The results indicated that the combination of intelligent and statistical techniques and re-sampling approaches are promising for the default rate management and provide accurate credit risk estimates.

Originality/value

This paper empirically investigates the effectiveness of ROS and SMOTE in combination with logistic regression, artificial neural networks and support vector machines. The authors address the role of sampling strategies in the Tunisian credit market and its impact on credit risk. These sampling strategies may help financial institutions to reduce the erroneous classification costs in comparison with the unbalanced original data and may serve as a means for improving the bank’s performance and competitiveness.
High temperature dyeing of PET fabric with natural colourants extracted from annatto seeds
Authors: Nakpathom Monthon , Somboon Buppha , Narumol Nootsara , Mongkholrattanasit Rattanaphol
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility of dyeing polyester (PET) fabric with natural dye extracted from annatto seeds using high temperature dyeing method.

Design/methodology/approach

PET fabric was dyed with annatto extract by varying dyeing parameters (temperature, time, pH and dye concentration) to determine the optimum dyeing conditions. The influences of KAl(SO4)2, FeSO4, gallnut mordants or a commercial UV absorber on colour yield and fastness properties were further studied.

Findings

Optimum results were obtained when the fabric was dyed at 130°C for 30 min in a dyebath containing 15 per cent (owf) annatto dye at pH 6. The dyed fabric had an orange shade and exhibited good to excellent wash, crock, perspiration fastness and fair light fastness. Further dyeing with mordants or UV absorber mostly resulted in lower colour yield and similar fastness properties.

Research limitations/implications

Although the light fastness was slightly improved to moderate level for the sample with UV absorber, a noticeable colour staining on cotton portion of multi-fibre fabric occurred when subjected to standard washing test. Compared to C.I. Disperse Orange 73, the annatto dye exhibited comparable colour fastness but had inferior light fastness when dyed at approximately the same colour strength.

Originality/value

Natural colourants from annatto seeds can be used to dye PET fabric at high temperature without mordants, yielding deep orange shade and satisfactory fastness properties. This study provides a promising application to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic dyes.
Using adaptive neuro-fuzzy and genetic algorithm for simultaneously estimating the dye and AgNP concentrations of treated silk fabrics with nanosilver
Authors: Shams Nateri Ali , Hasanlou Elham , Hajipour Abbas
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) methods, such as genetic algorithm (GA) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), are capable of providing superior solutions for the simulation and the modeling of complex problems. The purpose of this study is to estimate the dye and the silver nanoparticle (AgNP) concentrations of silver nanoparticle-treated silk fabrics by the aforementioned methods.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the color and the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticle-treated silk fabrics were matched by using the GA technique based on spectrophotometric color matching. The ANFIS method was also used; this method is based on the grid partitioning algorithm across four different methods. The first and second methods are provided for dye concentration prediction, and the third and the fourth methods are given for AgNP concentration prediction.

Findings

The mean of absolute error and root mean square (RMS) of the best dye concentration prediction by the ANFIS method based on the second method are 0.087 and 0.103, respectively. In addition, the mean of the absolute error and the RMS of the best results for AgNP concentration prediction by the ANFIS method by using the third method is 0.002 and 0.003, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the performance of the ANFIS method is better than the GA method.

Originality value

The simultaneous prediction of the color and the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticle-treated silk fabrics was performed by using the GA and the ANFIS. The suggested method led to acceptable accuracy for color and antibacterial matching.
Harnessing of non-fibrous textile for production of high performance easy-care cotton fabrics
Authors: Mostafa Kh.M. , Ameen Heba , Morsy Mahmoud , El-Ebissy Amal , Adel Mohamed , Salah Ali
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to explore the incorporation of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) in cross-linking formulation of cotton fabrics to see their impact on fabric performance like tensile strength, dry wrinkle recovery angles, elongation at break, degree of whiteness and increase in weight as well as durability.

Design/methodology/approach

SNPs of size around 80-100 nm were successfully prepared from native maize starch by Nano precipitation technique and confirmed instrumentally by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmittance electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and particle size analyzer. The latter were incorporated in cross-linking formulation of cotton fabrics encompassing different concentrations of citric acid and sodium hypophosphite at different curing time and temperature in 100 ml distilled water to a wet pickup of ca. 85 per cent. The fabric samples were dried for 3 min at 85°C and cured at specified temperatures for a specified time intervals in thermo fixing oven according to pad-dry-cure method.

Findings

FTIR spectra and SEM micrograph signified the chemical structure and surface morphology of cotton fabric before and after finishing in absence and presence of SNPs. Cotton fabric samples finished in presence of SNPs showed a higher tensile strength, elongation at break, comparable dry wrinkle recovery angles and degree of whiteness than that finished in their absence. On the other hand, the enhancement in the aforementioned performance reflects the positive impact of incorporation of SNPs in textile finishing especially with strength properties; which are one of the important requirements for industrial fabrics that can be used widely in heavy-duty applications.

Research limitations/implications

SNPs with its booming effect with respect to biodegradability, reactivity and higher surface area can be used as a novel reinforcement permanent finish for cotton fabrics instead of more hazardous materials likes poly acrylate and monomeric compounds.

Practical implications

As SNPs biopolymers is one of the important reinforcement agents, so it was expected that it would minimize the great loss in strength properties during easy-care cotton finishing and improve the fabric performance.

Originality/value

The novelty addressed here is undertaken with a view to remediate some of the serious defects of easy-care cotton fabrics using poly carboxylic acids; especially with the great loss in strength properties by virtue of using SNPs as a permanent finish. Besides, to the authors’ knowledge, there is no published work so far concerning the use of SNPs as an innovative base for production of easy-care finished cotton textiles with high performance.
Knowing nurture: experiences of teaching assistants for children with SEBD
Authors: Syrnyk Corinne
Published: October 2018

While the corpus of knowledge for teaching assistants (TAs) grows, less emphasis has been placed on specialised TAs, particularly those who adopt the ‘nurture approach’ when working with children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH). To explore this a case study was made of TAs and teachers at a special, nurturing primary school for children with SEMH. TAs were canvassed for their perceptions of their pedagogical ethos, characteristics and training. Similarly, classroom teachers and managers were also surveyed for their perceptions. Results show that TAs demonstrate a sound understanding of the nurture approach; value the traits of empathy, resilience and patience; and place high value on experiential learning for training. Teachers were found to prioritise knowledge for the TA role, while TAs emphasised pupil support and teamwork. Issues of role parity and relationships are discussed.
Avoiding chaotic use of social media before, during, and after emergencies: Design and evaluation of citizens’ guidelines
Authors: Kaufhold Marc‐André , Gizikis Alexis , Reuter Christian , Habdank Matthias , Grinko Margarita
Published: October 2018

Social media have been established in many natural disasters or human‐induced crises and emergencies. Nowadays, authorities, such as emergency services, and citizens engage with social media in different phases of the emergency management cycle. However, as research in crisis informatics highlights, one remaining issue constitutes the chaotic use of social media by citizens during emergencies, which has the potential to increase the complexity of tasks, uncertainty, and pressure for emergency services. To counter these risks, besides implementing supportive technology, social media guidelines may help putting artefact and theoretical contributions into practical use for authorities and citizens. This paper presents the design and evaluation (with 1,024 participants) of citizens’ guidelines for using social media before, during, and after emergencies.
Juice Clarification with Pectinase Reduces Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen in Apple Juice without Affecting the Polyphenol Composition in Cider
Authors: Ma Sihui , Neilson Andrew , Lahne Jacob , Peck Gregory , O'Keefe Sean , Hurley E. Kenneth , Sandbrook Ann , Stewart Amanda
Published: October 2018

The term “cider” refers to the fermented beverage produced from apples. The rapid growth in the cider industry coupled with the prominence of traditional, or craft, approaches emphasizes the need for research on cider production. A common problem in ciders is the production of sulfur off‐aromas by yeast during fermentation. Prefermentation juice clarification has the potential to reduce the occurrence of unwanted sulfur off‐aromas. Concerns that prefermentation juice clarification will reduce the yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) and polyphenols in the juice have limited the application of this practice by cider makers. In this study, 3 clarification methods were applied to ‘York’ apple juice, that is, static settling, centrifugation, and pectinase. Raw (control) and clarified juice were fermented to cider, and the impact of clarification on the physicochemical parameters, amino acids and polyphenol content of the juice and cider was assessed. Juice clarification by pectinase decreased YAN by 50%, while static settling and centrifugation increased the concentration of most amino acids by 83%. All clarification treatments lowered the concentration of total polyphenols in the juice (from 60% to 30%, P < 0.05) and affected the individual polyphenols in the juice but these changes were not evident in the ciders. These findings demonstrate that prefermentation juice clarification results in changes in the chemistry profiles of apple juice. These changes were however not evident in the ciders. This approach therefore has the potential to limit the production of sulfur off‐aromas during cider production without adverse effects on quality.

Practical Application

Clarification of apple juice changes polyphenol and nitrogen contents, factors known to affect cider quality. However, these differences in the chemical profile of apple juice may not be reflected in the finished ciders. These findings demonstrate that juice clarification can be employed in cider making without affecting the quality. Cider makers should not assume that changes in apple juice imparted by clarification will be reflected in the finished ciders. Outcomes should be measured in finished ciders, rather than juice to accurately evaluate effects of the processing steps on quality.
Diagnostic role of carbohydrate antigen 72‐4 for gastrointestinal malignancy screening in Chinese patients: A prospective study
Authors: Wang Shu Ling , Yu Guan Yu , Yao Jun , Li Zhao Shen , Mao An Rong , Bai Yu
Published: October 2018

Objective

Over the past decades, carbohydrate antigen 72‐4 (CA72‐4) was thought to be a tumor marker that was elevated in healthy individuals and patients with malignancies, including gastrointestinal (GI), ovarian, endometrial and lung malignancies. Furthermore, studies found that elevated serum CA72‐4 might predict digestive tumors, especially gastric tumors, although there was still neither a sensitive nor specific tumor biomarker for gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CA72‐4 in predicting malignancies, especially GC.

Methods

Altogether 403 patients underwent a CA72‐4 test after admission to the Department of Gastroenterology in Changhai Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, from 1 June 2015 to 31 October 2015. Their age and sex, main symptoms, and final diagnoses were summarized.

Results

The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of CA72‐4 for diagnosing GC were 31.58%, 79.17%, 1.70, and 0.97, respectively. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under the ROC curve for discriminating between patients with GC and those without was 0.62.

Conclusion

Performing a CA72‐4 test on its own is of little use for predicting malignances, especially GC, in patients with GI diseases.
A novel approach for fast detection of sepsis with Gram‐negative bacterial infection
Authors: Lin Jingan , Chen Long , Lin Jiansen , Wu Haiping , Okunieff Paul , Wu Bing , Yang Bing , Chen Jinrong , Lin Jianhua , Zhang Lurong
Published: October 2018

Sepsis, a life‐threatening systemic infection, requires quick treatment. Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) are the major causative pathogens and their endotoxin can be a surrogate biomarker for diagnosis. We explored a fast identification of GNB by first culturing blood to increase endotoxin levels and then detecting endotoxin by Tachypleus amebocyte lysate (TAL) with kinetic turbidimetric assay (KT‐TAL). Heating samples could significantly increase the endotoxin released from GNB; speed and time of centrifugation, and sample dilution could affect the endotoxin results. At a high GNB load, endotoxin was detected 3 h after culture, 6.5 h earlier than the BD BACTEC blood culture system detecting GNB. At a low GNB load, endotoxin was detected at 9 h after culture, 13 h earlier than by the BD BACTEC system. In a sepsis patient with Acinetobacter baumannii, we detected endotoxin at 12 h after culture, while the BD BACTEC system needed 28.5 h for detection, allowing physicians an earlier decision on appropriate treatment.
The Influence of Atmospheric Circulation on Abnormal Snowpack Melt‐Out Events and Drought in Wyoming
Authors: Nicholson Christopher , Shinker Jacqueline J. , Hanway Veronica M. , Zavala Samantha
Published: October 2018

Declines in high‐elevation snowpack and its effect on water availability in the western United States is of great interest given the projected changes in temperatures that may alter snowpack melt‐out timing. Because water from snowmelt is crucial to the West's water supply, this study examines the influence of continental‐scale atmospheric variables on snowpack melt out from 1980 to 2016 in Wyoming. Using snow telemetry station and North American Regional Reanalysis data, this research finds abnormally early snowpack melt out in 1987, 1992, and 2012 was associated with persistent above‐normal high pressure during spring, leading to sustained warmer‐than‐normal and drier‐than‐normal conditions. Conversely, abnormally late snowpack melt out in 2011, 1995, 1983, 1982, 2008, and 1999 was associated with lower‐than‐normal 500 mb geopotential heights, corresponding to very cold temperatures for April, May, and June, which set the stage for late snowpack melt out. Snowpack melt‐out departure values are also correlated with late‐season agricultural drought as indicated by 10 Drought Severity indices. Using snowpack melt‐out timing, in association with atmospheric variables in a predictive capacity may assist regulatory agencies, such as the Bureau of Reclamation, to make better informed decisions about when, or when not, to store or release water to mitigate late‐season agricultural drought impacts.
Transfer RNA‐derived fragments as potential exosome tRNA‐derived fragment biomarkers for osteoporosis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Cai Feng , Liu Ju , Chang Hongze , Liu Liang , Yang Anli , Liu Xiaodong
Published: October 2018

Aim

Osteoporosis is one of the common orthopedic diseases featured in low bone mineral density. Exosomes have been proven to be potential markers for many diseases and health problems. The roles of messenger RNAs and microRNAs in osteoporosis have been comprehensively studied; however, little research has focused on the function of plasma exosomal transfer RNA‐derived fragments (tRFs) in osteoporosis.

Methods

We collected plasma samples from 40 healthy controls and 40 osteoporosis patients, and all exosomes were isolated with combined centrifugation and were characterized by electron microscopy. Small RNA sequence (Yingbio) was performed to detect the plasma exosomal tRFs and tRF markers were validated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Three exosome diagnostic tRFs were confirmed by receiver operating characteristic analyses.

Results

In this study, 11 upregulated tRFs and 18 downregulated tRFs were identified in osteoporosis compared with normal controls. Higher expression levels of plasma exosomal tRF‐25‐R9ODMJ6B26 (tRF‐25), tRF‐38‐QB1MK8YUBS68BFD2 (tRF‐38), tRF‐18‐BS68BFD2 (tRF‐18) in osteoporosis were confirmed by qPCR. Plasma exosomal tRF‐25, tRF‐38 and tRF‐18 showed better accuracy for osteoporosis diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that plasma exosomal tRF‐25, tRF‐38 and tRF‐18 might be diagnostic biomarkers for osteoporosis detection.
Renal excretion is a cause of decreased serum uric acid during acute gout
Authors: Zhao Tianyi , Lv Xiaoxi , Cao Ling , Guo Meizhu , Zheng Shucong , Xue Yu , Zou Hejian , Wan Weiguo , Zhu Xiaoxia
Published: October 2018

Aims

To evaluate the fluctuation of serum uric acid (SUA) during acute gout (AG) and explore its potential mechanisms.

Methods

Data such as SUA, urinary uric acid and 24‐hour uric acid urinary excretion were collected from 126 patients diagnosed with gout and were analyzed.

Results

Serum uric acid was negatively correlated with age in gout patients, and significantly elevated in patients aged ≤50 years. Twenty‐four‐hour uric acid urinary excretion was affected by SUA, creatinine clearance, age, body mass index and urine volume. In contrast, clearance of uric acid and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEur) were more stable. SUA was significantly downregulated during acute attacks. Of the AG patients, 34.92% had detected SUA <420 μmol/L. Clearance of uric acid and FEur were notably increased in patients during acute attacks, especially in patients with SUA <420 μmol/L.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the level of SUA was remarkably upregulated in young gout patients. Therefore, early onset of gout should be considered of great importance. SUA was downregulated during acute gouty arthritis, which might be associated with increased urinary excretion of uric acid.
Association between rheumatoid arthritis and genetic variants of natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein 1 gene: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Hong , Yuan Fei‐Fei , Dai Zi‐Wei , Wang Bin , Ye Dong‐Qing
Published: October 2018

Aim

To evaluate the association between natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method

All related studies were retrieved and screened from PubMed, CNKI and Web of Science. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were assessed for the strength of association between NRAMP1 and RA. Publication bias was measured by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test. The robustness of this meta‐analysis was detected by sensitivity analysis.

Results

A total of five eligible publications were included in the present meta‐analysis. The polled data showed no association between RA and NRAMP1 D543N and 1729 + 55del4 in the allele model. However, the relationship between RA and NRAMP1 INT4 was statistically significant (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.14‐2.38). Genotypic analysis demonstrated that there were no associations between RA and NRAMP1 D543N, 1729 + 55del4 and INT4 in homozygous comparison (D543N: OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.15‐6.09; 1729 + 55del4: OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.29‐24.88; INT4: OR 3.18, 95% CI 0.62‐16.26), dominant model (D543N: OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.61‐61.78; 1729 + 55del4: OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.81‐2.47; INT4: OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.72‐2.06) and recessive model (D543N: OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.15‐5.91; 1729 + 55del4: OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.26‐3.86; INT4: OR 2.95, 95% CI 0.61‐14.16). In heterozygous comparison, it no association was shown between RA and NRAMP1 D543N and INT4, excepting NRAMP1 1729 + 55del4 (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.17‐2.56). Further subgroup analysis indicated that NRAMP1 1729 + 55del4 and INT4 were related to RA in Asia and in the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium group. There exists no publication bias in this meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis indicated that NRAMP1 1729 + 55del4 and INT4 confer susceptibility to RA.
Role of fecal calprotectin in the assessment of intestinal inflammation in children with familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Gucenmez Ozge Altug , Kume Tuncay , Makay Balahan , Babayigit Omur , Arslan Nur , Unsal Erbil
Published: October 2018

Aim

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common auto‐inflammatory disease with recurrent fever and serositis episodes. In recent years, some cases with FMF were reported with gastrointestinal involvement without amyloidosis, vasculitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is not yet known whether gastrointestinal involvement is a part of the disease or not. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of intestinal inflammation by using a noninvasive method, fecal calprotectin measurement, in pediatric FMF patients.

Method

Sixty‐five FMF patients, 30 healthy controls and 11 patients with acute ulcerative colitis were included in the study. A standard survey inquiring gastrointestinal and other clinical symptoms was completed. The medications, MEFV mutations, whole blood count and C‐reactive protein levels were recorded. Fecal calprotectin was studied with the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method from the feces samples of the all subjects.

Results

None of the FMF patients had clinical signs of IBD. Fecal calprotectin levels of the FMF patients were found to be significantly higher than the healthy controls (174.8 ± 150.8 vs 52.9 ± 36.5, p < 0.001). Fecal calprotectin levels of the ulcerative colitis patients were significantly higher than the FMF patients (523.5 ± 183 vs 174.8 ± 150.8, p = 0.001). There was a correlation between fecal calprotectin levels and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.324, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Our results supported subclinical intestinal inflammation in pediatric FMF patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the reason for intestinal inflammation in FMF patients.