bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on a novel fractional GM(α, n) model and its applications
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Ma Xin , Wang Yong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zeng Bo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel multivariate fractional grey model termed GM(a, n) based on the classical GM(1, n) model. The new model can provide accurate prediction with more freedom, and enrich the content of grey theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The GM(α, n) model is systematically studied by using the grey modelling technique and the forward difference method. The optimal fractional order a is computed by the genetic algorithm. Meanwhile, a stochastic testing scheme is presented to verify the accuracy of the new GM(a, n) model.

Findings

The recursive expressions of the time response function and the restored values of the presented model are deduced. The GM(1, n), GM(a, 1) and GM(1, 1) models are special cases of the model. Computational results illustrate that the GM(a, n) model provides accurate prediction.

Research limitations/implications

The GM(a, n) model is used to predict China’s total energy consumption with the raw data from 2006 to 2016. The superiority of the GM(a, n) model is more freedom and better modelling by fractional derivative, which implies its high potential to be used in energy field.

Originality/value

It is the first time to investigate the multivariate fractional grey GM(α, n) model, apply it to study the effects of China’s economic growth and urbanization on energy consumption.
Role of breakfast in hotel selection: systematic review
Authors: Leite-Pereira Fernanda , Brandao Filipa , Costa Rui
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Diverse factors may influence travelers when choosing a hotel. Even though breakfast is often commented on in hotel and booking sites, its relative role in hotel selection is rarely studied. This paper aims to determine which attributes clients consider essential regarding the option towards a hotel and their hierarchy namely of breakfast.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was performed in Scopus, ISI-Web of Science and Google Scholar, including relevant original manuscripts published in all languages between 1998 and 2018.

Findings

Out of 337 initial references, 25 manuscripts were included. Features related to facilities and services were considered in most manuscripts with 21 and 20 citations, respectively, as being the more relevant factors in hotel selection. Room and accommodation were ranked first as the most important characteristic regarding the option for a hotel, whereas breakfast was only referred to in two articles, published in 2015 and 2017, rated in the tenth and fourth positions, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Breakfast seems to be addressed in recent published manuscripts, what may reflect a trend toward its evaluation in travelling experiences. More studies should address the relevance of breakfast and food to (diverse type of) costumers, and managers should also consider these factors when advertising their hotels.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic approach to this question, emphasizing the apparent contradiction of breakfast being often cited in booking sites and not adequately studied in tourism research.
The effect of information and communication technology on economic output
Authors: Makun Keshmeer , Devi Swastika
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Information and communication technology (ICT) appears to play an indispensable task in influencing and directing the growth process of several developing countries. The spread of ICT in the South Pacific region including Fiji has facilitated faster and smother business in different sectors of the economy such as banking, education, transport and tourism. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to empirical literature and explore the effect of ICT on economic output, both in the short run and long run in the Fiji Islands.

Design/methodology/approach

The economic analysis was conducted using data from 1990 to 2016, improved framework of Solow (1956) and the autoregressive distributed-lag bounds approach to cointegration. Findings from the study and economic standpoint, the ICT is indeed important. The analysis shows an indication of long-run cointegration relationship among the variables for the two indicators of ICT. From the analysis, it is also observed that the two ICT indicators have a statistically significant and positive effect on output with coefficient ranging from 0.04 to 0.06.

Research limitations/implications

These results extend the ICT literature by providing support for it in case of a small developing island economy. The study highlights that while the two proxies of ICT are important for long term output growth, besides broad money and capital stock, the principal technology contributor is a mobile cellular subscription in Fiji Islands.

Practical implications

The policymakers need to work diligently to not only enhance ICT related infrastructure but also focus on better services and communication in different sectors of the economy. The efficient use of present technologies such as 3-G and 4-G is crucial and must be connected and made available to other smaller islands of Fiji.

Originality/value

The recent study has focused on the contribution of ICT on small island developing country, relative to large developing or developed countries. Furthermore, the author examined the contribution of two indicators of ICT using Solow (1956) augmented framework.
Exploring scenario development – a case study of two collaborative research projects
Authors: Fossum Knut R. , Aarseth Wenche , Andersen Bjorn
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore scenario development (SD) as a method for engaging known challenges in collaborative research projects, i.e. SD is the construct under investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

Criticism of the dominant, rational approach to project management (PM) and its underlying hypotheses highlights a considerable PM research gap for research projects (research problem). The authors undertake a six-step constructive research approach to investigate if SD (the construct) constitutes a fruitful method to support the management of collaborative research projects. A two-part literature review summarizes known challenges in collaborative research projects and introduces the history and application of SD methodology. The work includes participatory action research (PAR) in two case studies, constituting a qualitative research method.

Findings

The authors found the SD method to be useful for structuring and analyzing intuitive project processes. However, using SD in the management of single projects presents some fundamental challenges. SD, like PM, struggles with issues related to myopic decisions, a “predict and provide” attitude with clear aspects of path dependency in the project front-end as well as inconsistent and/or missing identification of success criteria among different stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not provide any comprehensive, normative account of scenario techniques or compare SD with other foresight and future studies methods. Although PAR is in itself a research method that demands systematic description and execution, the focus of this paper is the overall constructive research approach.

Practical implications

The paper offers a broadened repertoire of methods to describe and analyse project stakeholder situations (collaborative aspects) and to structure and balance the need for both rational and intuitive project processes (research aspects). The SD method also supports development of graphical storylines and facilitates the use of influence diagrams, event trees and cost/benefit analysis.

Originality/value

Although PM literature contains several references to SD, the practical application of SD at single-project level has, to the authors’ knowledge, never been described in the PM literature.
Interactions between building information modelling and off-site manufacturing for productivity improvement
Authors: Ghasemi Poor Sabet Pejman , Chong Heap-Yih
Published: June 2019

Purpose

New methods have been introduced as revolutionary approaches in the construction industry, such as off-site manufacturing (OSM) and building information modelling (BIM). Although these approaches can provide many benefits, there are still barriers to meeting the expectations of improved construction productivity via their implementation. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to critically review the capabilities of OSM and BIM techniques, as well as their potential interactions, in productivity improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review approach was adopted, where 100 peer-reviewed journal articles were collected to analyse the capabilities of OSM and BIM, as well as their potential interactions, in productivity improvement as assessed by key productivity indicators (KPrIs).

Findings

The results reveal seven BIM-based capabilities and six OSM-based capabilities, as well as 12 potential OSM–BIM interactions that have significant potential for satisfying KPrIs.

Originality/value

An integrated framework has also been developed to clarify and conceptualise the roles of OSM–BIM interactions in their designated KPrIs. The research has developed insightful and practical references for strategic planning and management in OSM–BIM-based projects.
Comparison of project portfolio management practices in the public and private sectors in Brazil
Authors: Maceta Paulo Rafael Minetto , Berssaneti Fernando Tobal
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Project portfolio management (PPM) is a managerial technique used to seek the strategic goals of organizations improving their performance. The public sector has some characteristics that differ from the private sector, since their management approaches are different. The purpose of this paper is to compare the PPM’s practices and techniques in the public and private sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the study case methodology through eight case studies that were undertaken in Brazil: four in public and four in private sectors. The field research used semi-structured interviews that were analyzed using the NVivo software.

Findings

In both sectors, strategic alignment is the goal of PPM, and the same tools are employed. The public sector displays better process documentation and lower risk awareness than the private sector, showing an improvement point for the public sector. The selection and prioritization criteria differ from each sector, showing the difference in the strategic goals of public and private sectors.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this paper are related to the number of organizations studied; however, the case studies represent organizations from different sectors and industries maximizing heterogeneity, but focusing on Brazil.

Social implications

The prioritization and effective allocation of projects spending in the Brazilian public sector could be improved with the comparison of their current practices with the ones used in private sector, increasing its transparency and cost allocation.

Originality/value

This study broadens the understanding of PPM in the public sector, which is a gap in the academic literature, comparing its practices with those used in the private sector.
Simulation of the thermomechanical behavior of graphene/PMMA nanocomposites via continuum mechanics
Authors: Tsiamaki Androniki , Anifantis Nicolaos
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to simulate and investigate the thermomechanical properties of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis proposed consists of two stages. In the first stage, the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of graphene are estimated while in the second stage, using the previously derived properties, the temperature-dependent properties of graphene-reinforced PMMA nanocomposites are investigated. In the first stage of the analysis, graphene is modeled discretely using molecular mechanics theory where the interatomic interactions are simulated by spring elements of temperature-dependent stiffness. The graphene sheets are composed of either one or more (up to five) monolayer graphene sheets connected via van der Waals interactions. However, in the second analysis stage, graphene is modeled equivalently as continuum medium and is positioned between two layers of PMMA. Also, the interphase between two materials is modeled as a medium with mechanical properties defined and bounded by the two materials.

Findings

The mechanical properties including Young’s modulus, shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio due to temperature changes are estimated. The numerical results show that the temperature rise and the multiplicity of graphene layers considered lead to a decrease of the mechanical properties.

Originality/value

The present analysis proposes an easy and accurate method for the estimation of the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites.
Research on the forcefree control of cooperative robots based on dynamic parameters identification
Authors: Xiao Juliang , Zeng Fan , Zhang Qiulong , Liu Haitao
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a forcefree control algorithm that is based on a dynamic model with full torque compensation is proposed to improve the compliance and flexibility of the direct teaching of cooperative robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic parameters identification is performed first to obtain an accurate dynamic model. The identification process is divided into two steps to reduce the complexity of trajectory simplification, and each step contains two excitation trajectories for higher identification precision. A nonlinear friction model that considers the angular displacement and angular velocity of joints is proposed as a secondary compensation for identification. A torque compensation algorithm that is based on the Hogan impedance model is proposed, and the torque obtained by an impedance equation is regarded as the command torque, which can be adjusted. The compensatory torque, including gravity torque, inertia torque, friction torque and Coriolis torque, is added to the compensation to improve the effect of forcefree control.

Findings

The model improves the total accuracy of the dynamic model by approximately 20% after compensation. Compared with the traditional method, the results prove that the forcefree control algorithm can effectively reduce the drag force approximately 50% for direct teaching and realize a flexible and smooth drag.

Practical implications

The entire algorithm is verified by the laboratory-developed six degrees-of-freedom cooperative robot, and it can be applied to other robots as well.

Originality/value

A full torque compensation is performed after parameters identification, and a more accurate forcefree control is guaranteed. This allows the cooperative robot to be dragged more smoothly without external sensors.
Learning and planning of stair ascent for lower-limb exoskeleton systems
Authors: Chen Qiming , Cheng Hong , Huang Rui , Qiu Jing , Chen Xinhua
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Lower-limb exoskeleton systems enable people with spinal cord injury to regain some degree of locomotion ability, as the expected motion curve needs to adapt with changing scenarios, i.e. stair heights, distance to the stairs. The authors’ approach enables exoskeleton systems to adapt to different scenarios in stair ascent task safely.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors learn the locomotion from predefined trajectories and walk upstairs by re-planning the trajectories according to external forces posed on exoskeleton systems. Moreover, instead of using complex sensors as inputs for re-planning in real-time, the approach can obtain forces acting on exoskeleton through dynamic model of human-exoskeleton system learned by an online machine learning approach without accurate parameters.

Findings

The proposed approach is validated in both simulation environment and a real walking assistance exoskeleton system. Experimental results prove that the proposed approach achieves better performance than the traditional predefined gait approach.

Originality/value

First, the approach obtain the external forces by a learned dynamic model of human-exoskeleton system, which reduces the cost of exoskeletons and avoids the heavy task of translating sensor input into actuator output. Second, the approach enables exoskeleton accomplish stair ascent task safely in different scenarios.
Complete relative pose error model for robot calibration
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Jia Qingxuan , Chen Gang , Liu Dan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a complete relative pose error model for robot calibration, considering both the relative distance error and the relative rotation error of the robot end-effector, which can improve calibration accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the relative distance error model and the relative rotation error model of robot calibration are derived by ignoring high-order nonlinear errors, and the two models form into a complete relative pose error model. Besides, mathematical expectation of the nonlinear errors is calculated, indicating that they have little influence on calibration accuracy.

Findings

Comparative experiments have indicated that the proposed complete relative pose error model does better in robot calibration than only the distance error model.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper lies in the derivation of the relative rotation error model, which helps to form a complete relative pose error model for calibration. The proposed method improves calibration accuracy, with avoiding identifying the transformation matrix between the measurement system frame and the robot base frame.
A method of creating personae for children with autism spectrum condition: application and revision
Authors: Zubair Misbahu S. , Brown David , Hughes-Roberts Thomas , Bates Matthew
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Personae are simple tools for describing users, their characteristics and their goals. They are valuable tools when designing for a specific group of users, such as children with autism spectrum condition (ASC). The purpose of this paper is to propose, validate and revise a methodology for creating accurate, data grounded personae for children with ASC.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is based mainly on Cooper et al.’s (2007) persona construction method. It proposes gathering and analysing qualitative data from users and experts to either create a new persona or extend an existing one. The method is then applied to create personae for the design of a visual programming tool for children with ASC. Based on the results of the application, observations and lessons learnt, a revised version of the method is proposed.

Findings

The method’s combined use of user data and expert knowledge produced a set of personae that have been well reviewed by experts so far. The method’s use of a questionnaire to validate personae also produced relevant qualitative feedback. On review, possible downsides of extending existing personae were identified. Therefore, a revised method was introduced, eliminating the need to extend existing personae, and stressing the importance of utilising user data, expert knowledge and feedback.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the need for a well-defined method for creating data grounded personae that accurately describe the characteristics and goals of children with ASC. Such personae can be used to design and develop more accessible and usable products.
The perception of crowding, quality and well-being: a study of Vietnamese public health services
Authors: Sawang Sukanlaya , Chou Cindy Yunhsin , Truong-Dinh Bao Quoc
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the perception of crowding by medical staff and patients impacts patients’ perceived service quality (SQ), overall satisfaction and emotional well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 258 matched pairs of medical staff members and their patients at six public hospitals.

Findings

Medical staff-perceived crowding negatively influences patients’ perceived SQ. The perceived SQ then impacts patients’ overall satisfaction and emotional well-being. Patients’ perceived crowding does not significantly impact their perceived SQ but increases the positive emotional well-being of patients.

Originality/value

Scant research has investigated a matched pair of service providers and their customers. This study concentrates on how individuals’ perceived human crowding and medical staff SQ affect consumers’ emotional well-being. This research leads to the formulation of theoretical and public policy suggestions to improve the quality of interactive services with minimal cost and disruption.
The impact of spillover effects from operational risk events: a model from a portfolio perspective
Authors: Eckert Christian , Gatzert Nadine
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Financial firms announcing large operational losses have empirically been shown to cause significant negative spillover effects in other non-announcing firms in case of the banking and insurance industry. The purpose of this paper is 1) to model such spillover effects in a network from a portfolio perspective and 2) to holistically assess operational risk, reputational risk and the risk of spillover effects, taking into account the dependencies between these risk types.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose different approaches to model spillover effects with different complexity, including stochasticity and influencing factors within the industry network. They then calibrate the model based on information from previous empirical literature.

Findings

The results emphasize that spillover effects can represent a considerable (non-diversifiable) risk, especially in portfolios, and that neglecting them may lead to a severe underestimation of the actual impact of single operational loss events.

Originality/value

This study is relevant not only for a firm’s risk management strategy but also for investors holding a portfolio of firms potentially subject to spillover effects.
The influence of emitter resistance on the electrical parameters of mono- and multicrystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Swatowska Barbara , Panek Piotr , Michoń Dagmara , Drygała Aleksandra
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was the comparison and analysis of the electrical parameters of two kinds of silicon solar cells (mono- and multicrystalline) of different emitter resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

By controlling of diffusion parameters, silicon mono- (Cz-Si) and multicrystalline (mc-Si) solar cells with different emitter resistance values were produced – 22 and 48 Ω/□. On the basis of current-voltage measurements of cells and contact resistance mapping, the properties of final solar cells based on two different materials were compared. Additionally, the influence of temperature on PV cells efficiency and open circuit voltage (Uoc) were investigated. The PC1D simulation was useful to determine spectral dependence of external quantum efficiency of solar cells with different emitter resistance. The silicon solar cells of 25 cm2 area and 240 µm thickness were investigated.

Findings

Considering the all stages of cell technology, the best structure is silicon solar cell with sheet resistance (Rsheet) of 45-48 Ω/□. Producing of an emitter with this resistance allowed to obtain cells with a fill factor between 0.725 and 0.758, Uoc between 585 and 612 mV, short circuit current (Isc) between 724 and 820 mA.

Originality/value

Measurements and analysis confirmed that mono- and multicrystalline silicon solar cells with 48 Ω/□ emitter resistance have better parameters than cells with Rsheet of 22 Ω/□. The contact resistance is the highest for mc-Si with Rsheet of 48 Ω/□ and reaches the value 3.8 Ωcm.
The emergence of carbon accounting
Authors: Le Breton Morgane , Aggeri Franck
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper forms part of the social and environmental accounting literature. The purpose of this paper is to study how the strategy of development and dissemination of a carbon accounting tool by a public organisation affects the actions of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on the Foucaldian concept of a strategicdispositifwhose components and evolution over time will be analysed. The methodology will be based on a case study of ADEME, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, through the preparation and dissemination of Bilan Carbone® – the French greenhouse gas accounting tool – between 2000 and 2017.

Findings

The results highlight the specific features of thedispositifformed by carbon accounting in France, namely, the integration of small companies, use of the tool to directly support actions and financial independence.

Practical implications

The theoretical contribution of this work consists in showing the benefits of the concept of a strategicdispositifto understand the action of companies in terms of the transition towards low-carbon strategies.

Social implications

Its empirical contribution lies in the emphasis placed on the specific role of public authorities in tackling climate change within the sphere of carbon accounting methodologies largely dominated by private organisations.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution of this work consists in showing the benefits of the concept of a strategicdispositifto understand the action of companies in terms of the transition towards low-carbon strategies.
Norilsk Nickel: the longest corporate war in a leading Russian company
Authors: Kandinskaia Olga , Dementieva Alla , Khotyasheva Olga
Published: June 2019

Theoretical basis

In any company, there are conflicts of interest and different opinions on the business strategy. However, a well-established system of corporate governance allows us to minimise those conflicts and enables most disagreements to be solved in a civilised way. The case provides an opportunity to examine the specifics of corporate conflicts in Russia and improves decision-making skills with a view to increase business efficiency.

Research methodology

This descriptive case was written using the secondary sources from the Russian and foreign media, as well as other publicly available information about Norilsk Nickel. No information was disguised in any way.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study is a story of a dramatic corporate conflict at the Russian company Norilsk Nickel, one of the world’s leading producers of precious metals. In 2008–2012, the company went through a painful conflict between the majority shareholders (oligarchs Mr Potanin and Mr Deripaska) for the control over the business. The case of Norilsk Nickel was indeed a crucial case for Russia which helped define the “rules of the game”. In 2019, however, the situation looked prone to the escalation of the old conflict. The fact that from 2018 both oligarchs were under the US sanctions added further tensions.

Complexity academic level

This case is most appropriate for courses in corporate governance, business ethics and doing business in Russia at the undergraduate or graduate level. There is a sufficient number of extenuating circumstances to make for a good discussion of strategic and tactical factors in this type of a corporate governance decision analysis. The complexity of the case is a perfect illustration of the Russian business environment: it is never easy in the Russian business environment to figure out what is important and what is not.
Million dollar gamblers: a case of embezzlement in South Whitehall Township
Authors: Alderman Jillian
Published: June 2019

Theoretical basis

The fraud diamond theory, the COSO framework on internal control and theories of ethical leadership and ethical decision making are applied.

Research methodology

The details of this case were compiled using publicly available information, including court records and news reports. No modifications were made to the names of individuals or places mentioned in the case. All resources have been properly cited.

Case overview/synopsis

Employee embezzlement is a common issue in limited resource organizations when adequate controls are not in place to prevent or detect fraud. In such organizations, personal financial hardships can drive individuals to commit crimes that are out of character. This case is a story of a respectable small-town couple implicated in a near million dollar embezzlement scheme. Students are asked to consider what went wrong and propose solutions for the prevention of similar crimes. Lessons learned from this case emphasize the importance of ethical leadership, creating a strong ethical environment and how small unethical acts can escalate over time.

Complexity academic level

Instructors can utilize this case to teach the topics of ethical leadership and decision making, fraud prevention and detection and internal controls. The themes of this case fit well into any business ethics, accounting or auditing course at the undergraduate or graduate level. The case has been implemented in courses for full-time and part-time MBAs, and master’s programs in finance, human resources and accounting.
Structural modification of Escherichia coli lipid A by myristoyltransferase gene from Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Taniguchi Chiho , Sugawara Takehiro , Onoue Sakura , Kawahara Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2019

Lipid A in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli mutant strains was modified by the introduction of myristoyltransferase gene cloned from Klebsiella pneumoniae. When the gene was introduced into the mutant having lipid A containing only 3‐hydroxymyristic acids, it produced lipid A with two additional myristic acids (C14:0). When the same gene was introduced into the mutant with pentaacylated lipid A containing one lauric acid (C12:0), C12:0 was replaced by C14:0. IL‐6‐inducing activity of LPS with modified lipid A structure suggested that C12:0 in lipid A could be replaced by C14:0 without changing the immunostimulating activity.
Hydrogeophysical modelling of Hisarcik (Kütahya) geothermal field, western Turkey
Authors: Üner Serkan , Ağaçgözgü Gülçin Özürlan , Doğan Doğa Düşünür
Published: June 2019

Western Anatolia hosts many low‐to‐moderate and high‐temperature geothermal sources in which active faults play a dominant role to control the recharge and the discharge of geothermal fluid. In this study, we used the two‐dimensional geoelectric structure of Kütahya Hisarcık geothermal field, and created a conceptual hydrogeophysical model that includes faults, real topographical variations and geological units. The temperature distribution and fluid flow pattern are also investigated. The depth extension of Hisarcık Fault, electrical basement and low resistivity anomalies related to the presence of geothermal fluid are determined by using resistivity studies in the area. Numerical simulations suggest that Hisarcık fault functioning as a fluid conduit primarily enables hot fluid to be transported from depth to the surface. It is shown that the locations of predicted outflow vents coincide with those of hot springs in the area.
Long‐term (2005–2017) macromoth community monitoring at Mt. Jirisan National Park, South Korea
Authors: Choi Sei‐Woong , An Jeong‐Seop , Kim Nang‐Hee , Lee Sanghun , Ahn Nahyun
Published: June 2019

Moths, which are one of the mega‐diversity insect groups, play important roles as herbivores in terrestrial ecosystems. Because most moths are nocturnal and easily attracted to lights, the utilization of consistent and uniform sampling methods based on a set of standardized protocols can lead to creation of comparable datasets on regional to global scales. These datasets can be used to address environmental issues such as the biological impacts resulting from climate change and land‐use policies. More than 60% of the Korean peninsula is mountainous, and the forests on most mountains are undergoing marked changes related to forest succession and recent climatic variability. Therefore, the present study was conducted to monitor macromoth communities in a mountain ecosystem of Korea. Our study site, Mt. Jirisan National Park is the first national park and the highest mountain on the mainland of South Korea. This mountain range runs 34 km east to west and 26 km north to south, harboring more than 1,400 vascular plant and more than 3,000 insect species. We monitored macromoth communities at six sites in Mt. Jirisan National Park, South Korea from 2005 to 2017, during which time moths were collected from May to October using an ultraviolet bucket trap. The generated dataset, which contains 1,089 species and 40,694 individuals in 20 families, can be used to establish a baseline for development of a network‐oriented database to assess the temporal and spatial changes of moths in temperate and tropical forests and the biotic impact of environmental change.
Impact of trade liberalisation on dairy market price co‐movements between the EU, Oceania, and the United States
Authors: Rezitis Anthony N. , Rokopanos Andreas
Published: June 2019

This study investigates the impact of trade liberalisation on the spatial price co‐movements between the dairy markets of the EU, Oceania, and the United States. We consider two main dairy products, namely butter and whole milk powder (WMP), and employ R‐Vines to assess the development of the tail dependence between the price series. We split the time span (i.e. 2000‐2017) in December 2007 to capture the change in the tail dependence as well as in the potential of each region to act as the central market. Our findings indicate that the EU acts as the central market for butter in both sub‐periods, whereas the EU succeeds Oceania in acting as the central market for WMP from the first sub‐period to the next. Further findings highlight slightly increasing tail dependence in the butter market and in the WMP market for the EU‐OCE and EU‐US pairs. However, the tail dependence for the WMP prices between Oceania and the United States weakens, in which we attribute to the 2013 Chinese ban on milk powder imports from Oceania.
Universal Basic Services: A Theoretical and Moral Framework
Authors: Gough Ian
Published: June 2019

The case for Universal Basic Services (UBS) is a recent idea that is attracting much attention. This article provides a theoretical justification for extending the delivery of public services, as an alternative to the longer‐standing argument for Universal Basic Income (UBI). It rests on human need theory and the concept of provisioning systems. Both recognise the irreducible heterogeneity of consumption, the multi‐faceted nature of human needs and the variety of systems on which we all depend. Both recognise the importance of shared systems and mutual benefits. The final part restates the case for social rights or entitlements to the satisfaction of basic needs and for collective responsibilities to meet them to serve the values of equality, efficiency, solidarity and sustainability.
Individual market health plan affordability after cost‐sharing reduction subsidy cuts
Authors: Drake Coleman , Abraham Jean M.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate how changes in insurer participation and composition as well as state policies affect health plan affordability for individual market enrollees.

Data Sources

2014‐2019 Qualified Health Plan Landscape Files augmented with supplementary insurer‐level information.

Study Design

We measured plan affordability for subsidized enrollees using premium spreads, the difference between the benchmark plan and the lowest cost plan, and premium levels for unsubsidized enrollees. We estimated how premium spreads and levels varied with insurer participation, insurer composition, and state policies using log‐linear models for 15 222 county‐years.

Principal Findings

Increased insurer participation reduces premium levels, which is beneficial for unsubsidized enrollees. However, it also reduces premium spreads, leading to lower plan affordability for subsidized enrollees. States responding to cost‐sharing reduction subsidy payment cuts by increasing only silver plans' premiums increase premium spreads, particularly when premium increases are restricted to on‐Marketplace silver plans. The latter approach also protects unsubsidized, off‐Marketplace enrollees from experiencing premium shocks.

Conclusions

Insurer participation and insurer composition affect subsidized and unsubsidized enrollees' health plan affordability in different ways. Decisions by state regulators regarding health plan pricing can significantly affect health plan affordability for each enrollee segment.
Effect of Pulsed Electric Field‐Assisted Process in Combination with Porcine Lipase on Defatting of Seabass Skin
Authors: Chotphruethipong Lalita , Aluko Rotimi E. , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: June 2019

Defatting of seabass skins using pulsed electric field (PEF)‐assisted process at different electric field strengths (16 and 24 kV/cm) and times (36, 72, and 108 ms) in combination with porcine pancreas lipase (PPL) at 25 U/g dry matter was investigated. PEF‐treated skin at 24 kV/cm for 72 ms followed by PPL treatment removed 86.93% lipids. PEF‐treated skin was further optimized for lipid reduction by response surface methodology. Central composite design was adopted to establish treatments based on two independent variables, involving PPL concentration (30 to 55 U/g dry matter) and hydrolysis time (60 to 180 min). Second‐order polynomial model was used for predicting the response. The highest lipid removal (91.96 ± 1.70%) was attained when the optimal condition (42.36 PPL units/g dry skin matter for 139.78 min) was used. The experiment value was in accordance with the predicted value. PEF‐PPL‐treated skin had lower monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids than the solvent‐extracted skin (P < 0.05). When PEF‐PPL‐treated skin was hydrolyzed using papain at 0.30 U/g dry matter, lower fishy odor/flavor of resulting hydrolyzed collagen (PEF‐PPL‐HC) was found than other samples (P < 0.05). Lower total volatile compounds were also obtained in PEF‐PPL‐HC sample. Thus, the use of PEF pretreatment along with PPL before papain hydrolysis effectively prevented the formation of fishy odor/flavor in hydrolyzed collagen from seabass skin.

Practical Application

Fishy odor/flavor caused by lipid oxidation of fish skin hydrolysates limits their applications in foods. Defatting process is the significant step for skin pretreatment. Although several methods could remove lipids from fish skins, either by lipase or solvent extraction, fishy odor/flavor is still detected in hydrolysate. Pulsed electric field‐assisted process in combination with porcine lipase is another approach that can be used to enhance efficiency via electroporation, causing the loosened skin matrix and facilitating the migration of lipase into the skin. Consequently, the resulting hydrolysate might have the lowered fishy odor/flavor and could be used in foods, especially for fortification.
Foreign competition and the durability of US firm investments
Authors: Fromenteau Philippe , Schymik Jan , Tscheke Jan
Published: June 2019

How does the exposure to product market competition affect the investment horizon of firms? We study if firms have an incentive to shift investments toward more short‐term assets when exposed to tougher competition. Based on a stylized firm investment model, we derive a within‐firm estimator using variation across investments with different durabilities. Exploiting the Chinese World Trade Organization (WTO) accession, we estimate the effects of product market competition on the composition of US firm investments. Firms that experienced tougher competition shifted their expenditures toward investments with a shorter durability. This effect is larger for firms with lower total factor productivity.
Evaluating the rumen‐protected lysine stability in forage‐based total mixed rations in vitro and determining the lysine Brix value
Authors: Ishimaru Saki , Elsabagh Mabrouk , Saiki Seiichi , Haruno Atsushi , Nakamura Maki , Funo Hidetada , Obitsu Taketo , Shinzato Izuru , Sugino Toshihisa
Published: June 2019

Three rumen‐protected lysine (RPL) products (AjiPro®‐L, LysiPEARLTM, and Feedtech Bypass LysineTM: A, B, and C, respectively) were tested for stability in two forage‐based total mixed rations (TMR1, 41.3% dry matter (DM), and TMR2, 49.5% DM) (experiment 1) and for Brix value (experiment 2). In experiment 1, each RPL product (2 g each) and TMR diet (200 g) were mixed and stored in plastic bags at 20°C for 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hr. In experiment 2, each RPL product (2 g) was dispensed into ion‐exchanged water (20 ml) and kept at 20°C for 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hr. At each time point, free lysine (Lys) content and Brix values of extracts were measured, and Lys release (LR, %) was calculated. All RPL products LR% varied with varying diets DM and increased with increasing of time exposed to diets; it was highest in C, followed by B, and then A. Water LR% positively correlated with that from diets and with Brix values of Lys dissociated in water. Our results indicated that Lys dissociation from RPL products is affected by diet DM content. Brix value may be used as a potential marker for RPL protection efficacy.
The impact of liver transplant recipient and donor genetic variability on tacrolimus exposure and transplant outcome
Authors: Coller Janet K. , Ramachandran Jeyamani , John Libby , Tuke Jonathan , Wigg Alan , Doogue Matthew
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the effect of recipient and donor genetic variability on dose‐adjusted steady‐state tacrolimus concentrations (Css) and clinical outcomes 3 and 6 months after liver transplant. Twenty‐nine recipients and matched donor blood samples were genotyped for 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms including CYP3A5*3 (rs776746), ABCB1 haplotype and immune genes. Associations between genetic variability and clinical parameters and Css and the occurrence of rejection and nephrotoxicity were analysed by multivariate and multinomial logistic regression modelling and Jonckheere–Terpstra tests examined the impact of combined donor/recipient CYP3A5 expression on Css. At 3 months post‐transplant modelling revealed an association between tacrolimus Css and recipient CASP1 rs580523 genotype (P = 0.005), accounting for 52% Css variance. Jonckheere–Terpstra tests revealed that as combined donor/recipient CYP3A5 expression increased, Css decreased (P = 0.010 [3 months], 0.018 [6 months]). As this is the first report of CASP1 genetic variability influencing tacrolimus Css, further validation in larger cohorts is required.
Medication related litigation in Ireland: A 6‐year review
Authors: McCullagh Mark , Slattery Dubhfeasa
Published: June 2019

Aims

The primary aims of the study were to identify those medications most frequently associated with clinical litigation in Ireland and to quantify the cost of such litigation. Secondary aims were to identify where in the medication‐use process claims were most likely to arise, the medication incident types involved and the primary injury alleged.

Methods

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) for incident and claims management was searched to identify all medication‐related claims finalised from 2011 to 2016 (inclusive). The physical case files were obtained and additional data not available on NIMS was extracted in order to build a detailed picture of the incident and subsequent claim.

Results

The search identified 79 relevant claims, of which 48 closed with a payment to the plaintiff. These 48 claims involved 54 medications. Medication groups identified included general anaesthetics (n = 7), opioids (n = 6), penicillins, antithrombotics and local anaesthetics (all n = 5). The errors alleged occurred exclusively at the administration (58%) and prescribing (42%) stages of the medication‐use process. Medication incident types included wrong dose/strength (n = 17), wrong drug (n = 7) and adverse drug reaction (n = 6). The most commonly pleaded primary injuries were allergic reaction (n = 9), deterioration in clinical status (n = 9) and post‐traumatic stress disorder (n = 8). The median total cost of these claims was €60 991, including median damages of €33 858.

Conclusions

This study links data on medication incidents, actual harm to patients and litigation costs. Thus, it presents a comprehensive picture of the consequences of medication error.
Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography (Fibroscan®) in sickle cell liver disease ‐ could we strike while the liver is hard?
Authors: Ben Yakov Gil , Sharma Disha , Alao Hawwa , Surana Pallavi , Kapuria Devika , Etzion Ohad , Hsieh Matthew M. , Tisdale John F. , Fitzhugh Courtney D. , Kleiner David E. , Levy Elliot B. , Chang Richard , Rivera Elenita , Huang Amy , Koh Christopher , Heller Theo
Published: June 2019

Vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is validated for the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in different liver diseases. Sickle cell liver disease (SCLD) results from a cumulative hepatic injury and its lifelong and progressive nature raises the need for a non‐invasive tool for fibrosis evaluation.

Fifty patients, aged between 23 and 59 years with sickle cell disease and suspected SCLD underwent a VCTE followed by a liver biopsy. Biopsies were evaluated for various scores of liver disease that were then correlated to VCTE score. 90% of our patients had an Ishak Fibrosis (IF) score between 0–2 (Group A‐minimal to no fibrosis) and 10% of the patients had IF score between 3–6 (Group B‐advanced fibrosis). The median Transient Elastography (TE) for patients in Groups A and B was 4·8 kilopascals (kPa) and 17·6 kPa, respectively. A positive correlation was shown between TE and IF score, R = 0·0·68 (P = <0·0001); a positive correlation was also shown with Histology Activity Index fibrosis score, R = 0·64 (P = <0·0001). This study emphasises the need for further studies of non‐invasive tools and their utility in liver fibrosis evaluation of patients with SCLD.
Opioid‐sparing effects of cannabinoids on morphine analgesia: participation of CB1 and CB2 receptors
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Cowan Alan , Inan Saadet , Geller Ellen B. , Meissler Joseph J. , Rawls Scott M. , Tallarida Ronald J. , Tallarida Christopher S. , Watson Mia N. , Adler Martin W. , Eisenstein Toby K.
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Much of the opioid epidemic arose from abuse of prescription opioid drugs. This study sought to determine if the combination of a cannabinoid with an opioid could produce additive or synergistic effects on pain, allowing reduction in the opioid dose needed for maximal analgesia.

Experimental Approach

Pain was assayed using the formalin test in mice and the carrageenan assay in rats. Morphine and two synthetic cannabinoids were tested: WIN55,212‐2 (WIN), which binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, and possibly TRPV1 channels; and GP1a, which has activity at CB2 receptors and is reported to inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase, thus raising levels of endogenous cannabinoids.

Key Results

Morphine in combination with WIN in the formalin test gave synergistic analgesia. Studies with selective antagonists showed that WIN was acting through CB1 receptors. Morphine in combination with GP1a in the formalin test was sub‐additive. In the carrageenan test, WIN had no added effect when combined with morphine, but GP1a with morphine showed enhanced analgesia. Both WIN and Gp1a used alone had analgesic activity in the formalin pain test, but not in the carrageenan pain test.

Conclusions and Implications

The ability of a cannabinoid to produce an additive or synergistic effect on analgesia when combined with morphine varies with the pain assay and may be mediated by CB1 or CB2 receptors. These results hold the promise of using cannabinoids to reduce the dose of opioids for analgesia in certain pain conditions.