bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whistleblowing policy disclosure: evidence from an Indian emerging market
Authors: Agnihotri Arpita , Bhattacharya Saurabh
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate factors which drive firms to disclose whistleblowing policies in one of the emerging markets, i.e. India.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 200 Bombay Stock Exchange-listed Indian firms is analyzed using Tobit regression.

Findings

– Promoter shareholding, proportion of independent directors and specific positions like chief ethical officer influence disclosure of whistleblowing policies.

Originality/value

– This paper presents the first empirical study where principal-principal conflict theory is extended to explain drivers of whistleblowing policy disclosure and, hence, brings new insights to the literature on whistleblowing policy disclosure.
Unexplored aspects of the social licence for SMEs
Authors: Lynch-Wood Gary , Williamson David
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine social licence in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Social and economic actors can assist in protecting the environment by granting firms a social licence. The social licence is regarded as a regulatory trigger, which some claim can improve organisational practices and possibly induce beyond compliance behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses data from interviews with the owners and managers of 110 manufacturing SMEs.

Findings

– Social licence pressures are generally weak, while traditional regulation remains essential for encouraging and sustaining environmental activity. That said, the data show important differences across firms, for some SMEs are influenced by and responsive to social licence pressures. Typically, these pressures derive from stakeholders who pursue a relatively narrow self-interest (rather than public interest) mandate, and focus on particular issues rather than broader objectives of environmental responsibility. When responding to pressures, SMEs are likely to take specific and focused actions that address specific stakeholder concerns.

Research limitations/implications

– Fresh insights are provided into the social licence and smaller firms. Contrary to previous views, there are circumstances where the social licence provides a limited and tailored regulatory tool for initiating change, and it typically leads to firms making alterations to business practices that tend to be low-cost and easy to implement. The social licence can provide a consensual micro-social contract and limited public interest service, and, subject to supporting circumstances, it may be extendable to other types of smaller firms.

Social implications

– The paper presents fresh insights into the relationship between SMEs and social and economic stakeholders.

Originality/value

– The paper provides new insights into how relevant stakeholders can influence the environmental behaviour of small firms.
Solution of two-dimensional vector wave equations via a mixed least squares method
Authors: Tchonkova Maria
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an original mixed least squares method for the numerical solution of vector wave equations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed approach involves two different types of unknowns: velocities and stresses. The approximate solution to the dynamic elasticity equations is obtained via a minimization of a least squares functional, consisting of two terms: a term, which includes the squared residual of a weak form of the time rate of the constitutive relationships, expressed in terms of velocities and stresses, and a term, which depends on the squared residual of the equations of motion. At each time step the functional is minimized with respect to the velocities and stresses, which for the purpose of this study, are approximated by equal order piece-wise linear polynomial functions. The time discretization is based upon the backward Euler scheme. The displacements are computed from the obtained velocities in terms of a finite difference interpolation.

Findings

– To test the performance of the method, it has been implemented in original computer codes, using object-oriented logic. One model problem has been solved: propagation of Rayleigh waves. The performed convergence study suggests that the method is convergent for both: velocities and stresses. The obtained results show excellent agreement between the exact and analytical solutions for displacement modes, velocities and stresses. It is observed that this method appears to be stable for the different mesh sizes and time step values.

Originality/value

– The mixed least squares formulation, described in this paper, serves as a basis for interesting future developments and applications.
A local sampling method with variable radius for RBDO using Kriging
Authors: Li Xiaoke , Qiu Haobo , Chen Zhenzhong , Gao Liang , Shao Xinyu
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Kriging model has been widely adopted to reduce the high computational costs of simulations in Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO). To construct the Kriging model accurately and efficiently in the region of significance, a local sampling method with variable radius (LSVR) is proposed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In LSVR, the sequential sampling points are mainly selected within the local region around the current design point. The size of the local region is adaptively defined according to the target reliability and the nonlinearity of the probabilistic constraint. Every probabilistic constraint has its own local region instead of all constraints sharing one local region. In the local sampling region, the points located on the constraint boundary and the points with high uncertainty are considered simultaneously.

Findings

– The computational capability of the proposed method is demonstrated using two mathematical problems, a reducer design and a box girder design of a super heavy machine tool. The comparison results show that the proposed method is very efficient and accurate.

Originality/value

– The main contribution of this paper lies in: a new local sampling region computational criterion is proposed for Kriging. The originality of this paper is using expected feasible function (EFF) criterion and the shortest distance to the existing sample points instead of the other types of sequential sampling criterion to deal with the low efficiency problem.
Interphase force analysis for air-water bubbly flow in a multiphase rotodynamic pump
Authors: Yu Zhiyi , Zhu Baoshan , Cao Shuliang
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Interphase forces between the gas and liquid phases determine many phenomena in bubbly flow. For the interphase forces in a multiphase rotodynamic pump, the magnitude analysis was carried out within the framework of two-fluid model. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relative importance of various interphase forces on the mixed transport process, and the findings herein will be a base for the future study on the mechanism of the gas blockage phenomenon, which is the most challenging issue for such pumps.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four types of interphase forces, i.e. drag force, lift force, virtual mass force and turbulent dispersion force (TDF) were taken into account. By comparing with the experiment in the respect of the head performance, the effectiveness of the numerical model was validated. In conditions of different inlet gas void fractions, bubble diameters and rotational speeds, the magnitude analyses were made for the interphase forces.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that the TDF can be neglected in the running of the multiphase rotodynamic pump; the drag force is dominant in the impeller region and the outlet extended region. The sensitivity analyses of the bubble diameter and the rotational speed were also performed. It is found that larger bubble size is accompanied by smaller predicted drag but larger predicted lift and virtual mass, while the increase of the rotational speed can raise all the interphase forces mentioned above.

Originality/value

– This paper has revealed the magnitude information and the relative importance of the interphase forces in a multiphase rotodynamic pump.
Optimal inductor design for nanofluid heating characterisation
Authors: Bertani Roberta , Ceretta Flavio , Di Barba Paolo , Dughiero Fabrizio , Forzan Michele , Michelin Rino Antonio , Sgarbossa Paolo , Sieni Elisabetta , Spizzo Federico
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Magnetic fluid hyperthermia experiment requires a uniform magnetic field in order to control the heating rate of a magnetic nanoparticle fluid for laboratory tests. The automated optimal design of a real-life device able to generate a uniform magnetic field suitable to heat cells in a Petri dish is presented. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The inductor for tests has been designed using finite element analysis and evolutionary computing coupled to design of experiments technique in order to take into account sensitivity of solutions.

Findings

– The geometry of the inductor has been designed and a laboratory prototype has been built. Results of preliminary tests, using a previously synthesized and characterized magneto fluid, are presented.

Originality/value

– Design of experiment approach combined with evolutionary computing has been used to compute the solution sensitivity and approximate a 3D Pareto front. The designed inductor has been tested in an experimental set-up.
The inter-element coupling effect of triangular flat shells
Authors: Zhang Shi , Zhang Yun , Huang Zhigao , Zhou Huamin , Li Jianhui
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the inter-element coupling effect of membrane and plate components between two adjacent shells occurring on the common boundary.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, three triangular flat shells developed by combining an excellent membrane element (OPT) with three outstanding plate bending elements (DKT, RDKTM and DST-BK), respectively, are used to study this phenomenon. Benchmark tests are implemented to evaluate the performance of three selected plate elements and the formulated flat shells.

Findings

– The inter-element coupling effect of membrane and plate components belonging, respectively, to two adjacent shells deteriorate the performance of shells. Therefore, a shell’s performance cannot be guaranteed certainly by the superimposed membrane and plate behaviors.

Practical implications

– The “order matching” criterion is proposed to explain this phenomenon and it is concluded that the flat shell that follows this criterion explicitly may alleviate or even overcome the inter-element coupling effect.

Originality/value

– Previous studies mainly focus on formulation of high-performance membrane and plate elements. However, the inter-element coupling effect of membrane and plate components between two adjacent shells occurring on the common boundary, has attracted less attention. Thorough benchmark tests for three flat shells are implemented to investigate the phenomenon. The results shows that the inter-element coupling effect deteriorates the performance of shells. And the “order matching” criterion is proposed to explain this phenomenon and it is concluded that the flat shell that follows this criterion explicitly may alleviate or even overcome the inter-element coupling effect.
Micromax Informatics Ltd: Marketing strategy for emerging markets
Authors: Arora Soma
Published: September 2015

Subject area

Marketing strategy, strategic innovation.

Study level/applicability

Strategic brand management or marketing strategy courses at MBA level.

Case overview

It seemed likely that a company with the highest number of product variants would consider product innovation to be its key source of sustenance in a crowded marketplace. Especially so, when the local and global competition was hotting up to a new launch every week. In the case of Micromax, a mobile handset maker from India tried to drive home the point that sustainability in emerging markets did not lie in inventing a new technology like Apple or Nokia or Sony did, albeit accompanied with a premium price tag. For the emerging markets, it was important to optimize the offering for the consumers. Strategic optimization could result from bridging the gaps in performance, infrastructure and organization design, which came naturally to this marketing-savvy mobile maker. Any company could make a cost-effective phone, but few could position, brand and sell it the way Micromax did. Shubhodip Pal, Head of Marketing at Micromax Informatics Pvt Ltd, India, pondered the marketing strategy which could pave the way into maintaining the company's national leadership position while creating a roadmap for its global foray. For Micromax, marketing strategy innovation, and not product innovation, would fulfil the goal of long-term growth in India and overseas markets.

Expected learning outcomes

The students studying this case are expected to learn: marketing strategy in emerging markets such as India, marketing strategy as the critical success factor for upcoming Indian companies rather than product innovation and doing business in emerging markets.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or emailsupport@emeraldinsight.comto request teaching notes.
Ar-Rahnu (Pawn-broking) in Al-Qamari Bank Berhad
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Aisyah , Hafizi A.M.
Published: September 2015

Subjectarea

The case is suitable for use in the topics related to the functions and roles of Islamic pawn-broking and the Islamic risk management framework.

Studylevel/applicability

The case is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking courses in Islamic Banking, Islamic Finance and Risk Management for Islamic Banking Institutions.

Case overview

This case is meant to explain the mechanics of pawn-broking (Ar-Rahnu) in Islam as well as to understand the risk management of Ar-Rahnu in the bank. Ar-Rahnu is discussed, in general, from the perspective of muamalat and then is related to the financing service offered through Ar-Rahnu scheme at Al-Qamari Bank Berhad (a disguised bank). Ar-Rahnu means making an asset as a security or collateral for a debt. The collateral will be used to settle the debt when the debtor is in default. It may also be known as borrowing with either collateral or pawn-broking. In Al-Qamari Bank Berhad, gold and jewellery are the subject of collateral for Ar-Rahnu. In return, customers will get the cash based on the margin of loan with regards to the current market value of gold/jewellery as determined by the bank. The operation of Ar-Rahnu is discussed in Exhibit 1, while the risk management of Ar-Rahnu is discussed in Exhibit 2.

Expectedlearning outcomes

The learning outcomes include: to identify a problem and issue related to Ar-Rahnu; to evaluate the modus operandi of Ar-Rahnu; to analyze the risk management practices of Ar-Rahnu; and to develop decision criteria on whether Ar-Rahnu in Al-Qamari bank is Shariah-compliant or not.

Supplementarymaterials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Understanding group-buying websites continuance
Authors: Zhang Hong , Lu Yaobin , Gupta Sumeet , Gao Ping
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Sustainable success of group-buying web sites implies that consumers not only accept them initially but also use them continuously. Most group-buying web sites, however, are unable to achieve such sustainable success. Drawing on expectation-confirmation model (ECM), the purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence group-buying web sites continuance.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 605 valid responses were collected via a survey of a leading group-buying web site in China. Structural equation modeling was used to test the research model. This study also compared the three competing models of continued use behavior, namely, ECM, the research model and the integrated model.

Findings

– The results show that perceived web site quality, perceived price advantage and confirmation are important determinants of consumer satisfaction, while perceived web site quality, perceived reputation, satisfaction and perceived critical mass significantly influence consumers’ continuance intention. The research model accounts for more variance in satisfaction and continuance intention than ECM and is the best-fitting model among the competing models.

Originality/value

– Drawing on ECM, this research proposes a model by incorporating three online group-buying characteristics (perceived price advantage, perceived reputation and perceived web site quality) and two social influence factors (subjective norm and perceived critical mass). Specially, this study uses these three online group-buying characteristics to represent perceived usefulness in ECM. These constructs are found to influence consumer satisfaction and continuance intention. This study extends ECM and provides a better explanation of consumers’ post-purchase behavior in the online group-buying context.
Gender differences in the climate change communication on Twitter
Authors: Holmberg Kim , Hellsten Iina
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a study about gender differences in the climate change communication on Twitter and in the use of affordances on Twitter.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data set consists of about 250,000 tweets and retweets for which the authors’ gender was identified. While content of tweets and hashtags used were analysed for common topics and specific contexts, the usernames that were proportionately more frequently mentioned by either male or female tweeters were coded according to the usernames’ stance in the climate change debate into convinced (that climate change is caused by humans), sceptics, neutrals and unclear groups, and according to the type or role of the user account (e.g. campaign, organization, private person).

Findings

– The results indicate that overall male and female tweeters use very similar language in their tweets, but clear differences were observed in the use of hashtags and usernames, with female tweeters mentioning significantly more campaigns and organizations with a convinced attitude towards anthropogenic impact on climate change, while male tweeters mention significantly more private persons and usernames with a sceptical stance. The differences were even greater when retweets and duplicate tweets by the same author were removed from the data, indicating how retweeting can significantly influence the results.

Practical implications

– On a theoretical level the results increase the understanding for how women and men view and engage with climate change. This has practical implications for organizations interested in developing communication strategies for reaching and engaging female and male audiences on Twitter. While female tweeters can be targeted via local campaigns and news media, male tweeters seem to follow more political and scientific information. The results from the present research also showed that more research about the meaning of retweeting is needed, as the authors have shown how retweets can have a significant impact on the results.

Originality/value

– The findings contribute towards increased understanding of both gender differences in the climate change debate and in social media use in general. Beyond that this research showed how retweeting may have a significant impact on research where tweets are used as a data source.
RCT evaluating provider outcomes by suicide prevention training modality: in-person vs. e-learning
Authors: Magruder Kathryn Marley , York Janet Ann , Knapp Rebecca G , Yeager Derik Edward , Marshall Elizabeth , DeSantis Mark
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate provider outcomes in response to two modes of suicide prevention training (e-learning and in-person) and a control group. The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) was adapted for e-learning delivery to US Veterans Administration mental health providers. Outcomes include: self-evaluated beliefs, ability, and self-efficacy in managing suicidal patients.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used a multicenter, randomized, cluster design to test the effectiveness of e-learning vs in-person conditions CAMS for changes in provider outcomes.

Findings

– Survey scores showed significant improvements for both the e-learning vs control and the in-person vs control between pre-intervention and post-intervention; however, the e-learning and in-person conditions were not significantly different from each other.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations of the study include that there were drop-outs over the study period and the survey questions may not have captured all of the aspects of the CAMS training.

Practical implications

– Results suggest that e-learning training modules can provide comparable outcomes to in-person training for suicide prevention.

Social implications

– More providers may have accessible training materials for managing suicidal patients.

Originality/value

– Currently practicing providers now can choose between two equivalent training modalities for improving the management of suicidality in their patients.
Caroline Elementary School’s hybrid garden: a case study in social marketing
Authors: Erickson G. Scott , Barken Marlene , Barken David
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the installation of a garden at an elementary school. Bringing in elements of healthy eating choices, the local food movement and social marketing implications for all stakeholders, this study examines the genesis and launch of the garden and related activities. It reviews initial results, again with an eye to different stakeholder groups.

Design/methodology/approach

– The case study methodology was applied.

Findings

– The case study method provides some depth of detail to a unique and specific circumstance. As such it allows bringing together so many streams of the literature in a social marketing context and illuminates how and why such an installation works (and does not work).

Research limitations/implications

– This analysis focuses on a specific example, in a specific location and at a specific time. While potentially extendable, any such attempt should be made with care.

Practical implications

– Social marketing installations are hard. This example demonstrates how even the best-intentioned program, with almost universal agreement on its positive aspects, can be difficult to execute.

Social implications

– This case illustrates full range of social marketing concepts applied to an initiative but is particularly illustrative of the potential and importance of including all stakeholders in co-creation while fully understanding their context, perceived benefits and perceived costs/barriers.

Originality/value

– This study uniquely brings together several strains of theory (food literacy, health eating choices by children, institutional food services and local food) and applies them separately and together in a single application.
Sustainability vs economic growth: a third world perspective
Authors: Mustunsir Muhammad Arif
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The rising dominance of sustainable development (SD) and green growth (GG) in contemporary societies have become one of the foremost sources of contentions that most states face today in the developing world. It is often suggested that institutionalizing key policies of the SD and GG present a win-win situation. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize and evaluate such a debate in the light of existing empirical evidence on SD, GG and economic development (ED). It seeks to answer the question “does the sustainability discourse fit in the modern socioeconomic needs of the developing nations or not.”

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper adopts a qualitative research technique. It mainly relies on secondary sources of data. In aligning with key technical approach of qualitative research; the secondary sourced data were also subject to content and thematic analyses from which facts, and assumptions were derived to undertake the present study.

Findings

– The main verdict of the paper is that SD and GG discourses do not fit in the crucial socioeconomic needs of the underdeveloped nations. Endorsing SD and GG policies in emerging countries is essentially about restraining their economic prosperity. In fact, it is an anti-growth agenda in its essence. What makes it anti-growth is the core element of minimal use of critical natural capital to grow economically, which lies at the heart of entire SD and GG. What makes it hard for the emerging nations to comply with core elements of the sustainability is their capacity to comply with alternative growth pathways. Thus, limiting the growth process by promoting the agendas of SD is fundamentally about keeping deprived state/people poor.

Research limitations/implications

– The work is exclusively limited to the author’s understanding of issues and key concerns of developing world concerning institutionalization of the SD and GG. The author’s comprehension may not fully reflect the foremost concerns of the emerging nations. Moreover, Just a single research approach was employed in this study. A further empirical investigation is required in this field for acknowledging and documenting all the key motives and perspectives of third-world states when endorsing SD and GG policies.

Originality/value

– The paper sheds light on the political aspects of promoting the SD, and the long-lasting fact that the key concerns of sustainability pose challenges to the very existence poor states in the south. Most of them are highly exposed to socioeconomic shocks. They cannot afford to implement the policies of SD and GG as the majority of their citizens are living under poverty line. The only panacea they have to overcome the existing social deprivation is the massive ED. Furthermore, institutionalizing SD and GG may cause societal clashes in the poor states.
Sustainability in start-up ventures: what founders say versus what they do
Authors: Galpin Timothy , Hebard Julia
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Although founders of start-up ventures seem to hold similar views about ethical, social, and environmental principles as those in large firms, entrepreneurs tend to be focussed on their immediate stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, and investors. The purpose of this paper is to compare founders’ views – “what they say” – about sustainable business practices to their described business models – “what they do.”

Design/methodology/approach

– An opinion survey of prospective business start-up founders, along with a content analysis of their business plans, is used to compare founders’ views – “what they say” – about sustainable business practices to their described business models – “what they do.”

Findings

– Findings suggest that prospective business founders do value sustainable business practices. However, the content of their business models does not reflect their espoused importance of sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation of this study is that university students in a business-planning course were used as surrogates for actual start-up venture founders. That being the case, a small percentage (just under 5 percent) of the students indicated at the end of the course that they would like to continue pursuing the venture they helped develop a business plan for. To address this, future research should focus on actual founders of new ventures.

Practical implications

– The content analysis of the business plans revealed a marked disconnect between the high-value founders reported to place on sustainability and the actual limited inclusion of sustainability in their business models. Therefore, more work needs to be done to educate, encourage, and coach start-up founders to raise their awareness of and desire to include sustainability as key parts of their business models.

Originality/value

– To date, no studies have attempted to compare start-up venture founders’ views – “what they say” – about sustainable business practices to their described business models – “what they do.”
Conservation tillage mitigates the negative effect of landscape simplification on biological control
Authors: Tamburini Giovanni , De Simone Serena , Sigura Maurizia , Boscutti Francesco , Marini Lorenzo
Published: September 2015

Biological pest control is a key ecosystem service, and it depends on multiple factors acting from the local to the landscape scale. However, the effects of soil management on biological control and its potential interaction with landscape are still poorly understood.

In a field exclusion experiment, we explored the relative effect of tillage system (conservation vs. conventional tillage) on aphid biological control in 15 pairs of winter cereal fields (barley and wheat) selected along a gradient of landscape complexity. We sampled the abundance of the main natural enemy guilds, and we evaluated their relative contribution to aphid predation and parasitism.

Conservation tillage was found to support more abundant predator communities and higher aphid predation (16% higher than in the fields managed under conventional tillage). In particular, both the abundance and the aphid predation of vegetation‐ and ground‐dwelling arthropods were increased under conservation tillage conditions. Conservation tillage also increased the parasitism rate of aphids.

A high proportion of semi‐natural habitats in the landscape enhanced both aphid parasitism and predation by vegetation‐dwelling organisms but only in the fields managed under conventional tillage. The better local habitat quality provided by conservation tillage may compensate for a low‐quality landscape.

Synthesis and applications. Our study stresses the importance of considering both soil management and landscape composition when planning strategies to maximize biological control services in agro‐ecosystems, highlighting the role played by conservation tillage in supporting natural enemy communities. In simple landscapes, the adoption of conservation tillage will locally improve biological control provided by both predators and parasitoids mitigating the negative effects of landscape simplification. Moreover, considering the small scale at which both predation and parasitism responded to landscape composition, a successful strategy to improve biological control would be to establish a fine mosaic of crop and non‐crop areas such as hedgerows, tree lines and small semi‐natural habitat patches.
Increased sphingosine 1‐phosphate mediates inflammation and fibrosis in tubular injury in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Yaghobian Dania , Don Anthony S. , Yaghobian Sarina , Chen Xinming , Pollock Carol A. , Saad Sonia
Published: September 2015

Hyperglycemia induces all isoforms of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), which in turn play key roles in inflammation and fibrosis that characterize diabetic nephropathy. Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) is a signaling sphingolipid, derived from sphingosine by the action of sphingosine kinase (SK). S1P mediates many biological processes, which mimic TGFβ signaling. To determine the role of SK1 and S1P in inducing fibrosis and inflammation, and the interaction with TGFβ‐1, 2 and 3 signalling in diabetic nephropathy, human proximal tubular cells (HK2 cells) were exposed to normal (5 mmol/L) or high (30 mmol/L) glucose or TGFβ‐1, ‐2, ‐3 ± an SK inhibitor (SKI‐II) or SK1 siRNA. Control and diabetic wild type (WT) and SK1−/− mice were studied. Fibrotic and inflammatory markers, and relevant downstream signalling pathways were assessed. SK1 mRNA and protein expression was increased in HK2 cells exposed to high glucose or TGFβ1,‐2,‐3. All TGFβ isoforms induced fibronectin, collagen IV and macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), which were reversed by both SKI‐II and SK1 siRNA. Exposure to S1P increased phospho‐p44/42 expression, AP‐1 binding and NFkB phosphorylation. WT diabetic mice exhibited increased renal cortical S1P, fibronectin, collagen IV and MCP1 mRNA and protein expression compared to SK1−/− diabetic mice. In summary, this study demonstrates that inhibiting the formation of S1P reduces tubulointerstitial renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.
Bacterial biogeography influenced by shelf–basin exchange in the Arctic surface sediment at the Chukchi Borderland
Authors: Han Dukki , Nam Seung‐Il , Ha Ho Kyung , Kim Hyoungjun , Sadowsky Michael J. , Lee Yoo Kyung , Hur Hor‐Gil
Published: September 2015

It has been known that continental shelves around the Arctic Ocean play a major role in the ventilation of the deep basins as a consequence of shelf–basin exchange. In the present study, we found that bacterial assemblage of the surface sediment was different from that of seawater while seawater harboured local bacterial assemblages in response to the Arctic hydrography. This finding suggests that the Arctic seafloor sediments may have distinctive bacterial biogeography. Moreover, the distribution of bacterial assemblages and physicochemical properties in surface sediments changed gradually from the Arctic continental shelf to deep‐sea basin. Based on the results, bacterial biogeography in the Arctic seafloor sediments may be influenced by winnowing and re‐deposition of surface sediments through the sediment gravity flow. The present study offers a deeper understanding of shelf convection and its role for the construction of bacterial assemblages in the Arctic Ocean.
Strain‐specific antibodies reduce co‐feeding transmission of the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia afzelii
Authors: Jacquet Maxime , Durand Jonas , Rais Olivier , Voordouw Maarten J.
Published: September 2015

Vector‐borne pathogens use a diversity of strategies to evade the vertebrate immune system. Co‐feeding transmission is a potential immune evasion strategy because the vector‐borne pathogen minimizes the time spent in the vertebrate host. We tested whether the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia afzelii, can use co‐feeding transmission to escape the acquired immune response in the vertebrate host. We induced a strain‐specific, protective antibody response by immunizing mice with one of two variants of OspC (A3 and A10), the highly variable outer surface protein C of Borrelia pathogens. Immunized mice were challenged via tick bite with B. afzelii strains A3 or A10 and infested with larval ticks at days 2 and 34 post‐infection to measure co‐feeding and systemic transmission respectively. Antibodies against a particular OspC variant significantly reduced co‐feeding transmission of the targeted (homologous) strain but not the non‐targeted (heterologous) strain. Cross‐immunity between OspC antigens had no effect in co‐feeding ticks but reduced the spirochaete load twofold in ticks infected via systemic transmission. In summary, OspC‐specific antibodies reduced co‐feeding transmission of a homologous but not a heterologous strain of B. afzelii. Co‐feeding transmission allowed B. afzelii to evade the negative consequences of cross‐immunity on the tick spirochaete load.
A Pragmatist Defence of the Ban on Torture: From Moral Absolutes to Constitutive Rules of Reasoning
Authors: Thaler Mathias
Published: September 2015

This article seeks to contribute to the growing literature on pragmatism in political theory by revisiting the role of moral absolutes in politics. More specifically, it proposes the idea that pragmatism can support a particular defence of the ban on torture. In contradistinction with deontological accounts, it will be argued that the principles underlying the ban on torture should not be construed as transcendental values that impose external constraints on political action, but as constitutive rules that emerge from, and are sustained by, a web of intersecting social practices. While pragmatists vehemently reject the introduction of absolutes in politics, their anti-foundationalist conception of reasoning crucially hinges on the sustainability of adjustable banisters along which judgements are formed. The article suggests that the torture prohibition ought to be reinterpreted as one such banister.
Utilisation of chitosan flocculation of residual lipids and microfiltration for the production of low fat, clear WPC80
Authors: Jarto Iswandi , Lucey John A , Molitor Michael S , Smith Karen E
Published: September 2015

Annato coloured cheese whey was adjusted to pH 4.5 and treated with 0.01% (w/w) chitosan to selectively precipitate residual lipids, which were removed by gravity settling and microfiltration (MF). MF permeate was concentrated by ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) to produce whey protein concentrate with 80% protein (WPC80‐Chitosan). WPC80 samples were also produced by UF/DF only (Control), and by MF without chitosan treatment (MF). Both WPC80‐Chitosan and WPC80‐MF samples had lower fat, lower turbidity, higher foam overrun/stability and lower quantities of volatile compounds than WPC80‐Control before and after storage. WPC80‐Chitosan samples have an additional advantage of annatto removal (excellent clarity).
Impact of maternal intrapartum antibiotics, method of birth and breastfeeding on gut microbiota during the first year of life: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Azad MB , Konya T , Persaud RR , Guttman DS , Chari RS , Field CJ , Sears MR , Mandhane PJ , Turvey SE , Subbarao P , Becker AB , Scott JA , Kozyrskyj AL ,   the CHILD Study Investigators
Published: September 2015

Objective

Dysbiosis of the infant gut microbiota may have long‐term health consequences. This study aimed to determine the impact of maternal intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) on infant gut microbiota, and to explore whether breastfeeding modifies these effects.

Design

Prospective pregnancy cohort of Canadian infants born in 2010–2012: the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) Study.

Setting

General community.

Sample

Representative sub‐sample of 198 healthy term infants from the CHILD Study.

Methods

Maternal IAP exposures and birth method were documented from hospital records and breastfeeding was reported by mothers. Infant gut microbiota was characterised by Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing of faecal samples at 3 and 12 months.

Main outcome measures

Infant gut microbiota profiles.

Results

In this cohort, 21% of mothers received IAP for Group B Streptococcus prophylaxis or pre‐labour rupture of membranes; another 23% received IAP for elective or emergency caesarean section (CS). Infant gut microbiota community structures at 3 months differed significantly with all IAP exposures, and differences persisted to 12 months for infants delivered by emergency CS. Taxon‐specific composition also differed, with the genera Bacteroides and Parabacteroides under‐represented, and Enterococcus and Clostridium over‐represented at 3 months following maternal IAP. Microbiota differences were especially evident following IAP with emergency CS, with some changes (increased Clostridiales and decreased Bacteroidaceae) persisting to 12 months, particularly among non‐breastfed infants.

Conclusions

Intrapartum antibiotics in caesarean and vaginal delivery are associated with infant gut microbiota dysbiosis, and breastfeeding modifies some of these effects. Further research is warranted to explore the health consequences of these associations.

Tweetable abstract

Maternal #antibiotics during childbirth alter the infant gut #microbiome.
The effect of labour induction on the risk of caesarean delivery: using propensity scores to control confounding by indication
Authors: Danilack VA , Dore DD , Triche EW , Muri JH , Phipps MG , Savitz DA
Published: September 2015

Objective

To use propensity score methods to control for confounding by indication in the association between labour induction and caesarean delivery.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of administrative hospital discharge data supplemented by medical record information.

Setting

Fourteen US member hospitals of the National Perinatal Information Center.

Sample

A cohort of 166 559 singleton liveborn deliveries in the period 2007–2012.

Methods

We used propensity scores (PSs) to balance 83 covariates between induced and non‐induced women, and compared estimates with traditional covariate adjustment. We estimated PSs for labour induction versus expectant management of pregnancy each week from 34 to 42 weeks of gestation. We estimated risk ratios (RRs) for the association between labour induction and primary caesarean delivery from models with no adjustment, traditional adjustment of five covariates, matched PS, and adjustment for continuous PS.

Main outcome measure

Caesarean delivery in current or subsequent week of gestation.

Results

In crude models labour induction increased the risk of caesarean delivery in all weeks (RR 1.06–1.52), excepting 39 weeks of gestation (RR 0.89). After matching on PS, the analysis showed a significantly decreased risk of caesarean delivery with labour induction during weeks 35–39 (RR 0.77–0.92), and a significantly elevated risk at weeks 40 (RR 1.22) and 41 (RR 1.39). Traditional covariate and PS adjustment resulted in RRs between those from crude and PS‐matched models.

Conclusions

There is evidence of considerable confounding by indication in the association of labour induction and caesarean delivery, particularly for preterm deliveries. Using PS methods, we found a reduced risk of caesarean delivery with labour induction before 40 weeks of gestation, and an elevated risk for weeks 40–42.

Tweetable abstract

With confounding adjustment, labour induction does not increase the risk of caesarean at 34–39 weeks of gestation.
Risk factors associated with preterm birth after a prior term delivery
Authors: Wong LF , Wilkes J , Korgenski K , Varner MW , Manuck TA
Published: September 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the presence of newly acquired preterm birth (PTB) risk factors among primiparous women with no prior history of PTB.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Deliveries occurring within a large healthcare system from 2002 to 2012.

Population

Women with their first two consecutive pregnancies carried to ≥200/7 weeks’ gestation.

Methods

Those delivering the first pregnancy at term and the second preterm ≥200/7 and <370/7 weeks (term‐preterm cases) were compared with women with a term birth in their first two pregnancies (term‐term controls). Social factors with the potential to change between the first and second pregnancies and intrapartum labour characteristics in the first pregnancy were compared between cases and controls.

Main outcome measures

Risk factors for term‐preterm sequence.

Results

About 38 215 women met inclusion criteria; 1353 (3.8%) were term‐preterm cases. Cases and controls were similar with regard to race/ethnicity and maternal age at the time of the first and second deliveries. Cases delivered their second pregnancy approximately 3 weeks earlier (35.7 versus 39.1, P < 0.001). In multivariable models accounting for known PTB risk factors, women with a caesarean delivery in the first pregnancy [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57–3.08], new tobacco use (aOR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.61–3.38), and an interpregnancy interval <18 months (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.21–1.55) were at increased risk of term–preterm sequence.

Conclusion

Caesarean delivery in the first pregnancy, new tobacco use, and short interpregnancy interval <18 months are significant risk factors for term‐preterm sequence. Women should receive postpartum counselling regarding appropriate interpregnancy interval and cessation of tobacco use.

Tweetable abstract

Caesarean delivery in the 1st pregnancy is a significant risk factor for preterm birth following a term delivery.
Varenicline for Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: de Bejczy Andrea , Löf Elin , Walther Lisa , Guterstam Joar , Hammarberg Anders , Asanovska Gulber , Franck Johan , Isaksson Anders , Söderpalm Bo
Published: September 2015

Background

Alcohol dependence is a devastating illness affecting a large population, and new pharmacological treatments with good efficacy are greatly needed. One potential candidate is varenicline, a smoking cessation agent with partial agonist action at α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Methods

A total of 160 subjects, 30 to 70 years of age, fulfilling DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol dependence without any serious physical or mental disorders, were recruited through advertisement at 3 university clinics in Sweden during March 2009 to January 2011. After a 2‐week placebo run‐in period, subjects received 2 mg varenicline daily (titrated from 0.5 mg during first week) or placebo for 12 weeks in a double‐blind manner.

Results

The primary outcome was the proportion of heavy drinking days, measured by self‐reported alcohol consumption. Primary and secondary outcomes were calculated as a mean over the 10‐week steady‐state active treatment period. In the primary outcome analysis, no effect of varenicline over placebo was found (p = 0.73 for the intention to treat [ITT] and 0.92 for per protocol [PP]). Secondary outcome analysis found a significant reduction of specific alcohol marker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in the blood in the varenicline group compared to placebo (p = 0.02 ITT). Craving (p = 0.048 PP) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores (p = 0.015 ITT) were also reduced in the active treatment group. PEth more strongly correlated with self‐reported alcohol consumption than carbohydrate‐deficient ttransferrin and γ‐glutamyl transferase, and correlation coefficients were higher in the varenicline group than in the placebo group for all markers.

Conclusions

Although the results of the main outcome of this study did not support an effect of varenicline in alcohol‐dependent individuals, the secondary analyses of PEth, craving and AUDIT score support an effect of varenicline on alcohol consumption. The disclosure of a treatment effect and the lack of a clear placebo effect when using PEth as outcome variable, together with a nonsymmetric bias associated with self‐reported data, strongly argue for using the specific biomarker PEth in studies of treatments of alcohol dependence.
Immunocontraception for Animals: Current Status and Future Perspective
Authors: Naz Rajesh K. , Saver Ashley E.
Published: September 2015

An alternative to surgical sterilization for fertility control of animals (wild, zoo, farm, and domestic) is needed to prevent problems related to overpopulation, including culling and relocation. A PubMed and Google Scholar database search was conducted using the keywords ‘contraceptive vaccine animals,’ ‘immunocontraception animals,’ ‘non‐surgical sterilization animals,’ ‘PZP vaccine,’ and ‘GnRH vaccine.’ The searches from 1972 to 2015 yielded over 1500 publications. These articles were read, and 375 were selected for detailed analysis. Articles referenced in these publications were also thoroughly examined. PZP and GnRH contraceptive vaccines (CVs) have been extensively investigated for fertility control of wild, zoo, farm, and domestic animal populations. Both vaccines have shown tremendous success with PZP vaccines taking the lead. Novel technologies and targets are being developed to improve existing vaccines and generate second‐generation CVs. Single‐shot vaccines, which can be delivered remotely, will greatly advance the field of immunocontraception for animal use with potential human application.