bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Reliability of Chronically Implanted Thin-Film Electrodes in Human Arm Nerves for Neuroprosthetic Applications
Authors: Čvančara P. , Valle G. , Müller M. , Guiho T. , Hiairrassary A. , Petrini F. , Raspopovic S. , Strauss I. , Granata G. , Fernandez E. , Rossini P. M. , Barbaro M. , Yoshida K. , Jensen W. , Divoux J.-L. , Guiraud D. , Micera S. , Stieglitz T.
Published: May 2019

Direct stimulation of peripheral nerves can successfully provide sensory feedback to amputees while using hand prostheses. Recent clinical studies have addressed this important limitation of current prostheses solutions using different implantable electrode concepts. Longevity of the electrodes is key to success. We have improved the long-term stability of the polyimide-based transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) that showed promising performance in clinical trials by integration of silicon carbide adhesion layers. The TIMEs were implanted in the median and ulnar nerves of three trans-radial amputees for up to six months. Here, we present the characterization of the electrical properties of the thin-film metallization as well as material status post explantationem for the first time. The TIMEs showed reliable performance in terms of eliciting sensation and stayed within the electrochemical safe limits maintaining a good working range with respect to amplitude modulation. After termination of the trials and explantation of the probes, no signs of corrosion or morphological change to the thin-film metallization was observed by means of electrochemical and optical analysis. Damage to the metallization was assigned exclusively to mechanical impacts during explantation and handling. The results indicate that thin-film metallization on polymer substrates is applicable in permanent implant system.
Membrane integration and topology of RIFIN and STEVOR proteins of thePlasmodium falciparumparasite
Authors: Andersson Annika , Kudva Renuka , Magoulopoulou Anastasia , Lejarre Quentin , Lara Patricia , Xu Peibo , Goel Suchi , Pissi Jennifer , Ru Xing , Hessa Tara , Wahlgren Mats , von Heijne Gunnar , Nilsson IngMarie , Tellgren-Roth Åsa
Published: May 2019

The malarial parasitePlasmodium, infects red blood cells by remodeling them and transporting its own proteins to their cell surface. These proteins trigger adhesion of infected cells to uninfected cells (rosetting), and to the vascular endothelium, obstructing blood flow and contributing to pathogenesis. RIFINs (P. falciparum-encoded repetitive interspersed families of polypeptides) and STEVORs (subtelomeric variable open reading frame), are two classes of proteins that are involved in rosetting. Here we study the membrane insertion and topology of three RIFIN and two STEVOR proteins, employing a well-established assay that uses N-linked glycosylation of sites within the protein as a measure to assess the topology a protein adopts when inserted into the ER membrane. Our results indicate that all the proteins tested assume an overall topology of Ncyt-Ccyt, with predicted transmembrane helices TM1 and TM3 integrated into the ER membrane. We also show that the segments predicted as TM2 do not reside in the membrane. Our conclusions are consistent with other recent topology studies on RIFIN and STEVOR proteins.
Frequency and Distribution of Corneal Astigmatism and Keratometry Features: Methodology and Findings of the UK Biobank Study
Authors: Pontikos Nikolas , Chua Sharon , Foster Paul J , Tuft Stephen J , Day Alexander C ,   UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To describe corneal astigmatism in the UK Biobank population, to look for associations with other biometric variables and socio-demographic factors, and to report the proportion with abnormal keratometry and irregular astigmatism suggestive of pathological corneal ectasias such as keratoconus.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were obtained from UK Biobank (www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/). A subsample of 107,452 participants from UK communities had undergone an enhanced ophthalmic examination including autorefractor keratometry (Tomey RC 5000, Tomey Corp., Nagoya, Japan). After quality control and applying relevant exclusions, data on corneal astigmatism on 83,751 participants was available for analysis. Potential associations were tested through univariable regression and significant parameters carried forward for multivariable analysis.

Results

In a univariable analysis, the characteristics significantly protective against corneal astigmatism were gender (male), older age, darker skin colour and increased alcohol intake (all p<0.001). The parameters significantly associated with increased corneal astigmatism were older age at completion of full time education, use of UV protection and lower corrected visual acuity. After inclusion in the multivariable analysis, age, gender, age at completion of full time education, corrected visual acuity and skin colour remained significant (all p<0.001). Increased corneal astigmatism was also found to be significantly associated with amblyopia or strabismus. No individuals with abnormal keratometry or irregular astigmatism were reported.

Conclusions

This analysis of associations with astigmatism in a large cohort of volunteers confirms previous associations including adverse associations with younger age and female gender, and identified novel associations including darker skin colour and frequency of alcohol intake. The highest risk group for corneal astigmatism were younger females of lighter skin colour, having completed full time education later, with higher logMAR corrected visual acuity. We also confirmed that corneal astigmatism is a high risk factor for amblyopia and strabismus. Finally since no cases of keratoconus were identified, this would suggest that simple keratometry indices may not be sufficient for population screening of keratoconus.
RFQAmodel: Random Forest Quality Assessment to identify a predicted protein structure in the correct fold
Authors: West Clare E. , Oliveira Saulo H. P. de , Deane Charlotte M.
Published: May 2019

While template-free protein structure prediction protocols now produce good quality models for many targets, modelling failure remains common. For these methods to be useful it is important that users can both choose the best model from the hundreds to thousands of models that are commonly generated for a target, and determine whether this model is likely to be correct. We have developed Random Forest Quality Assessment (RFQAmodel), which assesses whether models produced by a protein structure prediction pipeline have the correct fold. RFQAmodel uses a combination of existing quality assessment scores with two predicted contact map alignment scores. These alignment scores are able to identify correct models for targets that are not otherwise captured. Our classifier was trained on a large set of protein domains that are structurally diverse and evenly balanced in terms of protein features known to have an effect on modelling success, and then tested on a second set of 244 protein domains with a similar spread of properties. When models for each target in this second set were ranked according to the RFQAmodel score, the highest-ranking model had a high-confidence RFQAmodel score for 67 modelling targets, of which 52 had the correct fold. At the other end of the scale RFQAmodel correctly predicted that for 59 targets the highest-ranked model was incorrect. In comparisons to other methods we found that RFQAmodel is better able to identify correct models for targets where only a few of the models are correct. We found that RFQAmodel achieved a similar performance on the model sets for CASP12 and CASP13 free-modelling targets. Finally, by iteratively generating models and running RFQAmodel until a model is produced that is predicted to be correct with high confidence, we demonstrate how such a protocol can be used to focus computational efforts on difficult modelling targets.
AVDM: Angular Velocity Decoding Model Accounting for Visually Guided Flight Behaviours of the Bee
Authors: Wang Huatian , Fu Qinbing , Wang Hongxin , Baxter Paul , Peng Jigen , Yue Shigang
Published: May 2019

We present a new angular velocity estimation model for explaining the honeybee’s flight behaviours of tunnel centring and terrain following, capable of reproducing observations of the large independence to the spatial frequency and contrast of the gratings in visually guide flights of honeybees. The model combines both temporal and texture information to decode the angular velocity well. The angular velocity estimation of the model is little affected by the spatial frequency and contrast in synthetic grating experiments. The model is also tested behaviourally in Unity with the tunnel centring and terrain following paradigms. Together with the proposed angular velocity based control algorithms, the virtual bee navigates well in a patterned tunnel and can keep a certain distance from undulating ground with gratings in a series of controlled trials. The results coincide with both neuron spike recordings and behavioural path recordings of honeybees, demonstrating that the model can explain how visual motion is detected in the bee brain.

Author summary

Both behavioural and electro-physiological experiments indicate that honeybees can estimate the angular velocity of image motion in their retinas to control their flights, while the neural mechanism behind has not been fully understood. In this paper, we present a new model based on previous experiments and models aiming to reproduce similar behaviours as real honeybees in tunnel centring and terrain following simulations. The model shows a large spatial frequency independence which outperforms the previous model, and our model generally reproduces the wanted behaviours in simulations.
Construction productivity revisited: towards measuring performance of construction output
Authors: Haugbølle Kim , Larsen Jacob Norvig , Nielsen Jørgen
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Construction is repeatedly criticised for its low productivity based on statistical data that do not represent the output of construction adequately. The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of construction output – being the numerator in construction productivity calculations – by focussing on changes in quantity of the products, product characteristics and composition of the aggregate rather than as changes in price.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design of this study applies statistical data from the national accounts along with data from four paradigmatic case studies of social housing projects covering a period of 50 years.

Findings

The results indicate that while construction output prices have increased threefold over the past 50 years, improvements in performance can only explain approximately 20 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

The developed four-step method has demonstrated its value as a means to measure changes in the characteristics of the product, but more studies on the actual figures and results over time and regions are required before solid conclusions can be drawn.

Social implications

This study has added new knowledge of construction output that supports the development of a more accurate construction statistics, which in turn can assist the design of more effective and evidence-based policies for improving construction productivity.

Originality/value

This paper describes and demonstrates a novel performance-based methodology for addressing changes in the characteristics of the products in a longitudinally perspective, which can potentially provide a better understanding of changes in productivity.
Effect of trapezoidal heater on natural convection heat transfer and fluid flow inside a cubical cavity
Authors: Gibanov Nikita , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate natural convective heat transfer in a cubical cavity with the heat source of a trapezoidal form having a constant temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The domain of interest is a cubical cavity with two isothermal opposite vertical walls, while other walls are adiabatic. A discrete heater of a trapezoidal shape is located at the bottom wall of the cavity. Governing equations formulated in dimensionless vector potential functions, vorticity vector and temperature with corresponding initial and boundary conditions have been solved numerically using a developed computational code based on the finite difference method.

Findings

The results show that the variation of geometric parameters, such as height, length and size of the local heater, significantly influences the evolution of a temperature field and fluid flow inside the enclosure. The effects of Rayleigh number and time on streamlines, isotherms and average Nusselt number have been studied.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is to explore three-dimensional (3D) natural convection in a cubical cavity with a local heat source of trapezoidal shape, to analyze the effects of heater geometric parameters and to compare obtained 3D data with two-dimensional results.
Using sharp wedge-shaped porous media in front and wake regions of external nanofluid flow over a bundle of cylinders
Authors: Siavashi Majid , Iranmehr Shirzad
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze a new idea for external flow over a cylinder to increase the heat transfer and reduce pressure drop. Using wedge-shaped porous media in the front and wake regions of the cylinder can improve its hydrodynamic, and the rotating flow in the wake region can enhance the heat transfer with increased porous–liquid contact. Permeability plays a vital role, as a high-permeable medium improves heat transfer, whereas a low-permeable region improves the hydrodynamic.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, in the current research, external forced convection of nanofluid laminar flow over a bundle of cylinders is simulated using a two-phase mixture model. Four cases with different porous blocks around the cylinder are assessed: rectangular porous; wedge shape in trailing edge (TEP); wedge shape in leading and trailing edges (LTEP); and no porous block case. Also, three different lengths of wedge-shaped regions are considered for TEP and LTEP cases.

Findings

Results are presented in terms of Nusselt (Nu), Euler (Eu) and the performance evaluation criterion (PEC) numbers for various Reynolds (Re) and Darcy (Da) numbers.

Originality/value

It was found that in most situations, LTEP case provides the highest Nu and PEC values. Also, optimal Re and porous medium length exist to maximize PEC, depending on the values of Da and nanofluid volume fraction.
A comparative analysis of financial affordability in Islamic home financing instrumentsin Malaysia
Authors: Md Zabri Mohd Zaidi , Haron Razali
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to compare and contrast the financial affordability of Islamic home financing instruments such as bay’ bithaman ajil and musharakah mutanaqisah (MM) offered by various home financing institutions in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical simulations were carried out in examining the financial affordability (or lack thereof) of various Islamic home financing by both Islamic commercial banks (ICB) and financial cooperatives (FC).

Findings

This study has shown that MM by FC is a workable, more financially affordable option to potential homeowners. Unlike ICB, MM by FC uses rental rates as a benchmarking tool because of its inherent nature of flexibility.

Research limitations/implications

MM by FC has the potential to reduce the cost of home acquisition (purchase affordability) and the amount of monthly installments (repayment affordability) of homeowners in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This study shows the financial implication of unaffordable Islamic home financing instruments may have on the Malaysian households, which were derived from using official data from various government agencies.
Stock price movements and trading behaviors around merger and acquisition announcements
Authors: Yang Jin Young , Segara Reuben , Feng Jingwei
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between price movements of target firms’ stocks and behaviors of local individual, local institutional and foreign investors in trading target firms’ stocks around mergers and acquisitions announcements in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses event study methodology and cross-sectional regressions for abnormal returns.

Findings

Results reveal that the average abnormal return becomes significantly positive three days prior to the announcement date and becomes insignificant after the announcement date. Results also show that local individual investors tend to sell more intensely prior to announcements for target firms with larger wealth effects. In contrast, foreign investors tend to buy target stocks with larger wealth effects more intensely prior to the announcement date, and then they sell them more intensely in the post-announcement period.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence that foreign investors are able to identify target stocks with large wealth effects prior to the announcement date and they realize short-term profits by selling them following the announcement.
Individualism, synchronized stock price movements, and stock market volatility
Authors: Zhan Feng
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of national culture on herding behavior across international financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The relation between national culture and investor behavior, and how it impacts overall market volatility is studied by examining synchronized stock price movements and stock market volatility in 47 countries around the world over the period of January 2003–May 2012.

Findings

The author finds that nations with lower values of individualistic culture are more likely to have a higher number of synchronized stock price movements. Further, the correlation between stock price movements apparently increases stock market volatility. Nations with high individualistic culture have a lower number of synchronized stock price movements and, thus, have lower levels of stock market volatility. The positive relationship between synchronized stock price movements and stock market volatility is stronger for emerging markets during the financial crisis from June 2007 to December 2008.

Originality/value

The empirical results in this paper indicate that a portion of the difference in market level volatility is attributed to the investor bias of different cultures. Investor behavior bias creates excess volatility that drives stock prices away from fundamentals. This impact is strong in nations with lower individualistic culture. The result from this research could also have a wide implication in the investment industry.
Thermal-hydraulic model for axial piston pump with leakage and friction and its application
Authors: Shi Guanglin , Wang Haiji
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to carry out a thermal-hydraulic simulation model for pump and hydraulic system to predict the temperature increasing and pump performance. Based on the model, how to alleviate the temperature is introduced. Besides, the optimization of piston is carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the heat generation in lubricating interfaces of the pump with energy conversion theory. The heat transfer inside the pump is analyzed with the control volume method. The simulation model is constructed in AMESim because of its operating friendly nature. The experiment is carried out to prove the validity and accuracy of the simulation model.

Findings

Temperature has less effect on the mechanical loss of pump. However, it has a great impact on volumetric efficiency. To reduce the temperature on the piston surface, the size of the piston should be optimized.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a novel thermal-hydraulic model to evaluate the temperature of the pump. Based on the model, the performance of the pump is determined and optimization is carried out.
Emerging practices for managing user misconduct in online news media comments sections
Authors: Juneström Amalia
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bridge a gap in knowledge on the professional information practices of a group of people whose daily work of managing user-generated content online exposes them to users whom they perceive as acting aggressively or otherwise offensively online.

Design/methodology/approach

Journalists’ narratives of practices for managing and responding to user comments perceived as offensive are analysed qualitatively. For this purpose, ten interviews with journalists from nine different news organisations in Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Canada were conducted.

Findings

The study finds that the environment in which the journalists work plays a vital role in the evolution of the practices. Practices, indissolubly tied to the contexts or sites in which people’s activities take place, are conditioned by moral values, traditions and collective experiences which journalists enact through the practice they engage in when they are dealing with user posts online. The site, conceived as an information landscape, is that of the newsroom. Practices for managing users online evolve through actors participating in a process of learning and their ability to adopt the cultural norms and values of their environment.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the mechanisms behind the evolution of practices for handling user-generated content online and it reports on the importance of properties such as norms, values and emotions for how things are done in the information landscape of news journalism.
Levels, trends and socio-economic correlates of caesarean section deliveries
Authors: Golandaj Javeed A. , Hallad Jyoti S.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Caesarean section (CS) is being used as a life-saving surgical tool when complications arise in the process of childbirth. CS rates have dramatically increased across the world, especially in recent decades. In this background, the purpose of this paper is to explore the CS rates and its determinants in Karnataka, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses multiple rounds of the District Level Household Survey (DLHS) data to show the trends, differentials and determinants in CS deliveries. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses have been carried out, and the χ2 test and logistic regression models were applied.

Findings

Result shows a sharp increase in CS rates across Karnataka; further, this is high and reaches an alarming level in southern parts of the state. Along with a huge rural–urban difference, significant biological and socio-economic differences were observed. Further, a very dramatic increase in the CS rate was observed in private health facilities, whereas it was stagnant or even decreased in public health facilities during recent years. Mothers age at birth, birth weight, birth order, multiple births, birth institution and place of residence were significantly associated with CS delivery. Unlike these biological factors, the social-economic factors like maternal education, caste, religion and below poverty line household were not found to be significant in determining CS deliveries.

Originality/value

A strong policy to address the dramatic increase in CS deliveries is the need of the hour. Further, there should be a proper mechanism at national, state and sub-state level to provide appropriate checks and monitoring for CS deliveries which are unnecessary.
The determinants of profitability inSharia-compliant corporations: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Alsharari Nizar Mohammad , Alhmoud Turki Raji
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of profitability of 28Sharia-compliant corporations in Jordan over the three-year period of 2013-2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The two-stage least square (2SLS) regression analysis with fixed effects was conducted using two measures of profitability, namely: return on assets and return on equity. The empirical data were collected from 28Sharia-compliant corporations in Jordan over the study period. A variety of internal and external factors was used to determine profitability.

Findings

In general, this analysis of the determinants of profitability forSharia-compliant corporations confirmed previous findings. Regression findings revealed that previous year profitability, debt ratio, organizational structure, the size of the audit firm and voluntary disclosure to be important determinants of profitability ofSharia-compliant corporations in Jordan from 2013 to 2015. The independent variables of firm size, ownership ratio greater than 5%, liquidity ratio, percentage of non-Jordanian ownership or the age of the firm were not found to significantly influence the profitability of the corporations studied.

Research limitations/implications

The authors determined that the independent variables selected, with few exceptions, behaved according to expectations. Moreover, the current literature on the influence of management on performance, and thus, profitability, does not consider the philosophy under which business is conducted (a limitation with respect to the type of business conducted). For example,Sharia-compliant and non-Sharia-compliant firms operate under different sets of principles and rules. This variance in business philosophies may have an important bearing on management style, an aspect that has been neglected in the organizational management literature. The panel data from a three-year period was insufficient to validate the consistency of the results; future researchers may increase the length of the study periods to confirm results and increase the robustness of the data collection method.

Practical implications

The findings from the study have implications that may be functional for businesses, investors and policymakers in their focus on theSharia-compliant business sector in Jordan. The factors influencing profitability may inform the setting of regulatory policy designed to stabilize and sustain the performance ofSharia-compliant corporations more broadly.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing body of literature on Islamic finance, and can be considered one of a very few that have examined the internal and external determinants of the profitability ofSharia-compliant corporations in a developing country such as Jordan, using panel data.
A mathematical model to adopt B2C ecommerce based on special customer requirement in social values with an emphasis on Islamic beliefs
Authors: Ramyani Saleh Saeidi , Mousavi Khaneghah Ehsan , Shadnosh Nosratollah , Reyhani ShowkatAbad Amirhosein
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a mathematical model for describing and clarifying the relationships among the indicators governing the social values of special customers in business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce systems. This mathematical model is also able to describe the degree of adaptability of e-commerce systems to the social values of specific clients, and commercial firms are able to use the parameters described in this paper to increase the versatility and has the power to trade with special customers in different areas.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, while analyzing the issue of trading from the point of view of the customer as an element of trading, the affecting factors the trading space have been extracted. These affecting factors are categorized in three major groups: culture, technology and customers. This classification is based on the e-commerce and developing the traditional commerce. Using the mapping functions, the effects of each element in these three spaces on the concept of social values have been analyzed. The result of this analysis is the mathematical model governing each parameter and its semantic relation with the concept of social value.

Findings

The presence of a mathematical model between the indicators influencing the model adaptability and social values space allows e-commerce system designers to be able to make decisions on the adaptability of the model with a quantitative approach. To examine the proposed mathematical models, important frameworks and patterns in the field of e-commerce have been analyzed with an Islamic approach, as one of the adaptations of B2C e-commerce model.

Research limitations/implications

Regarding the innovation of the work, the case has been made, and the concept of social value and the model governing the elements of social values in this paper, in a B2C e-commerce model, has been discussed in general; the problem is parametric solved.

Practical implications

One of the key concepts in commerce is the ability of the commerce model to adapt to the requirements of special customers. This is more important in costumer-based e-commerce models. In these types of systems, if the commerce cannot match the customer’s characteristics, it will not be accepted and used by customers. This is especially more important in the field of social values for customers.

Originality/value

In this paper, a mathematical model is presented to examine the adaptability of e-commerce systems to the social values of special customers. In examining this model, the relationship between each element affecting the social value of specific customers and the factors affecting trade has been studied.
A novel view on knowledge sharing in the agri-food sector
Authors: Fait Monica , Scorrano Paola , Mastroleo Giovanni , Cillo Valentina , Scuotto Veronica
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Nowadays, the agri-food sector is facing several challenges due to a rapid technological change which calls for knowledge sharing (KS) practices to enhance businesses’ performance. This has spurred a collaborative approach and the creation of networks. Since there still is a paucity of research on the quality degree of KS, the purpose of this study is to offer an empirical research on the quality degree of KS by exploring outcome expectations and social exchange dimensions. Theoretically, it is examined by a double lens of social capital and social cognitive theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study offers an empirical analysis of 313 directors of 11 “consortia” in the agri-food sector in Italy by using the fuzzy expert system. The model allows to aggregate multi criteria dimensions of KS and rates its quality.

Findings

As resulted, the quality degree of KS is influenced by outcome expectations – personal and community expectations – and three forms of dimensions of social exchange: structural, relational and cognitive. The paper ends with a discussion of research findings, its limitations and implications.

Originality/value

As there is still a paucity of research on the determinants of quality degree of KS, the research adopts a double lens of social capital and social cognitive theories to explore what are these determinants.
Do product category and consumers’ motivations profiles matter regarding counterfeiting?
Authors: Le Roux André , Thébault Marinette , Roy Yves
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of product category and consumers’ motivations profiles on the determinants of consumers’ preferences and purchase intentions of counterfeits and genuine products, through manipulation of product attributes and purchase situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on an experimental design involving a questionnaire on a convenience sample with two parts: a tradeoff model manipulating three attributes, product type (genuine vs. counterfeit), price (high vs. low) and place of purchase (regular shop, Internet and market) in two product categories, and a scale measuring motivations to purchase counterfeits. Ranking and purchase intentions are analyzed using conjoint analysis and generalized linear mixed model (GLMM).

Findings

Ranking reveals a dominant pattern of consumer behavior regarding counterfeiting: product type, price and place of purchase. Product category has a moderating effect on choice criteria: relative importance of place of purchase and price varies according product category. Consumers’ motivations profiles have also a moderating effect on consumer behavior. Some profiles are more receptive to copies. Consumers’ profiles exhibit different hierarchies of purchase criteria and may change them depending upon product category.

Originality/value

Results challenge literature on the dominant role of price among choice criteria. Price alone cannot determine a counterfeit purchase. It is the interaction of price, place of purchase or product type that explains such a behavior. Product category matters: Price and place of purchase importance cannot be considered without accounting for product category. Consumers’ motivations profile matters. Consumers are not homogeneous face to counterfeits.
Protecting brands from product failure using extended warranties
Authors: Karande Kiran , Gopinath Mahesh
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Product failures can lead to customer dissatisfaction, negative brand attitudes and a loss of brand equity. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether extended warranties offer a mechanism to mitigate the negative effects of product failure and the mediating role of positive and negative self-directed emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested using two 2 × 2 between-subjects experiments with product failure and warranty purchase as the two factors, attitude toward the brand as the dependent variable, positive and negative self-directed emotions as mediating variables and attitude toward warranties as a covariate.

Findings

It is found that the decline in attitude toward the brand due to product failure is greater among customers purchasing an extended warranty, than among those who do not. Moreover, positive and negative self-directed emotions mediate this relationship.

Originality/value

Manufacturers are for the most part not involved in distribution or administration of extended warranties, which are mainly sold through retailers and administered by companies that specialize in extended warranties. The study findings indicate that contrary to industry practice, consumer-durable manufacturers should consider more active management and promotion of extended warranties to protect their brand’s equity from the negative effects of product failure.
Blockchain and contract theory: modeling smart contracts using insurance markets
Authors: Sheth Alpen , Subramanian Hemang
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model blockchain-based smart contracts specifically for the insurance industry. The authors introduce the concept of smart contracts and further discuss the implementation of a decentralized insurance marketplace, namely Etherisc, using smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain platform.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ three methods in this paper. The first one is a design illustration of a live application, namely, Etherisc. The second one is an economic model using demand–supply and equilibrium economics. The third one is an illustration using principal–agent modeling using constrained optimization.

Findings

The findings illustrate the following: in the design discussion, the authors demonstrate the architecture of a live Ethereum-based smart contract system. In the economic model, the authors illustrate how decentralized smart contract systems can increase social welfare by shifting demand and supply by reducing transactional costs. In the principal–agent model, the authors show how both the principal and agent are positively benefited by various mechanisms.

Originality/value

The paper is an original contribution and can be used as a reference model to study insurance or other similar marketplaces and the underlying economic transformations happening therein.
The relationship between CSR activity and sales growth in the UK retailing sector
Authors: Nyame-Asiamah Frank , Ghulam Sughra
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sales revenue of two retail companies (Marks & Spencer and Tesco) in the UK to understand how CSR activities can influence retail sales growth. Prior studies have used different theoretical and methodological approaches to report the relationships between CSR and financial performance generally as positive, negative, mixed or neutral, and these are yet to be conclusive.

Design/methodology/approach

Clarifying the existing inconclusive results, the authors deduced donations, community work and environmental responsibility CSR activities from the literature and mapped them out onto sales revenue to formulate conceptual propositions. The authors extracted the corresponding data from the companies’ websites and financial reports, focusing on their 2006-2014 CSR and sales activities, and statistically analysed the longitudinal data with Pearson correlation coefficient.

Findings

The findings revealed positive correlations between donations and sales revenue for the two companies, which suggest that retailers’ philanthropic activities can boost sales levels overtime. Whereas the findings on the community work and the environmental-friendly activities relate either positively or negatively to sales revenue for the companies.

Practical implications

There is an indication for retail managers to pursue philanthropic activities to effect sales growth. Retailers exhibiting features of Marks & Spencer can commit to community investment to increase revenue over time, whereas those showing features of Tesco can pledge environmental-friendly strategies to influence a stronger correlation between carbon emissions and sales revenue levels.

Originality/value

The outcomes support the extant findings that donations can improve retail sales performance, while community work and the environmental-friendly activities do not necessarily improve sales growth in the retail sector but suggest that retailers can exploit more of the ones that benefit their sales revenue levels. Theoretically, the study supports the stakeholder theory’s influence on firms’ obligation to charitable cause, community investment and environmental-friendly responsibility as CSR activities that make retailers morally responsible to their customers and society in general, whereas the sustainable development model was instrumental in retailers’ CSR activities relating to environmental protection.
Preventing compulsive shopping among young South-Africans and Germans
Authors: Duh Helen , Thorsten Teichert
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Young consumers globally are susceptible to becoming compulsive shoppers. Having negative consequences and considering that compulsive shopping may originate from past family life experiences, this study aims to use human capital life-course and positive-activity theories to suggest a socio-psychological pathway for prevention. It also examined the mediating influence of happiness and money attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

University students in South Africa (N= 171) and in Germany (N= 202) were surveyed. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test relationships and multi-group analysis (MGA) assessed cross-cultural differences.

Findings

Emotional family resources received during childhood positively impacted happiness at young adulthood, which was found to be a positive driver of budget money attitude. Budget money attitude in turn limited compulsive shopping for German young consumers but not for South Africans. Cross-cultural differences are also observed in mediating effects of happiness and budget money attitude.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on self-reported data from university students; this might limit the generalisability of findings.

Social implications

A positive relationship between happiness and desirable money attitude was confirmed. This study additionally contributes by showing that for South African and German young consumers, adequate childhood emotional family resources is a happiness’ driver. This thus exposes the multiplier effects of simple acts of showing love and attention to children and how these family emotional resources can progressively limit dysfunctional consumer behaviour in the future.

Originality/value

Unlike complex psychotherapeutical and psychopharmacological treatments of compulsive buying that are being suggested, this study borrows from family, consumer and economic–psychological disciplines to suggest simple preventive measures.
The effect of land use regulations on farmland protection and non‐agricultural land conversions in China
Authors: Li Man
Published: May 2019

This paper examines the effect of the Prime Farmland Protection Regulation in protecting high quality farmland from urban development and the subsequent effect on non‐farmland conversion in China in the first decade after the Regulation came into effect (1995‐2005). The empirical evaluation is conducted with geo‐referenced panel data for the entire country. Results indicate that the rate of farmland conversion was reduced during 1995‐2000. About two‐fifths of the reduction results from the protection of farmland with high grain productivity. There is no evidence of the effectiveness of the Regulation in protecting farmland during the period 2000–2005, regardless of land quantity or quality. Farmland development was accompanied by a reduction in forests and grasslands during the period from 1995 through to 2005.
Living in the suburbs: Space use by vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in an eco‐estate, South Africa
Authors: Patterson Lindsay , Kalle Riddhika , Downs Colleen T.
Published: May 2019

We examined vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) space use using GPS/UHF telemetry data from 10 vervet monkeys across six troops over 9 months within a 420 ha suburban eco‐estate. We documented a mean home range of 0.99 km2 (95% MCP) and 1.07 km2 (95% KDE) for females (n = 6), 1 km2 (95% MCP) and 1.50 km2 (95% KDE) for males (n = 4) and 0.87 km2 (95% MCP) and 1.12 km2 (95% KDE) for troops (n = 6), respectively, indicating that males and larger troops had larger home ranges. These relatively small home ranges included shared territorial boundaries and high home range overlap. Vervet monkey movements indicated higher morning activity levels, and habitat selection indicated significantly more use of golf course, urban residential and forest, thicket and woodland areas, and avoidance of wetland, grassland and shrub, and urban built‐up areas. Our results suggest that modified habitat use by vervet monkeys is a consequence of behavioural facilitation to access highly available food resources, thereby facilitating their persistence in green spaces in urban areas of South Africa. Conflict management is dependent on the conservation of sufficient natural habitats and food resources, to minimise their dependence on anthropogenic supplementary food resources and consequently reduce human–monkey conflict.
Are obstetric and gynaecological trainees in Australia and New Zealand adequately trained in the management of the infertile couple?
Authors: Robertson Phillipa , Pontré Jennifer , Tucker Paige , Hart Roger
Published: May 2019

Background

Increasingly, couples are seeking assistance to conceive. It is not clear whether obstetric and gynaecological trainees in Australia and New Zealand receive adequate training and exposure to infertility training.

Aims

To determine the perspectives of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RANZCOG) trainees regarding their experience of infertility management during training, in order to better inform discussions of training in this area.

Materials and Methods

RANZCOG trainees were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey containing 17 questions. Data collected included demographic details, training year, cumulative infertility experience as a trainee, and perspectives regarding infertility experience during training.

Results

Of the 191 RANZCOG trainees who participated in the study (25.7% response rate), the majority reported they had never had the opportunity to attend an infertility clinic as part of their training (53.2%). Lack of experience in infertility medicine was associated with a high dissatisfaction rate (89.8%).

Conclusions

Trainees in Australia and New Zealand have limited access to infertility medicine during training with associated high dissatisfaction rates. Access to training in a private healthcare setting or the expansion of public in vitro fertilisation may improve trainees' experiences.
Ballot Reform as Suffrage Restriction: Evidence from Brazil's Second Republic
Authors: Gingerich Daniel W.
Published: May 2019

Few innovations in democratic institutional design are considered as fundamental as the introduction of voting through the use of a uniform, official, and secret ballot. One account claims that the official ballot liberates dependent voters from the dictates of local elites, thereby enhancing democratic competition. Another argues that in contexts of widespread illiteracy, its adoption may be tantamount to a suffrage restriction. This article adjudicates between these views by drawing upon an original data set of municipal‐level voting returns from Brazil's Second Republic (1945–1964). The unique staggered rollout of the official ballot during this period permits one to assess its impact with unprecedented accuracy. The article finds that the primary consequence of ballot reform was suffrage restriction. Rather than liberating poor and dependent voters, the official ballot made it exceedingly difficult for these individuals to vote. Moreover, parliamentary debates indicate that this was an anticipated and intended effect of the reform.
Labor induction with misoprostol vaginal insert compared with dinoprostone vaginal insert
Authors: Maggi Claudia , Mazzoni Giorgia , Gerosa Vera , Fratelli Nicola , Prefumo Federico , Sartori Enrico , Lojacono Andrea
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Misoprostol vaginal insert could lead to a significant reduction in the time to vaginal delivery, and an increase in the proportion of women achieving vaginal delivery, compared with dinoprostone vaginal insert. We compared the delivery outcomes of misoprostol 200 μg vaginal insert and dinoprostone 10 mg vaginal insert for induction of labor in women with an unfavorable cervix.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective observational study conducted on a cohort of 220 women with a Bishop score ≤4 admitted for induction of labor at a single institution. Of these, 109 (49.5%) received the misoprostol vaginal insert and 111 (50.5%) received the dinoprostone vaginal insert. The primary outcome was the vaginal delivery rate. Secondary outcomes were time from induction to vaginal delivery, time to any delivery mode, time from induction to the onset of active labor, oxytocin use, uterine tachysystole and need for tocolysis.

Results

The vaginal delivery rate was 88% in the misoprostol insert group, compared with 74% in the dinoprostone insert group (P < 0.007). The average time from drug administration to the beginning of labor was shorter in the misoprostol compared with the dinoprostone group (855 min vs 1740 min, P < 0.0001). Also, the average time from administration to delivery was shorter for women receiving misoprostol compared with dinoprostone (1113 min vs 2150 min, P < 0.0001). The use of misoprostol reduced the need for oxytocin compared with dinoprostone (30.2% vs 43.2%, P = 0.046). Finally, compared with dinoprostone, the misoprostol insert was associated with more uterine tachysystole (38% vs 12%, P < 0.001), but the rate of tachysystole requiring tocolysis was not significantly different between the 2 groups (51.2% vs 46.1%, P = 0.1). Multivariate analysis showed that Bishop score and method of induction, but not maternal body mass index or gestational age at induction, were independently associated with mode of delivery.

Conclusions

The cesarean section rate was significantly lower in the misoprostol insert group. The use of misoprostol was also associated with reduced time to vaginal delivery and time to onset of active labor and with decreased use of oxytocin. Tachysystole was a frequent complication during induction of labor with the misoprostol insert.