bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The investment attractiveness of a regional market of educational services as the basis of its global competitiveness in industry 4.0
Authors: Savelyeva Nadezhda K. , Kuklin Andrey V. , Lapteva Irina P. , Malysheva Natalia V.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to substantiate the basic role and to develop recommendations for increasing the attractiveness of a regional market of educational services in modern Russia for provision of its global competitiveness in the conditions of industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the method of regression analysis for evaluating the influence of the indicators of investment attractiveness of a regional market of educational services – volume of investments into fixed capital in the sphere of education and state expenditures for financing of education – on the indicator of global competitiveness of this market in the conditions of industry 4.0 – number of foreign students – by the example of regions of the Volga Federal District of the Russian Federation. The empirical basis of the research is statistical materials of the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation for late 2018 and early 2019.

Findings

It is proved that investment attractiveness of a regional market of educational services is the basis of its global competitiveness in the conditions of industry 4.0. A barrier on the path of full-scale digital modernization of the system of higher education in modern Russia is the absence of private venture investments, which shows low investment attractiveness of a regional market of educational services.

Originality/value

It is substantiated that the causes of emergence of the determined barriers have the institutional nature and could be eliminated with the help of the complex of the recommended measures that are connected to usage of the mechanism of public–private partnership for financing of digital modernization education, flexible regulation of investment activities of digital universities, which is selected for each specific project, and coordination of the investment activities of universities at the regional level and creation of a specialized digital portal. Practical implementation of the offered measures will allow achieving significant growth of global competitiveness of a regional market of educational services of modern Russia in the conditions of industry 4.0.
Asset allocation decision-making practices of institutional real estate funds in a developing economy
Authors: Ekemode Benjamin Gbolahan , Olaleye Abel
Published: October 2019

Purpose

In a bid to broaden the understanding of the real estate investment decision-making framework, the purpose of this paper is to examine the real estate asset allocation decision-making practices of real estate funds in Nigeria, a developing economy. This is with a view to providing information toward enhancing real estate investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach comprising a combination of literature review, expert interviews and semi-structured questionnaire survey is adopted for this study. Through literature review and expert interviews, the asset allocation decision-making process of institutional real estate funds was identified. Based on the literature review and expert discussions, a semi-structured questionnaire was developed and self-administered on fund/portfolio managers of 59 institutional real estate funds in Nigeria to investigate their asset allocation decision-making practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for the closed-ended questions while the open-ended questions were content analyzed.

Findings

The findings revealed that the asset allocation decision-making process utilized by public and private real estate funds follows an opportunistic asset accumulation approach. The decision-making process also varies depending on the nature of the fund. Further findings showed that government policies, political uncertainties and regulatory mechanism motivate asset allocation decisions. Moreover, majority of the sampled real estate funds employed a combination of in-house personnel and external consultants (hybrid), while mean/standard deviation and cash flow analysis (DCF, NPV) were mostly utilized by the funds in making property investment decisions.

Practical implications

The findings implied that the real estate asset allocation decision-making process of institutional property investors in Nigeria deviates from the normative model of the asset allocation process prescribed in the literature and varies depending on the nature of the real estate funds. As such, familiarization of institutional investors with government policies, political climate and other regulatory mechanism (barriers to entry) guiding the ownership and operation of real estate assets in the country could improve their real estate investment decisions.

Originality/value

The study complements and extends existing literature on real estate asset allocation decision-making process of institutional investors from the viewpoint of the actors involved in a developing African economy.
Women composers’ use of online communities of practice to build and support their careers
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , Macarthur Sally , Bennett Dawn , Hope Cat , Goh Talisha
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine women composers’ use of online communities of practice (CoP) to negotiate the traditionally masculine space of music composition while operating outside its hierarchical structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a mixed methods approach consisting of an online survey (n=225) followed by 27 semi-structured in-depth interviews with female composers to explore the concept and use of CoP. Content analysis was used to analyze the survey responses and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret respondents’ lived experiences as relayed in the interviews.

Findings

The findings reveal that the online environment can be a supportive and safe space for female composers to connect with others and find support, feedback and mentorship, increase their visibility and develop career agency through learning and knowledge acquisition. CoP emerged as an alternative approach to career development for practicing female music workers and as a tool which could circumvent some of the enduring gendered challenges.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that online CoP can have a positive impact on the career development and sustainability of women in male-dominated sectors such as composition.
Estimating Poisson pseudo-maximum-likelihood rather than log-linear model of a log-transformed dependent variable
Authors: Motta Victor
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to account for a recent non-mainstream econometric approach using microdata and how it can inform research in business administration. More specifically, the paper draws from the applied microeconometric literature stances in favor of fitting Poisson regression with robust standard errors rather than the OLS linear regression of a log-transformed dependent variable. In addition, the authors point to the appropriate Stata coding and take into account the possibility of failing to check for the existence of the estimates – convergency issues – as well as being sensitive to numerical problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The author details the main issues with the log-linear model, drawing from the applied econometric literature in favor of estimating multiplicative models for non-count data. Then, he provides the Stata commands and illustrates the differences in the coefficient and standard errors between both OLS and Poisson models using the health expenditure dataset from the RAND Health Insurance Experiment (RHIE).

Findings

The results indicate that the use of Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood estimators yield better results that the log-linear model, as well as other alternative models, such as Tobit and two-part models.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in demonstrating an alternative microeconometric technique to deal with positive skewness of dependent variables.
The influence of corporate global mindset on international franchising
Authors: Galhanone Renata Fernandes , Rocha Thelma Valeria , Spers Eduardo Eugênio , Rodrigues Fabiano
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of a corporate global mindset and international experience on the internationalization process of Brazilian franchisors. The purpose is to study the role played by global mindset in the internationalization process of franchisors from an emerging country by answering the question: What is the impact of a global mindset on the level of internationalization?

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 104 companies was conducted with franchise managers to compare Brazilian (domestic-only and internationalized) franchisors to foreign franchisors with operations in Brazil. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, ANOVA and regression analysis.

Findings

Results showed that the firm’s experience in international markets (measured as the number of years in foreign countries) has a positive relation to corporate global mindset. Developing a corporate global mindset should help Brazilian franchises to grow internationally. The findings indicate that Brazilian franchisors fall behind their foreign counterparts in international experience, which affect the skills, knowledge, disposition and organizational structure needed to be successful outside their home market.

Practical implications

Franchisors who decide to internationalize should carefully consider the need for developing a global mindset, especially in terms of investing in communication technologies, adequate human resources and an organizational structure to support international operations.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the international franchising literature by exploring the role of a global mindset in the context of franchises from an emerging market. Using a multidimensional concept of corporate global mindset, comprised of global orientation, global knowledge and global skills, this study adds an aspect of international franchising beyond institutional and economic explanations.
A numerical prediction of residual stress for a thin-walled part with geometrical features fabricated by GMA-based additive manufacturing
Authors: Li Rong , Xiong Jun
Published: October 2019

Purpose

An accurate prediction of process-induced residual stress is necessary to prevent large distortion and cracks in gas metal arc (GMA)-based additive manufactured parts, especially thin-walled parts. The purpose of this study is to present an investigation into predicting the residual stress distributions of a thin-walled component with geometrical features.

Design/methodology/approach

A coupled thermo-mechanical finite element model considering a general Goldak double ellipsoidal heat source is built for a thin-walled component with geometrical features. To confirm the accuracy of the model, corresponding experiments are performed using a positional deposition method in which the torch is tilted from the normal direction of the substrate. During the experiment, the thermal cycle curves of locations on the substrate are obtained by thermocouples. The residual stresses on the substrate and part are measured using X-ray diffraction. The validated model is used to investigate the thermal stress evolution and residual stress distributions of the substrate and part.

Findings

Decent agreements are achieved after comparing the experimental and simulated results. It is shown that the geometrical feature of the part gives rise to an asymmetrical transversal residual stress distribution on the substrate surface, while it has a minimal influence on the longitudinal residual stress distribution. The residual stress distributions of the part are spatially uneven. The longitudinal tensile residual stress is the prominent residual stress in the central area of the component. Large wall-growth tensile residual stresses, which may cause delamination, appear at both ends of the component and the substrate–component interfaces.

Originality/value

The predicted residual stress distributions of the thin-walled part with geometrical features are helpful to understand the influence of geometry on the thermo-mechanical behavior in GMA-based additive manufacturing.
Cranial reconstruction using prefabricated direct 3DP porous polyethylene
Authors: Rukskul Pataravit , Suvannapruk Waraporn , Suwanprateeb Jintamai
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the intra- and post-operative performance and safety of direct three dimensional printing (3DP) porous polyethylene implants in cranial reconstruction.

Design/methodology/approach

Prefabricated porous polyethylene implants were prepared by direct 3DP, and cranioplasty implantation was performed. Postoperative aesthetics, patient satisfaction, firmness of the implant, reactions to the implant and 3D computed tomography (CT) scanning were assessed after 2, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively.

Findings

No complications after surgery were encountered. Excellent aesthetic results were obtained in all cases, and all the patients were satisfied with the reconstruction outcome. Bone density structure was found to ingrowth into these direct 3DP porous polyethylene implants and the content increased with increasing follow-up times.

Research limitations/implications

This study was a pilot study conducted in a single group and evaluated in a short-term period. The bone formation and ingrowth were indirectly assessed by 3D CT evaluation.

Originality/value

This work reported the use and evaluation of direct 3DP porous polyethylene in middle- to large-sized cranial reconstructions. It evidently showed the bonding of implants to surrounding tissues which would result in the long-term stability and infection resistance of the implant.
Strategy for crowdsourcing competitions- aligning seeker, solver and supporter efforts
Authors: Kiran B.S.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The paper presents the pros and cons of crowdsourcing competitions and highlights the importance of strategy and collaborative efforts. The study identifies the key stakeholders of crowdsourcing and its critical elements (7Ps) that need to be mapped and managed efficiently for obtaining innovative solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws its insights from the explorative research conducted over a two-year period (2016-18). Qualitative interviews held with competition organizers, participants and innovation intermediaries (Innocentive, Nine Sigma, Skild) provided the primary data. Secondary data came from literature survey and the study of archival documents and competition websites. The study was conducted as a part of doctoral research.

Findings

Crowdsourcing competitions can help organizations to discover innovative solutions by tapping the power of collective intelligence. However, they need to envision and execute these collaborative initiatives strategically and synergistically. Proper design, managerial buy-in and orchestrated efforts by the triumvirate ‘Seekers, solvers and supporters’ are critical to derive the desired outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are the resultant outcomes of an exploratory research. Further investigation can help companies to identify the relative importance of the critical elements identified in the study. Future research on the best practices can amplify the prospects of finding innovative solutions through crowdsourcing competitions.

Practical implications

Crowdsourcing competitions cannot be used impulsively and indiscriminately. Managers have to carefully align the motive and incentive of different actors. Attention to design and the critical factors identified in the study can enhance the prospects of getting qualitative and innovative submissions from the crowd.

Social implications

Crowdsourcing competitions have great potential to find innovative solutions for many stubborn global problems. When designed and driven rightly, it can expand the solution mix and accelerate the discovery process.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the need to converge the efforts for diverse stakeholder in crowdsourcing competitions. There are actionable insights for managers in form of 7 Ps- Purpose, Problem, Prize, Platform, Promotion and Partners. When aligned effectively, it can yield innovation dividends to all. By focusing on these vital factors, companies can fine-tune their crowdsourcing strategy and make the initiative more engaging and create value for all the actors.
Honey, find me the moon: exploring engagement on dating and matrimony platforms
Authors: Shah Ami Mitinkumar
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how young consumers engage in the multi-category context. To that end, engagement on the focal product (dating platforms) and the other product (matrimony platforms) were studied. The objective is to find an answer to the following research question: Why do consumers tend to engage more with the focal product, yet are likely to purchase its complement or substitute?

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured depth interviews and Straussian grounded theory method were used to collect, analyze and interpret the data.

Findings

Self-determination theory provides an answer to the research question. This study suggests: young consumers experience different levels of need fulfilment when they evaluate the focal product in the single-category and in the multi-category contexts; young consumers’ motivational orientation (controlled motivation, autonomous motivation and intrinsic motivation) results into high-level behavior and engagement (pleasure-seeking, platform abandonment, goal-oriented pleasure-seeking, goal-oriented problem-solving, anxious and outsourcing) with the focal product and the other product.

Originality/value

Value of the paper lies in developing a grounded theory framework for engagement in the multi-category context. This study can help practitioners in making important business decisions, especially in the dating and matrimony e-business categories.
EWOM firestorm: young consumers and online community
Authors: Suwandee Sasithorn , Surachartkumtonkun Jiraporn , Lertwannawit Aurathai
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of homophily in an online community and the effect of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) consensus on young consumers’ attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study implemented an experimental research design using a two (low/high homophily) × two (low/high eWOM consensus) mixed factorial design. This study explores young consumers’ changes in brand attitude after encountering negative eWOM.

Findings

The results indicate that a high consensus of negative eWOM among online community members leads to significant changes in attitude, while a low consensus of negative eWOM does not produce such an effect. Negative eWOM from either high or low homophilous sources produces significant changes in attitude. There are significant attitude changes when a strong consensus of negative eWOM is received from a source with a high level of homophily.

Research limitations/implications

Service failures in offline service settings lead to the dissemination of negative eWOM on social media. To handle and prevent social media crises, researchers should understand online crises antecedents relating to information characteristics i.e. eWOM consensus and characteristics of online community members to evaluate the crises impact. Brands should monitor tone and dialogue of online community member on social media to remedy and diminish any damage done to their brand image from negative eWOM.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the application of social network theory by understanding the role of nodes on negative eWOM effect in social media.
Environmental segmentation: young millennials’ profile in an emerging economy
Authors: Coşkun Ayşen , Yetkin Özbük Raife Meltem
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to segment young millennials in an emerging economy based on their environmental attitudes and purchase intentions. The study also attempts to describe the segments and highlight their differences in terms of happiness, frugality, environmental locus of control, and environmental knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 227 Turkish undergraduate students. A two-step cluster analysis was performed on environmental attitudes and purchase intentions scores. The differences among the clusters were then examined according to happiness, frugality, environmental locus of control, and environmental knowledge variables.

Findings

A two-step cluster analysis identified three clusters, namely, “non-greens”, “reluctant greens” and “true greens”, all of whom differed in terms of environmental attitudes and purchase intentions. Non-greens (n = 16) and true greens (n = 121) yielded the lowest and the highest scores for environmental attitudes and purchase intentions, respectively. Three clusters also differed significantly in terms of frugality. Environmental knowledge levels of non-greens differed from those of reluctant greens and true greens. There is no significant difference regarding happiness and environmental locus of control among clusters.

Practical implications

Local and international companies interested in marketing green products to young millennials in emerging economies may enhance their understanding of non-green and green young millennials in the target markets and differentiate their marketing strategies for each segment.

Originality/value

Given the need for a better understanding of young millennials’ environmental behavior in an emerging economy, the current study contributes to the literature by segmenting young Turkish millennials based on their environmental attitudes and purchase intentions, further describing the consumer segments with different variables such as happiness, frugality, environmental locus of control and environmental knowledge.
Biofilm formation behaviour of marine filamentous cyanobacterial strains in controlled hydrodynamic conditions
Authors: Romeu Maria J. , Alves Patrícia , Morais João , Miranda João M. , de Jong Ed.D. , Sjollema Jelmer , Ramos Vítor , Vasconcelos Vitor , Mergulhão Filipe J. M.
Published: October 2019

Marine biofouling has severe economic impacts and cyanobacteria play a significant role as early surface colonizers. Despite this fact, cyanobacterial biofilm formation studies in controlled hydrodynamic conditions are scarce. In this work, computational fluid dynamics was used to determine the shear rate field on coupons that were placed inside the wells of agitated 12‐well microtiter plates. Biofilm formation by three different cyanobacterial strains was assessed at two different shear rates (4 and 40 s−1) which can be found in natural ecosystems and using different surfaces (glass and perspex). Biofilm formation was higher under low shear conditions, and differences obtained between surfaces were not always statistically significant. The hydrodynamic effect was more noticeable during the biofilm maturation phase rather than during initial cell adhesion and optical coherence tomography showed that different shear rates can affect biofilm architecture. This study is particularly relevant given the cosmopolitan distribution of these cyanobacterial strains and the biofouling potential of these organisms.
Crisis and communitas: Victor Turner and social process
Authors: Kapferer Bruce
Published: October 2019

Victor Turner anticipated many of the new directions that distinguish contemporary sociocultural anthropology. In The Ritual Process, Turner set out the significant parameters of his approach in which ethnography plays a central role. He advocated an anthropology that is open, non‐dualist, and that is concerned with the human condition in the diversity of its practices. In his introductory guest editorial to part two of the special issue on Ritual process, Bruce Kapferer focuses in particular on the structure/anti‐structure dynamic in Turner’s approach to ritual process.
Early Mortality Rates After Commencement of Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hazara Adil M , Bhandari Sunil
Published: October 2019

Mortality rates are reported to be high soon after the commencement of maintenance HD for ESRD. Our aim was to estimate early mortality rates (deaths within 180 days of starting therapy), through a systematic review of literature, in this patient population. Medline and EMBASE were searched for publications between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 2017. Observational studies reporting deaths involving adults commencing HD were included. The Quality in Prognosis Studies tool was used to assess risk of bias in studies. Crude mortality rates (expressed in 100 person‐years) and age‐standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated. Meta‐analyses of these rates were conducted for studies with lowest risk of bias (i.e. highest quality). In total, 32 studies were included (combined population: 1 083 264) representing 283 277 person‐years of observation; median follow‐up: 90 days. Mortality rates ranged between 12.8 and 55.6 per 100 person‐years. Cardiovascular causes accounted for the majority of early deaths. Meta‐analysis of high‐quality studies showed an overall crude mortality rate of 32.6 per 100 person‐years (95% CI 32.4–32.8). This equates to 16.3% mortality in first 180 days of starting HD. Six high‐quality studies contained sufficient data for calculation of SMR. Meta‐analysis of SMRs showed that patients starting HD therapy sustain 8.8 times higher mortality rates compared to the general population. We have combined the results of high‐quality studies to produce new estimates of early mortality rates after commencement of HD therapy. This information can help relay more reliable prognostic information to this patient population.
Modeling of Free Chlorine Consumption and Escherichia coli O157:H7 Cross‐Contamination During Fresh‐Cut Produce Wash Cycles
Authors: Abnavi Mohammadreza Dehghan , Alradaan Ali , Munther Daniel , Kothapalli Chandrasekhar R. , Srinivasan Parthasarathy
Published: October 2019

Controlling the free chlorine (FC) availability in wash water during sanitization of fresh produce enhances our ability to reduce microbial levels and prevent cross‐contamination. However, maintaining an ideal concentration of FC that could prevent the risk of contamination within the wash system is still a technical challenge in the industry, indicating the need to better understand wash water chemistry dynamics. Using bench‐scale experiments and modeling approaches, we developed a comprehensive mathematical model to predict the FC concentration during fresh‐cut produce wash processes for different lettuce types (romaine, iceberg, green leaf, and red leaf), carrots, and green cabbage as well as Escherichia coli O157:H7 cross‐contamination during fresh‐cut iceberg lettuce washing. Fresh‐cut produce exudates, as measured by chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels, appear to be the primary source of consumption of FC in wash water, with an apparent reaction rate ranging from L/mg·min for all produce types tested, at stable pH levels (6.5 to 7.0) in the wash water. COD levels increased over time as more produce was washed and the lettuce type impacted the rate of increase in organic load. The model parameters from our experimental data were compared to those obtained from a pilot‐plant scale study for lettuce, and similar reaction rate constant (5.38 × 10-4 L/mg·min) was noted, supporting our hypothesis that rise in COD is the main cause of consumption of FC levels in the wash water. We also identified that the bacterial transfer mechanism described by our model is robust relative to experimental scale and pathogen levels in the wash water. Finally, we proposed functions that quantify an upper bound on pathogen levels in the water and on cross‐contaminated lettuce, indicating the maximum potential of water‐mediated cross‐contamination. Our model results could help indicate the limits of FC control to prevent cross‐contamination during lettuce washing.
Total genotype score and athletic status: An exploratory cross‐sectional study of a Brazilian athlete cohort
Authors: Guilherme João Paulo Limongi França , Lancha Antonio Herbert
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the present study was to explore the ability of the total genotype score (TGS) for evaluation of the polygenic profile of elite athletes. Data from a Brazilian athlete cohort were used in this study, which included 368 athletes and 818 nonathletes. The TGS targeted to power athletes was computed using from two to 10 associated polymorphisms. In all models, the power group showed a higher TGS mean compared to the nonathlete group. In particular, scores using more associated polymorphisms showed stronger differences (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the more polymorphisms included in the score, the greater its discriminatory power. The frequency distribution of individuals according to the TGS computed using 10 associated polymorphisms showed that both the power group and the replication group were overrepresented in scores ≥60.0 (P < 0.0075). Individuals with a score ≥60.0 had an increased odds ratio (OR) of being an elite athlete compared to the nonathlete group (OR > 2.03; P < 0.006), although there were athletes with TGS values ranging from 15.0 to 90.0. By setting 60.0 as the cutoff point, the sensitivity and specificity of the TGS was approximately 30% and 82.5%, respectively. In conclusion, the TGS computed using 10 associated polymorphisms proved to be effective in discriminating the target athlete group, but with limited accuracy as evidenced by its sensitivity rate.
Effects of Care Leave and Family Social Policy: Spotlight on the United States
Authors: Freiberg Tracey
Published: October 2019

Consistent with Pope Francis's efforts to eradicate social exclusion, most countries in the world have already adopted care leave policies in an effort to reduce the conflict between being an employee and being a caregiver. Care leave policies allow workers time off for family or for self‐care. Historically, care leave policies such as maternity leave are viewed as an employee benefit akin to short‐term disability leave, providing job‐protected time off for new mothers. This study reviews the literature of the short‐ and long‐run economic and societal effects of care leave policies globally, with a specific focus on care leave policies in the United States. Care leave produces positive labor market and health outcomes, including increases in leave taking, improvement in replacement wages, improvements to profitability and employee morale, increases in female workforce participation and continuity, increases in birth weight, and decreases in infant mortality. Despite positive effects, labor market inequalities such as decreases in female labor market participation rates, gender wage gaps, and occupational segregation are often promoted by care leave policies. The conflicted findings in care leave research muddle the anticipated effects of paid care leave but allow room for alternative policy recommendations.
Prediction of the calcium carbonate budget in a sedimentary basin: A “source‐to‐sink” approach applied to Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA
Authors: Bouton Anthony , Vennin Emmanuelle , Amiotte‐Suchet Philippe , Thomazo Christophe , Sizun Jean‐Pierre , Virgone Aurélien , Gaucher Eric C. , Visscher Pieter T.
Published: October 2019

Most source‐to‐sink studies typically focus on the dynamics of clastic sediments and consider erosion, transport and deposition of sediment particles as the sole contributors. Although often neglected, dissolved solids produced by weathering processes contribute significantly in the sedimentary dynamics of basins, supporting chemical and/or biological precipitation. Calcium ions are usually a major dissolved constituent of water drained through the watershed and may facilitate the precipitation of calcium carbonate when supersaturating conditions are reached. The high mobility of Ca2+ ions may cause outflow from an open system and consequently loss. In contrast, in closed basins, all dissolved (i.e. non‐volatile) inputs converge at the lowest point of the basin. The endoreic Great Salt Lake basin constitutes an excellent natural laboratory to study the dynamics of calcium on a basin scale, from the erosion and transport through the watershed to the sink, including sedimentation in lake's waterbody. The current investigation focused on the Holocene epoch. Despite successive lake level fluctuations (amplitude around 10 m), the average water level seems to have not been affected by any significant long‐term change (i.e. no increasing or decreasing trend, but fairly stable across the Holocene). Weathering of calcium‐rich minerals in the watershed mobilizes Ca2+ ions that are transported by surface streams and subsurface flow to the Great Salt Lake (GSL). Monitoring data of these flows was corrected for recent anthropogenic activity (river management) and combined with direct precipitation (i.e. rain and snow) and atmospheric dust income into the lake, allowing estimating the amount of calcium delivered to the GSL. These values were then extrapolated through the Holocene period and compared to the estimated amount of calcium stored in GSL water column, porewater and sediments (using hydrochemical, mapping, coring and petrophysical estimates). The similar estimate of calcium delivered (4.88 Gt) and calcium stored (3.94 Gt) is consistent with the premise of the source‐to‐sink approach: a mass balance between eroded and transported compounds and the sinks. The amount of calcium deposited in the basin can therefore be predicted indirectly from the different inputs, which can be assessed with more confidence. When monitoring is unavailable (e.g. in the fossil record), the geodynamic context, the average lithology of the watershed and the bioclimatic classification of an endoreic basin are alternative properties that may be used to estimate the inputs. We show that this approach is sufficiently accurate to predict the amount of calcium captured in a basin and can be extended to the whole fossil record and inform on the storage of calcium.
Efficacy of chalcone and xanthine derivatives on lipase inhibition: A systematic review
Authors: Tam Dao Ngoc Hien , Mostafa Esraa Mahmoud , Tu Vo Linh , Rashidy Asmaa Ibrahim , Matenoglou Evangelia , Kassem Mahmoud , Soa Dang Thi , Bayumi Amera , Emam Hagar Ehab Said , Tran Linh , Dat Truong Van , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: October 2019

Losing weight has significant impact on chronic disease management. Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, has alternative effect for weight controlling. To find more candidates, we conducted a review of chalcone and xanthine derivatives regarding their anti‐lipase activity. Eight databases were searched including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), Virtual Health Library (VHL), System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SIGLE), Global Health Library (GHL), EMBASE, and Google Scholar in August 2018. We found chalcone scaffold was more effective on lipase inhibition than xanthine scaffold. Among 19 investigated chalcones, only isoliquiritigenin and licuroside demonstrated an effect on preventing weight gain and increase in the total cholesterol and total triglycerides aside apart from their high activity on inhibiting lipase. Effect and type of inhibition of individual chalcones differed depending on their structure. In addition, very few studies investigated xanthine compounds and their activities were inconsistent. We suggest more studies investigate the ability of chalcones and modifying their structure to find out other compounds with higher efficacy.
The Influences of Adherence to Tamoxifen and CYP2D6 Pharmacogenetics on Plasma Concentrations of the Active Metabolite (Z)‐Endoxifen in Breast Cancer
Authors: Nardin Jeanine Marie , Schroth Werner , Almeida Thais Abreu , Mürdter Thomas , Picolotto Solane , Vendramini Evelyn Castillo Lima , Hoppe Reiner , Kogin Jenifer Primon , Miqueleto Diandra , de Moraes Silvia Dark Robaskievicz , Schwab Matthias , Pecoits‐Filho Roberto Flavio , Brauch Hiltrud , Casali‐da‐Rocha José Claudio
Published: October 2019

Tamoxifen efficacy in breast cancer is suspected to depend on adherence and intact drug metabolism. We evaluated the role of adherence behavior and pharmacogenetics on the formation rate of (Z)‐endoxifen. In 192 Brazilian patients, we assessed plasma levels of tamoxifen and its metabolites at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (liquid‐chromatography tandem mass spectrometry), adherence behavior (Morisky, Green, and Levine medication adherence scale), and cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and other pharmacogene polymorphisms (matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption‐ionization time of flight) mass spectrometry, real‐time polymerase chain reaction). Adherence explained 47% of the variability of tamoxifen plasma concentrations (P < 0.001). Although CYP2D6 alone explained 26.4%, the combination with adherence explained 40% of (Z)‐endoxifen variability at 12 months (P < 0.001). The influence of low adherence to not achieving relevant (Z)‐endoxifen levels was highest in patients with noncompromised CYP2D6 function (relative risk 3.65; 95% confidence interval 1.48–8.99). As a proof‐of‐concept, we demonstrated that (Z)‐endoxifen levels are influenced both by patient adherence to tamoxifen and CYP2D6, which is particularly relevant for patients with full CYP2D6 function.
Global water, sanitation and hygiene research priorities and learning challenges under Sustainable Development Goal 6
Authors: Setty Karen , Jiménez Alejandro , Willetts Juliet , Leifels Mats , Bartram Jamie
Published: October 2019

Motivation

Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a global partnership addressing universal water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) access. Shortly after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations, the research and learning (R&L) constituency of SWA undertook a systematic study to determine global research priorities and learning needs.

Purpose

To identify priority topics where improved knowledge would aid achievement of Goal 6 by developing a global WaSH research agenda, and to describe evidence‐use challenges among WaSH professionals.

Approach and methods

We delivered a tailored, semi‐structured electronic questionnaire to representatives from countries, R&L institutions, and other SWA partners (external support agencies, civil society, and private sector). The survey gathered views from 76 respondents working in an estimated 36 countries across all world regions. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively to identify patterns and themes.

Findings

Most responses indicated lower confidence in at least one Goal 6 target area, especially managing untreated wastewater and faecal sludge. To support learning, respondents valued a combination of both brief and lengthy information formats. WaSH information was perceived as contradictory or unreliable only among non‐R&L constituencies. The R&L constituency saw ample learning and training opportunities, while others perceived barriers to participating. WaSH activities were frequently constrained by upward accountability to funders, while stakeholder inclusion was inconsistent.

Policy implications

This study offers insight into perceived research and decision challenges related to Goal 6 targets. It develops a unified research agenda focused on high‐priority topics, and recommends renewed attention to evidence synthesis, learning and implementation support, research engagement and multisectoral co‐ordination.
The strange case of congenital mitral stenosis in an adult man with cor triatriatum
Authors: Burzo Maria Livia , De Matteis Giuseppe , Nicolazzi Maria Anna , Fedele Elisa , Della Polla Davide Antonio , Pennestrì Faustino , Favuzzi Angela Maria Rita
Published: October 2019

We report the case of a 74‐year‐old male, with a medical history of cor triatriatum, admitted with a 10‐day history of intermittent fever. Three sets of blood cultures were positive for Providencia rettgeri. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram excluded infective endocarditis, but revealed a congenital accessory tissue adhering to the mitral valve, causing supravalvular mitral stenosis. Cor triatriatum sinistrum is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly, even more uncommon in adults, and quite exceptional when associated with mitral valve disease. Because the patient had no symptoms related to the heart valve disease, no surgical indication was given and he was managed conservatively.
THE TRAVELS OF A BANK DEPOSIT IN TURBULENT TIMES: THE IMPORTANCE OF DEPOSIT INSURANCE DESIGN FOR CROSS‐BORDER DEPOSITS
Authors: Qi Shusen , Kleimeier Stefanie , Sander Harald
Published: October 2019

We examine the impact of the existence on an explicit deposit insurance (DI) scheme and its design features on bilateral cross‐border deposits (CBD) in a gravity model setting. We find that both the absolute quality of a country's DI and its relative quality vis‐à‐vis other countries' DI generally affect depositor behavior. However, during systemic banking crises, cross‐border depositors primarily seek countries with the best DI schemes. Similarly, during the 2008–2009 great financial crisis, the emergency actions taken by the governments, which supply and maintain these safe havens, have led to substantial relocations of CBD. (JEL F34, G18)
Trust, anger, resentment, forgiveness: On blame and its reasons
Authors: Wallace R. Jay
Published: October 2019

A discussion of the scope that exists for the normative assessment of blame. The paper starts from the assumption that blame is to be understood in terms of the reactive attitudes. A particular crux is the question of whether blame can be assessed critically if conditions are in place that render the reactive attitudes apt or warranted. The paper argues that even warranted blame can be managed critically and that this is something we often have reason to do, given the oppositional nature of reactive blame. The point is illustrated through a discussion of forgiveness and hypocrisy. A further claim is that, once reasons for reactive blame are distinguished from distinct reasons for managing it in different ways, space opens up for interesting global challenges to reactive blame, even when it is internally apt or warranted.
Combined intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone as induction treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (OPTIC protocol): a prospective pilot study
Authors: Adrichem M. E. , Bus S. R. , Wieske L. , Mohammed H. , Verhamme C. , Hadden R. , van Schaik I. N. , Eftimov F.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

We hypothesized that combining intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) leads to more frequent remission compared with IVIg alone while maintaining the fast efficacy of IVIg. In this uncontrolled pilot study, we evaluated remission, rate of improvement and safety in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy receiving induction treatment with combined IVIg and IVMP.

Methods

Consecutive treatment‐naive patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy were treated with IVIg infusions, consisting of a 2 g/kg loading dose and 1 g/kg maintenance treatment every 3 weeks, combined with 3‐weekly 1‐g IVMP infusions, for a total of 18 weeks. The cumulative steroid dose was 7 g. Primary outcome was remission at 1 year in patients who completed the treatment schedule. Remission was defined as improvement at 18 weeks without the need for further immune treatment between end of the treatment schedule and 1‐year follow‐up. Improvement was defined as a minimal clinically important difference on the Inflammatory Rasch‐Built Overall Disability Scale and/or an increase of ≥8 kPa in grip strength between baseline and week 18.

Results

A total of 20 patients were included; 17 completed the treatment schedule. A total of 13 (76%) of these patients improved at 18 weeks after start of treatment and 10 (59%) patients were in remission at 1 year. Serious adverse events were found in four patients.

Conclusions

Short‐term combined induction treatment with IVIg and IVMP induced remission in almost 60% of patients who completed the treatment schedule. Combined induction therapy was generally well tolerated. A randomized controlled trial is currently running to confirm efficacy and safety of IVMP as add‐on treatment to IVIg.
The Imperative of Diakonia for the Church and Theological Education
Authors: Phiri Isabel Apawo
Published: October 2019

This article begins by arguing that diakonia is an imperative for the church, be it at the local, national, regional, or global level. It goes on to describe how diakonia has been part of the identity of the World Council of Churches during its 70 years of existence, and highlights the struggle of diakonia and development within the fellowship and ecumenical partners. The article focuses on the document Called to Transformative Action: Ecumenical Diakonia as the most recent attempt to reflect on who we are and what we do as church. It identifies one important aspect of diakonia as reflected in the Pan‐African Women's Ecumenical Empowerment Network perspective on theological education. The article concludes by reflecting on the author's vision for a just community of women and men in prophetic diakonia.
Mentoring in Caribbean Theological Education
Authors: Ashwood Nicole
Published: October 2019

This article addresses the issue of mentoring in theological education, drawing against the context of the Caribbean and the insights of Pan‐African Women, such as in the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, as well as support and accountability groups such as Caribbean Women Theologians for Transformation and the Caribbean and North America Council for Mission. Drawing on biblical models of mentoring, the article argues that while the ways that individuals are mentored during their theological education programmes can and will vary, women in leadership can be sounding boards, cheerleaders, advocates, facilitators, coaches, guides, role models, and even critics as they help to shape and develop other women leaders in the church.
Pan‐African Women of Faith and a Vision of Inclusive Global Theological Education
Authors: Adamavi‐Aho Ekué Amélé , Walker‐Smith Angelique
Published: October 2019

This article provides an introduction to the Pan‐African Women's Ecumenical Empowerment Network (PAWEEN), formally established as a network in 2015, but which traces its origins back to the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Busan, the Republic of Korea, in 2013. PAWEEN provides an opportunity for a mutual invitation to deep listening and concerted engagement to make the realities of past and present living, of faith and agency visible. It is one example of a network under development, grounded in the liberating gospel message and committed to the aim of a transformative theological education, which extends this invitation to all who share this common concern and vision.
Toward a Theology of Hospitality
Authors: Plaatjies van Huffel Mary‐Anne
Published: October 2019

This article considers the need for a repositioning from advocacy to the embodiment of a theology of hospitality in focusing on the issue of statelessness as an issue of gender discrimination. To address statelessness adequately, the churches should exercise the ministry of hospitality for “strangers” as the basis for their advocacy to protect stateless persons and defend their basic and fundamental rights with regard to nationality.
Caribbean Women's Empowerment
Authors: Marecheau Eppie Treselle
Published: October 2019

This article focuses on the necessity for theological education and theological participation for women in the Caribbean to be formally trained to participate in the restructuring and developing of any institutional programmes and training regarding theological education.