bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microinsurance performance – a systematic narrative literature review
Authors: Apostolakis George , van Dijk Gert , Drakos Periklis
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to offer a literature review on microinsurance, focusing on its financial performance and social impact. The aim is to review current research in microinsurance performance. Over the past decade, microinsurance has aroused the interest of the scientific community. Scholars have monitored its development and have examined its impact on the poor’s ability of breaking out of the poverty trap.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic-narrative method was used to review the relevant literature. In total, 64 relevant articles on investigating the financial performance and the effects of microinsurance programs on the poor’s well-being were reviewed, coded and followed by a narrative synthesis.

Findings

– This review synthesizes current published data on microinsurance to provide practitioners and researchers with a better understanding of this important area. Microinsurance benefits the poor, as it reduces their vulnerability to poverty. Microinsurance has a twofold impact on an individual’s ability to overcome poverty. First, it has a direct impact on access to healthcare services and, second, it has an indirect effect on an individual’s economic status, by moderating risk vulnerability and improving income stability. Further research is necessary to reach concrete conclusions about the financial performance of microinsurance programs. Finally, the analysis of the literature revealed an absence of research regarding the impact of microinsurance on society and sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

– An understanding of the performance of microinsurance services is important. Therefore, the findings can be used by microinsurance practitioners to assess and improve their performance. Further, policy implications such as improvement of financial knowledge and social marketing via education polices to increase microinsurance awareness of its benefits are recommended.

Originality/value

– This review provides a synthesis of the literature in microinsurance concerning its financial and social performance, and raises suggestions for future research.
Evaluation of the social values and willingness to pay for conserving built heritage in Hong Kong
Authors: Yung Esther H.K. , Chan Edwin H.W.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the major factors of social value and the willingness to pay amount for conserving a historic site, using Hong Kong as a case study of a dense urban city with immense tension between conservation and development. It also evaluates, in monetary terms, the social values, which are almost impossible to measure in built heritage conservation.

Design/methodology/approach

– It adopts evaluation ratings and the contingent valuation method to estimate Hong Kong citizens’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the conservation of the Central Police Station compound.

Findings

– The results of 256 surveys suggest that the extent to which the historic site can provide a “sense of place and identity”, “social inclusion” and “community participation” is positively correlated to the WTP amount. The respondents’ satisfaction with the new use of the site, their work location and education level affected the amount they were willing to contribute to the conservation project. The reasons given for not being willing to contribute were also analysed to provide insights for cultural heritage policy.

Originality/value

– The findings provide an enhanced understanding of the relationship between the major factors of social value and the WTP amount. This study proposes a partial tool to elicit the non-market value of heritage site which should be supplemented with experts’ evaluation to assist decision-making. It enhances public participation, particularly in the public–private partnership model of heritage conservation. Thus, it provides valuable insights for policymakers and planners to understand the public’s perception on the value of heritage conservation in cities facing immense redevelopment pressures.
Facility management knowledge development in Malaysia
Authors: Firdauz A.M. , Sapri M. , Mohammad I.S.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify recent research on knowledge development in Facility Management (FM); identify types of knowledge and its degree of importance in the FM field within the Malaysian environment; and how does it benefit Hospitality Management (HM) in terms of managerial competency.

Design/methodology/approach

– The nature of this study is quantitative. Data were gathered through questionnaires distributed to various practitioners in the FM field in the private sector and government sector in Malaysia.

Findings

– The analysis results support that all types of knowledge, which was considered important, are required to develop a conceptual model of training syllabus for an intensive training program. The analysis results will be discussed in the context of hospitality management. In addition, a decision-making tree model was created to facilitate the training program in the future with the aim of developing a competency model.

Research limitations/implications

– Most of the participants have experience with the FM field. Future research is recommended to include the conceptual model of training syllabus in analysis information relating to managers directly involved with the orientation of HM.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a quantitative survey regarding the importance of knowledge in the FM industry in Malaysia and generally discusses the link between FM and Hospitality managerial competency. Further, this research delivers useful information for FM and HM managers who intend to further develop the practical training program based on the proposed decision-making tree model.
Increasing primary school children’s fruit and vegetable consumption
Authors: Taylor Charlotte , Upton Penney , Upton Dominic
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the evidence base of the Food Dudes healthy eating programme, specifically the short- and long-term effectiveness of the intervention for consumption of fruit and vegetables both at school and at home and displacement of unhealthy snack consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

– Articles were identified using Academic Search Complete, PsycARTICLES, Medline and PubMed databases keywords for the period January 1995 to August 2013. Articles were included if they reported an empirical evaluation of the Food Dudes programme aimed at children aged between 4-11 years. Articles were included regardless of geographical location and publication type (i.e. published and “grey” literature).

Findings

– Six articles were included for review. Findings indicated that the programme was moderately effective in the short term; however, the long-term effectiveness of the programme is unknown. The ability of the programme to generalise to the home setting and to displace unhealthy snack foods also requires further investigation.

Originality/value

– This is the first independent review of the Food Dudes programme. In light of the extensive roll out of the Food Dudes programme, an appraisal of the evidence surrounding the programme is timely. The review highlights that sustaining fruit and vegetable intake cannot be achieved through behaviour-based interventions alone and the long-term maintenance of fruit and vegetable consumption requires more than the implementation of an intervention found to be effective in a controlled research environment.
Working capital and firm value in an emerging market
Authors: Wasiuzzaman Shaista
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between working capital efficiency and firm value and the influence of financing constraints on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from 192 firms spanning a period of ten years (1999-2008) are used for this purpose and analyzed using the ordinary least squares regression technique.

Findings

– The study finds that improvements in working capital efficiency through reduction in working capital investment results in higher firm value. However, this relationship is influenced by the financing constraints faced by a firm. For financially constrained firms, working capital efficiency significantly increases firm value but it is found to be insignificant for unconstrained firms.

Originality/value

– To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study on the value of working capital in Malaysia or in any emerging market. Most studies on working capital valuation concentrate on developed countries and that too are only a handful. Hence this study contributes to the scarce literature on the valuation of working capital. This study also uses the model by Fama and French (1998) to evaluate the relationship between working capital and firm value, which has hardly been used in studies on working capital valuation.
Looking at new markets for international diversification: frontier markets
Authors: Sukumaran Aswini , Gupta Rakesh , Jithendranathan Thadavilil
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether there exist significant benefits from diversification into frontier markets for an Australian investor in comparison to a US investor.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses the computationally efficient ADCC GARCH model to estimate time-varying correlations of returns. The authors also compare the results to DCC GARCH correlations in order to test whether the results are model-specific. Optimal portfolios with several restrictions were constructed and the results from Australian and US investors were compared. The study also uses a holding out period that is rebalanced at the end of each quarter using new portfolio weights.

Findings

– The study finds that there are significant benefits for the Australian investor from diversifying into frontier markets. However, the benefits to the US investor are much higher than that of an Australian investor. The results from the holding out period also present significantly higher benefits to the US investor compared to the Australian investor.

Originality/value

– This study examines the diversification benefits to the Australian investor from frontier markets and compares the benefits of the Australian and the US investors. The results emphasise the potential benefits from including frontier markets in the portfolio. The paper also presents a holding out period analysis.
Institutional investors, information asymmetry and stock market liquidity in France
Authors: Ajina Aymen , Lakhal Faten , Sougné Danielle
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of institutional investors’ ownership and type on information asymmetry and stock market liquidity in France.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample includes 162 French-listed firms from 2007 to 2009. The methodology relies on linear regressions using the method of ordinary least square. Before examining the interaction between liquidity and institutional investors, the authors check for the existence of the endogeneity problem by applying the Durbin-Wu-Hausman test of Davidson and MacKinnon (1993). The results of the endogeneity test show that institutional investors’ ownership and stock liquidity are endogenous. A simultaneous equation model using the double least square method is then tested to address this problem.

Findings

– The findings show that the proportion of institutional investors has a positive and significant effect on stock-market liquidity, which confirms the signal theory and trading hypothesis. These investors perform high trading activity which favorably affects market liquidity. The results also show that pension funds improve stock liquidity. This result suggests that pension funds manage huge assets decreasing transaction costs and improving liquidity. They display a positive signal to the market about more transparency and a low level of informational asymmetry.

Practical implications

– These results highlight the institutional investors’ role in defining the level of liquidity on the French market. The findings also stress the relevance of developing institutional investors’ demand for the Paris market in order to better assess firm value, protect minority ownership and improve market liquidity.

Originality/value

– In the French institutional setting, institutional investors act as a control device since minority shareholder interests are less protected than in Anglo-American counterparts. This result highlights the significant role of institutional investors in corporate governance structures and on financial markets. Their presence is a guarantee for minority interest protection and for more liquid stocks.
Structural integrity assessment of H2S storage tanks using acoustic emission and ultrasonic techniques
Authors: Mukhopadhyay C. K. , Haneef T.K. , Jayakumar T. , Sharma G.K. , Rao B.P.C.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the results of acoustic emission (AE) and ultrasonic inspection of two H2S storage tanks carried out in a heavy water plant, in order to characterize point type defects observed during earlier ultrasonic inspection and to ensure that these defects are not growing during hydrotesting of the tanks.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using multiple AE sensors and AE source location methodology, the entire tank could be covered to detect and locate any dynamic sources of AE associated with local plastic deformation and/or growing discontinuities from any part of the tank during the hydrotest. For confirmation of the results obtained by AE, ultrasonic inspection on the tanks and on virgin plates from which the tanks were manufactured, were carried out.

Findings

– The AE signals generated during first pressurisation are attributed to the micro yielding of the material of the tanks. A few scattered AE events were observed at a few locations during the hydrotesting of the tanks and these are due to structural and rubbing noise. During hold periods and repressurising cycle of the hydrotesting, no detectable AE events were observed and this confirmed the absence of any growing discontinuity in the tanks during the hydrotesting. Ultrasonic inspection on the tanks and on virgin plates confirmed that the point type defects detected are manufacturing defects and not formed during service life.

Practical implications

– The combined results from AE and ultrasonic techniques confirmed the structural integrity of the tanks and ensured their healthiness for continued operation.

Originality/value

– The paper brings out the use of AE and ultrasonic techniques for monitoring hydrotesting of storage tanks of a heavy water plant. The storage tanks where point type defect indications were reported during previous ultrasonic inspection and whether these defects are growing during hydrotesting of the tanks or not, were required to be known before the tanks are put in to further service. AE signals collected during pressurising and repressurising cycles of the hydrotest and subsequent inspection by ultrasonic confirmed the vessels to be free from growing defects during the hydrotest and provided baseline data for future inspection.
Intimate knowledge initiators
Authors: Wu Wu-Chung , Ku Edward C. S. , Liao HsinJou
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how marketing capability, dysfunctional conflict, and relationship value affect relational benefits through the relational proclivity between suppliers and initiators in a group-buying web site.

Design/methodology/approach

– The initiators selected were those who conducted group buying more than ten times in the group-buying web site. In total, 9,000 invitation e-mails were sent to initiators, of which 389 were returned; the model and hypotheses were tested by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– In online group buying, initiators can know about a new product only through the web site; the marketing capability of suppliers and the relationship value of initiators are positively associated with the relational proclivity between suppliers and initiators. And, the results indicate that the dysfunctional conflict of initiators is not positively associated with the relational proclivity between suppliers and initiators. Finally, The relational proclivity between suppliers and initiators is positively associated with the relational benefit between initiators and buyers.

Practical implications

– The supplier and the initiator can work together in brainstorming new products; moreover, initiators can assist suppliers by helping them identify buyers’ demands and giving them relevant feedback.

Social implications

– The suppliers’ marketing capability is important for initiators because it can help increase the latter’s ability to catch buyers’ attention. In addition, the initiator and supplier together can think about product innovation and new product designs.

Originality/value

– Initiators, as key persons in the group-buying process, serve as a bridge between suppliers and buyers and have a positive impact on group buying. The findings suggest that certain facets of initiators are helpful in explaining the expected product performance of buyers.
FVA – Sailing on the uncharted waters
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz , Prorokowski Hubert
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This report aims to investigate the approaches taken by financial institution to implement and compute the funding valuation adjustment (FVA). FVA can be defined as the incremental cost attributable to trades with non-collateralised counterparties. This cost emerges related to the need to fund the collateral calls associated with collateralised hedge trades. In this respect, one common challenge faced by banks relates to designing appropriate methodological approaches to compute an FVA.

Design/methodology/approach

– Recognising the growing importance of an FVA, this report is designed to investigate different approaches to computing FVA and pricing funding costs into the uncollateralised positions. Embarking on semi-structured interviews, the report explores the methodologies and structural solutions utilised by global banks.

Findings

– This report has indicated several influential trends that shape the nascent FVA landscape, as well as innovative initiatives undertaken by the banks to effectively use this metric. Going forward, this paper has pointed to a number of current and future challenges faced by the participating banks with regard to implementing the FVA.

Originality/value

– Before regulators make FVA punitive, unprofitable or inadequate by propagating the move to collateralised trading or introducing sanctions on banks recognising FVA in their financial statements, and thus reducing banks’ exposure to arbitrage opportunities, FVA will remain a challenging metric for the banking industry in the near future. Therefore, it is pivotal to understand any potential risks and operational difficulties arising from “sailing on the uncharted waters with FVA”. Moreover, it is necessary to understand market consensus on methodological approaches to computing FVA, as well as practices around constructing the bank’s own cost of funds curves.
Approaches to financial regulation in view of the crisis
Authors: Stöhr Alexander
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Financial crises pose a challenge to the legal systems of the concerned countries and international organizations. The current crisis has exposed significant failures of regulation and supervision, making the Financial Market Law a key topic on the political agenda. Thus, great changes and challenges are ahead of us. These were the focus of an interdisciplinary and comparative conference held at the University of Marburg. The paper deals with the individual presentations and carries out an overall analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper covers the most important issues in financial regulation.

Findings

– An extensive regulation is confronted with several obstacles; suitable approach could be the co-regulation; desirable aim is the instauration of the mechanism of capital markets. Those who gain the benefits in case of success should also bear the losses in case of failure instead of being rescued at taxpayers’ expense.

Originality/value

– The difficulties arising from extensive regulation suggest a more liberal approach to financial regulation.
Simulating the cyclically adjusted returns to UK property lending
Authors: Barkham Richard , Frodsham Malcolm
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an indication of the returns to commercial property lending over the last 30 years in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– There is no long-term index of the returns to commercial property lending in the UK. This paper provides a partial solution by simulating the performance of bullet loans of various vintages, based on the value movements of the IPD index.

Findings

– On average over the long-term debt returns are higher than equity returns. However, in certain periods, the losses incurred by real estate lenders are very large.

Research limitations/implications

– No account taken of risk mitigation strategies used by lenders such as cross-collateralisation.

Practical implications

– Provides an alternative approach to that recommended by the recent IPF “Vision For Real Estate Finance” Document based on the use of ICR. Makes the case for a loan equivalent of the IPD index.

Social implications

– Reduced chance of resource misallocation and recession due to excess real estate lending.

Originality/value

– Very limited information on private real estate debt returns.
The significance and performance of Singapore REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio
Authors: Newell Graeme , Pham Anh Khoi , Ooi Joseph
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– REITs have taken on increased significance in Asia in recent years, with Singapore REITs (S-REITs) becoming an important property investment vehicle since 2002. The purpose of this paper is to assess the significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of S-REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio context in Singapore over 2003-2013. The post-GFC recovery of S-REITs is also assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using monthly total returns, the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of S-REITs over 2003-2013 is assessed, with efficient frontiers and asset allocation diagrams used to assess the role of S-REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio. Sub-period analyses are conducted to assess the post-GFC recovery of S-REITs.

Findings

– S-REITs delivered strong risk-adjusted returns, being the best-performed asset class, but with little portfolio diversification benefit over 2003-2013. Whilst taking on reduced risk, but with less portfolio diversification benefits in recent years, S-REITs are seen to be robust relative to the other major Singapore asset classes; contributing significantly across the risk spectrum; particularly in the post-GFC period, where S-REITs have been the best-performed asset class in Singapore.

Practical implications

– The results highlight the important strategic role of S-REITs in a Singapore mixed-asset portfolio. The strong risk-adjusted performance has highlighted the robustness of S-REITs, with S-REITs contributing to the mixed-asset portfolio across the portfolio risk spectrum; particularly in the post-GFC period. This robustness highlights the ongoing strategic role of S-REITs in a Singapore mixed-asset portfolio, as well as the ongoing development of S-REITs as an important pan-Asia hub for REITs.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first published empirical research analysis of the risk-adjusted performance of S-REITs and the role of S-REITs in a portfolio. Given the increased significance of REITs in Asia, this research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical property investment decision-making regarding the role of S-REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio and S-REIT performance in a post-GFC context.
Pro-environmental behaviour, locus of control and willingness to pay for environmental friendly products
Authors: Trivedi Rohit H , Patel Jayesh D , Savalia Jignasa R
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Marketers have realized the importance of assessing consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) before introducing green products across different target audience. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative influence of consumers’ pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) and environmental locus of control (ELOC) on their WTP for green products.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study sample consisted of 256 Indian consumers which were recruited with the help of convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered with scales that were well established and that have been used in previous research. Data were analysed with the help of CFA and structural equation modelling to test the relationship of ELOC and PEB anon WTP. Second, clustering respondents according to their PEB and ELOC has been done to find its differential effect on WTP with the help of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

Findings

– Findings of the study highlight that WTP for green products is significantly predicted by two variables which are in following order: PEB and ELOC. Results of cluster analysis and MANOVA revealed that WTP differ significantly with the level of intensity of ELOC and PEB among Indian consumers.

Research limitations/implications

– It advances the body of knowledge centred on the interplay of the PEB and ELOC to WTP for green products. Additional work is clearly required to consider the wide range of potentially relevant variables like brand image, prices, advertisements and product quality that ensures the generalizability of findings.

Practical implications

– The hypothesis framed, tested and inferences made can form a basis of extremely valued toolkit for those green marketers who take caution when planning their marketing and communications strategies to stimulate the WTP by conveying a reason and motivation to act environmentally.

Originality/value

– In this study, an understanding of WTP for green products is developed. The much required knowledge gap in terms of interplay of ELOC and PEB on WTP has been filled with the help of the present study. It has been identified that those consumer groups who displays higher PEB and ELOC forms the primary target audience for green product marketer.
How to transform research cases into teaching cases
Authors: Vega Gina , Simendinger Earl , Thomason Stephanie J.
Published: January 2015

Synopsis

Academic research cases (ARC) provide interesting learning situations and challenging problems to study. However, it can be difficult to bring these research cases to classroom teaching because the “answers” are embedded within the case studies. Research cases can be redesigned as teaching cases (TCs) through a method of unwrapping the ARC and re—visioning it as a TC. One method is provided in this paper.

Research methodology

The authors have taken an unpublished research study and rewritten it as a TC. Elements from both manuscripts are provided in tabular form to guide the creation of TCs by academic researchers.

Relevant courses and levels

This paper will be helpful for any academic who wishes to transform a qualitative research case study into a useful classroom teaching tool.
Coffee, costs, and competition: a case exercise for managerial accounting
Authors: Hall Linda A. , Bandyopadhyay Jayanti , McNamara Susan
Published: January 2015

Synopsis

This case illustrates the implications of the business challenges faced by an on‐campus student‐run convenience store when an internationally known coffee company opened a competing store. The case exercises focus on the application of managerial accounting concepts relevant for future strategic decision making. Students have the task of extracting relevant data from descriptive information. Using the story of an actual student‐run coffee shop that confronted an emerging competitor and thus necessitating these analyses can provide an attractive alternative to teaching managerial accounting concepts that are often considered by students as “dry.”

Research methodology

Case information was obtained from actual student organization and university data slightly modified to facilitate calculation and application of managerial accounting topics. Identities of the institution, the student run store and the international competitor have been disguised at their request. Certain events and dates have been altered to protect identities.

Relevant courses and levels

Relevant courses include but are not limited to: Introductory Managerial Accounting and Cost Accounting at the undergraduate business or accounting and the graduate MBA level.

Theoretical basis

Teaching opportunities include the application of managerial accounting concepts relevant for future strategic decision making. Topics include cost‐volume‐profit, sales‐mix, and break‐even analyses, conversion of traditional income statements to contribution margin income statements, and internal control issues.
Fire at Tazreen Fashions: fixing responsibility in a global supply chain
Authors: Gopinath C. , Choudhury Muntakim M.
Published: January 2015

Synopsis

The case describes the evolution of Bangladesh's garment industry, the second largest garment exporter in the world, and its operational problems. The focus is on the fire that occurred on November 24, 2012 at Tazreen Fashions, a unit that is a part of a global supply chain for US and European retailers. The case explores the role of the government, western retailers, industry association and NGOs subsequent to the fire, and shows how increasing CSR expectations of corporations are making them take on responsibility for what should be that of the government or the garment unit.

Research methodology

Secondary sources; published materials.

Relevant courses and levels

International Business, Business and Society, Supply Chain Management, Doing Business in Emerging Markets.

Theoretical basis

Corporate social responsibility stakeholder theory market entry.
Relationships between Policy Academics and Public Servants: Learning at a Distance?
Authors: Head Brian W.
Published: January 2015

The cultures and practices of the public service and academic researchers are very different. However, there are areas of common interest in policy and governance, and some potential for building closer relationships. Public servants make direct use of academic research only in exceptional circumstances. Nevertheless, there are other ways in which academic expertise can be useful and influential. This article surveys the international literature on the ways in which practitioners make use of external expertise, including academic research. It also considers whether the heightened interest in ‘evidence‐informed policy’ might provide avenues for mutual influence between practitioners and academics.
Gendering Demilitarisation and Justice in Northern Ireland
Authors: Ashe Fidelma
Published: January 2015

Research Highlights and Abstract

This article:

Exposes how masculinised accounts of conflict transformational processes in Northern Ireland have distorted the historical record of the region's on-going transition from violent conflict. Assesses the theoretical and practical effects of de-gendering the analysis of conflict transformational processes in the region. Provides an empirical study of women's hidden contribution to the reduction of levels of paramilitary violence in ethnically divided, working-class communities in the region. Utilises focus group data to develop a gender-sensitive reading of community justice, security and peace.

The 1998 Peace Agreement in Northern Ireland provoked local-level processes of demilitarisation that focused on developing community-based restorative justice practices to replace paramilitary forms of justice. These schemes were viewed as important aspects of the broader process of conflict transformation in the region. The dominant narrative surrounding the development of these new justice forms framed them as an outcome of the efforts of ex-combatant men. This article contests this narrative and examines women's contribution to the development of CBRJ in Northern Ireland. Using data from focus groups, the article exposes the consequences of displacing women in conflict transformational analysis. Additionally, it explores how women's articulation of their conflict transformational practices engenders a critical reframing of key terms in conflict transformational narratives including peace, security, and justice. This exploration reinforces wider feminist claims that any analysis of conflict transformational processes that displaces gender is both conceptually and politically problematic.
Patterns and causes of health inequalities in later life: a Bourdieusian approach
Authors: McGovern Pauline , Nazroo James Y.
Published: January 2015

This study explores the relationship between social class and health change in older people in a path analysis, using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n = 6241) in a Bourdieusian theoretical framework. Bourdieu drew a distinction between the occupational characteristics by which people are classified and the secondary properties of class that relate to lifestyle (economic, cultural and social capitals). Our path model includes both occupational and secondary characteristics of objective social class as well as a measure of subjective social class. We investigate the effects of the predictors on change in three health outcomes (self‐rated health, number of symptoms of depression and number of difficulties with the activities of daily living). The analysis adds to Bourdieusian research by showing how the effects of objective social class on health are partially mediated by perceived social status. It also adds to substantive research on the relationship between class and health by suggesting that class‐related health inequalities do persist for older people, even for those who are not in paid employment. It suggests that a large amount of the effect of occupation on the health of older people is not direct but indirect; through their personal wealth and lifestyle.
Prediction of escape red blood cell transfusion in expectantly managed women with acute anaemia after postpartum haemorrhage
Authors: Prick BW , Schuit E , Mignini L , Jansen AJG , van Rhenen DJ , Steegers EAP , Mol BW , Duvekot JJ ,   the EBM Connect Collaboration
Published: January 2015

Objective

To determine clinical predictors of escape red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in postpartum anaemic women, initially managed expectantly, and the additional predictive value of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) measures.

Design

Secondary analysis of women after postpartum haemorrhage, either randomly allocated to, or opting for expectant management.

Setting

Thirty‐seven hospitals in the Netherlands.

Population

A total of 261 randomised and 362 nonrandomised women.

Methods

We developed prediction models to assess the need for RBC transfusion: one using clinical variables (model 1), and one extended with scores on the HRQoL‐measures Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) and EuroQol‐5D (model 2). Model performance was assessed by discrimination and calibration. Models were internally validated with bootstrapping techniques to correct for overfitting.

Main outcome measures

Escape RBC transfusion.

Results

Seventy‐five women (12%) received escape RBC transfusion. Independent predictors of escape RBC transfusion (model 1) were primiparity, multiple pregnancy, total blood loss during delivery and haemoglobin concentration postpartum. Maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, education, medical indication of pregnancy, mode of delivery, preterm delivery, placental removal, perineal laceration, Apgar score and breastfeeding intention had no predictive value. Addition of HRQoL‐scores (model 2), significantly improved the model's discriminative ability: c‐statistics of model 1 and 2 were 0.65 (95% CI 0.58–0.72) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.79), respectively. The calibration of both models was good.

Conclusions

In postpartum anaemic women, several clinical variables predict the need for escape RBC transfusion. Adding HRQoL‐scores improves model performance. After external validation, the extended model may be an important tool for counselling and decision making in clinical practice.
The Effects of Antipsychotic Quality Reporting on Antipsychotic and Psychoactive Medication Use
Authors: Bowblis John R. , Lucas Judith A. , Brunt Christopher S.
Published: January 2015

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine how nursing homes changed their use of antipsychotic and other psychoactive medications in response to Nursing Home Compare's initiation of publicly reporting antipsychotic use in July 2012.

Research Design and Subjects

The study includes all state recertification surveys (n = 40,415) for facilities six quarters prior and post the initiation of public reporting. Using a difference‐in‐difference framework, the change in use of antipsychotics and other psychoactive medications is compared for facilities subject to public reporting and facilities not subject to reporting.

Principal Findings

The percentage of residents using antipsychotics, hypnotics, or any psychoactive medication is found to decline after public reporting. Facilities subject to reporting experienced an additional decline in antipsychotic use (−1.94 vs. −1.40 percentage points) but did not decline as much for hypnotics (−0.60 vs. −1.21 percentage points). Any psychoactive use did not vary with reporting status, and the use of antidepressants and anxiolytics did not change.

Conclusion

Public reporting of an antipsychotic quality measure can be an effective policy tool for reducing the use of antipsychotic medications—though the effect many only exist in the short run.
Questionnaire Design: Carry‐Over Effects of Overall Acceptance Question Placement and Pre‐evaluation Instructions on Overall Acceptance Scores in Central Location Tests
Authors: Bastian Mauresa , Eggett Dennis L. , Jefferies Laura K.
Published: January 2015

Question placement and usage of pre‐evaluation instructions (PEI) in questionnaires for food sensory analysis may bias consumers’ scores via carry‐over effects. Data from consumer sensory panels previously conducted at a central location, spanning 11 years and covering a broad range of food product categories, were compiled. Overall acceptance (OA) question placement was studied with categories designated as first (the first evaluation question following demographic questions), after nongustation questions (immediately following questions that do not require panelists to taste the product), and later (following all other hedonic and just‐about‐right [JAR] questions, but occasionally before ranking, open‐ended comments, and/or intent to purchase questions). Each panel was categorized as having or not having PEI in the questionnaire; PEI are instructions that appear immediately before the first evaluation question and show panelists all attributes they will evaluate before receiving test samples. Postpanel surveys were administered regarding the self‐reported effect of PEI on panelists’ evaluation experience. OA scores were analyzed and compared (1) between OA question placement categories and (2) between panels with and without PEI. For most product categories, OA scores tended to be lower when asked later in the questionnaire, suggesting evidence of a carry‐over effect. Usage of PEI increased OA scores by 0.10 of a 9‐point hedonic scale point, which is not practically significant. Postpanel survey data showed that presence of PEI typically improved the panelists’ experience. Using PEI does not appear to introduce a meaningful carry‐over effect.
CT perfusion imaging in response assessment of pulmonary metastases undergoing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy
Authors: Sawyer Brooke , Pun Emma , Samuel Michael , Tay Huilee , Kron Tomas , Bressel Mathias , Ball David , Siva Shankar
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is an emerging treatment technique for pulmonary metastases in which conventional Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) may be inadequate. This study aims to assess the utility of CT perfusion imaging in response assessment of pulmonary metastases after SABR.

Methods

In this ethics board‐approved prospective study, 11 patients underwent a 26‐Gy single fraction of SABR to pulmonary metastases. CT perfusion imaging occurred prior to and at 14 and 70 days post‐SABR. Blood flow (mL/100 mL/min), blood volume (mL/100 mL), time to peak (seconds) and surface permeability (mL/100 mL/min), perfusion parameters of pulmonary metastases undergoing SABR, were independently assessed by two radiologists. Inter‐observer variability was analysed. CT perfusion results were analysed for early response assessment comparing day 14 with baseline scans and for late response by comparing day 70 with baseline scans. The largest diameter of the pulmonary metastases undergoing SABR was recorded.

Results

Ten patients completed all three scans and one patient had baseline and early response assessment CT perfusion scans only. There was strong level of inter‐observer agreement of CT perfusion interpretation with a median intraclass coefficient of 0.87 (range 0.20–0.98). Changes in all four perfusion parameters and tumour sizes were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

CT perfusion imaging of pulmonary metastases is a highly reproducible imaging technique that may provide additional response assessment information above that of conventional RECIST, and it warrants further study in a larger cohort of patients undergoing SABR.
Effective local anaesthetic volumes for sciatic nerve blockade: a clinical evaluation of the ED99
Authors: Keplinger M. , Marhofer P. , Marhofer D. , Schroegendorfer K. , Haslik W. , Zeitlinger M. , Mayer C. V. , Kettner S. C.
Published: January 2015

Previous results in volunteers have indicated the effective dose in 99% of subjects (ED99) of local anaesthetic volume to be 0.10 ml.mm−2 of cross‐sectional nerve area for sciatic nerve blockade. The objective of this prospective, randomised, double‐blind study was to investigate the ED99 of local anaesthetic for ultrasound‐guided sciatic nerve blockade in patients undergoing foot surgery, according to Dixon's up‐and‐down method and probit analysis. A starting volume of 0.20 ml local anaesthetic per mm2 cross‐sectional nerve area was used. If surgical anaesthesia was judged to be adequate, the volume of local anaesthetic for the next case was reduced by 0.02 ml.mm−2, until the first block failed. Thereafter, the volume of local anaesthetic was increased by 0.02 ml.mm−2. The ED99 volume of local anaesthetic for ultrasound‐guided sciatic nerve blockade was calculated to be 0.15 ml.mm−2 cross‐sectional nerve area, which is higher than the previously evaluated ED99 volume in volunteers.
Effect of hyaluronic acid on tear film thickness as assessed with ultra‐high resolution optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kaya Semira , Schmidl Doreen , Schmetterer Leopold , Witkowska Katarzyna J. , Unterhuber Angelika , Aranha dos Santos Valentin , Baar Carina , Garhöfer Gerhard , Werkmeister René M.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a single drop of hyaluronic acid on tear film thickness (TFT) in healthy subjects.

Methods

Sixteen healthy subjects (eight male/eight female) aged between 20 and 36 years were included in this randomized, double‐masked placebo‐controlled study. One eye received a single dose of hyaluronic acid (Olixia pure®; Croma Pharma, Korneuburg, Austria) eye drops, and the fellow eye received physiologic saline solution as placebo control. The study eye was chosen randomly. TFT as measured with a custom‐built Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomography (FD‐OCT) system was the main outcome variable and measured before and every 10 min until 1 hr after topical administration.

Results

Baseline TFT was 4.8 ± 0.5 μm in the study eye and 5.0 ± 0.4 μm in the control eyes. Hyaluronic acid significantly increased TFT (p = 0.008 versus placebo) with a maximum effect 10 min after instillation (13.9 ± 11.9%). Post hoc analysis revealed that an increase in TFT was seen until 30 min after administration compared to placebo. Data in the placebo group show high reproducibility with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.93 and a coefficient of variation of 5.4 ± 3.3%.

Conclusion

The data of this study indicate that hyaluronic acid increases TFT for as long as 30 min in healthy subjects. In addition, our data provide evidence that our custom‐built OCT system is capable of measuring residence time of lubricants on the ocular surface.
The stable isotopic composition of historical black powder applicable to a Japanese Tanegashima matchlock
Authors: Mizota C. , Yamanaka T.
Published: January 2015

The objective of the present study is to employ stable isotope ratio measurements (δ15N, δ34S and δ13C) of the nitrogen, sulphur and carbon in black powder (a mixture of saltpetre, native sulphur and charcoal) as a means of source identification. A sum total of 20 samples of historical black powder applicable to matchlocks were collected from six locations throughout Japan. This classic type of hand gun prevailed up to the introduction of the modern rifles, with quicker loading and higher efficiency, in the mid‐to‐late 19th century. δ13Ccharcoal carbon values showed the predominant use of C3 plants as a source material. Except for a few unusual samples with a probable exotic origin, δ15Nsaltpetre nitrogen values were largely consistent with those of domestic products using classical biotechnology. The isotopic analysis for native sulphur (δ34Snative sulphur) indicates a complicated marketing route.
Sirt1 protects pig oocyte against in vitro aging
Authors: Ma Rujun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Liang , Han Jun , Rui Rong
Published: January 2015

Sirtuins have been widely reported to be involved in multiple biological processes. However, their function during pig oocyte aging has not been reported yet. Here, we first identify that sirt1 expression is dramatically reduced in pig in vitro‐aged oocytes. Furthermore, by confocal scanning and quantitative analysis, we find the increased frequency of spindle defects and chromosome misalignment, disturbed redistribution of cortical granules and mitochondria during oocyte in vitro‐aging. Importantly, these aging‐associated defective phenotypes can be ameliorated through resveratrol (sirt1 activator) treatment during pig oocyte maturation, providing the evidence for the hypothesis that decreased sirt1 is one of a number of factors contributing to oocyte in vitro‐aging. In summary, our data indicate a role for sirt1 in pig oocytes and uncover a striking beneficial effect of sirt1 expression on aged oocytes.