bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of social and economic reportings
Authors: Al Farooque Omar , Ahulu Helena
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide new insights on the determinants of social and economic sustainability reportings of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in three Anglo-Saxon countries, mainly Australia, the UK and South Africa, from the perspective of corporate governance, stakeholder and corporate legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines stand-alone sustainability reports of 67 large MNEs from three countries available in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) website for the period of 2008-2009. It undertakes two distinct methodological approaches: first, principal component analysis (PCA) of GRI guidelines (G3) on social and economic indicators to identify the most appropriate dependent variables, and second, hierarchical multiple regression for the hypotheses testing and finding determinants of respective dependent variables on social and economic reportings.

Findings

The results from the PCA of GRI guidelines (G3) provide an alternative way of categorizing the social and economic indicators when compared to the categories given by the GRI. Again, the results from hierarchical multiple regression indicate the industry sector as the dominant determinant of social and economic reportings. In particular, the positive, significant association of board independence, assurance and employee performance variables with economic reporting confirms the significant roles of corporate governance, stakeholders and corporate legitimacy in determining economic reporting. The findings also suggest the complementary nature of relevant theories in corporate voluntary disclosures relating to economic performance. However, social reporting shows no such relations, which rather relies more on firm-specific/financial variables of MNEs including firm size and age.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of this study is limited to two-year periods and large MNEs available in the GRI website with stand-alone sustainability reports only.

Practical implications

The PCA focuses on most relevant and specific categories of social and economic reportings as opposed to GRI generic categories. The PCA findings also suggest the GRI to contemplate reducing the social and economic indicators for future guidelines. The hierarchical multiple regression results highlight specific areas of emphasis that MNEs should focus on when reporting social and economic information.

Originality/value

This study adds value to the existing literature on GRI-based social and economic reportings as well as the complementary nature of corporate governance, stakeholders and corporate legitimacy perspectives.
Impact of migration on economic growth and human development
Authors: Akanbi Olusegun Ayodele
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of migration on economic growth and human development in selected Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The estimations were carried out in a panel of 19 selected SSA countries over the period 1990-2013, using the two-stage least squares estimation techniques. Two measures of migration, namely stock of international migrants and the ratio of personal remittances received to personal remittances paid were used in the study to carry out this investigation.

Findings

The results conform to the findings of existing literature, namely that social expenditure, domestic investment, financial inclusion, income inequality, income and human poverty are significant determinants of either human development or per capita GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa. The distinctive feature of the study is the significant but negative role played by migration in explaining human development and economic growth in the region. The results from the panel estimations reveal that an increase in the measures of migration deteriorates the level of human development and growth of the region.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study is the unavailability of quality data on migration flows. Therefore, it would be imperative to reinvestigate the specifications adopted in this study in follow-up studies.

Practical implications

The study includes implications for policy makers, especially in SSA countries, that the pattern and flow of migration does not circulate within the region and has tended to drain out human capital to other regions of the world. In the same event, the stock of migrants residing in the region may be low-skilled migrants that do not contribute directly to the level of human development.

Originality/value

To assess the impact of migration on economic growth and development such as the SSA region, it is imperative to follow the growth-based, capacity-based and asset-based approaches to development. This study has made this distinction.
Self-interest and the modernity of homo economicus
Authors: Cojanu Valentin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Criticism directed at neoclassical economics has failed to replace it with a similar grand theory. The authors argue that one possible explanation may lie in the failure of economists to formulate an opinion as to the philosophical foundations of the author’s object of study. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument proceeds in two steps. First, the authors review the prevailing philosophical view of “the self-interest theory (S)”, which is one of the most powerful constituents of today’s economics, and social theorizing in general. Second, the authors present a reasoning framework in which rationality becomes intelligible within a schema of integrating the self’s external and internal conditionalities into a unified view of human reasoning.

Findings

Self-interest has been supposed to give the authors direction about what, concretely, to do, but, on the way, the authors have learned that defining rationality is necessarily a life-dependent process. The conflicts of reasons call for a revised S according to which rationality implies consistency among a person’s competing behavioural drivers rooted in three ontological realms, natural, social, and cultural.

Originality/value

First, understanding the purpose of one’s actions in rational terms demands redirecting attention from outcomes in terms of utility, profits, or welfare to a social profile of a rational person, with real life coordinates in space and time, as well as the personal histories of that individual. A change in explaining aspirations leads, and this is the second implication, to change in defining the meaning of economic (or social) behaviour. Decision making is not necessarily a process of virtuously selecting the best available options, but assessing and acting according to the opportunity of choice; it is not about freedom of choice, but about the degree of freedom a person is willing and is able to take advantage of.
Mobilizing learning: a thematic review of apps in K-12 and higher education
Authors: Stevenson Michael Eric , Hedberg John Gordon
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper presents a thematic review of app-enabled learning in the context of recent developments in mobile technology and m-learning. Three key themes are presented that reflect the issues that teachers, school leaders and systems have grappled with in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on findings from a range of case studies and literature reviews, the present time is examined as an opportunity to explore more pedagogically informed uses of mobile devices, and “app smashing” is suggested as an approach that moves the learner beyond the underlying limitations of constraining the learning to individual apps.

Findings

Findings include the benefits and limitations of mobile devices for learning in current education institutions. The paper also highlights several contexts where “app smashing” has been achieved and identifies the implications for educators across all educational contexts moving forward.

Research limitations/implications

While educators and learners alike continue to wrestle with understanding and meaningfully using a growing number of tools, platforms and ecosystems, more recent paradigms such as cloud computing now point to “device agnosticism” and “convergence” as the new normal (Garner et al., 2005; Prince, 2011).

Practical implications

At the same time, there is the emergence of what Rideout et al. (2013) refer to as the “app gap”, in which “lower-income children (ages 0-8) have more than 50 per cent less experience using mobile devices than higher-income children in the same age group” (p. 10). Combined with the problems of app overload, the lack of institutional support, insufficient guidance and unclear policy, there remain some pressing issues that need to be addressed.

Social implications

By designing the learning task as independent of the technology, the teacher is arguably better equipped to carefully and purposefully select apps as cognitive steppingstones within the learning task, resulting in tasks that more consistently challenge students to develop a wide range of digital skills. As Berson et al. (2012) note, through the use of carefully selected apps, students “learn a new form of literacy as they move between apps and engage in both personalized and collaborative learning experiences” (p. 89).

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the areas where mobile devices are most likely to benefit learning in the coming years.
Moving toward a mobile learning landscape: presenting a mlearning integration framework
Authors: Crompton Helen
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Mobile devices transcend the educational affordances provided by conventional tethered electronic and traditional learning. However, empirical findings show that educators are not integrating technology effectively into the curriculum. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a thematic synthesis methodology was used to develop and present a framework for thinking about the integration of mobile devices in teaching and learning.

Findings

The mobile learning (mlearning) integration framework comprises four main parts: beliefs, resources, methods and purpose. These four areas are elucidated to reveal the many sub-components that determine how technology is integrated.

Originality/value

An ecological framework is then presented to demonstrate how the individual parts of the initial framework operate through a complex, interconnected network of systems involving personal and environmental factors.
Immigrant entrepreneurship contextualised
Authors: Munkejord Mai Camilla
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to address the rural and gender gaps in the immigrant entrepreneurship literature by exploring the start-up stories of 18 female immigrants who currently run a business in northernmost Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a qualitative fieldwork including business visits and in-depth interviews. The transcripts from the interviews were analysed using a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) approach.

Findings

Four modes of entry to entrepreneurship were identified: entrepreneurship as a way out of unemployment; entrepreneurship as a means to avoid underemployment, entrepreneurship as a means to live in a region of perceived attraction; and entrepreneurship as a preferred choice for women in satisfactory wage labour. In addition, the paper reveals the importance of family support and of spatial embeddedness among immigrant entrepreneurs living in a rural context.

Practical implications

This study notes that the modes of entry to rural immigrant entrepreneurship are diverse, but that they are often partly related to the pursuit of an initial feeling of belonging in the new region of settlement. Hence, developing the knowledge of how to not only attract but also retain and increase the feeling of local belonging of immigrants may be important for many rural regions in the Western world. This is because rural immigrants not only represent a much needed in-flow of younger people in a typically decreasing and ageing population but also entail cultural variation and job creation, thus contributing to place development.

Social implications

The paper argues for the importance of considering immigrant entrepreneurs as significant actors of rural development.

Originality/value

While immigrant entrepreneurship has emerged as an important field of study, it has been criticised for focusing predominantly on men and for neglecting contextual variations in the analysis. The rural context especially has been largely omitted. By focusing on female immigrants having established a business in a rural context, the paper adds to the literature, firstly, by highlighting the experiences of female immigrant entrepreneurs. Secondly, it reveals that rural immigrant entrepreneurship cannot be conceived in terms of “ethnic resources” or “enclave economy” that are often central explanatory dimensions in megacity studies. Thirdly, it argues for the importance of considering both the spatial as well as the family contexts in the author’s theoretical conceptualizations of the (immigrant) entrepreneurial start-up phase.
Asset recovery: a Swiss leap forward?
Authors: Pavlidis George
Published: May 2017

Purpose

International asset recovery proceedings may be hindered by several obstacles, especially in the case of “failed states” or of states that experience a regime change. In this context, Switzerland, a country with extensive experience in asset recovery, attempted two legislative leaps forward, the first in 2011 and the second in 2016. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the legislative innovations in Switzerland, with special reference to their strengths, weakness and compatibility with human rights standards.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on legal scholarship, jurisprudence, reports and other open source data, to analyze two important legislative innovations in Switzerland [Law on the Restitution of Assets of Criminal Origin of 2010 (LRAI) and law on assets of illicit origin (LVP).

Findings

The two Swiss legislative initiatives that will be examined (LRAI and LVP) are innovative in nature, but serious weaknesses and obstacles to asset recovery remain unaddressed. Despite their flaws, these two legislative innovations can inspire positive change in international and national norms. They can be viewed as part of a work-in-progress for the reinforcement of asset recovery proceedings and international cooperation in this domain.

Originality/value

Since the new law on asset recovery (LVP) came into force (July 1, 2016), this has been the first study examining the strengths and weaknesses of the adopted text, its compatibility with human rights standards and its potential influence on international standards of asset recovery.
Tracking digital footprints: anonymity within the bitcoin system
Authors: Reynolds Perri , Irwin Angela S.M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse research surrounding the anonymity of online transactions using Bitcoin and report on the feasibility of law enforcement bodies tracing illicit transactions back to a user’s real-life identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of this paper follows on from the approach taken by Reid and Harrigan (2013) in determining whether identifying information may be collated with external sources of data to identify individual users. In addition to conducting a detailed literature review surrounding the anonymity of users, and the potential ability to track transactions through the blockchain, four Bitcoin exchange services are examined to ascertain whether information provided at the sign-up stage is sufficiently verified and reliable. By doing so, this research tests the ability for law enforcement to reasonably rely upon this information when attempting to prosecute individuals. Additionally, by submitting fake information for verification, the plausibility of these services accepting fraudulent or illegitimate information is also tested.

Findings

It may be possible to identify and prosecute bad actors through the analysis of transaction histories by tracing them back to an interaction with a Bitcoin exchange. However, the compliance and implementation of anti-money laundering legislation and customer identification security standards are insufficiently used within some exchange services, resulting in more technologically adept, or well-funded, criminals being able to circumvent identification controls and continue to transact without revealing their identities. The introduction of and compliance with know-your customer and customer due diligence legislation is required before law enforcement bodies may be able to accurately rely on information provided to a Bitcoin exchange. This paper highlights the need for research to be undertaken to examine the ways in which criminals are circumventing identity controls and, consequently, financing their illicit activities.

Originality/value

By ascertaining the types of information submitted by users when exchanging real currency for virtual currency, and seeing whether this information may be accepted despite being fraudulent in nature, this paper elucidates the reliability of information that law enforcement bodies may be able to access when tracing transactions back to an individual actor.
Structural behavior of a pre-stressed cable steel truss exposed to fire
Authors: Xia Yunchun
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of a study on the behaviour of a pre-stressed cable steel truss exposed to fire under fire conditions, basing on the results of a large programme of experimental tests.

Design/methodology/approach

The research investigated the deformation and stress change on a pre-stressed steel cable, including the deflection and displacements at different joints and fire behaviour of the pre-stressed steel cable. In other words, the structural behaviours at different loaded pre-stress, the vertical loading, steel cable height, truss dimension and the final temperature were compared in case of fire.

Findings

The results showed that the strain of longitudinal chord was far larger than those of the transverse chords, the strains of lower chords were significantly larger than those of the upper chords, strain of the chord near the longitudinal centreline were also larger than those of the outside transverse chords. During heating, the displacement and strain gradually changed from linear to nonlinear with loading, and the yielded chord had also in an order those chords which were at mid-span and near to the longitudinal centreline, yielded at first.

Originality/value

Temperatures in the furnace and at several points of the pre-stressed cable steel truss, as well as deformations, deflections and the stress changes of upper chord and the bottom steel cable and the change of displacement at different joint were measured to achieve those goals and, consequently, to assess the deformation behaviours and temperature of the pre-stressed steel cable.
Dynamic multi-actor engagement in networks: the case of United Breaks Guitars
Authors: Li Loic Pengtao , Juric Biljana , Brodie Roderick J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamic process of multi-actor engagement by examining how it evolves and spreads in actor networks. The authors challenge the dyadic perspective adopted by previous research.

Design/methodology/approach

An abductive theorizing approach uses a longitudinal case study to develop a theoretical framework of the iterative process of multi-actor engagement. The authors draw on the contemporary literature on engagement, service-dominant logic and value propositions.

Findings

The research shows that engagement conditions, via actors’ appraisals, lead to engagement properties and result in engagement outcomes as the new conditions for the next iteration. Changes within this multi-actor engagement process lead the network to evolve over time.

Research limitations/implications

The authors highlight the importance of adopting a dynamic multi-actor perspective of engagement and provide foundations for further research. The use of longitudinal methods that focus on the groups of actors in the evolving network is a key consideration.

Practical implications

There is the need to understand and measure the dynamic process of engagement among different groups of actors within networks in the service context.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study to explore the dynamics of engagement among multiple actors in the network. This leads to the expansion of Storbackaet al.’s (2016) conceptual work by identifying the iterative nature of the multi-actor engagement process, and new components in the process (i.e. actors’ connections, value propositions and engagement outcomes), as well as clarifying existing ones (e.g. engagement properties and actors’ appraisals).
Roseda’s growth decision
Authors: Leggio Karyl , Taylor Marilyn
Published: May 2017

Synopsis

Roseda is a family-operated business that had its beginnings in a farm that Ed and his wife purchased before his retirement in 1994. The company’s current business strategy emphasizes producing high-quality natural Black Angus beef without using hormones, chemical additives or antibiotics in cattle feeding and by dry aging the carcasses for enhanced flavor. This case focuses on the alternative growth strategies that Ed Burchell confronts for Roseda in early 2015.

Research methodology

The founder of Roseda Beef and the lead author became acquainted many years ago. In 2014, the two owners of Roseda agreed to have a case written about the firm. The case is based on formal interviews, on site observations at Roseda Farms, and an extensive review of the documentation that exists on this privately held company. In addition, the company made some internal documents available including the income statements and balance sheets for this private company.

Relevant courses and levels

This course has been taught four times at the MBA level so far: twice in a strategic management course, and twice in a financial strategy course.

Theoretical bases

Roseda Beef was developed to provide students in a capstone strategy or finance course the opportunity to undertake a situational analysis including the firm’s summary financials and the rudimentary financial analysis of the expansion opportunities that are included in the case. The case is based on capital budgeting principles in finance and fundamentals of strategy development.
The March of Dimes: branding in the not-for-profit sector
Authors: Paden Nita , Albritton M. David , Mitchell Jennie , Staples Douglas
Published: May 2017

Synopsis

This case involves the March of Dimes (MOD) Foundation, the “leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.” MOD’s mission was to support medical research, organize volunteer workers, and provide community services and education to save babies’ lives (www.marchofdimes.org). The strategic issue in the case involves creating awareness of both the mission and services of MOD and the critical issue driving that mission – premature births. The organization must create a desire for various target markets to take action in response to the problem. The main protagonist is Doug Staples, Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications.

Research methodology

Data were collected via personal interviews with the primary protagonists, Doug Staples, and Mike Swenson of the Barkley agency. The MOD provided quantitative Gallup studies they commissioned, as well as documents unveiling the roll-out in the San Jose, CA region. The Barkley Agency provided qualitative data from a study which consisted of eight focus groups conducted in two markets and ten personal interviews. Secondary research was used to provide a support for industry and market data, to supplement organizational facts provided by the MOD, and to identify and link marketing theory to the situations provided in the case. The organization, facts and characters in this case were not disguised. MOD was consulted throughout the case development process.

Relevant courses and levels

This case study is recommended for marketing courses at the undergraduate level. It is most appropriate for marketing management, introductory marketing, or marketing strategy classes. Additionally, this case is a good fit for courses focused upon not-for-profit marketing issues.

Theoretical bases

The strongest opportunities to apply theory using this case relate to branding (see De Chernatony and Dall’Olmo Riley, 1998 for a content analysis of the brand literature). These theories include brand image and personality (Aaker, 1997; Belk, 1998; Grohmann, 2009), brand awareness (Aaker, 2002), brand involvement and customer loyalty (Brakus et al., 2009), brand engagement (Sprott et al., 2009), brand relationships (Breivik and Thorbjornsen, 2008), and brand equity (Aaker, 2002, 2008). Specifically, question 2 addresses brand personality, and questions 3 and 4 explore relationships with the brand such as the emotional power of the brand and brand association. Question 6 focuses on positioning strategy.
A Portrait of Failure: Ongoing Funding Cuts to Australia's Cultural Institutions
Authors: van Barneveld Kristin , Chiu Osmond
Published: May 2017

Three decades of government budget cuts have placed significant financial pressure on Australia's cultural institutions. Institutions are increasingly trying to attract non‐government funding to fulfil their legislative mandates to collect, maintain, and exhibit Australian and international art, to educate and inform the public, and preserve Australia's political, social, and cultural history. Evidence suggests that, despite these efforts, sources of funding have not changed significantly. Budget cuts are impacting a range of areas including acquisitions, preservation, digitisation, as well as limiting access to researchers and the public. This paper concludes that a public review of the roles played by cultural institutions is required, including consideration of the level of public funding provided. To do otherwise is to ignore the importance of Australia's cultural heritage.
The Interplay Between Employee and Firm Customer Orientation: Substitution Effect and the Contingency Role of Performance‐Related Rewards
Authors: Herhausen Dennis , De Luca Luigi M. , Weibel Michael
Published: May 2017

This paper identifies and explains a potential tension between a firm's emphasis on customer orientation (CO) and the extent to which employees value CO as a success factor for individual performance. Based on self‐determination theory and CO implementation research, the authors propose that firm CO may represent both autonomous and controlled motivations for CO, but that employees’ CO is more strongly linked to individual performance when employees experience solely autonomous motivation. Hence, the authors expect a substitution effect whereby the link between employees’ CO and their performance is weaker when firm CO is high. Furthermore, the authors examine a boundary condition for the previous hypothesis and propose that performance‐contingent rewards have a positive effect on the internalization of the extrinsic motivation stemming from firm CO. Two multilevel studies with 979 employees and 201 top management team members from 132 firms support these hypotheses. Against previous research, these findings offer a new perspective on the effectiveness of CO initiatives, propose employees’ motivational states as the theoretical explanation for the heterogeneity in the link between employee CO and performance, and reappraise the role of performance‐contingent rewards in CO research. Managerial implications for the effective implementation of customer‐oriented initiatives within firms are provided.
Application of Edible Films Containing Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil on Queso Blanco Cheese Prepared with Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) Oil
Authors: Gurdian Cristhiam , Chouljenko Alexander , Solval Kevin Mis , Boeneke Charles , King Joan M. , Sathivel Subramaniam
Published: May 2017

Fortification of queso blanco (QB) with flaxseed oil (FO) containing omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may provide a functional food with health benefits such as improved cell, brain, and retina functionality, and protection against cardiovascular and immune‐inflammatory diseases. However, QB experiences a short shelf life because of the early development of yeasts and molds and addition of FO may increase susceptibility to lipid oxidation. Oregano essential oil (OEO) is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, but due to its intense flavor compounds it may not be suitable for direct incorporation into QB. Thus, incorporation of OEO into an edible film prepared with whey protein isolate (WPI) may improve the shelf life of QB. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that FO was successfully retained by the cheese after homogenization. The thiobarbituric‐acid‐reactive‐substances (TBARS) and yeast and mold counts (YMC) of the wrapped cheeses were analyzed during 60 d of refrigerated storage. The oxidation rate increased significantly for nonwrapped QB containing FO (QBFO) during storage, however wrapping with WPI edible films containing OEO (WOF) significantly limited lipid oxidation and prevented growth of yeasts and molds. This study demonstrated the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of WOF for preservation of QBFO during refrigerated storage.
Hypophosphatemia after nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Junttila E. , Koskenkari J. , Ala‐Kokko T.
Published: May 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and contributing factors of hypophosphatemia and the association with poor long‐term outcome after nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study of patients with nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (i.e., aneurysmal or perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage, or spontaneous intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhage) treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) at our university hospital. Plasma phosphate concentrations were measured serially in 2‐day sections during the 6 day study period. The ICU mortality was recorded, 3‐month and 1‐year outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale.

Results

One hundred patients were enrolled. The frequency of hypophosphatemia (Pi ≤ 0.65 mmol/l) was 70%. Chronic hypertension, acute hydrocephalus, and diffuse brain edema were more common in patients with hypophosphatemia compared with normophosphatemics (44% vs. 21%, P = 0.021; 59% vs. 33%, P = 0.021; and 43% vs. 13%, P = 0.004, respectively). Hypophosphatemic patients had higher maximum SOFA scores [10 (7–11) vs. 7.5 (5.75–10), P = 0.024]. Initial phosphate concentration correlated inversely with APACHE II score on admission (ρ = −0.304, P = 0.002) and SOFA score on the first ICU day (ρ = −0.269, P = 0.008). There was no difference in outcome between hypophosphatemic and normophosphatemic patients. In all five patients with severe hypophosphatemia (Pi < 0.32 mmol/l) the functional outcome was good.

Conclusion

Hypophosphatemia was common in this patient population. The outcome was similar between hypophosphatemic and normophosphatemic patients. Chronic hypertension, acute hydrocephalus, diffuse brain edema and higher SOFA scores were more common in patients with hypophosphatemia.
Expression profile of heat shock proteins in placental tissues of patients with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and spontaneous preterm labor with intact membranes
Authors: Dvorakova Lenka , Ivankova Katarina , Krofta Ladislav , Hromadnikova Ilona
Published: May 2017

Problem

Investigating the stress response in the central cotyledon zone of placental tissue in pregnancies with PPROM, PTB, and at term in labor.

Method of study

Gene expression of Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp70, Hsp90, and HspBP1 was compared between these particular groups. Correlation between variables including Hsp gene expression in placental tissue and the gestational age at delivery, WBC count at admission, and serum levels of CRP at admission in patients with PPROM and PTB was determined.

Results

Both PPROM and PTB pregnancies were associated with altered Hsp gene expression profile. While PPROM and PTB always induced upregulation of Hsp27 and Hsp60, downregulation of Hsp70 and HspBP1 was present entirely in patients with PPROM. HspBP1 expression profile was also able to differentiate between PPROM and PTB pregnancies. The highest mRNA levels of Hsp60 and Hsp70 were detected in PTB pregnancies with elevated CRP levels at admission. Some of the examined Hsp displayed increased expression with advancing gestational age in both groups (PPROM: Hsp27, Hsp70, and Hsp90; and PTB: Hsp27).

Conclusion

Upregulation of Hsp27 is a common phenomenon shared between pregnancies affected with PTB and PPROM. On the other hand, downregulation of Hsp70 and HspBP1 represents a unique feature of PPROM.
Efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) for Infertile women with thin endometrium: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Yiran , Zhang Tao , Tian Zhengping , Zhang Jiamiao , Wang Wanxue , Zhang Hong , Zeng Yong , Ou Jianping , Yang Yihua
Published: May 2017

This meta‐analysis aimed to explore the efficiency of intrauterine perfusion of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) on infertile women with thin endometrium. Following PRISMA protocol, we conducted a comprehensive search of academic literatures on various databases including PubMed, EMbase, and Cochrane Library. Studies published in English before July 1, 2016 were included for primary screening. Data on the thickness of endometrium, cycle cancelation rate,clinical pregnancy rate, and embryo implantation rate were extracted and analyzed, respectively. Eleven eligible studies involving 683 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. Compared with control group, G‐CSF perfusion could significantly improve endometrial thickness (mean difference [MD]=1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92‐2.67), clinical pregnancy rate (risk ratio [RR]=2.52, 95% CI: 1.39‐4.55), and embryo implantation rate (RR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.20‐4.60), while it could decrease cycle cancelation rate (RR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.25‐0.58). Funnel plots revealed that there was no evidence of publication bias. The current data indicate that intrauterine perfusion of G‐CSF can improve endometrial thickness, clinical pregnancy rate, and embryo implantation rate, but decrease the cycle cancelation rate in women with thin endometrium.
Predictors and implications of early left ventricular ejection fraction improvement in new‐onset idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy with narrow QRS complex: A NEOLITH substudy
Authors: Wang Norman C. , Adelstein Evan C. , Jain Sandeep K. , Mendenhall G. Stuart , Shalaby Alaa A. , Voigt Andrew H. , Saba Samir
Published: May 2017

Background

Predictors and implications of early left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement with guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) in new‐onset idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) with narrow QRS complex are not well described. The objectives were to describe predictors of LVEF improvement after 3 months on GDMT and adverse cardiac events based on post‐GDMT LVEF status (≤35% vs. >35%).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in subjects with new‐onset NICM, LVEF ≤35%, and narrow QRS complex. Associations for baseline variables with post‐GDMT LVEF improvement and absolute change in LVEF (∆LVEFGDMT) were assessed. Cox proportional hazards models assessed associations for post‐GDMT LVEF status with adverse cardiac events.

Results

In 70 subjects, 31 (44%) had post‐GDMT LVEF ≤35% after a median follow‐up time of 97.5 days (interquartile range, 84–121 days). In final multivariable models, severely dilated left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), compared with normal LVEDD, strongly predicted post‐GDMT LVEF ≤35% (odds ratio, 7.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–43.49; p = .02) and ∆LVEFGDMT (β = −15.709; standard error = 4.622; p = .001). Subjects with post‐GDMT LVEF ≤35% were more likely to have adverse cardiac events over a median follow‐up time of 970.5 days (unadjusted hazard ratio, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.93–4.96; p = .07). In the post‐GDMT LVEF ≤35% group, 9 of 26 subjects (35%) had long‐term LVEF > 35%.

Conclusion

In new‐onset NICM with narrow QRS complex, nondilated LVEDD predicted early LVEF improvement. Those with post‐GDMT LVEF ≤35% had higher risk of adverse cardiac events, but a substantial proportion demonstrated continued long‐term LVEF improvement.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the efficacy of vonoprazan‐based triple therapy on Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Jung Y. S. , Kim E. H. , Park C. H.
Published: May 2017

Background

In order to increase eradication rates, vonoprazan, a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker, has been used in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.

Aim

To summarise the results of the efficacy of vonoprazan‐based triple therapy, helping clinicians to better understand the benefit of vonoprazan in the treatment of H. pylori infection.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library using the primary keywords “vonoprazan,” “takecab”, “TAK‐438,” “potassium,” “competitive,” “potassium‐competitive,” “Helicobacter,” and “pylori.” Studies were included if they evaluated the eradication rate between the vonoprazan‐based and proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐based triple therapies.

Results

Ten studies and 10 644 patients were evaluated. The crude H. pylori eradication rate determined by intention‐to‐treat analysis was 87.9% and 72.8% in the vonoprazan‐based triple therapy and PPI‐based triple therapy respectively. The eradication rate of the vonoprazan‐based triple therapy was superior to that of the PPI‐based triple therapy (pooled risk ratio [RR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]=1.19 [1.15‐1.24]) In addition, there was no significant difference in dropout rate due to adverse event between the regimens (pooled RR of the vonoprazan‐based triple therapy [95% CI]=0.69 [0.23‐2.03]). The incidence of any adverse events also did not differ between the regimens (pooled RR [95% CI]=1.02 [0.78‐1.34]).

Conclusions

The vonoprazan‐based triple therapy showed superior efficacy in terms of H. pylori eradication as compared to the PPI‐based triple therapy. In addition, the vonoprazan‐based triple therapy showed comparable tolerability and incidence of adverse events.
Towards a Chronology of the Jerzmanowician—a New Series of Radiocarbon Dates from Nietoperzowa Cave (Poland)
Authors: Krajcarz M. T. , Krajcarz M. , Ginter B. , Goslar T. , Wojtal P.
Published: May 2017

The period around 50 000–35 000 years ago constitutes one of the most debated research issues in European archaeology of the Palaeolithic. In this time period, the transition from the Middle to the Upper Palaeolithic took place. Locally, in different areas of Europe, this shift is recorded in so‐called transitional assemblages. The eastern fringe of these transitional assemblages is represented by the Jerzmanowician, the unit described on the basis of a lithic assemblage from Nietoperzowa Cave (Poland). The unit is a part of a European transitional complex called the Lincombian–Ranisian–Jerzmanowician. Up to now, the radiocarbon dates presented in the literature have only allowed us to set the age of the Jerzmanowician at c.40 000–45 000 ka cal bp. In this study, we present 42 new radiocarbon dates. We attempt to set the archaeological record of the Jerzmanowician from Nietoperzowa Cave in an accurate chronological framework, based on Bayesian statistical processing of radiocarbon dates. We conclude that the lower boundary of layer 6 in Nietoperzowa Cave can be statistically located in the range 44 000–42 000 cal bp and the upper limit for the Jerzmanowician is estimated to c.31 000 cal bp. New data raises a question on the correlation with upper layer 4. In the light of the new chronology, the attribution of the archaeological inventory from layer 4 to the Jerzmanowician seems questionable.
Determination of the Fineness of Medieval Coins—Evaluation of Methods in a Case Study of a Medieval Pfennig
Authors: Kučera L. , Richtera L. , Zmrzlý M. , Jarošová M. , Kučerová P. , Bednář P.
Published: May 2017

The original fineness of coins is very important information that can help us to understand the commercial situation in a wide historical context. This paper deals with a comparison of analytical methods suitable for the evaluation of the actual and original fineness of coins based on a detailed case study of a medieval coin sample. Both non‐destructive (i.e., scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray fluorescence, atomic force microscopy and hydrostatic weighing) and destructive (i.e., inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry and the Volhard titration method) techniques were used. The original fineness can be also deduced from knowledge of the internal structure of the coin (limited miscibility of copper and silver). A new analytical method based on a combination of a micrograph of the metallographic cross‐section with consequent image analysis was developed for determination of the original fineness. The proposed approach is relatively simple and provides reliable values. Sample heterogeneity and its impact on the determination of fineness are also discussed.
Preference of an insular flying fox for seed figs enhances seed dispersal of a dioecious species
Authors: Chen Shiang‐Fan , Shen Tsung‐Jen , Lee Han‐Chun , Wu Hui‐Wen , Zeng Wan‐Ting , Lu Dau‐Jye , Lin Hua‐Ching
Published: May 2017

Interactions among multiple species form complex networks of interdependences and are considered primary factors in the generation and maintenance of biodiversity. Pteropodid bats are keystone species that provide important ecosystem services of pollination and seed dispersal in the tropics and subtropics. In this study, we investigated the utilization and preference of food resources by the insular frugivorous flying fox Pteropus dasymallus. We found that fig species constituted the major portion of the diet of the flying fox (94.6%). When foraging, the flying fox preferred seed figs from female trees over gall figs from male trees in functionally dioecious fig species. Germination experiments showed a significantly higher percentage of germination for fig seeds in feces than those from pellets and ripe figs (feces: 80.2%, pellets: 23.4%, ripe figs: 32.9%). Considering the active selection of seed figs and avoidance of gall figs by foraging flying foxes, we suggest that the abundance of seed figs accurately represents food availability for dioecy. This preference for seed figs or viable seeds can effectively promote the survival of pollinating wasps and might reinforce the evolution of dioecism in figs. In addition, the effects of gut passage on seed germination, in combination with the capacity of flying foxes to travel long distances, may substantially contribute to the efficiency of flying foxes as seed dispersers.
Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid sensitizes neuroblastoma to paclitaxel by inhibiting thioredoxin‐related protein 14‐mediated autophagy
Authors: Zhen Zijun , Yang Kaibin , Ye Litong , You Zhiyao , Chen Rirong , Liu Ying , He Youjian
Published: May 2017

Paclitaxel is not as effective for neuroblastoma as most of the front‐line chemotherapeutics due to drug resistance. This study explored the regulatory mechanism of paclitaxel‐associated autophagy and potential solutions to paclitaxel resistance in neuroblastoma. The formation of autophagic vesicles was detected by scanning transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. The autophagy‐associated proteins were assessed by western blot. Autophagy was induced and the autophagy‐associated proteins LC3‐I, LC3‐II, Beclin 1, and thioredoxin‐related protein 14 (TRP14), were found to be upregulated in neuroblastoma cells that were exposed to paclitaxel. The inhibition of Beclin 1 or TRP14 by siRNA increased the sensitivity of the tumor cells to paclitaxel. In addition, Beclin 1‐mediated autophagy was regulated by TRP14. Furthermore, the TRP14 inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) downregulated paclitaxel‐induced autophagy and enhanced the anticancer effects of paclitaxel in normal control cancer cells but not in cells with upregulated Beclin 1 and TRP14 expression. Our findings showed that paclitaxel‐induced autophagy in neuroblastoma cells was regulated by TRP14 and that SAHA could sensitize neuroblastoma cells to paclitaxel by specifically inhibiting TRP14.
Quaternary ammonium salts substituted by 5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol as novel antibacterial agents with low cytotoxicity
Authors: Wang Chun‐Hua , Xie Xian‐Rui , Liu Wen‐Shuai , Hou Gui‐Ge , Sun Ju‐Feng , Zhao Feng , Cong Wei , Li Hong‐Juan , Xin Wen‐Yu
Published: May 2017

Twenty‐one novel 5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol (POT) substituted N‐hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium salts (6a–g, 7a–g, 8a–g) were prepared and characterized by FTIR, NMR, and elemental analysis. Compounds 6a, 6c, and 8a were confirmed by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. They display the unsurpassed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, α‐H‐tococcus, Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Canidia Albicans, especially 6g, 7g, 8g with dodecyl group. Compounds 8a–d with N,N‐dihydroxyethyl and POT groups display unsurpassed antibacterial activity and non‐toxicity. The structure–activity relationships indicate that POT and flexible dihydroxyethyl group in QAS are necessary for antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity. SEM and TEM images of E. coli morphologies of 8d show the antibacterial agents can adhere to membrane surfaces to inhibit bacterial growth by disrupting peptidoglycan formation and releasing bacterial cytoplasm from cell membranes.
Quality of life of primary caregivers of children with cerebral palsy: a comparison between mother and grandmother caregivers in Anhui province of China
Authors: Wu J. , Zhang J. , Hong Y.
Published: May 2017

Background

The aims of the study are to evaluate the quality of life of mother and grandmother primary caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to compare the difference between these two groups of caregivers.

Methods

We recruited 125 mother and 52 grandmother primary caregivers of children with CP. All the primary caregivers were interviewed with the short‐form 36 (SF‐36) health survey version 2.0 and with researcher‐designed questionnaires for family background. As for the children, social‐demographic characteristics, medical history and the result of a physical examination performed by a paediatric specialist in neurological rehabilitation were also collected.

Results

Mother and grandmother caregivers scored lower than their counterparts in the general population in both summary scores. Grandmother caregivers had lower scores than mother caregivers in all eight domains and in the two summary scores, with all differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05), except for the domain of the mental component summary score (P = 0.618). The differences were found particularly remarkable in the domains of physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain and also the physical component summary score (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The quality of life is significantly unsatisfactory in both mother and grandmother primary caregivers of children with CP; this research provides evidence for the need of the monitoring of these caregivers.