bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a novel dexterous robotic gripper for in-hand twisting and positioning within assembly automation
Authors: Chen Fei , Carbonari Luca , Canali Carlo , D'Imperio Mariapaola , Cannella Ferdinando
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to design a novel jaw gripper with human-sized anthropomorphic features to be suitable for precise in-hand posture transitions, such as twisting and re-positioning. The growing demand from traditional high-mix low-volume and new massive customized manufacturing industry requires the robot with configurability and flexibility. In the electronic manufacturing industry particularly, the design of the robotic hand with sufficient dexterity and configuration is important for the robot to accomplish the assembly task reliably and robustly. It is important for the robot to be able to grasp and manipulate a large number of assembly parts or tools.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this research, a novel jaw-like gripper with human-sized anthropomorphic features is designed for online in-hand precise positioning and twisting. It retains the simplicity feature of traditional industrial grippers and dexterity features of dexterous robotic hands.

Findings

– The gripper is able to apply suitable gripping force on assembly parts and performs reliable twisting movement within limited time to meet the industrial requirements. Manipulating several cylindrical assembly parts by robot, as an experimental case in this paper, is studied to evaluate its performance. The effectiveness of proposed gripper design and mechanical analysis is proved by the simulation and experimental results.

Originality/value

– The main originality of this research is that a novel jaw gripper with human-sized anthropomorphic features is designed to be suitable for precise in-hand posture transitions, such as twisting and re-positioning. With this gripper, the robotic system will be sufficiently flexible to deal with various assembly tasks.
Resilience in the modern career
Authors: Lyons Sean T. , Schweitzer Linda , Ng Eddy S.W.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Career resilience (CR) is an increasingly important, but under-researched aspect of modern careers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of CR on the relationships between personality factors, career self-evaluations and modern career orientation and the outcome of career satisfaction (CS). The authors hypothesized that CR would be positively associated with the “big-5” personality factors, career self-evaluations (self-efficacy and external locus of control) and modern career orientations (protean and boundaryless orientations) and that CR would mediate those variables’ relationships with CS.

Design/methodology/approach

– The participants in the study were 1,988 employed managers and professionals. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed relationships and mediation model.

Findings

– CR mediated the relationships between CS and emotional stability, conscientiousness, emotional stability, openness to experience, internal work locus of control, career self-efficacy and protean career attitudes. Contrary to expectations, being values-driven was negatively associated with CR, producing a negative net indirect effect on CS.

Research limitations/implications

– The study extends previous work concerning CR by examining the role of CR as a mediator between various psychological career factors and CS (i.e. subjective career success). An important issue is whether CR is a unique construct relative to psychological resilience. The results suggest that this may be the case, but direct comparison between the two constructs is required to answer the question definitively.

Practical implications

– Strengthening CR through career development interventions can have important impacts on CS, particularly for those individuals who are values-driven or have boundaryless mindsets and preferences for organizational mobility.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to examine the relationship between CR and “new career” attitudes (i.e. boundaryless and protean career orientations), which have been the topic of much research. The authors contribute to the career success research by linking CR and modern career orientation to CS and demonstrating that CR mediates the relationships between career-related psychological factors (personality, self-evaluation and modern career orientation) and CS.
Corporate governance and its reform in Hong Kong: a study in comparative corporate governance
Authors: Michael Bryane , Goo S.H.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to determine to what extent Hong Kong’s experience proves (or disproves) theories from corporate governance in the areas of family ownership, concentration, self-dealing in Hong, executive compensation and other issues. This paper – written in the comparative corporate governance tradition – uses data from Hong Kong to discuss wider trends and issues in the corporate governance literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use the comparative corporate governance approach – exposing a range of corporate governance theories to the light of Hong Kong data. The authors purposely avoid over-theorising – leaving the data to speak for themselves for other researchers interested in such theorising.

Findings

– The authors find that Hong Kong presents corporate challenges that are unique among upper-income jurisdictions – in terms of potentially harmful (shareholder value diminishing) family relationships, shareholder concentration and self-dealing by insiders. The authors also show that excessive executive compensation, accounting and audit weaknesses do not pose the same kinds of problems they do in other countries. The authors provide numerous comments on theoretical papers throughout the presentation in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors chose a relatively unused research approach that eschews theory building – instead, the authors use data from a range of sectors to build an overall picture of corporate governance in Hong Kong. The authors subsequently affirm or critique the theories of others in this paper.

Practical implications

– The original analysis conducted by the authors provided 22 recommendations for revising listing rules for Hong Kong’s stock exchange. Others – particularly Asian officials – should consider Hong Kong’s experience when revising their own corporate governance listing rules and regulations.

Originality/value

– This paper offers new and original insights in four directions. First, the authors use the empiricist’s method – presenting data from a wide range of corporate governance areas to comment on and critique existing studies. Second, the authors provide a system-wide view of corporate governance – showing how different parts of corporate governance rules work together using concrete data. Third, the authors provide a new study in the comparative corporate governance tradition – another brick in the wall that is “normal scientific progress”. Fourth, the authors pose tentative resolutions to highly debated questions in corporate governance for the specific time and place of Hong Kong in the early 2010s.
A triple bottom line construct and reasons for implementing sustainable business practices in companies and their business networks
Authors: Høgevold Nils M. , Svensson Göran , Klopper H.B. , Wagner Beverly , Valera Juan Carlos Sosa , Padin Carmen , Ferro Carlos , Petzer Daniel
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to test a Triple Bottom Line (TBL)-construct as well as to describe the TBL-reasons for implementing sustainable business practices in companies and their business networks. This study explores how linking these seemingly disparate pillars of sustainability may be facilitated through a TBL construct. The notion of sustainable business practices has been evolving and is increasingly understood to encompass considerations of economic viability, as well as environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is quantitative in nature, exploring and analysing how companies in different Norwegian industries implement and manage sustainable business practices based on TBL. The survey results are reported here.

Findings

– The relevance of TBL to different aspects of sustainable business practices is outlined. The study generally supports the view that a heightened propensity for sustainable business practices ensures that organisations are better equipped for meeting the challenge of integrating TBL in companies and their business networks.

Research limitations/implications

– The study tested a construct of TBL in the context of sustainable business practices. It may be incorporated in further research in relation to other constructs. Suggestions for further research are proposed.

Practical implications

– Useful for practitioners to get insights into TBL-reasons for implementing business-sustainable practices in companies and their business networks. It may also be valuable to assess the general status of business-sustainable practices in a company and their business networks.

Originality/value

– Linking two traditionally separate and encapsulated areas of research, namely, the area of business sustainable practices and the area of TBL. The current study has contributed to a TBL-construct in relation to other constructs in measurement and structural models. It has also contributed to provide insights of priority into the main reasons to implement the elements of TBL within companies and their business networks.
The effectiveness of zakat in alleviating poverty and inequalities
Authors: Abdullah Naziruddin , Mat Derus Alias , Al-Malkawi Husam-Aldin Nizar
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of zakat (the Islamic tax) in alleviating poverty and inequality in Pakistan using a newly developed index, namely, the Basic Needs Deficiency Index (BNDI).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study formulates an index (BNDI) to measure the deficiency and effectiveness of zakat as one of the different items of government expenditure/spending to alleviate poverty. In this paper, Pakistan is chosen as a case study for two reasons: the availability and accessibility of data required for computing BNDI; and, in the past, no index such as this had been used to measure poverty in Pakistan.

Findings

– The results obtained from the computation of the BNDI have been able to explain the effectiveness of zakat in alleviating poverty and inequality in Pakistan.

Practical implications

– The findings of the study can be used by policymakers to measure and improve the effectiveness of zakat in reducing poverty and inequality.

Social implications

– As the ultimate beneficiaries of zakat are the poor people, the outcome of this study may help improve their quality of life.

Originality/value

– The paper develops a new methodology to measure poverty alleviation in Pakistan, focusing on the poor households’ consumption/expenditure on basic needs, government spending in terms of zakat and the number of zakat recipients as the three main determinants. The index developed in the present study can be applied to measure the performance of all Muslim countries whose provision of zakat is embedded in the national agenda to alleviate poverty.
Realizing knowledge sharing in strategic alliance: case in Islamic microfinance
Authors: Wahyudi Imam
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of social capital, trust and commitment in fusing the various elements in a strategic alliance through the knowledge-sharing process. The unit of analysis is the relationship between Islamic banks and baitul maal wa tamwil (BMT), where each carries with it a back-ground of differing institutional culture and management style. The theory regarding knowledge sharing and interdependence will be developed in the model and tested with structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the connection between relationship bonding (social capital) and trust and commitment in a formed alliance.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, we have used a confirmatory approach through survey using a structured questionnaire distributed to 131 BMT throughout the region of Central Java and Yogyakarta. The sampling criteria used are: has operated for a minimum of two years and does not experience any financial problems in those two years; has been in a financing contract with an Islamic bank; has channelled a part of their funds to micro, small and medium enterprises; and is in the form of a cooperative and not micro financial institution. The data treatment used is list-wise deletion. From the initial sample, 89 BMT were found that fulfilled the sampling criteria. Data are analyzed using SEM with linear structural relations (LISREL) software version 8.80. To validate the data analysis result, we have also run a focus group discussion (FGD) with the Directorate of Islamic Banking – Bank Indonesia, as well as in-depth interview (IDI) with the BMT parent cluster (Inkopsyah).

Findings

– Empirically, conflict, coordination and trust are a positive and significant contributor in the success of transfer of knowledge. A strategic alliance relationship between Islamic banks and BMT is still contractual in character, where trust is tied down by a contractual agreement. Other than that, trust and transfer of knowledge is significantly influenced positively by the building of coordination, agreement, interdependence and social capital.

Originality/value

– The unit of analysis is the relationship between Islamic banks and BMT, where each carries with it a background of differing institutional culture and management style. The theory regarding knowledge sharing and interdependence will be developed in the model and tested with SEM to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the connection between relationship bonding (social capital) and trust and commitment in a formed alliance.
Collaborative marketing in a premium wine region: the role of horizontal networks
Authors: Lewis Gemma Kate , Byrom John , Grimmer Martin
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article was to explore why small wine producers in one of Australia’s premium wine regions engage in horizontal networking within both their sub-regions and at a state-wide level. The benefits of these formal network relationships are investigated from a collaborative marketing perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 33 wine producers. Industry informant interviews and secondary data collection enabled triangulation of the research findings.

Findings

– Overall the study found that producers join horizontal networks for commercial, social and strategic reasons. These motivations evolve over time as the owner/managers gain experience and presence in the region. Horizontal networks assist regions to build goodwill and industry norms, and share knowledge. Such social capital encourages collaboration among wineries and enables networks to effectively pursue shared objectives. Horizontal networks at a sub-regional level also play a key role in establishing and promoting wine tourism.

Practical implications

– The paper shows how horizontal wine networks develop over time and the key motivations for membership. Those looking to establish networks can benefit from knowledge of the key drivers which influence and enhance participation.

Originality/value

– To date most network studies in the sector have focused on informal relationships between wineries, or networks and clusters comprising firms vertically integrated in the supply chain. The paper contributes to understanding why small wine producers join horizontal networks and examines how collaborative marketing can assist boutique and developing wine regions to increase the competitiveness and market penetration of their products.
To cooperate or compete? Looking at the climate change issue in the wine industry
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the nature of the cooperation–competition nexus in regional clusters by examining how wine firms in Australia engage in knowledge exchanges about a “common” strategic issue: climate change. Further, it determines if differences in climate change innovations exist based on sub-regional position.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a survey, data were collected from 557 firms across three wine-producing regions in Australia. Respondents were drawn from a leading wine industry database.

Findings

– The findings suggest that, after accounting for all knowledge exchanges, firms across the regions appear to be generally engaging in knowledge exchanges about climate change within their own geographic sub-regions. However, paradoxically, firms in “elite” sub-regions appear to be demonstrating more of a cooperative posture via a greater level of external knowledge exchanges. The results also suggest that implementation rates differ for adaptive climate change innovations only (as opposed to mitigative innovations) to the apparent advantage of firms in elite sub-regions.

Research limitations/implications

– The study represents Australian wine regions and should not be taken as a general population sample. The impacts of climate change in other wine-producing regions around the world may vary, leading to different results than those found in this study.

Practical implications

– Wine producers face many challenges with respect to climate change. To respond effectively to this issue, the sharing of knowledge is important to innovate around mitigative and adaptive practices. This research suggests that greater stimulation of open knowledge exchanges is likely needed so that all producers can benefit from industry-wide learning.

Originality/value

– This paper provides insights to wine scholars, industry practitioners and peak industry bodies seeking to understand and enhance the wine industry’s response to climate change. The paper also points to areas of future research opportunity and provides policy recommendations.
Fortune 1000 communication strategies on Facebook and Twitter
Authors: Tao Weiting , Wilson Christopher
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the communication strategies corporations adopt for Facebook and/or Twitter, and the consistency of communication strategies used on both Facebook and Twitter.

Design/methodology/approach

– A content analysis of 2011 Fortune 1000 corporate Facebook and Twitter sites was undertaken. Specially, communication strategies on 63 Fortune 1000 Facebook sites and 65 Fortune 1000 Twitter sites in January 2012 were examined.

Findings

– This study found that a majority of the examined Fortune 1000 companies emphasized a corporate ability communication strategy over a corporate social responsibility communication strategy on their Facebook and Twitter sites. Additionally, none of these companies used a true hybrid strategy on their social media sites (SMSs). Results also demonstrated that these companies were following the one message principle of integrated communication.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited to its samples size and the coding time frame.

Practical implications

– Results of this study can help public relations and corporate communication professionals leverage multiple SMSs to build strong associations, improve engagement, and strengthen relationships with target stakeholders.

Originality/value

– Through examining corporate communication strategies on SMSs, this study contributes to current social media research along with corporate communication/public relations scholarship. It replicated and extended prior work by examining how existing corporate communication strategies on traditional web sites were incorporated into two new mainstream media – Facebook and Twitter.
Effects of brand placement strength, prior game playing experience and game involvement on brand recall in advergames
Authors: Vashisht Devika , S Sreejesh
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of brand placement strength on gamers’ brand recall as moderated by gamers’ prior game playing experience and game involvement in the context of advergames. Specifically, this research utilizes Limited Capacity Model of attention to explain how and under what conditions brand placements create attention, elaboration and subsequent brand recall.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 2 (brand placement strength: prominent versus subtle) × 2 (prior game playing experience: experienced versus inexperienced) × 2 (game involvement: high versus low involvement) between-subjects measures design is used. Empirical data were obtained from 220 undergraduate student gamers. A between-subjects measures ANOVA is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– There are several important findings that can be inferred from the results. First, inexperienced gamers report high brand recall in prominent brand placements than subtle brand placements, whereas for experienced gamers, no significant difference in recall rates is found between prominent brand placement and subtle brand placement. Second, inexperienced gamers with low game involvement playing an advergame with prominent brand placement report high brand recall compared to inexperienced gamers with high game involvement playing an advergame with prominent brand placement.

Research limitations/implications

– The study contributes to the advertising literature from a non-traditional advertising perspective, particularly in the context of online advergames, and explains the role of brand placement and its boundary conditions to create customers’ brand memory. Moreover, this research contributes to the marketing knowledge on how to locate and embed the brands effectively in advergames, taking into account the individual characteristics of each advergame.

Practical implications

– The findings are very important for advertising practitioners because selecting media that enhances the brand memory of the consumers through entertainment is a planning strategy that has been widely used by media planners today. Hence, advertising managers should think about designing advergames by taking into account the game involvement factor to make sure that the implementation has the strongest positive effect on consumers’ memory.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to the literature of online advertising, especially the advergames by exploring the impact of brand placement strength and prior gaming experience on gamers’ brand recall. In addition, this study is the first step toward understanding the moderating role of game involvement on Indian gamers recall in the context of online advertising.
A time-based analysis of changing consumer values in India
Authors: Parthasarathy Madhavan , Lane Vicki , Stansifer Mary Lee
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to document changes in values of young Indian consumers over a 10-year period from 2004 to 2014. Given increases in per-capita income and living standards and, particularly, the tremendous increase in exposure to global products and ideals via media advertising, and greater one-to-one interaction with Americans and other English-speaking people from individualistic cultures (India has over 250 million Internet users who communicate in the English language), it was proposed that young Indian consumers would adopt values associated with self-enhancement and individualism, forsaking self-transcendence-related ideals such asbenevolenceanduniversalism.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data pertaining to the Rokeach value scale (RVS) were collected in New Delhi in 2004 and 2014 and tested using MANOVA.

Findings

– The results strongly support the contentions, save a couple of surprises. Implications of this dramatic change in values in a relatively short period are discussed from a marketing perspective.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper that empirically measures changing consumer values in India.
The relationship between local residents’ perceptions of tourism and their happiness: a case of Kusadasi, Turkey
Authors: Ozturk Ahmet Bulent , Ozer Ozgur , Çaliskan Uğur
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to determine the local residents’ attitudes of tourism in Kusadasi, Turkey. In addition, the relationship between residents’ attitudes toward tourism and their overall perceived happiness was analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

– A correlational, quantitative research technique was used in this study. The data of this study were collected from 383 local residents in Kusadasi, Turkey. Exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data.

Findings

– The results of the study indicated that local residents had favorable attitudes toward tourism in terms of its positive economic, cultural and environmental impact. Study results also indicated that negative economic impact of tourism was found to be the least favorable construct associated with residents’ attitudes toward tourism in Kusadasi. In addition, multiple regression analysis indicated that local residents’ perceived overall happiness was significantly influenced by positive and negative cultural and environmental impact and positive economic impact factors.

Originality/value

– The findings of the study provide valuable information to tourism planners and decision makers seeking to build a resident friendly tourism destination in Kusadasi, Turkey.
The cultural and economic significance of Hampi festival
Authors: Durgamohan M.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to explore the issues and potential that this festival brings forth. Festivals are an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of India. Festivals have been celebrated from times immemorial. One such festival is Hampi festival, which was in vogue in the Vijayanagara Empire. The Government of Karnataka revived this festival.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focus group discussions with the festival stakeholders were held to explore the cultural and economic impact of Hampi festival. Recommendations are made regarding improving the festival.

Findings

– Held at Hampi, a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and the world’s largest open air museum covering 26 sq km, having 550 monuments, Hampi festival is a cultural extravaganza of dance, drama, music, fireworks, puppet shows and spectacular processions, all combined to recreate the grandeur of a bygone era. It has tremendous untapped potential from a cultural and economic perspective.

Practical implications

– An understanding of the opportunities and issues in organizing the festival, with implications for multiple stakeholders including the government at multiple levels.

Originality/value

– Building a discussion on how a large-scale festival that generates national and international visitation be leveraged for cultural and economic gains.
Spatial heterogeneity of a parasitic plant drives the seed‐dispersal pattern of a zoochorous plant community in a generalist dispersal system
Authors: Mellado Ana , Zamora Regino
Published: July 2015

Biota plays a central role as sources of spatial heterogeneity, having great potential to define ecological processes and patterns in the landscape. Mistletoes are fleshy‐fruited parasitic plants that dwell in forest canopies showing a strong aggregated spatial distribution. Parasitized trees potentially concentrate frugivore activity on their canopy, where birds find food, places to perch and protection against predators. Thus, seed‐deposition patterns generated from the canopy are expected to reflect the heterogeneity associated with the parasite. This becomes especially important in generalist dispersal systems; however, so far, we do not know the implications of mistletoe spatial heterogeneity on the seed‐dispersal pattern of other plants with which they simultaneously fruit.

In a Mediterranean pineland, we analyse the impact of Viscum album subsp. austriacum on the seed‐deposition pattern of a zoochorous plant community, taking into consideration the spatial and temporal variability of environmental factors influencing the frugivore's habitat use, such as fruit availability and forest tree density. For four consecutive years, we studied 55 pairs of trees parasitized and unparasitized by mistletoe, analysing zoochorous fruit availability, frugivore visits and the zoochorous seed rain in selected trees.

As expected, frugivorous birds responded to mistletoe heterogeneity by visiting parasitized trees preferentially to unparasitized ones, generating a differential deposition of mistletoe seeds on tree branches while dispersing seeds of co‐fruiting species under the host canopy. Availability of understory fruits remained similar in patches of parasitized and unparasitized trees, but showed strong temporal fluctuations reflected in the seed rain. On the other hand, mistletoe proved more copious in patches of parasitized trees and their fruit crops varied little between years, making mistletoes reliable food resources likely to lead to consistency in fruit‐deposition patterns.

In conclusion, mistletoes, by patchily growing on the canopy layer and concentrating zoochorous seeds underneath, can shape the spatial seed‐deposition pattern of fleshy‐fruited plants in the forest. Moreover, as seeds constantly reach the same deposition sites over long periods, the soil beneath the host canopy could become hotspots for community regeneration. In degraded areas, such mistletoe effects might be critical, possibly promoting recolonization and vegetation recovery through the frugivore's activity.
Following Routines: A Challenge in Cross‐Sectorial Collaboration
Authors: Danielsson Erna
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to examine how personnel from three different organizations create meaning and intend to act in a potentially dangerous situation. The article reports an experiment depicting a bomb at an elderly care center and the participants were to describe the situation and decide how to act. The participants were personnel from the police, rescue services and an elderly care centre. The findings show that participants had different types of understanding of the situation and how to act. The personnel at the elderly care centre were confused by the situation but they were familiar with their work routines. The emergency organizations were familiar with the situation and the task, but not with the work routines.
Umbilical Hernia in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Surgical Treatment and Risk Factors
Authors: Banshodani Masataka , Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki , Shintaku Sadanori , Ago Rika , Hashimoto Shinji , Nishihara Masahiro , Tsuchiya Shinichiro
Published: July 2015

No previous reports have focused on surgical treatments and risk factors of umbilical hernia alone in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Herein, we evaluated the treatments and risk factors. A total of 411 PD patients were enrolled. Of the 15 patients with umbilical hernia (3.6%), six underwent hernioplasty. There was no recurrence in five patients treated with tension‐free hernioplasty. The mean PD vintage after onset of hernia in the hernioplasty group tended to be longer than that in the non‐hernioplasty group. An incarcerated hernia occurred in one non‐hernioplasty patient. Although the incidence was significantly higher among women (P = 0.02), female sex was not a risk factor for umbilical hernia (P = 0.08). Our findings suggest that umbilical hernias should be repaired for continuing PD. Furthermore, there were no significant risk factors for umbilical hernia in PD patients. Future studies with larger sample groups are required to elucidate these risk factors.
Pegylated Interferon Mono‐Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C in the Dialysis Population: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Fabrizi Fabrizio , Dixit Vivek , Messa Piergiorgio , Martin Paul
Published: July 2015

The medical literature on mono‐therapy with pegylated interferon for chronic hepatitis C in dialysis patients is mostly based on small clinical studies and the efficacy and safety of such approach is still unclear. A systematic review of the literature with a meta‐analysis of clinical studies was performed in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mono‐therapy with pegylated interferon of chronic hepatitis C in patients on regular dialysis. The primary outcome was sustained viral response (as a measure of efficacy); the secondary outcome was drop‐out rate (as a measure of tolerability). The random‐effects model of Der Simonian and Laird was used, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. Twenty‐four clinical studies (N = 744 unique patients) were retrieved; five (21%) being randomized controlled trials. The summary estimate for sustained viral response and drop‐out rate was 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35; 0.46) and 0.14 (95% CI, 0.09; 0.20), respectively. The most frequent side‐effects requiring discontinuation of treatment were hematological (31/83 = 37%) and gastrointestinal (9/31 = 10.8%). Meta‐regression analysis showed a detrimental role of ageing on the frequency of sustained virological response (P = 0.01); drop‐out rate was greater in diabetics (P < 0.005). Important heterogeneity was seen with regard to drop‐out rate only. In summary, pegylated interferon monotherapy of hepatitis C in dialysis patients resulted unsatisfactory in terms of efficacy and safety. Studies with novel direct‐acting antiviral agents in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the treatment of hepatitis C virus in dialysis population are under way.
Dietary intake of Turkish gymnast and non‐gymnast children
Authors: Karabudak Efsun , Köksal Eda , Ertaş Yasemin , Küçükerdönmez Özge
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study is to compare the energy and nutrient intake of rhythmic and artistic gymnasts with a control group that is composed of healthy non‐gymnasts.

Methods

Seventy‐seven gymnasts (29 male children and 48 female children) and a control group of age‐ and sex‐matched non‐gymnasts were included in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire. To determine participants' energy and nutrients intake, a 24‐hour recall was administered. Participants' bodyweight and height were measured, while body mass index was assessed by z‐scores. Mean, standard deviations and daily reference intake ratios of energy and nutrients are presented in tables according to participant's gender. The software SPSS 15.0 was used for data analysis.

Results

There was no significant difference between mean body mass index for the gymnast and control group in male children (P > 0.05), while there was a significant statistical difference between the gymnast and control group in female children (P < 0.05). Both male and female gymnasts had low energy intake and gained energy from fat and proteins rather than carbohydrates. Among both genders, gymnasts' intakes of vitamin E, niacin, thiamine, folate, potassium, calcium and iron intakes were inadequate.

Conclusions

This study is the first large‐sample study determining dietary intake of gymnasts in Turkey. According to the results, nutrition education should be given to gymnasts and their parents. Nutritional status should be monitored and evaluated by a dietitian.
Lethal and sub‐lethal effects of spinosad on the life‐history traits of army worm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and its fitness cost of resistance
Authors: Rehan Adeel , Freed Shoaib
Published: July 2015

Spodoptera litura is one of the most destructive polyphagous insect pests, with more than 120 host‐plant species. In our present study, a field‐collected population of S. litura when selected with spinosad for 11 consecutive generations resulted in the development of 3921‐fold resistance to spinosad as compared to the susceptible strain. The spinosad‐resistant strain of S. litura had a relatively high fitness cost (0.17) as compared to the susceptible strain. Furthermore, the lethal and sub‐lethal effects of different concentrations of spinosad were checked on the susceptible strain at different levels; i.e., LC40, LC30, LC20 and LC10, which revealed that the impact of spinosad on the life‐history traits of S. litura increased with the increase in concentration of spinosad. A significant impact of spinosad was recorded on the larval duration, pre‐pupal weight, pupal duration, pupal weight, reproductive potential and adult emergence. The outcomes of the current research clearly indicate that fitness cost of spinosad and its sub‐lethal effects have a significant impact on population dynamics of S. litura, for which it can be incorporated in integrated pest management.
Accumulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid by Enterococcus avium 9184 in scallop solution in a two‐stage fermentation strategy
Authors: Yang Haoyue , Xing Ronge , Hu Linfeng , Liu Song , Li Pengcheng
Published: July 2015

In this study, a new bacterial strain having a high ability to produce γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) was isolated from naturally fermented scallop solution and was identified as Enterococcus avium. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to prove that E. avium possesses glutamate decarboxylase activity. The strain was then mutagenized with UV radiation and was designated as E. avium 9184. Scallop solution was used as the culture medium to produce GABA. A two‐stage fermentation strategy was applied to accumulate GABA. In the first stage, cell growth was regulated. Optimum conditions for cell growth were pH, 6.5; temperature, 37°C; and glucose concentration, 10 g·L−1. This produced a maximum dry cell mass of 2.10 g·L−1. In the second stage, GABA formation was regulated. GABA concentration reached 3.71 g·L−1 at 96 h pH 6.0, 37°C and initial l‐monosodium glutamate concentration of 10 g·L−1. Thus, compared with traditional one‐stage fermentation, the two‐stage fermentation significantly increased GABA accumulation. These results provide preliminary data to produce GABA using E. avium and also provide a new approach to process and utilize shellfish.
Is there a relationship between hepatitis B surface antibody status and diabetes?
Authors: Khalili Mandana , Sanyal Arun
Published: July 2015

乙型肝炎病毒感染与肝病相关的发病率以及死亡率显著增加有关1。在发生慢性乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染时存在糖尿病也与阴性肝病结果有关,而且与非糖尿病患者相比肝病进展更快,发生肝癌的风险也更高2‐4。迄今为止在感染HBV的患者中评估糖尿病患病率的可用信息很有限,主要来自于亚洲流行地区,报告的患病率范围为6%至14%5‐7。最近来自北美HBV感染人群参与的乙型肝炎研究网络数据发现患病率为13%,这比普通人群报告的(9%)更高8。虽然目前已经明确丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)感染与代谢异常(例如胰岛素抵抗与糖尿病)之间具有相关性,并且根治丙型肝炎病毒感染后可使这些指标得以改善9‐12,但是HBV本身并没有表现出与糖尿病相关13。实际上在一个大型的具有良好特征的北美HBV感染人群中,除了已知的代谢危险因素之外,糖尿病与升高的丙氨酸氨基转移酶水平之间具有相关性,但是与HBV病毒水平无关,这表明糖尿病与宿主因素之间的关系与病毒因素相比更为紧密8。此外,最近在一项大型的纵向研究中对阿拉斯加土著居民人群进行了超过20年的随访,发现存在HBV感染并不会影响糖尿病的发生14。然而,与普通人群相比,糖尿病人群的HBV感染患病率更高,因此推荐在糖尿病患者中筛查乙型肝炎并且对易感个体进行接种15。

Li等16的回顾性队列研究的目的是在中国退休工人中(所有的人年龄都> 50岁,他们都参与了一个健康体检项目,既往没有已知的糖尿病病史)评估存在乙型肝炎表面抗体(HBsAb)与葡萄糖耐量状态之间的关系。该研究使用的方法是口服葡萄糖耐量试验,它与空腹血糖截点相比能够诊断出更多的糖尿病患者17。然而,存在HBsAb代表的是既往感染过HBV或者是通过接种后导致的免疫结果,但这个人群的HBV疫苗接种状态信息不明。作者推断在女性参与者中存在HBsAb与糖尿病之间没有相关性。

虽然这一发现很有趣,但是作者应该谨慎地解释他的结论。首先, HBsAb阳性以及抗HBV治疗可能有助于减少经绝后妇女的胰岛素抵抗与糖尿病风险这一结论是错误的,因为这项横向研究设计并不能得出因果关系。此外,由于HBsAb阴性组可能还没有感染HBV或者接受过接种,因此并不能够得出在该人群中HBsAb的阳性状态可能代表了更好的先天性和/或获得性免疫调节并且有助于改善胰岛素抵抗与降低糖尿病风险这一结论。另外,还不明确不同的性别对于HBsAb与糖尿病风险之间的阴性相关关系的影响为什么不同。然而,最近一项对7142名无糖尿病的多民族成年人的研究,这些成年人都参与了2005至2010年全国健康与营养调查研究(National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,NHANES)(在2014年美国糖尿病协会年会上以摘要形式展出),结果发现接种HBV疫苗与较低的糖尿病风险之间具有相关性,而这项研究是通过空腹血糖水平来诊断糖尿病的18。根据此研究,在1412名曾经接受过乙型肝炎疫苗接种的参与者中有1.13%的人发生了糖尿病,而对照的5730名未接种的参与者中有5.67%的人发生了糖尿病18。与Li等人的研究16相似,NHANES研究18并不能得出明确的因果关系,并且接种患者可能代表了一个无法测定危险因素的人群,我们也不能够排除他们固有的糖尿病风险就较低。虽然如此,这些观察结果提示将来可能需要纵向研究来明确抗HBV感染免疫状态与糖尿病风险之间的关系,特别是在全世界都可以接种HBV疫苗的时代。
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene polymorphism in Thai patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Pitipakorn Umporn , Suwannalai Parawee , Trachoo Objoon , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Chitphuk Sermsiri , Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Sura Thanyachai
Published: July 2015

Objective

To determine the association between angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism and the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease and lupus nephritis (LN), including the association with disease severity in a Thai population.

Method

In this retrospective study, 187 SLE patients followed up for (at least) 7 years in a rheumatology clinic of an academic hospital were enrolled. Disease severity and damage score at diagnosis and every 6 months, including treatment outcome of the first episode of LN were retrieved from medical records. The ACE genotype of SLE patients were determined by polymerase chain reaction and compared with ACE genotype in 687 controls from a database of a Thai surveillance cohort.

Result

There was an association between ACE I/D polymorphism and the presence of SLE disease and LN (P < 0.001). Unexpectedly, the prevalence of DD genotype in SLE patients was lower than controls (OR 0.44 [95% CI 0.23–0.84], P = 0.013). The prevalence of ID genotype was not different between SLE patients and controls (OR 1.44 [95%CI 0.93–2.24], P = 0.102), but was higher in LN patients compared to controls (OR 1.77 [95% CI 1.14–2.72], P = 0.01). However, the ACE I/D polymorphism is not associated with SLE disease severity, either in patients with or without nephritis.

Conclusion

The DD genotype could not be used as a poor prognostic marker for SLE and LN susceptibility in a Thai population. However, ID genotype may be associated with risk to develop LN.
Auctions with selective entry and risk averse bidders: theory and evidence
Authors: Li Tong , Lu Jingfeng , Zhao Li
Published: July 2015

We study auctions with selective entry and risk averse bidders. Our model accounts for risk averse bidders' endogenous participation decision and thus encompasses the existing entry models. We establish entry and bidding equilibrium in first‐price auction and ascending auction mechanisms and show that bidders' entry behavior differs between these two mechanisms with different forms of risk aversion. Our approach provides testable implications of risk aversion in terms of entry behavior. We analyze a timber auction data set and propose a simple test for the form of bidders' risk aversion based on our model implications.
Measuring temporal turnover in ecological communities
Authors: Shimadzu Hideyasu , Dornelas Maria , Magurran Anne E.
Published: July 2015

Range migrations in response to climate change, invasive species and the emergence of novel ecosystems highlight the importance of temporal turnover in community composition as a fundamental part of global change in the Anthropocene. Temporal turnover is usually quantified using a variety of metrics initially developed to capture spatial change. However, temporal turnover is the consequence of unidirectional community dynamics resulting from processes such as population growth, colonisation and local extinction.

Here, we develop a framework based on community dynamics and propose a new temporal turnover measure.

A simulation study and an analysis of an estuarine fish community both clearly demonstrate that our proposed turnover measure offers additional insights relative to spatial context‐based metrics.

Our approach reveals whether community turnover is due to shifts in community composition or in community abundance and identifies the species and/or environmental factors that are responsible for any change.
WHO classification 2008 of myeloproliferative neoplasms: a workshop learning effect – the Danish experience
Authors: Madelung Ann B. , Bondo Henrik , Stamp Inger , Løvgreen Preben , Nielsen Signe L. , Falensteen Anne , Knudsen Helle , Svendsen Kira D. , Lange Theis , Ralfkiær Elisabeth , Nielsen Karsten , Hasselbalch Hans , Thiele Jürgen
Published: July 2015

We examined the learning effect of a workshop for Danish hematopathologists led by an international expert regarding histological subtyping of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Six hematopathologists evaluated 43 bone marrow (BM) biopsies according to the WHO description (2008), blinded to clinical data. All panelists then participated in the workshop. The case biopsies – mixed with 251 other MPN BM biopsies – were reviewed again. Consensus regarding the histological subtype was significantly improved; from 49% to 72% (Fleiss kappa value 0.302 pre‐workshop, 0.474 post‐workshop; p = 0.004). There was no significant effect on the isolated morphological characteristics. Agreement between cases with histological consensus and clinical diagnosis was 86% without significant change during workshop sessions. Our study demonstrates that experienced hematopathologists can significantly improve their diagnostic ability by a workshop led by an international expert; not by improving the evaluation of individual histological parameters but by weighting these in their conclusive diagnosis.
Promoting mental health in Asia‐Pacific: Systematic review focusing on Thailand and China
Authors: Moeller‐Saxone Kristen , Davis Elise , Herrman Helen
Published: July 2015

Mental health is essential for functioning, general health, and quality of life in low and middle‐income countries (LAMICs), as for high‐income countries. This study aimed first to search in the English language peer‐reviewed literature for reviews of mental health promotion interventions in the Asia‐Pacific region. A global rapid review by Barry and colleagues indicated a paucity of publications on this topic in the peer‐reviewed literature. The second aim of the study followed from this observation. Two systematic reviews of English language literature were conducted as case studies in two countries with known interest in mental health promotion, Thailand and China. The reviews covered publications in peer‐reviewed journals and the “grey” literature. In Thailand, the review demonstrated: strong evidence for an empowerment program for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected mothers; a reduction in HIV‐related stigma in a community‐based program; and a coping program for adolescents. The second review concerned suicide prevention interventions in China. It found one relevant study, a WHO multi‐site study of suicide prevention. We found surprisingly little evidence in either country of interventions focused on health equity or modifying the social determinants of mental health. We agree with Barry and colleagues that there is an urgent need to invest in the policy, practice, and research capacity for mental health promotion in LAMICs so that mental health promotion can be incorporated into the wider health promotion and global health development agenda. This includes the Global Action for Health Equity Network. Evidence‐based interventions in parenting, schools, workplaces, and among older people can be initiated or adapted and evaluated in LAMIC settings.