bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Plows, Horses, and Harnesses to Precision Technologies in the North American Great Plains
Authors: Clay David E. , Clay Sharon A. , DeSutter Thomas , Reese Cheryl
Published: February 2017

Since the discovery that food security could be improved by pushing seeds into the soil and later harvesting a desirable crop, agriculture and agronomy have gone through cycles of discovery, implementation, and innovation. Discoveries have produced predicted and unpredicted impacts on the production and consumption of locally produced foods. Changes in technology, such as the development of the self-cleaning steel plow in the 18th century, provided a critical tool needed to cultivate and seed annual crops in the Great Plains of North America. However, plowing the Great Plains would not have been possible without the domestication of plants and animals and the discovery of the yoke and harness. Associated with plowing the prairies were extensive soil nutrient mining, a rapid loss of soil carbon, and increased wind and water erosion. More recently, the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and no-tillage planters has contributed to increased adoption of conservation tillage, which is less damaging to the soil. In the future, the ultimate impact of climate change on agronomic practices in the North American Great Plains is unknown. However, projected increasing temperatures and decreased rainfall in the southern Great Plains (SGP) will likely reduce agricultural productivity. Different results are likely in the northern Great Plains (NGP) where higher temperatures can lead to increased agricultural intensification, the conversion of grassland to cropland, increased wildlife fragmentation, and increased soil erosion. Precision farming, conservation, cover crops, and the creation of plants better designed to their local environment can help mitigate these effects. However, changing practices require that farmers and their advisers understand the limitations of the soils, plants, and environment, and their production systems. Failure to implement appropriate management practices can result in a rapid decline in soil productivity, diminished water quality, and reduced wildlife habitat.
Surgical Treatment of a Double Origin Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm and Insights From Embryology: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Silva Michael A. , See Alfred P. , Aziz-Sultan Mohammad A. , Patel Nirav J.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Aneurysms affecting double origin (DO) posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) variants are rare. Most reports describe endovascular occlusion of the affected branch to treat the aneurysm, but we describe a patient in which open surgical sacrifice of 1 branch resulted in insufficient perfusion.

This case and our review of PICA embryology provide insight into treatment of aneurysms affecting duplicated intracranial vessels.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report the only case of open surgical treatment of an aneurysm affecting a leg of a DOPICA. A 42-year-old woman presenting with the worst headache of her life was found to have a DOPICA aneurysm and initially treated by trapping the aneurysm. Intraoperative indocyanine green imaging revealed insufficient perfusion through the caudal branch, which was remediated by end-to-end anastomosis to preserve flow through both origins. The patient made a full recovery.

CONCLUSION: Treating a DOPICA aneurysm by sacrificing 1 of the origins is not possible for all patients. This first report of open surgical treatment of a DOPICA leg aneurysm suggests that 1 or both branches may be required for sufficient perfusion, and the unique embryology of DOPICA development suggests a possible mechanism.
Unexpected Complication of Cocaine-Associated Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Vasculitis Related to Persistent In-Hospital Cocaine Use
Authors: Olives Travis D. , Kornas Rebecca L. , Fujisawa Russell , Cole Jon B.
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

Levamisole-adulterated cocaine has been implicated in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis. We present a case of spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage, an unexpectedly severe complication of cocaine-related ANCA vasculitis, developing late during hospitalization.

Case Report:

An adult male with a history of hepatitis C, distant cocaine use, and limited health care presented to a local emergency department (ED) with volume overload, renal failure, hyperkalemia and non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. An extensive workup ensued, followed by pulse-dose methylprednisolone and plasma exchange for ANCA vasculitis with crescentic glomerulonephritis. Tachycardia and hypertension persisted throughout hospitalization despite treatment. On hospital day (HD) 13, his abdomen became distended and tender. Mental status and blood pressure declined, and he was emergently intubated. Paracentesis revealed frank blood; hemoglobin declined from 10.6 to 4.6 g/dL during 10 hours. Laparotomy revealed 3.5 L of intraperitoneal blood and a bleeding omental vessel. Histopathology revealed necrotic aneurysmal dilatation diagnostic of systemic vasculitis. Urine cocaine metabolite was positive on HD #13, consistent with the patient's report of in-hospital cocaine use. He was discharged on HD #28 without further complications with plans for outpatient hemodialysis.

Discussion:

ANCA vasculitis is widely reported following levamisole-adulterated cocaine use. Catastrophic in-hospital hemorrhage due to ANCA vasculitis and vascular necrosis, though previously unreported, may occur with ongoing cocaine use.
Solitary osteochondroma of the sinus tarsi
Authors: Andreacchio Antonio , Marengo Lorenza , Canavese Federico
Published: February 2017

Tumors are a rare cause of ankle-region pain. Osteochondroma is one of the most common benign bone tumors, but is rarely localized to the foot bones. Here, we describe a case of a solitary osteochondroma of the sinus tarsi presenting in an 8-year-old boy with a history of recurrent ankle sprains and limited range-of-motion of the subtalar joint. Treatment was surgical excision of the tumor, and the patient is now symptom free. Clinical presentation, treatment, pathoanatomy, localization, and complication of this benign form of tumor are discussed and all previously reported cases are reviewed to provide a more comprehensive picture of osteochondroma of talus.
Maternal Mortality & Injustice
Authors: Patton Cheryl M.
Published: February 2017

The incidence of maternal mortality rates (MMRs) is grossly higher in developing countries than in wealthier regions. Multiple factors are involved in the MMR. Much of the attention to lower deaths was given to biomedical causes. However, socioeconomic, healthcare availability, and cultural issues often impede a woman's chance of healthy maternal outcomes. Most maternal deaths are preventable. This article discusses the injustices that occur as a result of global maternal health disparities, and highlights organizations that are working to end preventable maternal deaths.
Benign Atrophic Papulosis (Degos Disease) With Lymphocytic Vasculitis and Lichen Sclerosus-Like Features
Authors: Kim Esther , Motaparthi Kiran
Published: February 2017

Degos disease manifests as 2 distinct clinical variants, malignant atrophic papulosis and benign atrophic papulosis, which are distinguished by the presence or absence of systemic disease. Both forms feature cutaneous involvement typified by erythematous papules with scar-like centers, and the classic histologic picture is described as wedge-shaped dermal necrosis overlying thrombotic vasculopathy. However, the histopathology of early lesions is distinct and more variable. A case of benign atrophic papulosis with lymphocytic vasculitis and lichen sclerosus–like features is described, and the spectrum of histologic findings in Degos disease is reviewed.
Prospective Cohort Comparison of Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Between Femto Laser In Situ Keratomileusis and Orthokeratology for Low-to-Moderate Myopia
Authors: Tian Mingxia , Ma Ping , Mu Guoying
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

To compare the visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (CS) after femto laser in situ keratomileusis (fLASIK) and orthokeratology (OK) in patients with low-to-moderate myopia.

Methods:

A total of 68 patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Of these, 40 eyes from 40 patients with low-to-moderate myopia underwent fLASIK and 28 eyes from 28 patients underwent OK. In addition to uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity, photopic and mesopic CS (with CSV-1000E) were tested before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

Results:

The preoperative refraction and CS were not significantly different between the groups (P>0.05). Postoperative visual acuity and refraction were similar (P>0.05). The photopic CS of the fLASIK group was better than that of the OK group (P<0.01). The fLASIK mesopic CS was better than the OK at 3 c/d (P=0.023). In the fLASIK group, only the photopic CS of postoperative 12 c/d decreased at 1 month and 3 months (P<0.01) and 18 c/d decreased at 1 month (P=0.002); whereas in the OK group, all the postoperative photopic CS values decreased at 1 month (all P<0.01) and 3 months (P<0.05) and increased to the normal level at 6 months (P>0.05). While as to the mesopic CS, in the fLASIK group, the 3 c/d, 6 c/d, and 18 c/d decreased at 1 month (P<0.05) and in the OK group, the 3 c/d decreased at 1 month and 3 months (P<0.05) and the 6 c/d decreased at 3 months (P=0.041), and the 12 c/d and 18 c/d decreased at 1 month (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

These results show that fLASIK provides better visual quality than OK for patients with low-to-moderate myopia.
Photopic, Mesopic, and Scotopic Visual Acuity After 18 mW/cm2 Accelerated Corneal Cross-Linking
Authors: Asgari Soheila , Hashemi Hassan , Miraftab Mohammad , Shahhoseini Saied , Jafarzadhpur Ebrahim , Mehravaran Shiva , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

One-year changes in uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity under different lighting conditions after accelerated cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus in comparison with nontreated cases.

Methods:

In this nonrandomized clinical trial, the sample included 50 eyes in the CXL group and 40 eyes in the control group. Visual acuity was tested under photopic (100 lux), mesopic (20 lux), and scotopic (0.5 lux) lighting conditions at 6 months and 1 year.

Results:

Changes in all studied variables were similar in the two groups (all P>0.05) after adjusting for age, but the 0.02±0.17 logMAR reduction in scotopic UDVA in the CXL group showed a difference of marginal significance compared with the control group (P=0.061). In cases with baseline UDVA≤20/40, 1-year adjusted results in the CXL and control groups were, respectively, 0.61±0.34 and 0.83±0.35 logMAR for photopic UDVA (P=0.021), 0.48±0.22 and 0.68±0.27 logMAR for mesopic UDVA (P=0.033), and 0.21±0.14 and 0.26±0.07 logMAR for mesopic CDVA (P=0.056). In those with baseline UDVA greater than 20/40, 1-year adjusted results in the CXL and control groups were, respectively, 0.12±0.20 and 0.06±0.10 logMAR for mesopic UDVA (P=0.034) and 0.15±0.18 and 0.07±0.06 logMAR for scotopic UDVA (P=0.024). Other vision indices showed no significant intergroup differences (all P>0.05).

Conclusion:

Poor vision (UDVA≤20/40) keratoconus cases are more likely to achieve improved vision or a halt in its deterioration after CXL. In cases with good vision (UDVA>20/40), however, although further photopic vision impairment is halted, they may experience worse vision under mesopic and scotopic conditions.
How to Predict Oral Rehydration Failure in Children With Gastroenteritis
Authors: Geurts Dorien , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Moll Henriëtte , Oostenbrink Rianne
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

Oral rehydration is the standard in most current guidelines for young children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Failure of oral rehydration can complicate the disease course, leading to morbidity due to severe dehydration. We aimed to identify prognostic factors of oral rehydration failure in children with AGE.

Methods:

A prospective, observational study was performed at the Emergency department, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 2010–2012, including 802 previously healthy children, ages 1 month to 5 years with AGE. Failure of oral rehydration was defined by secondary rehydration by a nasogastric tube, or hospitalization or revisit for dehydration within 72 hours after initial emergency department visit.

Results:

We observed 167 (21%) failures of oral rehydration in a population of 802 children with AGE (median 1.03 years old, interquartile range 0.4–2.1; 60% boys). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for failure of oral rehydration were a higher Manchester Triage System urgency level, abnormal capillary refill time, and a higher clinical dehydration scale score.

Conclusions:

Early recognition of young children with AGE at risk of failure of oral rehydration therapy is important, as emphasized by the 21% therapy failure in our population. Associated with oral rehydration failure are higher Manchester Triage System urgency level, abnormal capillary refill time, and a higher clinical dehydration scale score.
Intestinal Metaplasia of the Esophagus in Children With Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Hsieh Helen , Frenette Adam , Michaud Laurent , Krishnan Usha , Dal‐Soglio Dorothée B. , Gottrand Frederic , Faure Christophe
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

Patients with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA‐TEF) can develop Barrett esophagus as a long‐term consequence of their condition. Intestinal metaplasia (IM), a risk factor for developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, has not been well characterized in the pediatric population.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients with EA‐TEF followed at 3 academic pediatric centers between the years 1997 and 2014.

Results:

Among 542 children and adolescents, 1.3% (7 patients, 5 girls) were diagnosed with IM based on endoscopy and pathology. Six of the patients had EA‐TEF type C, whereas the last patient had a “long gap” type A atresia. Patients were diagnosed with gastric metaplasia either before the IM diagnosis in 4 patients or concomitantly in 3. The median (range) age of diagnosis for gastric metaplasia was 7.9 (range 2–17.2) and for IM 10.9 (2–17.2) years. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms were nonspecific. Five patients were on proton pump inhibitor therapy for symptomatic GER at the time of diagnosis of IM. 2 of the 7 patients had previously undergone Nissen fundoplication. One patient, who had undergone a Nissen fundoplication, was restarted on proton pump inhibitor once the diagnosis of IM was made. All patients had repeated endoscopy and dysplasia was not observed with a median follow‐up of 1.7 (range 1–4.9) years.

Conclusions:

IM occurs in patients with EA‐TEF, some as young as 2 years. Therefore, early endoscopic surveillance should be considered in this GER‐prone population.
PRES and Epilepsy
Authors: Fitzgerald Ryan T. , Santoro Jarod , Hinduja Archana , Samant Rohan S. , Kumar Manoj , Angtuaco Edgardo J.
Published: February 2017

Epilepsy is very rarely attributed to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). We report the case of a previously healthy 21-year-old who developed epilepsy with mesial temporal sclerosis following an episode of PRES related to a complicated Cesarean delivery. Neuroimaging at the time of PRES and 3 months after revealed the development of unilateral hippocampal volume loss following resolution of acute PRES-related brain edema. We discuss the incidence and importance of “non-reversible” sequelae of PRES and their implications for patient care.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Presenting as Stroke
Authors: Sharma Divya K. , Boggild Mike , van Heuven Annemarie W. , White Richard P.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) is a human prion disease generally characterized by subacute changes in behavior and intellectual function, often followed by ataxia, vision changes, and myoclonus. Ten percent of cases may present atypically, both symptomatically and in respect to initial investigations.

Methods:

We report a case of CJD mimicking acute stroke and review all similar cases in the magnetic resonance imaging era reported in English, identified through a PubMed and SCOPUS search.

Results:

A 68-year-old woman presented with an acute left parietal syndrome, initially referred as a left middle cerebral artery territory stroke. Structural imaging was unremarkable and focal electroencephalogram changes suggested nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Subsequent clinical progression, with the development of cortical high signal on diffusion-weighted imaging and positive 14-3-3 protein in the cerebrospinal fluid, confirmed a diagnosis of CJD. Review of the literature identified 14 further cases mimicking both anterior and posterior stroke syndromes.

Conclusions:

CJD develops primarily within a population in whom stroke risk factors are common and represents a rare but important stroke mimic. Negative vascular imaging in elderly patients with apparent acute stroke syndromes should prompt diagnostic review including consideration of prion diseases.
Making Micronutrient Adequacy of American Children a Reality
Authors: Altschwager Deena K. , Dwyer Johanna T.
Published: February 2017

The 2015 to 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reports that calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and dietary fiber are still nutrients of public health concern. This article describes ways to make children’s micronutrient adequacy a reality with a combination of nutrition education, enrichment, fortification, and, in some instances, dietary supplementation. All of these strategies have a place, but they are not panaceas. For many years, enrichment of wheat flour and cereals with thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and iron; fortification of margarine with vitamins A and D; milk with vitamin D; juices with vitamin C; iodine in salt; iron-fortified infant formulas; and highly fortified cereals with many vitamins and minerals have improved the diets of children. More recently, fortification of wheat flours and cereals with folic acid has also helped achieve folic acid adequacy in most of the population. Fortification has been less successful in bringing intakes of vitamin D up to recommended levels due to decreased consumption of dairy products. Iron fortification is difficult because iron fortificants are poorly bioavailable or cause rancidity. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are gritty, making them difficult to fortify or add to supplements. In addition, fiber cannot be easily added to food because of its bulk. Dietary supplements are another source of nutrients, but they often contain too much of some nutrients, not enough of others, and compliance among children is variable. Adequate diets for children depend on nutrition education that encourages food intakes that are dense in micronutrients, high in dietary fiber, lower in calories, and lower in nutrients of excess such as saturated fat, sugar, and salt. A judicious combination of nutrition education, enrichment, and fortification, coupled with continuous monitoring to ensure total intakes are adequate but not excessive, can make micronutrient adequacy a reality for all American children.
A Pause-then-Cancel model of stopping: evidence from basal ganglia neurophysiology
Authors: Schmidt Robert , Berke Joshua D.
Published: February 2017

Many studies have implicated the basal ganglia in the suppression of action impulses (‘stopping’). Here, we discuss recent neurophysiological evidence that distinct hypothesized processes involved in action preparation and cancellation can be mapped onto distinct basal ganglia cell types and pathways. We examine how movement-related activity in the striatum is related to a ‘Go’ process and how going may be modulated by brief epochs of beta oscillations. We then describe how, rather than a unitary ‘Stop’ process, there appear to be separate, complementary ‘Pause’ and ‘Cancel’ mechanisms. We discuss the implications of these stopping subprocesses for the interpretation of the stop-signal reaction time—in particular, some activity that seems too slow to causally contribute to stopping when assuming a single Stop processes may actually be fast enough under a Pause-then-Cancel model. Finally, we suggest that combining complementary neural mechanisms that emphasize speed or accuracy respectively may serve more generally to optimize speed–accuracy trade-offs.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Movement suppression: brain mechanisms for stopping and stillness’.
Free ISG15 as a dimer generates IL-1β-producing CD8α+dendritic cells at the site of infection
Authors: Napolitano Anna , van der Veen Annemarthe G. , Bunyan Monique , Borg Annabel , Kjaer Svend , Beling Antje , Knobeloch Klaus-Peter , Frickel Eva
Published: February 2017

ISG15 is strongly induced after type I IFN stimulation producing a protein comprised of two ubiquitin-like domains. Intracellularly, ISG15 can be covalently linked and modify the function of target proteins (ISGylation). In addition, free unconjugated ISG15 can be released from cells. We found that ISG15 is released in the serum ofToxoplasma gondiiinfected mice early after infection in a type-I IFN independent manner. Once in the extracellular space, free ISG15 forms dimers and enhances the release of key cytokines involved in the immune response to the parasite: IL-12, IFN-γ, and IL-1β. Its action is dependent on an actively invading and replicating live parasite. ISG15 induces an increase of IL-1β later during infection by leading to increased IL-1β producing CD8α+ dendritic cells at the site of infection. Here, we define for the first time the molecular determinants of active free ISG15 and link ISG15 to IL-1β production by CD8α+ dendritic cells. Thus we define ISG15 as a novel secreted modulator of the cytokine response duringToxoplasmainfection.
Crystal structure of a photobiologically active brominated angular pyranocoumarin: bromo-hydroxy-seselin
Authors: Bauri A. K. , Foro Sabine , Rahman A. F. M. Mustafizur
Published: February 2017

The title compound, C14H13BrO3[systematic name:rac-(9S,10R)-9-bromo-10-hydroxy-8,8-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-2H,8H-pyrano[2,3-f]chromen-2-one], is a substituted pyranocoumarin, obtained by bromination of seselin [8,8-dimethyl-2H,8H-pyrano[2,3-f]chromen-2-one], which was isolated from the Indian herbTrachyspermum stictocarpum(Aajmod). The pyrano ring has a distorted half-chair conformation and its mean plane is inclined to the coumarin mean plane by 1.6 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(16) ring motif. The dimers stack along thea-axis direction and are linked by offset π–π interactions, forming columns [intercentroid distance = 3.514 (4) Å].
Crystal structure of (2,2′-bipyridine-κ2N,N′)bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinonato-κ2O,O′)ruthenium(II)
Authors: Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Ali Akram , Potaskalov Vadim A.
Published: February 2017

In the title mononuclear complex, [Ru(C14H20O2)2(C10H8N2)], the RuIIion has a distorted octahedral coordination environment defined by two N atoms of the chelating 2,2′-bipyridine ligand and four O atoms from two 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone ligands. In the crystal, the complex molecules are linked by intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions between the 2,2′-bipyridine ligands [centroid–centroid distance = 3.538 (3) Å], resulting in a layer structure extending parallel to theabplane.
Cannabidiol revisited
Authors: Mayr Tobias , Grassl Tobias , Korber Nikolaus , Christoffel Volker , Bodensteiner Michael
Published: February 2017

The crystal structure of cannabidiol, C21H30O2, {systematic name: 2-[(1R,6R)-3-methyl-6-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-2-enyl]-5-pentylbenzene-1,3-diol}, was determined earlier by Joneset al.[(1977).Acta Cryst.B33, 3211–3214] and Ottersen & Rosenqvist [(1977).Acta Chem. Scand.B31, 749–755]. In both investigations, the absolute configuration is given asR,R, referring to Mechoulamet al.[(1967.J. Am. Chem. Soc.89, 4552–4554]. In the latter, the absolute configuration was identified by chemical means. Using the advantages of modern single-crystal X-ray diffractometers such as area detectors and high-intensity radiation sources, a high-quality structure determination including the absolute configuration was possible and is shown in this work. Furthermore, the rather uncommon CuKβ wavelength radiation was applied for the structure determination, which confirmed the absolute structure to beR,R.
trans-Bis(N-{2-[2-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl-κN2)acetamido-κO]phenyl}benzamide)bis(perchlorato-κO)copper(II)
Authors: Chkirate Karim , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Ouzidan Younes , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: February 2017

In the centrosymmetric title compound, [Cu(C19H18N4O2)2(ClO4)2], the copper ion sits at the center of an axially elongated octahedron with monodentate perchlorate ions weakly coordinated in the axial positions. In the crystal, chains running parallel to (001) are formed by N—H...O hydrogen bonds; these chains are linked into sheets parallel to (101) by C—H...O interactions.
2,7-Dibromo-10′H-spiro[fluorene-9,9′-phenanthren]-10′-one
Authors: Chen Yih-Chun , Watanabe Motonori , Wen Yuh-Sheng , Chang Yuan Jay
Published: February 2017

The title racemic spiro compound, C26H14Br2O, crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. The mean plane of the phenanthrene unit is twisted with respect to the mean plane of the fluorene unit by 82.38 (15) and 80.25 (5)° in moleculesAandB, respectively. In the crystal, theAandBmolecules are linked by a pair of C—H...O hydrogen bonds and a pair of short Br...O contacts [2.935 (2) Å], forming a centrosymmetric four-molecule unit. These units are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming ribbons propagating along theb-axis direction. The ribbons are linked by C—Br...π interactions, forming layers parallel to theabplane.
Introduction to the financial services in Africa special issue
Authors: Makina Daniel
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the landscape of financial services in Africa through the prism of a selection of research papers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review of literature that focusses on access to financial services (i.e. financial inclusion) and empirical findings from research papers in this issue of the journal.

Findings

The landscape of financial services in Africa is as heterogeneous as the countries comprising the continent. Common features include low levels of financial inclusion, low financial literacy, constrained access to credit, costly credit when available, gender discrimination in account ownership, and use and inefficient foreign exchange markets. Nevertheless, there are promising innovations, especially the mobile money innovation, which have the potential to foster more inclusive financial systems.

Originality/value

All the papers in this volume are based on original research shedding new insights on various aspects of financial services in Africa.
Accountability of transnational corporations in the developing world
Authors: Omoteso Kamil , Yusuf Hakeem
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contend that the dominant voluntarism approach to the accountability of transnational corporations (TNCs) is inadequate and not fit-for-purpose. The authors argue for the establishment of an international legal mechanism for securing the accountability of TNCs, particularly in the context of developing countries with notoriously weak governance mechanisms to protect all relevant stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts insights from the fields of management and international law to draw out synergies from particular understandings of corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and international human rights. The challenges to governance in developing countries with regard to securing the accountability of TNCs are illustrated with the Nigerian experience of oil-industry legislation reform.

Findings

The specific context of the experiences of developing countries in Africa on the operations of TNCs particularly commends the need and expedience to create an international legal regime for ensuring the accountability of TNCs.

Originality/value

Mainstream research in this area has focused mainly on self and voluntary models of regulation and accountability that have privileged the legal fiction of the corporate status of TNCs. This paper departs from that model to argue for an enforceable model of TNC’s accountability – based on an international mechanism.
The organizational and geographical boundaries of the firm
Authors: Ietto-Gillies Grazia
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the organizational and geographical (by nation-states) boundaries of the firm and their impact on labour and to develop a theoretical framework in which firms’ boundaries are analysed from the point of view of labour as a main stakeholder in the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the boundaries in terms of: perspectives (legal/proprietary, responsibility and control); stakeholders (shareholders and managers as well as labour, governments and suppliers) and dimensions (organization of production, geographical/by nation-state and sectoral). The paper analyses various organizational forms of production in terms of control (over labour process and brand), responsibility for labour employed across the value chain and labour bargaining power. The firm is seen in the context of labour as main stakeholder and of strategic control versus the property rights view of the firm. The paper contains references to some real-life cases which support the arguments developed at the theoretical level.

Findings

In terms of organizational boundaries, the paper analyses hybrid forms of firm organization and their implications for the position of labour. In the context of geographical boundaries, conclusions are drawn on the impact of transnational corporations (TNCs)’ direct activities on labour. Changes in organizational and geographical boundaries are seen as strategic moves that lead to the fragmentation of labour and to the weakening of its bargaining position. There is an analysis of the role of nation-state regulatory regimes in creating opportunities for TNCs’ advantages towards labour. The basic pillars of this theoretical approach are emphasis on labour as a main stakeholder as well as one of the main actors towards whom firms develop strategies and who, in turn, develops countervailing strategies; and the assignation of responsibility for labour over that part of the value chain – which could be the whole of it – over which the firm exercises strategic control.

Research limitations/implications

More case study work would further support the arguments in the paper and lead to refinements of the theory.

Social implications

For labour, cross-country strategies are developed, and it is argued that the principal firm should take responsibility for the labour force on the basis of the “control” perspective rather than the “legal/proprietary” one. At the macro level, it could be argued for policies that lead to more homogeneous regulatory regimes across countries and in particular within the EU. There are implications for the strategies of trade unions within and across countries. There is also a call for overcoming academic disciplinary boundaries in research specifically those between economics, business strategy and sociology of labour and industrial relations.

Originality/value

The work puts labour at the forefront of analysis in the boundaries of the firm. It develops a theoretical framework for this analysis and for its policy implications including policies by trade unions.
Signalling legitimacy in global contexts: the case of small wine producers in Bulgaria
Authors: Castellano Sylvaine , Ivanova Olga
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in transition environments overcome the liability of origin to gain their legitimacy in a global context.

Design/methodology/approach

Through semi-structured face-to-face interviews, this study investigates Bulgarian wine producers who evolve in transition environments and are looking for new means to restore their legitimacy both locally and globally.

Findings

The results show common patterns between Bulgarian wine producers to signal their legitimacy regarding the cognitive and normative pillars of legitimacy. However, in transition environments, signals of regulatory and industry legitimacy vary across firms to fit international standards and to create new local regulations.

Research limitations/implications

While this research focuses on the Central and Eastern European setting, future research examining transition environments can draw from the present findings in regards to legitimacy strategies adopted in times of drastic change.

Practical implications

This paper has practical implications which show that during transitions, SMEs in the wine industry go back to their roots by adopting norms and traditions that have persisted over time.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to legitimacy theory by proposing a process model of legitimacy – when faced with liabilities, SMEs can use signals of legitimacy to communicate their adherence to the stakeholders’ expectations.
Understanding the creation of destination images through a festival’s Twitter conversation
Authors: Garay Lluís , Morales Pérez Soledad
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the analysis of the potential contribution of festivals in generating a destination image through social media (particularly Twitter).

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a multi-method approach by recollecting, analyzing and mixing quantitative and qualitative techniques. The authors focus on the case of Vic (Spain), analyzing the destination’s image as projected by different users (administration, private sector, particular users, residents) on Twitter in relation to an international musical festival, El Mercat de Música Viva de Vic (the Vic Live Music Market).

Findings

From a theoretical perspective, the study’s results advocate a reconsideration of the role of social media in the processes of creating a destination’s image. It is important to take into account the need to perform a specific analysis for each platform and consider how it operates and which stakeholders prevail by weight, by the clusters they pertain to and by their elicited descriptions. In the particular case of Twitter, the image-formation continuum generated by different actors through different sources is present here on one single platform.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in terms of being based on only one social media site, and it would be very interesting to complement it by analyzing other relevant social media platforms.

Practical implications

From a practical point of view, this presents a challenge to destination managers to learn how to work on each specific platform in order to oversee the different destination visions and their resources.

Originality/value

From the results, the authors affirm that destination-branding analyses now need a platform-specific approach as well as an in-depth stakeholder analysis, since it is no longer possible to separate producers and consumers in brand image creation. Branding is becoming a more inclusive and collaborative process.
The “old” and the “new”: events and placemaking in Luang Prabang, Laos
Authors: Staiff Russell , Bushell Robyn
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore Lai Heua Fai, Festival of Light, as a place making ritual in the world heritage town of Luang Prabang, a former royal capital of the Lao-speaking kingdom. It compares this centuries-old traditional festival with a very new place making festival, the Luang Prabang Film Festival which began only six years ago.

Design/methodology/approach

Sense of place theorization has developed considerably in recent decades as a number of discourses have co-mingled and as social and cultural research has embraced space/place as a crucial component of knowledge production. The study explores place making in a globalized, post-modern and post-colonial world. Fieldwork was undertaken in Luang Prabang between 2008 and 2016 including interviews, observations, photographic recording and participation, leading up to the 2013 celebration of Lai Heua Fai and the 2015 film festival.

Findings

Lai Heua Fai and the Luang Prabang Film Festival are spatial practices that represent the places they evoke. Both these events connect the past, the present and the future in place. The authors argue that separating “events” from “place” sets up a dichotomy that is problematic and unsustainable on many levels: perceptually, as a lived experience, epistemologically and analytically.

Originality/value

The authors suggest that these two identity forming events, in the life of Luang Prabang, herald “place” and “place making” as ongoing dynamic processes of construction and re-construction where the “traditional” and the “contemporary” are constantly re-constituted as markers, in the case of this research, of Luang Prabangan identity and place attachment.
Creating an eventful rural place: Akaroa’s French Festival
Authors: Fountain Joanna , Mackay Michael
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Recent theorising about the globalising countryside highlights the processes of place making, sense of place and the construction of place-based identities in rural regions, where exogenous forces are utilised, negotiated and contested by local communities as they seek to represent their place. A longitudinal case study of Akaroa’s French Festival shows how this place-based identity has been constructed, promoted and animated over the past two decades at the nexus of globalising and local forces. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on qualitative methods utilising documentary analysis, participant observation and key stakeholder interviews undertaken in the township of Akaroa, New Zealand.

Findings

The form this festival has taken, and the version of the place identity represented therein, has shifted over the course of the last two decades. While this is in part due to the energy, personal heritage and agenda of local champions, the influence of the globalising forces, political, economic and cultural, have shaped the place image portrayed through this festival.

Originality/value

There are limited attempts to theorise rural festivals within a “global countryside” framework, and the detailed longitudinal research underpinning this paper provides a unique opportunity to explore the emergent issues in a rural community festival in qualitative detail. The study reinforces the understanding of the role of local agency in the making of places in a globalising world.
Autonomy and paradoxes in family ownership: case studies across cultures and sectors
Authors: Osnes Gry , Uribe Angelica , Hök Liv , Yanli Hou Olive , Haug Mona
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyse in-depth how family owners develop autonomy through ownership for family members within the family, the family within the business and the business within its context.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-cultural in-depth case study with best practice cases from China, Germany, Sweden, England, Tanzania, Israel and the USA. It was based on in-depth interviews of family members and non-family employees.

Findings

A business-owning family has to balance paradoxical choices such as safety or loss of attachments; a stable notion of self or grasping new opportunity; own drive or dependency on others. These constituted the micro-dynamics of autonomy. The macro-outcome of negotiating autonomy was strategy formations such as succession, cluster ownership, stewardship, new business models.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings enable a more differentiated analysis in case studies and qualitative research and with this theory development on family owner motivation.

Practical implications

It will give insight for practitioners, advisors and family owners, on the complexity of maintaining family health, family member commitment and emotional issues when developing ownership strategies.

Social implications

The paper offers a model over the complexity of autonomy, a main drive for entrepreneurship within our economy. It shows the complexity of gender and life stage choices.

Originality/value

The paper offers a model over the complexity of autonomy, regarded as the main drive for entrepreneurship and family ownership. It shows how this process is fundamental for understanding how the family develops its ownership.
Keeping it in the family: family, priorities and succession in Scottish landed estates
Authors: Belmonte Sofia di , Seaman Claire , Bent Richard
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the strategic approach adopted by the current owners of family-held estates in Scotland to explore the approaches that have led to multigenerational ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

A social constructionist epistemology was adopted to consider the manner in which owners of large landed estates perceived the strategic approach adopted by the family and the implementation of that strategy. A purposive sample based on the most senior member of the family currently involved in the ownership of five family estates, was developed, drawing heavily on personal contacts and a pre-existing level of trust between the researcher and the families involved.

Findings

All respondents had inherited their primary estate. Some had inherited or developed parallel businesses, or indeed both. All see it as their “duty” to pass the estate on and to act as trustees for the next generation. One of the key recurring themes was that despite the legal structures, all respondents had a strong standpoint that they did not really “own” the primary estate or many of the businesses, but rather felt that they were trustees or stewards for the next generation. This culture of obligation to the next generation defines this group of families and steers their actions with regards to the business and their family relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations to this study lie primarily in the small sample size. Further research would enable a wider sample group to be developed and possibly explain the success in retaining the business within the family. Longitudinal research could also be undertaken to see if the family’s culture changes over time and the impact that this has on the family’s survival rates and in this context the impact that the businesses have on their local economy would merit further exploration.

Originality/value

The originality lies in the sample group, about whom limited research is available. The research presented here draws heavily on personal contacts and a pre-existing level of trust between the researcher and the families involved.
Performance evaluation of equity unit trusts in South Africa
Authors: Thobejane Bonolo Maggie , Simo-Kengne Beatrice D. , Muteba Mwamba John W.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of 191 equity unit trusts in an emerging market, South Africa over the period from February 2006 to January 2016, which captures different market conditions (pre-global financial crisis, crisis and recovery periods). Besides testing for managerial ability, both cross-sectional regression and the non-parametric rank correlation test are used to test whether the performance generated by unit trusts does persist.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the managerial ability of portfolio managers, two widely used methods, the Treynor-Mazuy (1966) model and Henriksson-Merton (1981) model, are employed. Both models test whether portfolio managers have stock selection and market timing ability. The cross-sectional regression and the rank correlation test are implemented which account for both parametric and non-parametric approaches of persistence testing, respectively.

Findings

Weak evidence of stock selection as well as market timing ability was found. Moreover, most of the unit trusts are reported to have insignificant coefficients. When testing for performance persistence using returns, the Sharpe ratio and the Sortino ratio as performance metrics, the overall results also revealed weak evidence of persistence that is equally spread across winning and losing funds.

Originality/value

While research on unit trusts’ performance has been conducted in emerging economies, little has been done in testing for managerial ability in general and in South Africa in particular. Moreover, the research tends to focus more on one class – Equity General. This paper extends the performance literature by testing whether portfolio managers in the South African equity unit trusts industry have stock selection and market timing ability.
Working capital management practices in India: survey evidence
Authors: Baker H. Kent , Kumar Satish , Colombage Sisira , Singh Harsh Partap
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the working capital management (WCM) practices adopted by Indian firms listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a questionnaire, the authors gather data from 110 financial managers and use various statistical techniques to test for statistical significance.

Findings

The evidence shows that the majority (54.5 percent) of sample firms follow a moderate approach in financing their activities, which involves a trade-off between liquidity and profitability. Respondents tend to use an informal approach for WCM and consider receivables management as the most important component of WCM. In terms of WCM monitoring and financial measures, respondents mainly consider the cash conversion cycle and net working capital. Indian firms tend to use centralized cash management and rely heavily on material requirement planning (MRP) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) for proper inventory management.

Research limitations/implications

Tests involving firm size, foreign sales, and average age do not differ significantly between the NSE-listed firms and the sample firms. This evidence lessens concerns of non-response bias and the ability to generalize the findings to Indian firms.

Originality/value

By updating and extending previous research on WCM, this study fills a gap in the literature by providing insights into practices adopted by Indian firms in managing WCM and its components.
Managing Chinese diverse workforce: toward a theory of organizational inclusion
Authors: Tang Ningyu , Zheng Xingshan , Chen Chiyin
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to apply and integrate the existing literature of inclusion to develop a multi-level theory of organizational inclusion for the more and more diverse workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first analyzes the issue of workforce diversity in China, and then reviews the concept of organizational inclusion. After that, this paper develops a multi-level model of organizational inclusion catering to Chinese diversity issue.

Findings

This paper outlines a series of propositions on how organizational, group, interpersonal and individual factors affect inclusion at both organizational and individual levels, and the consequences of inclusion in the workplace.

Originality/value

This paper is the first research to discuss the inclusion management in Chinese context. This paper proposes a multi-level theoretical model of organizational inclusion to guide empirical studies on the integration of the diversity in workplace in China.