bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents and consequences of experiential versus utilitarian consumption in the travel context
Authors: Wei Wei , Tasci Asli D.A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Although experiential consumption has received some attention from tourism and hospitality researchers in the past decade, the profile of experiential consumers has not been discussed thus far. The purpose of this paper is thus twofold: to test the sociodemographic antecedents of experiential versus utilitarian consumption for profiling purposes and to examine the potential behavioral consequences of experiential versus utilitarian consumption tendencies.

Design/methodology/approach

On an online research platform, 413 respondents answered questions concerning logic-based/emotion-based decision-making traits, as well as sociodemographic characteristics and several travel behavior variables.

Findings

Data revealed that emotion-based decision makers are more likely to be females, who are more passionate about their travel needs than are logic-based decision makers. Results also revealed that the importance that emotion-based decision makers place on travel preferences, potential travel risks and travel information sources is higher than that of their logic-based counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

The current study used one personality trait, emotion-based decision-making, as a proxy for experiential consumption. There are other potentially explanatory traits that should be investigated in future studies.

Practical implications

Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) promoting destinations with historical and cultural attractions can capitalize on the finding that these attractions are highly demanded by both types of decision makers, whereas DMOs of man-made attraction destinations may need to find ways to embellish the significance of these attractions for both types of decision makers.

Social implications

Even though social risk was the lowest-rated item in general, both decision-making traits were highly correlated with social risk. The higher the tendency in the decision-making style, either logic-based or emotion-based, the more important how a trip would make them look within their social circle. Social risk concerns for both types of decision makers should be addressed in marketing messages.

Originality/value

The current study represents one of the earliest attempts to draw a picture of experiential consumers in comparison with utilitarian consumers in sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics.
Sexualisation and harassment in hospitality workplaces: who is responsible?
Authors: Waudby Beth , Poulston Jill
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine employee responses to sexual behaviour in hospitality workplaces, to determine their roles and responsibilities in harassment prevention.

Design

Female workers in restaurants and bars were recruited using the snowball technique, and data collected through 18 interviews. An interpretivist approach was used to guide the data collection and analysis.

Findings

The study found that harassment coping strategies developed with age and experience rather than through training, and those who dressed and behaved provocatively attracted more unwanted sexual attention.

Practical implications

Recommendations focus on the role of managers in moderating employee behaviour and providing training in assertiveness.

Social implications

Industry norms and perceptions about managers’ expectations are considered strong influences on employee behaviour, and therefore, in attracting harassment.

Originality

Although this study locates the responsibility for stopping harassment with management, it takes an unusual and potentially unpalatable approach by acknowledging the role of victims in stopping unwanted sexual advances, providing new approaches to reducing harassment.
Supply chain flexibility
Authors: Manders Jorieke H.M. , Caniëls Marjolein C.J. , Ghijsen Paul W.Th.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The conceptualization of flexibility in organizations historically emerged from three views which relate to economic, to organizational and to manufacturing perspectives. Despite the growing number of publications about supply chain flexibility in the area of supply chain management, there is a lack of consensus on how to define and to conceptualize supply chain flexibility from a management point of view. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the literature on the supply chain flexibility perspective and contributes to our understanding of the current state of research and its future development.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology used is the systematic literature review. In total 92 articles were selected from databases of well-known journal publishers in the field of economics, business studies and management sciences as well as grey literature to cover the topic of supply chain flexibility.

Findings

A limited number of studies in the field of supply chain flexibility apply theories and define the term supply chain flexibility. Instead they focus on a particular part or dimension of the supply chain. Based on the analysis, a distinction is made between flexibility in the supply chain and supply chain flexibility. Based on the function and characteristics of the supply chain, the authors selected 30 flexibility dimensions that cover supply chain flexibility by concentrating on the different business areas involved.

Research limitations/implications

The results support researchers and practitioners by identifying relevant trends and gaps in the field of supply chain flexibility.

Originality/value

The authors review the dimensions and aspects of supply chain flexibility that are currently taken into account in the literature. In this way, the authors provide an overarching perspective on the flexibility literature relating to supply chains.
Exploring the effects of workforce level on supply chain job satisfaction and industry commitment
Authors: Maloni Michael J. , Campbell Stacy M. , Gligor David M. , Scherrer Christina R. , Boyd Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Despite a pervasive workforce shortage, existing research has provided limited guidance about job satisfaction and commitment of the supply chain workforce. Moreover, few studies explore the effects of workforce level on such satisfaction and commitment. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this gap, the authors apply person-organization fit theory to study the critical work value drivers of supply chain job satisfaction and industry commitment across workforce levels through structural modeling of practitioner survey data.

Findings

Job satisfaction and industry commitment are impacted differently across workforce levels, particularly for executives, suggesting the potential for conflicts in the workplace and that a “one size fits all” approach for recruitment and retention will be ineffective.

Practical implications

The results reveal how proactive organizations can not only hire and retain the best people but also help employees at different workforce levels understand one another’s motivations, empowering these organizations to become employers of choice.

Originality/value

This study is among the first empirical papers to directly address the labor shortage in supply chain. It also strikes new ground by assessing differences in work values across workforce levels.
A research framework of sustainable supply chain management
Authors: Chen Injazz J. , Kitsis Aleksandr M.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework and propositions to advance research and practice in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Performance indicators (economic, environmental, and social) identified in the paper aim to facilitate empirical testing of a range of theoretical models derived or extended from the stated propositions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study of SSCM is truly complicated, and there is no one theory that applies in all instances. The authors analyzed over 200 critical articles published in major supply chain management and sustainability-based journals and grounded the proposed framework in a multi-theoretical perspective.

Findings

SSCM implementation entails linking stakeholder pressures, moral motives, and management commitment with relational practices. The paper further elucidates how relational practices, when bundled together, can create a set of relational capabilities, which in turn transform stakeholder pressures into sustainable outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The research framework contributes to SSCM theory building insofar as it can be expanded into various theoretical models, allowing researchers to empirically test the links among SSCM drivers, management commitment, and relational capabilities, along with their individual or collective impact on supply chain performance.

Practical implications

The framework provides a roadmap for firms to develop and nurture relational capabilities while dealing with growing stakeholder pressures. Moral motives strengthen top management commitment, which helps channel stakeholder pressures toward the proactive development of relational capabilities.

Originality/value

The paper fulfills a call for utilizing multiple theoretical lenses to examine complex SSCM phenomena and, ultimately, to create a coherent theory of SSCM.
Nutrient elasticities of food consumption: the case of Indonesia
Authors: Faharuddin Faharuddin , Mulyana Andy , Yamin M. , Yunita Yunita
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess nutrients elasticities of calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System is used on Indonesian socioeconomic household survey data.

Findings

Expenditure elasticities of nutrients in overall model range from 0.707 (for carbohydrates) to 1.085 (for fats), but expenditure elasticities in rural areas are higher than those in urban area. Most of price elasticities of nutrients have very small absolute value (not elastic) and all values are lower than the expenditure elasticities. However, the price of five groups of food commodities, namely, rice, oil and grease, fishes, meat, and other foods give significant influence on nutrients consumption.

Research limitations/implications

This research only includes four micronutrients, namely, calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate.

Originality/value

This research is one of very limited literatures about nutrient elasticity of food consumption in Indonesia.
Agriculture supply chain
Authors: Routroy Srikanta , Behera Astajyoti
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the agriculture supply chain (ASC) literature along many dimensions which include but are not restricted to scope, objective, wastages, driver, obstacle, outcome, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 203 relevant and scholarly articles of various researchers and practitioners during 2000-2016 were reviewed. The information related to definition, research methodology, global research spread, supply chain strategy, various types of produce, author profile and year of publication of ASC were collected and analysed.

Findings

The information related to empirical research and viewpoint of various ASC drivers were captured, studied and analysed in detail. Although inventory policy, demand forecasting and ASC integration were found to be important areas of ASC, they were less focused, studied and researched.

Research limitations/implications

Mainly post-harvest ASC of different agricultural produces were considered whereas products such as dairy, fishery and meat supply chains were not included in the study.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insight into various aspects of ASC in general and one can get a deeper and richer knowledge on it which will help in formulating effective strategies to design of an effective and efficient ASC. It uncovers the research gaps for the new future research paths. This systemic review is strongly felt to fill the gap in the ASC literature.
Post-harvest loss reduction in Asia-Pacific developing economies
Authors: Gunasekera Don , Parsons Hermione , Smith Michael
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the post-harvest loss experience of several Asia-Pacific economies to analyse the potential impacts of reduction of such losses using a range of remedial measures.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework has been developed and then applied to a case study based on several Asia-Pacific economies to provide an empirical basis for the analysis in the paper.

Findings

Limited access to vital farm inputs and credit, poor infrastructure and lack of technical and market information are some of the critical challenges confronting many small farmers in developing economies including those in the selected case-study countries. The estimated “food savings” are considerable if Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s pledge to reduce food losses and waste by 10 per cent by 2020, relative to the 2011-2012 levels is realised in the case-study economies.

Research limitations/implications

Further work is urgently required to collect more up-to-date data on food losses along the food supply chain, including post-harvest losses, in many economies across the world, including the Asia-Pacific region.

Originality/value

The analysis of post-harvest losses is underpinned by a conceptual framework that has been developed and applied to several Asia-Pacific economies.
Tax compliance in a developing country
Authors: Nkundabanyanga Stephen Korutaro , Mvura Philemon , Nyamuyonjo David , Opiso Julius , Nakabuye Zulaika
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the relationship between perceived grounds for tax non-compliance or compliance behaviors and perceived tax compliance factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a correlational and cross-sectional survey design seeking to understand tax compliance by taxpayers’ perceptions in Uganda. Data from 205 respondents to the questionnaire were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists and structural equation modeling with analysis of moment structures.

Findings

Governmental effectiveness, transparent tax system (TTS) and voice and accountability (VA) are perceived grounds for tax compliance or non-tax compliance and, as indicators of tax administration significantly influence variances in tax compliance. Tax compliance in Uganda is indicated by perceived worth and distribution of public expenditure (WDPE), level of taxation, inequalities in the tax system and tax evasion.

Research limitations/implications

No distinction is made between actual and potential taxpayers. Still, the results can contribute to our understanding of tax compliance puzzle from the behavioral angle. Factors such as perceived WDPE indicate a taxpayer’s compliance decision and factors such as governmental effectiveness explain that decision. Additional government policy requirements beyond greater enforcement actions by the tax authorities should be cultivated.

Originality/value

Results contribute to extending the basic tax effort model by establishing the extent to which VA, TTS and governmental effectiveness (GEF) matter in a developing country context. The study presents tax compliance as a taxpayer’s decision that is informed by perceptions and shows that factors increasing the taxpayers’ perceptions about VA and GEF relate to the importance that their perceptions have in their tax compliance decisions.
Conflict resolution and recovery in Jamaica: the impact of the zika virus on destination image
Authors: Hugo Nichole , Miller Hannah
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how effectively Jamaica recovers from negative destination image due to the Zika virus to assist other countries with similar destination image issues. Because negative media coverage of a destination is a strong deterrent for visiting a destination, tourism operators should be aware of techniques to effectively promote their area.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature regarding destination image and an investigation of other destinations with similar issues as a result of the Zika virus.

Findings

This paper observes that the surge in media coverage regarding the Zika virus threatens the destination image of Jamaica and could lead to a decrease in tourism revenue and foreign travelers.

Practical implications

This paper provides recommendations for destinations impacted by negative global perception or being seen as a risky area to travel to after a publicized event, such as a natural disaster or disease outbreak.

Originality/value

This paper examines the potential impact of the Zika virus as a threat to destinations which rely on a tourism economy. In general, little research has been associated with the impact of Zika on tourism despite its recent surge in media.
The Small2Mighty tourism academy
Authors: Favre Carole C.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The aim of this practitioner paper is to reflect on the mistakes that most post-colonial, post-conflict or post-disaster destinations make when planning to grow tourism, and to offer a practical and business-driven solution that would help secure a more stable future in spite of potential instabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is the result of three years spent working with micro and small tourism entrepreneurs in Haiti, Brazil, Lesotho, South Africa, Timor Leste, Indonesia, Ethiopia and India.

Findings

The paper observes that most post-colonial, post-conflict or post-disaster destinations do not understand that developing tourism goes hand in hand with developing entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Practical implications

The paper could kick-start a more holistic approach to tourism development to catalyse long rather than short-term economic and social gains, especially for women.

Originality/value

This paper contradicts the common view that tourism growth is about increasing arrival numbers and focusing on infrastructure development. It presents an original solution that focusses on vision (an approach borrowed from Simon Sinek, the third most popular TED speaker and author of “Start with Why”), and on women empowerment that bypasses existing supra and national development frameworks.
The role of Syk/IĸB‐α/NF‐ĸB pathway activation in the reversal effect of BAY 61‐3606, a selective Syk inhibitor, on hypotension and inflammation in a rat model of zymosan‐induced non‐septic shock
Authors: Unsal Demet , Kacan Meltem , Temiz‐Resitoglu Meryem , Guden Demet S , Korkmaz Belma , Sari Ayse N , Buharalioglu Cuneyt K , Yildirim‐Yaroglu Hatice , Tamer‐Gumus Lulufer , Tunctan Bahar , Malik Kafait U , Sahan‐Firat Seyhan
Published: September 2017

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase, plays an important role in allergic diseases and inflammation. Syk triggers several intracellular signalling cascades including Toll‐like receptor signalling to activate inflammatory responses following fungal infection but the role of this enzyme in zymosan (ZYM)‐induced non‐septic shock and its impacts on hypotension and inflammation in rats is not well understood. This study was conducted to determine the effects of Syk inhibition on ZYM‐induced alterations in the expression and/or activities of Syk, inhibitor ĸB (IĸB)‐α, and nuclear factor‐ĸB (NF‐ĸB) p65. We also examined the effect of Syk inhibition on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) that contribute to hypotension and inflammation. Administration of ZYM (500 mg/kg, ip) to male Wistar rats decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate. These changes were associated with increased expression and/or activities of Syk, NF‐κB p65, iNOS and COX‐2 and decreased expression of IκB‐α with enhanced levels of nitrite, nitrotyrosine, 6‐keto‐PGF1α, and TNF‐α and activity of MPO in renal, cardiac and vascular tissues. ZYM administration also elevated serum and tissue nitrite levels. The selective Syk inhibitor BAY 61‐3606 (3 mg/kg, ip) given 1 hour after ZYM injection reversed all of these changes induced by ZYM. These results suggest that Syk/IĸB‐α/NF‐ĸB pathway activation contributes to hypotension and inflammation caused by the production of vasodilator and proinflammatory mediators in the zymosan‐induced non‐septic shock model.
Does Institutional Quality Matter for Financial Development and Growth? Further Evidence from MENA Countries
Authors: Kutan Ali M. , Samargandi Nahla , Sohag Kazi
Published: September 2017

This study scrutinises the role of institutional quality in the linkage of financial development and economic growth in 21 Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. Using the common correlated effect mean pooled approach and annual data for the period 1980–2012, we find that not all measures of financial development promote economic growth in the absence of institutional quality, but they all augment growth in the presence of institutional quality. Furthermore, we find that foreign direct investment enhances the growth of MENA countries by the development of financial markets.
Efficiency of Tax Collection and Tax Management in Taiwan's Local Tax Offices
Authors: Huang Shwu‐Huei , Yu Ming‐Miin , Hwang Ming‐Shenq , Wei Yu‐Shan , Chen Ming‐Huei
Published: September 2017

This study investigated the performance of individual departments and the efficiency of resource utilization in tax offices. The results can be used to improve the performance of tax offices and to increase tax revenues. In this study, the operational flow of local tax offices was divided into two stages: tax collection and tax management. Network data envelopment analysis (NDEA) and a Russell directional distance function were used to evaluate operating efficiency in departments of 20 Taiwanese local tax offices for 2013. The results indicated that, first, efficiency was significantly different for tax collection and tax management. Second, the input inefficiency of tax collection was mainly due to total floor area, which was 15% larger than required, and the input inefficiency of tax management was mainly due to total floor area (23% larger than required), followed by direct labour input (19% larger than required). Finally, on average, the amount of collected property transfer taxes was 23% smaller than required. The model used in the present study included undesirable outputs. The findings indicated that the highest levels of overall inefficiency were due to inability to collect taxes (intermediate outputs) in Hsinchu County (9.27%), Chiayi County (3.25%) and Pingtung County (20.44%), which required reduction in the number of instances of inability to collect property taxes by 5619, 1258 and 12 350 cases, respectively. In total, 19 227 fewer cases of uncollectable property taxes in Taiwan would indicate improved arrears settlement and tax prevention measures.
Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Is Associated With All‐Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Fukasawa Hirotaka , Ishibuchi Kento , Kaneko Mai , Niwa Hiroki , Yasuda Hideo , Kumagai Hiromichi , Furuya Ryuichi
Published: September 2017

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is an index of red blood cell variability that is usually used to differentiate the cause of anemia. However, clinical evidence for the relationship between RDW and mortality in hemodialysis patients is still lacking. We performed a single center, prospective longitudinal study. During more than 5 years of follow‐up in 80 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, 34 patients (42.5%) died. In the Kaplan–Meier curve analyses, higher RDW levels (≥ 14.9%) were significantly associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality (log‐rank test, P < 0.05, each). In multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, each 1.0% increase in RDW value predicted an estimated 25% higher risk of mortality (P < 0.05) and a 40% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.05). In conclusion, higher RDW value was a significant predictor for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
Optimization of Arabinoxylan Isolation from Rye Bran by Adapting Extraction Solvent and Use of Enzymes
Authors: Bender Denisse , Nemeth Renata , Wimmer Michaela , Götschhofer Sylvia , Biolchi Matilde , Török Kitti , Tömösközi Sandor , D'Amico Stefano , Schoenlechner Regine
Published: September 2017

Physicochemical and functional properties of arabinoxylans (AXs) can be significantly influenced by their isolation method. Finding balanced process conditions that allow optimal extraction yields while preserving AXs functionality is a challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different chemical solvents with neutral and alkaline pH on the intrinsic properties and extraction yield of AXs isolated from rye bran. Additionally, the application of xylanases and other cell wall degrading enzymes (Pentopan Mono BG, Deltazym XL‐VR, Viscoflow BG) to solubilize bound AXs was investigated. Results show that the use of Ca(OH)2 for isolation was superior to water and Na2CO3, as it selectively solubilized AXs and delivered isolates with a purity of up to 43.92% AX and a moderate ferulic acid (FA) content (209.35 ± 16.79 mg FA/100 g AX). Application of xylanases was further able to duplicate these achieved AX yields (7.50 to 9.85g AX/100 g bran). Additionally, isolates displayed highest ferulic acid contents (445.18 to 616.71 mg FA/100 g AX) and lowest impurities in comparison to chemical extracted AXs. Rheological characterization of the isolates showed a pronounced shear thinning behavior which fitted well to the power‐law model (R2 > 0.989). Differences in pseudoplasticity of the isolates suggested that structural and chemical properties might have been responsible for this behavior.
Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of Vaccinium padifolium Sm Wild Berries and Radical Scavenging Activity
Authors: Carvalho Maria J. , Gouveia Carla S. , Vieira Ana C. , Pereira Ana C. , Carvalho Miguel Â. , Marques José C.
Published: September 2017

Blueberries have a well‐deserved reputation as a potential functional food, supported by studies which have identified and quantified various nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals with known benefits for human diet and health. Wild blueberries have attracted particular attention due to the levels and concentrations of those phytonutrients.

This study aims to evaluate for the first time the chemical composition of Madeira Island's endemic Vaccinium padifolium Sm wild berry. Results show that this fruit contains high values of total soluble phenolic content (around 4 g GAE kg−1 FW), as well as significant values of total monomeric anthocyanin content (around 3 g eq. cyanidin kg−1 FW) and DPPH scavenging activity (around 86.72%). Additionally, results reveal that this fruit has water content of about 88% as well as low sugar content (17.98 and 29.73 g kg−1 for glucose and fructose, respectively). Results also confirm that this wild blueberry is a good source of dietary fiber, fat and minerals. The high level of terpenoid compounds stands out in the aroma profile analysis.

Practical Application

This study is in line with the efforts of the scientific community to identify new sources of phytonutrients that are beneficial to human health, characterizing the wild Madeira blueberry in terms of phytonutrients that suggest there may be health benefits associated with its consumption. The findings of this research are very important for both the commercial and agricultural sectors that produce this fruit, and for consumers who seek phytonutrient‐rich foods.
… and the Leg Bone's Connected to the Toxic Waste Dump Bone
Authors: Morton Timothy
Published: September 2017

Ecological images—the fragile web of life,NASA's “blue marble” Earth, everything being connected—appeal to our love for the planet's being and our faith that there is still hope, if we can just care enough. But this imagery is neither true nor false. In other words, when we visualize these sorts of things, we don't know what we're talking about! We think we do. But what is this wholeness really, are we actually parts of it, and what kind of part? A lot of thinking ecologically sounds religious because it involves extremely profound and hard to express (at least at present) concepts and feelings.
Learning the Grammar of Animacy1
Authors: Kimmerer Robin Wall
Published: September 2017

Puhpowee translates as the force that causes mushrooms to push up from the earth overnight. Biologist Robin Kimmerer was stunned that such a word existed. For all its technical vocabulary, Western science has no such term, no word to hold this mystery. You would think that biologists, of all people, would have words for life. But in Western scientific language, terminology is used to define the boundaries of our knowing. What lies beyond our grasp remains unnamed. A citizen member of the Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer immersed herself in a Post‐it note world of words from this almost‐lost language and unexpectedly crossed into an unsuspected grammar of verbs—and a connective new worldview.
Generalised quasi‐symmetry models for ordinal contingency tables
Authors: Kateri Maria , Gottard Anna , Tarantola Claudia
Published: September 2017

This paper extends the ordinary quasi‐symmetry (QS) model for square contingency tables with commensurable classification variables. The proposed generalised QS model is defined in terms of odds ratios that apply to ordinal variables. In particular, we present QS models based on global, cumulative and continuation odds ratios and discuss their properties. Finally, the conditional generalised QS model is introduced for local and global odds ratios. These models are illustrated through the analysis of two data sets.
Interval estimation for the breakpoint in segmented regression: a smoothed score‐based approach
Authors: Muggeo Vito M.R.
Published: September 2017

This paper is concerned with interval estimation for the breakpoint parameter in segmented regression. We present score‐type confidence intervals derived from the score statistic itself and from the recently proposed gradient statistic. Due to lack of regularity conditions of the score, non‐smoothness and non‐monotonicity, naive application of the score‐based statistics is unfeasible and we propose to exploit the smoothed score obtained via induced smoothing. We compare our proposals with the traditional methods based on the Wald and the likelihood ratio statistics via simulations and an analysis of a real dataset: results show that the smoothed score‐like statistics perform in practice somewhat better than competitors, even when the model is not correctly specified.
Review article: changes in the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease—clues for aetiology
Authors: Bernstein C. N.
Published: September 2017

Background

The changing epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in both the developed and developing worlds may provide insights into disease aetiology. Factors that impact on the gut microbiome are leading aetiological candidates.

Aim

To review epidemiological studies and trends that identify risk factors for the development of IBD.

Methods

Studies that identified factors associated with the development of IBD differentially in children and adults were reviewed. There was a focus on epidemiological studies and on studies that involve the gut microbiome.

Results

Use of antibiotics has been shown to be associated with development of Crohn's disease in childhood (odds ratio, OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.72‐4.38). Breastfeeding has been protective against developing IBD (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.51‐0.94), but there is a paucity of data exploring duration of breastfeeding and timing of introduction of bottled milk or table food. Antibiotics and diet changes can also impact on adults enhancing the risk for IBD. Both smoking (OR=1.76, 95% CI 1.40‐2.22) and oral contraceptives (relative risk=1.46, 95% CI 1.26‐1.70) increase the risk for Crohn's disease and their use is associated with worse outcomes in Crohn's disease. It is unclear if their impact is mediated through the gut microbiome.

Conclusions

A leading aetiological clue for IBD based on epidemiological studies is the antecedent use of antibiotics both for children and adults. Some dietary changes may be a risk for adults but there is a paucity of dietary data in children prior to IBD development. Both antibiotic use and dietary changes have the potential to impact the gut microbiome, which in turn can alter the gut immune response.
Survey of systemic antimicrobial prescribing for dogs by Victorian veterinarians
Authors: Barzelai ID , Whittem T
Published: September 2017

Objective

Investigate the current antimicrobial prescribing patterns of veterinarians in Victoria for dogs and compare these results to patterns described 20 years ago.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 1380 veterinarians in Victoria. The first section collected demographic information of respondents. The second and third sections evaluated respondents’ approach to use of antimicrobial drugs for scenarios in dogs in which ‘clinical evidence suggests bacterial infection is the likely cause’ and where ‘it is unknown whether bacterial infection plays a role’. The final section evaluated respondents’ approach to use of antimicrobial drugs during dental extraction in a dog.

Results

Of the 1380 veterinarians who were contacted, 259 responses were received (response rate 19%). Of these respondents, 95% (246/259) completed their veterinary degree at the University of Melbourne. The ratio of female to male respondents was 2.1 : 1 (171 : 82) and of urban to rural respondents was 1.9 : 1 (159 : 85). Drug selection for some scenarios was open to criticism. For example, to treat chronic prostatitis 16% (42/259) of respondents selected amoxicillin‐clavulanate even though it has poor penetration of prostatic tissues. Some prescribing choices have changed since 1997; for example, for acute tracheobronchitis, 36% (73/204) of respondents indicated they would use antimicrobials, compared with 87% of respondents in 1997. For the treatment of idiopathic vestibular disease, only 5% (10/197) of respondents in the current study versus 45% (294/654) in the 1997 survey opted to use antimicrobials.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial drug selection for treatment of dogs by registered veterinarians in Victoria was generally consistent with recent recommendations, although some details were widely variable.
Linking legislative openness to open data in Canada
Authors: Marczak Paulina , Sieber Renée
Published: September 2017

Key Messages

Legislative information is becoming an increasingly popular resource within legislative discourse and among open data advocates.

In Canada, provincial and territorial legislatures achieve minimal standards of openness via online repositories.

Despite momentum for openness, Canadian legislatures have yet to achieve openness suitable for legal repurposing of legislative information.
Phase 1/2 study of the WT1 peptide cancer vaccine WT4869 in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Ueda Yasunori , Ogura Michinori , Miyakoshi Shigesaburo , Suzuki Takahiro , Heike Yuji , Tagashira Shuzo , Tsuchiya Satoru , Ohyashiki Kazuma , Miyazaki Yasushi
Published: September 2017

WT4869 is a synthetic peptide vaccine derived from the Wilms’ tumor gene 1 (WT1) protein. This phase 1/2 open‐label study evaluated the safety and efficacy of WT4869, and biomarkers for response, in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. WT4869 (5–1200 μg/dose) was administered intradermally every 2 weeks, according to a 3 + 3 dose‐escalation method in higher‐risk (International Prognostic Scoring System score ≥1.5) or lower‐risk (score <1.5) red blood cell transfusion‐dependent patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Twenty‐six patients were enrolled and treated (median age, 75 years; range, 32 to 89). The most common adverse event was injection site reaction (61.5%). Main grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (30.8%), febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, elevated blood creatine phosphokinase levels and hypoalbuminemia (all 7.7%). Dose‐limiting toxicities occurred in 1 patient in the 50 μg/dose cohort (pyrexia, muscle hemorrhage and hypoalbuminemia) and 1 patient in the 400 μg/dose cohort (pneumonitis); however, the maximum tolerated dose could not be determined from this trial. The overall response rate was 18.2%, the disease control rate was 59.1% and median overall survival was 64.71 weeks (95% confidence interval: 50.29, 142.86) as assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Subgroup analysis of azacitidine‐refractory patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (11 patients) showed median overall survival of 55.71 weeks (approximately 13 months). WT1‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte induction was observed in 11 of 25 evaluable patients. WT4869 was well tolerated in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and preliminary data suggest that WT4869 is efficacious. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.jp as JapicCTI‐101374.
Seed inoculation with beneficial rhizobacteria affects European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) oviposition on maize plants
Authors: Disi Joseph Onwusemu , Zebelo Simon , Kloepper Joseph W. , Fadamiro Henry
Published: September 2017

Larvae of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) cause significant damage to maize ears and reduce market value of fresh sweet corn. Females rely on volatile cues to locate and oviposit preferentially on maize plants. In addition, oviposition behavior of females is influenced by soil management practices as they usually lay more eggs on maize plants grown on conventional soil than on organic soils that harbor rich microbial diversity. Since some plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to mediate plant health via suppression of soil pathogens and enhanced uptake of nutrients; we hypothesized that inoculation of maize seeds with PGPR will alter emission of maize volatile and reduce the attractiveness of plants to ovipositing O. nubilalis. Plants treated with the single PGPR strain Bacillus pumilus INR‐7, two PGPR mixtures (Blend‐8 or Blend‐9) or untreated plants were presented to O. nubilalis females in oviposition choice bioassays. Headspace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the plants were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Ostrinia nubilalis laid significantly fewer eggs on PGPR‐treated plants compared to untreated plants. In two‐choice oviposition experiments, significantly higher numbers of eggs were laid on untreated plants compared to PGPR‐treated plants. PGPR‐treated plants emitted fewer VOCs than untreated plants which, in part, explains the relatively fewer eggs on PGPR‐treated plants. These results indicate that selected PGPR treatments can alter maize plant volatiles with important ramifications for plant‐insect interactions. The implication of this finding is discussed in the context of integrated management of soil health to improve crop resistance to biotic stressors.
Effect of soya bean oil supplementation and forage type on methane production and fibre digestibility using the in vitro gas production system
Authors: Rodrigues J. P. P. , Ramin M. , Huhtanen P. , Aru F. , Detmann E. , Marcondes M. I.
Published: September 2017

We aimed to evaluate the effect of soya bean oil (SBO) supplementation with different forages on in vitro gas production kinetics, methane (CH4) emissions and potentially digestible neutral detergent fibre (pdNDF) digestibility (IVpdNDFD). Samples of whole‐crop maize silage (MS; Zea mays), sugarcane (SC; Saccharum sp.), perennial ryegrass (RG; Lolium perenne), guinea grass (GG; Panicum maximum) and palisadegrass (PG; Brachiaria brizantha) were incubated with three concentrations of SBO (0, 30 and 60 g/kg of dry matter). The interaction between forage species and SBO inclusion affected molar proportion of acetate, acetate‐to‐propionate ratio, asymptotic gas and IVpdNDFD. Acetate‐to‐propionate ratio numerically decreased from 3.56 to 3.44 and 3.77 to 3.56 for MS and SC respectively. Soya bean oil inclusion at 60 g/kg DM decreased 21.2% and 12.9% of IVpdNDFD for MS and SC respectively. Soya bean oil increase did not affect IVpdNDFD for RG, GG and PG. Soya bean oil inclusion decreased quadratically the asymptotic gas (294–265 ml/g OM) for MS and increased linearly (275–283 ml/g OM) for GG. Lower and greater CH4 production was observed for RG and SC respectively. Methane production decreased quadratically by SBO increase. Soya bean oil inclusion linearly decreased CH4 concentration in total gas at 48 hr of incubation from 133 to 128 ml/L. In conclusion, MS and SC are more sensitive to adverse effects of SBO supplementation from 30 to 60 g/kg DM on rumen fermentation when compared to RG, GG and PG.
Bureaucratic dilemmas: Civil servants between political responsiveness and normative constraints
Authors: Christensen Jørgen Grønnegård , Opstrup Niels
Published: September 2017

The interaction between political executives and civil servants rests on a delicate balance between political responsiveness and the duty of civil servants and ministers to respect legal and other normative constraints on executive authority. In Danish central government, this balance is stressed by norms that define the correct behavior when the civil service provides ministers with political advice and assistance. Organizational factors strongly influence civil servants' behavior when they have to balance responsiveness against constraints on their role as political advisers. Moreover, civil servants working closely with ministers pay more attention to legal constraints than their peers among agency officials and specialists. Agency officials and specialists are much more prone to prioritize professional standards. We argue that this pattern can be generalized West European systems.
Associations between psychiatric symptoms and seclusion use: Clinical implications for care planning
Authors: van de Sande Roland , Noorthoorn Eric , Nijman Henk , Wierdsma Andre , van de Staak Cees , Hellendoorn Edwin , Mulder Niels
Published: September 2017

Findings from an increasing number of studies suggest that incorporating systematic short‐term risk assessments in treatment planning could lead to safer practice on psychiatric admissions wards. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between the scores of three structured observation tools – the Kennedy Axis V (K‐Axis‐V), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and the Social Dysfunction and Aggression Scale (SDAS) – and seclusion. In total, 1840 weekly risk assessments with these observation scales were collected over 2342 admission weeks. These assessment scores related to 370 acutely‐admitted psychiatric patients and were subjected to a multilevel analysis. It was found that several dynamic and static factors were related to seclusion. Dynamic factors included violent behaviour, current substance abuse, suspiciousness, and negativism. Static factors included ethnicity and having been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder. The findings suggest that the incorporation of the Kennedy‐Axis V, the BPRS, and the SDAS into standard practice might be helpful in identifying patients at high risk of seclusion, and could be supportive to treatment planning and clinical decision‐making in the prevention of seclusion use in acute psychiatric settings.
Dynamic road pricing and the value of time and reliability
Authors: Brent Daniel A. , Gross Austin
Published: September 2017

High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes that use dynamic pricing to manage congestion and generate revenue are increasingly popular. In this paper, we estimate the behavioral response of drivers to dynamic pricing in an HOT lane. The challenge in estimation lies in the simultaneity of price and demand: the structure of dynamic tolling ensures that prices increase as more drivers enter the HOT lane. Prior research has found that higher prices in HOT lanes increase usage. We find that after controlling for simultaneity HOT drivers instead respond to tolls in a manner consistent with economic theory. The average response to a 10 percent increase in the toll is a 1.6 percent reduction in usage. Drivers primarily value travel reliability over time savings, although there is heterogeneity in the relative values of time and reliability based on time of day and destination to or from work. The results highlight the importance of both controlling for simultaneity when estimating demand for dynamically priced toll roads and treating HOT lanes with dynamic prices as a differentiated product with bundled attributes.
Food addiction and bariatric surgery: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Ivezaj V. , Wiedemann A. A. , Grilo C. M.
Published: September 2017

Emerging research suggests that rates of food addiction are high among individuals seeking bariatric surgery, but little is known about associated features and the prognostic significance of pre‐operative food addiction. Thus, this article provides a systematic review and synthesis of the literature on food addiction and bariatric surgery. Articles were identified through PubMed and SCOPUS databases, resulting in a total of 19 studies which assessed food addiction among pre‐bariatric and/or post‐bariatric surgery patients using the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Most studies were cross‐sectional, and only two studies prospectively measured food addiction both pre‐operatively and post‐operatively. The presence of pre‐surgical food addiction was not associated with pre‐surgical weight or post‐surgical weight outcomes, yet pre‐surgical food addiction was related to broad levels of psychopathology. The relationship between food addiction and substance misuse among individuals undergoing bariatric surgery is mixed. In addition, very few studies have attempted to validate the construct of food addiction among bariatric surgery patients. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the methodological limitations and small sample sizes reported in most studies. Future rigorous research with larger and more diverse samples should prospectively examine the clinical utility and validity of the food addiction construct following bariatric surgery.
The use of crack and other illicit drugs impacts oral health‐related quality of life in Brazilians
Authors: Antoniazzi RP , Zanatta FB , Ardenghi TM , Feldens CA
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the use of crack and other illicit drugs on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in young adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study evaluated 106 crack users at a public treatment center for drug addiction and 106 controls matched for gender, age, and use of tobacco. Clinical examinations were performed for dental caries and periodontal disease. The outcome was OHRQoL, which was determined using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). The association between OHRQoL and illicit drugs was modeled using conditional Poisson regression.

Results

Users of crack and other illicit drugs had a poorer OHRQoL than the controls (p < .001). Among the crack users, the odds ratio to yield high OHIP‐14 was 3.40 (95% confidence interval, 1.91–6.08). Adjustment for sex, age, schooling, income, smoking, dental caries, and periodontal disease did not change such an estimate considerably. The functional limitation and psychological discomfort domains were associated with the use of illicit drugs.

Conclusion

Users of crack and other illicit drugs exerted a negative impact on OHRQoL independently of socio‐demographic characteristics and tobacco use, suggesting the need for special attention regarding the specific oral health needs of this population as well as drug prevention and treatment strategies.