bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D deficiency in Pakistani population: critical overview from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Syed Faiza , Latif Malik Shah Zaman , Ahmed Iftikhar , Bibi Sadia , Ullah Saif , Khalid Nauman 
Published: July 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to access the present situation of the Pakistani population that suffers from vitamin D deficiency.Design/methodology/approachA review-based study was conducted based on publications from Pakistan between the years 2008 and 2018. The publications were archived from Pub Med and Google Scholar databases. A total of 18 publications were shortlisted, based on the cutoff values of vitamin D sufficiency, insufficiency and deficiency.FindingsAs per the data, 38.5 per cent of the participants were males, 48.7 per cent were females and 12.8 per cent of the studies have not mentioned the genders of the participants. The cumulative results show that 58.17 per cent (95 per cent CI: 52.17, 64.16) of the population is vitamin D-deficient and 26.65 per cent (95 per cent CI: 21.63, 31.66) is insufficient in vitamin D. The highest level of vitamin D deficiency was reported from Sindh (62.15 per cent), followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (60.57 per cent), Punjab (51.75 per cent) and the Federal Capital (49.25 per cent). Moreover, Cochran’s Q test indicated considerable heterogeneity (p= >0.001) with regard to Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) prevalence found among samples from the selected studies.Originality/valueThe present analysis suggests that more than half of the Pakistani population suffers from VDD, which, thus, should be considered as an epidemic and treated likewise.
Firm size, market conditions and takeover likelihood
Authors: Tunyi Abongeh 
Published: July 2019

PurposeThe firm size hypothesis – takeover likelihood (TALI) decreases with target firm size (SIZE) – has enjoyed little traction in theTALImodelling literature; hence, this paper aims to redevelop this hypothesis while taking account of prevailing market conditions – capital liquidity and market performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a logit modelling framework to modelTALI. Model performance is assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The empirical analysis is based on a UK sample of 34,661 firm-year observations drawn from 3,105 firms and 1,396 M&A deals over a 30-year period (1987-2016).FindingsWhile acquirers generally seek smaller targets because of transaction cost constraints, the paper shows that the documented negative relation betweenSIZEandTALIarises from sampling bias. Over a full sample, mid-sized firms are most at risk of takeovers. Additionally, market conditions moderate theSIZE–TALIrelationship, with acquirers more inclined to pursue comparatively larger targets when financing costs are low and market growth or sentiment is high. The results are generally robust to endogeneity.Research limitations/implicationsSample truncation on the basis ofSIZEleads to empirical misspecification of theTALI–SIZErelation. In an unbiased sample, an inverse U-shaped specification betweenTALIandSIZEsufficiently models the underlying relation and leads to improvements in the predictive ability ofTALImodels.Originality/valueThis study advances a new firm size hypothesis which is consistent with classic M&A theories. The study also evidences market conditions as a moderator of the acquirer’s choice of targetSIZE. A new model specification which recognises the non-linear relation betweenTALIandSIZEand accounts for the moderating effect of market conditions on theSIZE-TALIrelationship leads to improvements in the performance ofTALIprediction models.
Investing in lottery-like stocks in India
Authors: Sharma Udayan , Chakraborty Madhumita 
Published: July 2019

PurposeIn the current study, the significance of extreme positive returns has been investigated in the pricing of stocks in the Indian equity market. This study aims to understand if investors in India have a preference for lottery-like stocks. The existing literature provides support for MAX effect in several countries, where risk seeking in the form of gambling is an acceptable form of social behavior, suggesting a preference for lottery-like stocks. This motivates the authors to investigate whether such preference for lottery-like stocks is prevalent in a country such as India with a different cultural setting, where gambling is not socially and legally encouraged.Design/methodology/approachThe MAX effect is tested in the Indian market for the period from January 2003 to March 2017. The average number of firms per month in this study is 2,949. Univariate and bivariate portfolio-level analyses, as well as Fama MacBeth regressions, are conducted to observe the difference between average raw and risk-adjusted returns between the stocks lying in the highest and lowest MAX deciles. Several tests have been performed for checking the robustness of the findings.FindingsUnlike the extant literature, the authors have not found any evidence of a negative relationship between extreme positive returns and expected returns. The univariate and bivariate analyses suggest that high MAX deciles over-perform low MAX deciles. Fama Macbeth regressions also do not support the negative relationship documented for other markets. This suggests that investors are not euphoric about lottery-like stocks in India. One may devise profitable trading strategies by going long on high MAX deciles and short on low MAX deciles.Originality/valueThis study finds a behavioral aspect of Indian investors, which seems to be in contrast to that of other countries. While there is a strong preference for lottery-like stocks in other markets, investors in India do not end up overpaying for such stocks in the market. This tendency might be an outcome of a different social and regulatory setting in India. In view of the fact that India is increasingly becoming an important investment destination, it becomes important to devise investment strategies based on the peculiarities of this market rather than simply extrapolating the findings of other markets.
Mutual fund alpha and daily market-timing ability
Authors: Bu Qiang 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
This study aims to examine whether mutual funds can earn daily alpha and time daily market return.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the Treynor and Mazuy (1966) model and the Henriksson and Merton (1981) model, the author tests the daily market-timing ability of actual mutual funds and bootstrapped mutual funds.

Findings
The author finds that daily alpha and daily market-timing ability can come from pure luck. In addition, the relation between fund alpha and market-timing ability is at best minimal.

Originality/value
Using bootstrapped funds as the benchmark, this study shows that daily fund market is overall efficient.
Overconfidence and forecast accuracy
Authors: Liu Bin , Tan Monica 
Published: July 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how overconfidence bias affects financial market participants’ forecast accuracy based on the hard–easy effect concept of overconfidence research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt an experimental method for behavioural finance studies. In the experiment, the authors measure and capture participants’ forecast accuracy as well as their individual confidence level. In particular, participants make incentive-compatible forecasts, that is, the elicited forecast determines the participants’ financial rewards in real monetary gain/loss.FindingsThe results show that the hard–easy effect causes optimistic forecasts for hard-to-predict stocks, indicating that overconfident investors tend to make over-optimistic and less accurate price forecasts when making judgements on hard tasks. Consistent with the literature, the authors find evidence of a negative relationship between forecast accuracy and confidence level. The results also indicate that the overall relationship between overconfidence and forecast accuracy is driven by the price forecasts made for hard-to-predict stocks.Originality/valueAs per the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first studies that provides empirical evidence directly showing the hard–easy effect in the relation between overconfidence and forecast ability in an experimental setting. This study uses an experimental design that specifically measures the hard–easy effect in a stock market scenario using professional financial information and real monetary incentives, which have not been used in any previous studies of the hard–easy effect.
Threshold concept acquisition in occupational therapy: A mixed methods study of students and clinicians
Authors: Nicola‐Richmond Kelli , Pépin Geneviève , Larkin Helen , Mohebbi Mohammedreza 
Published: July 2019

Background/aimDemand for occupational therapy graduates able to work in complex and diverse workplaces is increasing. The threshold concepts framework has emerged as one pathway to assist in the development of work‐ready graduates. A previous Australian study identified 10 threshold concepts for occupational therapy; the aim of this study was to explore the acquisition of these.MethodA mixed‐methods study using observational, cross sectional design and a triangulation design convergence model was undertaken. A survey using Likert scales and open response questions was developed by the authors. Seventy‐three surveys were completed by 13 first and 20 final year Victorian occupational therapy students. Twenty recent graduates and 20 experienced clinicians from across Australia also participated. Seven first and 10 final year occupational therapy students, 10 recent graduates and 10 experienced clinicians also took part in in‐depth interviews. Likert scales were used by participants to rate confidence that they had acquired the threshold concepts, they also answered open‐response questions (via survey or interview) asking them to provide examples of how they would use threshold concepts in practice.ResultsFourth year students were statistically significantly less confident than experienced clinicians for the threshold concepts Understanding the models and theories of occupational therapy and Applying clinical reasoning (P < 0.05). When whole group data were analysed, participants were most confident for Occupation and Client centred practice (P < 0.05). These results resonated with the qualitative findings which demonstrated a shift from surface to deep knowledge with increased experience. Fourth year students reported responses that suggested some threshold concepts were still in development, while experienced clinicians used a web of threshold concepts.ConclusionThis exploratory study provides provisional data to suggest that students appear to still be acquiring some threshold concepts at graduation and experienced clinicians make use of a web of threshold concepts in their clinical practice.
Robotic‐assisted therapy with bilateral practice improves task and motor performance in the upper extremities of chronic stroke patients: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hsu Hsiu‐Yun , Chiu Haw‐Yen , Kuan Ta‐Shen , Tsai Ching‐Liang , Su Fong‐Chin , Kuo Li‐Chieh 
Published: July 2019

Background/AimTask‐specific repetitive training, a usual care in occupational therapy practice, and robotic‐aided rehabilitation with bilateral practice are used to improve upper limb motor and task performance. The difference in effects of two strategies requires exploration. This study compared the impact of robotic‐assisted therapy with bilateral practice (RTBP) and usual task‐specific training facilitated by therapists on task and motor performance for stroke survivors.MethodsForty‐three community‐dwelling stroke survivors (20 males; 23 females; 53.3 ± 13.1 years; post‐stroke duration 14.2 ± 10.9 months) were randomised into RTBP and usual care. All participants received a 10‐minute per‐protocol sensorimotor stimulation session prior to interventions as part of usual care. Primary outcome was different in the amount of use (AOU) and quality of movement (QOM) on the Motor Activity Log (MAL) scale at endpoint. Secondary outcomes were AOU and QOM scores at follow‐up, and pre‐post and follow‐up score differences on the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment (FMA) and surface electromyography (sEMG). Friedman and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to calculate difference.ResultsThere were no baseline differences between groups. Both conditions demonstrated significant within‐group improvements in AOU‐MAL and FMA scores following treatment (P < 0.05) and improvements in FMA scores at follow‐up (P < 0.05). The training‐induced improvement in AOU (30.0%) following treatment was greater than the minimal detectable change (16.8%) in the RTBP group. RTBP demonstrated better outcomes in FMA wrist score (P = 0.003) and sEMG of wrist extensor (P = 0.043) following treatment and in AOU (P < 0.001), FMA total score (P = 0.006), FMA wrist score (P < 0.001) and sEMG of wrist extensor (P = 0.017) at follow‐up compared to the control group. Control group boost more beneficial effects on FMA hand score (P = 0.049) following treatment.ConclusionsRTBP demonstrated superior upper limb motor and task performance outcomes compared to therapists‐facilitated task training when both were preceded by a 10‐minute sensorimotor stimulation session.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03847103.
Review of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic kidney disease and their renal effects
Authors: Sloan Lance A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and when it causes CKD it is collectively referred to as diabetic kidney disease. One of the newer therapies for managing hyperglycemia is the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) drug class. This review summarizes the effects of GLP‐1RAs in patients with T2DM with CKD and evidence for renoprotection with GLP‐1RAs using data from observational studies, prospective clinical trials, post hoc analyses, and meta‐analyses. Evidence from some preclinical studies was also reviewed. Taken together, subgroup analyses of patients with varying degrees of renal function demonstrated that glycemic control with GLP‐1RAs was not markedly less effective in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment vs that in patients with normal function. GLP‐1RAs were associated with improvements in some cardiorenal risk factors, including systolic blood pressure and body weight. Furthermore, several large cardiovascular outcome studies showed reduced risks of composite renal outcomes, mostly driven by a reduction in macroalbuminuria, suggesting potential renoprotective effects of GLP‐1RAs. In conclusion, GLP‐1RAs effectively reduced hyperglycemia in patients with mild or moderately impaired kidney function in the limited number of studies to date. GLP‐1RAs may be considered in combination with other glucose‐lowering medications because of their ability to lower glucose in a glucose‐dependent manner, lowering their risk for hypoglycemia, while improving some cardiorenal risk factors. Potential renoprotective effects of GLP‐1RAs, and their renal mechanisms of action, warrant further investigation.
Silencing of RAD51AP1 suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Huifeng , Qiao Lijiao , Jin Xiangming , Dong Hui , Wang Yan 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer‐related mortality and is frequently accompanied by metastasis. The crucial roles of genes in lung cancer have attracted attention. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of RAD51AP1 on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of NSCLC.MethodsThe positive expression rate of the RAD51AP1 protein was examined. NSCLC cells were transfected with a series of plasmids to alter the expression of RAD51AP1 to clarify the influence of RAD51AP1 on EMT and metastasis in NSCLC, as well as NSCLC cell migration, invasion, apoptosis, proliferation, and cloning. An in vivo experiment was conducted to determine the oncogenicity of human NSCLC cells in nude mice.ResultsRAD51AP1 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues. Furthermore, we found promotion of N‐cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin, MMP‐2, OPN, CD62, and TMP‐2, but inhibition of E‐cadherin, occludin, cytokeratin in the context of elevated RAD51AP1 expression. An in vivo experiment also confirmed that silencing of RAD51AP1 could inhibit NSCLC tumor formation and growth.ConclusionOur results revealed that RAD51AP1 silencing suppressed the EMT and metastasis of NSCLC, thereby highlighting its potential as a promising novel target for NSCLC treatment.
Nomogram to predict cause‐specific mortality in extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer: A competing risk analysis
Authors: Zhong Jia , Zheng Qiwen , An Tongtong , Zhao Jun , Wu Meina , Wang Yuyan , Zhuo Minglei , Li Jianjie , Zhao Xinghui , Yang Xue , Jia Bo , Chen Hanxiao , Dong Zhi , Wang Jingjing , Chi Yujia , Zhai Xiaoyu , Wang Ziping 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundSmall‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most aggressive types of lung cancer. The prognosis for SCLC patients depends on many factors. The intent of this study was to construct a nomogram model to predict mortality for extensive‐stage SCLC.MethodsOriginal data was collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute in the United States. A nomogram prognostic model was constructed to predict death probability for extensive‐stage SCLC.ResultsA total of 16 554 extensive‐stage SCLC patients from 2004 to 2014 in the SEER database were included in this study. Gender, race, age, TNM staging (including tumor extent, nodal status, and metastasis), and treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy) were identified as independent predictors for lung cancer‐specific death for extensive‐stage SCLC patients. A nomogram model was constructed based on multivariate models for lung cancer related death and other cause related death. Performance of the two models was validated by calibration and discrimination, with C‐index values of 0.714 and 0.638, respectively.ConclusionA prognostic nomogram model was established to predict death probability for extensive‐stage SCLC. This validated prognostic model may be beneficial for treatment strategy choice and survival prediction.
Worse lung cancer outcome in patients with lower respiratory tract infection confirmed at time of diagnosis
Authors: Nagy Attila , Müller Veronika , Kolonics‐Farkas Abigel M. , Eszes Noemi , Vincze Krisztina , Horvath Gabor 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundPulmonary malignancy is one of the most frequent and fatal cancers in older patients. As data on lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and the outcome of lung cancer are scarce, our objective was to determine the impact of LRTI on therapeutic possibilities and one‐year mortality.MethodsPatients undergoing bronchoscopy in 2017 who had bronchial microbial sampling at the time of the lung cancer diagnosis (n= 143) were included. Group 1 (LRTI+) included patients with confirmed infection (n= 74) while Group 2 (LRTI‐) included patients without infection (n= 69). Clinical characteristics, pathogen profile and one‐year survival were analyzed.ResultsAge, gender, TNM stage, histology type, comorbidities or underlying lung disease did not differ among groups. The most common LRTI pathogens included aerobic (n= 49), anaerobic (n= 14) and fungal (n= 26) infections. Chemo/immune/target therapy alone, or in combination with radiotherapy were significantly less frequently used, whilst palliative care was more common in Group 1 (LRTI+). Multiple pathogen LRTI patients were significantly older, less frequently diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and had worse performance status compared to solitary pathogen LRTI patients. One‐year median survival was 274 days (235 vs. 305 days Group 1 vs. Group 2). Risk factors for increased one‐year mortality included performance status ≥2 (OR 30.00, CI 95% 5.23–313.00), performance status 1 (OR 11.87, CI 95% 4.12–33.78), male gender (OR 4.04, CI 2.03–8.04), LRTI with multiple pathogens (OR 2.72, CI 1.01–6.81) and nonadenocarcinoma histology (OR 2.26, CI 1.15–4.56).ConclusionLRTIs in lung cancer patients, especially multiple pathogen infections, are associated with less oncotherapeutic possibilities and significant risk for lower one‐year median survival.
A new approach to study local adaptation in long‐lived woody species: Virtual transplant experiments
Authors: Manzanedo Rubén D. , Fischer Markus , María Navarro‐Cerrillo Rafael , Allan Eric 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Despite the importance of local adaptation and the extended literature that has addressed it, there are few methods available to explore local adaptation across large temporal scales. However, long‐term patterns are likely to be essential to understanding adaptation in long‐lived species, such as trees.

Here, we propose a methodology named ‘virtual transplant experiment' (VTE), which uses long‐term climatic variability to explore local adaptation to climate in natural tree populations. VTEs evaluate the historical response of populations to their local climate and to climates representative of conditions in other populations. We tested our methodology using simulated data and applied it in two case studies on: (a) Pinus nigra populations at the edge of the species distribution, where previous research has suggested strong climate adaptation, and (b) Fagus sylvatica mesic populations, where parallel experiments showed no adaptation to macroclimate.

VTE results from simulated and real‐world data matched our expectations, suggesting that the method accurately identified the patterns of local adaptation to climate in tree populations. VTEs consistently discriminated locally adapted populations in synthetic data with a known degree of local adaptation. As expected, P. nigra populations showed adaptation to local climate in the VTE, while F. sylvatica populations showed no overall local advantage.

Our method provides a new way to test for local adaptation over time scales encompassing the complete lifespan of trees. VTEs can complement current methods to study local adaptation by adding the ability to explore the long‐term response to local climate in natural populations. The advantages and limitations of the different approaches to studying local adaptation stress the importance of combining multiple approaches to test for local adaptation in long‐lived organisms.