bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Currency returns during democratic transition: evidence from Tunisia
Authors: Saad Ghadi , Bouraoui Taoufik 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the question whether democratic transition elections influence currency returns. Also, the paper examines the behavior of the currency market around these elections in Tunisia.

Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data are collected from the International Monetary Fund, the Central Bank of Tunisia and the Tunisian stock market websites. The paper employs event study analysis using a market model and investigates abnormal currency returns around the four election events that occurred during the period of democratic transition in Tunisia (2011–2015). A robustness test is also conducted to control for monetary policy effects.

Findings
The results indicate that democratic transition does impact currency returns. The authors did not find any significant effect on the events dates (t0). However, event windows around the elections days reacted significantly to the events. The authors notice a significant decrease in cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) at event periods leading up to the elections. Post-event windows perceived negative CARs in the first and second election, and positive CARs in the last two elections. The authors also find that the change in the victors of the elections does not cause major differences to CARs. Further, the authors do not find significant results when controlling for inflation and interest rate.

Originality/value
There is no evidence yet on how democratic transition elections can affect currency returns. Given that currency is a leading indicator of the performance of the financial sector, this paper should provide policymakers with new evidence on the response of currency returns to democratic transition.
CFO appointment and debt-equity choice
Authors: Mishra Suchismita , Talukdar Bakhtear , Upadhyay Arun 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThere is some evidence that firms appoint internal candidates to exploit their unique firm specific knowledge and that the type of appointments may have signaling value to the market. However, these studies are limited to chief executive officer appointments whereas other top executives could also play an important role in corporate decision making. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the chief financial officer (CFO) appointments and firm’s debt-equity choice.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ a multiple regression framework. To control for potential endogeneity, the authors use an instrumental variable approach with both two-stage least squares and generalized method of moments estimators.FindingsThe authors find that firms with internal CFO hires issue more equity than firms that hire from the external labor market. The authors also find that internal CFOs significantly reduce information asymmetry (IA), which may lower market risk and the cost of financing through equity issues. Furthermore, consistent with the value maximizing role of reduced IA the authors find that this effect is concentrated in value firms. In firms with higher IA this preference for equity by the internal CFO may be weaker as even internal CFOs will prefer debt financing for its disciplining role and to reduce IA. A subsample analysis with growth firms shows this diminishing impact on the financing choice of an internal CFO.Originality/valueThis study provides important information about the influence the CFO has on a firm’s capital structure decisions.
Banana peel in dyeing of polyamide/elastane blend fabric
Authors: Yıldırım Leyla , Erdem Ìşmal Özlenen 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the dyeing effect of banana peel on polyamide fabric by using various mordants and to reveal alternatives to metallic mordants.Design/methodology/approachThe simultaneous mordanting method was used in the dyeing process.FindingsFrom environmental and economical points of view, this paper studies the use of a natural waste product in textile dyeing. Assessment of domestic organic wastes will provide new possibilities for valorization of biomaterials. It is concluded that colorimetric data are affected by the amount of plant used in extraction, amount and type of mordant and pH of dye bath. Tin II chloride ensured the lightest color shades. No alternative mordants could be presented to iron II sulfate and tin II chloride, as they generated completely different color shades. Acids can be an alternative to 0.8 g/L alum mordant. Ammonium sulfate and sodium acetate also generated similar colors to alum. Ammonium sulfate can be substituted for citric acid and alum. Banana peel can be considered as a natural dye source for polyamide elastane blend fabric.Originality/valueBanana peel can be suggested as a natural colorant with good wash fastness for dyeing of polyamide elastane blend fabric.
Colour management in circular economy: decolourization of cotton waste
Authors: Määttänen Marjo , Asikainen Sari , Kamppuri Taina , Ilen Elina , Niinimäki Kirsi , Tanttu Marjaana , Harlin Ali 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
While aiming to create methods for fibre recycling, the question of colours in waste textiles is also in focus; whether the colour should be kept or should be removed while recycling textile fibre. More knowledge is needed for colour management in a circular economy approach.

Design/methodology/approach
The research included the use of different dye types in a cotton dyeing process, the process for decolourizing and the results. Two reactive dyes, two direct dyes and one vat dye were used in the study. Four chemical treatment sequences were used to evaluate colour removal from the dyed cotton fabrics, namely, HCE-A, HCE-P-A, HCE-Z-P-A and HCE-Y-A.

Findings
The objective was to evaluate how different chemical refining sequences remove colour from direct, reactive and vat dyed cotton fabrics, and how they influence the specific cellulose properties. Dyeing methods and the used refining sequences influence the degree of colour removal. The highest achieved final brightness of refined cotton materials were between 71 and 91 per cent ISO brightness, depending on the dyeing method used.

Research limitations/implications
Only cotton fibre and three different colour types were tested.

Practical implications
With cotton waste, it appears to be easier to remove the colour than to retain it, especially if the textile contains polyester residues, which are desired to be removed in the textile refining stage.

Originality/value
Colour management in the CE context is an important new track to study in the context of the increasing amount of textile waste used as a raw material.
Biomimetic economy: human ecological-economic systems emulating natural ecological systems
Authors: Tamayo Unai , Vargas Gustavo 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of biomimicry to inspire sustainable development in economic systems. The research purpose is to explore the link between ecological systems and economic systems to highlight applied environmental solutions. The goal is to propose some driver to develop sustainable business practices inspired on the principles of biomimicry.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides a theoretical approach that builds the basis for a better understanding of the relationship between nature and sustainable economic decisions. The premise is that in the field of sustainable development, strategies based on “learning from nature” are useful. Furthermore, the concept of biomimicry provides principles and tools specifically aimed at design practice.

Findings
The complexity of economic systems has shown that high levels of abstraction are required when conceptualising problems and explanations related with nature-inspired solutions. Stakeholder engagement and transdisciplinary collaboration are required to face long-term environmental challenges. Moreover, the exploratory analysis applied in this paper appeared suitable to compile existing literature.

Practical implications
The study provides some general guidelines and empirical approach through case studies that could help decision makers convert nature-inspired alternatives into valuable strategic business opportunities. Although presented practical cases are framed in the local sphere (i.e. the Basque Country), they can serve as references in other international contexts.

Social implications
New business models should recognize the positive synchronization between well-managed social, environmental and economic systems.

Originality/value
The proposed ideas deepen the understanding on the sustainable development and the link between ecological and economic systems. In fact, the concept of biomimetic economy has not been dealt with or developed in depth in previous academic works, nor has it been published thoroughly in the field of research.
Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Cyanidin‐3‐O‐Glucoside (C3G) Liposome in Caco‐2 Cells Cultivated in 2D and 3D Cell Culture Models
Authors: Liang Tisong , Tao Qingfeng , Guan Rongfa , Cao Guozhou , Shen Haitao , Liu Zhenfeng , Xia Qile 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to obtain adequate and detailed information about the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of C3G and C3G liposomes in different cell culture models. The Caco‐2 cells were cultured in 2D and 3D cell culture models, the H2O2 was used to construct the cell damage model and then the cells treated with C3G and C3G liposomes. The antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activities of C3G liposomes on Caco‐2 cells were investigated. We observed the morphology of cells and measured the cell viability, the activity of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in Caco‐2 cells treated with H2O2, C3G, and C3G liposomes. The results showed that the Caco‐2 cells cultured in the 3D culture model formed a 3D structure and tight spheroids and showed the increase of cell activity in 3D cell culture model, compared with the 2D cell culture model. The C3G and C3G liposomes can enhance the activities of GSH, SOD, and T‐AOC but decrease the MDA content after H2O2 treatment, while the changes were different in 2D and 3D cells culture models. This study revealed that the results obtained from the 2D cell model may be inaccurate compared with the results obtained from the 3D cell model.Practical ApplicationThe results of this study showed that the results obtained from the 2D cell model may be inaccurate compared with the results obtained from the 3D cell model. Our work provides a method for evaluating antioxidant activity of C3G liposomes in different cell models and provided certain theoretical basis for the follow‐up research.
Effects of immediate versus gradual nicotine reduction in cigarettes on biomarkers of biological effects
Authors: Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Luo Xianghua , Heskin Alisa K. , Tang Mei Kuen , Carmella Steven G. , Jensen Joni , Robinson Jason D. , Vandrey Ryan , Drobes David J. , Strasser Andrew A. , al'Absi Mustafa , Leischow Scott , Cinciripini Paul M. , Koopmeiners Joseph , Ikuemonisan Joshua , Benowitz Neal L. , Donny Eric C. , Hecht Stephen S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimA previous study showed significantly greater reductions in number of cigarettes smoked and biomarkers of toxicant and carcinogen exposure in smokers assigned to immediate reduction of nicotine in cigarettes to very low levels versus gradually over time or continued smoking of normal nicotine content cigarettes. This study examines the effects of these approaches on selected biomarkers associated with harmful biological effects.DesignThree‐arm, randomized controlled trial.SettingTen United States academic institutional sites.ParticipantsDaily smokers uninterested in quitting smoking with a mean age of 45.1 [standard deviation (SD) = 13.4)] years and smoking 17.1 (SD = 8.5) cigarettes/day; 43.9% (549 of 1250) female; 60.6% (758 of 1250) white ethnicity.Interventions(1) Smoking cigarettes where nicotine content was immediately reduced to very low levels (n = 503); (2) smoking cigarettes where nicotine content was gradually reduced, with dose changes occurring monthly (n = 498); and (3) continued smoking with normal nicotine content cigarettes (n = 249).MeasurementsSmokers were assessed at baseline while smoking their usual brand cigarettes, and again at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks. Outcomes were areas under the concentration time curve (AUC) for the period of study of biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and hematological parameters.FindingsNo consistent significant differences were observed across groups (Bayes factors showing data to be insensitive), with the only exception being red blood cell size variability, which was observed to be lower in the immediate versus gradual nicotine reduction [mean difference = −0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.18, −0.04, P = 0.004] and normal nicotine control groups (mean difference = − 0.15, 95% CI = –0.23, −0.06, P = 0.001).ConclusionIt remains unclear whether switching to very low nicotine cigarettes leads to a short‐term reduction in biomarkers of tobacco‐related harm.
Using the MaxEnt model for assessing the impact of climate change on the Aurasian Aleppo pine distribution in Algeria
Authors: Garah Kenza , Bentouati Abdallah 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the context of recent climate changes and their impact on the vegetation cover in the southern shore of the Mediterranean, this paper deals with the potential distribution in the present and the future of the Aleppo pine in the north‐east of Algeria. Accordingly, this study focuses on modelling of the spatiotemporal distribution of the Aurasian Aleppo pine, by means of MaxEnt program. The models developed with MaxEnt showed good predictivity with AUC > 0.80 for the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios projected, respectively, for 2055 and 2085. The results showed that the annual thermal amplitude followed by altitude appear to be the main factors of the spatiotemporal distribution of Aleppo pine in the study area. Under current conditions, only 20% of the territory seems favourable to the presence of the Aleppo pine. However, future predictions expect an extension of the areas classified as “moderately favourable” to the Aleppo pine. In response to climate changes, the Aurasian Aleppo pine may display two contrasted tendencies: a progressive evolution in the north, and a regressive evolution in the south of the Aurès region as well as a displacement of suitable areas for Aleppo pine to the north.
Dehumanization in War and Peace: Encounters with Lebanon's Ex‐Militia Fighters
Authors: Hermez Sami 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTBetween 2006 and 2009, I attended various peacebuilding and antiwar events in Lebanon, from dialogue sessions and workshops to lectures and demonstrations. One refrain at these events was that war should be avoided because it was dehumanizing or, in a slightly different form, that it results in a loss of humanity. Alongside these gatherings, I conducted interviews and ethnographic fieldwork with former militia fighters from Lebanon's war (1975–1990). Together, these encounters led me to question notions of dehumanization in discourses of war and peace. Did war dehumanize? Did dehumanization lead to war? Did perpetrators lose their humanity through acts of killing? Did their actions stem from the dehumanization of the other? This article explores these questions and interrogates the notion of humanity. I argue that in allowing the notion of humanity to shape our politics, and in centering the loss of humanity in discourses of war and peace, both war and peace are invariably depoliticized. [war, dehumanization, combatants, humanity, Lebanon]
Obesity and hypertension contribute to prolong QRS complex duration among middle‐aged adults
Authors: Dzikowicz Dillon J. , Carey Mary G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundObesity and hypertension are comorbid diseases, which influence cardiac structure, and are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events. The QRS duration (QRSd) reflects ventricular depolarization, and increased QRSd is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. QRS duration may be influenced by obesity and HTN, and reflect the increased risk factor for poor cardiovascular outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the relations between obesity, hypertension, and the interaction between them on QRSd.MethodsIn this secondary data analysis, firefighters without documented cardiovascular disease in normal sinus rhythm were included. Twelve‐lead 24‐hr ECG Holter monitors measured mean QRSd. Body mass index (BMI) and resting blood pressure (BP) were measured and categorized. Univariate linear regression models were produced using BMI, BP, and the interaction between BMI and BP as factors associated with QRSd. Multivariate models adjusting for multiple covariates were also produced.ResultsSeventy‐seven firefighters were included and most (89.4%) were overweight or obese. After covariate adjustment, BMI (p = 0.028), BMI categorization (p = 0.020), and the interaction between BMI and systolic BP (p = 0.021) were associated with prolong QRSd.ConclusionsIncreased BMI and an interaction between BMI and systolic BP were independently associated with prolongation of the QRS complex. Determination of the underlying cardiac structures responsible prolongation of the QRSd is recommended for further research.
Donkey pericardium compares favorably with commercial xenopericardia used in the manufacture of transcatheter heart valves
Authors: Mao Jifu , Rassoli Aisa , Tong Yiwei , Rouse Elizabeth Nicole , Le‐Bel Gaёtan , How Daniel , Germain Lucie , Fatouraee Nasser , Zhang Ze , Reed Robert R. , Guidoin Robert 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has gained considerable acceptance in the past decade due to its lower risks than conventional open‐heart surgery. However, the deformation and delamination of the leaflets during the crimping procedure have raised questions about the durability and long‐term serviceability of the pericardium tissue from which the leaflets are made. The collagen architecture, wall thickness and mechanical properties of donkey pericardium were investigated to assess its suitability as an alternative material for the manufacture of heart valves. Coupons sampled from different locations of donkey pericardium were investigated. Bovine, equine, and porcine pericardium specimens served as controls. The donkey pericardium had a similar surface morphology to that of the control pericardia except for the wavy topology on both the fibrous and serous sides. The average thickness of donkey pericardium (ca. 120 µm) was significantly lower than that from bovine (375 µm) and equine (410 µm), but slightly higher than that from porcine (99 µm) specimens. The interlaced wavy collagen bundles in the pericardium were composed of collagen fibers about 100 nm in diameter. This unique structure ensures that the donkey pericardium has a comparable ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and a much higher failure strain than the commercial pericardia used for the manufacture of heart valves. The donkey pericardium has an organized wavy collagen bundle architecture similar to that of bovine pericardium and has a satisfactory UTS and high failure strain. The thin and strong donkey pericardium might be a good candidate valve leaflet material for TAVI.
Common Reducing Subspace Model and Network Alternation Analysis
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Zhang Xin , Li Lexin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Motivated by brain connectivity analysis and many other network data applications, we study the problem of estimating covariance and precision matrices and their differences across multiple populations. We propose a common reducing subspace model that leads to substantial dimension reduction and efficient parameter estimation. We explicitly quantify the efficiency gain through an asymptotic analysis. Our method is built upon and further extends a nascent technique, the envelope model, which adopts a generalized sparsity principle. This distinguishes our proposal from most xisting covariance and precision estimation methods that assume element-wise sparsity. Moreover, unlike most existing solutions, our method can naturally handle both covariance and precision matrices in a unified way, and work with matrix-valued data. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method through intensive simulations, and illustrate the method with an autism spectrum disorder data analysis.
Real world data as a key element in precision medicine for lymphoid malignancies: potentials and pitfalls
Authors: El‐Galaly Tarec C. , Cheah Chan Y. , Villa Diego 
Published: May 2019

SummaryMolecular genetic studies of lymphoma have led to refinements in disease classification in the most recent World Health Organization update. Nevertheless, a ‘one‐size‐fits‐most’ treatment strategy based on morphology remains widely used for lymphoma despite significant molecular heterogeneity within histopathologically‐defined subtypes. Precision medicine aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging disease‐ and patient‐specific information to optimise treatment strategies, but implementation of precision medicine strategies is challenged by the biological diversity and rarity of lymphomas. In this review, we explore existing and emerging real‐world data sources that can be used to facilitate the development of precision medicine strategies in lymphoma. We provide illustrative examples of the use of real‐world analyses to refine treatment strategies, provide comparators for clinical trials, improve risk‐stratification to identify patients with unmet clinical needs and describe long‐term and rare toxicities.
Empirical evidence of the impact of lesson study on students’ achievement, teachers’ professional learning and on institutional and system evolution
Authors: Dudley Peter , Xu Haiyan , Vermunt Jan D. , Lang Jean 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this article we review the evidence of the impact of lesson study on student learning, teacher development, teaching materials, curriculum, professional learning and system enhancement. We argue for lesson study to be treated holistically as a vehicle for development and improvement at classroom, school and system levels rather than as a curricular or pedagogical intervention. We illustrate the need for this approach to evaluating lesson study through a complex case exemplar which used Research Lesson Study (a form of lesson study popular in the UK and Europe) to develop learning, teaching, curriculum and local improvement capacity across schools initially involved in a two‐year mathematics curriculum development project that later evolved into three self‐sustaining, voluntary lesson study school hubs in London. We discuss resulting changes in culture, practice, belief, expectation and student learning. We argue as a result for greater policy level understanding of this expanded conception of lesson study as a vehicle in classroom, school and system transformation.
From “chalk and talk” to “guide on the side”: A cross‐cultural analysis of pedagogy that drives customised teaching for personalised learning
Authors: Sarkar Arani Mohammad Reza , Lander Bruce , Shibata Yoshiaki , Kim‐Eng Lee Christine , Kuno Hiroyuki , Lau Andrew 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study analyses the teaching scripts and structure of lesson practices of a Singaporean English teacher at two different levels of class through a comparative analysis. Specifically, it aims to clarify how his view of teaching as tacit knowledge determines the structure of the lessons. The emphasis here is on the examination of a Singaporean's teacher's view and his awareness of the students and their teaching materials at hand through the lens of Japan‐based educators and the implications for education policy.