bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
System and neural network analysis of intent to buy and willingness to pay insurance premium
Authors: Tolani Sanjay , Rao Ananth , Worku Genanew B. , Osman Mohamed 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze significant determinants to assess the probability of insureds’ intent to buy (ITB) insurance and willingness to pay (WTP) quantum of dollars for security benefits.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the Double Hurdle Model (DHM) and Neural Network (NN) architecture to analyze the insureds’ behavior for ITB and WTP. The authors apply these frameworks to all the 503 insureds of a branch of a leading insurer in the United Arab Emirates.FindingsThe DHM identified age, loans & liabilities, body mass index, travel outside the UAE, salary and country of origin (Middle Eastern and African) as significant determinants to predict WTP for social security benefits. In addition to these determinants, NN architecture identified insurance replacement, holding multiple citizenship, age of parents, mortgages, country of origin: Americas, length of travel, income of previous year and medical conditions of insured as additional important determinants to predict WTP for social security benefits; thus, NN is found to be superior to DHM due to its lowest RMSE and AIC in the holdout sample and also its flexibility and no assumptions unlike econometric models.Research limitations/implicationsInsureds’ data used from one UAE Branch limit the generalizability of empirical findings.Practical implicationsThe study findings will enable the insurers to appropriately design the insurance products that match the insurers’ behavior of ITB and WTP for social security benefits.Social implicationsThe study findings have the potential for insurance institutions to be more flexible in their insurance practices through public–private partnerships.Originality/valueThis is the authors’ original research work.
Effects of aperture on Marchenko focussing functions and their radiation behaviour at depth
Authors: Sripanich Yanadet , Vasconcelos Ivan 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTA focussing function is a specially constructed field that focusses on to a purely downgoing pulse at a specified subsurface position upon injection into the medium. Such focussing functions are key ingredients in the Marchenko method and in its applications such as retrieving Green's functions, redatuming, imaging with multiples and synthesizing the response of virtual sources/receiver arrays at depth. In this study, we show how the focussing function and its corresponding focussed response at a specified subsurface position are heavily influenced by the aperture of the source/receiver array at the surface. We describe such effects by considering focussing functions in the context of time‐domain imaging, offering explicit connections between time processing and Marchenko focussing. In particular, we show that the focussed response radiates in the direction perpendicular to the line drawn from the centre of the surface data array aperture to the focussed position in the time‐imaging domain, that is, in time‐migration coordinates. The corresponding direction in the Cartesian domain follows from the sum (superposition) of the time‐domain direction and the directional change due to time‐to‐depth conversion. Therefore, the result from this study provides a better understanding of focussing functions and has implications in applications such as the construction of amplitude‐preserving redatuming and imaging, where the directional dependence of the focussed response plays a key role in controlling amplitude distortions.
Urban Household Energy Demand in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi Patricia Iyore 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn response to changing prices, incomes and demographics, household use of various fuels such as electricity, gas, kerosene and fuel wood have changed over the years. In this paper we estimate income and price elasticities of household demand for various types of energy in urban southwest Nigeria. Household micro‐data was collected via the administration of a questionnaire. Empirical analysis showed that all energy goods are inelastic for own price elasticities and cross price elasticities. Most of the cross price effects are negative values indicating complementarity between energy goods. This suggests that substitution possibilities between energy goods are quite limited. However, kerosene is shown to be the main fuel used for cooking by about 90 per cent of households; the use of LPG and electricity is minimal. The income group analysis further shows that kerosene is preferred across all income groups. Budget share allocations reveal that households allocate a greater share of their income (40 per cent) to kerosene consumption while LPG gets the lowest share allocation of (3 per cent).
Does Access to Finance Enhance SME Innovation and Productivity in Nigeria? Evidence from the World Bank Enterprise Survey
Authors: Adegboye Abidemi C. , Iweriebor Samuel 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTThe primary link between financial institutions and economic performance is the provision of resources by these institutions to businesses in order to drive enterprise development. In this study, the role of access to finance in enhancing innovation and productivity among Nigerian small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is investigated using the World Bank Enterprise Survey (ES) dataset. Access to finance is categorized as external and internal to the firm. Using the logit estimation technique, the study finds that ease of accessing bank credit is the strongest positive force in driving all types of innovation among SMEs in Nigeria. In the same vein, the source of investment financing matters in terms of how it affects innovation: both internal and external sources improve investment in product, process, and organizational innovation, but only external financing has a significant effect on R&D spending and use of foreign licensed technology. Overall spending on R&D is only driven by access to external finance by the SMEs. The study also shows that increased access to finance may actually lead to productivity decline among SMEs in Nigeria.
Measuring Technical Efficiency and Productivity Change in the Nigerian Banking Sector: A Comparison of Non‐parametric and Parametric Techniques
Authors: Osuagwu Eze Simpson , Isola Wakeel Atanda , Nwaogwugwu Isaac Chii 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study estimates technical efficiency and total factor productivity change in the Nigerian banking sector for the period 2005–14, which encapsulates the post‐consolidation era and subsequent regime of banking reforms aimed at stabilizing the sector from the effects of financial crisis. The study applies both non‐parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and parametric Stochastic Frontier Approach (SFA), using the Malmquist Productivity Index, and error component production function respectively, to ascertain if any significant variation in efficiency exists on a sample of 12 banks covering over 80 percent of total bank assets in Nigeria. The theoretical intermediation approach is applied for selection of input and output variables. The input variables considered are total deposits, total equity and operating expenses including staff costs, and output variables are loans and operating income, which accounts for off‐balance‐sheet items such as non‐interest or fee‐based income. Findings reveal that the mean technical efficiency under SFA and total factor productivity change in DEA decreases as bank output moves toward non‐interest or fee‐based income. Although the magnitude differs, both SFA and DEA follow a similar direction for technical efficiency and total factor productivity change. Study implications suggest that policymakers should be concerned about arbitrariness in bank's ability to earn fee‐based income, which portends high cost of banking services in the long run.
Factors Influencing the Filing of Complaints, Their Investigation, and Subsequent Legal Judgment in Cases of Sexual Assault
Authors: La Harpe Romano , Burkhardt Sandra , Ricard‐Gauthier Dominique , Poncet Antoine , Yaron Michal , Fracasso Tony 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn Geneva, examination of victims of sexual assault is performed by a gynecologist and a medical examiner. 48% of the victims file a complaint and we wanted to investigate the factors leading to file a complaint, those leading the Prosecutor to go to trial, and those influencing a conviction. Between 2006 and 2012, 676 victims of sexual assault were investigated (averaged age 26 year, mean 22). Information on injuries, perpetrators, and circumstances of the assault was collected and analyzed. The attacker being the ex‐spouse or a friend and the presence of semen were factors leading to file a complaint. The assailant being a family member or ex‐spouse and the presence of genital/anal lesions were factors influencing the Prosecutor. The presence of nongenital lesions, the assailant being known by the victim, influenced conviction. This study shows that the medical examiner plays a vital role in the investigation of cases of sexual assault.
Impact of radiotherapy on cardiovascular health of women with breast cancer
Authors: Lawrenson Ross , Lao Chunhuan , Ali Ahmed , Campbell Ian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionThis study aims to examine the impact of radiotherapy on the cardiovascular health of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Waikato region in New Zealand.MethodsWomen diagnosed with stage 0–III breast cancer and recorded in the Waikato Breast Cancer Registry were divided into two groups: a radiotherapy group and a no‐radiotherapy group. Baseline characteristics and treatments were compared in the two groups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to compare cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cox Proportional Hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio of radiotherapy on the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality while adjusting for other factors.ResultsA total of 3528 women were included in this study, with 2303 in the radiotherapy group and 1225 in the no‐radiotherapy group. At 10‐year follow‐up, 11.7% of women in the radiotherapy group and 19.4% in the no‐radiotherapy group experienced cardiovascular events. Only 2.3% of patients who received radiotherapy died of cardiovascular disease by 10 years compared to 7.0% in the no‐radiotherapy group. After adjusting for clinically significant factors, there was unexplained reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the radiotherapy group compared to the no‐radiotherapy group (HR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59–0.92). No significant difference was found in cardiovascular mortality between the two groups.ConclusionsRadiotherapy appears less likely to be offered to patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. No evidence of increased risk of a cardiovascular event was found in the group of women with breast cancer treated with radiotherapy and current regimens appear safe. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors remain the main culprits in this setting. Clinicians should work with patients in managing these risk factors for optimal results.
Heterogeneous Dose–Response Analyses of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
Authors: Gruenewald Paul J. , Mair Christina 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundSurvey‐based estimates of the prevalence of alcohol abuse, dependence, and disorders in the United States rely upon self‐reports of drinking patterns (e.g., binge drinking), social problems (e.g., trouble at work), physiological responses to use (e.g., tolerance), and desistance from use (e.g., withdrawal). Diagnostic criteria derived from these reports enable prevalence estimates of abuse and dependence, but moderating structural relationships among symptom groups may lead some light and moderate drinkers to appear to exhibit an alcohol use disorder (AUD).MethodsA dynamic model of drinking and problems predicts that symptoms of dependence will moderate relationships between drinking measures and symptoms of abuse. Wave 1 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions data on DSM‐IV diagnoses of abuse and dependence were used to test predictions from this model and assess whether moderating effects were observed among lighter and heavier drinkers (those who drink 1 to 3 vs. 4 or more drinks on average). A dose–response model that accounts for other known sources of risk heterogeneity related to drinking and problems enabled us to test these predictions.ResultsAs expected from previous work, symptoms of abuse and dependence and dependence criteria were nonlinearly related to drinking patterns; more symptom reports appeared and criteria were met among less frequent drinkers who drank more on each occasion and this pattern of dose–response was substantially moderated among heavier drinkers. Controlling for these effects, relationships between drinking and symptoms of abuse were moderated among respondents who met more dependence criteria. These effects were observed among both lighter and heavier drinkers.ConclusionsModerating relationships observed between measures of drinking, abuse, and dependence criteria among lighter and heavier drinkers suggest that the same etiologic forces are at play among all drinking groups. Greater symptoms of dependence among lighter drinkers may lead to greater reports of symptoms of abuse and an AUD diagnosis.
Pitching research: ‘Qualitative cousins’, the ‘extended family’ and ‘living harmoniously’
Authors: Lodhia Sumit 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper reviews Faff (2018) with particular emphasis on the Qualitative Pitch proposed by Lodhia (2017). In the spirit of constructive engagement envisioned by Faff (2018), the purpose of this paper is to revisit the Qualitative Pitch and to clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings. This paper is not a critique but rather a reflective piece on the potential offered by the Qualitative Pitch as a viable tool for pitching qualitative research ideas. The basic premise of this paper is that the Qualitative Pitch, drawing upon Faff's (2015) pitching template, provides qualitative researchers with specific tools and a consistent framework for articulating qualitative research. It is therefore proposed that the Qualitative Pitch should be the used as the initial template for designing qualitative research projects rather than being transitioned to once a threshold barrier is reached.
Pricing of tobacco products during, and after, the introduction of standardized packaging: an observational study of retail price data from independent and convenience (small) retailers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Critchlow Nathan , Stead Martine , Moodie Crawford , Angus Kathryn , Eadie Douglas , MacKintosh Anne Marie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsTobacco companies claimed that standardized packaging, phased in/introduced May 2016–May 2017, would reduce prices and increase consumption. We: (1) describe changes in price‐per‐cigarette and price‐per‐gram during, and after, the introduction of standardized packaging; (2) describe price changes by cigarette price segment; and (3) analyse price changes by stage of implementation.DesignAn observational study, using electronic point‐of‐sale data, monitored price trends in three periods: (1) May–September 2016, start of transition period; (2) October 2016–May 2017, when fully branded and standardized products were sold and duty escalators implemented; and (3) June–October 2017, when standardized packaging was mandatory.SettingUnited Kingdom.ParticipantsSmall retailers (n = 500) stratified by region and deprivation. Data were monitored for 20 leading fully branded tobacco products [15 factory‐made cigarettes (FMC), 5 roll‐your‐own (RYO)] and their standardized equivalents.MeasurementPrice‐per‐cigarette and price‐per‐gram, based on monthly average Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and actual sale price, adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Pricing Index (CPIH). Net changes (£GBP, %) were analysed by product type (FMC versus RYO) and FMC price segment (value, mid‐price, premium).FindingsBetween May 2016 and October 2017, the average inflation‐adjusted RRP/price‐per‐cigarette and price‐per‐gram increased for FMC (all price segments) and RYO. For example, sales price‐per‐cigarette increased +4.64%, with the largest increases for value (+6.81%), premium (+5.32%) and mid‐price FMCs (+3.30%). Net sales price‐per‐cigarette and price‐per‐gram increases were largest in period 2, when fully branded and standardized products were sold and duty escalators were implemented (FMC = +4.70%; RYO = +3.75%). There were small decreases in sales price‐per‐cigarette and price‐per‐gram once standardized packaging became mandatory (FMC = –1.14%; RYO = –0.88%).ConclusionIn the United Kingdom, the price of leading roll‐your‐own and factory‐made cigarette brands sold by small retailers increased as standardized packaging was phased in, with increases larger than expected through duty escalation.
Pill for this and a pill for that: A cross‐sectional survey of use and understanding of medication among adults with multimorbidity
Authors: Millar Elinor , Gurney Jason , Stanley James , Stairmand Jeannine , Davies Cheryl , Semper Kelly , Dowell Anthony , Lawrenson Ross , Mangin Dee , Sarfati Diana 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo understand the challenges managing medication use and knowledge of people living with multimorbidity.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of 234 adults with multimorbidity, identified using retrospective hospital discharge data. Participants were recruited from two primary health organisations in New Zealand.ResultsThree quarters of participants (75%) were prescribed four or more medications, and one in four (27%) were prescribed eight or more medications. Participants reported knowing what their medications were for (88%, 95% CI 81.4–93.8) and when to take them (99%, 95% CI 97.5–99.9). However, over a fifth (22%, 95% CI 13.7–30.4) reported some problems managing multiple medications, and 40% (95% CI 30.2–50.2) reported a problem with side effects.ConclusionThe results highlight the need to consider how prescribing can be adapted for people with multimorbidity and move beyond the application of multiple disease‐specific guidelines.
Determinants of Shareholder Activism of the National Pension Fund of Korea
Authors: Lee Jaehyun , In Francis , Khil Jaeuk , Park Young S. , Wee Kyeong Woo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper identifies the determinants of shareholder activism of the National Pension Fund of Korea (NPF), and investigates its stock market reaction. In the case of article amendments, the NPF exercises its voting right actively when the firm has concentrated ownership, and does not belong to chaebols. The NPF is active when the firm has diffused ownership, and is not a chaebol affiliate if the agenda up for vote is auditor appointments. The event studies show that a long position in the NPF “Yes” vote stocks and a short position in the “No” vote stocks produce positive abnormal returns.
Histological and clinical outcomes of lateral sinus floor elevation with simultaneous removal of a maxillary sinus pseudocyst
Authors: Yu Huajie , Qiu Lixin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundMaxillary sinus pathologies are a potential risk for failure of implant and bone augmentation. Management of lateral sinus floor elevation in the presence of a pseudocyst remains controversial, and reports on histological outcomes of endo‐sinus bone augmentation with maxillary cysts are scarce.PurposeTo present a modified surgical technique for removal of maxillary pseudocyst with simultaneous sinus floor elevation, and to evaluate clinical and histological outcomes of the bone grafting.Materials and MethodsPatients with a radiographic dome‐shaped opacity in the posterior maxillary sinus were included to receive lateral sinus floor elevation with simultaneous pseudocyst removal. Bone core specimens harvested from the lateral aspect of the augmentation sites were histomorphometrically analyzed. Data were recorded and evaluated in terms of survival rates and complications.ResultsA total of 15 patients were included who underwent 17 maxillary sinus augmentation surgeries. Implant survival rate was 97.0%. Bone biopsy specimens were obtained at 6 months after surgery. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that mean percentages of mineralized bone, bone substitute, and nonmineralized tissue were 24.9% ± 18.1%, 14.4% ± 12.5%, and 60.1% ± 12.44%, respectively. No recurrence of the pseudocyst was detected on radiographic examination.ConclusionsThe described technique could be successfully applied in clinical practice to perform sinus augmentation in the presence of pseudocysts.
Could SUVmax be an auxiliary parameter in the clinical management of pulmonary hydatid disease?
Authors: Ozmen Ozlem , Tatci Ebru , Uslu Biner Inci , Findik Gokturk , Yilmaz Ulku , Erturk Hakan , Demirag Funda 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hydatid disease and also compare the morphological characteristics of the lesions with SUVmax values and identify complicated disease.MethodsThirty‐six patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid disease who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging were included in this retrospective study. The size of the lesions, morphological characteristics, accompanying parenchymal and pleural findings, SUVmax and HUmean values and FDG uptake in mediastinal lymph nodes were noted. The relationship between morphologic properties, SUVmax of the lesions and lymphatic FDG uptake was analysed.ResultsA total of 99 lesions of 36 patients were classified as solid (7.1%), cystic (53.5%), semisolid (20.2%) and cavitary (19.2%). Thirty‐two of the lesions were encapsulated, 38 of the lesions had border irregularity. Accompanying consolidation was present in 10 cases, bronchial obstruction in 9, pleural thickening in 28 and effusion in 3. There was positive correlation between lesions HUmean and SUVmax values (r = 0.285). SUVmax values were significantly higher in lesions with irregular borders, solid or semisolid type and presence of consolidation, bronchial obstruction and pleural thickening. Also more lymphatic FDG uptake was detected in this group.ConclusionHigher SUVmax values may be a useful parameter in the diagnosis of complicated pulmonary hydatid disease. FDG‐PET may provide guidance for determining the priority of lesion for surgery in cases with multiple lesions and may be helpful to evaluate the response to medical treatment.