bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in corporate social responsibility disclosure between Japan and the USA
Authors: Tran Hien 
Published: June 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how and why disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) information was influenced by independent directors in Japan and the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe author used a pooled cross-sectional data set of 498 Fortune Japanese and American firms between 2006 and 2011 and fixed effects estimation method. The author analysed the results by employing a comparative approach between the two national contexts.FindingsThis study found that independent directors in Japanese firms had a significant positive effect on CSR disclosure whilst no evidence was found in the US firms, although the proportion of independent directors on American boards traditionally and largely outnumbers that of the Japanese counterparts.Originality/valueThe study results offer an insight that independent directors could be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in CSR disclosure. The findings support the stakeholder theory in Japanese globalised companies while challenging the theory in the US context, thereby calling for further research into the stakeholder engagement models, particularly in the USA.
Comparison of static and dynamic shading systems for office building energy consumption and cooling load assessment
Authors: De Luca Francesco , Voll Hendrik , Thalfeldt Martin 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
Exterior shading devices and dynamic shading systems constitute an efficient way to improve energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort in buildings through the reduction of direct solar heat gains and disturbing glare. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the performance of different types of shading systems, fixed and dynamic, and their influence on the energy consumption and cooling loads for an office building located in Tallinn, Estonia. The scope is to determine the most performative configuration for energy consumption and cooling load reduction for office buildings and to provide designers and developers with the necessary knowledge to increase the performance of their buildings.

Design/methodology/approach
There are many types of fixed shading devices, most of which use rectangular planar elements, the orientation and layout of which depends on the building location and façade orientation. The dynamic shading systems vary on the base of the building occupancy schedules and occupants’ preferences. The paper presents a method to determine the most efficient type and size of fixed shading devices in relation to different windows’ size and orientation, and the quantity of windows panes. At the same time the dynamic shading system using a control algorithm developed by the authors is compared.

Findings
The results show that solar shading is an efficient way to control the energy consumption of office buildings, though with different efficacy by the static systems depending on orientation, window and shading type. Evidence shows that dynamic blind systems have more uniform performance and usually outperform static shading.

Originality/value
The paper compares the performances of different static and dynamic shading devices and systems for the location in Tallinn. The dynamic shading system tested uses a control algorithm developed by the authors. The indications for the energy reduction and cooling loads are a valuable resource for designers and developers to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings.
Sustainability assessment of gas based power generation using a life cycle assessment approach
Authors: Shah Binita , Unnikrishnan Seema 
Published: June 2018

PurposeIndia is a developing economy along with an increasing population estimated to be the largest populated country in about seven years. Simultaneously, its power consumption is projected to increase more than double by 2020. Currently, the dependence on coal is relatively high, making it the largest global greenhouse gas emitting sector which is a matter of great concern. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the environmental impacts of the natural gas electricity generation in India and propose a model using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach.Design/methodology/approachLCA is used as a tool to evaluate the environmental impact of the natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant, as it adopts a holistic approach towards the whole process. The LCA methodology used in this study follows the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards (ISO 14040: 2009; ISO 14044: 2009). A questionnaire was designed for data collection and validated by expert review primary data for the annual environmental emission was collected by personally visiting the power plant. The study follows a cradle to gate assessment using the CML (2001) methodology.FindingsThe analysis reveals that the main impacts were during the process of combustion. The Global warming potential is approximately 0.50 kg CO2equivalents per kWh of electricity generation from this gas-based power plant. These results can be used by stakeholders, experts and members who are authorised to probe positive initiative for the reduction of environmental impacts from the power generation sector.Practical implicationsConsidering the pace of growth of economic development of India, it is the need of the hour to emphasise on the patterns of sustainable energy generation which is an important subject to be addressed considering India’s ratification to the Paris Climate Change Agreement. This paper analyzes the environmental impacts of gas-based electricity generation.Originality/valuePresenting this case study is an opportunity to get a glimpse of the challenges associated with gas-based electricity generation in India. It gives a direction and helps us to better understand the right spot which require efforts for the improvement of sustainable energy generation processes, by taking appropriate measures for emission reduction. This paper also proposes a model for gas-based electricity generation in India. It has been developed following an LCA approach. As far as we aware, this is the first study which proposes an LCA model for gas-based electricity generation in India. The model is developed in line with the LCA methodology and focusses on the impact categories specific for gas-based electricity generation.
Virtual Dementia Tour®: limitations and ethics
Authors: Merizzi Alessandra 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
Dementia care is an important aspect affecting the quality of life of people living with dementia. There are many studies that test the efficacy of methods of care in order to support and even increase the quality of life of dementia patients (e.g. Gridley et al., 2016; Thyrian et al., 2017). A novel approach developed by Beville (2002) called Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT®) also aims to improve the care of people living with dementia in their middle and late stages of deterioration. VDT® is now becoming popular internationally (see www.provdt.co.uk/) and it is sold to the general public as an evidence-based method through which people can experience what it is like to live with dementia, aiming to increase empathy and improve the delivery of care. The purpose of this paper is to explore the validity of the VDT® intervention.

Design/methodology/approach
The author explores the original research article upon which the VDT® was developed, highlighting critical points and reviewing these through a rigorous selection of references.

Findings
The supporting evidence base is consistently weak on closer scrutiny, and in combination with anecdotal evidence of distress related to the VDT® experience, this analysis suggests a need for caution in implementation.

Originality/value
Although high-quality standards of care from the national guidelines (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2010) ensure that health services implement evidence-based interventions, it may be important to discern that which is empirically based from that which is not.
Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of male‐pattern and female‐pattern hair loss, 2017 version
Authors: Manabe Motomu , Tsuboi Ryoji , Itami Satoshi , Osada Shin‐Ichi , Amoh Yasuyuki , Ito Taisuke , Inui Shigeki , Ueki Rie , Ohyama Manabu , Kurata Sotaro , Kono Takeshi , Saito Norimitsu , Sato Akio , Shimomura Yutaka , Nakamura Motonobu , Narusawa Hiroshi , Yamazaki Masashi ,   Drafting Committee for the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Male‐ and Female‐Pattern Hair Loss
Published: June 2018

AbstractMale‐pattern hair loss (MPHL, androgenetic alopecia) is a slowly progressive form of alopecia which begins after puberty. In 2010, we published the first Japanese edition of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of MPHL. It achieved the original goal of providing physicians and patients in Japan with evidence‐based information for choosing efficacious and safe therapy for MPHL. Subsequently, new therapeutic drugs and treatment methods have been developed, and women's perception of MPHL has undergone change and the term “female‐pattern hair loss (FPHL)” is becoming more common internationally. Thus, here we report a revised version of the 2010 guidelines aimed at both MPHL and FPHL. In these guidelines, finasteride 1 mg daily, dutasteride 0.5 mg daily and topical 5% minoxidil twice daily for MPHL, and topical 1% minoxidil twice daily for FPHL, are recommended as the first‐line treatments. Self‐hair transplantation, irradiation by light‐emitting diodes and low‐level lasers, and topical application of adenosine for MPHL are recommended, whereas prosthetic hair transplantation and oral administration of minoxidil should not be performed. Oral administration of finasteride or dutasteride are contraindicated for FPHL. In addition, we have evaluated the effectiveness of topical application of carpronium chloride, t‐flavanone, cytopurine, pentadecane and ketoconazole, and wearing a wig. Unapproved topical application of bimatoprost and latanoprost, and emerging hair regeneration treatments have also been addressed. We believe that the revised guidelines will improve further the diagnostic and treatment standards for MPHL add FPHL in Japan.
Evaluation of the construct and internal validity of the Professional Identity Questionnaire: A Rasch analysis
Authors: Scanlan Justin Newton 
Published: June 2018

Background/aimIt has been suggested that occupational therapy practitioners with a poor sense of professional identity experience more difficulties in the workplace and may be less likely to implement evidence‐based, occupation‐focused interventions. Poor sense of professional identity has also been linked to increased risk of burnout. Although professional identity is considered important, few measures are available and none have been rigorously evaluated. The project was established to evaluate the construct and internal validity of one such measure, the Professional Identity Questionnaire (PIQ).MethodsThe PIQ includes 10 questions, each rated on a 5‐point Likert scale. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate several aspects of construct and internal validity of the PIQ. These included rating scale validity, unidimensionality, statistical validity, differential item functioning, overall construct validity and person response validity. Correlations were also calculated to explore the relationship between the Professional Identity Questionnaire and a commonly used measure of burnout, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI).ResultsA total of 118 occupational therapists working in mental health completed the PIQ and OLBI. Initial analyses suggested that the rating scale validity and targeting of item difficulties to person abilities were not optimal. Revision of the rating scale structure improved the overall rating scale validity and item targeting. Analyses using the revised scale structure showed generally good alignment with quality control criteria established for this study. Fit statistics for one item were less than optimal and some differential item functioning was present. Correlations between PIQ and OLBI total scores were −0.53 for the original PIQ rating scale structure and −0.46 for the revised rating scale structure.ConclusionsResults from this study provide preliminary evidence for the construct and internal validity of the PIQ, especially when using the revised scale structure. However, further research is required before the PIQ can be recommended for widespread use.
Persistence of High Health Care Costs among VA Patients
Authors: Yoon Jean , Chee Christine Pal , Su Pon , Almenoff Peter , Zulman Donna M. , Wagner Todd H. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo examine high‐cost patients in VA and factors associated with persistence in high costs over time.Data SourcesSecondary data for FY2008–2012.Data ExtractionWe obtained VA and Medicare utilization and cost records for VA enrollees and drew a 20 percent random sample (N = 1,028,568).Study DesignWe identified high‐cost patients, defined as those in the top 10 percent of combined VA and Medicare costs, and determined the number of years they remained high cost over 4 years. We compared sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and baseline utilization by number of high‐cost years and conducted a discrete time survival analysis to predict high‐cost persistence.Principal FindingsAmong 105,703 patients with the highest 10 percent of costs at baseline, 68 percent did not remain high cost in subsequent years, 32 percent had high costs after 1 year, and 7 percent had high costs in all four follow‐up years. Mortality, which was 47 percent by end of follow‐up, largely explained low persistence. The largest percentage of patients who persisted as high cost until end of follow‐up was for spinal cord injury (16 percent).ConclusionMost high‐cost patients did not remain high cost in subsequent years, which poses challenges to providers and payers to manage utilization of these patients.
Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Cell‐Free Supernatants on Modulation of Mucin and Cytokine Secretion on Human Intestinal Epithelial HT29‐MTX Cells
Authors: Wan Murphy Lam‐Yim , Chen Zhijian , Shah Nagendra P. , El‐Nezami Hani 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study examined modulation effects of cell‐free supernatants of two commonly studied probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on mucin and cytokine profiles of human intestinal epithelial HT29‐MTX cells. It was found that LGG and EcN supernatants differentially modulated MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA and protein, and total mucin‐like glycoprotein secretion. Regarding modulation of cytokine profiles, LGG supernatants moderately influenced the secretion of anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐10, while those of EcN exerted a broad proinflammatory effect to intestinal epithelial cells by inducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐8, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, transforming growth factor α, tumor necrosis factor α, granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and interferon γ. These results suggested that LGG and EcN might produce different bioactive products that display differential modulation of mucin and cytokines, which may contribute to intestinal health and/or defense against bacteria/pathogens.Practical ApplicationThe results suggested that LGG and EcN might produce different bioactive products that display differential modulation of mucin and cytokines, which may contribute to intestinal health and/or defense against bacteria/pathogens.
Lipid‐lowering therapy with PCSK9‐inhibitors in the real‐world setting: Two‐year experience of a regional lipid clinic
Authors: Zafrir Barak , Jubran Ayman 
Published: June 2018

SummaryAimPCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) effectively lower cholesterol levels in randomized trials with reduction in cardiovascular outcomes and favorable safety profile. However, the access to PCSK9i is limited due to high cost and data regarding the use of PCSK9i in real‐world practice is limited.MethodsData on all patients submitted for approval of PCSK9i at a regional lipid clinic, outside of clinical trials. Patients' profile, approval rates, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) reduction rates, and adverse events were evaluated.ResultsRecommendation for PCSK9i was given to 133 patients; 16 did not receive insurance approval and additional 16 were approved but did not initiate therapy. Of the 101 treated patients (47% females; mean age 61 ± 11 years), 52 had probable/definite familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) (peak LDL‐C level 305 ± 87 mg/dL vs non‐FH 204 ± 39 mg/dL) and 62% had an established cardiovascular disease. Statin intolerance was reported by 77%. Follow‐up lipid panel was available in 66/101 patients: mean LDL‐C reduction was 59% ± 19. Subjects with heterozygous FH had similar LDL‐C decrease than those with non‐FH (59% ± 22 vs 60% ± 14, P = .792). LDL‐C < 100 mg/dL was achieved by 76%, LDL‐C < 70 mg/dL by 58% and LDL‐C < 40 mg/dL by 18% of those with follow‐up data. Side effects were reported by 10%, mainly musculoskeletal complaints and flu‐like symptoms, and 15% have discontinued treatment.ConclusionsPatient selection by a regional lipid clinic resulted in a high real‐world PCSK9i insurance approval, with efficacy and safety comparable to randomized clinical trials. Cost and medication nonadherence are potential barriers to successful implementation of therapy in routine clinical care.
Extracts and phenolic compounds from Zuccagnia punctata as fungicide seed protectants for corn
Authors: Jiménez C. M. , Sgariglia M.A. , Soberón J.R. , Vattuone M.A. , Sampietro D.A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe ethanolic leaf extract (TZP) of Zuccagnia punctata, its ethereal fraction (Eet), 2′,4′‐dihydroxychalcone (DC), 2′,4′‐dihydroxy‐3′‐methoxychalcone (DMC) and 7‐hydroxy‐3′,4′‐dimethoxyflavone (HF) were evaluated as fungicide seed protectants on corn. Microdilution assays on a set of Fusarium strains showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 400–800 μg mL−1 (TZP), 50–100 μg mL−1 (Eet), 25–50 μg mL−1 (DC), 50–100 μg mL−1 (DMC) and 200–400 μg mL−1 (HF), with minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC)/MIC = 1. Suspensions of TZP, Eet, DC and DMC at MIC × 20 incorporated to the grains at rates of 1920, 240, 120 and 240 mg dry matter kg−1 of grain, respectively, increased the elongation of the primary roots (24–44%) and the number of seminal roots (44–50%). TZP also increased the number of secondary roots. HF was phytotoxic. Suspensions of TZP, Eet, DC and DMC suppressed the endogenous grain mycoflora at levels similar to those recorded for a thiram + carbendazim‐based fungicide. Grains treated with TZP (1920 mg kg−1), Eet (240 mg kg−1), DC (120 mg kg−1) and DMC (240 mg kg−1) stimulated the growth of the seedling root system both because of fungal suppression and hormetic effects in greenhouse curative and preventive assays against Fusarium verticillioides on a sand/soil substrate. Eet and its chalcones also reduced the severity of seedling blight more than the thiram + carbendazim‐based fungicide in preventive assays and led to the same disease severity observed for the fungicide treatment in the curative assays. Our results show that Eet and its chalcones not only were effective seed protectants against F. verticillioides and other seedborne fungi, but also improved the early performance of maize seedlings.
Characteristics of depressive and bipolar disorder patients with mixed features
Authors: Tondo L. , Vázquez G. H. , Pinna M. , Vaccotto P. A. , Baldessarini R. J. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo assess differences between subjects with vs. without mixed features in major affective disorders.MethodsIn 3099 out‐patient subjects with DSM‐5 major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 1921) or bipolar disorders (BD, n = 1178), we compared those with (Mx) vs. without (Non‐Mx) mixed features (agitated‐irritable depression or dysphoric [hypo]mania) in an index episode.ResultsPrevalence of Mx averaged 21.9% [CI: 20.5–23.4] overall, ranking: BD‐II > BD‐I > MDD, and in BD depression ≥ [hypo]mania > MDD. Mx subjects were significantly more likely than Non‐Mx cases to (i) have other mixed episodes, (ii) have higher irritable and agitated ratings, (iii) have more substance abuse, (iv) switch into mixed episodes, (v) have more suicide attempts and higher suicidal ratings, (vi) change diagnosis from depression to BD, (vii) have higher hypomania scores when depressed or depression scores when [hypo]manic, (viii) be unmarried or separated with fewer children and siblings, (ix) be diagnosed more with BD than MDD, (x) be unemployed, (xi) have BD, suicide and divorce among first‐degree relatives, (xii) be female, (xiii) be younger at illness‐onset. Both BD and MDD Mx subjects also received antidepressants less, but antipsychotics and mood‐stabilizers more, alone and in combination with antidepressants.ConclusionsMood disorder subjects with agitated‐irritable depression or dysphoric [hypo]mania differed from those without such mixed features, including having a less favorable clinical course and repeated mixed episodes. They may represent a distinct and prevalent, syndromal clinical subtype with prognostic and therapeutic significance.
Complaints about dental practitioners: an analysis of 6 years of complaints about dentists, dental prosthetists, oral health therapists, dental therapists and dental hygienists in Australia
Authors: Thomas LA , Tibble H , Too LS , Hopcraft MS , Bismark MM 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has found dental practitioners at elevated risk of complaint compared with other health professions. This study aimed to describe the frequency, nature and risk factors for complaints involving dental practitioners.MethodsWe assembled a national dataset of complaints about registered health practitioners in Australia between January 2011 and December 2016. We classified complaints into 23 issues across three domains: health, performance and conduct. We compared rates of complaints about dental practitioners and other health practitioners. We used negative binomial regression analysis to identify factors associated with complaints.ResultsDental practitioners made up 3.5% of health practitioners, yet accounted for approximately 10% of complaints. Dental practitioners had the highest rate of complaints among fourteen health professions (42.7 per 1000 practitioners per year) with higher rates among dentists and dental prosthetists than allied dental practitioners. Male practitioners were at a higher risk of complaints. Most complaints about dentists related to treatments and procedures (59%). Around 4% of dentists received more than one complaint, accounting for 49% of complaints about dentists. In 60% of closed cases no regulatory action was required. Around 13% of complaints resulted in restrictive actions, such as conditions on practice.ConclusionImproved understanding of patterns may assist regulatory boards and professional associations to ensure competent practice and protect patient safety.
Ultrastructure of the tubular glands in the isthmus region of the oviduct in laying and natural moulting commercial egg‐type chickens
Authors: Madekurozwa Mary‐Cathrine Nyasha , Mpango Mike M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe study investigated the ultrastructural characteristics of tubular gland and duct cells, as well as luminal gland cells in the isthmus region of the oviduct of laying and natural moulting hens. Tubular glands in laying birds were composed of type 1 and 2 cells. Based on the preponderance of each cell type, in relation to the location of a developing egg in the oviduct of the domestic fowl, these gland cells may represent different functional states of the same cell. The findings of the study on natural moulting birds suggest that autophagy is a process confined to the early stages of degeneration, while necrosis occurs in the terminal stages.