bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic and static analysis of agricultural productivity in China
Authors: Diao Panpan , Zhang Zhonggen , Jin Zhenyong 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) and input redundancies in different regions of China, and to bring out the policy implications for improving efficiency in agricultural production as well as environment protection.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the provincial panel data during 1995-2014, the agricultural productivity of China and its regional disparity are analyzed. First, the agricultural TFP and its decomposition are dynamically evaluated by means of data envelopment analysis-Malmquist productivity index. Second, the agricultural radial production efficiency in year 2014 and the input redundancy changes from 1995 to 2014 are measured based on the BCC-slacks-based measure model.

Findings
The results showed that the overall agricultural TFP of China grew 4.3 percent annually during 1995-2014, mainly as a result of technical progress. However, the declines of technical efficiency and scale efficiency slowed down the agricultural TFP growth. The TFP growth in the Western region and Central region far exceeded the Eastern region in last few years. In 2014, most effective decision-making units were in the Western region. The input redundancies in the agricultural production increased substantially after 2006, especially for the pesticide use amount, reservoir capacity and agricultural machinery power.

Originality/value
Combining the dynamic and static analyses, the paper fulfilled the study of China’s agricultural productivity and the input redundancies in recent years, and also presented the regional disparities.
Rural energy policy in China
Authors: He Ling-Yun , Hou Bingdong , Liao Hua 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Rural energy policy is a critical measure to fight the long-standing poverty issue in China. Energy poverty, per se, is one important yet too often neglected dimension of poverty, and one of the biggest challenges in rural China during the 40-year rural reform. Reducing energy poverty is one of the poverty alleviation tasks and the goals of energy transition in the rural areas. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the status of energy poverty in China, discussing the challenges of energy poverty reduction, and then proposing the potential measures.

Design/methodology/approach
Using various data (including the authors’ survey data), this paper analyzes the volume and structure of energy use, and affordability of energy for the rural households, then examines the impacts of energy poverty on health, social and productivity, and finally discusses the infrastructure, cognitive ability, culture, income, etc., that shape the challenges to energy poverty reduction.

Findings
In addition to raising the household income, it is urgently needed to enforce the collaborations among government departments, and to improve the energy infrastructure according to local conditions, helping the residential environment cognition.

Originality/value
Energy poverty is almost a too often neglected issue in rural China. Few in existing literature comprehensively investigate this critically important social economic problem. This paper contributes to the profound understanding in energy poverty and the possible approaches to alleviate it.
Joint venture survival in China: the importance of tangible and intangible trust
Authors: Koch Bradley James , Koch Pamela L.T. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among joint venture survival in Sichuan and two types of trust: intangible trust and tangible trust. Intangible trust encapsulates the internal affective aspects of trust, whereas tangible trust captures the external and more easily visible willingness to commit resources to the partnership.Design/methodology/approachThe primary data used in this research are based on surveys conducted in 2002-2003 of 274 foreign invested firms in Sichuan province and are from a follow-up investigation of firm survival in 2009.FindingsThe results show that both intangible trust and tangible trust are significant in predicting survival in joint ventures seven years into the future. In addition, the authors explore determinates of intangible and tangible trust. Management control had no impact on intangible trust, but it had a significant positive impact on tangible trust via the presence of a foreign general manager. Cultural distance had the expected negative effect on intangible trust, but an unanticipated positive influence on tangible trust.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this research is establishing a link between measures of trust taken in 2002 with a performance measure from 2009. Trust today, whether it is tangible or intangible, predicts performance in the future. The majority of prior research linked a current measure of trust with a current measure of performance, which blurs the trust and performance relationship, as it is likely that the relationship is reciprocal and higher levels of trust may be the result of good performance just as much as good performance is a result of higher levels of trust.
The birth of social entrepreneurship within a Thai university
Authors: Sooampon Sutti 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether and how academic entrepreneurship can grow in less technologically advanced conditions, particularly those seen in emerging markets. The objective was to examine the pre-conditions for the birth and growth of university-based ventures in Thailand, where science commercialisation has not yet flourished.

Design/methodology/approach
A single case study approach was adopted for the in-depth study of the birth of an unusual entrepreneurial initiative in one academic unit within a dental school, an environment that typically focuses on academic work. Data from interviews with key members working in this unit were analysed to reveal the pre-conditions of entrepreneurship within this Thai university department, with a focus on the existing understanding of academic entrepreneurship.

Findings
Social conditions, rather than technology-related motives, were important for the birth of the university-based venture examined. Key triggers for academic entrepreneurship in this situation were found to closely align with a model of social entrepreneurship.

Originality/value
Evidence from this emerging economy can help expand the typology of academic entrepreneurship. In addition to the technology-led ventures typically seen, the results from this study call for socially oriented university-based ventures that tackle social problems in local society.
Post occupancy evaluation of a flexible workplace facility in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Alnuaimi Ali K. , Sanni-Anibire Muizz O. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to present an assessment of user satisfaction of an innovative workplace design, otherwise known as flexible workplaces.Design/methodology/approachThe study first sought to establish the level of flexibility of the workplace through the identification of flexibility criteria presented in a checklist format. In total, 29 criteria were identified and subsequently assigned weights by ten professionals. These professionals further assessed a case study office building through a walkthrough exercise to determine its level of flexibility. Furthermore, a post occupancy evaluation (POE) was conducted to assess the level of users’ satisfaction with functional performance elements. Questionnaire surveys were administered to 142 users, with a 63 per cent response rate. The feedback was analyzed and presented using the mean satisfaction index approach.FindingsThe results showed that the total flexibility achieved by the facility is 67.63 per cent, which is considered to be “averagely flexible”. The POE results also showed that users were strongly dissatisfied (SD) with the “adequate number of enclosed offices,” which is one of the corner-stones of flexibility where open-plan offices are strongly encouraged. Users expressed dissatisfaction with other issues, while their overall satisfaction with the facility was noted.Originality/valueThis study is based on the premise that innovative workplace facilities will only fulfill its intended objectives if designers consider the satisfaction of its users. The study makes a specific contribution in the assessment of workplace flexibility and occupants’ satisfaction of flexible workplaces. This will be of significant value to facility managers, designers and space planners involved in the design and management of workplace facilities.
Performance measurement for the strategic management of health-care estates
Authors: Rodríguez-Labajos Laura , Thomson Craig , O’Brien Geraldine 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the role of performance measurement in current practices for strategic management of health-care estates.

Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts a constructivist grounded theory approach, combining different methodologies of a pan-European qualitative questionnaire, interviews with international health-care providers and a case study of National Health Services (NHS) Scotland. Here, documentation analysis, observations and in-depth interviews involving NHS stakeholders were undertaken.

Findings
The analysis shows evidence that measuring estate performance has limited value for individual NHS boards regarding strategic decisions related to long-term planning and investment. This was due to design issues and the prioritisation of clinical delivery, which contribute to the neglect of the estate as a consideration in long-term strategic planning. This misalignment results in a tool which is valuable for accountability but which is less helpful to NHS boards in shaping future decisions around the estate.

Practical implications
Responding to a gap in understanding of the application of performance measurement in the context of health-care estates, this research provides three recommendations to promote a more effective and relevant performance measurement system. These actively recognise the importance of the estate within strategic decision-making as helping to inform the long-term planning and management of the estate within the individual NHS boards.

Originality/value
This paper shows the current role of performance measurement for the strategic management of health-care estates and identifies issues related to its applicability and value.
The potential effects of the social costs from alcohol consumption on state financial condition
Authors: Hummel Daniel 
Published: March 2018

PurposeMost of the literature on the topic of alcohol consumption and externalities related to it identify adverse effects. The effects of these possible externalities on government financial condition remain relatively unexplored in the literature. In economics, the theory of social costs related to unrestricted economic behavior such as alcohol consumption has been explored since the early twentieth century which spread into the field of public administration through welfare economics. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a study of the possible effects of alcohol consumption on state financial condition across state governments in the USA, based on a mediation analysis with PROCESS.FindingsThis paper finds that there is a significant mediated effect of alcohol consumption on state financial condition through some economic and demographic variables. The paper explores these findings as well as future research.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that takes an interdisciplinary approach to the social cost and public finance literature with a specific focus on alcohol consumption.
Do hospitals earn their nonprofit status? Evidence from New Hampshire in 2012
Authors: Plante Catherine , Ragland Linda 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to add to the stream of research examining the difference between the amount of taxes waived for nonprofit hospitals and the amount of charity care they provide.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is an archival study.

Findings
Almost all nonprofit hospitals in the sample provide enough charity care to cover their waived taxes. Almost none provide enough charity care at the level that has been proposed to the federal government for hospitals to maintain their nonprofit status.

Research limitations/implications
As with most hospital research, a limitation is this study’s focus on a single state to control for regulatory differences among states.

Practical implications
The data on the new Form 990 allow better measurement and transparency regarding a nonprofit hospital’s charity care. For legislators, regulators, and taxpayers, the results from this study raise questions about: the large variations in the amount of charity care provided among nonprofit hospitals and whether enough is being done in terms of providing charity care.

Social implications
There is great variation among nonprofit hospitals as to the amount of charity care provided. Relying upon a nonprofit hospital’s altruistic nature may not be enough to ensure that they act in the best interest of society.

Originality/value
This study is unique because, for the first time, a true measure of taxes waived is used in the analysis. All previous research has had to proxy taxes.
Impact of thermo‐tactile stimulation on the speed and efficiency of swallowing: a systematic review
Authors: Schwarz Maria , Ward Elizabeth C. , Ross Jane , Semciw Adam 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundA delayed or absent swallow reflex is common in dysphagia and can have a significant impact on swallow safety. Recent clinical practice survey data have supported the fact that clinicians continue to use thermo‐tactile stimulation (TTS) as a strategy to stimulate key nerve pathways and evoke a swallow reflex for patients with a delayed or absent swallow reflex.AimsTo conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of TTS as a compensatory and/or rehabilitative tool.Methods & ProceduresA search performed on CINAHL, Medline and Speech Bite identified 599 articles. After removing duplicates, the titles and abstracts of 458 articles were assessed for eligibility; 426 articles were deemed to be clearly ineligible and the remaining 32 full‐text articles were further screened for inclusion. Ten of these studies were included in this review.Main ContributionThe results of this review highlight the lack of available evidence in this area and give support to the view that there is only low‐level evidence for use of TTS as a compensatory strategy immediately before a swallow.Conclusions & ImplicationsThere is low‐level evidence to support the use of TTS. Current best practice would be to use TTS on a case‐by‐case basis, following detailed instrumental assessment and evaluation of its efficacy for an individual.
Effectiveness of learning in online academic courses compared with face‐to‐face courses in higher education
Authors: Soffer Tal , Nachmias Rafi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study examined the effectiveness of 3 online courses compared with the same 3 courses in a face‐to‐face (F2F) format, which had the same characteristics (e.g., the same instructor and final exam content and place). Effectiveness was examined by utilizing a wide range of variables, including 2 objective measures (N = 968): grades and completion rate; and 9 subjective measures (N = 360): 7 measures include instructional aspects (course structure, learning content, lessons watched, assignments, communication), engagement, and satisfaction. Findings indicate significant differences between online and F2F courses in most of the examined variables. Students in the online courses reported better understanding of the course structure, better communication with the course staff, watching the videos lessens more, and higher engagement and satisfaction. Students in the F2F courses reported better contribution of the learning content. Students' final grades were higher in the online courses, and no differences were found in the completion rate. The findings suggest that in many of the examined effectiveness aspects, online courses are as effective as, or more effective than, F2F courses. Interpretations of the findings are discussed.
Inflammatory cytokine‐mediated induction of serine racemase in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Yoshihisa Yoko , Rehman Mati Ur , Nakagawa Maho , Matsukuma Shoko , Makino Teruhiko , Mori Hisashi , Shimizu Tadamichi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSerine racemase (SR) is an enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of d‐serine, an endogenous coagonist for N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐type glutamate receptor in the central nervous system. Our previous study demonstrated that SR was expressed in the epidermis of wild‐type (WT) mice but not in SR knockout (KO) mice. In addition, SR immune‐reactivity was only found in the granular and cornified layers of the epidermis in WT mice. These findings suggested that SR is involved in the differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and the formation of the skin barrier. However, its role in skin barrier dysfunction such as atopic dermatitis (AD) remains elusive. AD is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin, and the clinical presentation of AD has been reported to be occasionally associated with psychological factors. Therefore, this study examined the content of d‐serine in stratum corneum in AD patients and healthy controls using a tape‐stripping method. Skin samples were collected from the cheek and upper arm skin of AD patient's lesion and healthy individuals. The d‐serine content was significantly increased in the involved skin of AD in comparison with healthy individuals. An immunohistochemical analysis also revealed an increased SR expression in the epidermis of AD patients. Furthermore, the SR expression in cultured human keratinocytes was significantly increased by the stimulation with tumour necrosis factor ‐α or macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Taken together, these findings suggest that d‐serine expressed particularly strongly in AD lesional skin and that the SR expression in the keratinocytes is linked to inflammatory cytokines.
Ginsenoside Rg3 stereoisomers differentially inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in diabetic atherosclerosis
Authors: Guo Mengqi , Guo Guanlun , Xiao Jie , Sheng Xi , Zhang Xinyu , Tie Yuanyuan , Cheng Yuen‐Kit , Ji Xiaoping 
Published: March 2018

AbstractGinsenoside 20(R/S)‐Rg3, as a natural peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligand, has been reported to exhibit differential biological effects. It is of great interest to understand the stereochemical selectivity of 20(R/S)‐Rg3 and explore whether differential PPARγ activation by Rg3 stereoisomers, if it exists, could lead to differential physiological outcome and therapeutic effects in diabetic atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated the binding modes of 20(R/S)‐Rg3 stereoisomers in the PPARγ ligand‐binding domain (PPARγ‐LBD) using molecular modelling and their effects on smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The results revealed that 20(S)‐Rg3 exhibited stronger antiproliferative and antimigratory effects due to stronger PPARγ activation. To validate the in vitro results, we used a mice model with diabetic atherosclerosis and obtained that 20(S)‐Rg3 markedly reduced the plaque size secondary to reducing the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, while the plaques were more stable due to improvements in other plaque compositions. The results shed light on the structural difference between Rg3 stereoisomers that can lead to significant differential physiological outcome, and the (S)‐isomer seems to be the more potent isomer to be developed as a promising drug for diabetic atherosclerosis.
Effects of trimethoprim–sulfadiazine and detomidine on the function of equine Kv11.1 channels in a two‐electrode voltage‐clamp (TEVC) oocyte model
Authors: Trachsel D. S. , Tejada M. A. , Groesfjeld Christensen V. , Pedersen P. J. , Kanters J. K. , Buhl R. , Calloe K. , Klaerke D. A. 
Published: March 2018

The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a channelopathy that can lead to severe arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Pharmacologically induced LQTS is caused by interaction between drugs and potassium channels, especially the Kv11.1 channel. Due to such interactions, numerous drugs have been withdrawn from the market or are administered with precautions in human medicine. However, some compounds, such as trimethoprim–sulfonamide combinations are still widely used in veterinarian medicine. Therefore, we investigate the effect of trimethoprim–sulfadiazine (TMS), trimethoprim, sulfadiazine, and detomidine on equine‐specific Kv11.1 channels. Kv11.1 channels cloned from equine hearts were heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and whole cell currents were measured by two‐electrode voltage‐clamp before and after drug application. TMS blocked equine Kv11.1 current with an IC50 of 3.74 mm (95% CI: 2.95–4.73 mm) and affected the kinetics of activation and inactivation. Similar was found for trimethoprim but not for sulfadiazine, suggesting the effect is due to trimethoprim. Detomidine did not affect equine Kv11.1 current. Thus, equine Kv11.1 channels are also susceptible to pharmacological block, indicating that some drugs may have the potential to affect repolarization in horse. However, in vivo studies are needed to assess the potential risk of these drugs to induce equine LQTS.
Pathotypes and phylogenetic variation determine downy mildew epidemics in Brassica spp. in Australia
Authors: Mohammed A. E. , You M. P. , Al‐lami H. F. D. , Barbetti M. J. 
Published: March 2018

Isolates of Hyaloperonospora brassicae inoculated onto cotyledons of 28 diverse Brassicaceae genotypes, 13 from Brassica napus, two from B. juncea, five from B. oleracea, two from Eruca vesicaria, and one each from B. nigra, B. carinata, B. rapa, Crambe abyssinica, Raphanus sativus and R. raphanistrum, showed significant effects (P ≤ 0.001) of isolate, host and their interaction. Host responses ranged from no visible symptom or a hypersensitive response, to systemic spread and abundant pathogen sporulation. Isolates were generally most virulent on their host of origin. Using an octal classification, six host genotypes were identified as suitable host differentials to characterize pathotypes of H. brassicae and distinguished eight distinct pathotypes. There were fewer, but more virulent, pathotypes in 2015–2016 isolates than 2006–2008 pathogen populations, probably explaining the increase in severity of canola downy mildew over the past decade. Phylogenetic relationships determined across 20 H. brassicae isolates collected in 2006–2008 and 88 isolates collected in 2015–2016 showed seven distinct clades, with 70% of 2006–2008 isolates distributed within clade I (bootstrap value (BVs) of 100%) and the remaining 30% in clade V (BVs 83.3%). This is the first study to define phylogenetic relationships of H. brassicae isolates in Australia, setting a benchmark for understanding current and future genetic shifts within pathogen populations; it is also the first to use octal classification to characterize pathotypes of H. brassicae, providing a novel basis for standardizing phenotypic characterization and monitoring of pathotypes on B. napus and some crucifer species in Australia.