bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The corporate governance and social responsibility nexus in the Lebanese banking industry
Authors: Gali Nazha , Hajjar Dima , Jamali Ibrahim 
Published: June 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the contrasting views of banks and banking authorities in Lebanon regarding the corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) nexus.Design/methodology/approachUsing survey responses collected from the managers of five Lebanese banks and banking authorities, the authors conduct a qualitative comparative study of the opinions on CG, CSR and CG–CSR nexus.FindingsThe findings of this paper reveal that while a CG culture is well-instituted by the authorities and that some forms of CSR are already practiced by banks, disagreements exist between the Lebanese banks and banking authorities in defining the CG–CSR nexus. While CG is viewed as an all-encompassing concept by the banking authorities, most banks ascribe to the paradigm that CG is component of CSR.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of this paper consists of large banks that have clear CG and CSR agendas. The results, therefore, cannot be generalized for the wider population of Lebanese companies that are characterized by family ownership and non-separation of ownership and control.Practical implicationsThis paper informs both managers and policymakers on the differing views of the CSR–CG nexus while also contributing to informing the policy dialogue. Theoretically, this paper sheds light on the CG–CSR nexus in a developing country context.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of research on the CG–CSR nexus in the context of developing countries and for the banking sector in specific. This paper aims to address the gap in the literature by providing an in-depth qualitative examination of the CG, CSR and the CG–CSR nexus in the context of the Lebanese banking sector.
A hybrid of state regulation and self-regulation for remuneration governance in Australia
Authors: Riaz Zahid 
Published: June 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to explore an alternative approach to regulation for addressing governance problems relating to director and executive remuneration in publicly listed firms. The author investigates the development of hybrid regulatory framework, composed of state regulation and self-regulation, for remuneration governance in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe synthesis of constructs borrowed from agency and institutional theories and its contextual analysis examines the effectiveness of formal (state regulation) and informal (self-regulation) institutions for the development of a hybrid of regulation. Thereafter, the author examines the impact of hybrid regulation on remuneration disclosure behavior in Australia.FindingsThe author finds that improvement in disclosure is primarily driven by the establishment of remuneration committees and separate role of chief executive officer (CEO) and chairperson but weakened by the presence of CEO at remuneration committee and presence of remuneration consultant.Originality/valueGlobal crises have called for greater transparency and protection of investors through state regulation alone. However, corporate governance, being a social practice that is shaped by diverse interests, calls for a holistic approach. A useful contribution of this study is that through an in-depth examination into the stages and actors of the government interventions involving the balancing of tension between conflicting forces, it provides insights for developing an effective regulatory hybrid which has greater acceptance for corporate governance. In conclusion, it implies the significance of priming the social arena through active engagement of diverse market forces prior to introducing state regulation.
The impact of IT-based knowledge management systems on internal venturing and innovation: a structural equation modeling approach to corporate performance
Authors: Del Giudice Manlio , Della Peruta Maria Rosaria 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceived importance of information technology (IT) as a core factor enabling innovation in knowledge management (KM). The aim is to propose an approach for using the IT tools for KM involved in the design of effective learning applications to help the firms to guide internal venturing development.

Design/methodology/approach
The research design at the base of the present research has provided a survey which was conducted on a sample consisting of 187 different companies located in the Italian provinces of Naples and Caserta, from the segments of the electronics, the computer and network systems, the software (SW) development, aimed at deepening connections and influences of the use of IT-based knowledge management system (KMS). Structural equation modeling technique has been performed to get results.

Findings
Consistent with what has been observed in previous studies (Del Giudice and Straub, 2011), the empirical analysis developed has confirmed that 72 per cent of companies surveyed has defined themselves much agree on the ability of KMS for supporting complex phenomena such as internal venturing: both encouraging the individual to become “intrapreneur”; and helping the employee to improve their performances within business processes in which they are likely to be involved.

Originality/value
This paper reviews key research literature issues on IT revolution for KM. With the growth of new and exciting IT opportunities, however, comes the daunting opportunity to experiment interoperable, easy to use, engaging and accessible IT applications that communicate the right information needed to reconfigure innovative mechanisms for entrepreneurism and organizational performance.
Giving back to the community: microbial mechanisms of plant–soil interactions
Authors: Herrera Paredes Sur , Lebeis Sarah L. 
Published: June 2016

Summary

The role of both plants and soil microbes on ecosystem functioning has been long recognized, but the precise feedback mechanisms between them are more elusive. Definition of these interactions is critical if we aim to achieve an integral understanding of ecosystem functioning, and ultimately explain natural, agricultural and synthetic systems.

Advances in genomic technologies and the development of more appropriate statistical, mathematical and computational frameworks enable researchers to almost fully describe and measure the diversity of microbial communities in soil, rhizosphere and plant tissues. Under the scaffold of community ecology, we integrate the observed patterns of microbial diversity with current mechanistic understanding of plant–microbe mutualistic and pathogenic interactions, and propose a model in which plant microbial communities are shaped by different ecological forces differentially through the plant life cycle.

The same genomic technologies, applied on natural and reconstructed systems, establish that plant genotype has a small, but significant, effect on the microbial community composition in, on and around plant organs. Despite these advances, technical limitations are still important and only a handful of studies exist where a precise genetic element definitively participates in these interactions.

Studies at the field or ecosystem level are dominated by agricultural settings, examining microbial species and communities effects on plant productivity; and conversely, that plant genetics and agricultural practices can potentially impose selective pressures on specific microbes and microbial communities.

Revitalized interest in plant–soil microbial feedbacks requires researchers to systematically pose and evaluate more complex hypotheses with increasingly more realistic microbial settings. Despite the advances reviewed here, most studies focus on one aspect of plant, microbe and soil interactions. Experiments that simultaneously and methodically manipulate multiple components are necessary to establish the ecological principles, and molecular mechanisms, which drive microbially mediated plant–soil interactions. This knowledge will be critical to predict how environmental changes affect microbial and plant diversity, and will guide efforts to improve agricultural and conservation practices.
Do pelvic floor muscle exercises reduce postpartum anal incontinence? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Johannessen HH , Wibe A , Stordahl A , Sandvik L , Mørkved S 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) for postpartum anal incontinence (AI).DesignA parallel two‐armed randomised controlled trial stratified on obstetrical anal sphincter injury with primary sphincter repair and hospital affinity.SettingAno‐rectal specialist out‐patient clinics at two hospitals in Norway.PopulationOne hundred and nine postpartum women with AI at baseline.MethodsThe intervention group received 6 months of individual physiotherapy‐led PFME and the control group written information on PFME. Changes in St. Mark's scores and predictors of post‐intervention AI were assessed by independent samples t‐tests and multiple linear regression analyses, respectively. The study was not blind.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was change in AI symptoms on the St. Mark's score from baseline to post‐intervention. Secondary outcome measures were manometry measures of anal sphincter length and strength, endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) defect score and voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the reduction of St. Mark's scores from baseline to post‐intervention in favour of the PFME group (−2.1 versus −0.8 points, P = 0.040). No differences in secondary outcome measures were found between groups. Baseline St. Mark's, PFME group affinity and EAUS defect score predicted post‐intervention St. Mark's score in the imputed intention‐to‐treat analyses. The analysis on un‐imputed data showed that women performing weekly PFME improved their AI scores more than women in the control group did.ConclusionsOur results indicate that individually adapted PFME reduces postpartum AI symptoms.Tweetable abstractPerforming regular pelvic floor muscle exercises may be an effective treatment for postpartum anal incontinence.
Eliciting Consumer WTP for Food Characteristics in a Developing Context: Application of Four Valuation Methods in an African Market
Authors: Alphonce Roselyne , Alfnes Frode 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe elicit willingness to pay for conventional, organic and/or food‐safety‐inspected tomatoes in a traditional African food market. We identify four elicitation methods that can be conducted with one respondent at a time, and use them in a field setting: the Becker–DeGroot–Marschak mechanism, multiple price lists, multiple price lists with stated quantities, and real‐choice experiments. All four methods give similar results; showing that consumers are willing to pay a premium for organic and food‐safety‐inspected tomatoes. However, the size of the premium is significantly larger when consumers choose between alternatives than when they indicate their reservation price. The new multiple price lists with stated quantities were easy to explain in the busy market setting, gave the respondents the opportunity to determine the amount they wanted to buy, and had valuations in line with the other non‐comparative valuation methods.
Microwave Pasteurization of Cooked Pasta: Effect of Process Parameters on Texture and Quality for Heat‐and‐Eat and Ready‐to‐Eat Meals
Authors: Joyner (Melito) Helen S. , Jones Kari E. , Rasco Barbara A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPasta presents a challenge to microwave processing due to its unique cooking requirements. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of microwave processing on pasta physicochemical and mechanical properties. Fettuccine pasta was parboiled for selected times, then pasteurized using a Microwave Assisted Pasteurization System and stored under refrigeration for 1 wk. Samples were analyzed using microscopy, mechanical testing, and chemical analyses after storage. While no significant differences were observed for free amylose among fresh samples, samples parboiled for ≤6 min had significantly higher free amylose, suggesting reduced starch retrogradation. Increased heat treatment increased degree of protein polymerization, observed in microstructures as increased gluten strand thickness and network density. Firmness and extensibility increased with increased parboil time; however, extension data indicated an overall weakening of microwave‐treated pasta regardless of total cooking time. Overall, microwave pasteurization was shown to be a viable cooking method for pasta.
Masking The Meaningful
Authors: Kitcher Philip 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThere are obvious reasons why citizens of the nations we mark out as democracies fail to support policies that address catastrophic threats. The current condition of many such nations allows for marked differences between preferences and interests (to the extent that the choice of the label ‘democracy’ can be seriously questioned). Failures in the transmission of crucial information are intensified because of market competition among media sources and widespread difficulties in understanding issues couched in terms of probabilities. Beyond these, however, are prevalent social conditions that interfere with citizens’ abilities to discern their interests. I suggest an account of the notion of interests (and of the related concept of freedom) in terms of an environment that provides opportunities for reflective choice. Such environments are highly vulnerable, and political and economic institutions within ‘democratic’ nations can systematically destroy them. Throughout, I use the example of responses to climate change to illustrate my claims.
Effect of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation after thoracoscopic pleurodesis for treating non‐small cell lung cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion and/or pleural dissemination
Authors: Liu Baodong , Liu Lei , Hu Mu , Qian Kun , Li Yuanbo 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with palliative thoracoscopic pleurodesis (TP) for malignant pleural effusion and/or pleural disseminated non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), diagnosed by thoracoscopy.MethodsThe study was composed of 40 patients with primary NSCLC with malignant pleural effusion and/or pleural dissemination recognized for the first time during thoracoscopic exploration. Twenty patients received TPR (TP plus RFA group), while the remaining 20 patients who underwent TP (TP group) represented the control. We evaluated technical success, safety, initial response rate, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).ResultsNo procedure‐related deaths or major complications occurred in any of the 22 ablation procedures. Complete response was observed in 15% of patients, partial response in 50%, stable disease in 25%, and progressive disease in 15% of patients. The mean follow‐up was 15.5 months. The PFS at years one, two, and three were 77.5%, 38.8%, and 25.8%, respectively. The OS at years one, two, and three were 77.5%, 41.4%, and 27.6%, respectively. The PFS and OS were longer in the TP‐R group, indicating a better prognosis than that of the patients who underwent TP only (OS 24 vs. 18 months, P = 0.030; PFS 22 vs. 15 months, P = 0.036).ConclusionsPalliative TP combined with percutaneous RFA is a safe, feasible, and effective procedure in patients with malignant pleural effusion and/or pleural disseminated NSCLC.
Effects of dark chocolate on NOX‐2‐generated oxidative stress in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Loffredo L. , Del Ben M. , Perri L. , Carnevale R. , Nocella C. , Catasca E. , Baratta F. , Ceci F. , Polimeni L. , Gozzo P. , Violi F. , Angelico F. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBackgroundActivation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is considered a pathogenetic mechanism determining fibrosis and disease progression in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Polyphenols exert antioxidant action and inhibit NADPH oxidase in humans.AimTo analyse the effect of cocoa polyphenols on NADPH oxidase isoform 2 (NOX2) activation, oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis in a population affected by NASH.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study comparing 19 NASH and 19 controls, oxidative stress, as assessed by serum NOX2 activity and F2‐isoprostanes, and hepatocyte apoptosis, as assessed by serum cytokeratin‐18 (CK‐18) levels, were measured. Furthermore, the 19 NASH patients were randomly allocated in a crossover design to 40 g/day of dark chocolate (>85% cocoa) or 40 g/day of milk chocolate (<35% cocoa), for 2 weeks. sNOX2‐dp, serum isoprostanes and CK‐18 were assessed at baseline and after 2 weeks of chocolate intake.ResultsCompared to controls, NASH patients had higher sNOX2‐dp, serum isoprostanes and CK‐18 levels. A significant difference for treatments was found in subjects with respect to sNOX2‐dp, serum isoprostanes and serum CK‐18. The pairwise comparisons showed that, compared to baseline, after 14 days of dark chocolate intake, a significant reduction in sNOX2‐dp serum isoprostanes and CK‐18 M30 was found. No change was observed after milk chocolate ingestion. A simple linear regression analysis showed that ∆ of sNOX2‐dp was associated with ∆ of serum isoprostanes.ConclusionCocoa polyphenols exert an antioxidant activity via NOX2 down‐regulation in NASH patients.
Effects of corn straw or mixed forage diet on rumen fermentation parameters of lactating cows using a wireless data logger
Authors: Qin Chunfu , Bu Dengpan , Sun Peng , Zhao Xiaowei , Zhang Peihua , Wang Jiaqi 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different forage types on rumen fermentation parameters and profiles using a wireless data logger. Eight lactating cows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments with a low forage diet with corn straw (CS) or a high forage diet with mixed forage (MF) as the forage source, respectively. Dietary physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content was 11.3% greater in CS. Dry matter intake and milk fatty acid content decreased upon CS (P < 0.05). Ruminal pH, temperature and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) were monitored for 14 weeks. The CS group had significantly higher pH but lower temperature and ORP compared to MF (P < 0.01). With the CS diet regime, pH at the time before morning feeding, rumination and post‐ingestion were significantly higher than those in the MF group (P < 0.05). However, times with the ruminal pH below 6.0 and 5.8 were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), whereas ruminal pH below 5.6 tended to be lower (P = 0.07). The results indicated that rumen fermentation parameters were affected by forage types and dietary peNDF content might be predominant in ruminal pH regulation.
More than skin deep. Ten year follow‐up of delayed cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR)
Authors: Graudins Linda Velta , Ly Jenny , Trubiano Jason , Aung Ar Kar 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimsTo determine the gaps in practice regarding appropriate ADR documentation and risk communication for patients diagnosed with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR).MethodsThis was a retrospective observational cohort study conducted using hospital coding and databases to identify inpatients diagnosed with CADR from January 2004 to August 2014. Hospital discharge summaries, ADR reports and pharmacy dispensing records were reviewed for ADR documentation. Patients still living in Australia and who did not opt out of being contacted were invited to be surveyed by telephone to determine their understanding of recommendations, re‐exposure rates and long‐term effects.ResultsOf 85 patients identified, median age was 59 (IQR 44–72) years and 47.1% were male. The most common diagnosis was TENS (49.4%). Ten patients (11.8%) died as inpatients. Of the 81 patients with a drug‐related causality, 47 (58%) had appropriate documentation in all three required medical record platforms. Of the 56 eligible patients, 38 (67.9%) were surveyed; 13% had no information provided upon discharge and 26.3% patients had a mismatch in knowledge of implicated medications. No surveyed patient had a relapse of CADR, but 23.7% had a subsequent unrelated allergic reaction. Thirteen patients (34.2%) reported long‐term effects.ConclusionsWe found gaps in the accuracy of ADR documentation and communication of risk at discharge, which indicated risks to patient safety. Electronic systems are being developed to improve documentation. Written information about CADR is being provided at discharge to improve patient understanding and knowledge.
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: diagnostic criteria and therapeutical approaches
Authors: Pagano Livio , Valentini Caterina G. , Grammatico Sara , Pulsoni Alessandro 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBlastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare haematological malignancy derived from the precursors of plamacytoid dendritic cells, with an aggressive clinical course and high frequency of cutaneous and bone marrow involvement. Neoplastic cells express CD4, CD43 (also termed SPN), CD45RA and CD56 (also termed NCAM1), as well as the plasmacytoid dendritic cell‐associated antigens CD123 (also termed IL3RA), BDCA‐2 (also termed CD303, CLEC4E) TCL1 and CTLA1 (also termed GZMB). The median survival is only a few months as the tumour exhibits a progressive course despite initial response to chemotherapy. The best modality of treatment remains to be defined. Generally, patients receive acute leukaemia‐like induction, according to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)‐type or acute lymphoid leukaemia (ALL)‐type regimens. The frequent neuromeningeal involvement indicates systematic pre‐emptive intrathecal chemotherapy in addition to intensive chemotherapy. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly when performed in first remission, may improve the survival. Preliminary data suggest a potential role for immunomodulatory agents and novel targeted drugs. Herein epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of BPDCN will be presented. In detail, this review focuses on the therapeutic aspects of BPDCN, proposing a treatment algorithm for the management of the disease, including induction chemotherapy, allogeneic HSCT and intrathecal prophylaxis at different steps of treatment, according to compliance, biological and clinical characteristics of patients.