bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why RMB should be more flexible
Authors: Kan Yoke Yue 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
This report examines the recent developments and trends relating to the Chinese government’s policy actions and the key issues that determine the choice of exchange rate regime in China. An up-to-date “stock-take” of the economic indicators is conducted to determine what is suitable for China in light of the rapidly evolving nature of the world economy and trading environment. This paper discusses the role of economic development, trade competitiveness, capital flow, foreign exchange reserve, and RMB internationalization in the determination of the RMB exchange rate regime.

Design/methodology/approach
This research uses an inductive approach to gain a fine-grained understanding of the complex, multifaceted aspects of China’s exchange rate policy. A combination of statistical analysis, including basic descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and a correlation study are used to explore the association between various indicators and their implications. The report also draws on analysis of a broad range of data sources and the work of numerous researchers and research institutions.

Findings
A more flexible exchange rate regime can play a complementary role towards rebalancing the Chinese economy by raising the buying capacity of families, rebalancing growth towards domestic consumption, and reducing reliance on export. China’s price elasticity of the demand for exports was relatively low that the appreciation of the Chinese currency has almost no influence on optimizing China’s trade balance. A more flexible two-way flow in RMB would be suitable under the current cash flow scenario in China. Reduced intervention will facilitate further adjustment in reserves. Lastly, in the early stage of RMB internationalization, flexibility in the exchange rate is one of the factors that influences its growth prospect as a reserve currency.

Research limitations/implications
The findings and conclusion are derived based on the latest empirical information, statistical evidence, and economic theory. This inquiry does not build on a theory, and aims to neither verify a theory, nor test hypotheses. Rather, it aims to demonstrate, assess, and explain significant roles that various economic factors play in shaping the future exchange rate regime of China.

Originality/value
This paper presents the rationale behind a more flexible two-way exchange rate, by assessing the latest empirical data and theoretical explanation that support such a move.
Growth-enhancing economic freedom
Authors: Ghosh Sriparna , McCannon Bryan C. 
Published: May 2017

PurposeWe explore how economic freedom measurements can be used to guide policy.Design/methodology/approachWe propose a method for creating a growth-enhancing economic freedom index, which allows for nonlinearities and interaction effects between the components to economic freedom. We use this method to illustrate that US states differ in which policy area generates the greatest gains.FindingsTo validate the method presented, we apply our index to state bond markets. Financial market participants have the incentive to properly evaluate states’ policies. If our measurement is useful, then it should correlate with bond ratings. Consistent with this hypothesis, we present evidence that state bond ratings are strongly correlated with our growth-enhancing economic freedom index.Originality/valueIt has been well-established that economic freedom is associated with good economic outcomes. Economic freedom is comprised of numerous dimensions. Thus, the marginal benefit of improving policy in one area can be expected to depend on the amount of freedom in the other dimensions. Which policy improvement is most impactful depends on the entire menu of current policies and, therefore, differs between states. Our new method can then be used as a guide to determining for a particular state which policies can be expected to impact economic well-being the most.
Iceland: how social mechanisms drove the financial collapse and why it’s a wicked problem
Authors: Duffy Sarah Maree , Northey Gavin , van Esch Patrick 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the macro-social marketing approach by detailing a framework to better understand the driving forces of wicked problems.

Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper that uses the financial crisis in Iceland as a demonstrative example to show how social mechanism theory can help social marketers and policy makers overcome complexity and strive for the social transformation they seek.

FindingsThis paper suggests the utility of social mechanism theory for understanding wicked problems, how they came to be and how social marketing practices can be applied to resolve market complexities.

Research limitations/implicationsSocial marketers need to identify what is driving what, to plan and implement interventions that will lead to the social change desired. This paper presents a framework that guides the analyst through this social change process.

Originality/valueThis work provides social marketers with the means to understand the “moving parts” of a wicked problem to identify where an intervention is required to achieve the social change sought.
Worksite weight management program
Authors: Kong Jian Pei , Jok Linda , Ayub Azlee Bin , Bau Rawa Ak 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
This study aims to pilot test a new multi-component worksite intervention for weight loss in a primary healthcare setting.

Design/methodology/approach
This randomized trial involved 88 participants (43, 45; intervention, control group). The intervention group enrolled in a 12-week lifestyle program that involved modification of dietary intake by community Registered Dietitian (RDs) and increasing high-intensity interval training (HITT) with motivational interviewing (MI) to support changes. The control group received traditional counselling and weekly aerobic exercise from Medical Officer and physiotherapist. The primary outcome measure was the changes in body weight. Secondary measures were changes in blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting blood lipid and dietary changes. Assessments were repeated at a three-month interval.

Findings
There was a significant reduction in body weight and waist circumference within groups. Intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in all cardiometabolic risk factors. This study showed that primary healthcare setting can be successful locations in promoting short-term health benefits. RDs were more successful and HITT appeared to be a favorable workout with MI in achieving drastic weight loss.

Research limitations/implications
The short-term worksite intervention and not recording of body composition were the major drawbacks in this study.

Originality/value
The efficacy of multi-component worksite intervention (Diet–HITT–MI) in primary healthcare setting has not been clearly defined.
Antioxidant activity of health tea infusions and effect of sugar and milk on in-vitro availability of phenolics in tea, coffee and cocoa drinks
Authors: Otemuyiwa Israel Olusegun , Williams Mary Funmilayo , Adewusi Steve Adeniyi 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
Tea contains high content of phenolics which are well-known to act as antioxidants. As such, there are claims that the consumption of infusion of tea could help ameliorate free radical-induced diseases; this therapeutic activity would depend on the amount of phenolics that is soluble and the amount that is absorbed and available for metabolic activity when consumed. The purpose of this study is to analyze the content of phenolics and antioxidant activity of some health tea and also to study the effect of addition of sugar and milk on in-vitro availability of phenolics in tea, cocoa and coffee drinks.

Design/methodology/approach
Seven brands of health tea, two brands of cocoa drink, one brand each of coffee, powdered milk and sugar were selected. The tea samples were analyzed for pH, titratable acidity, total phenol and antioxidant activity using Folin–Ciocalteau and 202-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil 28DPPH-29-20 reagents. In-vitro simulated digestion modeling stomach and small intestine were carried out on tea infusion, coffee and cocoa drinks with or without sugar, and phenolic availability was analyzed.

Findings
The result indicated that pH, titratable acidity and total phenolics ranged from 4.5 to 5.6, 0.167 to 0.837 (as maleic acid) and 1.15 to 1.17 mg/g gallic acid equivalent, respectively. Black tea recorded the highest phenolic content, in-vitro phenolic availability and antioxidant activity. Addition of sugar to black tea and chocolate drink caused a significant decrease in the in-vitro available phenolics, while the addition of milk leads to a significant enhancement.

Research limitations/implications
The data obtained in this study can be used nutritionally and commercially to show the impact of adding sugar or milk on the content of phenolics and their bioavailability in-vitro. The study justifies the claim that tea could help ameliorate free radical-induced health defects.

Practical implications
Assessment of antioxidant activity of food should not be based only on the content of total phenolics but on the amount that is bioavailable in the body system when the food is consumed.

Social implications
Consumption of tea, cocoa and coffee drinks with milk and sugar have been found to enhance or inhibit phenolics. Therefore, the optimum level of these additives should be determined if the drinks were meant for therapeutic purposes.

Originality/value
Results obtained may provide some useful information for considering the bioavailability of phenolics present in tea and beverages in view of consumption/digestion in our body as well as interference of sugar and milk as the additives.
The effect of various cooking methods on resistant starch content of foods
Authors: Inan Eroglu Elif , Buyuktuncer Zehra 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
Resistant starch, defined as all starch and starch-degradation products not absorbed by small intestine of healthy individuals, is included in the diet of individuals due to its prebiotic characteristics and protective effects against diseases like colon cancer, type II diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Some cooking methods are known as effective on resistant starch content of foods. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of various cooking methods on resistant starch content of foods.

Design/methodology/approach
Potential health benefits and functional features of the resistant starch have been emphasized in the recent years. This review includes up-to-date scientific findings in different studies on the effect of various cooking methods on resistant starch content of foods. Advantages and nutritional quality of resistant starch are included to topic.

Findings
Cooking methods including baking, steaming and autoclave cooking increased the amount of the resistant starch of foods, but cooking method such as pressure cooking decreased the amount of the resistant starch of foods. Boiling, frying, microwave cooking and extrusion cooking have the potential of increasing the amount of resistant starch, which depends on the source of starch and the process conditions. Although frying method has a high potential to increase the resistant starch content of foods, it is inconvenient to recommend frying to modify resistant starch content of foods due to detrimental effects of frying and products on health.

Originality/value
This paper focuses on the effects of various cooking methods on resistant starch content of foods, which offers a promising future for the inartificial development of the prebiotic content of diet. Due to its potential health benefits, appropriate cooking methods should be preferred to increase resistant starch content of foods.
Advances in bio-nanocomposite materials for food packaging: a review
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Kaur Preetinder , Bhatia Surekha 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to acquaint the readers with recent developments in biopolymer-based food packaging materials like natural biopolymers (such as starches and proteins), synthetic biopolymers (such as poly lactic acid), biopolymer blending and nanocomposites grounded on natural and synthetic biopolymers. This paper is an attempt to draw the readers towards the advantages and attributes of new era polymers to diminish the usage of traditional non-biodegradable polymers.

Design/methodology/approach
Plastic packaging for food and associated applications is non-biodegradable and uses up valuable and treasured non-renewable petroleum products. With the current focus on researching alternatives to petroleum, research is progressively being channelized towards the development of biodegradable food packaging, thereby reducing adverse impact on the environment.

Findings
Natural biopolymer-based nanocomposite packaging materials seem to have a scintillating future for a broad range of applications in the food industry, including advanced active food packaging with biofunctional attributes. The present review summarizes the scientific information of various packaging materials along with their attributes, applications and the methods for production.

Originality/value
This is an apropos review as there has been a recent renewed concern in research studies, both in the industry and academe, for development of new generation biopolymer-based food packaging materials, with possible applications in many areas.
Diet quality, disordered eating and health-related quality of life in Greek adolescents
Authors: Zervaki Katerina , Yiannakouris Nikolaos , Sdrali Despina , Costarelli Vassiliki 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a subjective multi-dimensional concept referring to an individual’s perception of health and well-being in domains related to physical, mental, emotional and social functioning. The current study aims at investigating possible associations between dietary quality, disordered eating attitudes and HRQOL in Greek adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 400 students (198 boys; 202 girls), 14-17 years old, were recruited from five high schools in the area of Kallithea in Athens, Greece. Standard anthropometric measurements were taken, and obesity classification was conducted using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. Students completed the KIDMED index, which evaluates the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) as a diet quality index, the EAT-26 questionnaire, which assesses disordered eating attitudes and the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire for children and adolescents assessing perceived HRQOL.

Findings
Disordered eating attitudes are significantly negatively correlated with the total score of HRQOL (p < 0.01) and with the subcategories: psychological well-being (p < 0.01), parents and autonomy (p < 0.01) and school environment (p < 0.001), whereas adherence to the MedDiet was positively correlated with all the components and total score of HRQOL. Linear regression analysis revealed that adherence to the MedDiet (p < 0.05), total number of meals/day (p < 0.01) and number of meals with the family (p < 0.05) were significant predictors of HRQOL in adolescents.

Research limitations/implications
The convenient sampling of 400 students was conducted from five schools, from one municipality of Athens, Greece.

Originality/value
Adherence to the MedDiet positively affects important components of HRQOL in adolescents, whereas disordered eating attitudes has a negative effect. Identifying adolescents with low HRQOL is highly important because it could result in an early detection of individualised healthcare needs and possible non-diagnosed ill-health problems.
Hearing the voice of looked after children: challenging current assumptions and knowledge about pathways into offending
Authors: Day Anne-Marie 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the early findings of research which aims to hear the voice of looked after children about their pathways into offending and subsequent entry into the youth justice system, and the implications that this may have for policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach
One-to-one semi-structured interviews have taken place with 19 looked after children, who are also subject to youth justice supervision. The interviews have been analysed to identify emerging themes, using broadly grounded approaches.

Findings
Three important findings arise from the interviews with the participants. First, children in care are being labelled and removed from the mainstream due to problematic behaviours, rather than searching for the underlying cause of the behaviour. Second, significant anger and frustration is expressed towards residential care staff and the child’s social worker, due to several reasons relating to the institutional environment within residential care, and a lack of trust for those professionals with whom control over the child’s life rests. Finally, the children describe feeling powerless whilst in care, and within this context, the peer group plays a crucial role within the lives of the children interviewed.

Research limitations/implications
The findings are based on the subjective views of 19 interviewees. The sample is not representative, and has not been compared with other forms of data. Rather, it provides the reader with the perspectives of some of the most challenging and vulnerable children in the youth justice system, and places their voice at centre stage.

Practical implications
This paper points to several challenges within current youth justice and social work practice which led to the interviewees feeling disempowered and ambivalent about their future. A number of recommendations for policy and practice are made in the concluding sections of the paper which may assist those in policy and practice.

Originality/value
The voice of the looked after child who is also subject to youth justice has not been given centre stage within research to date. The findings are based on this voice and offer a different perspective about a looked after child’s pathways into offending. A number of potential implications for policy and practice, which could be considered and implemented to deal with this problem, are then discussed.
Fate and Behavior of Gunshot Residue—A Review
Authors: Blakey Lauren S. , Sharples George P. , Chana Kal , Birkett Jason W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA review of the literature concerning the fate and behavior of gunshot residue (GSR) is presented. A number of concomitant parameters including firearm and ammunition type, plume and GSR material characteristics, travel distances, chemical composition and GSR morphology are critically discussed in relation to their effects on the distribution and deposition, transfer and persistence processes of GSR. The underlying mechanisms associated with such processes are also considered. Knowledge of these processes on GSR materials could provide valuable information concerning scene preservation and subsequent forensic sampling. The number of GSR particles deposited can vary significantly with each firearm discharge, highlighting the potential to produce distinctive data in each individual case. With the continual development and compositional changes of new ammunition types, further evaluation of the effect these processes may have on GSR evidence and their possible influence on the interpretation of the analytical results should be given due consideration.
Ganglioside GM3 content in skeletal muscles is increased in type 2 but decreased in type 1 diabetes rat models: Implications of glycosphingolipid metabolism in pathophysiology of diabetes
Authors: Bozic Josko , Markotic Anita , Cikes‐Culic Vedrana , Novak Anela , Borovac Josip A. , Vucemilovic Hrvoje , Trgo Gorana , Ticinovic Kurir Tina 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundGanglioside GM3 is found in the plasma membrane, where its accumulation attenuates insulin receptor signaling. Considering the role of skeletal muscles in insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake, the aim of the present study was to determine the expression of GM3 and its precursors in skeletal muscles of rat models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM, respectively).MethodsDiabetes was induced in male Sprague‐Dawley rats by streptozotocin injection (55 mg/kg, i.p., for T1DM induction; 35 mg/kg, i.p., for T2DM induction), followed by feeding of rats with either a normal pellet diet (T1DM) or a high‐fat diet (T2DM). Rats were killed 2 weeks after diabetes induction and samples of skeletal muscle were collected. Frozen quadriceps muscle sections were stained with a primary antibody against GM3 (Neu5Ac) and visualized using a secondary antibody coupled with Texas Red. The muscle content of ganglioside GM3 and its precursors was analyzed by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) followed by GM3 immunostaining.ResultsMuscle GM3 content was significantly higher in T2DM compared with control rats (P < 0.001). Furthermore, levels of the GM3 precursors ceramide, glucosylceramide, and lactosylceramide were significantly higher in T2DM compared with control rats (P < 0.05), whereas ceramide content was significantly lower in T1DM rats (P < 0.05). The intensity of the GM3 band on HPTLC was significantly higher in T2DM rats (P < 0.001) and significantly lower in T1DM rats (P < 0.05) compared with control.ConclusionsThe expression patterns of GM3 ganglioside and its precursors in diabetic rats suggest that the role of glycosphingolipid metabolism may differ between T2DM and T1DM.
Assessment of factors determining an HbA1c concentration ≤7.5% in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Yamada Eijiro , Okada Shuichi , Nakajima Yasuyo , Bastie Claire , Tagaya Yuko , Osaki Aya , Shimoda Yoko , Shibusawa Ryo , Saito Tsugumichi , Ozawa Atsushi , Yamada Masanobu 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundEstablishing an optimal insulin regimen is crucial for maintaining glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of the present study was to determine the insulin dose required to achieve an HbA1c concentration ≤7.5% in Japanese patients with T1D.MethodsThe present multicenter cross‐sectional study was performed at three institutes in Japan. Information was collected regarding patient age, sex, body weight, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, total daily insulin dose (TDD), and total basal insulin dose (TBD), and the effects of these factors on achieving HbA1c ≤7.5% were investigated.ResultsOf 107 patients with T1D, 92 had no detectable endogenous insulin secretion: 39 had HbA1c ≤7.5% (well‐controlled group) and 53 had HbA1c >7.5% (poorly controlled group). No significant differences in age, sex, height, body weight, BMI, diabetes duration, stage of diabetic kidney disease, treatment, or TDD were noted between the poorly and well‐controlled groups. The TBD as a percentage of TDD (%TBD) was lower in patients with well‐controlled diabetes (
P
< 0.05) after adjustment for age, gender, and diabetes duration. In the well‐controlled group, TDD was correlated with body weight (
R
= 0.51), BMI (
R
= 0.44), body surface area (
R
= 0.41), and TBD (
R
= 0.73;
P
< 0.01 for all), but TBD was not correlated with BMI or body surface area. In our population, a %TBD of approximately 30% was appropriate, without considering BMI.ConclusionsTo achieve HbA1c ≤7.5 in patients with T1D, TDD should be calculated based on body weight, and the %TBD should be set at 30% in the Japanese population.