bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electricity supply, industrialization and economic growth: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Alley Ibrahim , Egbetunde Tajudeen , Oligbi Blessing 
Published: November 2016

PurposeMost studies on electricity-economic growth nexus in the literature are preoccupied with causality, with little attention paid to the transmission mechanisms. The orientation of most of these studies is obviously predicated on their assumption that electricity enters the production function in a Hicks-neutral fashion. Based on the assumption that productivity of capital is affected by electricity supply, this study estimates a production function in which electricity enters the model in capital-augmenting style. The study aims to examine the transmission channels in the electricity-economic growth nexus.Design/methodology/approachUsing monthly data on Nigeria from 1980 to 2013, the study uses the three-stage least square regression technique, which not only controls for possible endogeneity in the model but also allows for tracing the transmission linkages to estimate the relationship between electricity and economic growth in Nigeria.FindingsThis study establishes that electricity positively affected economic growth in Nigeria however through its positive effects on industrial output. The direct effect of electricity on economic growth was insignificant. This study thus concluded that the transmission mechanism in electricity-economic growth nexus is the electricity-induced industrial growth.Practical implicationsNigeria should increase her electricity supply (for increased electricity consumption) because this would significantly stimulate her industrialization and economic growth.Originality/valueThis study differs from earlier studies in that it did not primarily focus on causality; it examined the transmission channels in the electricity-economic growth nexus. Moreover, it differs from them on the implicit assumptions made by earlier studies that electricity enters the production function in a Hicks-neutral fashion. It rather estimated a model in which electricity enters the production function in capital-augmenting fashion because the study assumed that productivity of capital is affected by electricity supply.
Examining why developers encourage foreign investment in local residential real estate in India
Authors: Tiwari Alok , Aljoufie Mohammed 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe study aims to explore the role of non-resident Indian (NRI) investors into staggering local housing market and the efforts of developers and regulators to lure such investors.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data for this exploratory study were assembled through a Google form-based questionnaire circulated over internet among NRIs residing in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, USA, Singapore and United Arab Emirates, whereas the secondary data sources include the Government of India policy documents, World Bank data, Reserve Bank of India archives and reports published in reputed financial and others print media sources.FindingsIndian housing market is confronted with a demand and supply mismatch at present. While a massive demand lingers at affordable housing segment, on the contrary, millions of housing inventories are also piling up. Consequently, property developers are attempting to lure the large population of NRIs residing at global cities. Study observes that sentimental attachment to the homeland, higher rate of returns, anticipated rental incomes are the major decisive elements. Additionally, growth in infrastructure, world-class amenities offered by developers, conformity to sustainability and political stability is the other critical reasons.Research limitations/implicationsOn first hand, the study outlines a novel kind of foreign investment in Indian local residential real estate that is via NRI channel. Second, non-resident investors might surprise to the property developers and government through a realistic strategic approach.Originality/valueProbably, the study is first of its type gazing at NRI investors, as a foreign investor, in the local residential real estate.
Behavior of land markets and restrictions on housing access in Buenos Aires between 2003 and 2013
Authors: Baer Luis , Kauw Mark 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to understand the paradoxal development in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where economic growth was not accompanied by improved housing access. The period between the years 2003 and 2013 was characterized by a sustained economic growth with social inclusion and a great expansion of both social and private housing supply in the cities of Argentina. However, this growth was not accompanied by an improvement in the overall access to land and housing. On the contrary, the habitation problems in terms of access to formal, environmentally safe and well-located land with decent facilities have worsened. The City of Buenos Aires is one of the places where this paradox is most manifested.

Design/methodology/approach
The functioning of the land markets and the real estate development in Buenos Aires will be analyzed in the period 2003-2013 in relation to the macroeconomic context, the monetary effort for the acquisition and rent of a formal dwelling and certain logics of urban development.

Findings
The rhythm of urban land valorization continuously surpassed that of other commodities and services. The expansion of residential production did not improve the access to formal housing. On the contrary, habitation issues have worsened and conflicts concerning access to land, housing and the city have rapidly increased since 2003.

Originality/value
In a Latin American context, this paper is the first to establish a conceptual relationship based on empirical data between land price dynamics and real estate development. The paper is also original in its identification of a change in valorization rhythm and pattern of real estate development in the past decade (2003-2013).
Rental rate as an alternative pricing for Islamic home financing
Authors: Mohd Yusof Rosylin , Bahlous Mejda , Haniffa Roszaini 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the banking and housing market literature by proposing an alternative measure of rate of return for Islamic banks that is based on the rental rate of the property. This alternative Islamic mortgage pricing mechanism could be adopted by Islamic banks as a replacement for mortgage rates if it is found to be independent from any form of interest rates as required by Islamic law.

Design/methodology/approach
By investigating the short run and long run dynamics between rental price index (RPI) and the proposed Islamic Rental Rate (RR-I) and, three selected macroeconomic indicators in the UK via autoregressive distributed lag model, the authors examine the link between RPI, RR-I and the real economy.

Findings
The findings provide evidence that while RPI in the UK is significantly related to three leading macroeconomic variables, namely, gross domestic product (GDP), real effective exchange rate and interest rates measures, while RR-I is only impacted by changes in GDP. More importantly, the authors show that there is no short or long run dynamics between the rental rate and any form of interest rates.

Research limitations/implications
This paper did not attempt to investigate the impact of the physical attributes of the rental property to formalize the model describing the relationship between RPI and RR-I. Also, other macroeconomic factors like household income growth, risk, house value growth rate and taxation could be included in future models.

Practical implications
As Rental Rate is not linked to the macroeconomic determinants, it is therefore more stable, resilient and sustainable and, at the same time, making the financing less risky for both parties, as they are less susceptible to economic vulnerabilities.

Social implications
Some calculations incorporating the proposed RR-I can also be extended to the pricing of products based on other contracts such as Tawarruq, Bai Bithaman Ajil or even Murabahah for a fairer and just pricing to both the banks and customers.

Originality/value
The results suggest that Islamic banks should consider incorporating the proposed rental rate (RR-I) when pricing their home financing products, as this will lead to less dependence on interest rates for benchmarking. In addition, using the proposed rental rate (RR-I) reduces the exposure to the subjective evaluation by property valuators and speculative macroeconomic elements.
Competition and efficiency in the non-life insurance market in South Africa
Authors: Alhassan Abdul Latif , Biekpe Nicholas 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the empirical effect of competition on cost and profit efficiency in the South African non-life insurance market in a three-stage analysis.Design/methodology/approachUsing annual firm level data on 80 non-life insurance companies from 2007 to 2012, the authors first employ the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate cost and profit efficiency scores. In the second stage, the authors measure insurance market competition using the Panzar-Rosse (P-R)H-statistics. In the final stage, the authors estimate a fixed-effects panel regression model which controls for heteroskedasticity to examine the effect of competition on the estimated efficiency scores. Firm size, diversification, age, risk, reinsurance and leverage are employed as control variables.FindingsFrom the SFA, the authors find average cost and profit efficiency of 80.08 and 45.71 per cent, respectively. This suggests that non-life insurers have high levels of efficiency in cost and low efficiency in profit. The annual estimates of the P-RH-statistics also suggest that firms in the market earn revenues under conditions of monopolistic competition. The authors find a positive effect of competition on cost and profit efficiency to validate the “quiet-life” hypothesis which posits that competition improves efficiency.Practical implicationsRegulatory policies should be directed towards enhancing competition to improve on the low profit earning potential of firms in the non-life market.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study presents the first application of a non-structural measure of competition to examine the empirical relationship between competition and efficiency in insurance markets.
Brazil: monetary policy and the neutral interest rate
Authors: da Silva Cleomar Gomes , de Araújo Rafael Cavalcanti 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the conduct of monetary policy in Brazil and estimate the country’s neutral real interest rate.Design/methodology/approachThe authors make use of a state-space macroeconomic model representation.FindingsThe period of analysis goes from 2003 up to the end of 2013 and the results show that the country’s natural rate of interest was around 4.2 percent in December 2013.Originality/valueOne of the main differences of this work is the inclusion of variables such as the real exchange rate and world interest rate. This is important because these variables play an important role in the definition of the interest rate and, consequently, in the definition of the neutral interest rate.
Why do lactobacilli dominate the human vaginal microbiota?
Authors: Witkin SS , Linhares IM 
Published: November 2016

Lactobacilli are the most abundant vaginal bacteria in women. They inhibit binding of other bacteria to epithelial cells and produce lactic acid that kills or inhibits the growth of many other bacteria. Lactic acid blocks histone deacetylases, thereby enhancing gene transcription and DNA repair. Lactic acid induces autophagy in epithelial cells to degrade intracellular microorganisms and promote homeostasis. Lactobacilli are tolerated by vaginal epithelial cells and inhibit induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Emotional stress may reduce lactobacilli abundance in the vaginal microbiota and enhance inflammation. The ability of lactobacilli to inhibit infection without inducing inflammation may maximise fecundity and successful pregnancy outcome in women.Tweetable abstractLactobacilli prevent infection without inducing inflammation to maximise fertility and pregnancy outcome.
Docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are positively associated with insulin sensitivity in rats fed high‐fat and high‐fructose diets
Authors: Huang Jiung‐Pang , Cheng Mei‐Ling , Hung Cheng‐Yu , Wang Chao‐Hung , Hsieh Po‐Shiuan , Shiao Ming‐Shi , Chen Jan‐Kan , Li Dai‐Er , Hung Li‐Man 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to compare insulin resistance and metabolic changes using a global lipidomic approach.MethodsRats were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) or a high‐fructose diet (HFrD) for 12 weeks to induce insulin resistance (IR) syndrome. After 12 weeks feeding, physiological and biochemical parameters were examined. Insulin sensitivity and plasma metabolites were evaluated using a euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp and mass spectrometry, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the strength of correlations.ResultsRats on both diets developed IR syndrome, characterized by hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, impaired fasting glucose, and IR. Compared with HFrD‐fed rats, non‐esterified fatty acids were lower and body weight and plasma insulin levels were markedly higher in HFD‐fed rats. Adiposity and plasma leptin levels were increased in both groups. However, the size of adipocytes was greater in HFD‐ than HFrD‐fed rats. Notably, the lipidomic heat map revealed metabolites exhibiting greater differences in HFD‐ and HFrD‐fed rats compared with controls. Plasma adrenic acid levels were higher in HFD‐ than HFrD‐fed rats. Nevertheless, linoleic and arachidonic acid levels decreased in HFrD‐fed rats compared with controls. Plasma concentrations of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were significantly reduced after feeding of both diets, particularly the HFrD. There was a strong positive correlation between these two fatty acids and the insulin sensitivity index.ConclusionsThe systemic lipidomic analysis indicated that a reduction in DHA and DPA was strongly correlated with IR in rats under long‐term overnutrition. These results provide a potential therapeutic target for IR and metabolic syndrome.
Minimally Invasive Implantation of HeartWare Assist Device and Simultaneous Tricuspid Valve Reconstruction Through Partial Upper Sternotomy
Authors: Hillebrand Julia , Hoffmeier Andreas , Djie Tiong Tjan Tonny , Sindermann Juergen R. , Schmidt Christoph , Martens Sven , Scherer Mirela 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLeft ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a well‐established therapy to support patients with end‐stage heart failure. However, the operative procedure is associated with severe trauma. Third generation LVADs like the HeartWare assist device (HeartWare, Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) are characterized by enhanced technology despite smaller size. These devices offer new minimally invasive surgical options. Tricuspid regurgitation requiring valve repair is frequent in patients with the need for mechanical circulatory support as it is strongly associated with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We report on HeartWare LVAD implantation and simultaneous tricuspid valve reconstruction through minimally invasive access by partial upper sternotomy to the fifth left intercostal space. Four male patients (mean age 51.72 ± 11.95 years) suffering from chronic heart failure due to dilative (three patients) and ischemic (one patient) cardiomyopathy and also exhibiting concomitant tricuspid valve insufficiency due to annular dilation underwent VAD implantation and tricuspid valve annuloplasty. Extracorporeal circulation was established via the ascending aorta, superior vena cava, and right atrium. In all four cases the LVAD implantation and tricuspid valve repair via partial median sternotomy was successful. During the operative procedure, no conversion to full sternotomy was necessary. One patient needed postoperative re‐exploration because of pericardial effusion. No postoperative focal neurologic injury was observed. New generation VADs are advantageous because of the possibility of minimally invasive implantation procedure which can therefore minimize surgical trauma. Concomitant tricuspid valve reconstruction can also be performed simultaneously through partial upper sternotomy. Nevertheless, minimally invasive LVAD implantation is a challenging operative technique.
Effects of concomitant immunomodulators on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of adalimumab in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who had failed conventional therapy
Authors: Colombel J.‐F. , Jharap B. , Sandborn W. J. , Feagan B. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L. , Eichner S. F. , Robinson A. M. , Mostafa N. M. , Zhou Q. , Thakkar R. B. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryBackgroundAdalimumab is approved for use in patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) who have not achieved disease control with conventional therapies including corticosteroids and/or immunomodulators (IMM).AimTo analyse six studies that examined efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety of combination IMM/adalimumab therapy, compared with adalimumab monotherapy in patients with inadequate disease control on conventional therapy.MethodsPatients with moderate to severe CD or UC from randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials were analysed. Adalimumab was added to background therapy; patients were categorised as receiving adalimumab monotherapy (CD induction, n = 245, maintenance, n = 185; UC induction, n = 213, maintenance, n = 157) or combination therapy (CD induction, n = 139, maintenance, n = 139; UC induction, n = 140, maintenance, n = 100) according to baseline immunomodulator use. Efficacy was reported for the intent‐to‐treat populations from each study, with remission defined as CD activity index <150 for CD and Mayo score ≤2 with no subscore >1 for UC. Safety was assessed via adverse events.ResultsThe proportions of patients achieving remission were similar for adalimumab monotherapy and immunomodulator combination therapy in all studies. Median adalimumab concentrations at week 4 or 8 were numerically but not significantly higher with adalimumab combination therapy vs. monotherapy in the CD and UC studies respectively. Incidence and rate of adverse events was similar for adalimumab monotherapy and combination therapy.ConclusionsPost hoc analysis of six randomised, controlled trials demonstrated no efficacy benefits with immunomodulator/adalimumab combination therapy, compared with adalimumab monotherapy in CD and UC patients with inadequate disease control on conventional therapy; the safety of the two treatment approaches was comparable.
Is it important to palpate lymph nodes in open surgery for colorectal cancer?
Authors: Yamaoka Yusuke , Kinugasa Yusuke , Shiomi Akio , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Yamakawa Yushi , Furutani Akinobu , Numata Masakatsu 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroductionIn laparoscopic or robotic surgery, surgeons cannot directly palpate lymph nodes (LN), which could be considered a shortcoming in that procedure. This study was performed to evaluate the importance of palpation diagnosis of LN metastasis in colorectal cancer surgery.MethodsThis study enrolled 408 patients who underwent curative resection for primary colorectal cancer in our department in 2014. The diameter of each manually dissected LN was measured, and the LN was then examined by palpation to determine whether it was metastatic based on its consistency. The palpation and pathological diagnoses of each LN were compared. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, and accuracies were calculated for palpation diagnosis of LN metastasis in a node‐by‐node analysis, according to LN size.ResultsOf the 13 750 dissected LN, 444 LN (3.2%) were metastatic. Overall, palpation diagnosis of LN metastasis revealed node‐by‐node sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 50%, 98%, 52%, 98%, and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity for LN 3 mm and smaller and for LN 15 mm and larger was 3% and 90%, respectively.ConclusionPalpation diagnosis of LN metastasis in colorectal cancer surgery was unreliable. Although poor haptics is considered to be a disadvantage in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, they are not inferior to open surgery in terms of LN dissection.
Dynamic population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation supports similar efficacy in glycosylated haemoglobin response with once or twice‐daily dosing of canagliflozin
Authors: de Winter Willem , Dunne Adrian , de Trixhe Xavier Woot , Devineni Damayanthi , Hsu Chyi‐Hung , Pinheiro Jose , Polidori David 
Published: November 2016

AimCanagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of type‐2 diabetes. A dynamic population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model relating 24‐h canagliflozin exposure profiles to effects on glycosylated haemoglobin was developed to compare the efficacy of once‐daily and twice‐daily dosing.MethodsData from two clinical studies, one with once‐daily, and the other with twice‐daily dosing of canagliflozin as add‐on to metformin were used (n = 1347). An established population PK model was used to predict full 24‐h profiles from measured trough concentrations and/or baseline covariates. The dynamic PK/PD model incorporated an Emax relationship between 24‐h canagliflozin exposure and HbA1c‐lowering with baseline HbA1c affecting the efficacy.ResultsInternal and external model validation demonstrated that the model adequately predicted HbA1c‐lowering for canagliflozin once‐daily and twice‐daily dosing regimens. The differences in HbA1c reduction between the twice‐daily and daily mean profiles were minimal (at most 0.023% for 100 mg total daily dose [TDD] and 0.011% for 300 mg TDD, up to week 26, increasing with time and decreasing with TDD) and not considered clinically meaningful.ConclusionsSimulations using this model demonstrated the absence of clinically meaningful between‐regimen differences in efficacy, supported the regulatory approval of a canagliflozin‐metformin immediate release fixed‐dose combination tablet and alleviated the need for an additional clinical study.