bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internal auditors’ perceptions of their role in environmental, social and governance assurance and consulting
Authors: Soh Dominic S.B. , Martinov-Bennie Nonna 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature and extent of internal audit functions’ (IAFs) involvement in environmental, social and governance assurance (ESG) and consulting in Australia. To identify emerging priorities, and the profession’s capacity to respond to these, the paper also explores internal audit practitioners’ perceptions of the current and future importance of these issues and the adequacy of their skills and expertise in meeting the challenges associated with their involvement in these areas.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected from 100 Chief Audit Executives and internal audit service provider partners through a survey.

Findings
– Governance issues are a key area of focus for respondents’ assurance and consulting efforts, followed by social and environmental issues, respectively. While governance issues are perceived to be of greatest current importance to IAFs, environmental issues are most commonly expected to increase in importance over the next five years, and are reported to be in greatest need of further development of IAFs’ skills and expertise.

Research limitations/implications
– As the corporate landscape and expectations around transparency and accountability increase, the internal audit profession needs to address the current perceived skills gap in their ability to provide assurance and consulting on ESG issues to ensure their continued relevance and ability to meet stakeholders’ needs and expectations in providing effective integrated assurance and in contributing to internal improvements.

Originality/value
– This paper provides initial empirical evidence of the nature and extent of internal audit’s involvement in ESG assurance and consulting.
A simple method to prepare carbon nanotubes from sunflower seed hulls and sago and their application in supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang H.Y. , Niu H.J. , Wang Y.M. , Wang C. , Bai, X.D. , Wang S. , Wang Wen 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to provide a simple method for the preparation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by pyrolysing sunflower seed hulls and sago and to evaluate the application of such CNTs in supercapacitors.

Design/methodology/approach
– The CNTs were obtained by pyrolysing sunflower seed hulls and sago at 800°C. The prepared CNTs were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge and discharge and electrochemical impedance spectra methods.

Findings
– The CNTs had large surface areas as determined by the methylene blue method and the Brunauer – Emmett – Teller method. And the CNTs that were prepared by pyrolysing the natural sunflower seed hulls (denoted as CNTs-1) and sago (denoted as CNTs-2) had capacitances of 86.9 F/g and 26.7 F/g, respectively.

Research limitations/implications
– The capacitances of CNTs can be further improved.

Practical implications
– The exceptional electronic and mechanical properties of CNTs prepared lend the CNTs to diverse applications including electrocatalysts, hydrogen storage, photovoltaic devices actuators, energy storage, field-emitting flat panel displays and composites.

Originality/value
– Currently, CNTs have not yet been used in the industry at a mass production scale due to high costs associated. The outcomes of the study reported in this article could provide a convenient method in aid of industrialisation of the production of CNTs.
Country-of-origin and emerging countries: revisiting a complex relationship
Authors: Touzani Mourad , Fatma Smaoui , Mouna Meriem Labidi 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of the current study is to attempt to contribute to the understanding of some socio-cultural factors likely to explain the preference for international products in emerging countries, and more specifically those characterising former colonised countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
– The chosen approach is exploratory and of a qualitative inductive nature. It was based on a series of semi-structured and unstructured in-depth interviews with Tunisian consumers about their relationship to local and foreign products.

Findings
– A set of complex and inter-related explanatory factors of the country-of-origin phenomenon emerged through the analysis, notably the complex of the decolonised, acculturation in situ, frustration towards the West and sensitivity to the Western fashion system.

Research limitations/implications
– The main limitation of this research is that the interviews were carried out among people living in the three main cities of Tunisia, which are urban settings.

Practical implications
– This research proposes a general framework and a set of new constructs that may be used by leaders of businesses, communications agencies or distribution companies. These elements may help them for segmentation, assortment and range decisions, and brand names.

Social implications
– Given the failure of “buy local” campaigns, this research shows the importance to revive Tunisian consumers’ feeling of identification with their local culture and to reconcile them with their own identity. Suggestions are given to reach these objectives.

Originality/value
– This research proposes a framework explaining how the country-of-origin effect in emerging countries operates in a different manner from what has been suggested in the studies conducted in Western contexts.
Green and competitive: empirical evidence from ISO 9001 certified Brazilian companies
Authors: Jabbour Charbel Jose Chiappetta , de Freitas Thiago Pignatti , Soubihia Davi Fouad , Gunasekaran Angappa , Jabbour Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– There are many arguments in the literature on environmental management stating that companies that have a significant environmental performance tend to be more competitive, because environmental management tends to generate positive effects on their operational performance. Despite the fact that such arguments are widely accepted, there is little empirical evidence yet of such a relationship in manufacturing contexts that are rarely studied thus far, such as those of developing countries. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– With the objective of testing the positive relationship between environmental performance and operational performance, this research presents the data of a survey conducted with 75 ISO 9001-certified Brazilian companies. Such data were analyzed by means of structural equation modeling.Findings– The paper discovered that, indeed, environmental management relates in a positive, significant manner and large effect to the operational performance of companies.Originality/value– This is the first exploratory research relating environmental management and operational performance in Brazilian companies with ISO 9001.
Prioritizing quality problems in SMEs: a methodology
Authors: Teixeira Humberto Nuno , Lopes Isabel , Sousa Sérgio 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology to be used by small and medium enterprises to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and areas for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the main causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality.

Design/methodology/approach
– Based on the literature review a methodology for diagnosing and prioritizing quality problems is proposed. Then two longitudinal case studies are performed to refine and validate the proposed methodology. The methodology is organized in six different steps which include gathering information about predetermined processes and sub-processes of quality management, defined based on Juran’s trilogy, and about predetermined results categories.

Findings
– The application of the methodology was successful in two case studies and a report was produced on the quality state of each industry, including a prioritization of the causes of poor performance.

Research limitations/implications
– The methodology may have to be adapted to better suit the needs of companies from different sectors, either by reviewing the processes, by integrating new tools or refining the existing ones.

Practical implications
– This paper presents a new methodology for identifying and prioritizing quality problems.

Originality/value
– Due to its simplicity and comprehensiveness, it is believed that the developed methodology can be applied periodically by companies as self-diagnostic and prioritization tool, aimed at continuous improvement.
Pemphigus in the Arab world
Authors: Saleh Marwah A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe Arab world lies geographically between the Atlantic coasts of northern Africa and the Arabian Gulf. This area has wide latitudinal differences as well as variable environmental conditions ranging from deserts to forests. Approximately 370 million individuals who share the Arabic language live in this area. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are the main subtypes of the pemphigus disease. Both pemphigus subtypes are present in many Arab countries; however, there is variation in the predominant subtype among countries. PV is the most common subtype in Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. On the other hand, PF is more prevalent in Libya and is endemic in Tunisia. Interestingly, there is variation in the dominant subtype in some cities within Morocco. For example, PF is more common in Marrakech which is the second largest city. The presence of anti‐desmoglein 1 antibodies in the sera of normal Tunisians and the presence of anti‐desmoglein 3 in normal Egyptians' sera suggested that environmental factors played a role in the disease pathogenesis in those areas. Further researches detected that traditional cosmetics were among the risk factors in Tunisia. Moreover, farming was suggested as a risk factor in Egypt, Tunisia and Sudan. Because there is no consensus for pemphigus treatment among the Arab countries, there is diversity in their pemphigus treatment regimens. Studying the demographic characteristics and the environmental conditions which caused the variations in the prevailing clinical phenotype will help us fill the gaps to understand the pathogenesis of the pemphigus disease.
Outcome measures for autoimmune blistering diseases
Authors: Zhao Cathy Y. , Murrell Dédée F. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOutcome measures are crucial in assessing an autoimmune blistering disease's (AIBD) severity as well as its impact on the patient's quality of life (QOL). The standardization of AIBD outcome measures is pivotal to accurately monitor the patient and to pool results from randomized controlled trials for meta‐analysis, and thereby provide knowledge of the optimal AIBD therapies. In the past decade, several AIBD severity outcome measures have been developed and validated. For pemphigus severity, the Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) developed by the International Pemphigus Definitions Group was shown to be the most superior, followed by the Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS) by the German group. For bullous pemphigoid severity, the Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI) was shown to be an accurate and valid measure. To quantify the burden of AIBD and its treatments on QOL, the Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (ABQOL) and the Treatment of Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (TABQOL) were also developed, validated, and are now being validated in multiple languages and cultures.
Comparisons of soil‐water content between a Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forest and an evergreen broadleaved forest in western Japan
Authors: Shinohara Yoshinori , Otsuki Kyoichi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn Japan, forests of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens, an exotic invasive giant bamboo) have naturalized and expanded rapidly, replacing surrounding broadleaved and coniferous forests. To evaluate impacts caused by these forest‐type replacements on the hydrological cycle, soil‐water content and its spatial variability in a Moso bamboo forest were compared with those in an adjacent evergreen broadleaved forest, in a case study of a stand in western Japan (northern Kyushu). The volumetric soil‐water content averaged over depths between 0 and 60 cm was consistently higher in the bamboo stand than that in the broadleaved stand. These results contrast with previous studies comparing the soil‐water content in Moso bamboo forests with that in other forest types. The sum of canopy transpiration and soil evaporation (E) in the bamboo stand tended to be larger than that in the broadleaved stand. Small canopy interception loss was reported in the bamboo forest. Therefore, the large amount of E would counterbalance the small canopy interception loss in the bamboo forest. Differences in soil characteristics between the two stands may be the main factor causing differences in soil‐water content. Spatial variation in soil‐water content in the bamboo stand was larger than that in the broadleaved stand, confirming findings in a previous series of our study. This could happen because the well‐developed root‐system in the bamboo forest enhances preferential flow in the soil. To evaluate the effects of aggressive invasion of alien giant bamboo on the ecosystem functions, we recommend further studies measuring various hydrological components in various Moso bamboo forests.
External validation of the paediatric risk of malignancy index
Authors: Hermans AJ , Kluivers KB , Massuger LF , Coppus SF 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveThis study aimed to validate the paediatric risk of malignancy index (PRMI), as previously published.DesignExternal validation study.SettingAcademic hospital: Radboud University Medical Center.PopulationFemale paediatric patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with, or treated for, an adnexal mass between January 1999 and October 2013.MethodsInformation was collected on diagnosis, presenting symptoms, and signs and imaging characteristics. The PRMI was calculated for each patient. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated, and the results were visualised using a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve).Main outcome measuresHistological diagnosis, discriminative performance using the area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve and sensitivity and specificity.ResultsSeventy‐eight patients were included, with a median age of 12 years. A malignant mass was found in 17 patients (21.8%). The PRMI with a cut‐off value of 7 resulted in a sensitivity of 70.1% (95% CI 44.1–89.6%) and a specificity of 85.3% (95% CI 73.8–93.0%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.868 (95% CI 0.756–0.980).ConclusionsThe PRMI showed less discriminative capacity than originally published, but its performance was still good; however, further prospective validation studies are needed to define whether the model is useful in daily clinical practice.
Acid Diffusion into Rice Boluses is Influenced by Rice Type, Variety, and Presence of α‐Amylase
Authors: Mennah‐Govela Yamile A. , Bornhorst Gail M. , Singh R. Paul 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBreakdown of rice during gastric digestion may be influenced by rice structure, presence of salivary α‐amylase, and hydrolysis by gastric acid. During mastication, saliva is mixed with rice, allowing α‐amylase to begin starch hydrolysis. This hydrolysis may continue in the gastric environment depending on the rate at which gastric acid penetrates into the rice bolus. The objective of this study was to determine the acid uptake into rice boluses with and without α‐amylase in saliva. Two types each of brown and white rice (medium and long grain), were formed into a cylindrical‐shaped bolus. Each bolus was sealed on all sides except one to allow one‐dimensional mass transfer, and incubated by immersion in simulated gastric juice at 37 °C under static conditions. Acidity of the boluses was measured by titration after 1 to 96 h of incubation. Effective diffusivity of the gastric juice through the bolus was estimated using MATLAB. Average acidity values ranged from 0.04 mg HCl/g dry matter (medium grain white rice, no incubation) to 10.01 mg HCl/g dry matter (long‐grain brown rice, 72 h incubation). The rice type, presence of α‐amylase, and incubation time all significantly influenced rice bolus acidity (P < 0.001). Effective diffusivity of gastric juice into the bolus was greater in brown rice than in white rice. These results indicate that starch hydrolysis by α‐amylase may continue in the stomach before the gastric acid penetrates the rice bolus, and the rate of acid uptake will depend on the type of rice consumed.
Current smoking is associated with worse cognitive and adaptive functioning in serious mental illness
Authors: Depp C. A. , Bowie C. R. , Mausbach B. T. , Wolyniec P. , Thornquist M. H. , Luke J. R. , McGrath J. A. , Pulver A. E. , Patterson T. L. , Harvey P. D. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveCigarette smoking is highly prevalent among people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Few studies have examined whether smoking history is associated with adaptive functioning among individuals diagnosed with these serious mental illnesses.MethodIn a large relatively homogenous cohort of patients with either bipolar disorder (n = 363) or schizophrenia (n = 400), we investigated the association between cigarette smoking status, intensity, and cumulative exposure and performance on a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive, functional capacity, and informant‐rated functional measures. The associations were adjusted for variation in sociodemographic indicators, psychopathologic symptoms, and substance use.ResultsThere was an average of 12 pack years of smoking across the sample. People with schizophrenia reported double the rate of current smoking compared to patients with bipolar disorder. Adjusting for demographic covariates, current smokers had worse composite cognitive functioning and poorer functional outcome than past or never smokers. There were no significant differences between never and past smokers, and these effects were evident in both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.ConclusionCurrent smokers with either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder evidence worse cognitive and adaptive functioning functional outcome, even when demographic covariates are considered.
Risk factors for poor neonatal adaptation after exposure to antidepressants in utero
Authors: Kieviet Noera , Hoppenbrouwers Chris , Dolman Koert M , Berkhof Johannes , Wennink Hanneke , Honig Adriaan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimInfants exposed to antidepressants in utero are at risk of developing poor neonatal adaptation (PNA). This study identified risk factors for PNA.MethodsIn this cohort study, data on mothers and infants admitted to the maternity ward of a general hospital between 2007 and 2012 were analysed. All infants were exposed to an antidepressant during the last trimester of foetal life. The main outcome measure was PNA, defined as at least one Finnegan scores of four or more during admission. Risk factors analysed for their possible association with PNA included type of feeding, type and dosage of antidepressant, prematurity and maternal smoking, anxiety and depression.ResultsWe included 247 infants in the study and 157 (64%) developed PNA. Formula feeding was associated with an increased risk of PNA compared to breastfeeding or mixed feeding (OR 3.16 95% CI 1.40–7.13 p = 0.003). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with an increased risk of PNA compared to serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (OR 2.52 95% CI 1.07–5.95 p = 0.04). Dosage did not influence the risk of PNA (OR 1.50 95% CI 0.89–2.52 p = 0.13).ConclusionFormula feeding and exposure to SSRIs were associated with development of PNA, but dosage was not.
Sleep in adolescent depression: physiological perspectives
Authors: Urrila A. S. , Paunio T. , Palomäki E. , Marttunen M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDepression and disturbed sleep are intimately and bidirectionally related. During adolescence, the incidence of both insomnia and major depression increases simultaneously, in a gender‐specific manner. The majority of depressed adolescents suffer from different types of subjective sleep complaints. Despite these complaints, the results from polysomnographic studies in depressed adolescents remain inconsistent. In general, similar features to those seen among adults with depressive disorder (e.g. abnormalities in rapid eye movement sleep and difficulties in sleep onset) have been reported, but expressed to a lesser degree. The inconsistency in findings may be linked with maturational factors, factors related to the stage of illness and greater heterogeneity in the clinical spectrum of depression among adolescents. The exact neurobiological mechanisms by which sleep alterations and depression are linked during adolescence are not fully understood. Aberrations in brain maturation, expressed at different levels of organization, for example gene expression, neurotransmitter and hormone metabolism, and activity of neuronal networks have been suggested. The circadian systems may change in adolescent depression beyond that observed during healthy adolescent development (i.e. beyond the typical circadian shift towards eveningness). A number of therapeutic approaches to alleviate sleep disruption associated with depression have been proposed, but research on the efficacy of these interventions in adolescents is lacking. Knowledge of the neurobiological links between sleep and depression during adolescence could lead to new insights into effective prevention and treatment of depression.