bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Responsible Investment Indices Improve Corporate Social Responsibility? FTSE4Good's Impact on Environmental Management
Authors: Mackenzie Craig , Rees William , Rodionova Tatiana 
Published: July 2013

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis study investigates the impact of a responsible investment index on environmental management practices. Firms that were included in the FTSE4Good index but failed to meet enhanced requirements were subject to both engagement by FTSE and the threat of expulsion from the index. We examine the combined effect of these actions, estimate the contribution of both elements separately, and the influence of concentrated equity ownership, corporate governance, and the institutional environment. We also evaluate whether the effect is persistent or transitory.Research Findings/InsightsFor a sample of 1,029 firms from 21 countries, our findings demonstrate that engagement combined with the threat of expulsion from the FTSE4Good index doubles the probability that a firm failing to meet the environmental management criteria in 2002 would comply by 2005. The higher compliance rate for the firms receiving engagement persists until the end of our study in 2010. We also find that compliance is positively associated with low levels of concentrated ownership and with firms based in coordinated rather than liberal market economies.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur results contribute to the understanding of the complexities of governance, where decision makers are constrained or influenced by equity holders, the firm's governance system, institutional arrangements, and collective engagement by institutional equity holders. Our findings are consistent with both institutional and agency issues impacting on decision making.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur study suggests that engagement via a responsible investment index reinforced by the threat of public expulsion from the index provides an effective route for large‐scale collaborative investor engagement on corporate social responsibility issues targeting large and internationally diverse firms. It also demonstrates why regulators may wish to encourage engagement of this type to achieve social benefits.
Hurrying Foragers Fail to Choose the Best Prey Item: Prey Choice in Paper Wasps Depredating Conspecific Nests
Authors: Furuichi Sho , Kasuya Eiiti 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAnimals frequently face situations where they must choose one prey item from a set of options. Animals are often considered to be able to choose the best prey item from multiple alternatives. However, time may be required to make accurate decisions, and under natural conditions, time is usually limited. Here, we examined whether animals fail to choose the most profitable prey item under time‐limited conditions. A queen (foundress) of a paper wasp Polistes chinensis antennalis starts a colony in spring and maintains the nest alone until the emergence of workers. At the stage, the foundress often depredates larvae in other conspecific nests. The intruder needs to finish choosing and extracting a single larva during the absence of the owner from the nest. Intruders preferred the fifth‐instar larvae, which are the largest and the most profitable prey among larvae. When the time spent in choosing was long, intruders were able to choose the fifth‐instar larvae with a higher probability. However, when the time spent in choosing was short, intruders sampled only a small fraction of larvae in a nest, and the probability of choosing the fifth‐instar larvae decreased. Furthermore, we found that intruders decreased the time spent in choosing under higher time constraints. These results suggest that under time‐limited conditions, intruders occasionally failed to choose the most profitable prey item because of incomplete information on the availability of options. These results also suggest a trade‐off between speed and accuracy of choosing the best item from a set of options.
Self‐perceived health and quality of life by activity status in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Pino Lara , González‐Vélez Abel E , Prieto‐Flores Maria‐Eugenia , Ayala Alba , Fernandez‐Mayoralas Gloria , Rojo‐Perez Fermina , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Forjaz Maria João 
Published: July 2013

AimThe present study aimed at analyzing whether activity status is associated with self‐perceived health status and quality of life (QoL) in community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsWe used a cross‐sectional design based on a semi‐structured QoL questionnaire in a representative sample of 1106 community‐dwelling adults aged 60 years and older in Spain. Logistic regression models were used to explain the association of activity status with self‐perceived health status and QoL, assessed by means of the EQ‐5D‐3L index, controlling for the influence of sociodemographic, social and support network variables, and health indicators.ResultsThe mean age ± standard deviation was 72.1 ± 7.8 years. For the activity status, 8.5% were working people, 53.7% retirees, 30.6% homemakers and 7.2% pensioners. All homemakers and 93.6% pensioners were women. In the model to assess perceived health status, when controlling for sociodemographic, social and support network variables, we found that working people rated their health better than the retired group. In this model, pensioners rated their health status worst, whereas homemakers did not show any significant difference compared with the retired group. However, there were no differences in the model of QoL by activity status.ConclusionActivity status was associated with self‐perceived health status, but not with QoL. This study draws attention to the need of considering the activity of older adults for actions aimed at maintaining and improving their health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 464–473.
Canine mesenchymal stem cells show antioxidant properties against thioacetamide‐induced liver injury in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Quintanilha Luiz Fernando , Takami Taro , Hirose Yoshikazu , Fujisawa Koichi , Murata Yasuhiko , Yamamoto Naoki , Goldenberg Regina Coeli dos Santos , Terai Shuji , Sakaida Isao 
Published: July 2013

AimTo overcome current limitations of therapy for liver diseases, cell‐based therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been attempted through basic and clinical approaches. Oxidative stress is a crucial factor in hepatology, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well‐established molecules responsible for its deleterious effects. The antioxidant properties of MSC were recently demonstrated, and therefore we examined the antioxidant activity of canine MSC (cMSC), their effects on isolated hepatocytes in vitro and their curative potential against thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced liver injury in vivo.MethodsTo evaluate the ability of cMSC to challenge oxidative stress, cell viability, cytotoxicity and ROS were measured in cultured cMSC treated with TAA. Also, cMSC were co‐cultured with hepatocytes in the same injury condition, and the ROS level was measured exclusively in hepatocytes. Finally, to verify the curative potential of cMSC, 2.0 × 106 cells or phosphate‐buffered saline were injected systemically in non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice that received TAA injections twice a week for 13 weeks. We then evaluated histological parameters, serum injury markers and redox homeostasis.ResultscMSC overcame TAA‐induced oxidative stress in vitro, as shown by increased viability and lower cytotoxicity and ROS levels. Moreover, hepatocytes co‐cultured with cMSC also showed decreased cellular ROS. The in vivo study showed that mice treated with cMSC presented with an ameliorated histological pattern, suppressed fibrosis, lower serum injury marker levels and better oxidative parameters.ConclusionWe concluded that cMSC injection reduce TAA‐induced liver injury through antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects, showing a curative potential in liver diseases.
Screening for breast cancer among young Jordanian women: ambiguity and apprehension
Authors: Al Dasoqi K. , Zeilani R. , Abdalrahim M. , Evans C. 
Published: July 2013

AimsThe goal of this study was to understand young Jordanian women's attitudes towards breast cancer screening practices in order to improve young women's uptake of screening and early detection.BackgroundThe incidence of breast cancer is increasing annually among younger Jordanian women; however, little is known about their attitudes towards breast cancer and associated screening practices. Young women's attitudes towards breast cancer must be taken into account when designing screening strategies and interventions specifically for this age group. Screening strategies must also acknowledge young women's cultural context; however, little is known about how culture shapes their understandings and practices.MethodsA qualitative interpretive approach was utilized to interview 45 young educated women about their breast cancer views and screening practices. Data were analysed thematically.Findings and DiscussionFour overlapping themes emerged: (i) young women should not think about it, (ii) absence of a role model, (iii) cultural shame of breast cancer, and (iv) cancer means death and disability. The study found high levels of apprehension and ambiguity related to breast cancer. This was associated with the perceived impact of a cancer diagnosis on a young woman's social status and family role. Family support was perceived to be a necessary prerequisite for seeking treatment or screening.ConclusionsUnderstanding young women's perception about screening and early detection of breast cancer is essential for policy makers and healthcare providers to design culturally appropriate and age‐appropriate health promotion campaigns and services.
Validation of the Staff Attitudes to Nutritional Nursing Care Geriatric scale in Italian
Authors: Bonetti Loris , Bagnasco Annamaria , Aleo Giuseppe , Sasso Loredana 
Published: July 2013

AimTo validate the Staff Attitudes to Nutritional Nursing Care Geriatric scale in Italian, a tool created in Sweden to measure nurses' attitudes towards nutritional care in older people.BackgroundMalnutrition in institutionalized older people is a serious problem having negative impact on patient outcomes. It is reported in the literature that nurses have negative attitudes towards nutritional care.MethodsForward and back‐translation were carried out to build the Italian version of the tool. Content and face validity were then examined by pilot study. Test‐retest reliability with Spearman's rho (rs) correlation, intraclass correlation (ICC) and internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's α were assessed. Differences between test‐rest were assessed by t‐test.ResultsLinguistic and semantic adaptation of the tool into Italian was successful. Thirty‐three nurses skilled in caring for older patients did pilot testing and 46 test‐retesting. SANN‐G GITA‐scale achieved good content and face validity, good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.85) and acceptable stability [rs = 0.75, P = 0.001; ICC = 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.86; P = 0.001]. The t‐test showed no significant difference between test and retest results, confirming stability of the tool (t(64) = −0.98; P = 0.33).DiscussionThe process of adaptation of the scale from Swedish to Italian language was successful. Thus, the SANN‐GITA scale can be useful to assess attitudes of nursing staff to nutritional care in the Italian context.ConclusionsThis tool will allow the identification of areas where Italian nurses have negative attitudes and where to implement strategies to improve overall nutritional care.
Prevalence, risk factors and quality of life in Turkish women with urinary incontinence: a synthesis of the literature
Authors: Basak T. , Kok G. , Guvenc G. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundUrinary incontinence (UI) is not a life threatening condition but it adversely affects physical and mental health, sexual function and quality of life in women.AimTo review the related literature to identify prevalence, risk factors and quality of life among only Turkish women.MethodsComputerized searches on PubMed, Turkish Medline, EBSCO Host; articles from indexed journals related to the topics in this review and published between 1996 and 30 April 2012 were evaluated. After completion of database searches, a final total of 20 studies were identified that fitted the inclusion criteria.ResultsThis review revealed that the prevalence of UI among Turkish women was reported by 16 studies ranged from 16.4% to 49.7%. The most common risk factors were age, number of births, body mass index > 25 kg/m2, recurrent urinary infection, diabetes mellitus and vaginal delivery. The effect of UI on the quality of life was mild to moderate.ConclusionsWe found that the prevalence of UI of Turkish women showed a wide range. It is important for health professionals to be aware of the high prevalence of UI in women and to ask about its possible presence. Improving the quality of life in women with UI is an important issue and nurses should direct women to seek psychosocial support. The findings of this review could serve as a source of information for health systems that deal with UI, and it may help to inform health professionals and women with UI on early diagnosis, treatment and management.
Forecasting Mortgage Securitization Risk Under Systematic Risk and Parameter Uncertainty
Authors: Rösch Daniel , Scheule Harald 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAbstractThe global financial crisis exposed financial institutions to severe unexpected losses in relation to mortgage securitizations and derivatives. This article finds that risk models such as ratings are exposed to a large degree of systematic risk and parameter uncertainty. An out‐of‐sample forecasting exercise of the financial crisis shows that a simple approach addressing both issues is able to produce ranges for risk measures consistent with realized losses. This explains how financial markets were taken by surprise in relation to realized losses.
Coherent Pricing of Life Settlements Under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Zhu Nan , Bauer Daniel 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAlthough life settlements are advertised to deliver a profitable investment opportunity with a low correlation to market systematic risk, recent investigations reveal a discrepancy of expected and realized returns. While thus far this discrepancy has been attributed to the (allegedly) poor quality of the underlying life expectancy estimates, we present a different explanation of the seemingly high reported expected returns based on {adverse selection. In particular, we provide a coherent pricing mechanism and pricing formulas in the presence of asymmetric information with respect to the underlying life expectancies. Therefore, our study sheds light on the nature of the “unique risks” within life settlements as recently discussed in the financial press.
WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR INSURANCE IN DENMARK
Authors: Hansen Jan V. , Jacobsen Rasmus H. , Lau Morten I. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe estimate how much Danish households are willing to pay for auto, home, and house insurance. We use a unique combination of claims data from a large Danish insurance company, measures of individual risk attitudes and discount rates from a field experiment with a representative sample of the adult Danish population, and information on household income and wealth from registers at Statistics Denmark. The results show that the willingness to pay is marginally higher than the actuarially fair value under expected utility theory, but significantly higher under rank‐dependent utility theory, and up to 600 percent higher than the actuarially fair value.
Is it here where I belong? An integrative model of turnover intentions
Authors: Boroş Smaranda , Curşeu Petru Lucian 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe test a mediated moderation model in which the influence of organizational prestige and permeability on turnover intentions is mediated by organizational commitment and identification. We test this model in a 2 × 2 design in four Romanian organizations. Results support a partial mediation of identification between the considered organizational antecedents, and their interaction upon affective and continuance commitment, and a full mediation of commitment between identification and turnover intentions. Permeability moderates the impact of prestige upon identification and commitment. Finally, we draw conclusions about the mind‐sets behind identification, affective, and continuance commitment, and propose implications for future research and practitioners.
The effect of North Carolina hospital payor mix on dental‐related pediatric emergency room utilization
Authors: Hom Jacqueline M. , Burgette Lane F. , Lee Jessica Y. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesWe examined the effect of hospital payor mix on the proportion of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits that were dental related.MethodsWe used the North Carolina (NC) Emergency Room Discharge Database from 2007 to 2009 to estimate the relationship between the percent of pediatric ED patients that were covered by Medicaid and the percent of pediatric ED visits that were dental related. Hospital‐level fixed effects controlled for unobserved hospital‐level characteristics. Discharge claims from 110 ED facilities in NC were analyzed over the 3‐year study period. Claims were limited to individuals under 18 years old with dental disease‐related International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification diagnostic codes, 520.00‐530.00.ResultsUsing 327 hospital‐years of data, 62 percent of ED visits for pediatric dental reasons were covered by Medicaid, a proportion over two times greater than for pediatric reasons overall, 26 percent. Hospitals with a greater proportion of Medicaid payors had a greater proportion of pediatric dental ED visits (P < 0.01).ConclusionsHospitals serving a large population of children on Medicaid should be prepared to provide emergency dental services. Public health administrators should prioritize oral health resources at hospital communities with a high proportion of Medicaid payors.
Washington state foster care: dental utilization and expenditures
Authors: Melbye Molly L.R. , Chi Donald L. , Milgrom Peter , Huebner Colleen E. , Grembowski David 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo identify factors associated with dental utilization and expenditures for children enrolled in Washington State (WA) foster care (FC).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study used 2008 Medicaid enrollment and claims files for children ages <18 years enrolled in the WA FC program for ≥11 months (N = 10,177). Regression models were used to examine associations between utilization and expenditures and sex, race, age group, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (i.e., disability), substance abuse, behavior problems, placement setting (Foster Home Care, Kinship Care, Group Care, Other), and urbanicity.ResultsOnly 43 percent of the children utilized any dental care; the adjusted mean expenditure was $198.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) $181.35, $215.36]. Fewer utilized diagnostic (41 percent), preventive (39 percent), restorative (11 percent), or complex (5 percent) services. Associated with utilization (P ≤ 0.01) were: female [ARR = 1.05, 95% CI(1.01, 1.10)]; 0‐2 years [ARR = 0.18, 95% CI(0.15, 0.21)], [3‐5 years ARR = 0.78, 95% CI(0.74, 0.83)]; Native American [ARR = 0.85, 95% CI(0.80, 0.91)]; SSI [ARR = 1.10, 95% CI(1.04, 1.17)]; Kinship Care [ARR = 0.94, 95% CI(0.90, 0.98)]; Group Care [ARR = 1.25 95% CI(1.15, 1.37)]; and urban/rural urbanicity with population <20 K [ARR = 1.20 95% CI(1.12, 1.30)]. Associated with expenditures (P < 0.05) were: ages 0‐2 years [–$153.66, 95% CI(–$168.33, –$139.00)], 3‐5 years [–$98.71, 95% CI(–$116.78, –$80.65)], 6‐11 years [–$16.83 95% CI(–$33.52, –$0.14)]; African American [–$32.05 95% CI(–$47.99, –$16.12)]; Kinship Care [$28.57 95% CI($14.00, $43.15)].ConclusionsMost children enrolled in WA FC for ≥11 months during 2008 did not receive dental care. Research is needed to determine the level of unmet need among children in FC and interventions to improve access to oral health of the children. Enforcement of existing federal legislation is needed.
Factors associated with surface‐level caries incidence in children aged 9 to 13: the Iowa Fluoride Study
Authors: Broffitt Barbara , Levy Steven M. , Warren John , Cavanaugh Joseph E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveAs dental caries can progress throughout a person's lifetime, understanding caries risk factors unique to specific life phases is important. This study aims to assess caries incidence and risk factors for young adolescents.MethodsParticipants in the longitudinal Iowa Fluoride Study were assessed for dental caries at approximately age 9 and again at age 13. These participants also filled out questionnaires concerning water sources, oral health habits, beverage intakes, parent education and family income. Caries progression (D2+F) was analyzed at the surface level. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to assess associations between surface‐specific first molar occlusal caries incidence and risk factors.ResultsCaries incidence was quite low except on the first molar occlusal surfaces. In initial models of specific risk factors, incidence was positively associated with the surface having a D1 lesion at baseline, low family income, having untreated decay or fillings on other teeth at baseline, lower home water fluoride level, and higher soda pop consumption. In the final multiple variable model, significant interactions were found between tooth brushing frequency and initial D1 status, and also between family income and home tap water fluoride level.ConclusionsD2+F incidence on first molar occlusal surfaces in these young adolescents was associated with prior caries experience on other teeth as well as prior evidence of a D1 lesion on the occlusal surface. More frequent tooth brushing was protective of sound surfaces, and fluoride in home tap water was also protective, but significantly more so for adolescents in low‐income families.
Dietary supplementation with Salvia sahendica attenuates acetylcholinesterase activity and increases mitochondrial transcription factor A and antioxidant proteins in the hippocampus of amyloid beta-injected rats
Authors: Foolad Forough , Khodagholi Fariba 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
We evaluated the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and potential antioxidant effects of Salvia sahendica extract to investigate whether these molecules are involved in learning and memory improvement in rats injected with fibrillar amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide in the CA1 region of their hippocampus.

Methods
Rats were fed with S. sahendica (100 mg/kg/day) for 1 week before Aβ injection. Western blot analysis and enzymatic assays were carried out 7 days after injections.

Key findings
Our results indicated that S. sahendica extract decreased AChE activity. Besides, S. sahendica prevented reduction in the level of nuclear respiratory factor-1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Our data indicated the lack of sensitivity in citrate synthase and reduction in the activity of malate dehydrogenase in the presence of Aβ that was prevented with S. sahendica consumption. Pretreatment with S. sahendica extract impeded reduction of glutathione redox ratio, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, while decreased the malondialdehyde level.

Conclusions
Based on the importance of AChE activity inhibition and increased TFAM level in the prevention of cognitive impairment, the use of S. sahendica could open a new protective issue in therapeutic fields of neurodegenerative disease.