bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible education in Australia
Authors: Hardwick-Franco Kathryn Gay
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to explore the extent to which the South Australian flexible learning option (FLO) secondary school enrolment strategy supports some of the most vulnerable and disengaged students to simultaneously engage in secondary- and higher-education, skills and work-based learning; second, to explore the degree to which this FLO enrolment strategy addresses the United Nations (UN) principles of responsible management education and 17 sustainable development goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach includes a practice perspective, field-notes and documents analysis.

Findings

This paper finds the flexibility inherent in the FLO enrolment strategy goes some way to addressing inequity in education outcomes amongst those who traditionally disengage from education and work-based learning. Findings also highlight ways in which the FLO enrolment strategy addresses some of the UN principals and 17 goals.

Research limitations/implications

This paper supports the work of HESWBL by calling for future research into the long-term benefits of flexible education strategies that support HESWBL, through exploring the benefits to young people, from their perspective, with a view to providing accountability.

Social implications

The paper offers an example of a way a practice perspective can explore an education strategy that addresses “wicked problems” (Rittel and Webber, 1973). Currently, “wicked problems” that pervade member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development include intergenerational poverty, under-education and unemployment.

Originality/value

This paper is valuable because it explores from a practice perspective, how a secondary education enrolment strategy supports vulnerable students engage in their secondary schooling, while simultaneously supporting students achieve higher education, skills and work-based learning.
Generational differences in workplace attitudes and job satisfaction
Authors: Cucina Jeffrey M. , Byle Kevin A. , Martin Nicholas R. , Peyton Sharron T. , Gast Ilene F.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the presence of generational differences in items measuring workplace attitudes (e.g. job satisfaction, employee engagement).

Design/methodology/approach

Data from two empirical studies were used; the first study examined generational differences in large sample, multi-organizational administrations of an employee survey at both the item and general-factor levels. The second study compared job satisfaction ratings between parents and their children from a large nationwide longitudinal survey.

Findings

Although statistically significant, most generational differences in Study 1 did not meet established cutoffs for a medium effect size. Type II error was ruled out given the large power. In Study 2, generational differences again failed to reach Cohen’s cutoff for a medium effect size. Across both studies, over 98 percent of the variance in workplace attitudes lies within groups, as opposed to between groups, and the distributions of scores on these variables overlap by over 79 percent.

Originality/value

Prior studies examining generational differences in workplace attitudes focused on scale-level constructs. The present paper focused on more specific item-level constructs and employed larger sample sizes, which reduced the effects of sampling error. In terms of workplace attitudes, it appears that generations are more similar than they are different.
Predictors of corporate survival in the US and Australia: an exploratory case study
Authors: Purves Nigel , Niblock Scott J.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of financial ratios and non-financial factors of successful and failed corporations in the USA. Specifically, the authors provide evidence on whether financial ratios and non-financial factors can be jointly included as indicators to improve the predictive capacity of organisational success or failure in different countries and sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises a mixed method exploratory case study focussing on listed corporations in the US and Australian manufacturing, agriculture, finance and property sectors.

Findings

The financial ratio findings demonstrate that (with the exception of the failed Australian manufacturing sector) the integrated multi-measure (IMM) ratio approach consistently provides a higher classification rate for the failed and successful groups than those provided by an individual measure. In all cases the IMM method scored higher for US companies (with the exception of the failed Australian property sector). The findings also show that irrespective of the country location or sector, non-financial factors such as board composition and managements’ involvement in organisational strategy impact on a corporation’s success or failure.

Practical implications

The findings reveal that non-financial factors occur prior to financial ratios when attempting to predict organisational success or failure and the IMM approach enables a more thorough examination of the predictive ability of financial ratios for US and Australian organisations. This intuitively indicates that when combined with financial ratios, non-financial factors may be a useful predictor of corporate success or failure across countries and sectors.

Originality/value

Sound internal processes and the identification of both financial ratios and non-financial factors can be utilised to improve the reliability of financial failure models, enable corrective and preventative steps to be implemented by management and potentially reduce the costs of failure for US and Australian organisations.
Assessing the conformity to clinical guidelines in oncology
Authors: Lenkowicz Jacopo , Gatta Roberto , Masciocchi Carlotta , Casà Calogero , Cellini Francesco , Damiani Andrea , Dinapoli Nicola , Valentini Vincenzo
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a methodology to deal with conformance checking through the implementation of computer-interpretable-clinical guidelines (CIGs), and present an application of the methodology to real-world data and a clinical pathway for radiotherapy-related oncological treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

This methodology is implemented by a software able to use the hospital electronic health record data to assess the adherence of the actual executed clinical processes to a clinical pathway, monitoring at the same time management-related efficiency and performance parameters, and ideally, suggesting ways to improve them.

Findings

Three use cases are presented, in which the results of conformance checking are used to compare different branches of the executed guidelines with respect to the adherence to ideal process, temporal distribution of state-to-state transitions, and overall treatment efficacy, in order to extract data-driven evidence that could be of interest for the hospital management.

Originality/value

This approach has the result of applying management-oriented data mining technique on sequential data, typical of process mining, to the result of a conformity check between the preliminary knowledge defined by clinicians and the real-world data, typical of CIGs.
Fully developed mixed convection flow in a vertical microtube with time periodic heating boundary condition
Authors: Jha Basant Kumar , Aina Babatunde
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate fully developed mixed convection flow in the steady-periodic regime for a Newtonian fluid in a vertical microtube in the presence of velocity slip and temperature jump, which has not been accounted for in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, the governing equations for the problem are separated into steady and oscillatory components using separation of variable method; this gives a pair of independent boundary value problems. This is then solved along with its boundary conditions and constraint equations using the method of undetermined coefficient. The exact solutions of momentum and energy equations are obtained under the velocity slip and temperature jump conditions.

Findings

The significant result from the study is that increase in rarefaction parameter as well as fluid–wall interaction parameter decreases the oscillation amplitude of the dimensionless velocity. Furthermore, it was found that the product of dimensionless frequency and Prandtl number initiate a strong convection current inside the microtube.

Practical implications

Such type of study may be used on the determination of the thermal and tangential momentum accommodation coefficients and be applicable to the designs and fabrications of microheat exchanger. Moreover, it provides the possibility to get a bench mark for numerical solvers with reference to basic flow configuration.

Originality/value

These solutions generally deserve great attention, since the application of a magnetic field has been found to be effective tool in controlling the convection current. The current work is aimed as an extension of the previous analytical studies to prove some insight into a number of industrial applications, which use similar configurations.
SmartPooch: pre-venture opportunity assessment
Authors: Rice Mark
Published: June 2018

Synopsis

In an MBA capstone project course, a team of four mid-career, working professionals had assessed the feasibility of a new venture idea. All four were dog-lovers who had been frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the various dog training programs and products in which they had participated. Their idea was to utilize a novel technology to assist dog owners in the training process. After completing the course, the team met to determine whether SmartPooch was just an interesting idea—or alternatively was a sufficiently promising opportunity that one or more of them would continue to explore it.

Research methodology

The four students who are the case protagonists conducted both primary and secondary research. In addition, the case writer conducted additional secondary research and consulted with the four students during the development of the case study.

Relevant courses and levels

Introductory Entrepreneurship course at Master’s or Undergraduate levels

Theoretical bases

Frameworks from which feasibility analysis questions were derived include Mullins’ New Business Road Test and Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas. The discussion of opportunity recognition starts with the definition of opportunity drawn from Hansen, D.J.; Shrader, R.; and Monllor, J. (2009), “Composite definitions of entrepreneurial opportunity and their operationalizations: toward a typology”, Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, Vol. 29 No. 17.
Facultative bacterial endosymbionts shape parasitoid food webs in natural host populations: A correlative analysis
Authors: Ye Zhengpei , Vollhardt Ines M. G. , Parth Nadia , Rubbmark Oskar , Traugott Michael
Published: June 2018

Facultative bacterial endosymbionts can protect their aphid hosts from natural enemies such as hymenopteran parasitoids. As such, they have the capability to modulate interactions between aphids, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. However, the magnitude of these effects in natural aphid populations and their associated parasitoid communities is currently unknown. Moreover, environmental factors such as plant fertilization and landscape complexity are known to affect aphid–parasitoid interactions but it remains unclear how such environmental factors affect the interplay between aphids, parasitoids and endosymbionts.

Here, we tested whether facultative endosymbionts confer protection to parasitoids in natural populations of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, and if this is affected by plant fertilization and landscape complexity. Furthermore, we examined whether the effects of facultative endosymbionts can cascade up to the hyperparasitoid level and increase primary‐hyperparasitoid food web specialization.

Living aphids and mummies were collected in fertilized and unfertilized plots within 13 wheat fields in Central Germany. We assessed the occurrence of primary parasitoid, hyperparasitoid and endosymbiont species in aphids and mummies using a newly established molecular approach.

Facultative endosymbiont infection rates were high across fields (~80%), independent of whether aphids were parasitized or unparasitized. Aphid mummies exhibited a significantly lower share of facultative endosymbiont infection (~38%). These findings suggest that facultative endosymbionts do not affect parasitoid oviposition behaviour, but decrease parasitoid survival in the host. Facultative endosymbiont infection rates were lower in mummies collected from fertilized compared to unfertilized plants, indicating that plant fertilization boosts the facultative endosymbiont protective effect. Furthermore, we found strong evidence for species‐specific and negative cascading effects of facultative endosymbionts on primary and hyperparasitoids, respectively. Facultative endosymbionts impacted parasitoid assemblages and increased the specialization of primary‐hyperparasitoid food webs: these effects were independent from and much stronger than other environmental factors.

The current findings strongly suggest that facultative endosymbionts act as a driving force in aphid–parasitoid–hyperparasitoid networks: they shape insect community composition at different trophic levels and modulate, directly and indirectly, the interactions between aphids, parasitoids and their environment.
The Neoliberalization of Municipal Land Policy in Sweden
Authors: Olsson Lina
Published: June 2018

In Sweden, local governments’ practice of the ‘municipal land instrument’—that is, the use of public land ownership as a tool for facilitating urban development—has a long tradition. In the post‐war era, public land ownership constituted an important component of state‐led housing production, which had both a productive and a redistributive purpose. Departing from a political economy perspective, this article demonstrates how the redistributive aspect of the municipal land instrument has been dissolved under neoliberalization, and discusses why the use of this instrument is problematic from both a democratic and ethical point of view. Based on a case study in Helsingborg, the article argues that, in using public land to leverage private investment in urban development, local decision makers adopt an interest in supporting rent extraction from tenants and housing owners, while subsidizing investment costs for developers. The dual role that municipalities assume as landowner‐developers and planning authorities enable them to facilitate urban development effectively, but it is also problematic because it transgresses the public–private law divide inherent to Swedish law. Assuming this dual role, municipalities place themselves in a biased position that risks undermining the legitimacy of governmental actions in general, and the planning system in particular.
Rapid rise in the incidence and clinical characteristics of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in a South–East Asian cohort in Singapore, 1994–2015
Authors: Ong Christina , Aw Marion M , Liwanag Maria J , Quak Seng H , Phua Kong B
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVES

Epidemiological studies on pediatric‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) are scarce in South–East Asia (SEA). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence trend and clinical characteristics of PIBD in a SEA cohort in Singapore over 22 years (1994–2015).

METHODS

Case records of PIBD ≤18 years from the only two tertiary pediatric hospitals in Singapore were reviewed. The mean annual incidence (MAI) of PIBD was calculated based on Singapore's age‐specific population data.

RESULTS

Overall MAI of PIBD was 1.26 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–1.96). During the first decade (1994‐2004) MAI was 0.23 per 100 000 (95% CI 0.08–0.39); this rose almost 10‐fold to 2.28 per 100 000 (95% CI 1.15–3.41) during the second decade (2005–2015). Linear regression analysis showed significant increase in MAI over the 22‐year period (r = 0.826, P < 0001). Of the 228 patients, 61.0% had Crohn's disease (CD), 30.3% ulcerative colitis and 8.7% IBD‐unclassified, with a mdian age at diagnosis of 10.47 years and a male predominance (58.3%); 37.7% of them aged <10 years at diagnosis and 17.5% were very early‐onset IBD. In CD, 27.3% had stricturing and/or penetrating disease and 21.6% were with perianal disease. Indians had a disproportionately high representation while positive family history was rare (1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although PIBD is uncommon in Singapore, its incidence has risen dramatically over recent decades. A younger age of disease onset and higher proportions of perianal and stricturing/penetrating diseases suggest more aggressive disease than in Western data.
Fifty Percent Human – how art brings us in touch with our microbial cohabitants
Authors: Bäumel Sonja , Tytgat Hanne L. P. , Nemec Birgit , Schmidt Ruth , Chia Loo Wee , Smidt Hauke
Published: June 2018

The Human Microbiome, as well as the exploration of the microorganisms inhabiting the human body, are not only integral to the field of microbiology but represent an intrinsic part of all human beings. Consequently, along with scientists, artists have been inspired by the microbiome: transforming it in to tangible artefacts in order to critically question, reflect on and break down the barrier between humans and their microcohabitants. By artistic means, artists help us to understand how microbial research topics are inevitably affected by societal influences, including (health) politics, economics and the arts. Fifty Percent Human is a multidisciplinary artistic research project that aims to reshape our understanding of the human body and its environment as well as to explore possibilities for conscious coexistence in order to bridge the gap between science and society.
Effect of tildrakizumab (MK‐3222), a high affinity, selective anti‐IL23p19 monoclonal antibody, on cytochrome P450 metabolism in subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis
Authors: Khalilieh Sauzanne , Hussain Azher , Montgomery Diana , Levine Vanessa , Shaw Peter M. , Bodrug Inga , Mekokishvili Lally , Bailey‐Smith Candice , Glasgow Xiaoli S. , Cheng Amy , Martinho Monika , Iwamoto Marian
Published: June 2018

Aims

Tildrakizumab, an interleukin (IL)‐23 inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Although tildrakizumab is not metabolized by, and does not alter, cytochrome P450 (CYP) expression in vitro, clinically significant pharmacokinetic effects through changes in systemic inflammation, which alters CYP metabolism, have been well documented. At the time of study conduct, the effect of modulation of inflammation/cytokines, including IL‐23 inhibition with tildrakizumab, on CYP metabolism, and therefore the potential for disease–drug interactions, in psoriasis patients was unknown. We therefore assessed whether tildrakizumab alters CYP metabolism in subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Methods

This was an open‐label, fixed‐sequence, two‐period trial. In Period 1 (Day 1), subjects received an oral CYP probe cocktail of up to five drugs (midazolam 2 mg [3A4], caffeine 200 mg [1A2], warfarin 10 mg [2C9], omeprazole 40 mg [2C19] and dextromethorphan 30 mg [2D6]), followed by a 7‐day washout. In Period 2, subjects received tildrakizumab 200 mg subcutaneously on Days 1 and 29 and a second CYP probe cocktail on Day 57. Substrate or metabolite pharmacokinetics, safety and changes in Psoriasis Severity Area Index (PASI), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), were assessed.

Results

Twenty subjects (13 men, 7 women) were enrolled. Tildrakizumab had no clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of any of the probe substrates tested. On Day 57 of Period 2, the median percentage decrease from baseline in PASI score following tildrakizumab was ~93%. There were no clinically relevant changes in IL‐6 or hs‐CRP. Treatment with tildrakizumab was generally well tolerated.

Conclusion

In subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis, tildrakizumab 200 mg did not have a discernible effect on CYP metabolism. The potential for clinically significant drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with tildrakizumab in patients with psoriasis is low. The difference in the occurrence of DDIs seen with anti‐inflammatory agents in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with psoriasis patients may be due to the much greater extent of systemic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis as compared to psoriasis.
The challenges of ‘medical cannabis’ and mental health: a clinical perspective
Authors: Newton‐Howes Giles
Published: June 2018

The use of cannabis as a medicine has a long tradition in Western medicine. It has been seen as a viable option for the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric conditions, and recently there is again interest in the place of cannabinoids in the pharmacopoeia. What has become increasingly clear, however, is these benefits need to be weighed carefully against the potential difficulty associated with herbal cannabis and cannabinoid compounds for an individual's mental health. This challenges the use of cannabis as a medication and the regulation of its prescription.
MEDI0382, a GLP‐1/glucagon receptor dual agonist, meets safety and tolerability endpoints in a single‐dose, healthy‐subject, randomized, Phase 1 study
Authors: Ambery Philip D. , Klammt Sebastian , Posch Maximillian G. , Petrone Marcella , Pu Wenji , Rondinone Cristina , Jermutus Lutz , Hirshberg Boaz
Published: June 2018

Aims

MEDI0382 is a balanced glucagon‐like peptide‐1/glucagon receptor dual agonist under development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. The primary objective was to assess the safety of MEDI0382 in healthy subjects.

Methods

In this placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, Phase 1 study, healthy subjects (aged 18–45 years) were randomized (3:1) to receive a single subcutaneous dose of MEDI0382 or placebo after ≥8 h of fasting. The study consisted of six cohorts that received study drug at 5 μg, 10 μg, 30 μg, 100 μg, 150 μg or 300 μg. The primary objective was safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints included assessments of pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity. All subjects were followed for up to 28 days.

Results

A total of 36 subjects received MEDI0382 (n = 6 per cohort) and 12 subjects received placebo (n = 2 per cohort). Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred more frequently with MEDI0382 vs. placebo, which was mostly due to an increased occurrence at MEDI0382 doses ≥150 μg. All TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. The most common TEAEs were vomiting, nausea and dizziness. There appeared to be a dose‐dependent increase in heart rate with MEDI0382 treatment. MEDI0382 showed linear pharmacokinetic profile (time to maximum plasma concentration: 4.50–9.00 h; elimination half‐life: 9.54–12.07 h). No immunogenicity was observed in the study.

Conclusions

In this single‐dose, Phase 1 study in healthy subjects, the safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of MEDI0382 support once‐daily dosing and further clinical development of MEDI0382.
A pharmacokinetics phase 1 bioequivalence study of the trastuzumab biosimilar MYL‐1401O vs. EU‐trastuzumab and US‐trastuzumab
Authors: Waller Cornelius F. , Vutikullird Apinya , Lawrence Tracey E. , Shaw Andrew , Liu Mark Shiyao , Baczkowski Mark , Sharma Rajiv , Barve Abhijit , Goyal Parag , Donnelly Charles , Sengupta Nilanjan , Pennella Eduardo J.
Published: June 2018

Aims

Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) oncoprotein and is an effective therapy for HER2‐overexpressing breast cancer. MYL‐1401O is a trastuzumab biosimilar. Here, we report results from a phase 1 study that investigated bioequivalence among MYL‐1401O, reference EU‐trastuzumab and US‐trastuzumab.

Methods

This single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, three‐arm, parallel‐group, phase 1 study was conducted in healthy adult male volunteers. Subjects were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a single 8 mg kg−1 dose of MYL‐1401O, EU‐trastuzumab or US‐trastuzumab as a 90‐min intravenous infusion. The primary objective was to assess PK similarity among all three products. Primary endpoints assessed were peak serum concentration (Cmax), area under the serum concentration–time curve from time of dosing to time of last quantifiable concentration and from time of dosing to infinity. Secondary endpoints included time of Cmax, elimination rate constant, half‐life, safety and immunogenicity.

Results

Of 132 subjects enrolled (44/treatment), 120 (MYL‐1401O, n = 42; EU‐trastuzumab, n = 41; US‐trastuzumab, n = 37) were included in the PK analysis. The 90% confidence intervals of the ratios of geometric means for the primary endpoints were bounded within the predefined bioequivalence criterion of 80–125%. Secondary endpoints time of Cmax, elimination rate constant and half‐life were similar among groups. All treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild or moderate, similar across groups and no serious adverse events were reported. No treatment‐related antidrug antibodies were detected.

Conclusions

MYL‐1401O was well tolerated and demonstrated PK and safety profiles similar to EU‐trastuzumab and US‐trastuzumab in healthy volunteers (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02594761).
Adoption and permanence planning in Scotland: Impact of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 on key processes and timescales
Authors: Hanson Lucy , Henderson Gillian , Kurlus Indiya
Published: June 2018

Adoption and permanence planning has been a key feature of Scotland's policy in relation to children and young people who are “looked after.” Although policy and law has significantly developed in recent years, there has been comparatively little research on permanence processes in Scotland. This paper outlines key findings from the first comprehensive study of permanence planning in Scotland. It examines the process for two cohorts of children where adoption or other types of permanence orders were made. The children were selected under the long standing Adoption (Scotland) Act 1978 and the more recent Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007. In total, 300 cases were examined, analysing data from the children's first contact with services through to the order made by the Scottish Courts. This paper pays particular attention to the timescales found at key stages under the two sets of legislation and asks what difference the change in legislation has made.
Patient acceptance and trust in automated computer‐assisted diagnosis of melanoma with dermatofluoroscopy
Authors: Fink Christine , Uhlmann Lorenz , Hofmann Maja , Forschner Andrea , Eigentler Thomas , Garbe Claus , Enk Alexander , Haenssle Holger A.
Published: June 2018

Background and objectives

Automated computer‐guided diagnostic procedures are increasingly being integrated into patient care. However, in contrast to the increasing application of automation, patient acceptance and trust in such technologies has rarely been studied. Automated diagnosis of melanoma with dermatofluoroscopy was recently approved by regulatory agencies. The objective of this study is to assess patient acceptance and trust in automated melanoma diagnosis with dermatofluoroscopy.

Patients and methods

We examined 140 pigmented skin lesions with dermatofluoroscopy as part of a prospective clinical study. Four weeks after their examination with dermatofluoroscopy, we contacted 100 patients with a 10‐item questionnaire addressing their acceptance and trust in this technology on a five‐point visual analogue scale.

Results

A “high” to “very high” level of patient acceptance and trust in dermatofluoroscopy was found in 74 % of responders. Most patients agreed that computer‐assisted diagnoses are trustworthy and may generally improve the diagnostic performance of physicians. However, all responders insisted on the interpretation of computer‐assisted diagnoses by a physician and frequently rejected the idea of computers completely replacing physicians.

Conclusion

Patient acceptance and trust in dermatofluoroscopy was high. Patients clearly supported the use of automated, computer‐assisted diagnostics as an adjunct to the physicians' examination.
How should we diagnose acute disseminated encephalomyelitis?
Authors: Hardy Todd A
Published: June 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Boesen et al. on pages 1123–1131 of this issue.
Bergmann's rule in alien birds
Authors: Blackburn Tim M. , Redding David W. , Dyer Ellie E.
Published: June 2018

Native bird species show latitudinal gradients in body size across species (Bergmann's rule), but whether or not such gradients are recapitulated in the alien distributions of bird species are unknown. Here, we test for the existence of Bergmann's rule in alien bird species worldwide, and investigate the causes of the observed patterns. Published databases were used to obtain the worldwide distributions of established alien bird populations, the locations of alien bird introductions, and bird body masses. Randomisation tests and linear models were used to assess latitudinal patterns in the body masses of introduced and established alien bird populations. Established alien bird species exhibit Bergmann's rule, but this is largely explained by where alien bird species have been introduced: latitudinal variation in the body masses of established alien bird species simply reflects latitudinal variation in the body masses of introduced species. There is some evidence that body mass is implicated in whether or not established species’ alien ranges spread towards or contract away from the Equator following establishment. However, most alien bird ranges are encompassed by the latitudinal band(s) to which the species was introduced. Bergmann's rule in alien birds is therefore a consequence of where humans have introduced different species, rather than of natural processes operating after population introduction.
Microclimatic buffering in forests of the future: the role of local water balance
Authors: Davis Kimberley T. , Dobrowski Solomon Z. , Holden Zachary A. , Higuera Philip E. , Abatzoglou John T.
Published: June 2018

Forest canopies buffer climate extremes and promote microclimates that may function as refugia for understory species under changing climate. However, the biophysical conditions that promote and maintain microclimatic buffering and its stability through time are largely unresolved. We posited that forest microclimatic buffering is sensitive to local water balance and canopy cover, and we measured this effect during the growing season across a climate gradient in forests of the northwestern United States (US). We found that forest canopies buffer extremes of maximum temperature and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), with biologically meaningful effect sizes. For example, during the growing season, maximum temperature and VPD under at least 50% forest canopy were 5.3°C and 1.1 kPa lower on average, respectively, compared to areas without canopy cover. Canopy buffering of temperature and vapor pressure deficit was greater at higher levels of canopy cover, and varied with water balance, implying that buffering effects are subject to changes in local hydrology. We project changes in the water balance for the mid‐21st century and predict how such changes may impact the ability of western US forests to buffer climate extremes. Our results suggest that some forests will lose their capacity to buffer climate extremes as sites become increasingly water limited. Changes in water balance combined with accelerating canopy losses due to increases in the frequency and severity of disturbance will create potentially non‐linear changes in the microclimate conditions of western US forests.
Cannabis use as a risk factor for psychotic‐like experiences: A systematic review of non‐clinical populations evaluated with the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences
Authors: Ragazzi Taciana C. C. , Shuhama Rosana , Menezes Paulo R. , Del‐Ben Cristina M.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Epidemiological data have provided evidence that psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) can occur in the general population, not necessarily accompanied by the impairment and suffering observed in formal psychiatric diagnoses. According to the psychosis continuum hypothesis, PLEs would be subject to the same risk factors as frank psychosis. The aim of this review was to summarize observational studies that evaluated cannabis use as a risk factor for PLEs as determined by the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences in non‐clinical samples. The instrument composed of 3 dimensions—positive, negative and depressive—is a scale specifically designed to assess the occurrence, frequency and impact of PLEs in non‐clinical population.

Methods

We searched PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and PsycInfo electronic databases for indexed peer‐reviewed studies published until September 2017.

Results

We initially identified 100 articles. The PRISMA model for systematic reviews was used and 19 full‐text articles were analysed. In general, the findings suggested that the higher the cannabis use and the younger the participants, the higher the reports of PLEs, although associations were more consistent for the positive dimension.

Conclusions

More attention should be paid to the understanding of the risk factors of PLEs in the general population, since these experiences are themselves a risk for psychotic disorders.
Trajectories after first‐episode psychosis: Complement to ambiguous outcomes of long‐term antipsychotic treatment by exploring a few hidden cases
Authors: Liu Chen‐Chung , Lin Yi‐Ting , Liu Chih‐Min , Hsieh Ming H. , Chien Yi‐Ling , Hwang Tzung‐Jeng , Hwu Hai‐Gwo
Published: June 2018

Aim

Patient's long‐term phenomenology after first‐episode psychosis could be blurred due to early intervention. The contradictory messages regarding necessity of long‐term antipsychotic treatment derived from different methodologies warrants careful reappraisal.

Methods

We approached a group of patients lost to follow‐up in a previous study. Targeting these 44 missing patients, we sent 2 carefully worded letters to invite them for interviews to see if their life trajectories were different from those who stayed in a university‐based hospital system.

Results

A total of 21 patients replied, but only 8 agreed to in‐depth interviews. Of these, 2 warranted revision of their diagnoses as there had been no recurrence of psychotic symptoms and they had remained antipsychotic‐free for several years despite displaying a dysthymic state; 1 fulfilled remission criteria on intermittent low‐dose antipsychotics but kept a distance from any potential stressor; 1 achieved full remission with good functioning and discontinued medications for a year, but resumed taking antipsychotics after feeling an impending relapse; the other 4 showed common courses of chronic schizophrenia with repeated admission and/or rehabilitation programs in other service systems.

Conclusions

The trajectories after first‐episode psychosis should not be over‐simplified by calculating the probability of relapse or the odds of achieving adequate functioning determined by medication adherence or not. Examining from a dynamic perspective employing a qualitative approach to take into account diagnostic stability, treatment preferences, psychosocial factors, individual coping strategies and personalized formulation of illness, we can gain more insight into the ambiguous information revealed by the recent literature.
Conceptualizations of subjective recovery from recent onset psychosis and its associated factors: A systematic review
Authors: Temesgen Worku A. , Chien Wai Tong , Bressington Daniel
Published: June 2018

Aim

There is no standard definition of “subjective recovery” from psychosis, its nature is currently contested and debated among service‐users and professionals. Individual studies have explored conceptualizations of subjective recovery from recent onset psychosis, but there have been no previously published systematic reviews on the topic. The aim of this review was to examine and synthesize quantitative and qualitative studies examining the concept of subjective recovery from recent onset psychosis and identify common factors associated with this recovery process.

Methods

Relevant electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) were searched and hand searches were also carried out. Publications in each database from the inceptions of the databases to April 12, 2017 were included. Data from selected articles were extracted using a piloted extraction form and thematic integrative analysis was performed.

Results

Ten studies with different study designs were included in this review. Subjective recovery was conceptualized into 3 main themes: “recovery as outcome”, “recovery as process” and “endeavours during recovery”. Factors contributing to subjective recovery were categorized into 4 main themes; “treatment related”, “illness related”, “individual related” and “social environment” related. Non‐linear and subjective nature of the process of recovery were reinforced by the review findings.

Conclusions

Studies in subjective recovery from recent onset psychosis are limited to developed countries. Acquiring hope and self‐confidence, overcoming symptoms and stigma through mobilizing all resources available were accentuated in conceptualizing subjective recovery and related factors. Recovery‐oriented health care services should acknowledge individual differences and involve service users in their care decisions.
Calibration of the potential drop method by means of electric FE analyses and experimental validation for a range of crack shapes
Authors: Campagnolo A. , Meneghetti G. , Berto F. , Tanaka K.
Published: June 2018

In experimental fatigue tests, it may be necessary to identify the onset of crack initiation, which is often defined at a given (short) crack length. Different experimental techniques are available to estimate the initiated crack size, one of which is the direct current potential drop technique. In this paper, the calibration curves reporting the potential drop change as a function of the crack depth have been derived by means of 3D electrical finite element analyses. Driven by previous experimental observations, two different crack shapes have been considered: (i) circumferential and (ii) semi‐elliptical surface cracks. Dealing with circumferential cracks, the effects of the three‐dimensional distribution of the electric current density and the temperature have been investigated. Concerning semi‐elliptical surface cracks, the effects of the crack aspect ratio and the potential probes locations have been analysed. Finally, the obtained calibration curves have been validated against experimental measurements, obtained by fatigue testing notched specimens under a selection of loading conditions.
Stock assessment of the blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus, in the North‐eastern Atlantic
Authors: Vasconcelos Joana , Sousa Ricardo , Riera Rodrigo , Delgado João , Faria Graça , Serrano Gordo Leonel
Published: June 2018

A total of 49,151 blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus, (Bowdich) was collected in Madeira Island (North‐eastern Atlantic) between 2002 and 2016 to evaluate possible influence of fishing on landings and reproductive parameters. A decreasing trend in the length composition was observed over the study period and length at first maturity decreased by 2.78 cm TL. Maximum yield per recruit decreased from 2002 to 2016 but the corresponding fishing mortality was constant (Fmax = 0.4/year). Considering the fishing mortality level in 2016, it is evident that the stock may be exploited beyond its sustainability limit. Amendments of the purse‐seine fishing regulations and implementation of measures to reduce fishing effort are suggested.
Predictors of First‐Line Treatment Success in Children and Adolescents Visiting an Infusion Center for Acute Migraine
Authors: Orr Serena L. , Kabbouche Marielle A. , Horn Paul S. , O'Brien Hope L. , Kacperski Joanne , LeCates Susan , White Shannon , Weberding Jessica , Miller Mimi N. , Powers Scott W. , Hershey Andrew D.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To characterize a population of pediatric patients visiting an infusion center for acute migraine and determine predictors of first‐line treatment success in this population.

Background

Though migraine is common in the pediatric emergency department and specialized infusion centers, little is known about this patient population and whether or not clinical data can be used to predict treatment response.

Methods

This was an observational study involving a retrospective analysis of data from visits to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital infusion center for treatment of an acute migraine. Data were extracted from a database and chart reviews were completed for missing or outlying data. Descriptive statistics were used to outline patient: sex, age, race, primary ICHD‐III diagnosis, chronic migraine, medication overuse headache (MOH), headache frequency, month of treatment, headache severity, headache duration, use of acute medication at home in the past 24 hours and treatment received (metoclopramide vs prochlorperazine and dexamethasone vs no dexamethasone). The odds of success of first‐line intervention were modeled using simple logistic regression with the above characteristics used as predictors. Predictors with a P value <.05 in the multiple logistic regression model with progressive backwards selection were entered into a final multiple logistic regression model controlling for age, sex and diagnosis, where a P value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Data from 837 visits (n = 837) were included in this analysis. Visits were significantly more frequent in the academic year as compared to the summer (Z = 10.716, P < .0001). In the multiple logistic regression model, the odds of first‐line treatment success decreased as headache frequency increased (OR = 0.951, 95% CI = 0.934‐0.969, P < .0001), were higher for patients without MOH (OR = 1.528, 95% CI = 1.097‐3.714, P = .0469), and were higher for patients who did not receive dexamethasone (OR = 1.528, 95% CI = 1.097‐3.714, P = .0469).

Conclusions

Higher baseline headache frequency and presence of MOH may predict lower odds of treatment success after first‐line intervention for pediatric migraine in the acute setting. These predictors may be useful in stratifying patients for treatment protocols and for planning future intervention studies.
Breaking the silence: An empirical analysis of the drivers of internal auditors' moral courage
Authors: Khelil Imen , Akrout Onsa , Hussainey Khaled , Noubbigh Hédi
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the effect of positive states, perceived supervisor support and independence of internal audit function on internal auditors' moral courage. Although extensive research has suggested that risk of feared consequences is the major cause that inhibits internal auditors from reporting managerial fraud, there has been little empirical investigation into the way of fostering internal auditors' moral courage to speak up. This study used a survey of 146 internal auditors in Tunisia. The partial least squares–structural equation model was used to test our hypotheses. The results indicate that self‐efficacy, resilience, perceived supervisor support and the independence of internal audit function have a positive effect on the internal auditors' moral courage; however, state hope does not show a significant link. Additionally, we find that women experience higher levels of moral courage than men do.
Malocclusion and maxillofacial characteristics of young girls having precocious puberty
Authors: de Paula Júnior Delcides Ferreira , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco , da Costa Paulo Sérgio Sucasas , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues
Published: June 2018

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the dentofacial characteristics and need for orthodontic treatment in young girls having precocious puberty (PP).

Design

It was a cross‐sectional study that included 39 girls, age ranging from 6 to 11 years old, with confirmed diagnosis of PP. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) were used to assess malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment, and cephalometric analysis was used for the diagnosis of facial growth abnormalities. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and one‐sample t‐test.

Results

Findings revealed high prevalence (64.1%) of severe and very severe malocclusion (DAI grades 3‐4), and 82.1% of cases were classified as having moderate to high treatment need (IOTN grades 3‐4). All linear cephalometric measures and most of the angular parameters differed significantly from the reference values, indicating a tendency for Class II molar relationship. There was a high proportion of the sample outside the reference value limits, ranging from 79.5% of cases below the reference limits for facial height to 59.0% of cases above the limits for incisor‐mandibular plane angle.

Conclusions

Results suggest that dental and craniofacial development may be associated with PP in young girls, which may be considered in the diagnosis and treatment decisions for orthopaedic/orthodontic intervention.
Characteristics of atrial fibrillation patients suffering atrioesophageal fistula after radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Kim Yun Gi , Shim Jaemin , Kim Dong‐Hyeok , Choi Jong‐Il , Park Sang‐Weon , Pak Hui‐Nam , Kim Young‐Hoon
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients can cause various complications and atrioesophageal (AE) fistula is one of the most catastrophic complications of RFCA.

Methods and results

RFCA registries from 3 cardiovascular centers in the Republic of Korea consisted of 5721 patients undergoing 6724 procedures. Before undergoing RFCA, patients underwent either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated clinical, anatomical, and procedural characteristics of patients who developed AE fistula after RFCA. A total of 10 patients developed AE fistula after RFCA (0.15% per procedure). All AE fistulas occurred during first‐time RFCA. Eight patients died and mortality rate was 80.0%. No patients had any gastrointestinal symptom at the time of discharge and mean duration time from RFCA to symptom onset was 23.4 days. Six patients (60.0%) had paroxysmal AF. Substrate modification in addition to pulmonary vein isolation was performed in 4 patients (40.0%). Patients with old age, low body weight, and high CHA2DS2‐VASc score were at increased risk of AE fistula. Baseline imaging evaluation revealed that esophagus had closest contact with LA posterior wall near left inferior pulmonary vein rather than left superior pulmonary vein and all documented AE fistulas were located near left inferior pulmonary vein.

Conclusion

Posterior wall of LA near left inferior pulmonary vein was the most vulnerable location for AE fistula. Pulmonary vein isolation was the main lesion set associated with AE fistula and old age, low body weight, and high CHA2DS2‐VASc score were significant risk factors for AE fistula.