bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate disclosure and foreign share ownership: empirical evidence from African countries
Authors: Bokpin Godfred A. , Isshaq Zangina , Nyarko Eunice  Stella
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The study aims to seeks to ascertain the impact of corporate disclosure on foreign equity ownership. Corporate disclosures are important to for stock markets because it is an activity that mitigates information differences between company insiders and outsiders.

Design/methodology/approach

– Corporate disclosures assume an even greater important when company outsiders are not domiciled in the same country as the company and the company insiders. In this study, the relation between foreign share ownership and corporate disclosures using data on Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria is examined.

Findings

– The consistent results in this study are that foreign share ownership is positively related to firm size. A negative relation, however, between foreign share ownership and corporate disclosure is found, but this turns out to be related to disclosures about ownership, while disclosures on financial reporting and board management have a positive and insignificant statistical relation taking into account unobserved country, time and firm effects. Further analysis shows that corporate disclosures are very persistent and negatively related to lag foreign share ownership. No consistent statistical relation is found between disclosure and market-to-book values as a proxy for investment opportunities. It is recommended to African-listed firms to pursue adoption of high-quality financial reporting standards and to increase their reporting on board management. The study also recommends that the African Government weighs the benefits of detailed ownership disclosures.

Originality/value

– The study utilises frontier market data to complement existing literature on how corporate disclosure and transparency influences foreign investors decision to invest in Africa.
The imposing of constraints on capital flows in emerging economies
Authors: Yeoh Peter
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the practicality and implications of capital controls in emerging economies in the international financial landscape subsequent to the 1997 Asian financial crisis (AFC) and the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC).

Design/methodology/approach

– The doctrinal approach used in this study relies primarily on primary data from relevant statutes and regulations in the capital and financial markets, and secondary data from research findings of published sources available in the public domain. It also makes concurrent use of the case study approach.

Findings

– The disdain over the use of capital controls by emerging economies such as Malaysia in the 1997 AFC by multilateral agencies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since then and particularly after the 2008 GFC and the 2011/2012 European financial crisis (EFC) has been quietly and gradually transformed into a viable policy option under defined circumstances, especially at the IMF and global forums like the G20. The 1997 AFC in particular induced East Asian economies and others to strengthen the macroeconomic and financial positions, such that they were not only able to withstand the impacts of the 2008 GFC and the 2011/2012 EFC but also contributed to their gradual recoveries through their participation as net lenders to the IMF. The enhanced confidence of these emerging economies to use various capital controls without seeking IMF support spawned new thinking at the IMF to result in the introduction of policy guidelines sanctioning the use of capital controls under particular circumstances.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is constrained by the usual limitations connected with qualitative studies, but this is generally mitigated by triangulation of perspectives and so on.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a critical overview of the pros and cons of capital controls. In particular, it analyses the implications of capital controls as a policy option for emerging economies when facing severe financial crisis. It also critically discusses how and why flowing from the aftermath of its application by Malaysia in the 1997 AFC and subsequent employment by other successful emerging economies in response to the 2008 GFC and 2011/2012 EFC, multilateral institutions such as the IMF and international forum like the G20 developed a more positive approach toward the use of capital controls.
Corporate social responsibility of mining industries
Authors: Sharma Deepankar , Bhatnagar Priya
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the community development approaches of large-scale mining companies, with particular reference to how they may engender community dependency.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins with a review of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the mining industry, corporate community initiatives and the problem of mining dependency at a national, regional and local levels.

Findings

– It outlines some of the reasons why less-developed countries (LDCs) experience under-development and detrimental effects as a result of their linkages with industrialized countries. LDCs are not able to take advantage of advanced technology and management skills due to being relatively poor in capital and skills, and foreign technologies compete unfairly with and destroy local production techniques, creating a pool of unemployable “marginalized” people. Holder’s of investments in LDCs demand annual returns for continued support – profits are taken out of the country or guaranteed by tax concessions. Unwillingness of foreign firms to train local people to take over management positions.

Originality/value

– This paper explores how the need to address sustainability issues has affected communities, and whether community development initiatives have been effective in contributing to more sustainable communities.
Experimental analysis for rheological properties of aluminium oxide (Al2O3)/gear oil (SAE EP-90) nanolubricant used in HEMM
Authors: Kotia Ankit , Ghosh Subrata Kumar
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to experimentally investigate the effect of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles on gear oil (SAE EP 90) as a lubricant in heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM).

Design/methodology/approach

– Particle size distribution, viscosity, density, stability and other rheological properties have been measured. The variations in rheological properties with varying nanoparticle volume fraction and temperature have been investigated at atmospheric pressure over a temperature range of 15-40°C. Classical as well as modified Krieger – Dougherty models have been used for finding out viscosity variation and a new empirical model has been presented.

Findings

– Dynamic light scattering data confirm the presence of large agglomeration of about 5.5 times of primary nanoparticles in nanofluid. Nanofluid starts behaving as a non-Newtonian fluid with increasing nanoparticle volume fraction. Viscosity of nanofluid is enhanced by 1.7 times of base fluid with 2 per cent volume fraction of Al2O3 nanoparticles, while it significantly decreases with increase in temperature. The stability of nanofluid decreases with increase in nanoparticle volume fraction due to settling down of nanoparticles. It has also been observed that shear thinning increases with increasing nanoparticle volume fraction.

Practical implications

– It is expected that these findings will contribute towards the improvement in rheological and thermal properties of the conventional lubricants used in HEMM. The outcome may help the designers, researchers and manufacturers of the HEMM.

Originality/value

– Most of the previous research in this field is confined with base fluid as water, ethylene glycol, transformer oil, etc. Gear oil in HEMM performs under high mechanical and thermal load. The Al2O3/gear oil nanofluid is expected to have better cooling and lubrication properties.
Tribological behavior of femtosecond laser textured surfaces of 20CrNiMo/beryllium bronze tribo-pairs
Authors: He Xia , Zhong Lin , Wang Guorong , Liao Yang , Liu Qingyou
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to carry out tribological experiments to explore the applications of femtosecond laser surface texturing technology on rock bit sliding bearing to enhance the lifetime and working performance of rock bit sliding bearing under high temperature and heavy load conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Surface textures on beryllium bronze specimen were fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation (800 nm wavelength, 40 fs pulse duration, 1 kHz pulse repetition frequency), and then the tribological behaviors of pin-on-disc configuration of rock bit bearing were performed with 20CrNiMo/beryllium bronze tribo-pairs under non-Newtonian lubrication of rock bit grease.

Findings

– The results showed that the surface texture on beryllium bronze specimens with specific geometrical features can be achieved by optimizing femtosecond laser processing via adjusting laser peak power and exposure time; more than 52 per cent of friction reduction was obtained from surface texture with a depth-to-diameter ratio of 0.165 and area ratio of 5 per cent at a shear rate of 1301 s−1 under the heavy load of 20 MPa and high temperature of 120°C, and the lubrication regime of rock bit bearing unit tribo-pairs was improved from boundary to mixed lubrication, which indicated that femtosecond laser ablation technique showed great potential in promoting service life and working performance of rock bit bearing.

Originality/value

– Femtosecond laser-irradiated surface texture has the potential possibility for application in rock bit sliding bearing to improve the lubrication performance. Because proper micro dimples showed good lubrication and wear resistance performance for unit tribo-pairs of rock bit sliding bearing under high temperature, heavy load and non-Newtonian lubrication conditions, which is very important to improve the efficiency of breaking rock and accelerate the development of deep-water oil and gas resources.
Effects of fly ash content on the friction-wear performance of bronze-based brake lining materials produced by the hot-pressing method
Authors: Kus Hüsamettin , Altiparmak Duran
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of fly ash content on the friction–wear performance of bronze-based brake lining material.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, bronze-based brake linings containing 0-12 weight per cent fly ash were produced by the hot-pressing process. The friction-wear properties of the unreinforced bronze matrix brake lining material and fly ash reinforced samples were investigated using a Chase-type friction tester. The hardness and density of the samples were also determined. The microstructures and friction surfaces of the samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

– The experimental results showed that the fly ash content significantly affects the friction-wear properties of the brake lining material. It was found that the friction coefficient increases with the increase in the fly ash content for the brake lining materials studied. Moreover, the mass losses in the wear test were lower for the brake linings containing over 4 weight per cent fly ash than unreinforced bronze-based lining material.

Originality/value

– This study has proven to be useful in exploring fly ash particles as low cost reinforcing materials in improving the friction–wear performance of bronze-based brake lining material. In addition, the use of fly ash particles in the manufacture of brake lining materials contributes to reducing the production cost of brake linings and to a sustainable environment.
Assessment of surface wear properties with initial macro crack defects using on-line visual ferrography and SEM methods
Authors: Yuan Wei , Chin K. S. , Dong Guangneng , Hua Meng
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to optimize the operating condition of mechanical parts, whose working surfaces have macro-crack defects, and surface wear properties with macro-cracks are assessed through experimental investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Macro-cracks perpendicular to the direction of sliding were manufactured on discs by electric discharge machining. Tribological tests under oil lubrication were conducted on a ball-on-disc test rig. Their wear processes were monitored with on-line visual ferrography. The cross-sectional profile and morphology of the wear track were analyzed using a T200 profilometer and a scanning electron microscope, respectively. Effects of different crack numbers and various applied normal loads on the wear behavior were studied.

Findings

– The macro-cracks tend to promote plastic deformation on the contact disc surfaces, and material plastic deformation of the crack edges varies with the magnitude of applied normal loads. Relationship of the duration of running-in period and root mean square index of the particle coverage area with the numbers of crack is approximately linear.

Originality/value

– The wear properties of surfaces with macro-cracks were assessed with various crack numbers and with different applied normal loads, and the relationship between the index of particle coverage area and the wear rate was established.
Gifting from the closet: thoughtful or thoughtless?
Authors: Thomsen Thyra Uth , Zaichkowsky Judith Lynne
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the random collection of items for gifting which are stored in one’s home in a special place. Traditional gift-giving models suggest gift givers buy gifts for certain recipients on certain occasions. This study
'
s journey into gift storage finds that some gift-giving practices are initially acquisition-less, recipient-less and/or occasion-less.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a convenience sample of 111, the main functions and motivations for gift storage are described. From a free elicitation process of gift-closet attributes, a first account of the symbolic meanings that gift storage is embedded in is provided.

Findings

– Seventy-seven per cent per cent of the sample had a gift closet where they stored gifts for which either the occasion or the recipient was not known at the time of acquisition. According to these gift-closet owners, the main purposes of gift closets are convenience, thrift and to have a place for surplus or shopping items.

Social implications

– While it makes sense to some consumers to prepare for future gift-giving occasions by stockpiling items in gift closets, the results indicate that storage may affect the symbolic value of the gift and, ultimately, the development of social ties. Consumers who gift from the closet believe that there are few negatives involved. However, people who do not have gift closets and receive gifts which they suspect are from storage may perceive a lack of caring and even feel insulted.

Originality/value

– Due to the unexplored nature of gift storage, the results reported in this paper represent a first exploratory account of gift storage and its possible effects on the relationship-building capacity of gifts.
Brand evaluation, satisfaction and trust as predictors of brand loyalty: the mediator-moderator effect of brand relationships
Authors: Veloutsou Cleopatra
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine whether the strength of positive brand relationship can either mediate between trust, satisfaction, attitude towards the brand and loyalty or moderate the link between these variables. Existing research has established that trust, satisfaction and the attitude towards the brand contribute to the development of brand loyalty. However, recently, there is a growing stream of research indicating that the brands are not only facilitating transaction but companies can also use them to develop and maintain links with their customers. The exploration of the role of brands in the development of bonds with the customers is still very limited.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 189 women who are using lipstick in Glasgow, Scotland. Respondents were asked to answer a questionnaire keeping in mind their preferred brand.

Findings

– The findings revealed that the strength of the consumer brand relationship is a very strong predictor of brand loyalty. They also suggested that brand relationship does not moderate the relationship between brand trust, satisfaction and brand loyalty, but it mediates the link amongst these constructs.

Research limitations/implications

– One product category was examined. The data were collected from females in a big city with non-probabilistic sampling. Most of the respondents were younger consumers, who may have different behavior compared to older consumers.

Practical implications

– Managers are constantly looking for ways to increase brand loyalty. They need to appreciate the importance of consumer engagement with their brand through positive brand relationships. Therefore, they need to try to develop brand identities and project brand images that will make the brands look as appealing to the consumers as relationship partners.

Originality/value

– This paper supports the view that brands are not only facilitating transactions but can also develop and maintain links with their customers, especially engaged customers, and the exploration of these bonds is still limited. This paper is adding to the literature on brand engagement and brand relationships from a quantitative perspective and is contributing to theory building, as there is no clear theoretical view on whether the brand relationship has a direct effect, i.e. either mediates or moderates the link between these variables.
Asset management determinants of Polish universities
Authors: Rymarzak Malgorzata , Trojanowski Dariusz
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to offer insights into university asset management (AM) and describe the impact that the various determinants have on the process of university AM. The process of university AM is influenced by a range of determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review and a case study were used to achieve the research objective. The case study involved two data collection techniques – interviews and document analysis.

Findings

– Changing conditions of state-run universities, such as decreasing number of students and a tendency to increase the proportion of scientific research activities, require flexible adjustments to the size and structure of the universities’ facility base. Reductions in government grants and increasing maintenance costs of university assets have made it necessary to manage both existing and future assets more effectively to achieve measured improvement of environmental and social performance, to fulfil strategic responsibilities and to create shared value.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper was limited to one practice case study. Additional cases could be studied to confirm the findings and increase the usefulness of the methodological framework and improve its application.

Practical implications

– Identifying the various factors that influence the process of university AM would be useful for universities and other public building owners and their decisions-makers, such as chancellors and asset managers. The experience of the Polish market also may support the development of university or public building AM in other countries.

Originality/value

– The process of optimising of university asset structure proposed in this paper can contribute to the better understanding and management of higher education institutions ' assets and to the greater competitiveness and efficiency of the Polish universities. The work is novel in that it provides insights into university AM and describes various determinants from an external (macro and micro) and internal (connected with the university itself) perspective.
The role of functional and symbolic brand associations on brand loyalty
Authors: Esmaeilpour Fariba
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of functional (perceived quality) and symbolic (personality congruence, user imagery congruence, brand prestige and brand tribalism) brand associations in attitude and brand loyalty of Generation Y’s consumers towards two categories of luxury fashion brands.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structural equation modeling method is employed in this research based on data collected from 450 individuals born between 1977 and 1994 in Iran. Watches and sunglasses are two luxury product categories chosen in this study.

Findings

– The findings of the study reveal that perceived quality is the better predictor of brand attitude and brand loyalty. Personality congruence (mediated by perceived brand quality), brand prestige (mediated by perceived brand quality and brand attitude) and brand tribalism (mediated by brand attitude) have an indirect positive effect on brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the historical delay in the entrance and publicity of modern information and communication technologies in Iran compared with the western societies, the studied generation in this paper might not be completely conformed to the mentioned characteristics of Generation Y in terms of using media.

Originality/value

– This study combines consumer-based and community approaches of creation and management of brand to examine loyalty towards luxury fashion brands in Generation Y’s consumers as an attractive segment for luxury brands.
Delaying the implementation of Payment by Results in mental health: the application of standardisation
Authors: Wang Ruoxi , Shaw Ian , Middleton Hugh
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues surrounding a long planned expansion of Payment by Results (PbR) into mental health services and to highlight the factors responsible for the delay.

Design/methodology/approach

– PbR relies upon “standardisation” of conditions and treatments. This depends upon a scheme of classification that can realistically predict resources required to execute treatment of any one case. Plans to fund NHS mental health services on the basis of tariffs derived in this way have been delayed, and a key reason is the lack of high-quality data. This would require effective “standardisation-to the-average” of both a system of classification and a repertoire of costed treatment pathways. This paper investigated the delay implementation by exploring the difficulties in applying standardisation principles to service provision and tariff calculation.

Findings

– The paper identified the fundamental difficulty with PbR’s implementation in applying “standardisation” to practice. This is defining the mental disorder that the patient is suffering and designing care pathways at clinical level considering the balance between practical applicability and conceptual/constructional validity. This is necessary to enable the calculation of a national tariff. The conceptual flaws of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale led to the constructional shortcomings which compromised the credibility and validity of Mental Health Clustering Tool regarding making accurate classification in a standardised way. The validity and credibility of calculating a national tariff thus became contentious on the basis of this inaccurate clinical classification system.

Originality/value

– This paper explored the driving factors of delay in implementing PbR in mental health through connecting the recent reform with the fundamental assumptions of “standardisation-to the-average”, which provided another perspective to illustrate the current obstacles.
Preparing our greatest team
Authors: Arnold Rachel , Hewton Ella , Fletcher David
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors perceived to be associated with the design and delivery of an effective Olympic Games preparation camp.

Design/methodology/approach

– To identify and explore such factors, interviews were conducted with eight members of a preparation camp delivery team for the London 2012 Olympic Games, and with two athletes who had participated in Olympic preparation camps.

Findings

– The results identified four overarching factors that should be considered when designing and delivering an effective Olympic preparation camp: planning, operations, environment, and the delivery team. To illustrate the interrelationships between these factors and situate them within the holistic preparation camp context, an operational model was developed. This model also portrays the chronological ordering of events, individuals involved at each stage, and athlete-centered nature of an Olympic preparation camp.

Originality/value

– Despite the significant amount of Olympic-related research at organizational, environmental, and individual levels, no research to date has holistically examined Olympic preparation campsper se. This study provides the first insight into the factors associated with the design and delivery of an effective Olympic preparation camp, and potential interrelationships between these factors.
On the Outskirts of National Health Reform: A Comparative Assessment of Health Insurance and Access to Care in Puerto Rico and the United States
Authors: PORTELA MARIA , SOMMERS BENJAMIN D.
Published: September 2015

Policy Points:

Puerto Rico is the United States’ largest territory, home to nearly 4 million American citizens, yet it has remained largely on the outskirts of US health policy, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

We analyzed national survey data from 2011 to 2012 and found that despite its far poorer population, Puerto Rico outperforms the mainland United States on several measures of health care coverage and access to care.

While the ACA significantly increases federal resources in Puerto Rico, ongoing federal restrictions on Medicaid funding and premium tax credits in Puerto Rico pose substantial health policy challenges in the territory.

Context

Puerto Rico is the United States’ largest territory, home to nearly 4 million American citizens. Yet it has remained largely on the outskirts of US health policy, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This article presents an overview of Puerto Rico's health care system and a comparative analysis of coverage and access to care in Puerto Rico and the mainland United States.

Methods

We analyzed 2011‐2012 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and 2012 data from the American Community Survey and its counterpart, the Puerto Rico Community Survey. Among adults 18 and older, we examined health insurance coverage; access measures, such as having a usual source of care and cost‐related delays in care; self‐reported health; and the receipt of recommended preventive services, such as cancer screening and glucose testing. We used multivariate regression models to compare Puerto Rico and the mainland United States, adjusted for age, income, race/ethnicity, and other demographic variables.

Findings

Uninsured rates were significantly lower in Puerto Rico (unadjusted 7.4% versus 15.0%, adjusted difference: −12.0%, p < 0.001). Medicaid was far more common in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican residents were more likely than those in the mainland United States to have a usual source of care and to have had a checkup within the past year, and fewer experienced cost‐related delays in care. Screening rates for diabetes, mammograms, and Pap smears were comparable or better in Puerto Rico, while colonoscopy rates were lower. Self‐reported health was slightly worse, but obesity and smoking rates were lower.

Conclusions

Despite its far poorer population, Puerto Rico outperforms the mainland United States on several measures of coverage and access. Congressional policies capping federal Medicaid funds to the territory, however, have contributed to major budgetary challenges. While the ACA has significantly increased federal resources in Puerto Rico, ongoing restrictions on Medicaid funding and premium tax credits are posing substantial health policy challenges in the territory.
Methadone enhances human influenza A virus replication
Authors: Chen Yun‐Hsiang , Wu Kuang‐Lun , Tsai Ming‐Ta , Chien Wei‐Hsien , Chen Mao‐Liang , Wang Yun
Published: September 2015

Growing evidence has indicated that opioids enhance replication of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus in target cells. However, it is unknown whether opioids can enhance replication of other clinically important viral pathogens. In this study, the interaction of opioid agonists and human influenza A/WSN/33 (H1N1) virus was examined in human lung epithelial A549 cells. Cells were exposed to morphine, methadone or buprenorphine followed by human H1N1 viral infection. Exposure to methadone differentially enhanced viral propagation, consistent with an increase in virus adsorption, susceptibility to virus infection and viral protein synthesis. In contrast, morphine or buprenorphine did not alter H1N1 replication. Because A549 cells do not express opioid receptors, methadone‐enhanced H1N1 replication in human lung cells may not be mediated through these receptors. The interaction of methadone and H1N1 virus was also examined in adult mice. Treatment with methadone significantly increased H1N1 viral replication in lungs. Our data suggest that use of methadone facilitates influenza A viral infection in lungs and might raise concerns regarding the possible consequence of an increased risk of serious influenza A virus infection in people who receive treatment in methadone maintenance programs.
The relationship between autonomous motivation and goal pursuit: A cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Jiang Tao , Gore Jonathan S.
Published: September 2015

People pursue their goals for different reasons, and previous research has distinguished two types of autonomous reason: relationally autonomous reasons (RARs) and personally autonomous reasons (PARs). The present study examines how RARs and PARs predict goal performance and well‐being differently for people in individualistic and collectivistic cultures. Participants included 250 American and 246 Chinese undergraduate students. They listed two of the most important goals they were currently pursuing, and completed survey measures to assess their RARs, PARs, goal effort and progress, and personal and collective self‐esteem. The moderating effect of culture on how RARs and PARs influence goal outcomes was tested through structural equation modelling analyses, so that both RARs and PARs could be incorporated into the analyses. The results indicate cultural differences in the degree to which PARs and RARs relate to goal performance and well‐being. Implications regarding the role of autonomy in different cultures are discussed.
Nausea, vomiting and return of bowel function after colorectal surgery
Authors: Barclay Karen L. , Zhu Ying‐Yan , Tacey Mark A.
Published: September 2015

Background

Although patterns of return of bowel function (ROBF) following colorectal surgery with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have been well delineated, regular morphine use is uncommon. This study describes the patterns of post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and ROBF in this context.

Method

Patients undergoing elective major colorectal surgery on an ERAS programme over 1 year were included. Patient details, intra‐operative course, post‐operative management, outcomes and complications were collected retrospectively from clinical records. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 12.

Results

A total of 136/142 (96%) patients received morphine for post‐operative analgesia. Most (112/142, 79%) experienced either no vomiting (87/142, 61%) or small amounts (25/142, 18%). On average, patients without an ileostomy passed flatus and opened their bowels after 2.4 and 4.3 days, those with an ileostomy taking 1.5 and 2.1 days. Vomiting was not related to ROBF (P = 0.370) or overall complications; wound complications (odds ratio (OR) = 8.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–32.5), electrolyte abnormalities (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2–7.1) and length of stay (hazard ratio = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2–1.5) were related.

Conclusion

Most patients do not experience PONV in this context. ROBF is predictable without prolonged delays. This information could be used to allow confident early discharge and identify patients whose deviation from normal may indicate complications.
Still a Nation of Immigrants? Effects of Constructions of National History on Attitudes toward Immigrants
Authors: Bikmen Nida
Published: September 2015

In the United States, the phrase “nation of immigrants” is used to both promote and restrict immigration. Those who use the phrase to promote immigration point to the similarities between current and previous generations of immigrants, whereas those who use it to restrict immigration emphasize the differences between the two generations. The present study examined the effects of the different versions of this historical narrative (similarity‐focused vs. difference‐focused) on 210 U.S. residents’ attitudes toward immigrants during the recent debate about immigration reform. Exposure to the similarity‐focused nation of immigrants reduced perceptions of threat from Mexican immigrants but did not affect the already low level of perceived threat from Russian immigrants. The similarity‐focused version of nation of immigrants exerted an indirect effect on perceived threat from both groups by inducing a sense of identity continuity, which reduced collective angst about the future of the people of the United States. The findings suggest that pro‐immigration policy makers clearly articulate the meaning of nation of immigrants rather than use it as a cliché as the phrase has the potential to induce inclusive attitudes.
How groups cope with collective responsibility for ecological problems: Symbolic coping and collective emotions
Authors: Caillaud Sabine , Bonnot Virginie , Ratiu Eugenia , Krauth‐Gruber Silvia
Published: September 2015

This study explores the way groups cope with collective responsibility for ecological problems. The social representations approach was adopted, and the collective symbolic coping model was used as a frame of analysis, integrating collective emotions to enhance the understanding of coping processes. The original feature of this study is that the analysis is at group level. Seven focus groups were conducted with French students. An original use of focus groups was proposed: Discussions were structured to induce feelings of collective responsibility and enable observation of how groups cope with such feelings at various levels (social knowledge; social identities; group dynamics). Two analyses were conducted: Qualitative analysis of participants’ use of various kinds of knowledge, social categories and the group dynamics, and lexicometric analysis to reveal how emotions varied during the different discussion phases. Results showed that groups’ emotional states moved from negative to positive: They used specific social categories and resorted to shared stereotypes to cope with collective responsibility and maintain the integrity of their worldview. Only then did debate become possible again; it was anchored in the nature‐culture dichotomy such that groups switched from group‐based to system‐based emotions.
Do all men with pathological Gleason score 8–10 prostate cancer have poor outcomes? Results from the SEARCH database
Authors: Fischer Sean , Lin Daniel , Simon Ross M. , Howard Lauren E. , Aronson William J. , Terris Martha K. , Kane Christopher J. , Amling Christopher L. , Cooperberg Matt R. , Freedland Stephen J. , Vidal Adriana C.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To determine whether there are subsets of men with pathological high grade prostate cancer (Gleason score 8–10) with particularly high or low 2‐year biochemical recurrence (BCR) risk after radical prostatectomy (RP) when stratified into groups based on combinations of pathological features, such as surgical margin status, extracapsular extension (ECE) and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI).

Materials and Methods

We identified 459 men treated with RP with pathological Gleason score 8–10 prostate cancer in the SEARCH database. The men were stratified into five groups based on pathological characteristics: group 1, men with negative surgical margins (NSMs) and no ECE; group 2, men with positive surgical margin (PSMs) and no ECE; group 3, men with NSMs and ECE; group 4, men with PSMs and ECE; and group 5, men with SVI. Cox proportional hazards models and the log‐rank test were used to compare BCR among the groups.

Results

At 2 years after RP, pathological group was significantly correlated with BCR (log‐rank, P < 0.001) with patients in group 5 (+SVI) having the highest BCR risk (66%) and those in group 1 (NSMs and no ECE) having the lowest risk (14%). When we compared groups 2, 3, and 4, with each other, there was no significant difference in BCR among the groups (~50% 2‐year BCR risk; log‐rank P = 0.28). Results were similar when adjusting for prostate‐specific antigen, age, pathological Gleason sum and clinical stage, or after excluding men who received adjuvant therapy.

Conclusions

In patients with high grade (Gleason score 8–10) prostate cancer after RP, the presence of either PSMs, ECE or SVI was associated with an increased risk of early BCR, with a 2‐year BCR risk of ≥50%. Conversely, men with organ‐confined margin‐negative disease had a very low risk of early BCR despite Gleason score 8–10 disease.
The development and reliability of an observational tool for assessing mother–child interactions in field studies‐ experience from Pakistan
Authors: Rasheed M. A. , Yousafzai A. K.
Published: September 2015

Background

This study describes the development and reliability testing of an observational tool to measure mother–child interactions with toddlers aged 2 years in a rural low‐income country setting.

Methods

The development protocol comprised five phases with iterative revisions: (1) identification of the theoretical framework for responsive behaviours and selection of items; (2) field testing; (3) expert review; (4) training of the data collection team; and (5) piloting. The final tool was a structured live observational measure assessing a 5‐min interaction of a shared picture‐book‐reading activity. Maternal behaviours assessed included affect, touch, verbal statements and language stimulation; child behaviours assessed included affect, communication and attention.

Results

Following development, the mother–child interaction tool was administered on a cohort of 1390 children at 2 years of age. Using a video strategy, inter‐observer reliability assessed by the Bland–Altman test for mother–child dyads suggested moderate agreement between expert and field assessors on total scores (r = 0.681**,P < 0.001,n = 154). Significant associations of the total interaction score correlations using Pearson's' correlations were found with the Responsiveness (r = 0.271**,P < 0.001,n = 1345) and Involvement (r = 0.325**,P < 0.001,n = 1345) subscales of the Home Observation for Measurement of Environment‐Infant Toddler Inventory, maternal knowledge (r = 0.203**,P < 0.001,n = 1345), maternal depression (r = .‐063**,P < 0.001,n = 1345), child cognitive development (r = 0.392**,P < 0.001,n = 1345) and language development (r = 0.620**,P < 0.001,n = 1345) assessed using the Bayley Scales for Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition.

Conclusion

The authors conclude that this tool can be reliably used by trained assessors to measure mother–child interactions in field studies.
Reduced fat mass and increased lean mass in response to 1 year of melatonin treatment in postmenopausal women: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Amstrup Anne Kristine , Sikjaer Tanja , Pedersen Steen B. , Heickendorff Lene , Mosekilde Leif , Rejnmark Lars
Published: September 2015

Objective

Apart from regulating the circadian rhythm, melatonin exerts a variety of actions in the living organism. Among these functions, melatonin is believed to have a positive effect on body weight and energy metabolism. So far, the evidence for this relies mainly on animal models. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of melatonin on body composition, lipid and glucose metabolism in humans.

Design/methods

In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, we randomized 81 postmenopausal women to 1 year of treatment with melatonin (1 or 3 mg nightly) or placebo. Body composition was measured by DXA. Measures were obtained at baseline and after 1 year of treatment along with leptin, adiponectin and insulin. Markers of glucose homeostasis were measured at the end of the study.

Results

In response to treatment, fat mass decreased in the melatonin group by 6·9% (95% CI: 1·4%; 12·4%, P = 0·02) compared to placebo. A borderline significant increase in lean mass of 5·2% was found in the melatonin group compared to placebo (3·3%, (IQR:−1·7; 6·2) vs −1·9%, (IQR: −5·7; 5·8), P = 0·08). After adjusting for BMI, lean mass increased by 2·6% (95% CI: 0·1; 5·0, P = 0·04) in the melatonin group. Changes in body weight and BMI did not differ between groups. Adiponectin increased borderline significantly by 21% in the melatonin group compared to placebo (P = 0·08). No significant changes were observed for leptin, insulin or markers of glucose homeostasis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a possibly beneficial effect of melatonin on body composition and lipid metabolism as 1 year of treatment reduces fat mass, increases lean mass and is associated with a trend towards an increase in adiponectin.
A Wilderness Approach under the World Heritage Convention
Authors: Kormos Cyril F. , Bertzky Bastian , Jaeger Tilman , Shi Yichuan , Badman Tim , Hilty Jodi A. , Mackey Brendan G. , Mittermeier Russell A. , Locke Harvey , Osipova Elena , Watson James E.M.
Published: September 2015

The World Heritage Convention could make a bigger and more systematic contribution to global wilderness conservation by: (1) ensuring the World Heritage List includes full coverage of Earth's wilderness areas with outstanding universal value and (2) more effectively protecting the ecological integrity of existing World Heritage sites. Here, we assess current coverage of global‐scale wilderness areas within natural World Heritage sites and identify broad gaps where new wilderness sites should be identified for inclusion in the World Heritage List. We also consider how existing mechanisms under the Convention can improve the ecological integrity of existing sites by expanding or buffering them, and by promoting connectivity between World Heritage sites, between World Heritage sites and other protected areas, or both. We suggest that the Convention should consider a new mechanism called a “World Heritage Wilderness Complex” to facilitate a wilderness approach. Finally, we map three landscapes and one seascape to illustrate how World Heritage Wilderness Complexes might be implemented.
Interdisciplinary Priorities for Dissemination, Implementation, and Improvement Science: Frameworks, Mechanics, and Measures
Authors: Brunner Julian W. , Sankaré Ibrahima C. , Kahn Katherine L.
Published: September 2015

Much of dissemination, implementation, and improvement (DII) science is conducted by social scientists, healthcare practitioners, and biomedical researchers. While each of these groups has its own venues for sharing methods and findings, forums that bring together the diverse DII science workforce provide important opportunities for cross‐disciplinary collaboration and learning. In particular, such forums are uniquely positioned to foster the sharing of three important components of research. First: they allow the sharing of conceptual frameworks for DII science that focus on the use and spread of innovations. Second: they provide an opportunity to share strategies for initiating and governing DII research, including approaches for eliciting and incorporating the research priorities of patients, study participants, and healthcare practitioners, and decision‐makers. Third: they allow the sharing of outcome measures well‐suited to the goals of DII science, thereby helping to validate these outcomes in diverse contexts, improving the comparability of findings across settings, and elevating the study of the implementation process itself.
Cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannoma: a poorly recognized entity
Authors: Luzar Boštjan , Tanaka Maiko , Schneider Johann , Calonje Eduardo
Published: September 2015

Background

Microcystic/
reticular schwannoma is exceptionally rare yet distinctive morphological variant of schwannoma with predilection for visceral sites lacking association with neurofibromatosis.

Aims

To further delineate clinicopathological features of cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannoma and to discuss its differential diagnosis.

Results

We analyzed three cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannomas, occurring in two males and one female (mean age: 37.6 years). The tumors presented as a non‐painful slightly raised papule (mean: 0.7 cm) on upper arm (n = 2) and back (n = 1). No recurrences were observed despite marginal excision (mean follow up: 42 months). Histopathologically, a multilobular proliferation was present in the dermis composed of bland tumor cells forming distinctive microcystic, reticular, lace‐like or pseudoglandular structures, containing abundant myxoid/mucinous material. By immunohistochemistry, tumor cells lining microcystic structures corresponded to Schwann cells (diffuse S100 positive, variable GFAP positivity). A discontinuous EMA‐positive perineurium was present at the periphery of some of the lobules.

Conclusion

Cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannoma expands the spectrum of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors with reticular morphology encountered in the skin. Other tumors in this group include reticular perineurioma and hybrid tumors with reticular morphology, e.g. reticular perineurioma/schwannoma and reticular perineurioma/neurofibroma.
Incidence and causes of dental trauma in children living in the county of Värmland, Sweden
Authors: Lexomboon Duangjai , Carlson Christina , Andersson Ragnar , von Bultzingslowen Inger , Mensah Tita
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of injuries to permanent incisors in 2011–2013 in children aged 8–10 years living in the county of Värmland, Sweden, and to compare it with the incidence rates in 1989/1990 in the county of Västmanland, as well as to determine the cause of dental trauma in relation to time and place.

Method

The study analysed the patient records from dental visits (2011–2013) of trauma to the permanent incisors in children aged 8–10 years. The incidence rates were the incidence per 1000 children at risk. Standardized incidence rates were calculated for the comparison between different years. Information about month, location where the trauma occurred as well as cause of trauma was recorded.

Results

A total of 2.2% of 21 721 children aged 8–10 years had experienced at least one trauma. The incidence rate in Värmland increased from 18.9 in 2011 to 21.3 in 2012 to 28.5 in 2013. The standardized incidence rate in Värmland in 2011 and 2012 was not significantly different than in Västmanland in 1989/1990 (P > 0.05), but the standardized rates in 2013 were significantly higher than in 1989/90 (P < 0.001). Dental trauma occurred most often outdoors, followed by sports arenas/sports fields, and more often at school than at home. Falling and slipping was the most common cause of trauma, followed by accidents during leisure activities, playing and sports.

Conclusion

The incidence rate for dental trauma has not decreased in the past 20 years, and there is an indication that parents and teachers should be more aware of the risks of dental trauma at leisure times and at school as well as during sports and exercise.