bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal study on newcomers’ perception of organisational culture
Authors: Turker Duygu , Altuntas Ceren
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse how newcomers’ perceptions of organisational culture can change over time. The study tries to address whether initial working experience changes newcomers’ perceptions about the ideal organisational culture, and whether these perceptions converge with those of their supervisors.

Design/methodology/approach

– A longitudinal survey was carried out on a sample of undergraduate students to measure shifts in their perceptions of organisational culture over time. In order to interpret the results in terms of actual organisational culture, a survey was also conducted with the students’ immediate supervisors.

Findings

– Applying a factor analytic procedure to the aggregate sample of study, the items of an existing scale were reduced to a six-dimensional structure. Based on the results of statistical analysis, the study revealed that initial working experience might affect students’ perception of organisational culture and make these perceptions converge with those of their immediate managers. Specifically, the students’ perceptions about the importance of stability and success orientation dimensions changed over time. By the end of the process, they found supportiveness and people orientation more important, similarly to their supervisors.

Practical implications

– This study reveals the critical role of supervisors in the transmission of organisational culture to newcomers. Additionally, it demonstrates the importance of work-based learning for acquiring work-related and technical beliefs, as well as obtaining initial ideas about the culture of a real organisation.

Originality/value

– The study can specifically contribute to the growing literature on organisational culture by demonstrating the impact of initial working experience on newcomers’ perceptions, and how they adopt the culture of their new organisations to become a part of this culture.
Experiential learning in accounting work-integrated learning: a three-way partnership
Authors: Elijido-Ten Evangeline , Kloot Louise
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Work-integrated learning (WIL) helps improve the work readiness of accounting graduates. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role played by large and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) employers in providing experiential learning opportunities to accounting students in an Australian higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case-study data for this research were collected from the case university’s processes, semi-structured in-depth interviews with employer representatives and online survey with WIL students.

Findings

– The analysis reveals that both SMEs and large firms provide good training opportunities that enhance the student’s experiential learning particularly when proper WIL structures for pre-placement processes, training, supervision and performance reviews are in place. The results also confirm that WIL is seen as a positive experience by employers and students alike.

Originality/value

– There is a three-way partnership between the university, employers and students in a WIL contract. Calls for collaborative research involving all three parties have been made to enhance WIL programs. This study is a response to this call.
Price competitiveness and government incentives for simulating the meetings industry
Authors: Dioko Leonardo (Don) A.N. , Whitfield Julie
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which price competitiveness accounts for the observed precipitated decline in the number of meetings taking place in Macau from 2009 to 2012, in spite of the rapid growth in overall tourism, diversification in its tourism offering, and the sizable expansion of its capacity and facilities for hosting business tourism over the same period.

Design/methodology/approach

– Analyzing historical as well as comparative data in a cross-section analytic design, the study suggests an implied competitive price range (using comparative accommodation prices as a proxy) beyond which financial incentives may be ineffectual in attracting meetings

Findings

– Examination of price levels as a proxy of competitiveness in attracting meeting events in the single case of Macau proved inconclusive. Other factors beyond mere price competitiveness likely account for the declining number of meetings in Macau from 2009 to the end of 2012.

Originality/value

– Overall, the above findings pose a challenge for the continued general development of MICE industry in Macau and its meetings industry in particular. Despite the noble and generous efforts of its government agencies to arrest the decline in the number of meetings and maintain Macau’s position as a meetings industry hub through monetary incentives and subvention packages for organizers, it would benefit them and the private sector to explore channeling more resources toward addressing the fundamental and structural factors that can improve long-term competitiveness in attracting more meeting events.
Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on task and contextual performance of Pakistani professionals
Authors: Yousaf Amna , Yang Huadong , Sanders Karin
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine underlying linkages between employees’ intrinsic/extrinsic motivation and their task/contextual performance in a Pakistani health care and educational context. Employees’ affective occupational and organizational commitments were proposed as mediators to explain these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 181 doctors from a Pakistani hospital and 135 academics from a Pakistani university and analyzed using Baron and Kenney (1986) approach and Preacher and Hayes (2008) bootstrapping approach for testing multiple mediators simultaneously.

Findings

– As expected, intrinsic motivation is related to task performance (TP) and this relationship is mediated by affective occupational commitment. Extrinsic motivation is related both to TP and contextual performance (CP) and these relationships are mediated by affective organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

– Research has implications both for practitioners and academicians. The results highlight how different motivational orientations can produce different results and managers need to understand the different needs of employees while devising their human resource strategies. Employees can differ in their motivational orientations depending on their level of need, and can accordingly differ in their subsequent attitudes, performance and behaviors. Employees also need to choose jobs carefully after evaluating their motivational orientations.

Originality/value

– The current study recognizes the multi-dimensional nature of motivation and differentiates the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational orientations of employees by establishing the unique linkages between these orientations and employee task and CP. The study also examines differential role of two foci of employee commitment in analyzing the main effects.
From person-environment misfit to job burnout: theoretical extensions
Authors: Tong Jiajin , Wang Lei , Peng Kaiping
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychological mechanisms explaining the impact of fit on burnout based on meta-theories.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 199 employees participated in three waves with three-week intervals. Person-organization fit and person-job fit were measured in Wave 1, psychological-mechanism variables were measured in Wave 2, and burnout was measured in Wave 3.

Findings

– Person-organization fit and person-job fit related to three components of job burnout via multiple psychological mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings help to extend existing theories on fit and burnout literature. The research advances the understanding of psychological mechanisms about how misfit leads to job burnout. It helps stimulate research interest to further investigation on their relationships and effects with other variables besides burnout. It also helps understand the construct of burnout.

Practical implications

– For individuals, person-job fit should be achieved as well as person-organization fit to avoid burnout. Measuring organization-based self-esteem (OBSE), psychological capital, and role conflict may help employers to recognize early signs of burnout and to develop effective interventions to reduce burnout. The findings help better understand the value of P-E fit and effective interventions in burnout.

Social implications

– It helps employees better select job and organization and adapt to the job and organization, reduce management cost, and keep mental health.

Originality/value

– Two original contributions are that: it adopted three meta-theories to comprehensively investigate the psychological mechanisms explaining how misfit leads to burnout; and it integrated individual and environmental factors of burnout into one fit-based model, which treats the person as a subject rather than a passive agent.
Differences in host species relationships and biogeographic influences produce contrasting patterns of prevalence, community composition and genetic structure in two genera of avian malaria parasites in southern Melanesia
Authors: Olsson‐Pons Sophie , Clark Nicholas J. , Ishtiaq Farah , Clegg Sonya M.
Published: February 2015

Host–parasite interactions have the potential to influence broadscale ecological and evolutionary processes, levels of endemism, divergence patterns and distributions in host populations. Understanding the mechanisms involved requires identification of the factors that shape parasite distribution and prevalence.

A lack of comparative information on community‐level host–parasite associations limits our understanding of the role of parasites in host population divergence processes. Avian malaria (haemosporidian) parasites in bird communities offer a tractable model system to examine the potential for pathogens to influence evolutionary processes in natural host populations.

Using cytochromebvariation, we characterized phylogenetic diversity and prevalence of two genera of avian haemosporidian parasites,PlasmodiumandHaemoproteus, and analysed biogeographic patterns of lineages across islands and avian hosts, in southernMelanesian bird communities to identify factors that explain patterns of infection.

Plasmodiumspp. displayed isolation‐by‐distance effects, a significant amount of genetic variation distributed among islands but insignificant amounts among host species and families, and strong local island effects with respect to prevalence.Haemoproteusspp. did not display isolation‐by‐distance patterns, showed marked structuring of genetic variation among avian host species and families, and significant host species prevalence patterns.

These differences suggest thatPlasmodiumspp. infection patterns were shaped by geography and the abiotic environment, whereasHaemoproteusspp. infection patterns were shaped predominantly by host associations. Heterogeneity in the complement and prevalence of parasite lineages infecting local bird communities likely exposes host species to a mosaic of spatially divergent disease selection pressures across their naturally fragmented distributions in southernMelanesia. Host associations forHaemoproteusspp. indicate a capacity for the formation of locally co‐adapted host–parasite relationships, a feature that may limit intraspecific gene flow or range expansions of closely related host species.
Quality of life after total laryngectomy: functioning, psychological well‐being and self‐efficacy
Authors: Perry Alison , Casey Erica , Cotton Sue
Published: February 2015

Background

Quality of life (QoL) is an important construct when assessing treatment outcomes.

Aims

To examine the relative contributions of functioning, psychological well‐being and self‐efficacy on self‐perceived QoL with a sample of total laryngectomy patients in Australia who had surgery for advanced laryngeal cancer.

Methods & Procedures

In a cross‐sectional study, 113 members of the Laryngectomy Associations of New South Wales and of Victoria, Australia, were recruited, and each was sent a series of questionnaires for postal return. Four psychometrically validated measures were used for participants to document their QoL, functioning (speech, swallowing), psychological well‐being and general self‐efficacy.

Outcomes & Results

Eighty‐six (77%) questionnaires were returned and 83 were analysed. The cohort consists of 70 men and 13 women aged between 46 and 88 years. Overall, this sample of total laryngectomy survivors demonstrated significantly reduced physical health QoL (p < 0.001) and social relationship QoL (p = 0.011) and higher levels of depression (p = 0.008) and anxiety (p = 0.001) when compared with normative samples. This was in the context of them having higher than normal self‐efficacy scores and, at worst, mild (self‐rated) impairment of speech and of swallowing. Psychological well‐being (sr2 = 0.43, p < 0.001) had a stronger association than functioning (speech, swallowing, sr2 = 0.08, p < 0.05) for their psychological QoL. Psychological well‐being (sr2 = 0.17, p < 0.001) and not functioning (sr2 = 0.05, p > 0.05) were significantly associated with social relationship QoL. Self‐efficacy scores were significantly higher than norms in this cohort, but were not associated with either their psychological QoL or social relationship QoL, after controlling for psychological well‐being and functioning.

Conclusions & Implications

For survivors of laryngeal cancer treated by total laryngectomy, it is important to be aware of the impact of psychological well‐being (depression, anxiety, stress) on self‐perceived QoL. In addition to rehabilitating function (speech, swallowing), specific interventions to assist these individuals better manage their psychological well‐being will likely improve their perceived life satisfaction/QoL.
A Taiwanese Mandarin Main Concept Analysis (TM‐MCA) for quantification of aphasic oral discourse
Authors: Kong Anthony Pak‐Hin , Yeh Chun‐Chih
Published: February 2015

Background

Various quantitative systems have been proposed to examine aphasic oral narratives in English. A clinical tool for assessing discourse produced by Cantonese‐speaking persons with aphasia (PWA), namely Main Concept Analysis (MCA), was developed recently for quantifying the presence, accuracy and completeness of a narrative. Similar tools for Mandarin speakers are currently absent.

Aims

The first aim is to develop and establish the validity of the Taiwanese Mandarin Main Concept Analysis (TM‐MCA) for the Mandarin‐speaking population in Taiwan, given the paucity of related investigations. Another aim is to establish the influence of age and education level on Taiwanese Mandarin speakers’ oral narrative abilities. The third purpose is to examine how well the TM‐MCA could distinguish between native speakers with and without aphasia in Taiwan. The final aim is to examine the reliability and validity of the TM‐MCA.

Methods & Procedures

Eight speech–language pathologists (SLPs) and eight neurologically intact participants were involved to establish the TM‐MCA main concepts. Another 36 neurologically intact participants and 10 PWA participated to validate the TM‐MCA by contrasting their performance.

Outcomes & Results

Both age and educational level affected the oral discourse performance among the neurologically intact adults. Significant differences on the TM‐MCA measures were noted between the control group and the group with aphasia. Moreover, the degree of aphasia significantly affected the oral discourse of PWA.

Conclusions & Implications

The TM‐MCA is a culturally appropriate quantitative system for the Taiwanese Mandarin population. It can be used to supplement standardized aphasia tests to help SLPs make more informative decisions not only on clinical diagnosis but also on treatment planning.
ACTIVIST CRIMINOLOGY: CRIMINOLOGISTS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL AND LEGAL JUSTICE
Authors: BELKNAP JOANNE
Published: February 2015

Similar to many criminologists, my interest in pursuing this career was driven by a desire to improve responses to injustices, on both small and large scales. I believe that among criminologists, this dedication to effect changes in social and legal justice disproportionately drives those of us historically kept out of the academy due to our race, gender, class, sexual identity, and/or other marginalizations. Fortunately, there is a growing diversity among criminologists and this has had a powerful impact on expanding the scope and depth of the field. At the same time, I am concerned that academic training and university climates frequently work against our commitment to advancing social and legal justice changes, what I refer to as “criminology activism.” This address is a call to action, stressing criminologists’ responsibility to advocate for social and legal justice on small and large scales. Numerous types of criminology activism are identified (e.g., in research, service, and teaching), including the requisite to continue diversifying the representation of criminologists.
Transcriptome analysis of seed development in apomictic Paspalum notatum
Authors: Felitti S.A. , Acuña C.A. , Ortiz J.P.A. , Quarin C.L.
Published: February 2015

The seed developmental process involves various tissues with several ploidy levels and different genetic origins. Therefore, its characterisation at the transcriptome level is certainly a challenge. The hypothesis of endosperm balance number (EBN) postulates that each species has an effective number that is important for normal endosperm and seed development to occur. Understanding endosperm formation in apomictic plants is crucial for the perspective of transferring apomixis to sexual species of agronomic interest. Since sexual tetraploid Paspalum plants fit the EBN premise, the EBN insensitivity observed in apomictic plants might be a requirement for the spread of pseudogamous apomixis. Crosses using several cytotypes of Paspalum notatum were made in order to induce the development of seeds with different maternal/paternal genomic ratios in the endosperm. A transcriptome characterisation of ovaries 3 h after pollination was performed using cDNA‐AFLP methodology. Forty‐six of the 100 differentially expressed transcript‐derived fragments (DETDFs) were specifically found in crosses in which apomictic plants were used as the female parent and presented a predicted m : p ratio in the endosperm that was different to the 2:1 requirement of the EBN. Moreover, 12 of the DETDFs presented identity with proteins that were differentially expressed in response to changes in the levels of extracellular ATP (eATP) in Arabidopsis cell suspension cultures. eATP is an important molecular switch in plants that tightly controls organellar energy metabolism and activates gene expression controlling specific growth and developmental programmes. The results suggest that eATP‐mediated signalling could be involved in the regulation of endosperm development.
Non‐linear Equity Valuation: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Herath Hemantha S. B. , Richardson A. William , Roubi Raafat R. , Tippett Mark
Published: February 2015

LegacyCOMPUSTATData pertaining to 226,165 firm‐year observations covering a 57 year period (1950–2006) across all industrial groups are used to empirically assess the likely form and magnitude of the biases that arise from linear equity valuation models. Linear equity valuation models dominate the empirical analysis of the literature but ignore a firm's growth and adaptation options, which, by default, are non‐linear in their determining variables. Given this, an orthogonal polynomial fitting procedure as summarized inAtaullahet al. (2009), which does take account of the growth and adaptation options available to firms, is used to obtain a power series expansion for the relationship between equity prices and their determining variables. Our purpose is to assess whether the inclusion of the non‐linear terms associated with the growth and adaptation options available to firms can provide a more complete description of the relationship between equity prices and their determining variables when compared to the simple linear models that characterize the empirical research of this area of the literature. Our empirical analysis classifies firms into negative efficiency, low efficiency, and high efficiency levels and then for each efficiency level, estimates the parameters implied by theAtaullahet al. (2009) orthogonal polynomial fitting procedure. Our results show that there is a very strong non‐linear relationship between equity value and its determining variables although the nature of the relationship varies according to the efficiency level considered.
Ovarian Hormones Regulate SP‐D Expression in the Mouse Uterus During Estrous Cycle and Early Pregnancy
Authors: Kay Sharon , Metkari Siddhanath Maruti , Madan Taruna
Published: February 2015

Problem

Differential expression of SP‐D in the cycling human and mouse endometrium suggests its regulation by ovarian hormones.

Method of study

SP‐D expression in the mouse uterus was analyzed across the estrous cycle and during early pregnancy. Effect of exogenous ovarian hormones on the uterine expression of SP‐D was analyzed.

Results

SP‐D expression varied across the estrous cycle and peaked in the estrous phase. SP‐D transcript levels increased by fourfold in the uteri of estrogen‐treated mice while co‐administration of estrogen and progesterone enhanced SP‐D levels by ninefold. However, treatment with progesterone alone significantly downregulated SP‐D expression. Diethylstilbestrol enhanced SP‐D transcript levels in the uteri of immature mice by 10‐fold. During pregnancy, SP‐D levels declined rapidly from 0.5 dpc to 6.5 dpc. In silico analysis predicted the presence of two potential ERE and 1 PRE in the mouse SP‐D gene promoter region.

Conclusion

Estrogen positively regulates expression of SP‐D in the mouse uterus. Progesterone, along with estrogen synergizes SP‐D expression, however, when administered alone results in negative regulation.
Neonatal resuscitation in Vietnam: a national survey of a middle‐income country
Authors: Trevisanuto Daniele , Marchetto Luca , Arnolda Gaston , Chien Tran Dinh , Lincetto Ornella , Cavallin Francesco , Xuan Ngo Minh , Tien Nguyen Viet , Hoi Nguyen Thi Xuan , Moccia Luciano
Published: February 2015

Aim

Interventions that improve neonatal resuscitation are critical if we are to reduce perinatal mortality. We evaluated the consistency of resuscitation practices, and adherence to the international guidelines for neonatal resuscitation, in a large representative sample of hospitals in Vietnam.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 187 public central, provincial and district hospitals, representing the three levels of public hospital‐based maternity services in Vietnam.

Results

The overall response rate was 85.7% (160/187 hospitals), and the response rate was 100%, 90.3% and 81.7% for central, provincial and district hospitals, respectively. There were 620 300 births in the surveyed hospitals during the year 2011, representing almost half of all inpatient births in Vietnam. Neonatal resuscitation was provided by obstetricians and, or, midwives at all levels. Half of the hospitals did not follow recommendations for delaying cord clamping. The majority of the hospitals did not have a wall thermometer in the delivery room (80.5%) and did not monitor neonatal temperature after birth (64.1%). A large proportion of hospitals (39.9%) used 100% oxygen to initiate resuscitation and only central hospitals avoided this practice.

Conclusion

Our survey identified significant variations in resuscitation practices between central, provincial and district hospitals and limited adherence to international recommendations.
Comparison of stigmatizing experiences between Canadian and Korean patients with depression and bipolar disorders
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Milev Roumen , Paik Jong‐Woo
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Stigma is one of the key barriers to mental health services, and there have been growing efforts to develop antistigma programs. However, little research has been done on quantifying experiences of stigma and their psychosocial impacts in the perspectives of those who suffer from mental illnesses. It is essential to develop an instrument that quantifies the extent and impact of stigma. Therefore, we conducted a study to conduct a field test on The Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences and measure the difference in perceived stigma and its psychosocial impacts on Korean and Canadian patients with depression and bipolar disorders.

Methods

A cross‐sectional comparison study was conducted. Data collection took place at a tertiary care hospital located in Seoul, South Korea. Data for the Canadian patient group were retrieved from a previous study conducted by Lazowski et al.

Results

In total, 214 Canadian and 51 Korean individuals with depression and bipolar disorder participated. Canadian participants reported significantly higher experience with stigma (P < 0.05) and its impact (P < 0.05) compared with Korean participants. Both subscales of the inventory (the Stigma Experiences Scale and the Stigma Impact Scale) were highly reliable, with reliability coefficients of 0.81 and 0.93, respectively.

Discussion

In conclusion, there seems to be higher level of stigma and impact in the Canadian population compared with the Korean population. These differences in stigma experience and their impact in different populations suggest the need to develop more tailored antistigma programs. The Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences is a highly reliable instrument.
Characterization of patients referred for non‐specific intellectual disability testing: the importance of autosomal genes for diagnosis
Authors: Tan C.A. , Topper S. , del Gaudio D. , Nelakuditi V. , Shchelochkov O. , Nowaczyk M.J.M. , Zeesman S. , Brady L. , Russell L. , Meeks N. , Sastry S. , Arndt K. , Kobiernicki F. , Shaw R. , Das S.
Published: February 2015

Genetic testing for non‐specific intellectual disability (ID) presents challenges in daily clinical practice. Historically, the focus of the genetic elucidation of non‐specific ID has been on genes on the X chromosome, and recent research has brought attention to the growing contribution of autosomal genes. In addition, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has greatly improved the ability to simultaneously analyze multiple genetic loci, making large panel testing a practical approach to testing for non‐specific ID. We performed NGS analysis of a total of 90 genes implicated in non‐specific ID. The 90 genes included 56 X‐linked genes and 34 autosomal genes. Pathogenic variants were identified in 11 of 52 (21%) patient samples. Nine of the eleven cases harbored mutations in autosomal genes including AP4B1, STXB1, SYNGAP1, TCF4 and UBE3A. Our mutation‐positive cases provide further evidence supporting the prevalence of autosomal mutations in patients referred for non‐specific ID testing and the utility of their inclusion in multi‐gene panel analysis.
Risks of peripheral arterial occlusive disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Chen J.‐C. , Koo M. , Hwang J.‐H.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using a nationwide claim database in Taiwan.

Design

A population‐based case–control study.

Setting

Data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.

Participants

Eleven thousand eight hundred and seventeen adult patients diagnosed with PAOD between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2010 and 35 451 controls without PAOD frequency matched by sex, 10‐year age interval and year of index date.

Main outcome measures

Obstructive sleep apnoea and a number of comorbidities prior to the index date were assessed and analysed with logistic regression analyses.

Results

Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that PAOD was significantly associated with OSA (odds ratio, OR = 1.60, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, hyperurecaemia and obesity, also showed that PAOD was significantly associated with OSA (adjusted OR = 1.37, P = 0.014). However, the association was attenuated when it was further adjusted for hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Conclusion

Findings from this nationwide population‐based study indicated that PAOD was significantly associated with OSA. Further studies are warranted to determine whether OSA may contribute to the development of PAOD indirectly via increasing the risks of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and/or DM.
Towards better patient safety in otolaryngology: characteristics of patient injuries and their relationship with items on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Authors: Helmiö P. , Blomgren K. , Lehtivuori T. , Palonen R. , Aaltonen L.‐M.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Increasing knowledge of factors contributing to medical adverse events has influenced the development of preventive policies and protocols, the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist being the most widely known. Despite growing evidence of the checklist's effectiveness in surgery, its role in preventing adverse events in otolaryngology is unclear. We assessed patient injury‐contributing factors in otolaryngology and their relationship with WHO checklist items.

Study design

A retrospective claim record study of national patient insurance charts in Finland.

Setting and participants

The records of all accepted patient injury claims in otolaryngology between 2001 and 2011 were searched and reviewed by two otolaryngologists. Operation‐related injuries were evaluated in detail. Factors contributing to injury were identified, classified and compared with items on the WHO checklist. We also estimated whether the injury might have been prevented with a properly used checklist.

Results

In the 10‐year study period, 188 (84.3%) of the 223 patient injuries were associated with operative care. Of these, 142 (75.5%) occurred in the operation theatre, and in 121 cases (64.4%), technical error in performing surgery was the primary cause of injury. In 18 injuries (9.6%), the error corresponded to a checklist item. Nine injuries (4.8%) could have been prevented with a properly used checklist.

Conclusions

Patient injuries in otolaryngology are strongly related to operative care. The WHO checklist is one suitable tool for error prevention.
Utilisation, Reliability and Validity of Clinical Evaluation Exercise in Otolaryngology Training
Authors: Awad Z. , Hayden L. , Muthuswamy K. , Tolley N.S.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To investigate the utilisation, reliability and validity of clinical evaluation exercise (CEX) in otolaryngology training.

Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Setting

Online assessment database.

Participants

We analysed all CEXs submitted by north London core (CT) and speciality trainees (ST) in otolaryngology from 2010 to 2013.

Main Outcome Measures

Internal consistency of the 7 CEX items rated as either O: outstanding, S: satisfactory or D: development required. Overall performance rating (pS) of 1–4 assessed against completion of training level. Receiver operating characteristic was used to describe CEX sensitivity and specificity. Overall score (cS), pS and the number of ‘D’‐rated items were used to investigate construct validity.

Results

One thousand one hundred and sixty CEXs from 45 trainees were included. CEX showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha= 0.85). CEX was highly sensitive (99%), yet not specific (6%). cS and pS for ST was higher than CT (99.1% ± 0.4 versus 96.6% ± 0.8 and 3.06 ± 0.05 versus 1.92 ± 0.04, respectively P < 0.001). pS showed a significant stepwise increase from CT1 to ST6 (P < 0.001). In contrast, cS only showed improvement up to ST4 (P = 0.025). The most frequently utilised item ‘management and follow‐up planning’ was found to be the best predictor of cS and pS (rs = +0.69 and +0.21, respectively).

Conclusion

CEX is reliable in assessing early years otolaryngology trainees in clinical examination, but not at higher level. It has the potential to be used in a summative capacity in selecting trainees for ST positions. This would also encourage trainees to master all domains of otolaryngology clinical examination by end of CT.
Survival with cerebral palsy over five decades in westernSweden
Authors: Himmelmann Kate , Sundh Valter
Published: February 2015

Aim

The life expectancy of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) is often reduced compared with the general population. Long‐term survival withCPis rarely reported. The aim of this study was to investigate survival and the causes of death in relation toCPtype and motor and accompanying impairments documented in theCPregister of western Sweden over five decades.

Method

All individuals born between 1959 and 2002 were included in the study.CPwas classified according to Hagberg and the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE). Motor and accompanying impairments were documented. Causes of death were derived from the National Board of Health and Welfare, and population data were obtained from Statistics Sweden. Log‐rank tests with Kaplan–Meier plots were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Of the 1856 individuals (1033 males, 823 females) withCPincluded in the study, 180 (9.6%) had died by 31 December 2009. Tetraplegia, dyskineticCP, severe cognitive impairment, and epilepsy were associated with decreased survival rates. At Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V, survival rates among individuals with spasticCPwere lower than among those with dyskineticCP. However, compared with the general population, there was an elevated death rate among individuals withCPfor all age groups andCPtypes. At all ages, females withCPhad a larger excess risk of death than males. Respiratory failure caused 53% of deaths. For individuals with hemiplegia, as in the general population, 20% of deaths were accidental.

Interpretation

Survival rates are influenced byCPtype but there is an elevated risk of death for individuals with any type ofCP, compared with those withoutCP.
Incidence of hospitalization and its associated factors in first‐episode psychosis in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Edwin H.M. , Hui Christy L.M. , Lin J.X. , Ching Elaine Y.N. , Li S.P. , Leung W.G. , Chang W.C. , Chan Sherry K.W. , Chen Eric Y.H.
Published: February 2015

Aim

This study examined the incidence of hospitalization and its associated factors in patients with first‐episode psychosis in Hong Kong.

Method

From 2009 to 2011, 360 patients were recruited consecutively as part of a controlled study of an early psychosis intervention service (the Jockey Club Early Psychosis project) in Hong Kong. Demographic and clinical information were obtained from face‐to‐face interviews and was reconfirmed using medical records. Factors relating to hospitalization during first episode were explored.

Results

The incidence of hospitalization during first‐episode psychosis was 57.2%. Patients who were hospitalized had higher antipsychotics chlorpromazine equivalent dosage, higher positive and negative syndrome scale total score, higher Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser others mean score and were more likely to have an acute mode of onset compared with those who were not hospitalized.

Conclusions

Hospitalization was common in first‐episode psychosis. Future studies are needed to explore possible programmes to prevent hospitalization in patients with first‐episode psychosis.
Strengthening the Role of Unmarried Fathers: Findings from the Co‐Parent Court Project
Authors: Marczak Mary S. , Becher Emily H. , Hardman Alisha M. , Galos Dylan L. , Ruhland Ebony
Published: February 2015

While the importance of fathers in unmarried coparent families is a strong area of social and political interest, a dearth of community‐based interventions exists for supporting the role of fathers in at‐risk families. The Co‐Parent Court (CPC) was a 3‐year demonstration project evaluating the effectiveness of a collaborative intervention to support unmarried coparents establishing paternity and improving their coparenting relationships and paternal involvement in their child's life. A randomized‐control experimental design was employed. The paper will explore father involvement and coparent relationship outcomes.
Construction and validation of a detailed kinetic model of glycolysis in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Penkler Gerald , du Toit Francois , Adams Waldo , Rautenbach Marina , Palm Daniel C. , van Niekerk David D. , Snoep Jacky L.
Published: February 2015

The enzymes in the Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway of Plasmodium falciparum trophozoites were kinetically characterized and their integrated activities analyzed in a mathematical model. For validation of the model, we compared model predictions for steady‐state fluxes and metabolite concentrations of the hexose phosphates with experimental values for intact parasites. The model, which is completely based on kinetic parameters that were measured for the individual enzymes, gives an accurate prediction of the steady‐state fluxes and intermediate concentrations. This is the first detailed kinetic model for glucose metabolism in P. falciparum, one of the most prolific malaria‐causing protozoa, and the high predictive power of the model makes it a strong tool for future drug target identification studies. The modelling workflow is transparent and reproducible, and completely documented in the SEEK platform, where all experimental data and model files are available for download.

Database

The mathematical models described in the present study have been submitted to the JWS Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database (http://jjj.bio.vu.nl/database/penkler). The investigation and complete experimental data set is available on SEEK (10.15490/seek.1.investigation.56).
Diversity and distribution of early life stages of carangid fishes in the northwestern Mediterranean: responses to environmental drivers
Authors: Raya Vanesa , Sabatés Ana
Published: February 2015

The diversity and distribution of the early stages of carangid fishes were investigated in relation to environmental conditions off the Catalan Coast (NW Mediterranean). Data were obtained during four oceanographic cruises conducted in spring–summer 2003 and 2004. A total of 4743 larvae from seven species and five genera were identified. Most were thermophilic species very abundant in the warm waters of the south and eastern Mediterranean. The presence of larvae and juveniles of Caranx crysos, Caranx rhonchus, Seriola dumerili and Trachinotus ovatus in the northwestern Mediterranean is reported for the first time. Except for Trachurus trachurus, which spawns in winter–spring, all species reproduce in spring–summer with a temporal succession in their spawning peaks. On average, the spatial patterns of different species (except T. trachurus) showed common features: a clear preference for spawning in coastal areas, high abundance of larvae in the south warmer zone in relation to the surface productive waters of Ebro river runoff and relatively high larval concentrations south of the thermal front and its associated anticyclonic eddy. The presence of larvae of thermophilic species of carangids in the northwestern Mediterranean indicates successful reproduction and establishment of these species in the cold part of the basin.
White matter microstructure in bipolar disorder is influenced by the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism 5‐HTTLPR
Authors: Benedetti F. , Bollettini I. , Poletti S. , Locatelli C. , Lorenzi C. , Pirovano A. , Smeraldi E. , Colombo C.
Published: February 2015

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with signs of widespread disruption of white matter (WM) integrity. A polymorphism in the promoter of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTTLPR) influenced functional cortico‐limbic connectivity in healthy subjects and course of illness in BD, with the short (s) allele being associated with lower functional connectivity, and with earlier onset of illness and poor response to treatment. We tested the effects of 5‐HTTLPR on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures of WM microstructure in 140 inpatients, affected by a major depressive episode in course of BD, of Italian descent. We used whole brain tract‐based spatial statistics in the WM skeleton with threshold‐free cluster enhancement of DTI measures of WM microstructure: axial, radial and mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy. Compared with l/l homozygotes, 5‐HTTLPR*s carriers showed significantly increased radial and mean diffusivity in several brain WM tracts, including corpus callosum, cingulum bundle, uncinate fasciculus, corona radiata, thalamic radiation, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus and inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus. An increase of mean and radial diffusivity, perpendicular to the main axis of the WM tract, is thought to signify increased space between fibers, thus suggesting demyelination or dysmyelination, or loss of bundle coherence. The effects of 5‐HTTLPR on the anomalous emotional processing in BD might be mediated by changes of WM microstructure in key WM tracts contributing to the functional integrity of the brain.
Polydnavirus gene provides accurate identification of species in the genus Hyposoter (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Pook Victoria G. , Chapman Eric G. , Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie , Smith M. Alex , Sharkey Michael J.
Published: February 2015

Accurate identification of species of parasitoid Hymenoptera often requires the analysis of multiple genetic and non‐genetic traits.

Here, we investigate the potential for nuclear polydnavirus (PDV) gene loci to provide species‐level discrimination in the parasitoid wasp genus Hyposoter (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). A region of one PDV gene, Cys‐d9.2, was sequenced from nine species of wasps and an additional two PDV genes, Cys‐d9.1 and Rep‐c18.2, were sequenced from multiple specimens of one species of wasp.

A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of the Cys‐d9.2 sequences resulted in accurate identification of species and no intraspecific variation was observed in this gene, Cys‐d9.1 or Rep‐c18.2. Further statistical analyses showed that Cys‐d9.2 has a high prevalence of non‐synonymous nucleotide substitutions.

Our results support the use of Cys‐d9.2 as an additional genetic locus for species delimitation in Hyposoter, highlighting the value of PDV gene information to taxonomists studying the ichneumonid subfamily, Campopleginae.
Stability determination of the formulations containing hyaluronic acid
Authors: Olejnik A. , Goscianska J. , Zielinska A. , Nowak I.
Published: February 2015

Synopsis

Objectives

The aim of this work was to investigate the long‐term stability of four emulsions (creams and ointments) developed for carrying hyaluronic acid (HA) for dermal penetration.

Methods

The stability of obtained formulations was analysed by multiple light scattering and laser diffraction methods.

Results

The experimental results showed that the moisturizing creams were more stable than the ointments containing HA. The migration phenomenon of particles was observed in soft ointment with HA and the flocculation phenomenon was detected in ointment based on lanolin. The larger the water content, the more stable formulation can be, due to hygroscopic properties of HA.

Conclusions

The identification of instability phenomena was shortened dramatically using optical method such as multiple light scattering. Even small changes in the stability of emulsion were determined very early. We suggest that the moisturizing creams may be more suitable than ointments to carry HA for dermal absorption. These studies are a significant first step towards further exploration into what form of HA would assure maximum effect, give consumers satisfaction and guarantee safety during application.
Stability of cosmetic emulsion containing different amount of hemp oil
Authors: Kowalska M. , Ziomek M. , Żbikowska A.
Published: February 2015

Synopsis

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the optimal conditions, that is the content of hemp oil and time of homogenization to obtain stable dispersion systems.

Methods

For this purpose, six emulsions were prepared, their stability was examined empirically and the most correctly formulated emulsion composition was determined using a computer simulation. Variable parameters (oil content and homogenization time) were indicated by the optimization software based on Kleeman's method. Physical properties of the synthesized emulsions were studied by numerous techniques involving particle size analysis, optical microscopy, Turbiscan test and viscosity of emulsions.

Results

The emulsion containing 50 g of oil and being homogenized for 6 min had the highest stability. Empirically determined parameters proved to be consistent with the results obtained using the computer software. The computer simulation showed that the most stable emulsion should contain from 30 to 50 g of oil and should be homogenized for 2.5–6 min.

Conclusions

The computer software based on Kleeman's method proved to be useful for quick optimization of the composition and production parameters of stable emulsion systems. Moreover, obtaining an emulsion system with proper stability justifies further research extended with sensory analysis, which will allow the application of such systems (containing hemp oil, beneficial for skin) in the cosmetic industry.
The influence of propolis on rheological properties of lipstick
Authors: Goik U. , Ptaszek A. , Goik T.
Published: February 2015

Synopsis

Objective

The aim of this work was to study the effect of propolis on the rheological and textural properties of lipsticks. The studied lipsticks were based on raw materials and contained no synthetic compounds, preservatives, fragrances or dyes. The rheological and textural properties of the prepared lipsticks, both with and without propolis, were studied as a function of temperature and storage period.

Method

Measurements were taken using an RS6000 rheometer (Haake, Germany) with a cone–plate sensor. The cone parameters were as follows: diameter 35 mm and angle 2°. Textural tests were performed using the same cone–plate geometry.

Results

The research results of rheological and textural properties of lipsticks, with and without the addition of propolis, indicate the possibility of application of propolis as a beneficial additive to such type of cosmetics. The presence of propolis does not significantly alter the viscoelastic properties of the lipsticks. The courses of flow curves indicate shear thinning, which is very advantageous from an application point of view. From the rheological point of view, the properties of lipsticks tested in low deformation conditions show some structural changes, most likely due to consolidation of the structure.

Conclusion

The analysis of textural properties indicates that lipsticks with added propolis are more brittle and prone to crushing. However, the temperature increase (30°C) does not cause significant changes to the textural characteristics of these lipsticks.