bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Diffusion of Digital Technologies in Magazine Print Publishing: Organizational Change and Strategic Choices
Authors: Driver Stephen , Gillespie Andrew
Published: December 2018

The new information technologies have transformed the techniques of print publishing. This paper charts the diffusion of digital desktop publishing (dtp) systems within the magazine publishing sector, and assesses the threats and opportunities of the new information technologies for print publishing. In particular, the paper focuses on the organizational changes accompanying the new techniques as publishers internalize page make-up, and in so doing bring into question the long term future of an independent pre-press sector. The paper highlights the obstacles in the path towards full digital publishing, and examines the factors behind the slow diffusion of dtp amongst magazine publishers. Finally, the strategic implications for decision makers are assessed, and some wider issues arising from our study for the information technology community are considered.
Management Challenges for Survival in the 1990S
Authors: Hunt Garry E.
Published: December 2018

The continuing growth of business activities in companies has been in parallel with the increased use of IT to support the basic business processes and assist in generating further commercial advantages for the organization. Business growth has been generated through a natural expansion of the core activities, acquisition of other companies which has often resulted in working practices of geographically separated organizations, divisions and subsidiaries maintained to preserve their successful business culture. The role of the central IT department as the most cost-effective organization to support the business led use of IT is now in question in many companies.

In this paper we present the argument that the key to corporate success is associated with the effective management of IT. In many cases, this will require a new style of management with vision and commitment from the CEO. But for those organizations who do not make this change, their corporate prosperity may be at stake.

The material described in this paper formed the basis of the 1992 AIT lecture at the City University Business School.
Software Standards: An Information Requirements Framework
Authors: Ngosi Theodora N. , Jenkins John O.
Published: December 2018

This paper discusses research findings on information requirements for developing international Information Technology (IT) standards. Using the software standard development domain as a case study, the objective is to examine the standard development processes and the problems associated with IT standardization, and based upon the findings, an information requirement framework is provided.
Association of Computing Machinery Special Interest Group in Computer Personnel Research. Annual Conference, April 1992, Cincinnati OH, USA
Authors: Harris Roger
Published: December 2018

The conference highlighted the increasing complexity of the role of IS personnel. On the one hand, the demands of increased competitiveness are forcing technical experts to gain better understanding of the commercial requirements of the end users they serve, and on the other hand, the opportunities offered by the End-User Computing phenomenon are placing increasing demands on the technical capabilities of the end users themselves. The emerging picture is one of a highly dynamic IS profession, with expanding boundaries, fewer barriers between itself and other professions and offering greater opportunities for those entering it and increased challenges for those already in it.
Coordination of Joint Tasks in Organizational Processes
Authors: Mentzas Gregory N.
Published: December 2018

Organizational productivity can be maximized by creating, using and maintaining structural and dynamic configurations of multi-participant interaction. The paper highlights a number of areas for consideration that arise when studying coordination within an organizational setting. The focus of the analysis is on two types of tasks: decision-making tasks and routine office processes. The paper argues that a number of (conflicting) options exist when developing the coordination aspects of group systems; they are classified across the following axes: specification and implementation of coordination; use of synchronous and asynchronous working phases; information exchange and information sharing; support of sequential and concurrent processing; support of negotiation and conflict resolution; support of analytical modelling; and description of the organizational environment.
Information Systems Methodologies in Use
Authors: Westrup Christopher
Published: December 2018

Research into information systems development (ISD) methodologies is generally restricted to the creation or elaboration of methodologies or the provision of CASE support. This paper proposes that a fruitful area of research, which will provide insights into the effectiveness of ISD methodologies, must centre on the observation of the practice of systems developers, users and managers, and the study of methodologies in use. Such a programme requires certain techniques, ideally longitudinal ethnographic case studies. Preliminary results from a couple of case studies indicate that ISD methodologies are not used as prescribed but this does not necessarily prevent the successful completion of development projects.
A Review of the Methodologies Movement
Authors: Avgerou Chrisanthi , Cornford Tony
Published: December 2018

Methodologies seem to have dominated the past two decades of research into information systems. They have been a focus of direct research, and seen as the obvious outlet for many other research finding and ideas. This paper presents a review of the methodologies movement, and explores some of the consequences that have arisen as a result of this particular focus.
Factors Contributing to the Abandonment of Information Systems Development Projects
Authors: Ewusi-Mensah Kweku , Przasnyski Zbigniew H.
Published: December 2018

The study identified several factors as contributing to the abandonment of IS development projects. Organizational-related issues which ranged from senior management involvement to end-user participation in the project development process were the most widespread and dominant of the factors. Organizational issues were also found to influence factors dealing primarily with economic and technological matters in project development.
Common Knowledge, Interorganizational Networks and the Future for the Organization of Production
Authors: Borman Mark
Published: December 2018

This paper seeks to investigate the potential for interorganizational networks (IONs) to facilitate a challenge to the current hegemony of integrated production. From a transaction cost perspective the choice between market and hierarchical modes of production depends upon their relative coordination costs. The argument developed here is that uncertainty has precipitated market failure and the consequent rise of large, integrated concerns. IONs, however, by facilitating the cost-effective diffusion of information can reduce the coordination costs associated with the market place and permit the deintegration of production. The greatest benefits are held to be realized where the development of common knowledge between connected trading partners permits the ‘free flow’ of information. Supporting empirical work consists of a comprehensive survey of the uptake of IONs in the Scottish electronics industry and the development of case studies in a variety of companies highlighting the specific processes at work. Tentative conclusions indicate that while IONs do represent an opportunity for the emergence of new, more collaborative modes of production such an outcome is by no means assured.

‘changes consist primarily in a relative decline in the importance of Fordist mass production and an enormous expansion of manufacturing activities based on less rigid and more highly adaptable (i.e., flexible) technological and institutional structures’ (Scott, 1988, p. 171).
Computer Capacity Planning Management: Definitions and Methodology
Authors: Igbaria Magid , Banerjee Snehamay
Published: December 2018

Information systems (IS) managers are asked to provide services and cut computer costs. Computer capacity planning (CCP) provides them with a tool to assess the future computing needs and new technologies. Effective CCP is an important step in providing users with the lowest cost solution that meets their computing requirements. This paper discusses the definition and methodologies of CCP. The importance of CCP for IS people as well as business people is emphasized. Five phases for developing a capacity plan are presented and a few examples for illustration are provided. A real life example is also presented and suggestions and recommendations are offered.
Business Process Redesign: Hype, Hope Or Hypocrisy?
Authors: Edwards C. , Peppard J.W.
Published: December 2018

There have been few management concepts, even including Total Quality’, ‘World Class Manufacturing’ and ‘Excellence’ to have generated such enormous media interest so quickly as the phenomenon of Business Process Redesign (BPR). The IT community in particular has latched on to the concept, although since its inception it has broadened its appeal. This paper discusses the significant issues relating to BPR and makes a distinction between business re-engineering and business process redesign. Based on a study of a number of organizations who claim to be active, the essential ingredients of BPR are presented. The paper then identifies how organizations are managing their redesign initiatives and presents emerging themes. The paper concludes with some of the lessons learned from the research to date and addresses the vital issues of whether BPR is hype, hope or hypocrisy.
On the Computerization of General Practice in the UK: The IT Perspective
Authors: Gillies Alan
Published: December 2018

This paper is concerned with the computerization of the primary health care sector in the United Kingdom. This care is provided by family doctors, known as general practitioners (GPs). The sector has been transformed in the years since 1986 by a series of legislative changes. These changes have had profound implications for the information requirements of GPs. They have led to the widespread adoption of computerized patient record systems by GPs rising from less than 25% before 1988, to greater than 75% by 1993. The paper considers evidence from a variety of historical surveys and combines this with first-hand experience drawn from working to implement information technology (IT) in the National Health Service (NHS) and through a set of interviews carried out for this study. It seeks to evaluate the process up to the present and to identify critical factors relevant to both practitioners and IT professionals who are increasingly involved with the NHS in the UK. Finally, it makes recommendations for both health and IT professionals on the future IT needs of general practice.
The Role of Risk and Return in Information Technology Outsourcing Decisions
Authors: Jurison Jaak
Published: December 2018

This paper views information technology (IT) outsourcing decisions as classical make-or-buy decisions. In essence, these decisions consist of finding an acceptable balance between benefits and risks. The principal contribution of this paper is the development of a model that describes the relationship between outsourcing benefits and risks. It draws on work from two streams of research: transaction cost theory and modern financial theory. The model can assist managers in determining whether outsourcing or in sourcing is a better choice for a particular IT function and in evaluating and comparing competing vendor proposals. The model can also serve as a framework for future research in IT governance issues.
Division of Labour and the Design of Systems for Computer Support for Cooperative Work
Authors: Eason Ken
Published: December 2018

The design of systems which provide computer support for cooperative work (CSCW) has been dominated by models of collaborative teams in academic or design environments. Such settings are characterized by a relatively egalitarian power distribution and a division of labour established locally by the collaborating parties. This paper describes other types of collaborative work in which the rôles of participants are characterized by pre-established divisions of labour and unequal power distribution. A case study is presented of a collaborative group allocating and scheduling service calls in an electricity company. Using the Organizational Requirements Definition for Information Technology (ORDIT) methods for responsibility analysis a number of alternative organizational structures are described which may serve this task. The alternatives are based upon different job design structures which distribute responsibilities to work rôles by different rationales. An analysis is offered of the different CSCW systems that would be necessary to support these alternatives. The paper concludes by examining the implications of pre-established but variable organizational structures for the design of generic CSCW systems.
Software Project Managers’ Risk Preferences
Authors: Lauer Thomas W.
Published: December 2018

A questionnaire was administered to 68 software project managers (SPMs). Questions were designed to test whether SPMs’ risky judgments were more consistent with Expected Utility Theory or Prospect Theory. Although the results were more consistent with Prospect Theory, they differed in important ways showing SPMs’ judgments to be less homogeneous than is assumed by either theory. These results highlight the potential importance of SPMs’ judgments to the outcome of software development projects.
Game Theory as a Tool for Understanding Information Services Outsourcing
Authors: Elitzur Ramy , Wensley Anthony
Published: December 2018

In recent years, game theory has provided valuable insights into many different types of organizational arrangements. In this paper we investigate some of the ways in which game theory can help us to understand the structure and function of information systems outsourcing arrangements. We provide a brief review of two-person non-cooperative game theory. We discuss the basic concepts of dominance and Nash equilibria. In particular we stress the importance of the information structure of two-person games. We then provide a general game-theoretic interpretation of many key aspects of information systems outsourcing arrangements. In particular, we investigate the rationales behind many of the different ways of determining fees and the effects of the transfer of assets between the outsourcing company and the outsourcing vendor. Finally, we discuss how one particular type of non-cooperative two-person game might be useful as a model of information systems outsourcing arrangements. This model, the principal-agent model, has been extensively studied and in the hands of the authors has provided some initial insights into information systems outsourcing arrangements.
Information Technology Investment Evaluation: Evidence and Interpretations
Authors: King Malcolm , Mcaulay Laurie
Published: December 2018

Structures are important to the practice of information technology (IT) evaluation. Structures, as evidenced by 14 case studies and the words of six financial directors, are defined here as organizational responses, including user committees and responsibility accounting, quantitative assessments of IT projects, such as financial appraisals, and qualitative assessments. Structures in practice seem to allow for a changing world in which projects are accepted according to business needs and subsequent actions lead accepted projects to be adapted and managed as time passes. In order to manage IT technology in this way, structures alone are important but not sufficient. Active individuals have an important role to play and credibility becomes an important factor in evaluation and implementation. The credibility of IT management is created by its selling of the project in the first place and then by its ability to manage the project in a responsive way. Credible strategists are at least as important as a strategy to the evaluation of IT.
The it Outsourcing Market-Place: Vendors and Their Selection
Authors: Michell Vaughan , Fitzgerald Guy
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on outsourcing vendors, their characteristics and the vendor selection process. It draws on current research and two research studies, one specifically examining outsourcing vendors and the other examining vendor-client issues. We first outline the development of the market for the outsourcing of information technology/information systems services and activities, then detail the characteristics of different types of vendor companies and their competitive positions, before providing a client perspective to the issue of vendor selection.
Financial Appraisal and the IS/IT Investment Decision Making Process
Authors: Ballantine Joan , Stray Stephanie
Published: December 2018

This paper explores the techniques used by organizations to appraise Information Systems (IS)/Information Technology (IT) investments, and concentrates, in particular, on techniques of capital investment appraisal. We draw on relevant studies reported in both the accounting and finance, and the IS literature, which have addressed their usage. Where possible comparisons are drawn between both sets of literatures. The results of a survey that specifically examined IS/IT investment appraisal practices of a sample of UK companies is also presented. Among the issues discussed include the extent to which capital investment appraisal techniques are used to appraisal investments, the importance of the techniques used and the problems attendant on the decision making process.
Is Decision-Making: A Study in Information-Intensive Firms
Authors: Proudlock Mark J. , Phelps Bob , Gamble Paul R.
Published: December 2018

This paper looks at IS decisions within small professional organizations. The study investigates three aspects of IS decision processes drawn from the literature. These focus upon organizational approaches to planning, risk management and product selection, and the factors that impact upon each process. The results of an exploratory survey undertaken in nine firms are presented and compared with the findings of existing research. One expectation is supported; two prove unsupported.
The Adoption of Internet-Based Stock Trading: A Conceptual Framework and Empirical Results
Authors: Loh Lawrence , Ong Yee-Shyuan
Published: December 2018

The adoption and diffusion of innovative technologies have remained critical concerns in information systems research. With the recent advent of electronic commerce, issues in system deployment and user acceptance have become even more crucial. An experimental system, Stocknet, which is a departure from normal practice in the local stock exchange which still uses conventional methods for share transactions, was developed and subjected to a pilot test through a stock trading competition using live stock data. A research framework was developed with the main emphasis on the adoption and deployment of a broad-based Internet stock-trading platform in Singapore. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict user acceptance of a new system from a measure of their perceptions, beliefs and attitudes and usage behaviour. The study reveals that users’ concerns, expectations, perceived ease of use and the real value added of a new system as well as their trading behaviour are critical determinants to the ultimate adoption of Internet stock trading. In fact, the probability of users accepting a new system is highly dependent on their perceptions of system evaluations and subsequently their usage behaviour. The primary focus of this paper is on users’ perspectives with a view towards a subsequent examination of policy as well as regulatory issues. Based on the results, some broad recommendations and implications are subsequently drawn with regard to the future adoption and deployment of real-time, Internet-based stock trading.
The Four P's Revisited: Business Value Assessment of the Infrastructure Impact of it Investments
Authors: Renkema Theo J.W.
Published: December 2018

Assessing the business impacts of increased IT investment has become one of the major issues in contemporary management. Many senior managers realize that a well-structured appraisal process might make the vital difference between IT success and IT failure, both in the private and the public sectors. Senior management's prime concern has shifted from controlling IT costs to managing and delivering IT benefits. Today, increased emphasis is being put on the role of infrastructure investments in order to fully exploit the profit potential of IT. The infrastructure impact of IT investments more and more centres around the emerging notion of an information infrastructure. Assessing the role and impacts of infrastructure investments, however, has proved to be particularly difficult and it is not yet clear how the underlying strategic decision-making process should be managed. The purpose of this paper is to present a model that offers four control options – paraphrasing conventional business wisdom in marketing coined the ‘P4 model’ – to manage investment appraisal and to support organizational decision-making. As a prelude to this, the paper explores the role of an information infrastructure from an IT investment perspective and examines four styles of decision-making. It also presents case study material from the financial services sector, in order to illustrate the relevance and applicability of the P4 model. Much of this paper draws on a research study funded by Eindhoven University and two large financial services organizations.
The Role and Impact of Information Technology in Australian Business
Authors: Sohal Amrik S. , Ng Lionel
Published: December 2018

This paper reports the results of a study of the top 530 organizations in Australia which was conducted to determine whether organizations use IT as a strategic tool to meet competitive issues. Significantly this research addressed the following questions: How well organizations matched their IT investment plans with their strategic planning; how well IT strategies were formulated; how well IT systems were implemented and what were the critical success factors and impediments; and whether organizations were truly getting value from their IT investment. The findings have shown the causes of misused IT in some organizations, such as IT strategy not closely aligned with business strategy, no change of historical IT structure, lack of understanding of the potential of IT, lack of CEO and senior management support and awareness of IT's potential, impediments to IT development and implementation. Although in many organizations the role of IT development has become proactive and strategic to gain competitive advantage through primary and support activities, it has still not unleashed ITs full potential.
Paper ‘Work’ and Electronic Files: Defending Professional Practice
Authors: Komito Lee
Published: December 2018

Paper documents are often described as ‘information rich’, in contrast with electronic documents. This ethnographic study examines Lotus NOTES in a sub-section of the Irish civil service, with particular reference to the concurrent use of electronic and paper documents. The sub-section examines disagreements with regard to claims by Irish citizens for particular government benefits. The study describes how meta-information contained in paper case files is perceived as necessary for the work of the organization, thus restricting the use of electronic case files in NOTES as a shared information system. However, this reliance on paper files derives not only from the information rich properties of paper documents, but also from the desire of some workers to protect their occupational status by defining, as necessary for their job, information which is only available in paper documents and which only they can interpret. This dependence on paper documents also reduces the amount of information that can be shared within the organization. This paper suggests that, only if the perceived threat posed by the information system were reduced in some way would user innovations in work practices and greater sharing of information within the organization become possible.
Systems Development as a Research Act
Authors: Hughes Jim , Wood-Harper Trevor
Published: December 2018

In this paper we argue that for systems developers who intervene in organizationally dependent phases of information systems development, such as requirements determination, then the engagement with social actors may be considered to be an interpretive research act. The argument is illustrated by action case studies in which one of the authors intervened in two situations with an explicit sociological perspective and analysis methods more usually associated with qualitative social science research. We argue that this places an onus on systems developers to be both explicit in their assumptions and critically reflective in their thinking.
The Effectiveness of Expert Support Technology for Decision Making: Individuals versus Small Groups
Authors: Nah Fui Hoon (Fiona) , Mao Jiye , Benbasat Izak
Published: December 2018

Expert support systems (ESSs) are increasingly used in organizations to support individuals and groups in decision making. Although ESSs have been shown to enhance the decision-making capabilities of individuals, their benefits in supporting group decision making are less clear. To the best of our knowledge, no empirical research has evaluated the effectiveness of the technology in the group setting or compared its usefulness for supporting individual versus group decision making. The results of this research show that ESSs benefit decision making of both individuals and groups and novices are able to gain more from ESSs than experts. The findings also suggest that groups outperform individuals in both with and without ESS support settings.
Videoconferencing across Cultures – a Conceptual Framework for Floor Control Issues
Authors: Dustdar Schahram , Hofstede Gert Jan
Published: December 2018

This paper discusses critical issues in cross-cultural communication and collaboration using desktop videoconferencing tools. Our first objective is to propose a conceptual framework for predicting which issues will be important for communication in cross-cultural desktop videoconferencing. Using this framework, we suggest necessary functionality regarding floor control policies in videoconferences. We then suggest some actual software mechanisms that could implement these policies to videoconferencing software builders. Finally, we present some conduct guidelines for people who will be involved as participants in cross-cultural desktop videoconferences.
Telstra's National Telemarketing Centre
Authors: Richardson Paul , Weill Peter
Published: December 2018

Telstra – until recently Australia's only telecommunications carrier – is internationally recognized within the industry for providing a world-class telecommunications service to a highly dispersed and isolated population under challenging environmental conditions. In 1990, the Australian Government announced that it would end Telstra's monopoly and move towards a deregulated telecommunications industry. The first step was a competitive duopoly and, in 1991–1992, a private carrier – Optus Communications – became Telstra's first competitor in the Australian market-place. On 1 July 1997 the industry was fully deregulated. Over this period, Telstra has undergone enormous changes – none of which is more dramatic than the shift from an engineering-driven organization, to one with a marketing focus. The shift in emphasis from engineering to marketing is clearly reflected by the establishment of Telstra's National Telemarketing Centre (NTC). Though originally created in response to deregulation and the threat of its first competitor, the NTC has grown to become a major national marketing channel for Telstra, as well as providing national customer and product support services. This case examines the function of the NTC within Telstra, the role of technology at the NTC and the way call centres affect organizational flexibility and change the relationship between Telstra and its customers.
Riverbank Financial: Changing the Role of Information Technology
Authors: Brohman M. Kathryn , Copeland Duncan G.
Published: December 2018

The information technology (IT) group at a large Canadian financial institution has recently implemented a new operating framework that significantly changed the role of IT within the organization. The traditional, technology-centric, independent entity has been retailored into an integrated, customer-focused business unit. Consistent with their new vision, the IT group has shifted its focus towards IT–business integration, increased IT employee satisfaction and decreased turnaround in system development. Amongst the successes of the implementation to date is one perspective that has attracted the attention of IT executives. Customers who observed the transition of the IT group have raised concern about Riverbank Financial's ability to maintain leadership in technological expertise. IT executives must now consider the possibility that the new operating framework has taken too much focus away from technology and identify possible changes.
Buy the Book: Electronic Commerce in the Book Trade
Authors: Loebbecke Claudia , Powell Philip , Gallagher Carl
Published: December 2018

Exploitation of the World Wide Web (WWW) is a pipedream for many businesses, as they do not or cannot analyse their motives for having a web site. Many do not understand that there is more to a successful web site than having a corporate logo on a home page. They do not foresee the effort that goes into maintaining a web site, the increased competition from exposure to a ‘global market’ via the Internet and the impact a web site will have on the existing business. This case study allows analysis of the opportunities and risks of launching electronic commerce (EC) services in the case of the Co-op Bookshop, Australia's largest academic bookseller. The case describes Co-op's difficult progression to a profitable WWW presence and investigates potential developments due to growing competition from ‘global players’ and increasing amalgamation between bookselling over the WWW and electronic publishing. The case outlines the four possibilities by which a firm can profit from its Internet activities and transfers these general benefits to Internet service provision by bookstores. In particular, it directs attention to thinking of the core goals of the business, how a WWW presence helps to meet these goals and whether the introduction of a web site changes the direction of the business. This leads to a consideration of the nature of the web site. The case study allows exploration of the current customers and markets and why the firm focuses on these. Further, there are the issues of the resources required to set up and maintain a web site, how the site may be integrated into the existing business and its growth path. These issues are explored and modelled in the teaching notes and further background detail is given.
Global Logistics System Asia Co., Ltd
Authors: Damsgaard Jan
Published: December 2018

This case study examines the air cargo industry in Hong Kong, where an electronic trading network was launched by four international airlines with considerable success in the mid-1990s. Two key factors explain the success. First of all, the electronic network limited its service to preserve carefully the distribution of power among the stakeholders. Secondly, the system roll out took advantage of the four founding airlines’ local strongholds as points of departure. The case study also addresses the possibilities of extending the network into a full-scale electronic market for Hong Kong's air cargo community.
Business-to-Business Electronic Commerce and Convergent Assembly Supply Chain Management
Authors: Strader Troy J. , Lin Fu-Ren , Shaw Michael J.
Published: December 2018

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) can occur between a business and its customers, as well as between a business and its suppliers. To facilitate interorganizational e-commerce it is often necessary to share supply and demand information between supply chain partners. Based on our analysis of supply chains in several industries we identify the mechanisms (business processes) required for effective supply chain management. We also identify the information system components needed to support these mechanisms, show how the individual components can be integrated into an information infrastructure framework and identify some technologies currently available that can fit within our proposed infrastructure. We illustrate the usefulness of our framework by simulating convergent assembly (commonly associated with motor vehicle and aerospace production) supply chain performance under various information-sharing strategies supported by our proposed infrastructure. We find that inventory costs can be reduced while maintaining acceptable order fulfilment cycle times. This is true because information, which provides the basis for enhanced coordination and reduced uncertainty, can substitute for inventory.
Passive Leg Raise: Feasibility and Safety of the Maneuver in Patients With Undifferentiated Shock
Authors: Toppen William , Aquije Montoya Elizabeth , Ong Stephanie , Markovic Daniela , Kao Yuhan , Xu Xueqing , Chiem Alan , Cannesson Maxime , Berlin David , Barjaktarevic Igor
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Passive leg raise (PLR), in combination with technologies capable of capturing stroke volume changes, has been widely adopted in the management of shock. However, dedicated evaluation of safety, feasibility, and receptiveness of patients and nursing staff to PLR maneuver is missing.

Methods:

A noninterventional, prospective trial recruited adult patients with onset of undifferentiated shock within 24 hours with persistent vasopressor requirements despite fluid resuscitation. A standardized PLR maneuver was used to compare two noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring systems, each without significant impact on the performance of the maneuver. Safety and efficacy of the PLR were evaluated via subjective and objective measures. Objective measures of patient comfort and tolerance were evaluated through changes in vital signs, sedation, and analgesia requirements. Nurses and awake patients completed surveys on their experience.

Results:

Seventy-nine patients were enrolled. Testing was aborted in 2 cases for medical reasons (one patient developed rapid atrial fibrillation, second had profound desaturation). Of all, 5.4% of patients required additional vasopressor support after completion of the PLR maneuver due to persistent hypotension and 4.1% of patients required additional sedation. Among awake patients (N = 35), 6% reported pain and 29% reported discomfort. A total of 11% of nurses reported minor technical difficulties with the maneuver.

Conclusion:

Passive leg raise maneuver leads to a few serious but reversible complications in a selected population of hemodynamically unstable patients. Although it provides relevant diagnostic information, it may impact patient care. Treating physician should be aware of infrequent but possible complications and appreciate the impact of the maneuver on patients’ comfort and nursing workload.
National Trends in Diabetes Medication Use in the United States: 2008 to 2015
Authors: Raval Amit D. , Vyas Ami
Published: December 2018

Background

Data on trends of diabetes medications use are sparse, outdated, and limited to prescription data. We determined trends in diabetes medication use among US individuals with diabetes during 2008-2015.

Methods

We used 2008-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to examine diabetes medication utilization among individuals aged ≥18 years with diabetes. Prescription medications were classified based on therapeutic class and subclass using Multum Lexicon database.

Results

From 2008 to 2015, use of any diabetes medication (81.4% vs. 87%), metformin (47.8% vs. 59.0%), and insulin (23.0% vs. 31.0%) increased, whereas, use of sulfonylurea (36.0% vs. 29.0%) and thiazolidinedione (21% vs. 9.0%) declined. A linear increase was observed in the uptake of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors from 6.2% in 2008 to 12.4% in 2015; glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists from 2.5% in 2008 to 4.4% in 2015 and sodium glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors from 0.8% in 2014 (the first SGLT2 inhibitors approval year) to 4.4% in 2015. Monotherapy use increased from 50.6% to 56.4% during 2008-2015, while triple therapy use declined.

Conclusions

Metformin, insulin and sulfonylureas remained the top-three prescribed classes of diabetes medications. Increased use of DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors was offset by decline in TZDs use.
Lexical Acquisition Through Category Matching: 12-Month-Old Infants Associate Words to Visual Categories
Authors: Pomiechowska Barbara , Gliga Teodora
Published: December 2018

Although it is widely recognized that human infants build a sizeable conceptual repertoire before mastering language, it remains a matter of debate whether and to what extent early conceptual and category knowledge contributes to language development. We addressed this question by investigating whether 12-month-olds used preverbal categories to discover the meanings of new words. We showed that one group of infants ( n = 18) readily extended novel labels to previously unseen exemplars of preverbal visual categories after only a single labeling episode, but two other groups struggled to do so when taught labels for unfamiliar categories (those who had been previously exposed, n = 18, or not exposed, n = 18, to category tokens). These results suggest that infants expect labels to denote categories of objects and are equipped with learning mechanisms responsible for matching prelinguistic knowledge structures with linguistic inputs. This ability is consistent with the idea that our conceptual machinery provides building blocks for vocabulary and language acquisition.
Breast cancer subtype and screening sensitivity in the Quebec Mammography Screening Program
Authors: Perron Linda , Chang Sue-Ling , Daigle Jean-Marc , Vandal Nathalie , Theberge Isabelle , Diorio Caroline , Lemieux Julie , Pelletier Eric , Brisson Jacques
Published: December 2018

Objective

In mammography screening, interval cancers present a problem. The metric ‘screening sensitivity’ monitors both how well a programme detects cancers and avoids interval cancers. To our knowledge, the effect of breast cancer surrogate molecular subtypes on screening sensitivity has never been evaluated. We aimed to measure the 2-year screening sensitivity according to breast cancer subtypes.

Methods

We studied 734 women with an invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 2003 and 2007 after participating in one regional division of Quebec’s Mammography Screening Program. They represented 83% of all participating women with an invasive BC diagnosis in that region for that period. Tumours were categorized into ‘luminal A-like’, ‘luminal B-like’, ‘triple-negative’ and ‘HER2-positive’ subtypes. We used logistic regression and marginal standardization to estimate screening sensitivity, sensitivity ratios (SR) and sensitivity differences. We also assessed the mediating effect of grade.

Results

Adjusted 2-year screening sensitivity was 75.4% in luminal A-like, 66.1% in luminal B-like, 52.9% in triple-negative and 45.3% in HER2-positive, translating into sensitivity ratios of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.78–0.98) for luminal B-like, 0.70 (CI = 0.56–0.88) for triple-negative and 0.60 (CI = 0.39–0.93) for HER2-positive, when compared with luminal A-like. Grade entirely mediated the subtype-sensitivity association for triple negative and mediated it partly for HER2-positive. Screening round (prevalent vs. incident) did not modify results.

Conclusion

There was substantial variation in screening sensitivity according to breast cancer subtypes. Aggressive phenotypes showed the lowest sensitivity, an effect that was mediated by grade. Tailoring screening according to women’s subtype risk factors might eventually lead to more efficient programs.
Congressional Processes and Public Approval of New Laws
Authors: Curry James M.
Published: December 2018

Does how Congress makes a law affect public approval of that law? This question has been little studied, but the rising use of unorthodox processes in Congress raises concerns about the perceived legitimacy of congressional action among the public. Utilizing two unique survey experiments, I present evidence that when people are aware of the use of unorthodox legislative processes they express lower levels of approval for new laws. This effect is especially pronounced among partisans already inclined to be in opposition to the law, further solidifying their opposition. These findings have important implications for a Congress that in recent years has increasingly turned to unorthodox legislative processes to pass legislation.
Hypertensive ocular disease in cats: A guide to fundic lesions to facilitate early diagnosis
Authors: Carter Jenny
Published: December 2018

Practical relevance:

Systemic hypertension is common in older cats and can result in damage to organs with a rich arteriolar supply such as the eyes, kidneys, myocardium and brain. Hypertensive disease in these organs is known as target organ damage (TOD). Disease in the eye resulting from hypertension is the most easily identifiable form of TOD and can often be the reason the cat is presented to the veterinarian. Routine blood pressure measurement and fundic examination allows cats with hypertensive ocular lesions to be detected early in the course of the disease, when the lesions have the best chance of responding to treatment.

Clinical challenges:

Detecting early evidence of TOD in the fundus requires a veterinarian to be competent in recognising lesions associated with mild hypertensive disease, as well as the more easily recognised advanced lesions that frequently result in impaired vision and blindness.

Audience:

This review is written for all veterinarians who treat cats. It provides information and images to facilitate and guide veterinarians performing fundoscopy in cats, in particular in those over 7 years of age, with the aim of diagnosing hypertensive ocular lesions when they are present.

Equipment:

The clinical manifestations of hypertensive ocular disease can be detected non-invasively with inexpensive equipment. A summary of the equipment available for general practitioners to perform fundoscopy is provided.

Evidence base:

This is a comprehensive review of the literature on hypertensive ocular disease in cats. The author has also included images of hypertensive ocular lesions taken in general practice to highlight the variety of lesions that can be detected.
Impact of Yoga on Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Djalilova Dilorom M. , Schulz Paula S. , Berger Ann M. , Case Adam J. , Kupzyk Kevin A. , Ross Alyson C.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Many chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with underlying chronic inflammatory processes. Literature reviews have analyzed a variety of integrative therapies and their relationships with chronic inflammation. This systematic review is unique in reporting solely on yoga’s relationship with inflammation. Its purpose was to synthesize current literature examining the impact of yoga interventions on inflammatory biomarkers in adults with chronic inflammatory–related disorders.

Method:

Searches of several electronic databases were conducted. Inclusion criteria were (a) English language, (b) sample age >18 years old, (c) yoga interventions involving postures with or without yoga breathing and/or meditation, and (d) measured inflammatory biomarkers.

Results:

The final review included 15 primary studies. Of these, seven were rated as excellent and eight as average or fair. There was considerable variability in yoga types, components, frequency, session length, intervention duration, and intensity. The most common biomarkers measured were interleukin-6 ( n = 11), C-reactive protein ( n = 10), and tumor necrosis factor ( n = 8). Most studies reported positive effects on inflammatory biomarkers ( n = 11) from baseline to post yoga intervention. Analysis of the dose showed higher total dose (>1,000 min) resulted in greater improvements in inflammation.

Conclusion:

This review suggests that yoga can be a viable intervention to reduce inflammation across a multitude of chronic conditions. Future studies with detailed descriptions of yoga interventions, measurement of new and well-established inflammatory biomarkers, and larger sample sizes are warranted to advance the science and corroborate results.
Preventing blindness and visual impairment in Europe: What do we have to do?
Authors: Németh János , Tóth Gábor , Resnikoff Serge , de Faber Jan Tjeerd
Published: December 2018

Severe visual impairment and blindness are significant public health problems worldwide. Four-fifths of cases of blindness can be prevented or cured. The World Health organisation’s ‘Universal Eye Health: A Global Action Plan 2014–2019’ and the European Society of Ophthalmology’s Pilot Committee on Public Eye Health are aiming to decrease the prevalence of blindness in Europe and around the world. Starting discussions addressing possible actions and advocacies to improve current circumstances in public eye health is a common task of ophthalmologists and public health specialists in Europe.
Vibration feature extraction based on the improved variational mode decomposition and singular spectrum analysis combination algorithm
Authors: Li Hui , Bao Tengfei , Gu Chongshi , Chen Bo
Published: December 2018

Extraction of the vibration characteristics of a flood discharge structure under the influence of intensive background noise is one of the main challenges in vibration-based damage identification. A novel algorithm called normalized central frequency difference spectrum is proposed to improve the variational mode decomposition algorithm for high-frequency noise filtering. To eliminate the errors caused by end effect, the waveform matching extension algorithm is used to further improve the variational mode decomposition. However, the vibration signal is still coupled in low-frequency noise. Thereupon, the singular spectrum analysis algorithm is applied to filter the low-frequency noise. In this article, a simulated signal and the measured signals from a dam model are analyzed by the proposed algorithm. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm is robust to noise and has high denoising precision. In addition, this algorithm can offer clues for damage identification and localization of a flood discharge structure.