bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsteady free convection flow past a periodically accelerated vertical plate with Newtonian heating
Authors: Raju M.C. , Varma S.V.K. , Chamkha A.J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical study for a problem of unsteady free convection boundary layer flow past a periodically accelerated vertical plate with Newtonian heating (NH).

Design/methodology/approach

The equations governing the flow are studied in the closed form by using the Laplace transform technique. The effects of various physical parameters are studied through graphs and the expressions for skin friction, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are also derived and discussed numerically.

Findings

It is observed that velocity, concentration and skin friction decrease with the increasing values of Sc whereas temperature distribution decreases in the increase in Pr in the presence of NH.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a Newtonian fluid. This can be extended for non-Newtonian fluids.

Practical implications

Heat and mass transfer frequently occurs in chemically processed industries, distribution of temperature and moisture over agricultural fields, dispersion of fog and environment pollution and polymer production.

Social implications

Free convection flow of coupled heat and mass transfer occurs due to the temperature and concentration differences in the fluid as a result of driving forces. For example, in atmospheric flows, thermal convection resulting from heating of the earth by sunlight is affected differences in water vapor concentration.

Originality/value

The authors have studied heat and mass transfer effects on unsteady free convection boundary layer flow past a periodically accelerated vertical surface with NH, where the heat transfer rate from the bounding surface with a finite heat capacity is proportional to the local surface temperature, and which is usually termed as conjugate convective flow. The equations governing the flow are studied in the closed form by using the Laplace transform technique. The effects of various physical parameters are studied through graphs and the expression for skin friction also derived and discussed.
Influence of Cattaneo-Christov heat flux in flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid with variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Abbasi Fahad Munir , Shehzad Sabir Ali , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A. , Hegazy A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model for an Oldroyd-B fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model is utilized for the heat transfer analysis instead of Fourier’s law of heat conduction. Analytical solutions of nonlinear problems are computed.

Findings

The authors found that the temperature is decreased with an increase in relaxation time of heat flux but temperature gradient is enhanced.

Originality/value

No such analysis exists in the literature yet.
Aerodynamic and acoustic analysis of helicopter main rotor blade tips in hover
Authors: Garipova Lyaysan Ildusovna , Batrakov Andrei Sergeevich , Kusyumov Alexander Nikolaevich , Mikhaylov Sergey Anatolievich , Barakos George
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The design of main rotor blade tips is of interest to helicopter manufactures since the tip details affect the performance and acoustics of the rotor. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, computation fluid dynamics is used to simulate the flow around hovering helicopter blades with different tip designs. For each type of blade tip a parametric study on the shape is also conducted for comparison calculations were performed the constant rotor thrust condition. The collective pitch and the cone angles of the blades were determined by at an iterative trimming process.

Findings

Analysis of the distributed blade loads shows that the tip geometry has a significant influence on aerodynamics and aeroacoustics especially for stations where blade loading is high.

Originality/value

The aeroacoustic characteristics of the rotors were obtained using Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equations.
Cooling of a heating cylinder by confined impacting air jets
Authors: Chauchat Nicolas , Schall Eric , Mory Mathieu , de la Llave Plata Marta , Couaillier Vincent G.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new cooling process of a heated cylinder with confined impacting air jet.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this the authors used experience-numerical and numerical-numerical comparisons. The experimental facility, designed and built at the Pau University, consists in air jets impacting around a heated circular cylinder. As the inlet velocity magnitude is low (Vin=4.37 m/s – Machin=0.0125), using a compressible solver for numerical simulations presents a number of difficulties. For this low Mach number configuration, the authors compare the performance of three different solvers in this paper. Two of them are compressible, one based on the finite volume approach and the other on a discontinuous Galerkin method, and the third one is an incompressible solver. Some of the numerical results are compared to experimental data.

Findings

Comparisons between the results from 3D and 2D computations support the relevance of 2D models. Some of the numerical results are compared to experimental data.

Research limitations/implications

The confined aspect of the set-up reduces experimental measurement to intrusive measures. It should be noted that the temperature measurement given by thermocouples is always considered as “global” or “average”.

Originality/value

Future aircraft technology will increasingly rely on electrical power. The substitution of mechanical energy by electrical energy will lead to an increasing amount of heat power that need be evacuated. Innovative cooling processes have to be set up according to constraints imposed by the technological design.
Equalisation and civic duty in Keynesian social democracy
Authors: Hatta Koji
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse Charles Anthony Raven Crosland and Thomas Humphrey Marshall’s respective theories of equalisation and civic duty, and assesses the ethical criticisms made against these theories. Many of the ethical criticisms levelled against Crosland and Marshall argue that their theories focused exclusively on equalisation and social rights. In taking a morally neutral position, they neglected the duties that should be performed by citizens. This paper assesses the force of these ethical criticisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by identifying the cardinal points of Crosland and Marshall’s theories of equalisation and the duties that should be performed by citizens. The author ask whether it is reasonable to conclude that they took morally neutral positions and neglected these duties. The author then explore and assess the critique levied against Crosland and Marshall.

Findings

Crosland took a passive stance on the intervention of the government in civic morality and did not develop a discussion of the duties that ought to be performed by citizens. Thus, in some respects, he cannot avoid the ethical criticism that he took a morally neutral position and neglected civic duty. Marshall did not discuss only equalisation and social rights, but also considered the duties that ought to be performed by citizens. Consequently, it is concluded that the ethical criticism of his theory is not valid.

Originality/value

The paper makes an original contribution in the understanding of three areas: Crosland’s moral neutrality, Marshall’s discussion on civic duty, and the ethical criticism of Keynesian social democracy.
Investigating Islamic banking in Italy
Authors: Gimigliano Gabriella
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing body of work in the area of Islamic banking by investigating the regulatory accommodation process of Islamic banking in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is essentially based upon an analysis of laws, regulations and jurisprudence/legal doctrine.

Findings

In Italy, where Muslim represent, from a religious point of view, the second largest immigrant community, no Shari’a-compliant institution has been authorised yet, but no legal obstacle is laid down.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examines the accommodation process of Shari’a-compliant banking within the Italian system of banking and business law. Therefore, the paper is mainly based on the Italian jurisprudence/legal doctrine. Moreover, no comprehensive analysis of Islamic banking principles is provided.

Practical implications

The paper, investigating the accommodation process of Islamic banking in the Italian banking system, shows any legal and regulatory obstacles refraining Muslims living in Italy from living according to Islam and complying with the general regulation of undertakings.

Originality/value

Examination of the topic is originally undertaken because the investigation of Islamic banking in the Italian legal framework matches the business-based approach with the cultural-based approach as complementary analyses.
The feasibility of adopting Islamic Banking system under the existing laws in Uganda
Authors: Lujja Sulaiman , Mohammad Mustafa Omar , Hassan Rusni Bt. , Oseni Umar A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In 2014, Islamic finance assets are estimated to have exceeded US$2 trillion with over 100 products and an annual growth of over 20.7 per cent, across more than 76 countries, most of which are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Despite this remarkable market expansion, numerous OIC members such as Uganda are yet to fully adopt this unique financial system because of regulatory constraints. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which Uganda can benchmark the Malaysian experience and best practices to overcome the regulatory challenges in introducing Islamic Banking.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study adopts qualitative research methods through documentary review to elicit relevant information from the existing laws in Uganda that would accommodate the Islamic Banking system. Interpretive analysis and analytical methods are used to analyze data.

Findings

The Malaysian experience and best practices of Islamic Banking regulation need to be benchmarked by regulators. Relevant laws which require some amendments include section 37(a) and 38(1) of the Financial Institutions Act 2004 and section 29(3)(a) of the Bank of Uganda Act 2000. Similarly, tax legislation needs amendments to ensure a level playing field for Islamic finance and conventional finance products.

Originality/value

This is one of the earliest studies on models of Islamic Banking regulation suitable for adoption in Uganda. This study contributes to literature on how other jurisdictions (especially those with less regulatory prudence) could regulate Islamic Banking in a dual banking system jurisdiction.
IPO underpricing in the insurance industry and the effect of Sharia compliance
Authors: Boulanouar Zakaria , Alqahtani Faisal
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the existence of underpricing in the cooperative insurance sector in the Saudi Arabian market and to examine whether Sharia compliance requirements have an impact on the level of underpricing.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpricing and the effect of Sharia compliance are analysed using a comprehensive sample of 33 insurance companies with data collected between 2007 and 2013, after taking into account market movements, as well as some factors well-known in the literature.

Findings

The authors find that underpricing not only exists but also is among the highest in the world (455 per cent), which contradicts the literature on initial public offerings (IPOs)’ pricing in highly regulated sectors. In light of one of the other findings of the authors, namely, the small number of insurance underwriters, the authors attribute these very high levels of underpricing in part to the monopsony power of insurance underwriters in Saudi Arabia. Regarding the Sharia compliance effect, they find that it does not significantly reduce the underpricing of insurance offerings. The authors interpret this as the fact that Sharia status might not be taken into account by underwriters when they price the offerings of insurance companies, due to a major drawback in the implementing regulations of cooperative insurance which have been highly criticised by practitioners.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should try to include more factors that might explain the underpricing and its determinants. Two important recommendations flowing from this study for regulatory and supervisory institutions are the need to improve disclosure and transparency conditions and to work towards reducing the monopsony power enjoyed by the underwriters. As for Sharia effect, the Saudi central bank should resolve the issue of Sharia compliance by adopting one of the Sharia-friendly models suggested by Islamic finance scholars, such as wakala or mudaraba.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first to offer empirical evidence of the impact of Sharia compliance on the initial return of the IPOs of cooperative insurance firms.
Developing an autism specific framework for forensic case formulation
Authors: Shine John , Cooper-Evans Samantha
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the initial development of a framework to assist in clinical case formulation for individuals diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who have been convicted of violent and other offences.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework obtains information on the presence of ASD features from an individual’s developmental history, index offence and offence paralleling behaviours. Through obtaining information across these three domains the framework helps the practitioner make an informed assessment of the possible contribution of ASD to offending.

Findings

The framework aims to assist the practitioner to develop a clinical formulation based on hypothesised linkages between these domains for use in forensic assessment reports and to aid treatment planning. The use of the proposed framework is illustrated through a reference formulation based on a fictive case example.

Research limitations/implications

The framework is still in the early stages of development and has not been tested. The next stage is to utilise case information data to assess the validity of the items. This does not preclude the use of the framework by practitioners as an aid to generating clinical hypotheses about the possible link between autism and offending as the development of the tool has been informed by research on ASD and offending.

Practical implications

The framework may be used in conjunction with structured professional judgement tools. For example, the recently published third version of the HCR-20 includes pervasive developmental disorders as a historical risk item. This possible relevance of this item in terms of forensic risk could be presented using information obtained from the framework outlined in this paper. This in turn could be used to inform the formulation section of the HCR-20 and in the generation of treatment plans. In the longer term, the framework may help inform our understanding of possible relationships between violence risk and ASD and therefore aid effective assessment and treatment planning.

Social implications

In the longer term, the framework may help inform our understanding of possible relationships between violence risk and ASD and therefore aid effective assessment and treatment planning.

Originality/value

Although there is an emergent body of research on ASD and offending this has not yet been translated into a tool to help practitioners. This paper sets out an approach to do this and therefore makes an original contribution to the literature.
What kind of support and training do junior qualified nurses working with women with learning disabilities in a secure setting require when dealing with violence and aggression?
Authors: Goulding Helen , Riordan Sharon A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived needs of junior nurses working with women with learning disabilities in a secure setting who display violence and aggression; and to contribute to this specialised area of research and to identify potential areas for further post registration education.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative design using thematic analysis. Initial questionnaires were distributed and the results analysed in order to form initial themes. These initial themes were then used to carry out a one-off focus group and this was transcribed verbatim and then analysed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis to develop final themes.

Findings

The findings identified a need for staff to be able to access effective immediate support following incidents of violence and aggression and support be offered within a clear structured environment. Staff indicated that peer supervision be made available and that they also receive adequate education relating to gender specific issues and the use of seclusion.

Research limitations/implications

The research had several limitations. These included a small sample size which was also largely self-selected. Bias may have to be acknowledged in respect of completion of questionnaires depending on their view of participation and what they might be contributing to. Despite this the results do raise further questions such as staff decision making around the use of seclusion.

Practical implications

Implications centred around the organisation’s delivery of education to staff in relation to the clinical decision-making skills they require in order to effectively support women with learning disabilities who display violent and/or aggressive behaviour. The study also has implications for potential supervision structures currently offered within these services.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need to explore services for women with a learning disability further and how services can be shaped using current perspective and up to date research in line with recent policy, e.g. Corston Report (Home Office, 2007).
Treating online inappropriate sexualised behaviour
Authors: Chandler Robert J. , Swift Charlotte , Goodman Wendy
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of cognitive behavioural approaches to treat a gentleman with a learning disability who had been reported to the police for allegedly making contact with children using social media in an attempt to initiate a romantic relationship using a single case design.

Design/methodology/approach

An 11 session cognitive behavioural intervention was employed, comprising of index offence analysis, challenging distorted cognitions related to the offence, developing an internal focus for responsibility and psychoeducation with regards to “staying safe” online.

Findings

Follow up data demonstrated no improvements in victim empathy, nor in agreement ratings in terms of key cognitions associated with responsibility for offending behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst treatment efficacy was not established, this case study raises important questions that go beyond the single case design. Whilst the gentleman reported becoming “safer” in terms of initiating contact with unknown people via social media, this could not be substantiated, and is indicative of the cardinal difficulty of monitoring online recidivism. Generalisability of findings to the wider learning disability population is limited by a single case design.

Originality/value

This is the first published case study to the authors knowledge to evaluate cognitive behavioural approaches to reduce antisocial internet related behaviour in a forensic learning disability setting. Findings of considered within the context of the concept of minimisation of offending behaviour, the concept of “counterfeit deviance”, and also how best to measure therapeutic change within this population.
A comparison of the emotional and behavioural problems of intellectual disability offenders in medium and low security
Authors: Ashworth Sarah , Mooney Paul
Published: September 2016

Purpose

There are few reliable psychometric measures of the psychopathology of offenders with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, previous research has indicated that the emotional problems scale (EPS) is useful in identifying a range of treatment needs and in predicting risk to self and others. The purpose of this paper is to compare the severity of the emotional and behavioural problems of a small sample of offenders with ID in medium and low secure services, as assessed by EPS. Additionally, the data are tentatively compared with those reported in previous research to precipitate discussion regarding the changes in clinical populations in secure care over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected demographic and EPS data for patients with ID (n=25) on medium secure and a low secure wards. Data were collected as part of routine clinical practice, with EPS forms being completed by nursing and other multi-disciplinary staff.

Findings

It was found that there was no statistically significant difference in EPS scores between medium and low secure patients with ID. The authors also highlight differences between the current sample and the normative data collected by previous research.

Originality/value

The data regarding the psychopathology of medium and low secure patients with ID provide insight into the ever changing resourcing needs and risk profiles of this complex patient group. In addition, there is a dearth of empirical research that comments on the clinical differences observed over time in forensic populations. As the current data differ from pre-existing normative data, the potential shift in populations and also implications for the accuracy of clinical decision making based on the assessment are discussed.
Peer interviewers in mental health services research
Authors: Croft Bevin , Ostrow Laysha , Italia Linda , Camp-Bernard Adrian , Jacobs Yana
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Inclusion of members of the target population in research is an increasing priority in the social sciences; however, relatively few studies employ approaches that involve persons with lived experience of the mental health system in mental health services research, particularly in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to describe one such approach, the employment of peer interviewers in the evaluation of a peer respite program.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes how peer interviewers were recruited, hired, trained, and supervised. The authors discuss some benefits and challenges associated with the approach.

Findings

Peer interviewer benefits and challenges: the shared lived experience between the peer interviewers and study participants contributed to increased comfort and a high response rate overall. The study opened up professional opportunities for peers, but inconsistent work hours were a challenge and resulted in turnover and difficulty filling vacant positions. The lead evaluator and supervisors worked closely with peer interviewers to ensure conflict of interest was mitigated to reduce bias.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited literature describing peer representation in research, outlining one avenue for partnering with peers to align research with the values of the intervention under study without compromising – and perhaps increasing – scientific rigor. The authors expect that even more peer involvement in the oversight, analysis, and interpretation of results would have improved the overall quality of the evaluation. Future efforts should build upon and incorporate the approach alongside more comprehensive efforts to partner with service users.
Patient and public involvement and the implementation of research into practice
Authors: Gillard Steve , Foster Rhiannon , Papoulias Constantina
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is increasingly central to the delivery of health services research. However, it has proved challenging to evaluate the impact of PPI on the implementation of research into clinical practice and health service delivery. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a conceptual model explaining how PPI in the research process might impact on implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review of knowledge translation and implementation science literature was performed to develop a conceptual model of the impact of PPI in research on implementation. A retrospective case study of a research project was used to illustrate the model.

Findings

The authors identified five domains in which PPI can impact on the implementation of research into practice. The review demonstrated that successful implementation depends on developing relational models of knowledge production, valuing experiential knowledge, engaging in collaborative practice, making use of knowledge brokers or tools for knowledge facilitation and embedding these factors into the implementation context. In the case study the authors were able to find examples that illustrated each of the five domains of the model.

Originality/value

The paper builds on existing endeavour to evaluate the impact of PPI in research, demonstrating that it is possible to model, conceptually, the processes whereby PPI in research might impact on practice and service delivery. By illustrating those processes through the exemplar case the authors also demonstrate the potential for the model to be “operationalised”, allowing the impacts, on practice, of PPI in research to be systematically and directly evidenced.
Determinants of managerial engagement in environmental responsibility in the public assembly facility sector
Authors: Walker Matthew B. , Salaga Steven , Mercado Haylee
Published: September 2016

Purpose

While cost savings and perceptual benefits have been discussed in the literature as catalysts for promoting environmental responsibility (ER) and green management among public assembly facilities (PAFs), researchers have yet to determine if and how ER in this particular sector differs by facility characteristics. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study on ER and green management, which utilized questionnaire data from a sample of PAF managers obtained from the International Association of Venue Managers.

Findings

Probit modeling results illustrate that implementation of green practices (e.g. general ER, green teams, and retrofitting) differ by ownership and management structure, market size where the facility is located, and facility type. These results are set against a backdrop of managerial strategy that seemingly enabled the effects.

Practical implications

PAFs are significant physical and social spaces in communities around the world and afford millions of patrons the opportunity to witness many forms of live entertainment. This level of usage, however, requires substantial resource investments in energy, water, waste removal, and other items necessary to maintain a functional, clean, and efficient facility. Given their visible and marquee status in both urban and rural regions, it is not surprising that facility management decisions have been underpinned by ER concerns. The results of this research provide useful information to PAF managers regarding how facility profiles are associated with ER adoption.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research lies in showing how memetic constraints have seemingly encumbered strategic decision making for ER initiatives, and suggestions for PAF managers are couched in the adoption of smart norms.
Antecedents, consequences and moderators of ambidextrous behaviours among frontline employees
Authors: Kao Ya-Ling , Chen Ching-Fu
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The demand for efficient and flexible workers is growing in the service industry, with the promise of enhanced revenue generation and customer retention. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents (i.e. intrinsic motivation (IM)) and consequences (i.e. service performance (SP)) of front line employees’ ambidextrous behaviours, as well as the moderating roles of a proactive personality (PP), emotional intelligence (EI) and extrinsic reward (ER) in the IM-individual ambidexterity (IA) relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was designed to collect empirical data from 205 flight attendants working at a Taiwanese airline company. Hierarchical regression analysis is used to test the proposed relationships and estimate factor affecting employees’ SP.

Findings

The results confirm that IM is positively related to ambidextrous behaviour, which in turn improves SP. EI positively moderates the relationship between IM and IA, while a PP and ER negatively moderate it.

Practical implications

This paper entails useful implications for service providers to better understand front line employees’ ambidextrous behaviours and determine effective recruitment and reward management strategies that reflect the differing employee characteristic.

Originality/value

This study addresses the important issue of ambidextrous behaviours in a service-oriented context by examining whether and how PP, EI and ER moderate the relationships among IM, IA and SP.
Nostalgic marketing, perceived self-continuity, and consumer decisions
Authors: Ju Ilyoung , Kim Jihye , Chang Mark Jaewon , Bluck Susan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of nostalgic marketing on consumer decisions, including the relation of nostalgia to perceived self-continuity, brand attitude (BA), and purchase intent (PI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an experimental design that compares individuals’ responses to past-focussed (nostalgic) vs present-focussed (non-nostalgic) advertising across a range of three product types. Analyses include structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate direct and mediated relationships.

Findings

Nostalgic past-focussed advertisements (as compared to present-focussed advertisements) elicited higher perceived self-continuity which led to more favorable ratings of BA and greater intent to purchase the product. These effects held up regardless of product type. SEM showed that the relation of advertising-evoked nostalgia to BA is partially mediated by consumer’s perceived self-continuity. BA also directly predicted PI.

Practical implications

These findings provide two implications for marketing managers. First, the perceived self-continuity plays an important role in the success of nostalgia marketing. As such, advertising designed to directly influence perceived self-continuity should be used for framing a nostalgic marketing purposes that aims to connect consumers to particular brands. Second, evoking nostalgia in marketing communications is not just effective for one product type but appears to be useful across a variety of product type (i.e. utilitarian, hedonic, and neutral).

Originality/value

The study is based within an experiential marketing framework but is innovative in examining the specific experience of nostalgia and linking it to consumer’s identity (i.e. self-continuity). This area has received little attention and appears to be a promising area for future research on consumer decisions.
IC solder joint inspection based on the Gaussian mixture model
Authors: Cai Nian , Ye Qian , Liu Gen , Wang Han , Yang Zhijing
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to inspect solder joint defects of integrated circuit (IC) components on printed circuit boards. Here, an IC solder joint inspection algorithm is developed based on a Gaussian mixture model (GMM).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors train a GMM using numerous qualified IC solder joints. Then, the authors compare the IC solder joint images with the trained model to inspect the potential defects. Finally, the authors introduce a frequency map and define a metric termed as normalized defect degree to evaluate qualities of the tested IC solder joints.

Findings

Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is superior to the state-of-the-art methods on IC solder joint inspection.

Originality/value

The approach is a promising method for IC solder joint inspection, which is quite different from the traditional classifier-based methods.
The Role of Program Directors in Treatment Practices: The Case of Methadone Dose Patterns in U.S. Outpatient Opioid Agonist Treatment Programs
Authors: Frimpong Jemima A. , Shiu‐Yee Karen , D'Aunno Thomas
Published: September 2016

Objective

To describe changes in characteristics of directors of outpatient opioid agonist treatment (OAT) programs, and to examine the association between directors’ characteristics and low methadone dosage.

Data Source

Repeated cross‐sectional surveys of OAT programs in the United States from 1995 to 2011.

Study Design

We used generalized linear regression models to examine associations between directors’ characteristics and methadone dose, adjusting for program and patient factors.

Data Collection

Data were collected through telephone surveys of program directors.

Principal Findings

The proportion of OAT programs with an African American director declined over time, from 29 percent in 1995 to 16 percent in 2011. The median percentage of patients in each program receiving <60 mg/day declined significantly, from 48.5 percent in 1995 to 29 percent in 2005 and 23 percent in 2011. Programs with an African American director were significantly more likely to provide low methadone doses than other programs. This association was even stronger in programs with an African American director who served populations with higher percentages of African American patients.

Conclusions

Demographic characteristics of OAT program directors (e.g., their race) may play a key role in explaining variations in methadone dosage across programs and patients. Further research should investigate the causal pathways through which directors’ characteristics affect treatment practices. This may lead to new, multifaceted managerial interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Residual eDNA detection sensitivity assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR in a river ecosystem
Authors: Balasingham Katherine D. , Walter Ryan P. , Heath Daniel D.
Published: September 2016

Several studies have demonstrated that environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to detect the presence of aquatic species, days to weeks after the target species has been removed. However, most studies used eDNA analysis in lentic systems (ponds or lakes), or in controlled laboratory experiments. While eDNA degrades rapidly in all aquatic systems, it also undergoes dilution effects and physical destruction in flowing systems, complicating detection in rivers. However, some eDNA (i.e. residual eDNA) can be retained in aquatic systems, even those subject to high flow regimes. Our goal was to determine residual eDNA detection sensitivity using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR), in a flowing, uncontrolled river after the eDNA source was removed from the system; we repeated the experiment over 2 years. Residual eDNA had the strongest signal strength at the original source site and was detectable there up to 11.5 h after eDNA source removal. Residual eDNA signal strength decreased as sampling distance downstream from the eDNA source site increased, and was no longer detectable at the source site 48 h after the eDNA source water was exhausted in both experiments. This experiment shows that residual eDNA sampled in surface water can be mapped quantitatively using qRT–PCR, which allows a more accurate spatial identification of the target species location in lotic systems, and relative residual eDNA signal strength may allow the determination of the timing of the presence of target species.
Clinical outcome of node‐negative oligometastatic non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sakai Kiyohiro , Takeda Masayuki , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Tanaka Kaoru , Okuda Takeshi , Kato Amami , Nishimura Yasumasa , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Koyama Atsuko , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The concept of “oligometastasis” has emerged as a basis on which to identify patients with stage IV non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who might be most amenable to curative treatment. Limited data have been available regarding the survival of patients with node‐negative oligometastatic NSCLC.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC who attended Kindai University Hospital between January 2007 and January 2016 were recruited to this retrospective study. Patients with regional lymph node–negative disease and a limited number of metastatic lesions (≤5) per organ site and a limited number of affected organ sites (1 or 2) were eligible.

Results

Eighteen patients were identified for analysis during the study period. The most frequent metastatic site was the central nervous system (CNS, 72%). Most patients (83%) received systemic chemotherapy, with only three (17%) undergoing surgery, for the primary lung tumor. The CNS failure sites for patients with CNS metastases were located outside of the surgery or radiosurgery field. The median overall survival for all patients was 15.9 months, with that for EGFR mutation–positive patients tending to be longer than that for EGFR mutation–negative patients.

Conclusion

Cure is difficult to achieve with current treatment strategies for NSCLC patients with synchronous oligometastases, although a few long‐term survivors and a smaller number of patients alive at last follow‐up were present among the study cohort. There is an urgent clinical need for prospective evaluation of surgical resection as a treatment for oligometastatic NSCLC, especially negative for driver mutations.
Peer Group Effect in Firm Cash Holding Policy: Evidence from Korean Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Joo Changlim , Yang Insun , Yang Taeyong
Published: September 2016

Information about the activities of peer firms is indispensable for most corporate strategies. However, factors related to competitors have not been considered in most corporate financial research. This study uses data from Korean manufacturing firms to analyze empirically whether information on peer firms influences a firm's cash stockpiling decisions. Our results show that peer firms' cash ratio is a significant factor in the determination of company cash holding levels. To handle endogeneity issues, this study also proposes and attempts an alternative empirical method using a hybrid model utilizing both the mediation effect and instrumental variable.
Accounting for Extractive Industries: Has IFRS 6 Harmonised Accounting Practices by Extractive Industries?
Authors: Abdo Hafez
Published: September 2016

Accounting for extractive industries has historically been practiced by one of a number of methods: successful efforts, full costing, area of interest, appropriation and reserve recognition accounting. The choice of method adopted leads to different accounting figures. The difference in the treatment of the costs leads to different accounting figures being reported in the financial statements of extractive companies. This means that the ‘tell it like it is’ criteria of accounting functions differently, so that stakeholders find like‐with‐like comparisons for decision‐making purposes difficult. These difficulties have culminated in the release of IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources, to help harmonise accounting practice. This paper, through content analysis of annual reports of 122 upstream oil and gas companies from around the world, investigates the role of IFRS 6 in harmonising extractive industries’ accounting practices. Our analysis identifies seven types of company, which differ in their compliance with IFRS 6. Hence, we conclude that IFRS 6 has had some success in harmonising accounting treatments of exploration and evaluation expense but that this success is limited and more needs to be done to achieve wider harmonisation for the extractive industries.
Global identification predicts gay–male identity integration and well‐being among Turkish gay men
Authors: Koc Yasin , Vignoles Vivian L.
Published: September 2016

In most parts of the world, hegemonic masculinity requires men to endorse traditional masculine ideals, one of which is rejection of homosexuality. Wherever hegemonic masculinity favours heterosexuality over homosexuality, gay males may feel under pressure to negotiate their conflicting male gender and gay sexual identities to maintain positive self‐perceptions. However, globalization, as a source of intercultural interaction, might provide a beneficial context for people wishing to create alternative masculinities in the face of hegemonic masculinity. Hence, we tested if global identification would predict higher levels of gay–male identity integration, and indirectly subjective well‐being, via alternative masculinity representations for gay and male identities. A community sample of 219 gay and bisexual men from Turkey completed the study. Structural equation modelling revealed that global identification positively predicted gay–male identity integration, and indirectly subjective well‐being; however, alternative masculinity representations did not mediate this relationship. Our findings illustrate how identity categories in different domains can intersect and affect each other in complex ways. Moreover, we discuss mental health and well‐being implications for gay men living in cultures where they experience high levels of prejudice and stigma.
A novel infusion‐drainage device to assess lower urinary tract function in neuro‐imaging
Authors: Leitner Lorenz , Walter Matthias , Jarrahi Behnaz , Wanek Johann , Diefenbacher Jörg , Michels Lars , Liechti Martina D. , Kollias Spyros S. , Kessler Thomas M. , Mehnert Ulrich
Published: September 2016

Objective

To evaluate the applicability and precision of a novel infusion‐drainage device (IDD) for standardized filling paradigms in neuro‐urology and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of lower urinary tract (LUT) function/dysfunction.

Subjects/Patients and Methods

The IDD is based on electrohydrostatic actuation which was previously proven feasible in a prototype setup. The current design includes hydraulic cylinders and a motorized slider to provide force and motion. Methodological aspects have been assessed in a technical application laboratory as well as in healthy subjects (n=33) and patients with LUT dysfunction (n=3) undergoing fMRI during bladder stimulation. After catheterization, the bladder was pre‐filled until a persistent desire to void was reported by each subject. The scan paradigm comprised automated, repetitive bladder filling and withdrawal of 100 mL body warm (37 °C) saline, interleaved with rest and sensation rating. Neuroimaging data were analysed using Statistical Parametric Mapping version 12 (SMP12).

Results

Volume delivery accuracy was between 99.1±1.2% and 99.9±0.2%, for different flow rates and volumes. Magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility was demonstrated by a small decrease in signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), i.e. 1.13% for anatomical and 0.54% for functional scans, and a decrease of 1.76% for time‐variant SNR. Automated, repetitive bladder‐filling elicited robust (P = 0.05, family‐wise error corrected) brain activity in areas previously reported to be involved in supraspinal LUT control. There was a high synchronism between the LUT stimulation and the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal changes in such areas.

Conclusion

We were able to develop an MR‐compatible and MR‐synchronized IDD to routinely stimulate the LUT during fMRI in a standardized manner. The device provides LUT stimulation at high system accuracy resulting in significant supraspinal BOLD signal changes in interoceptive and LUT control areas in synchronicity to the applied stimuli. The IDD is commercially available, portable and multi‐configurable. Such a device may help to improve precision and standardization of LUT tasks in neuro‐imaging studies on supraspinal LUT control, and may therefore facilitate multi‐site studies and comparability between different LUT investigations in the future.
Geographical and seasonal variation in the intensity of sexual selection in the barn swallowHirundo rustica: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Romano Andrea , Costanzo Alessandra , Rubolini Diego , Saino Nicola , Møller Anders Pape
Published: September 2016

Sexual selection arises from competition among individuals for access to mates, resulting in the evolution of conspicuous sexually selected traits, especially when inter‐sexual competition is mediated by mate choice. Different sexual selection regimes may occur among populations/subspecies within the same species. This is particularly the case when mate choice is based on multiple sexually selected traits. However, empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis at the among‐populations level is scarce. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the intensity of sexual selection on the largest database to date for a single species, the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), relying on quantitative estimates of sexual selection. The intensity of sexual selection was expressed as the strength (effect size) of the relationships between six plumage ornaments (tail length, tail asymmetry, size of white spots on tail, ventral plumage colour, throat plumage colour and throat patch size) and several fitness proxies related to reproduction, parental care, offspring quality, arrival date from spring migration, and survival. The data were gathered for four geographically separated subspecies (H. r. rustica,H. r. erythrogaster,H. r. gutturalis,H. r. transitiva). The overall mean effect size (Zr = 0.214; 95% confidence interval = 0.175–0.254;N = 329) was of intermediate magnitude, with intensity of sexual selection being stronger in males than in females. Effect sizes varied during the breeding cycle, being larger before egg deposition, when competition for access to mates reaches its maximum (i.e. in the promiscuous part of the breeding cycle), and decreasing thereafter. In addition, effect sizes from experiments were not significantly larger than those from correlative studies. Finally, sexual selection on different sexually dimorphic traits varied among subspecies. This last result suggests that morphological divergence among populations has partly arisen from divergent sexual selection, which may eventually lead to speciation.