bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex, benevolence and willingness to pay for screening
Authors: Whynes David , Sach Tracey
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a contingent valuation (CV) survey of health care services, designed to illuminate self-interest and benevolence on the part of one sex for the other.

Design/methodology/approach

In a constructed scenario, men and women recorded how much they would be willing to contribute to each of three different types of cancer screening, one of which would be available only to members of the opposite sex.

Findings

Over two-thirds of individuals, amongst whom men were more heavily represented, chose an identical CV for all three services. Amongst those who nominated dissimilar values, a willingness to contribute to own-sex screening coupled with an unwillingness to contribute to opposite-sex screening was more common amongst women than amongst men. Both sexes valued own-sex screening more highly than opposite-sex screening yet, compared with men, women were prepared to offer proportionately less for the latter relative to the former. In an associated person trade-off task, women were considerably less likely than men to choose opposite-sex screening at the expense of a type from which they could benefit personally.

Originality/value

To date, very little research has been undertaken on differential responses to health valuation of care provision by sex. The results suggest a degree of asymmetry between the sexes, with respect to self-interest and benevolence.
State fragility, rent seeking and lobbying: evidence from African data
Authors: Kodila-Tedika Oasis , Simplice Asongu
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the determinants of state fragility in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using hitherto unexplored variables in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The previously missing dimension of nation building is integrated and the hypothesis of state fragility being a function of rent seeking and/or lobbying by de facto power holders is tested.

Findings

The resulting interesting finding is that political interference, rent seeking and lobbying increase the probability of state fragility by mitigating the effectiveness of governance capacity. This relationship (after controlling for a range of economic, institutional and demographic factors) is consistent with a plethora of models and specifications. The validity of the hypothesis is confirmed in a scenario of extreme state fragility. Moreover, the interaction between political interferences and revolutions mitigates the probability of state fragility while the interaction between natural resources and political interferences breeds the probability of extreme state fragility.

Practical implications

There are two main policy implications. First, political interference, rent seeking and lobbying are likely to increase the fragility of SSA nations. Second, there is a “Sub-Saharan African specificity” in “nation building” and prevention of conflicts. Blanket fragility-oriented policies will be misplaced unless they are contingent on the degree of fragility, since “fragile” and “extreme fragile” countries respond differently to economic, institutional and demographic characteristics of state fragility.

Originality/value

The study is timely given the political strife, violence and conflicts issues currently affecting African development.
Guest editorial
Authors: Millar Carla C.J.M. , Lockett Martin , Mahon John F.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to further research on leadership and knowledge management through formal knowledge strategies in knowledge-intensive organizations (KIOs), and analyse knowledge management challenges and approaches within KIOs, especially tacit knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on conceptual and literature research.

Findings

Managing knowledge as an organizational asset involves how knowledge is obtained, stored and organized, and accessed and shared when needed. This is crucial for KIOs. Knowledge that is not captured, understood and transferred, throughout the organization, is useless. This requires the integration of systems and processes with people and leadership. Tacit knowledge generation and transfer is especially important in KIOs. In particular, the success of KIOs depends crucially on management’s ability to give leadership in a way that supports knowledge-intensive teamwork. The global nature of internal and external knowledge networks adds to the leadership challenge. This can be made more complex by cultural differences, intellectual property protection (formal and informal) and talent scarcity.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to identify the types of KIO and to better understand sound common knowledge management and related leadership principles across all types of KIO and those that are more context-dependent on the type of KIO and/or its business and cultural context. More research is needed on policy making organizations, in-company policy-making research and development and creative industries.

Originality/value

The paper takes forward research on leading knowledge management in KIOs and introduces 14 challenging new papers in this specific field of research.
The team absorptive capacity triad: a configurational study of individual, enabling, and motivating factors
Authors: Lowik Sandor , Kraaijenbrink Jeroen , Groen Aard
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to understand how knowledge-intensive teams can develop and enhance their team absorptive capacity (ACAP) level, by exploring whether individual and organizational factors are complements or substitutes for team ACAP.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a configurational approach using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to identify combinations of individual and team factors that are associated with team ACAP. Data were gathered through a survey among 297 employees of four medium-sized Dutch firms, working in 48 functional teams.

Findings

The primary finding is that knowledge-intensive team ACAP depends on a triad of complementary factors: team members’ individual ACAP, factors that enable knowledge integration and factors that motivate knowledge integration. Underdevelopment of one or more factors leads to lower team ACAP.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the discussion on thelocusof knowledge-creation and enhances understandings of why knowledge-intensive teams differ in knowledge processing capabilities. It suggests future research on cross-functional teams in new ventures and large firms.

Practical implications

The paper informs managers and team leaders about the factors that determine knowledge-intensive teams’ ACAP, enabling them to develop team-specific strategies to increase their teams’ performance.

Originality/value

The study takes a holistic perspective on knowledge-intensive team ACAP by using a configurational approach. It also highlights the potential of team-level research in the knowledge management literature for both researchers and practitioners.
Self-efficacy and self-awareness: moral insights to increased leader effectiveness
Authors: Caldwell Cam , Hayes Linda A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationships between self-efficacy and self-awareness and the moral obligations of leaders in understanding and developing these personal qualities. As leaders strive for excellence, self-efficacy and self-awareness can empower them to unlock their own potential and the potential of their organizations and those with whom they work.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper integrates research of self-efficacy and self-awareness as they pertain to ethical leadership and presents six propositions that increase leadership effectiveness, create value for the organization, and develop leaders considered my trusted by others.

Findings

The authors argue that greater understanding of self-efficacy and self-awareness is important for individual growth and can enable ethical leaders to empower themselves, their colleagues, and the organization in which they work.

Research limitations/implications

This research presents six propositions concerning self-efficacy and self-awareness and their influence on effective leadership that can be tested in future research. The ethically based nature of self-efficacy and self-awareness merits additional academic research and practitioner application.

Practical implications

This paper provides valuable insights to scholars and practitioners by proposing six propositions that will allow leaders to increase their effectiveness and add value to the organization.

Social implications

Ethical leaders add value by continuously improving themselves. Ethical leaders owe it to others and themselves to be more effective through a greater understanding of self-efficacy and self-awareness.

Originality/value

Self-efficacy and self-awareness are moral duties associated with the identities of leaders and important for leaders in understanding their own capabilities and identities. Greater knowledge of self-efficacy and self-awareness can enable ethical leaders to be more effective and create value.
A multilevel study of transformational leadership, dual organizational change and innovative behavior in groups
Authors: Feng Cailing , Huang Xiaoyu , Zhang Lihua
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Based on dual organizational theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative behavior in groups. The authors proposed that group innovative behavior was influenced by transformational leadership as a group-level construct which was moderated by dual organizational change that represent organization-level resources. Furthermore, the authors identified two organizational change-related situational variables-radical change and incremental change and examined their effects on group innovative behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from full-time employees working in groups in 43 companies, located in five cities in China including Beijing, Yantai, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Chengde. These enterprises were from a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, financing, information technology, and geological exploration. The authors chose a middle- or senior-level manager from each company to act as chief survey respondent, who were asked to contact managers and employees from a list they had provided and invite them to participate in a web-based survey (via an e-mailed link) or a paper-and-pencil survey. A total of 192 managers and 756 direct subordinates from 112 groups completed the survey.

Findings

Results found that transformational leadership was positively related to group innovative behavior, and this relationship was moderated by radical change, but not incremental change; radical change and incremental change were also positively related to group innovative behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This study adopts a cross-sectional study design, which is insufficient for deriving causal inferences. Future research may adopt a longitudinal study design to investigate causal impacts. Besides, some unmeasured variables could be related to transformational leadership and innovative behavior.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for adopting appropriate leadership style to motivate innovative behavior, promoting dual organizational change to boost innovative behavior, and generating greater innovative behavior for transformational leaders in times of radical change.

Originality/value

This cross-level study contributes to the relationship between transformational leadership and group innovative behavior in the context of dual organizational change.
Hofstede’s cultural dimensions in accounting research: a review
Authors: Khlif Hichem
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to review the use of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions in accounting research over the period 1995-2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The author combines electronic and manual searches to identify relevant studies using key words like “national culture” or “Hofstede’s cultural dimensions” and “accounting” or “auditing” or “taxation”. The search yields a total number of 35 published studies. For each reviewed stream of research, the author presents its theoretical underpinning and summarises its main results.

Findings

The paper identifies four main accounting research topics being reporting policy, auditing, taxation and miscellaneous accounting. These studies use three main methodologies including empirical, experiment and meta-analysis. The review reveals that individualism is positively related to corporate reporting policy, while it is associated with low levels of tax evasion. High levels of masculinity are generally associated with low disclosure environments and aggressive accounting manipulations. Finally, long-term orientation has been examined with respect to social environmental disclosure, and findings are supportive of a positive association between both variables.

Originality/value

This literature review represents a historical record, an introduction and a guidance for researchers who aim to examine whether Hofstede’s cultural dimensions may be useful in explaining other accounting phenomena. It also presents the main criticisms addressed to Hofstede’s framework. Finally, it conducts a critical analysis for reviewed studies and highlights their reductionist approach in explaining accounting phenomena and methodological weaknesses.
An unpleasant small-stock effect in manufacturing: the case of the dependent buyer
Authors: Itzkowitz Jennifer , Loviscek Anthony
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if there is a significant difference in the investment risks between small-cap manufacturers that heavily depend on one or a few buyers, referred to as “dependent-buyers,” and small-cap manufacturers that have a more diversified customer base. If there is a significant difference both statistically and economically, then investors need to be aware of the dependent-buyer effect in their security selection and portfolio construction efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

Using large samples of firm-level data from 2000 through 2011, the authors employ standard risk estimation modeling to compute βs, idiosyncratic risks, and total risks of both dependent-buyer firms and firms with a more diversified customer base.

Findings

The authors find that the βs, idiosyncratic risks, and total risks of dependent-buyer firms are much greater than that of firms not in dependent relationships. These differences are both statistically and economically significant.

Research limitations/implications

Buyer-supplier relationships can change quickly, and so a firm that has a diversified base in one period, for example, could be a dependent-buyer in the next period. Much depends on the reporting accuracy of firms and the ability of the securities exchange commission (SEC) to track the relationships.

Practical implications

First, the risk of individual small-cap stocks is likely to be greater than perceived from macro-level data, leading to the need for more securities if idiosyncratic risk is to be eliminated. Second, small-cap investors have the opportunity to enhance portfolio construction efficiency by referencing data published by the SEC. Third, most investors interested in small-cap manufacturing stocks should find it prudent to allocate a large percentage of their small-cap investments to an index fund. While this may sacrifice higher returns, it also reduces the probability of experiencing an unpleasant small-stock effect.

Originality/value

This is the first study to show that the difference in investment risks between small-cap manufacturers that depend on one or a few firms for their outputs and small-cap manufacturers that have a well-diversified customer base is statistically and economically significant, information that should be valuable to investors in their security selection and portfolio construction efforts.
Corporate social responsibility and stock price crash risk
Authors: Lee Ming-Te
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test opposing views of the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and stock price crash risk in a major Asian emerging stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper suggests an endogenous relationship between CSR and stock price crash risk. Hence, this paper uses two-stage least squares regression analysis to address the bias and inconsistency associated with endogeneity issues. Moreover, previous studies argue that the level of effectiveness of corporate governance significantly affects firm-specific stock price crash risk. Thus, this paper further divides the overall sample into two sub-samples according to the median of the corporate governance index. Furthermore, this paper investigates the impact of CSR on stock price crash risk under corporate governance.

Findings

The empirical results show that CSR significantly mitigates Taiwanese stock price crash risk. This finding is consistent with the notion that socially responsible Taiwanese firms commit to a higher standard of transparency and engage in less bad news hoarding, thus reducing crash risk. The empirical results also show that CSR has a more pronounced effect in mitigating crash risk for Taiwanese firms with less effective corporate governance.

Originality/value

The study findings indicate that CSR plays a more important role in reducing crash risk for Taiwanese firms with weak governance mechanisms.
Transparency of hope
Authors: Hartman Anna E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine marketing tactics used in the clinic websites of cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) providers and analyse what ethical implications exist when targeting the vulnerable consumer group of infertility sufferers.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling design was to collect clinic websites from regions known to be popular destinations for CBRC, and who were marketing directly to US-based consumers through their online websites. There were three stages of data collection: organic Google search that displayed Google AdWords of clinics who advertised; organic Google search results; and searching via the WhatClinic.com database for additional private clinics with websites. The websites were then audited for their marketing tactics according to the best practice guidelines from the American Medical Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, ethics committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Findings

Through this analysis, it was confirmed that these clinics are attempting to establish their credibility and attract foreign consumers through their promised rates of success, years of experience and use of testimonials. In total, 32 of the 35 sites contained at least one factor considered misleading by ASRM guidelines, such as the publishing of inaccurate or non-transparent success rates, the use of sales promotions and guarantees often used in consumer products, or the use of misleading language. Out of the 24 sites that posted success rates, 17 of those rates would be considered deceptive by not clarifying the source of the numbers or by being so far from the global averages of 30 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

Marketing practitioners have a specific responsibility to recognise vulnerable market segments; therefore this initial study seeks to add to the understanding of consumer vulnerability through an intersectional view of global reproductive service consumption.

Practical implications

A global standard of marketing guidelines specific to CBRC clinics needs to be implemented across all regional/countries in order to communicate ethically, improve credibility, reputation and trust among consumer and international bodies. Counselling services need to be integrated within all assisted reproductive technology services. Service-country to home-country continued care protocols should be created for patients travelling home in order to collect data on CRBC experiences.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the CBRC literature in providing new insights into current clinic marketing trends and highlights ethical implications to industry stakeholders.
The dark side of the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Skandrani Hamida , Sghaier Malek
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover some ethically equivocal aspects of the pharmaceutical industry (PI). It identifies the determinants of the medical representatives’ (MRs) unethical behaviour as perceived by the MRs themselves and their direct customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative multi-actors approach, 40 in-depth interviews were conducted among MRs and physicians.

Findings

The study has revealed that providing misleading and incomplete information, giving incentives, making disparaging remarks about competitors and their products, falsifying daily call reports and the misusing of samples are the major unethical issues of MRs. The determinants of unethical behaviour can be classified into six groups: organizational, individual, job characteristics, stakeholders, situational, and cultural factors.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the complexity of the subject matter and the research approach, the findings may lack generalizability. Besides, as the healthcare sector involves other actors (pharmacists, patients, and government), it will be more insightful to take into account their influence on the ethical/unethical behaviour of MRs.

Practical implications

Identifying questionable ethical behaviours and their determinants could be very helpful for firms to undertake the necessary actions (i.e. training programmes) to prevent their negative impact, and to develop ethical awareness among their MRs. This may enhance their public image and build long-term relationships with their customers.

Originality/value

This study is among few studies that has taken into account the views of more than a single actor in the PI (MRs and physicians).
Content and compliance of pharmaceutical social media marketing
Authors: Huhmann Bruce A. , Limbu Yam B.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore ethical issues related to pharmaceutical marketers’ social media efforts including the prevalence and forms of direct-to-consumer web 2.0 advertising (eDTCA) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) messages across social networking sites (SNSs). One goal is to determine if these eDTCA posts comply with draft guidelines issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of ten pharmaceutical marketers’ SNS posts documented the frequency and types of posts devoted to eDTCA, drug risks and benefits, CSR, and other purposes.

Findings

eDTCA represents about 35 percent of all pharmaceutical firm SNS posts and primarily communicates help-seeking messages via Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Firms also promote their ethical image through CSR-related posts. These posts primarily highlight employee-focussed and community-focussed initiatives. Analysis of consumer behavior in response to each post shows that eDTCA affects only liking of YouTube videos, but CSR increases behavior responses on all SNSs except LinkedIn.

Social implications

Despite absence of final guidance, pharmaceutical marketers seem to abide by FDA draft social media guidance. In line with the FDA’s draft fair-balance regulations, almost all product-claim eDTCA posts state both benefit and risk information. Nevertheless, the FDA should issue final eDTCA guidance without delay consistent with traditional media direct-to-consumer advertising guidance. This should benefit consumers through consistency with their existing advertising literacy competencies.

Originality/value

The study represents an initial attempt to document ethical issues in the current state-of-the-practice of pharmaceutical social media marketing related to eDTCA and CSR.
Went in for Botox and left with a rhinoplasty
Authors: Vlahos Aphrodite , Bove Liliana L.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how customer relationship marketing (CRM) activities are utilized by plastic surgery providers to encourage the sale of non-surgical cosmetic procedures (such as Botox). These procedures are considered to be an important gateway for future, more invasive (and profitable) services. As a result, the techniques used to build relationships with clients may be unethical, as they prioritize increased financial performance and profitability over customer well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual models are presented that compare and contrast the CRM activities, mediators and expected outcomes for plastic surgery providers, motivated primarily by profit, with those primarily motivated by mutual betterment.

Findings

It is suggested that when accompanied by sales promotions, problem augmentation – an approach used by plastic surgeons to broaden the scope of a patient’s aesthetic problem to other areas of concern – may generate increased sales in the short term, but reduce the opportunity of positive word-of-mouth to recruit new clients.

Originality/value

This paper applies relationship marketing to a novel context to demonstrate how practices to retain and improve clients may harm their well-being and commoditize the service, unless mutual betterment is a key objective.
Hydroponics: potential for augmenting sustainable food production in non-arable regions
Authors: Treftz Chenin , Omaye Stanley T.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this review of the literature is to provide readers a foundation of understanding whereby future research can move forward in the quest for global sustainable food production.

Design/methodology/approach

This review includes up-to-date information from evidence-based sources on hydroponics. Topics included are advantages, limitations, nutritional quality and sensory quality

Findings

Hydroponic growing systems offer the opportunity to at least augment traditional soil-based growing systems in global food production. Some benefits of hydroponic growing systems are limitation of water waste (recirculation), crops grown in controlled environments (control of pests, nutrients and attributes required for optimal plant growth) and ability to manipulate conditions to maximize production in limited space (vertical gardens).

Practical implications

The human population is increasing with a parallel increase in the demand for food; therefore, food production must increase to meet the need.

Originality/value

In spite of the rapid interest and proliferation of information by laypeople, evidence-based research is scant on hydroponics. This article provides a summary of the literature on hydroponics and how it may be used for sustainable food production in arid and urban areas.
Comparative analysis of physico-chemical properties and amino acids profile of three tropical maize hybrid cultivars in Nigeria
Authors: Oladeji Babatunde Stephen , Irinkoyenikan Oluwatoyin Ajoke , Gbadamosi Olasunkanmi Saka , Ibironke Samson Ishola , Akanbi Charles Taiwo , Taiwo Kehinde Adekunbi
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the physico-chemical properties and amino acid profile of three maize hybrid cultivars grown in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Two normal maize endosperm varieties, yellow SUWAN-ISR (YNM) and white ART/98/SW05-OB-WC (WNM), and one yellow QPM variety, TZE-POP-DT-STR-QPM (YQPM), were selected for the study. Physico-chemical properties, physical tests, proximate composition analysis, functional properties and characteristics and amino acid profile tests were carried out on the grains using standard methods.

Findings

Protein was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in YQPM (10.49 per cent) than in normal endosperm, YNM (8.83 per cent) and WNM (8.50 per cent). Amino acid profile of the grains revealed that total amino acid of YQPM (94.67 g/100 g of protein) and essential amino acid of YQPM (39.070) were the highest among the three, with highest significantly different value of tryptophan (0.388 g/100 g of protein) at p < 0.05. The cooking quality of YQPM was found to be better than the other two, with highest hydration capacity and increase in volume after cooking (90.8 ± 0.01 g/1000 grains and 147.53 ± 0.02 per cent).

Originality/value

YQPM will be highly beneficial in the tropics, where maize is grown as the major staple food to reduce hunger and malnutrition because of its amino acid balance and its better cooking quality.
Implementing wound dressing protocol to reduce post cesarean section surgical site infections in Mibilizi District Hospital, Rwanda
Authors: Bahufite Augustin , Ndagijimana Albert , Adomako Eva , Zerihun Abraham , Simba Calliope Akintije , Ntakirutimana Charlotte , Nyirantakiyende Laurentine , Mukandayisenga Marie Josée , Wong Rex
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Caesarean section (CS) is one of the most common surgeries in the world. Although the procedure saves lives, it poses important risks such as post-caesarean surgical site infection (PCS-SSI). Basic patient care procedures can prevent PCS-SSI, however, they are not always followed. The purpose of this study is to describe how strategic problem solving (SPS) was used to implement a wound dressing protocol in a district hospital in Rwanda to reduce PCS-SSI rates.

Design/methodology/approach

To address variations in wound care practice, a new clinical protocol was developed and implemented by a quality improvement team which included clinicians. Training and supervision was also provided to the maternity team.

Findings

The intervention reduced PCS-SSI from 5.1 to 1.8 per cent. It also significantly improved the compliance to recommended wound dressing practices.

Practical implications

By applying SPS and effective leadership skills, the authors secured buy-in and support from stakeholders and introduced a wound management protocol in a district hospital of Rwanda. The intervention significantly improved wound management practice; however, long term follow-up will be necessary to sustain the improvements.

Originality/value

The results will inform hospitals in resource-limited settings of how to improve basic standards of care using SPS and leadership without additional cost to the hospital.
How industry competition ruined windsurfing
Authors: Thomas Stuart , Potts Jason
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a competitive evolutionary process we call “innovation overshooting” that has been observed in equipment-based sports, using windsurfing as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The case-study approach is based upon primary data gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with pioneers of the case-study sport and through analysis of international and domestic industry publications and grey literature.

Findings

New sports, in particular equipment-based “lifestyle” sports, can experience a rapid rise in popularity but eventually technology-driven competition leads to equipment overshooting the capabilities and financial budgets of most users. This Schumpeterian market process leads to a rapid decline in participation and the eventual collapse of the market for the sport’s equipment.

Originality/value

Models of endogenous overshooting are established in the study of finance and business cycles, and have recently been extended to the music and design industry. The authors extend this to the sports equipment sector finding clear evidence of evolutionary competitive technological and market overshooting.
Specialist inpatient services for people with learning disabilities across the four countries of the UK
Authors: Hatton Chris
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare data from national censuses on specialist inpatient service use by people with learning disabilities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

National statistics (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) reporting inpatient service censuses including people with learning disabilities were accessed, with data extracted on trends over time, rate of service use, young people and length of stay.

Findings

The number and rate of people with learning disabilities in specialist inpatient services varied across the UK: 230 people in Scotland (rate 4.88 per 100,000 population); 3,250 people in England (5.48); 183 people in Wales (5.90); 144 people in Northern Ireland (7.82). The number of people in inpatient services in Northern Ireland halved over four years, in other areas reductions were modest. Between 5 and 8 per cent of people in inpatient services were children/young people. Median length of stay in the person’s current inpatient service varied: 19 months in England; 33 months in Scotland; three to five years in Northern Ireland.

Social implications

Different parts of the UK vary in the scale of their specialist inpatient services for people with learning disabilities. With the exception of Northern Ireland, which may still be in the last stages of completing a “regular” deinstitutionalisation programme, strong policy prescriptions for substantial reductions in specialist inpatient services are currently only resulting in modest reductions.

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt to compare national inpatient service statistics across the UK. With increasing divergence of health and social service systems, further comparative analyses of services for people with learning disabilities are needed.
Conceptualising bereavement in profound and multiple learning disabilities
Authors: Young Hannah
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Bereavement and loss are key factors in poor emotional wellbeing among people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). However, little attention has been drawn to this group in the grief and disability literature. The purpose of this paper is to make sense of bereavement and loss in people with PMLD, with reference to theoretical contributions to the field and studies of grief reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review revealed 34 relevant published works. These were analysed for relevant contributions.

Findings

Three main types of theoretical contributions have been made; traditional grief theories, cognitive approaches and attachment-based perspectives. Although a limited number of case studies exist, a range of grief reactions have been reported in people with PMLD. Traditional grief theories and cognitive approaches are somewhat limited in making sense of grief responses in this group, while attachment-based perspectives may prove useful in providing theoretical and therapeutic direction.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to more accurately describe the nature of relationships in people with PMLD.

Practical implications

Major contributions to the field point to the value of facilitating engagement with the grieving process, through communication around the loss and training for staff. In addition, attachment-based perspectives are offering routes for establishing therapeutic relationships that may help to resolve behavioural difficulties.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of the perspectives within bereavement and disability, drawing together clear theoretical frameworks for future research and practice.
The impact of a readiness program for implementing and sustaining continuous improvement processes
Authors: Jaca Carmen , Paipa-Galeano Luis , Viles Elisabeth , Mateo Ricardo
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a readiness programme designed to increase employees’ awareness of order and cleanliness as a way of building the necessary foundation for implementing and sustaining continuous improvement processes. In this paper, the authors propose a new readiness programme based on the principles of 5S, with the aim of strengthening employees’ motivation and involvement prior to 5S being implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on case study methodology, followed by a programme of four structured activities. The validity of the programme is shown through the implementation of the activities in two different organizations.

Findings

The readiness programme was applied before 5S was successfully implemented. The degree of awareness and motivation of the programme participants improved as a result of these activities. Moreover, the activities increased people’s motivation to participate in improvement activities.

Originality/value

Applying a readiness programme before implementing 5S can help organizations to achieve and sustain improvement activities, thus increasing worker commitment and motivation.
Effects of Extraction and Purification Methods on Degradation Kinetics and Stability of Lycopene from Watermelon under Storage Conditions
Authors: Saeid Abu , Eun Jong Bang , Sagor Md. Shafiul Azam , Rahman Atikur , Akter Mst. Sorifa , Ahmed Maruf
Published: September 2016

Lycopene was extraction, isolation and purification using recrystallization, column chromatography, and preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods as well as degradation kinetics of lycopene were studied at refrigerated temperature and room temperature for 3 wk from watermelon. Higher lycopene degradation was observed at refrigerated temperature as compared to ambient temperature throughout the storage periods. The highest amount of lycopene retained in recrystallization (101.69 μg/g) followed by column chromatography (18.20 μg/g) and preparative TLC (15.57 μg/g). Color parameters, half‐life time (t1/2), and color retention (%R) were dependent on extraction, isolation, and purification methods and storage life. Recrystallization and preparative TLC were followed by first order reaction model. Preparative TLC exhibited higher activation energy than did the recrystallization and column chromatography. Therefore, the result shows that recrystallization method could apply to extract and purify lycopene from watermelon that would also be used as a natural colorant as well as value‐added product.
Spatio‐temporal association of Therioaphis maculata and Hippodamia variegata in alfalfa fields
Authors: Shayestehmehr Hakimeh , Karimzadeh Roghaiyeh , Hejazi Mir J.
Published: September 2016

A 2‐year study was conducted aiming to characterize the spatio‐temporal association of spotted alfalfa aphid Therioaphis maculata Buckten (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in alfalfa fields.

The present study was conducted in 0.5‐, 3.1‐ and 7.3‐ha alfalfa fields and at two spatial scales. The 0.5‐ha field was divided into 10 × 10 m grid; and the 3.1‐ and 7.3‐ha fields were divided into 30 × 30 m grids. Weekly samplings began when plant height reached approximately 15 cm and were continued until hay cutting. Forty and ten stems were chosen randomly in 30 × 30 m and 10 × 10 m grids, respectively. The stems were shaken into a white pan three times and the aphids and coccinellids fallen in the pan were counted.

The data were analyzed using spatial analysis by distance indices. Both T. maculata and H. variegata showed aggregative spatial pattern. The results also revealed that there was a positive spatial association between spotted alfalfa aphids and lady beetles.

Spatio‐temporal synchrony between predator and prey distribution is important with respect to implementing biological control. Therefore, the findings of the present study can be used in the conservation of natural enemies, site‐specific spraying against spotted alfalfa aphid and the effective management of this pest.
Natural childbirth ideology is endangering women and babies
Authors: Dietz Hans Peter , Exton Lynda
Published: September 2016

Natural childbirth ideology has become dominant across much of the developed world. This ideology increasingly clashes with the reality of modern obstetrics, which is dealing with a demographic that is getting older and more obese, hence more complicated, and it has become a danger to the health of women and babies. The most visible expression of these trends is the focus on caesarean section rates which have become a key performance indicator of obstetric services. This trend is resulting in increasingly obvious negative consequences for morbidity and mortality, as chronicled in the Morecambe Bay Report, published in the UK last year. At the same time, there is mounting emphasis on patient autonomy in obstetric decision‐making, which mandates informed consent. A 2015 Supreme Court decision in the UK (Montgomery vs Lanarkshire) is likely to impact on obstetric management in Australia and New Zealand. The ‘paternalism in a skirt’ of natural childbirth ideology is already exposing obstetricians and services to an ever‐increasing degree of medicolegal risk.
Review of knee arthroscopic practice and coding at a major metropolitan centre
Authors: Lisik James P. , Dowsey Michelle M. , Petterwood Joshua , Choong Peter F. M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Arthroscopic knee surgery has been a topic of significant controversy in recent orthopaedic literature. Multiple studies have used administrative (Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and Centre for Health Record Linkage) data to identify trends in practice. This study explored the usage and reporting of arthroscopic knee surgery by conducting a detailed audit at a major Victorian public hospital.

Methods

A database of orthopaedic procedures at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne was used to retrospectively identify cases of knee arthroscopy from 1 December 2011 to 1 April 2014. Procedures were categorized as diagnostic or interventional, and native and prosthetic joints were analysed separately. Procedure codes were reviewed by comparing a registrar, auditor and hospital coders for agreement.

Results

Of the 401 cases for analysis, 375 were conducted in native knees and 26 in prosthetic joints. Of native knees, 369 (98.4%) were considered interventional. The majority of these were conducted for meniscal pathology (n = 263, 70.1%), osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 25, 6.7%) and infection (n = 28, 7.6%). Comparison of codes assigned by different parties were found to be between 57% (k = 0.324) and 70% (k = 0.572) agreement, but not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this study, the most common indication for arthroscopy was meniscal pathology. Arthroscopy was rarely performed for OA in the absence of meniscal pathology. Diagnostic arthroscopy was rarely performed in the native knee, and fair to moderate agreement existed between parties in assigning Medicare Benefits Schedule procedure codes.
When love hurts. A systematic review on the effects of surgical and pharmacological treatments for endometriosis on female sexual functioning
Authors: Barbara Giussy , Facchin Federica , Meschia Michele , Berlanda Nicola , Frattaruolo Maria P. , VercellinI Paolo
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of dyspareunia, therefore this chronic gynecologic disease should be considered as a major cause of sexual dysfunctions. The aims of this study were to review the literature on the effects of surgical and pharmacological treatments for endometriosis on female sexual functioning, and to provide suggestions for future treatment strategies.

Material and methods

We followed the PRISMA guidelines to conduct this systematic review, which involved an electronic database search of studies on the association between endometriosis and sexuality published between 2000 and 2016.

Results

As a result of the screening process, 22 studies were included in this systematic review. The 22 studies included were divided into two categories: (a) surgical intervention studies (n = 17), examining postoperative sexual outcomes of surgery for endometriosis; (b) pharmacological intervention studies (n = 5), evaluating the effects of pharmacological endometriosis treatments on sexual functioning. The studies considered showed that overall surgical and pharmacological interventions for endometriosis can lead to medium‐/long‐term improvement, but not necessarily to a definitive resolution of female sexual dysfunctions due to endometriosis.

Conclusions

Sexual functioning is a multidimensional phenomenon and the ideal treatment for endometriosis‐related sexual dysfunctions should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team that involves not only gynecologists, but also sexologists and psychologists/psychotherapists. Improving global sexual functioning, and not just reducing pain at intercourse, should be considered as a major clinical goal of endometriosis treatment.
Peroxynitrite formed during a transient episode of brain ischaemia increases endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization‐type dilations in thromboxane/prostaglandin receptor‐stimulated rat cerebral arteries
Authors: Onetti Y. , Dantas A. P. , Pérez B. , McNeish A. J. , Vila E. , Jiménez‐Altayó F.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Increased thromboxane A2 and peroxynitrite are hallmarks of cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R). Stimulation of thromboxane/prostaglandin receptors (TP) attenuates endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization (EDH). We investigated whether EDH‐type middle cerebral artery (MCA) relaxations following TP stimulation are altered after I/R and the influence of peroxynitrite.

Methods

Vascular function was determined by wire myography after TP stimulation with the thromboxane A2 mimetic 9,11‐dideoxy‐9α, 11α ‐methano‐epoxy prostaglandin F2α (U46619) in MCA of Sprague Dawley rats subjected to MCA occlusion (90 min)/reperfusion (24 h) or sham operation, and in non‐operated (control) rats. Some rats were treated with saline or the peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato iron (III) (20 mg kg−1). Protein expression was evaluated in MCA and in human microvascular endothelial cells submitted to hypoxia (overnight)/reoxygenation (24 h) (H/R) using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting.

Results

In U46619‐pre‐constricted MCA, EDH‐type relaxation by the proteinase‐activated receptor 2 agonist serine–leucine–isoleucine–glycine–arginine–leucine–NH2 (SLIGRL) was greater in I/R than sham rats due to an increased contribution of small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (SKCa), which was confirmed by the enlarged relaxation to the SKCa activator N‐cyclohexyl‐N‐2‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐6‐methyl‐4‐pyrimidinamine. I/R and H/R induced endothelial protein tyrosine nitration and filamentous‐actin disruption. In control MCA, either cytochalasin D or peroxynitrite disrupted endothelial filamentous‐actin and augmented EDH‐type relaxation. Furthermore, peroxynitrite decomposition during I/R prevented the increase in EDH‐type responses.

Conclusion

Following TP stimulation in MCA, EDH‐type relaxation to SLIGRL is greater after I/R due to endothelial filamentous‐actin disruption by peroxynitrite, which prevents TP‐induced block of SKCa input to EDH. These results reveal a novel mechanism whereby peroxynitrite could promote post‐ischaemic brain injury.