bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cost‐effective service provision model also meets the educational and training needs of higher trainees in psychiatry
Authors: Abbasi Yasir , Broadhurst Mark , Johnston Allan , Vishwanath Sathya
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how an adult liaison psychiatry service was established at a hospital introducing the special interest service provision model, which is a cost‐effective method of developing new services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes a step‐by‐step process of setting up a new service. Nearly, 20 months after its introduction, the new service was evaluated using a retrospective survey design that involved reviewing the patient referral forms. The authors looked at the demographical data, reasons for referral and the outcome of assessment for patient assessed by this service.

Findings

Results revealed that the majority of the referrals (51 per cent, n=136) were from the medical ward, 56 per cent of the psychiatric assessments were done within 24 hours of the referral, 37 per cent of the assessed patients were provisionally diagnosed with a depressive episode and 24 per cent with substance misuse.

Originality/value

The paper describes a new model of service provision. From the above findings it can be extrapolated that this model of service provision is generalisable and can be replicated anywhere in the UK. This paper would interest clinicians and individuals interested in service development and improving patient care.
Ethical reasoning differences between accountants and managers
Authors: Liu Guangyou
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test whether significant differences in ethical reasoning exist between Chinese accountants and managers when facing an ethical dilemma. Further tests are conducted to identify what professional contextual factors and personal value preferences can be introduced to explain the ethical reasoning differences observed.

Design/methodology/approach

Three research questions are raised and related hypotheses are developed and tested by the use of a defined issue test (DIT) instrument containing four hypothetical scenarios of different dilemmatic issues, and a Rokeach values survey questionnaire adapted to suit the Chinese business culture.

Findings

The findings and conclusions include: Chinese managers and accountants are not significantly differentiated in terms of ethical reasoning levels measured by the overall DIT instrument, however, the break‐down results of the DIT individual dilemmatic scenarios shows that significant differences exist between the two professional types in three out of four scenarios. Second, gender and frequency of making compromises are two significant contextual determinant of ethical reasoning levels of managers but not those of accountants, and for the accountants, no significant contextual factors are observed in the current study. Third, in determining the impacts of value preferences on ethical reasoning levels, the four‐factor classification approach produces a more contrasting result than the seven‐factor classification approach.

Research limitations/implications

The selection of the four scenarios in the DIT instrument is subjective according to the designation of the test, and Chinese business profession's ethical ideologies might differ among different regions. However, these research limitations might inspire further ethics research on cross‐regional comparisons in China and other emerging economies.

Practical implications

In Chinese surging markets, appropriate socio‐economic order can only be maintained by highly ethical reasoning and conduct on the part of business managers and accountants. The current results and findings would help to identify what factors and value preferences weigh more, in order to improve the professional ethicality.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the research literature of business ethics by adding a managers‐accountants comparative study on ethical reasoning differences, especially the ethicality of two different professions in emerging economies; further, it includes contextual factors and value preferences in identifying those determinants of ethical reasoning differences.
Can Western interorganizational governance mechanisms be applied to a guanxi‐based market?
Authors: Lu Ren , Ma Jing
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The emergence of “interorganizational marketing” as a hot topic leads to one key question: can interorganizational governance mechanisms (socialization, incentives, and monitoring) offered by marketing theory be applied to China, an emerging economy characterized by the Chinese guanxi relationship? The purpose of this paper is to seek to answer this question by introducing the importance of guanxi roles and by illustrating how to apply proper governance mechanisms to roles activation in Chinese business practice. The paper finds that the answer is “yes” and develops a theoretical model to show such interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies interorganizational strategies to interpersonal relationships. Guanxi was categorized into three categories – family members, helpers and business partners – which meet each of the three governance mechanisms (in addition to favoring exchange as a special and typical Chinese governance mechanism) in the model.

Findings

Through ex post role activation, the paper argues that guanxi is a dynamic balance and the ways in which various governance mechanisms can set roles will lead to the roles either changing (reinforcement or dilution) or switching (helper to business partner, and vice versa). It seems futile to implement external governance mechanisms on family ties (the main category of guanxi) that have been firmly rooted in Chinese culture. On the other hand, applying the four mentioned governance mechanisms could reinforce, maintain, or dilute helper and business partner roles, or even make it possible to switch from one to another.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new concept regarding relationship marketing, namely the application of governance mechanisms to interpersonal relationships, which provides people doing business in China with a new perspective for reference.
Determinants of corporate social responsibility disclosure: the case of Islamic banks
Authors: Farook Sayd , Kabir Hassan M. , Lanis Roman
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical model of the determinants of Islamic banks' social disclosures. In testing the hypotheses, the level of social disclosure in Islamic banks' annual reports is gauged based on a benchmark derived from Islamic principles.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying the principles of systems‐oriented theories such as political economy, legitimacy and stakeholder theories, as well as agency theory, hypotheses linking Islamic social disclosure and its determinants are developed. The sample comprised 47 Islamic banks in 14 countries and the data related to the dependent (Islamic banks social disclosures) variable are collected mainly from the annual reports, while data for the independent variables (determinants) are collected from various sources. Regression analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure by Islamic banks varies significantly across the sample. According to the regression results, variation is best explained by the “influence of the relevant publics” and the “Shari'ah (SSB supervisory boards) corporate governance mechanism” variables. Using alternative variable measures, the regression results suggest that “level of social and political freedom” and “the proportion of investment account deposits to total assets” are also significant determinants of Islamic banks' CSR disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this paper is the small sample size of only 47 Islamic banking institutions. Future studies may expand the sample size used here.

Practical implications

The results indicate the significance of the SSB as a governance mechanism that may increase the CSR disclosure of Islamic banks. Thus, from a policy perspective, bodies that regulate Islamic banking should consider mandating the SSB for all “Islamic banks”.

Originality/value

This research is the first to provide an a priori basis for CSR disclosure of Islamic banks and to test using empirical data. The findings of this research should be of significant value to regulators, shareholders and deposit holders of Islamic banks. In a more general context, this paper is one of a few that has operationalised Gray et al.'s conception of “levels of resolution of perception” and empirically tested the concept using non‐traditional organisations (Islamic banks) in a non‐Western context. This adds further credibility to systems‐oriented theories in explaining CSR disclosures of non‐Western organisations operating in non‐Western cultures.
Management accounting systems in Islamic and conventional financial institutions in Malaysia
Authors: Zaleha Abdul Rasid Siti , Rahim Abdul Rahman Abdul , Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail Wan
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether there is any difference in the management accounting systems (MAS) of conventional and Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper was based on a survey of 45 conventional and IFIs listed on the Malaysian Central Bank's web site. The respondents were the chief financial officers (CFO). Post‐survey semi‐structured interviews were also conducted with eight respondents to gain further insights into the survey findings.

Findings

The survey results indicate that IFIs use MAS information that is broader in scope, more timely, more integrated and more aggregated than conventional financial institutions. The post‐survey interviews provide deeper and contextualised insights into this issue. The interview findings illustrate that IFIs normally develop and adopt an integrated accounting and enterprise system. Within this comprehensive enterprise system, the management accounting function is integrated with other functions of the organization.

Research limitations/implications

Since this study was conducted in the context of Malaysian financial institutions, the results may not be generalizable to other organizations. The findings of this study highlight the importance for IFIs to have integrated enterprise systems. Besides assisting in complying with Shari'ah and regulatory requirements, the integrated systems also support better decision making.

Originality/value

The paper fills a gap in the literature, as very few studies have examined the issue of management accounting in financial institutions. The paper is also one of the limited studies that explore the issue of MAS in IFIs.
Service quality and customer satisfaction in the banking sector
Authors: Muhammad Awan Hayat , Shahzad Bukhari Khuram , Iqbal Anam
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the service quality and its relationship to customer satisfaction among the customers of conventional banks and Islamic banks. A modified SERVQUAL scale is utilized to ascertain the functional dimensions of service quality specific to the industry and service context under study. In addition, the study examines the differences in service quality satisfaction and its impact on the behavioral intentions of customers.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey carried out with the help of a questionnaire constructed by using a modified SERVQUAL scale. Data were collected from 200 walk‐in customers conveniently drawn from three major conventional banks and three Islamic banks located in urban areas of Pakistan. Data were analyzed using the analytical hierarchy process to identify service quality and customer satisfaction‐related factors for Islamic and conventional banks.

Findings

By using factor analysis, 52 measurement items with a factor loading greater than (0.5) were identified to form five service quality dimensions namely empathy, service architecture, convenience service encounter, employee service criteria, customer focus and five customer satisfaction dimensions: responsiveness, competency, safe transaction, competitive services, knowledge for the overall banking industry explained 56 percent of the variance. Results from regression analysis of the relationship between multidimensional service quality dimensions and unidimensional customer satisfaction factors also validated the importance of service quality aspects for behavioral intentions (satisfaction, feelings) for customers from conventional banks and Islamic banks.

Originality/value

This study has practical significance for conventional and Islamic banking policy makers for understanding the behavioral intentions of their customers and using them for effectively positioning the service quality of their banks.
Researching Islamic marketing: past and future perspectives
Authors: Sandıkcı Özlem
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons underlying the recent interest on Islamic marketing, discusses past research on the topic and offers a future research perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a critical review of the existing literature. It offers ethnoconsumerism as a way to develop a situated understanding of Muslim consumers and businesses.

Findings

Two distinct phases, omission and discovery, characterize the existing literature. Omission derives from the stereotyping of Muslims as traditional and uncivilized people and Islam as incompatible with capitalist consumer ideology. Discovery relates to the identification of Muslims as an untapped and viable consumer segment and the increasing visibility of Muslim entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

A deeper understanding of Muslim consumers and marketers requires doing away with essentialist approaches that reify difference. Instead of focusing on differences future research needs to pay attention to how such differences play out in the daily lives of consumers and examine the religious, political, cultural and economic resources, forces and tensions that consumers experience and negotiate as they (re)construct and communicate their identities as Muslims.

Practical implications

Managers should not assume Muslims to be a homogeneous and preexisting segment. They should focus on the daily practices for which the product may be relevant and generate solutions that will help Muslims live proper Islamic lives.

Originality/value

The paper draws attention to the potential problems in carrying out research on Islamic marketing and highlights the dangers of an essentialist perspective.
Barriers to adoption of Islamic banking in Pakistan
Authors: Butt Irfan , Saleem Nausherwan , Ahmed Hassan , Altaf Muzammil , Jaffer Khawaja , Mahmood Jawad
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a pilot study conducted in Pakistan, about the barriers perceived by users and non‐users of Islamic banking when selecting Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted to include two types of banking customers, users (customers of Islamic banks only and, Islamic and conventional banks both) and non‐users (customers of conventional banks only). The qualitative research included in‐depth interviews with managers of Islamic banks and two focus groups with users and non‐users, respectively. The survey questionnaire that was subsequently designed received 109 responses. The analysis includes hypothesis testing, factor analysis, and cluster analysis.

Findings

A narrow branch network, inconvenient branch locations and perception that “Islamic banks do not completely follow Islamic principles” acted as barriers for non‐users when selecting Islamic banks. Further, “a religious ruling against Islamic banks” was not considered an important barrier when selecting Islamic banks.

Originality/value

This research outlines an alternative methodology of looking at bank selection criteria, by measuring the other side of the coin, i.e. the barriers perceived by users and non‐users of Islamic banking when selecting Islamic banks. Compared to the prevailing literature on the subject, such an approach is enlightening and can have enormous potential as it directly measures the perceived barriers towards Islamic banking. Furthermore, this pilot study is also an important contribution to the limited literature on consumer attitudes towards Islamic banking in Pakistan, where the operations of Islamic banks are still in their formative stage.
UAE consumer concerns about halal products
Authors: Ireland John , Abdollah Rajabzadeh Soha
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Recent reports indicate that UAE Muslim consumers desire halal certification because they are concerned about the halal status of their purchases. However, to date, research on consumer worries has been anecdotal. The purpose of this paper is to quantify consumer concerns to determine which categories, if any, are problematic as well as the nature of consumer reservations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a list of categories and halal concerns with qualitative methods then presented the resulting questionnaire to a non‐probability sample of 300 UAE Muslim consumers.

Findings

In total, 86.5 percent of respondents felt “great concern” that at least one category was not halal. On average, subjects felt “great concern” about 5.5 categories. The categories that most distressed them were processed meat products. Indeed, 44 percent of the sample felt “great concern” about hamburgers. On average, women felt “great concern” about more categories (6.4) than men (4.2) largely because they were more worried by toiletries.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should generalize results through international samples. Moreover, research should determine if concerns translate into behaviour which would give a measure of the value of halal certification or brands.

Practical implications

The finding that virtually all consumers are concerned about the halal status of their products represents a great opportunity for trustworthy firms, brands and institutions.

Originality/value

This is the first refereed study of Islamic consumer halal concerns in an Islamic country. The results are surprisingly similar to those to be expected in a European country: a general distrust of the system and a broad desire for assurance.
Antecedents of ostentatious consumption in Kuwait
Authors: Riquelme Hernan E. , Rios Rosa E. , Al‐Sharhan Nadia
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve our understanding of status‐oriented Muslim consumers in Kuwait. More specifically, to study how personality traits such as materialism, susceptibility to social influence and self‐monitoring explain status consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 433 consumers provided information on their status consumption orientation and the personality traits under study. Respondents expressed their opinion on the statements on a five‐point Likert scale. Factor analysis was used to explore the underlying dimensions, the reliability of the measures and the components. Regression analysis was used to predict the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

This paper hypothesized that the three personality traits, namely materialism, susceptibility to personal influence and self‐monitoring, influence status consumption among Muslim consumers in Kuwait. Based on the results, the data supported all but the effect of self‐monitoring, that is, the ability to readily alter one's behavior to fit the current situation. Also, younger consumers seem to engage in more status consumption than older ones. There is also a positive correlation between income and status consumption.

Research limitations/implications

Status consumption‐oriented consumers are typically susceptible to informational and normative influence and are materialistic.

Practical implications

These findings can be used in market segmentation and advertising, for example, status consumers could be depicted using or consuming products in situations that imply prestige and approval from important referent groups.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to enlarge the psychological profile of Muslim consumers and their orientation towards consumption.
Editorial: research futures: a UK perspective
Authors: Collins Lorna , O’Regan Nicholas
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This editorial aims to provide an overview of the current state of research in the UK and proposes some future directions for research for family business scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is an editorial with commentary about recent developments in understanding research gaps in the field of family business research.

Findings

The paper discusses the areas where future research in family business is required focusing on three levels: the organization; the individual; and the community.

Research implications

The paper suggests that there are many unanswered questions which merit further and future research.

Practical implications

The future of family business research is not in question. The paper posits that there are areas of study in family business which may particularly benefit from taking a cross‐disciplinary approach and suggests that family business researchers might consider exploring theory in the entrepreneurship, small business, sociology, economics and industrial relations areas to gain insights and support for theoretical development in family business.

Originality/value

This article highlights recent UK‐focused discussions regarding the future research directions and gaps in family business research. It suggests there are some emerging areas which require renewed focus particularly related to strategic decision making in family businesses from the organization, individual and social/community perspectives.
Family firms versus leveraged buyouts: a conceptual comparison of distinctive governance structures
Authors: Braun Michael , Zacharias Larry , Latham Scott
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the governance structures of two distinctive governance forms: the family firm and the leveraged buyout (LBO). The paper also explores the relative performance of these two organizational forms over the course of the economic business cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a theoretical treatment of the family firm and the LBO using the stewardship perspective and agency theory. The analysis anticipates the board structure for each organizational form and relates family firm and LBO governance to performance over the business cycle.

Findings

From a conceptual treatment, the family‐owned concern exhibits board characteristics reflecting the longer‐term orientation of the firm, with boards empowered to include non‐economic, as well as economic, goals. LBOs are structured to maximize shareholder value over a shorter time horizon. LBOs may take advantage of expansionary environments whereas family firms may be better prepared for economic down‐cycles.

Research limitations/implications

The paper takes a holistic approach to contrasting two organizational forms that fit their respective theoretical frames and compares some of their more salient governance characteristics and performance over the business cycle.

Practical implications

Managers and boards can structure governance to manage the business cycle. Stakeholders can selectively engage firms that portray vital governance characteristics for their benefit and may also pressure boards and top management to make necessary governance improvements.

Originality/value

The paper offers an introductory comparison between family firms and LBOs in terms of governance and managing the firm over the business cycle. This paper makes the case that some organizational forms are better suited to certain types of economic climates.
Finding kaizen approach in small Mexican family businesses: an exploratory study
Authors: Suárez‐Barraza Manuel F. , Ramis‐Pujol Juan , Sándoval‐Arzaga Fernando
Published: October 2011

Purpose

In recent years, small family businesses in Mexico have come under enormous pressure from their external environment: this has resulted in serious problems affecting the running of their businesses, leading ultimately to a drop off in sales, customers and market share. Some have attempted to respond to this environment by using the Japanese approach of kaizen (meaning continuous improvement). The purpose of this paper is to ask if the kaizen approach is implemented in a specific environment such as that of small family businesses in Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, qualitative research was conducted using case studies as the research strategy. Two small, family‐run Mexican businesses were selected and studied (a restaurant and hotel) and a retrospective focus was adopted; four methods were used to gather data: direct observation; participative observation; documentary analysis; and semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

The findings of the three case studies show that the kaizen approach can be applied to small family businesses in Mexico, but that the degree of implementation depends on the evolutionary stage of each family business. Consequently, for this first exploratory study, it was found that, in the start‐up stage, only the First Guiding Principle of kaizen was observed, along with some indications for the Fourth Guiding Principle. Whereas for the expansion stage, the consolidated presence of the Second, Fourth and Fifth Guiding Principle of kaizen was observed. Finally, it was possible to identify certain techniques and tools at every stage in addition to the Guiding Principle. In closing, the exploratory study made it possible to investigate the major enablers and inhibitors that a family business goes through.

Research limitations/implications

Research was based in two case studies. However, rather than seeking empirical generalisation, the research tried to examine and explore how the kaizen approach is applied in a specific environment such as that of a sports organisation dedicated to football in Mexico.

Practical implications

The paper aspires to be of interest as much to researchers as to professionals in the family business context, whether they have top management responsibilities or are middle managers, and also to all those employees whose work is related to this sector, with the aim of understanding the management of small family businesses in Mexico from the kaizen perspective.

Originality/value

A review of academic and practitioner literature on the subject indicated that implementation of the kaizen approach in family businesses had scarcely begun to be explored. It is also significant that in Mexico and Latin America, examples of the implementation of this kind of approach are practically non‐existent in academic literature on family businesses.
Family business women in media discourse: the business role and the mother role
Authors: Bjursell Cecilia , Bäckvall Lisa
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Writings in the media have the potential to influence our standpoint and, thereby, our actions. In this paper, the authors analyze how women in family business are represented in media to understand the frames set by this discourse in terms of women owning and leading family businesses. The aim of the paper is to explore how the counterposed roles of business person and mother are presented in media and what implications this might have for role enactment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study of 308 articles about women in family business over a 15‐year period. In the interpretative, qualitative analysis of media texts, the discursive construction of the mother role and the business role are explored.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights into how the mother role is taken for granted while the business role is approached as problematic in portrayals of women in family business. The authors discuss whether the media discourse reinforces traditional roles or stimulates role innovation.

Practical implications

Understanding role as something separate from the individual provides a means to critically review expectations of women in business and how these expectations hinder business activities.

Originality/value

The study examines data over a 15‐year period in the Swedish media setting and describes changes in attitudes about women's roles in family business. Regarding the family business as an arena for performative acts provides a perspective that can highlight the intertwinement of the private and professional arenas in family business.
Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis: Long‐term results from a phase 2/3 clinical trial
Authors: IGARASHI Atsuyuki , KATO Takeshi , KATO Mai , SONG Michael , NAKAGAWA Hidemi ,   THE JAPANESE USTEKINUMAB STUDY GROUP
Published: September 2011

This phase 2/3, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of ustekinumab in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis. Overall, 158 patients were randomized to receive ustekinumab 45 or 90 mg at weeks 0, 4, and every 12 weeks, or placebo with cross‐over to ustekinumab at week 12. The primary end‐point was the proportion of patients achieving at least 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) at week 12. Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Nail Psoriasis Severity Index and joint pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were also measured. At week 12, 59.4% and 67.7% of ustekinumab 45 and 90 mg patients achieved PASI 75, respectively, compared with 6.5% in the placebo group (P < 0.0001 each). PASI 75 responses were maintained through week 64 in 65.0% and 78.6% of the ustekinumab‐treated patients, respectively. Placebo cross‐over patients had similar responses to ustekinumab‐treated patients. Significant improvements in PGA, DLQI and VAS scores were observed at week 12 and generally maintained over time. Adverse events during the placebo‐controlled period were similar among groups (45 mg, 65.6%; 90 mg, 59.7%; placebo, 65.6%). Serious adverse events were observed in 0%, 4.8% and 6.3% of patients, respectively. Through week 72, similar rates and types of adverse events and serious adverse events were reported in patients receiving 45 and 90 mg. Rates of injection site reactions and antibodies to ustekinumab were low. Ustekinumab was efficacious and generally well‐tolerated in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis through 72 weeks. These results are consistent with those reported in the global, phase 3 studies.
Extreme winter warming events more negatively impact small rather than large soil fauna: shift in community composition explained by traits not taxa
Authors: Bokhorst S. , Phoenix G. K. , Bjerke J. W. , Callaghan T. V. , Huyer‐Brugman F. , Berg M. P.
Published: October 2011

Extreme weather events can have negative impacts on species survival and community structure when surpassing lethal thresholds. Extreme winter warming events in the Arctic rapidly melt snow and expose ecosystems to unseasonably warm air (2–10 °C for 2–14 days), but returning to cold winter climate exposes the ecosystem to lower temperatures by the loss of insulating snow. Soil animals, which play an integral part in soil processes, may be very susceptible to such events depending on the intensity of soil warming and low temperatures following these events. We simulated week‐long extreme winter warming events – using infrared heating lamps, alone or with soil warming cables – for two consecutive years in a sub‐Arctic dwarf shrub heathland. Minimum temperatures were lower and freeze‐thaw cycles were 2–11 times more frequent in treatment plots compared with control plots. Following the second event, Acari populations decreased by 39%; primarily driven by declines of Prostigmata (69%) and the Mesostigmatic nymphs (74%). A community‐weighted vertical stratification shift occurred from smaller soil dwelling (eu‐edaphic) Collembola species dominance to larger litter dwelling (hemi‐edaphic) species dominance in the canopy‐with‐soil warming plots compared with controls. The most susceptible groups to these winter warming events were the smallest individuals (Prostigmata and eu‐edaphic Collembola). This was not apparent from abundance data at the Collembola taxon level, indicating that life forms and species traits play a major role in community assembly following extreme events. The observed shift in soil community can cascade down to the micro‐flora affecting plant productivity and mineralization rates. Short‐term extreme weather events have the potential to shift community composition through trait composition with potentially large consequences for ecosystem development.
From pattern to process: linking intrinsic water‐use efficiency to drought‐induced forest decline
Authors: Linares Juan Carlos , Camarero J. Julio
Published: October 2011

The rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca) has been related to tree growth enhancement and increasing intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE). However, the extent that rising Ca has led to increased long‐term iWUE and whether climate could explain deviations from expected Ca‐induced growth enhancement are still poorly understood. The aim of this research was to use Ca and local climatic variability to explain changes during the 20th century in growth and tree ring and needle δ13C in declining and nondeclining Abies alba stands from the Spanish Pyrenees, near the southern distribution limit of this species. The temporal trends of iWUE were calculated under three theoretical scenarios for the regulation of plant‐gas exchange at increasing Ca. We tested different linear mixed‐effects models by multimodel selection criteria to predict basal area increment (BAI), a proxy of tree radial growth, using these scenarios and local temperature together with precipitation data as predictors. The theoretical scenario assuming the strongest response to Ca explained 66–81% of the iWUE variance and 28–56% of the observed BAI variance, whereas local climatic variables together explained less than 11–21% of the BAI variance. Our results are consistent with a drought‐induced limitation of the tree growth response to rising CO2 and a decreasing rate of iWUE improvement from the 1980s onward in declining A. alba stands subjected to lower water availability.
Climate‐driven trends and ecological implications of event‐scale upwelling in the California Current System
Authors: Iles Alison C. , Gouhier Tarik C. , Menge Bruce A. , Stewart Julia S. , Haupt Alison J. , Lynch Margaret C.
Published: October 2011

Eastern boundary current systems are among the most productive and lucrative ecosystems on Earth because they benefit from upwelling currents. Upwelling currents subsidize the base of the coastal food web by bringing deep, cold and nutrient‐rich water to the surface. As upwelling is driven by large‐scale atmospheric patterns, global climate change has the potential to affect a wide range of significant ecological processes through changes in water chemistry, water temperature, and the transport processes that influence species dispersal and recruitment. We examined long‐term trends in the frequency, duration, and strength of continuous upwelling events for the Oregon and California regions of the California Current System in the eastern Pacific Ocean. We then associated event‐scale upwelling with up to 21 years of barnacle and mussel recruitment, and water temperature data measured at rocky intertidal field sites along the Oregon coast. Our analyses suggest that upwelling events are changing in ways that are consistent with climate change predictions: upwelling events are becoming less frequent, stronger, and longer in duration. In addition, upwelling events have a quasi‐instantaneous and cumulative effect on rocky intertidal water temperatures, with longer events leading to colder temperatures. Longer, more persistent upwelling events were negatively associated with barnacle recruitment but positively associated with mussel recruitment. However, since barnacles facilitate mussel recruitment by providing attachment sites, increased upwelling persistence could have indirect negative impacts on mussel populations. Overall, our results indicate that changes in coastal upwelling that are consistent with climate change predictions are altering the tempo and the mode of environmental forcing in near‐shore ecosystems, with potentially severe and discontinuous ramifications for ecosystem structure and functioning.
Testes size, testosterone production and reproductive behaviour in a natural mammalian mating system
Authors: Preston Brian T. , Stevenson Ian R. , Lincoln Gerald A. , Monfort Steven L. , Pilkington Jill G. , Wilson Kenneth
Published: September 2011

1. Testosterone (T) is a key mediator in the expression of numerous morphological and behavioural traits in mammals, but the factors underlying individual variation in circulating T levels are poorly understood.

2. The intimate structural integration of sperm and T production within the testes, alongside the dependency of sperm production on high levels of T, suggests that T requirements for spermatogenesis could be an important driver of individual differences in T.

3. To test this hypothesis, we examine how male capacity for sperm production (as indicated by their testes size) is associated with T levels in a feral population of Soay sheep, resident on St. Kilda, Scotland, during their rutting season.

4. We found a strong positive relationship between an individual’s testes size (as measured before their seasonal enlargement) and the levels of circulating T during their rut, suggesting that T requirements for spermatogenesis has a prominent influence on the production of this androgen.

5. In contrast, body condition and competitive ability did not independently predict T levels, findings that are inconsistent with conventional ‘condition‐dependent’ and ‘challenge’ hypotheses of T production.

6. This influence of male’s capacity for sperm production on T appeared to be substantial enough to be biologically relevant, as testes size also predicted male aggression and mate‐seeking behaviour.

7. Our results suggest that a male’s inherent capacity for sperm and T production is tightly phenotypically integrated, with potential consequences for a wide range of other T‐mediated reproductive traits.
Patient characteristics and behaviours associated with self‐harm and attempted suicide in acute psychiatric wards
Authors: Stewart Duncan , Ross Jamie , Watson Charlotte , James Karen , Bowers Len
Published: October 2011

Aims and objectives.  The study examined events before and after incidents of self‐harm and attempted suicide and the characteristics of patients who engage in these behaviours.

Background.  Psychiatric inpatient populations have an elevated risk of self‐harm and suicide, but relatively little is known about the circumstances of these events during an admission.

Design.  Retrospective case note analysis.

Method.  Data were collected on conflict (aggression, rule breaking, etc.) and containment (coerced medication, restraint, etc.) during the first two weeks of admission for a sample of 522 acute psychiatric inpatients.

Results.  One in 10 patients self‐harmed, and 4% attempted suicide. Aggression, attempting to leave the ward without permission and medication refusal were frequent precursors to incidents. Pro re nata medication and de‐escalation were the most frequent interventions to follow an incident. Self‐harm and attempted suicides during the current admission were significantly associated with younger age and a history of self‐harm.

Conclusions.  A minority of the sample were involved in these behaviours, but incidents occurred soon after admission and sometimes repeatedly during the course of a day. Assessment of risk should be completed as early as possible.

Relevance to clinical practice.  At‐risk patients should be monitored for signs of withdrawal from ward activity, wanting to leave the ward without permission or non‐compliance with medication to enable early intervention.
Further psychometric testing of an instrument to measure emotional care in hospital
Authors: Williams Anne M , Pienaar Catherine , Toye Christine , Joske David , Lester Leanne
Published: October 2011

Aims and objectives.  This paper describes further testing of the instrument Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation.

Background.  In 2005, a questionnaire was developed that could be completed by patients to evaluate the quality of emotional care received during their time in hospital. This questionnaire was tested at an acute care private hospital in Perth, Western Australia, with encouraging estimates of reliability and validity. The purpose of this study was to further test this questionnaire in a larger sample of inpatients at a public hospital in the same state.

Design.  Psychometric evaluation.

Method.  A hospital‐wide survey of 13 wards of a public hospital was conducted. Two hundred and fifty‐one patients completed the questionnaire.

Results.  Psychometric testing of the Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis substantiated the four sub‐scales as follows: Level of Security, Level of Knowing, Level of Personal Value and Level of Connection. The Level of Connection sub‐scale was assessed for the first time in this study. This sub‐scale had the lowest mean score of all the sub‐scales across the hospital as well as in each of the wards surveyed. Qualitative data substantiated, from the patients’ perspective, a lack of connection with hospital staff.

Conclusions.  Further psychometric testing of the Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation instrument has confirmed its psychometric properties and usefulness as an instrument to measure emotional care during hospitalisation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation is a reliable and valid tool with which the emotional care of patients in hospital can be measured and the effectiveness of interventions assessed.
A hybrid approach for continuous detection of sleep‐wakefulness fluctuations: validation in patients with Cheyne–Stokes respiration
Authors: PINNA GIAN D. , ROBBI ELENA , LA ROVERE MARIA T. , MAESTRI ROBERTO
Published: October 2011

Fluctuations in sleep/wake state have been proposed as an important mechanism contributing to the development of oscillatory breathing patterns, including Cheyne–Stokes respiration in patients with heart failure. In order to properly assess the interactions between changes in state and changes in ventilatory parameters, a methodology capable of continuously and reliably detecting state transitions is needed. Traditional fixed‐epoch analysis of polysomnographic recordings is not suitable for this purpose. Moreover, visual identification of changes in the dominant electroencephalogram activity at the transition from wakefulness to sleep and vice versa is often very subjective. We have therefore developed a hybrid approach – including both visual scoring and computer‐based procedures – for continuous analysis of state transitions from polysomnographic recordings, specifically tailored for fluctuations between wakefulness and non‐rapid eye movement‐1 and ‐2 sleep. The overall analysis process comprises three major phases: (1) manual identification of relevant electroencephalogram/electrooculogram features and events, including a sample of unequivocal alpha and theta‐delta activity; (2) automatic statistical discrimination of dominant electroencephalogram activity; and (3) state classification (wakefulness, non‐rapid eye movement‐1 and ‐2). The latter is carried out by merging information from visual scoring with the output of the discriminator. Validation has been carried out in 16 patients with heart failure during daytime Cheyne–Stokes respiration, using a training and testing set of electroencephalogram polysomnograms. The statistical discriminator correctly classified 99.1 ± 1.4% and 99.2 ± 1.1% of unequivocal alpha and theta‐delta activity. This approach has therefore the potential to be used to reliably measure the incidence and location of sleep–wake transitions during abnormal breathing patterns, as well as their temporal relationship with major ventilatory events.
Sleep disorders in children after treatment for a CNS tumour
Authors: VERBERNE LISA M. , MAURICE‐STAM HELEEN , GROOTENHUIS MARTHA A. , VAN SANTEN HANNEKE M. , SCHOUTEN‐VAN MEETEREN ANTOINETTE Y. N.
Published: October 2011

The long‐term survival of children with a central nervous system (CNS) tumour is improving. However, they experience late effects, including altered habits and patterns of sleep. We evaluated the presence and type of sleep disorders and daytime sleepiness in these children, and its associations with clinical characteristics and daily performance (fatigue and psychosocial functioning). In a cross‐sectional study at the outpatient clinic of the Emma Children’s Hospital AMC (February–June 2010), sleep, fatigue and psychosocial functioning were analysed in 31 CNS tumour patients (mean age: 11.8 years; 20 boys) and compared with 78 patients treated for a non‐CNS malignancy (mean age: 9.7 years; 41 boys) and norm data. Questionnaires applied were the Sleep Disorder Scale for Children, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Sleeping habits and endocrine deficiencies were assessed with a self‐developed questionnaire. Increased somnolence was found in CNS tumour patients compared with those with a non‐CNS malignancy (8.8 ± 2.8 versus 7.5 ± 2.7; P < 0.05). Both patient groups reported more problems (P < 0.01) than the norm with initiating and maintaining sleep. No specific risk factors were identified for a sleep disorder in CNS tumour patients, but their excessive somnolence was correlated with lower fatigue related quality of life (QoL) (r = −0.78, P < 0.001) and worse psychosocial functioning (r = 0.63, P < 0.001). In conclusion, children treated for a CNS tumour have increased somnolence, significantly increasing fatigue and worsening daily functioning. Further investigation should focus on possibilities to improve sleep quality and diminish fatigue.