bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Medical Responders and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cheung Viola , McCarthy Madeline L. , Cicero Mark X. , Leventhal John M. , Weitzman Carol
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Because of the high prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and wandering behavior, emergency medical responders (EMRs) will likely encounter children and adolescents with ASD. The objectives were to describe interactions between EMRs and children and adolescents with ASD, to evaluate EMRs' ability to recognize ASD in a simulated trauma setting, and to determine if EMRs' demographic characteristics affected their interactions with ASD youth.

Methods

A study of 75 videos of a simulated school bus crash was performed. The simulation included an adolescent with ASD portrayed by an actor. Videos were coded based on 5 domains: (1) reassurance attempts by the EMR, (2) quality of the EMR's interactions, (3) EMR's elicitation of information, (4) EMR's interactions with others, and (5) EMR's recognition of a disability. Two clinicians coded the videos independently, and consensus was reached for any areas of disagreement.

Results

Of 75 interactions, 27% provided reassurance to the adolescent with ASD, 1% elicited information, 11% asked bystanders for information or assistance, and 35% suggested a disability with 13% considering ASD. No differences across domains were found based on the EMR's sex. Emergency medical responders with greater than or equal to 5 years of experience were significantly more likely to elicit information than those with less than 5 years of experience, and paramedics had significantly higher total performance scores than paramedic students or those with EMT-Basic.

Conclusions

Few EMRs in this study optimally interacted with adolescents with ASD or recognized a disability. These findings suggest a strong need for targeted educational interventions.
Red Flags in Torticollis
Authors: Starc Meta , Norbedo Stefania , Tubaro Martina , Ronfani Luca , Bassanese Giulia , Barbi Egidio
Published: January 2018

Objective

This study aimed to assess the spectrum of pathologies responsible for torticollis in children presenting to the emergency department and to evaluate the associated symptoms to determine clinical red flags for hospitalization.

Methods

This was a historical retrospective cohort study. Medical records of children evaluated in our emergency department for torticollis from 2008 to 2013 were reviewed.

Results

Among 392 identified patients, 61% had postural torticollis,19.4% infection related, 16.3% traumatic, and 3.5% other. Twenty-five patients (6.4%) were hospitalized. Four variables were strongly and independently related to the severe outcome: fever, sore throat, headache, and age.

Conclusions

The association of 2 or 3 of these 4 features carried a risk of 32% and 58%, respectively, of having a severe illness.
Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Patients With Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Sethuraman Kinjal N. , Douglas Taylor M. , Bostick Barbara B. , Comer Angela C. , Myers Bennett , Rosenthal Robert E.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a common and deadly form of poisoning that is often treated with hyperbaric oxygen. The characteristics of children exposed to CO and then treated with hyperbaric oxygen have not been delineated. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of children treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for CO poisoning at a regional hyperbaric referral center.

Methods

The study is based on a retrospective review of data extracted from the medical records of children (age <19 years) who were referred to our center for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for CO poisoning between 2008 and 2013. Inferential analyses were used to compare demographic characteristics, serum carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels, and presenting symptoms.

Results

Forty-seven children met our study criteria. Their mean age was 8.9 years, and their mean COHb level was 14.3% (range, 3.4%-30.1%). Severity of symptoms did not correlate with serum COHb levels; however, neurologic symptoms at presentation were more common in patients with a COHb level greater than 25%. There was a correlation between increasing age and higher COHb levels and between COHb and lactate levels.

Conclusions

Our retrospective review of patients’ records showed no correlation of serum COHb levels with symptoms on presentation; however, a correlation was found between increasing age and COHb level as well as lactate level and COHb level.
Adolescent Coping Strategies in the Emergency Department
Authors: Cheng Allison , Manfredi Rita , Badolato Gia , Goyal Monika
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe coping mechanisms used by adolescents during emergency treatment.

Methods

A convenience sample of adolescent patients (aged 12–18 years) was surveyed in our large (87,000 annual visits) urban academic pediatric emergency department (ED) with an adapted Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences survey. Parents were surveyed about their perceptions of their child's coping mechanisms. Participants were excluded if they were non–English speaking, in police custody, had altered mental status, or were hemodynamically unstable.

Results

Of the 123 adolescents approached, 93 participated (response rate, 76%) and 80 completed the survey (completion rate, 86%). Sixty percent were female, and the mean (SD) age was 15 (2) years. Most respondents were non–Hispanic black (62%). Adolescents presented for acute complaints (48%); chronic worsening problems (33%); and injury from an accident or assault (19%). While in the ED, 62% felt safe, 56% reported boredom, and 94% felt supported by their parents. Adolescents reported that listening to music (82%), sleeping (76%), and focusing on getting better (75%) would minimize their stress in the ED. A total of 50 parents completed the survey. There was 79% agreement between parents and adolescents regarding adolescents listening to music to cope in the ED. There was 72% agreement between parents and adolescents in regard to parental support.

Conclusions

In this urban ED, parental involvement and listening to music were the most common coping strategies adolescents used during an ED visit. Attempts to improve patient-centered care should address opportunities for parental support and mechanisms for adolescents to listen to music.
Adolescent Attitudes Toward Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening in the Emergency Department
Authors: Gearhart Addison S. , Badolato Gia M. , Goyal Monika K.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Adolescents who seek care in emergency departments (EDs) are often at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The objective of this study was to assess adolescent attitudes toward ED-based STI screening.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study that evaluated STI screening acceptability and prevalence when STI testing was universally offered to asymptomatic adolescents presenting to the ED for care. Adolescents 14 to 21 years old completed a computerized survey and answered questions regarding attitudes toward ED-based STI screening and sexual behavior. We performed multivariable logistic regression to compare differences in attitudes toward ED-based STI screening among patients who agreed versus declined STI testing.

Results

Of 553 adolescents, 326 (59.0%) agreed to be tested for STIs. Most (72.1%) believed the ED was an appropriate place for STI screening. Patients who agreed to be tested for STIs were more likely to positively endorse ED-based STI screening than those who declined STI testing [77.0% vs 64.8%; adjusted odds ratios, 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1–2.4]. Most (82.6%) patients stated they would feel comfortable getting tested for STIs in the ED. There was no difference in the comfort level of ED-based STI testing between those who agreed and declined STI testing (83.5% vs 81.4%; adjusted odds ratios, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.7–1.8).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that adolescents view the ED as an acceptable location for STI screening. Therefore, the ED may serve a role in increasing the accessibility of STI detection and prevention resources for adolescents.
Heart Rate Variability and Its Relation to Chronic Kidney Disease: Results From the PREVEND Study
Authors: Thio Christian H.L. , van Roon Arie M. , Lefrandt Joop D. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Snieder Harold
Published: January 2018

Objective

In the general population, reduced heart rate variability (HRV) has been associated with cardiovascular disease. However, its relation to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is debated. We therefore investigated the relation between low HRV and renal outcomes.

Methods

In the population-based Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENdstage Disease study, renal outcomes (CKD, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], urinary albumin) were measured at baseline and three consecutive examinations. HRV measures (among which SDNN [standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals]) were calculated from time series of beat-to-beat pulse wave recordings at baseline. The lowest (risk) quartile was compared with the upper three quartiles combined, in multivariable survival and linear mixed-effects analyses.

Results

In 4605 participants (49% males, age range = 33–80, 0.6% blacks), we observed 341 new participants of CKD during a median follow-up duration of 7.4 years. Low SDNN was associated with higher incidence of CKD (crude HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.30 to 2.12, p < .001), but this association was no longer significant after adjustment for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors (adjusted HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.86 to 1.48, p = .40, similar for other HRV measures). No associations between SDNN and eGFR trajectories were found in the total sample. However, in a subgroup of participants with baseline CKD (n = 939), we found a significant association of low SDNN (but not other HRV measures) with lower baseline eGFR, even after multivariable adjustment (adjusted βlevel difference = −3.73 ml/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI = −6.70 to −0.75, p = .014), but not with steeper eGFR decline.

Conclusions

These results suggest that reduced HRV may be a complication of CKD rather than a causal factor.
The role of dalbavancin in skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Bassetti Matteo , Peghin Maddalena , Carnelutti Alessia , Righi Elda
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

The increase of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) represents a major concern both in community and in the hospital setting. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently isolated pathogen, and the rise in infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been associated with inadequate antibiotic treatment and increased morbidity.

Recent findings

A number of new antimicrobials with activity against drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens, including MRSA, have been recently approved for the treatment of SSTIs. New lipoglycopeptides, in particular dalbavancin, are long-acting antibiotics with potential for infrequent administration, offering the possibility for outpatient treatment and early hospital discharge.

Dalbavancin is a new lipoglycopeptide showing high activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. Dalbavancin presents a distinctive pharmacokinetic profile with a terminal prolonged half-life of approximately 14 days. This characteristic allows once-weekly dosing interval, avoiding the need for daily dosing and offering an advantage over other compounds for potential use in the outpatient setting or to promote early hospital discharge. Dalbavancin has a favorable adverse effect profile and appears to be a promising new alternative for treatment of SSTIs. We have reviewed the pharmacokinetic properties of dalbavancin and the clinical evidence for its use in complicated SSTIs and other potential applications.
Intervention Program to Improve Executive Functions and Enhance Planning Abilities of Patients With Mild Neurocognitive Disorder
Authors: Fukuta Daisuke , Mori Chizuru
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an intervention program to improve executive functions and enhance the planning abilities of patients with mild neurocognitive disorder.

Design

A pilot intervention study.

Methods

Ten inpatients performed an intervention program based on Lezak’s conceptual model that teaches task-specific routines. The program consisted of six training sessions presented over a 2-week period. Neuropsychological assessments were performed pre- and postintervention.

Findings

The postintervention scores of the Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome Total Profile and two subtests were significantly higher than the preintervention scores. The instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and the Visual Analog Scale were significantly improved.

Conclusion

This intervention program leads to improvement in the executive function of planning ability and promotes independence and self-confidence in patients with mild neurocognitive disorder.

Clinical Relevance

Clinicians should consider the program in terms of improving the executive dysfunction, and the process of planning and the process of actual practice are important.
Lumbar model generator: a tool for the automated generation of a parametric scalable model of the lumbar spine
Authors: Lavecchia C. E. , Espino D. M. , Moerman K. M. , Tse K. M. , Robinson D. , Lee P. V. S. , Shepherd D. E. T.
Published: January 2018

Low back pain is a major cause of disability and requires the development of new devices to treat pathologies and improve prognosis following surgery. Understanding the effects of new devices on the biomechanics of the spine is crucial in the development of new effective and functional devices. The aim of this study was to develop a preliminary parametric, scalable and anatomically accurate finite-element model of the lumbar spine allowing for the evaluation of the performance of spinal devices. The principal anatomical surfaces of the lumbar spine were first identified, and then accurately fitted from a previous model supplied by S14 Implants (Bordeaux, France). Finally, the reconstructed model was defined according to 17 parameters which are used to scale the model according to patient dimensions. The developed model, available as a toolbox named the lumbar model generator, enables generating a population of models using subject-specific dimensions obtained from data scans or averaged dimensions evaluated from the correlation analysis. This toolbox allows patient-specific assessment, taking into account individual morphological variation. The models have applications in the design process of new devices, evaluating the biomechanics of the spine and helping clinicians when deciding on treatment strategies.
The largest early-diverging angiosperm family is mostly pollinated by ovipositing insects and so are most surviving lineages of early angiosperms
Authors: Luo Shi-Xiao , Zhang Lian-Jie , Yuan Shuai , Ma Zhong-Hui , Zhang Dian-Xiang , Renner Susanne S.
Published: January 2018

Insect pollination in basal angiosperms is assumed to mostly involve ‘generalized' insects looking for food, but direct observations of ANITA grade (283 species) pollinators are sparse. We present new data for numerous Schisandraceae, the largest ANITA family, from fieldwork, nocturnal filming, electron microscopy, barcoding and molecular clocks to infer pollinator/plant interactions over multiple years at sites throughout China to test the extent of pollinator specificity. Schisandraceae are pollinated by nocturnal gall midges that lay eggs in the flowers and whose larvae then feed on floral exudates. At least three Schisandraceae have shifted to beetle pollination. Pollination by a single midge species predominates, but one species was pollinated by different species at three locations and one by two at the same location. Based on molecular clocks, gall midges and Schisandraceae may have interacted since at least the Early Miocene. Combining these findings with a review of all published ANITA pollination data shows that ovipositing flies are the most common pollinators of living representatives of the ANITA grade. Compared to food reward-based pollination, oviposition-based systems are less wasteful of plant gametes because (i) none are eaten and (ii) female insects with herbivorous larvae reliably visit conspecific flowers.
Deciphering the unexplored Leptospira diversity from soils uncovers genomic evolution to virulence
Authors: Thibeaux Roman , Iraola Gregorio , Ferrés Ignacio , Bierque Emilie , Girault Dominique , Soupé-Gilbert Marie-Estelle , Picardeau Mathieu , Goarant Cyrille
Published: January 2018

Despite recent advances in our understanding of the genomics of members of the genus Leptospira, little is known on how virulence has emerged in this heterogeneous bacterial genus as well as on the lifestyle of pathogenic members of the genus Leptospira outside animal hosts. Here, we isolated 12 novel species of the genus Leptospira from tropical soils, significantly increasing the number of known species to 35 and finding evidence of highly unexplored biodiversity in the genus. Extended comparative phylogenomics and pan-genome analyses at the genus level by incorporating 26 novel genomes, revealed that, the traditional leptospiral ‘pathogens’ cluster, as defined by their phylogenetic position, can be split in two groups with distinct virulence potential and accessory gene patterns. These genomic distinctions are strongly linked to the ability to cause or not severe infections in animal models and humans. Our results not only provide new insights into virulence evolution in the members of the genus Leptospira, but also lay the foundations for refining the classification of the pathogenic species.
KMT1/Suv39 methyltransferase family regulates peripheral heterochromatin tethering via histone and non-histone protein methylations
Authors: Rao Radhika Arasala , Ketkar Alhad Ashok , Kedia Neelam , Krishnamoorthy Vignesh K , Lakshmanan Vairavan , Kumar Pankaj , Mohanty Abhishek , Kumar Shilpa Dilip , Raja Sufi O , Gulyani Akash , Chaturvedi ChandraPrakash , Brand Marjorie , Palakodeti Dasaradhi , Rampalli Shravanti
Published: January 2018

Euchromatic histone methyltransferases (EHMTs), members of the KMT1 family, methylate histone and non-histone proteins. Here we uncover a novel role for EHMTs in regulating heterochromatin anchorage to the nuclear periphery (NP) via non-histone (LaminB1) methylations. We show that EHMTs methylates and stabilizes LaminB1 (LMNB1), which associates with the H3K9me2-marked peripheral heterochromatin. Loss of LMNB1 methylation or EHMTs abrogates the heterochromatin anchorage from the NP. We further demonstrate that the loss of EHMTs induces many hallmarks of aging including global reduction of H3K27methyl marks along with altered nuclear-morphology. Consistent with this, we observed a gradual depletion of EHMTs, which correlates with loss of methylated LMNB1 and peripheral heterochromatin in aging human fibroblasts. Restoration of EHMT expression reverts peripheral heterochromatin defect in aged cells. Collectively our work elucidates a new mechanism by which EHMTs regulate heterochromatin domain organization and reveals their impact on fundamental changes associated with the intrinsic aging process.
Single-Cell Sequencing of Primate Preimplantation Embryos Reveals Chromosome Elimination Via Cellular Fragmentation and Blastomere Exclusion
Authors: Daughtry Brittany L. , Rosenkrantz Jimi L. , Lazar Nathan H. , Fei Suzanne S. , Redmayne Nash , Torkenczy Kristof A. , Adey Andrew , Gao Lina , Park Byung , Nevonen Kimberly A. , Carbone Lucia , Chavez Shawn L.
Published: January 2018

Aneuploidy that arises during meiosis and/or mitosis is a major contributor to early embryo loss. We previously demonstrated that human preimplantation embryos encapsulate mis-segregated chromosomes into micronuclei while undergoing cellular fragmentation and that fragments can contain chromosomal material, but the source of this DNA was unknown. Here, we leveraged the use of a non-human primate model and single-cell DNA-sequencing (scDNA-seq) to examine the chromosomal content of 471 individual samples comprising 254 blastomeres, 42 polar bodies, and 175 cellular fragments from a large number (N=50) of disassembled rhesus cleavage-stage embryos. Our analysis revealed that the frequency of aneuploidy and micronucleation is conserved between humans and macaques and that cellular fragments encapsulate whole and/or partial chromosomes lost from blastomeres. Single-cell/fragment genotyping demonstrated that these chromosome-containing cellular fragments (CCFs) can be either maternal or paternal in origin and display DNA damage via double-stranded breaks. Chromosome breakage and abnormal cytokinesis resulted in reciprocal losses/gains at the terminal ends of chromosome arms, uniparental genome segregation, and mixoploidy between blastomeres. Combining time-lapse imaging with scDNA-seq, we also determined that multipolar divisions at the zygote or 2-cell stage generated chaotic aneuploidy encompassing a complex mixture of maternal and paternal chromosomes. Despite frequent chromosomal mis-segregation at the cleavage-stage, we show that CCFs and non-dividing aneuploid blastomeres exhibiting extensive DNA damage are prevented from incorporation at the blastocyst stage. These findings suggest that embryos respond to chromosomal errors by encapsulation into micronuclei, elimination by cellular fragmentation, and selection against highly aneuploid blastomeres to overcome chromosome instability during preimplantation development.
Dynamin-2 controls phagophore maturation
Authors: Riera Alejandro Martorell , Martinez Cinta Iriondo , Itskanov Samuel , Steffen Janos , Roach Brett , Koehler Carla M. , van der Bliek Alexander M.
Published: January 2018

Autophagy involves rapid growth of phagophores through membrane addition. Newly added membranes are derived from other organelles through vesicles carrying the Atg9 protein. Membrane is delivered by fusing these vesicles with the phagophores. Atg9 is, nevertheless, not incorporated in autophagosomes. We now show that this protein is retrieved from phagophores by fission utilizing Dynamin-2 (Dnm2) as the membrane scission protein. Blocking Atg9 recycling by interfering with Dnm2 helps retain Atg9 in autophagosomes and degrades this protein by autophagy. Dnm2 colocalizes with the BAR domain protein Endophilin-B1 (EndoB1/Bif-1) when autophagy is induced, consistent with transient interactions during Atg9 retrieval. EndoB1 and Dnm2 also control the downstream fusion of phagophores to late endosomes, thus ensuring the completion of phagophores before proceeding to the next stage in the autophagy process. These data provide novel insights into the roles of membrane scission proteins during autophagy.
HMGA1 zebrafish co-orthologue hmga1b can modulate p53-dependent cellular responses but is unable to control the alternative splicing of psen1
Authors: Nik Seyed Hani Moussavi , Newman Morgan , Lumsden Amanda , Jayne Tanya , Lardelli Michael
Published: January 2018

The HIGH MOBILITY GROUP AT-HOOK 1 (HMGA1) family of chromatin-binding proteins plays important roles in cellular responses to low oxygen. HMGA1 proteins regulate gene activity both in the nucleus and within mitochondria. They are expressed mainly during embryogenesis and their upregulation in cancerous cells indicates poor prognosis. The human HMGA1a isoform is upregulated under hypoxia via oxidative stress-dependent signalling and can then bind nascent transcripts of the familial Alzheimer’s disease gene PSEN2 to regulate alternative splicing to produce the truncated PSEN2 protein isoform PS2V. Zebrafish where hmga1a expression is induced by hypoxia to control splicing of the psen1 gene to produce the PS2V-equivalent isoform PS1IV. Zebrafish possess a second gene with apparent HMGA1 orthology, hmga1b. Here we investigate the predicted structure of Hmga1b protein and demonstrate it to be co-orthologous to human HMGA1 and most similar in structure to human isoform HMGA1c. We show that forced over-expression of either hmga1a or hmga1b mRNA can suppress the action of the cytotoxin hydroxyurea in stimulating cell death and transcription of the genes mdm2 and cdkn1a that, in humans, are controlled by p53. Our experimental data support an important role for HMGA1 proteins in modulation of p53-dependent responses and illuminate the evolutionary subfunctionalisation.
Changes in genome organization of parasite-specific gene families during thePlasmodiumtransmission stages
Authors: Bunnik Evelien M. , Cook Kate B. , Varoquaux Nelle , Batugedara Gayani , Prudhomme Jacques , Shi Lirong , Andolina Chiara , Ross Leila S. , Brady Declan , Fidock David A. , Nosten Francois , Tewari Rita , Sinnis Photini , Ay Ferhat , Vert Jean-Philippe , Noble William Stafford , Le Roch Karine G.
Published: January 2018

The development of malaria parasites throughout their various life cycle stages is controlled by coordinated changes in gene expression. We previously showed that the three-dimensional organization of theP. falciparumgenome is strongly associated with gene expression during its replication cycle inside red blood cells. Here, we analyzed genome organization in theP. falciparumandP. vivaxtransmission stages. Major changes occurred in the localization and interactions of genes involved in pathogenesis and immune evasion, erythrocyte and liver cell invasion, sexual differentiation and master regulation of gene expression. In addition, we observed reorganization of subtelomeric heterochromatin around genes involved in host cell remodeling. Depletion of heterochromatin protein 1 (PfHP1) resulted in loss of interactions between virulence genes, confirming that PfHP1 is essential for maintenance of the repressive center. Overall, our results suggest that the three-dimensional genome structure is strongly connected with transcriptional activity of specific gene families throughout the life cycle of human malaria parasites.
Propagation analysis of variation for fuselage structures in multi-station aircraft assembly
Authors: Cheng Liang , Wang Qing , Li Jiangxiong , Ke Yinglin
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a modeling and analysis approach for multi-station aircraft assembly to predict assembly variation. The variation accumulated in the assembly process will influence the dimensional accuracy and fatigue life of airframes. However, in digital large aircraft assembly, variation propagation analysis and modeling are still unresolved issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an elastic structure model and variation model of multistage assembly in one station, the propagation of key characteristics, assembly reference and measurement errors are introduced. Moreover, the reposition and posture coordination are considered as major aspects. The reposition of assembly objects in a different assembly station is described using transformation and blocking of coefficient matrix in finite element equation. The posture coordination of the objects is described using homogeneous matrix multiplication. Then, the variation propagation model and analysis of large aircraft assembly are established using a discrete system diagram.

Findings

This modeling and analysis approach for multi-station aircraft assembly reveals the basic rule of variation propagation between adjacent assembly stations and can be used to predict assembly variation or potential dimension problems at a preliminary assembly phase.

Practical implications

The modeling and analysis approaches have been used in a transport aircraft project, and the calculated results were shown to be a good prediction of variation in the actual assembly.

Originality/value

Although certain simplifications and assumptions have been imposed, the proposed method provides a better understanding of the multi-station assembly process and creates an analytical foundation for further work on variation control and tolerance optimization.
Corruption and earnings management in developed and emerging countries
Authors: Lourenço Isabel Costa , Rathke Alex , Santana Verônica , Branco Manuel Castelo
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether firms from countries presenting higher levels of corruption are more likely to have higher levels of earnings management than their counterparts from countries with lower levels of corruption. It also explicitly examines how this relationship compares between emerging and developed economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using multiple regression analysis, this study tests the hypothesis of positive association between the countries’ level of corruption and the level of earnings management using a sample of foreign firms with American Depositary Receipts in the US market.

Findings

Findings indicate that higher corruption perception is related to higher incentives for firms to manipulate earnings in the case of emerging countries. Such results are not identified in developed countries where the level of minority investors’ protection is higher. Findings also indicate that in developed countries earnings management is negatively related to investor protection, which is not the case for emerging countries.

Originality value

As far as the authors are aware, this study is the first to examine the effects of corruption on earnings management on the basis of accounting firm-level data.
Corporate governance and corporate social responsibility disclosures
Authors: Garas Samy , ElMassah Suzanna
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of corporate governance (CG) on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures. This is done in the context of firms operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and is largely based on the legitimacy theory, although other theories such as principal–agent theory and stakeholder theory are disucssed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the annual reports of 147 firms in the GCC countries, drawing on a legitimacy theory framework to determine the impact of CG characteristics, such as management ownership, ownership concentration, independence of board members, duality of CEO and chairman positions and the existence of an audit committee, on firms’ CSR disclosures to various stakeholders. Accordingly, the authors developed five hypotheses to examine the above variables and used a data set from Hawkamah – the Institute of Corporate Governance. This study covers a period of six years (2007-2012). The data set had been regressed in a multi-variate regression analysis.

Findings

The authors reported that greater managerial ownership and concentration of ownership have positive impact on CSR disclosures. The findings of this study also show that internal CG mechanisms, such as the independence of board members, the separation of powers, between the CEO and chairman positions and the existence of an independent audit committee, also have a positive influence on CSR disclosures. In addition, the leverage ratio, return on assets, company’s size and age emerge as important determinants of CSR disclosures; nevertheless, the company’s size and age are statistically not significant. These significant findings corroborate the recent concern with CG in developing countries that brings greater attention to CSR disclousures, as both internal and external CG mechanisms are effective in influencing the CSR practices.

Practical implications

This study fills the gap in literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of CG on CSR disclosures in a significant region in the emerging economies. Furthermore, it alerts regulators, policy-makers, practitioners and firms’ executives in the GCC region and other developing countries to pay more attention to CG reforms and enforcement as well as to increase institutional pressures regarding CSR adaptation.

Originality/value

The study on how CG and CSR disclosures are connected has been limited. This study addresses this research gap and focuses on a region that has often been overlooked by accounting research.
“Hands-on” vs “arm’s length” entrepreneurship research
Authors: Newth Jamie
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advocate for greater use of ethnographic research methods in entrepreneurship studies to produce more contextualized research. An argument for getting “up-close” and “hands-on” is presented to better understand how context shapes action in entrepreneurship than is presently achieved under the present entrepreneurship research orthodoxy. The need for contextualized research is particularly acute in the domain of social innovation. For its maturation as a field of research, it also requires stronger critical perspectives into the agendas and impacts of practitioners and other field-shaping actors. Ethnographic approaches are potentially powerful methods for revealing truths of this nature. Ethnographic methods are, however, problematic for professional researchers. The challenges of conducting such research are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual paper regarding research methods in social innovation and social entrepreneurship studies.

Findings

Social entrepreneurship that happens within established organizations is a hybrid social innovation activity that is informed, constrained, and compelled by idiosyncratic social contexts which are fashioned by institutional logics, identities, organizational culture, and history. With its contestable conceptualizations, priorities, models, purposes, and approaches, it arguably defies researchers’ ability to build a deep understanding, from arm’s length, of how the activity is undertaken for theory building purposes. Ethnographic methods enable deeper insight than traditional entrepreneurship research methods, and this research illustrates the differences between the espoused intentions, beliefs, and attitudes of managers and the lived experience of staff.

Originality/value

Social entrepreneurship is a micro-level, hybrid social innovation activity that challenges embedded social, structural, and cultural norms when undertaken within established organizations. Ethnographic methods are under-utilized in exploring this and other forms of entrepreneurial action. This paper illustrates the value of ethnography for contextualizing social innovation research and that eschewing “arm’s length” objectivity for “hands-on” insight is a powerful approach to empirically contextualizing social innovation and contributing to more critical perspectives and sophisticated theory building.
An empirical investigation of workplace factors affecting lean performance
Authors: Vlachos Ilias , Siachou Evangelia
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify workplace factors with an impact on lean performance (LP). This can lead to better LP outcomes, thus facilitating organizations to smoothly move from the conventional to lean management.

Design/methodology/approach

The direct effects of training, knowledge acquisition and organizational culture are empirically investigated using data from 126 managers employed at a global company, which recently has improved its LP. Study’s hypotheses were analyzed with hierarchical regression models.

Findings

The findings suggest that not all of the aforementioned workplace factors holistically affect LP. Only organizational culture is associated to the four LP variables (i.e. continuous improvement, waste, ergonomy and product quality). Training and knowledge acquisition offer partially effects on LP with training to contribute mostly to predicting continuous improvements. Knowledge acquisition alone, has significant yet negative impact on both continuous improvement and ergonomy. Even more, when training is combined with knowledge acquisition the results are different.

Originality/value

As this study highlights the impact of workplace practices on LP, attributes mainly importance to the distinct effects that each of the aforementioned factors has on the four distinct LP variables. Although the study results reflect a particular case, its recommendations could facilitate practitioners to achieve better lean outcomes.
Continuous improvement in a university – the first steps: a reflective case study
Authors: O’Reilly Seamus , Healy Joe , O’Dubhghaill Rónán
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation literature as an organising framework, the purpose of this paper is to explore the initial steps in a continuous improvement (CI) journey taken by an Irish university in order to identify the motivations, highlight key challenges and considers the capabilities required to initiate and sustain a CI programme.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focusses on one case organisation. A participative approach is adopted to learn from the initial steps taken in the establishment of a CI programme. Given this approach, the researchers had access to all documents and related archives associated with this initiative. Hence an iterative learning approach is adopted with the analysis of data from the first 12-month plan informing the next planning and implementation phase.

Findings

This paper provides a reflective account of why and how a university went about commencing a CI programme. The motivation to establish the CI programme not only reflects the current fiscal environment but also one characterised by a need to respond to a number of increasingly demanding stakeholders. The insights gained highlight the importance of alignment with strategy, role of specialists and use of a structured method informed by a LSS approach. Of particular note is the role of expertise, both internal and external, and within this context the interplay between a formal top-down approach and the coming together enthusiast staff, some of whom had CI experience from previous employment. A number of practical implications were identified as a result of the study including the key role of the project sponsor; the criticality of an understanding of the fundamental LSS concepts and tools and techniques by management; and the key role played by improvement specialists.

Originality/value

While in recent times a strong case for the application of LSS in HEIs has been made, there is a paucity of case studies based on the reflective practice in the field. This paper is novel in that it aims to address this and contribute to an emerging body of CI literature in the HEI area.
The efficacy of routing and flexibility on financial performance within an international manufacturing setting
Authors: Weeks Kelly , Guiffrida Alfred , Safa Mahdi
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the developing body of knowledge on supply chain performance by addressing the impact of resource commitment (RC), product route efficiency (PRE), and manufacturing flexibility (MF) on a firm’s financial performance (FP) has a direct impact on supply chain operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey questionnaires were developed in conjunction with literature guidance. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used in conjunction with structural equation modeling to give a robust analysis of the problem setting.

Findings

Discoveries herein indicate that committing resources in itself is insufficient to adequately increase FP over the long term. However, the mediating variables of MF and PRE were found to significantly improve a firm’s bottom line.

Originality/value

Prior research has been somewhat lacking and inconsistent with regards to the nature of causal and mediating relationships found between RC, PRE, MF, and a firm’s financial performance. Given the increasing global nature of competition, understanding the relationships between potential factors that could positively impact a firm’s FP has a large potential direct impact and benefit on supply chain operations.
Lighthouse tourism: is there a “dark” side?
Authors: Azevedo Antonio
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The lighthouse tourism, which has been flourishing in several coastal areas and port cities with waterfront, provides the ideal scenario for escape experiences. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implicit (dark tourism) meanings, symbolisms and emotions evoked by lighthouses, in particular those related with recreational storm chasing, “land’s ends” pilgrimage and gaze upon dystopic places.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach such as filmography’s content analysis (filtered by IMDb database), photo elicitation and engagement with lighthouses promotion websites, this study searched for evidences supporting the classification of lighthouse tourism as a “lighter” dark tourism product.

Findings

The qualitative information gathered from different sources provided support for a taxonomy of motives for engaging (dark) lighthouse experiences: risk recreation; isolation and loneliness; pilgrimage; shipwrecking; memorials; dystopia; and gaze for “ice palaces.”

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual paper suggests a taxonomy for a systematic classification of dark lighthouse experiences and suggested some research propositions for further research.

Practical implications

Public decision makers, maritime authorities and tourism operators may acknowledge the theoretical and practical contributions provided by this paper and develop innovative escape experiences.

Social implications

The lighthouse tourism is an innovative and creative way to promote the sustainable development of waterfronts of port cities, giving more “energy” to these coastal and often peripheral areas.

Originality/value

The paper fills a gap in the literature that so far never had deeply explored the relationship between the lighthouses’ meanings/experiences and dark tourism and introduces the innovative concept of (dark) lighthouse tourism.
Socioemotional wealth importance within family firm internal communication
Authors: Marett Emily , Marler Laura , Marett Kent
Published: January 2018

Purpose

One of the key characteristics that distinguishes the family business from other firms is the importance of accruing and maintaining socioemotional wealth (SEW). Using an experimental design, this exploratory study investigates the communication practices of family business leaders responding to employees responsible for a business disruption. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether managers take action to protect SEW while responding to a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Three employees of a family firm participated in the experiment. A family member employee and a non-family employee were instructed to write a message informing a family member leader of a business disruption they created (infecting a computer with malware). The family member leader then received these messages and wrote a response to each employee. These responses were then content analyzed to determine whether messages expressed SEW importance and to see if SEW content differed based on the recipient’s familial status.

Findings

Content analysis of messages intended for family members and non-family employees indicated that messages intended for family members contain significantly different content associated with dimensions of Socioemotional Wealth Importance scale, particularly in terms of reinforcing family dominance, sustaining family continuity, and maintaining family enrichment.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine crisis communication within the family firm and whether SEW endowment occurs via internal communication within the family firm. By utilizing an experiment, this study extends the SEW literature further by adding to the diversity of techniques utilized to study this topic.
Proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the Rio Grande valley of Texas – citizen group participation versus natural gas corporations
Authors: Garrett Terence
Published: January 2018

Purpose

In the Rio Grande Valley, natural gas corporations have proposed building up to five export terminals for shipping to overseas locations liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG terminals constructed would have adverse consequences for the people living in the area. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the conflict between citizen groups and corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a narrative approach, theories by Boje, Debord, Bauman and Best and Kellner, the paper analyzes and tests the strategies and resources and stories utilized by proponents and opponents of the LNG terminals in the Port of Brownsville. Examined are internet media as artifacts for the analysis, in addition to an evaluation of political protests and demonstrations.

Findings

Corporate globalization may be halted because of resistance put forth by local opponents – citizen and environmental groups – offering resistance due to perceptions that the local economy and environment may be severely damaged.

Research limitations/implications

LNG corporate expansion continues globally. The research provides a glimpse into one how one locality may resist capitalist domination, protecting its own economy and environment.

Practical implications

The assessment provides a practical means to examine how local resistance may successfully avert unwanted fossil fuel industries.

Social implications

Local citizens’ groups may have the means necessary to stop the LNG terminals from locating in the Rio Grande Valley; however, capitalist globalization may be too much of an irresistible force to overcome.

Originality/value

This research paper demonstrates the conflict inherent to globalization through the economic and environmental consequences that occur when citizen groups oppose corporate fossil fuel expansion into their community.
Corporate governance and audit features: SMEs evidence
Authors: Al-Najjar Basil
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance factors on audit features, namely, audit fees and the selection of Big 4 audit firms within the UK SMEs context.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses different regression models to investigate the impact of corporate governance characteristics on audit features, and employs cross-sectional time series models as well as two-stage least squares technique. In addition, the author has used logit analysis to examine the effect of corporate governance factors on the selection of Big 4 audit firms.

Findings

The author provides new evidence that governance mechanisms in SMEs affect different audit features. The results show that corporate governance mechanisms are important in determining audit fees. The author detects a positive impact of board independence, audit meeting and board size on audit fees. The author also reports evidence that governance factors determine the selection of Big 4 audit firms. In particular, the author reports that independent directors and audit diligence positively affect the decision to select Big 4 audit firms.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the under-researched relationship between audit features and corporate governance using UK SMEs. In so doing, the author aims to provide new insights into this relationship within the SMEs context.