bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Chinese entrepreneurial firms selectively perform corporate social responsibility issues?
Authors: Song Lihong , Liang Qiang , Lu Yuan , Li Xinchun
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Based on the stakeholder theory, this study aims to investigate Chinese entrepreneurial firms’ selective satisfaction of Stakeholder demands on corporate social performance (CSP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the survey data from privately owned companies in China, which is collected by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce in three years of 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Findings

This paper suggests a contingency model of CSP: entrepreneurial firms selectively perform corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues rather than all CSP dimensions. Furthermore, this study illustrates that international operations, such as overseas exports, would strengthen the above positive relationships between foreign ownership and selected CSR issues.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of CSR activities in Chinese entrepreneurial firms, which are more selective when performing social issues. In addition to the theoretical contribution, this work suggests a contingency model to the stakeholder theory, indicating the moderating factors to the entrepreneurial firms’ motivation to perform specific social responsibilities.
An information security risk-driven investment model for analysing human factors
Authors: Alavi Reza , Islam Shareeful , Mouratidis Haralambos
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a risk-driven investment process model for analysing human factors that allows information security managers to capture possible risk–investment relationships and to reason about them. The overall success of an information security system depends on analysis of the risks and threats so that appropriate protection mechanism can be in place to protect them. However, lack of appropriate analysis of risks may potentially results in failure of information security systems. Existing literature does not provide adequate guidelines for a systematic process or an appropriate modelling language to support such analysis. This work aims to fill this gap by introducing the process and reason about the risks considering human factors.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop risk-driven investment model along with the activities that support the process. These objectives were achieved through the collection of quantitative and qualitative data utilising requirements engineering and secure tropos methods.

Findings

The proposed process and model lead to define a clear relationship between risks, incidents and investment and allows organisations to calculate them based on their own figures.

Research limitations/implications

One of the major limitations of this model is that it only supports incident-based investment. This creates some sort of difficulties to be presented to the executive board. Secondly, because of the nature of human factors, quantification does not exactly reflect the monetary value of the factors.

Practical implications

Applying the information security risk-driven investment model in a real case study shows that this can help organisations apply and use it in other incidents, and more importantly, to the incidents which critical human factors are a grave concern of organisations. The importance of providing a financial justification is clearly highlighted and provided for seeking investment in information security.

Social implications

It has a big social impact that technically could lead for cost justifications and decision-making process. This would impact the whole society by helping individuals to keep their data safe.

Originality/value

The novel contribution of this work is to analyse specific critical human factors which have subjective natures in an objective and dynamic domain of risk, security and investment.
Theorizing about practice: story telling and practical knowledge in cancer diagnoses
Authors: Zucchermaglio Cristina , Alby Francesca
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the organization of storytelling and its role in creating and sharing practical knowledge for cancer diagnosis in a medical community in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative analysis draws upon different interactional data sets: naturally occurring diagnostic conversations among physicians in the ward, research interviews, video-based sessions in which physicians watch and discuss their diagnostic work.

Findings

The results highlight: the specific organization of storytelling practices in medical diagnostic work; three main functions that such storytelling practices play in supporting collaborative diagnostic work in the community of our study; and how storytelling practices are resources on which participants rely across settings, including ad hoc reflexive meetings.

Originality/value

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the role that storytelling plays in the diagnostic work in an understudied and yet life-saving site such as oncology.
Carnivalization as a new mode of collaboration
Authors: Kajamaa Anu , Lahtinen Päivikki
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model of carnivalization. The paper aims to widen the understanding of client initiated attempts to break away from a conflict of motives between conventional models and new ways of acting in service provision. Carnivalization emerges when the standard script falls apart and the actors start to construct unexpected meanings for the activity and create innovative solutions for the conflict of motives, which leads to new mode of collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed the key features and significance of carnivalization in home care service encounters. The theoretical–methodological framework of the study draws on Bakhtin’s dialogical theorizing and cultural–historical activity theory. The analysis traces the processual movement from standard script toward carnivalization.

Findings

The key features of carnivalization involve conflict of motives between the actors, client initiatives, multiple chronotopes, artifact and role mediation, different modes of collaboration and the intertwinement of seemingly disconnected objects of collaboration. The findings indicate that carnivalization can enhance a new type of client–service provider collaboration. It can become an especially significant mode of collaboration for transforming an activity in which a historically established, stabilized script dominates the interaction. This paper suggests that the carnivalization type of collaboration should be deliberately fostered via organizational interventions to develop client-centered services.

Originality/value

As a consequence of the study, a new conceptual model is proposed for the analysis and promotion of carnivalization that can be applied in different organizational contexts.
On the (re)construction of numbers and operational reality
Authors: Abrahamsson Gun , Englund Hans , Gerdin Jonas
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the mobilization of management accounting (MA) numbers and metrics in social interactions. The purpose is to develop a model of how and why managers perceive and mobilize (new) MA numbers/metrics in a changing way over time in situated face-to-face interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

An observation-based qualitative field study of a change project in a large manufacturing company is used as the basis for our analysis.

Findings

The empirical study shows that MA numbers and metrics are essential when semi-distant managers strive to solve problems and achieve radical improvement targets, but that the ways in which existing and new metrics are perceived and mobilized during face-to-face interactions change over time. The study provides both a detailed account of the emergent nature of the transformation process and a number of mechanisms as to why managers (inter-)act the way they do to produce such change.

Originality/value

The paper problematizes the generally held view that MA numbers and metrics primarily work as a structuring device in face-to-face interactions, and also, how the processes are constituted through which MA is transformed into such a structuring device. The paper also adds new insights to our understandings of why managers (inter-)act the way they do to produce MA change.
What makes accounting information timely?
Authors: Gullberg Cecilia
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate and analyse how the concept of timely accounting information can be understood as the interplay between material and social elements, to provide a basis for theorising timeliness in the context of managerial work.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an enactment perspective, this paper rests upon the assumption that timeliness is not a uniform information quality mainly dependent on the accounting artefact, but something that is also shaped in managerial action. The paper builds on a qualitative study of a construction firm.

Findings

Three types of enactments are illustrated: affordable-speed, right-time and instantly-actionable, showing how timeliness is not only determined by the accounting artefact but also by management style, organisational values and routines and managers’ previous experiences of technology. With regards to the artefact, the paper identifies a number of material aspects that contribute to timeliness, such as system interfaces and presentation of data. The enactment of timeliness is largely characterised by virtues of efficiency and control rather than by opportunity seeking.

Research limitations/implications

The research design limits the generalisability. However, insights into the elements involved in managers’ understanding of timeliness provide a basis for further micro-level studies of timeliness.

Practical implications

With a multifaceted vocabulary of what timeliness means, organisations can more precisely define wherein a timeliness-related problem lies.

Originality/value

In comparison to previous studies, this paper provides a more contextual and nuanced understanding of timeliness.
Fabrication of three dimensional open porous regular structure of PA-2200 for enhanced strength of scaffold using selective laser sintering
Authors: Singh Jatender Pal , Pandey Pulak M. , Verma Anita Kamra
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Scaffolds are essentially required to have open porous structure for facilitating bone to grow. They are generally placed on those bone defective/fractured sites which are more prone to compressive loading. Open porous structure lacks in strength in comparison to solid. Selective laser sintering (SLS) process is prominently used for fabrication of polymer/composite scaffolds. So, this paper aims to study for fabrication of three-dimensional open porous scaffolds with enhanced strength, process parameters of SLS of a biocompatible material are required to be optimized.

Design/methodology/approach

Regular open porous structures with suitable pore size as per computer-aided design models were fabricated using SLS. Polyamide (PA-2200) was used to fabricate the specimen/scaffold. To optimize the strength of the designed structure, response surface methodology was used to design the experiments. Specimens as per ASTM D695 were fabricated using SLS and compressive testing was carried out. Analysis of variance was done for estimating contribution of individual process parameters. Optimized process parameters were obtained using a trust region algorithm and correlated with experimental results. Accuracy of the fabricated specimen/scaffold was also assessed in terms of IT grades. In vitro cell culture on the fabricated structures confirmed the biocompatibility of polyamide (PA-2200).

Findings

Optimized process parameters for open cell process structures were obtained and confirmed experimentally. Laser power, hatch spacing and layer thickness have contributed more in the porous part’s strength than scan speed. The accuracy of the order of IT16 has been found for all functional dimensions. Cell growth and proliferation confirmed biocompatibility of polyamide (PA-2200) for scaffold applications.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the biocompatibility of PA-2200 for scaffold applications. The optimized process parameters of SLS process for open cell structure having pore size 1.2 × 1.2 mm2 with strut diameter of 1 mm have been obtained. The accuracy of the order of IT16 was obtained at the optimized process factors.
Thermal and mechanical properties of copper/photopolymer composite
Authors: Chiu Shih-Hsuan , Wu Cheng-Lung , Gan Shun-Ying , Chen Kun-Ting , Wang Yi-Ming , Pong Sheng-Hong , Takagi Hitoshi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to increase the thermal and mechanical properties of the photopolymer by filling with the copper powder for the application of rapid tooling.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the photopolymer is filled with the different loading of copper powder for investigating the thermal and mechanical properties of the copper/photopolymer composite. The thermal properties of the copper/photopolymer composite are characterized with the degradation temperature and with the thermal conductivity. The mechanical properties of copper/photopolymer composite are performed with the tensile strength and hardness testing. Moreover, the copper/photopolymer composite is imaged by using a scanning electron microscopic with energy dispersive spectroscopy.

Findings

The tensile strength of the copper/photopolymer composite is increased over 45 per cent at 20 phr copper loading. The hardness of the photopolymer has a negative correlation with the increasing copper loading and is decreased about 28.5 per cent at 100 phr copper loading. The degradation temperature of the copper/photopolymer composite is increased about 7.2 per cent at 70 phr copper loading. The thermal conductivity of the copper/photopolymer composite is increased over 65 per cent at 100 phr copper loading.

Originality/value

The photopolymer used in rapid prototyping system is generally fragile and has poor thermal properties. This study improves the thermal and mechanical properties of the photopolymer with the copper filling which has been never investigated in the field of rapid prototyping applications.
Rapid spread of the invasive yellow‐legged hornet inFrance: the role of human‐mediated dispersal and the effects of control measures
Authors: Robinet Christelle , Suppo Christelle , Darrouzet Eric
Published: June 2016

The invasive yellow‐legged hornet was first discovered in Europe, in south‐western France, in 2004. It has since spread very rapidly and has caused significant mortality among honeybees and native entomofauna. It also poses a risk to humans because its sting provokes allergic reactions. The objectives of this study were the following: (i) to disentangle the roles played by human‐mediated dispersal and self‐mediated dispersal in the species' rapid range expansion and (ii) to estimate the intensity of control measures in France and determine what needs to be done to slow the hornet's spread and dramatically reduce its population densities.

A mathematical model was developed to describe the hornet's potential spread. This model included parameters describing the population growth rate, carrying capacity, self‐mediated dispersal, human‐mediated dispersal and the efficacy of control measures (i.e. the destruction of detected nests). Model parameters were estimated using 2004–2009 occurrence data for France and the model was then validated using 2013 occurrence data. Several scenarios were tested: human‐mediated dispersal was present or absent and control intensity varied. Then, the species' spread in coming years was simulated (from 2013 to 2020).

Despite some uncertainty on the value of the parameters, this model is relatively robust. Human‐mediated dispersal may not be necessarily responsible for the hornet's rapid range expansion; the species could spread rapidly on its own. It is likely that to date, an average of 30–40% of detected nests have been destroyed each year.

Increasing the percentage of destroyed nests from 30 to 60% could reduce the species' spread by 17% and its nest density by 29%. If 95% of nests are destroyed, the species' spread and nest density could decline by 43% and 53%, respectively.

Synthesis and applications. The mathematical model developed in this study shows that human‐mediated dispersal of the invasive yellow‐legged hornet may not be the only factor explaining the hornet's rapid range expansion and that controlling this invasive pest is still possible. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reduce self‐mediated dispersal and to intensify and improve control measures to diminish the species' impact and prevent its further spread. Control measures could combine the mechanical removal and destruction of individuals or infested materials with biological control techniques.
Comparative genomic analysis of isoproturon‐mineralizing sphingomonads reveals the isoproturon catabolic mechanism
Authors: Yan Xin , Gu Tao , Yi Zhongquan , Huang Junwei , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Ji , Xu Xihui , Xin Zhihong , Hong Qing , He Jian , Spain Jim C. , Li Shunpeng , Jiang Jiandong
Published: June 2016

The worldwide use of the phenylurea herbicide, isoproturon (IPU), has resulted in considerable concern about its environmental fate. Although many microbial metabolites of IPU are known and IPU‐mineralizing bacteria have been isolated, the molecular mechanism of IPU catabolism has not been elucidated yet. In this study, complete genes that encode the conserved IPU catabolic pathway were revealed, based on comparative analysis of the genomes of three IPU‐mineralizing sphingomonads and subsequent experimental validation. The complete genes included a novel hydrolase gene ddhA, which is responsible for the cleavage of the urea side chain of the IPU demethylated products; a distinct aniline dioxygenase gene cluster adoQTA1A2BR, which has a broad substrate range; and an inducible catechol meta‐cleavage pathway gene cluster adoXEGKLIJC. Furthermore, the initial mono‐N‐demethylation genes pdmAB were further confirmed to be involved in the successive N‐demethylation of the IPU mono‐N‐demethylated product. These IPU‐catabolic genes were organized into four transcription units and distributed on three plasmids. They were flanked by multiple mobile genetic elements and highly conserved among IPU‐mineralizing sphingomonads. The elucidation of the molecular mechanism of IPU catabolism will enhance our understanding of the microbial mineralization of IPU and provide insights into the evolutionary scenario of the conserved IPU‐catabolic pathway.
Conversion of the sensor kinase DcuS of Escherichia coli of the DcuB/DcuS sensor complex to the C4‐dicarboxylate responsive form by the transporter DcuB
Authors: Wörner Sebastian , Strecker Alexander , Monzel Christian , Zeltner Matthias , Witan Julian , Ebert‐Jung Andrea , Unden Gottfried
Published: June 2016

The sensor kinase DcuS of Escherichia coli co‐operates under aerobic conditions with the C4‐dicarboxylate transporter DctA to form the DctA/DcuS sensor complex. Under anaerobic conditions C4‐dicarboxylate transport in fumarate respiration is catalyzed by C4‐dicarboxylate/fumarate antiporter DcuB. (i) DcuB interacted with DcuS as demonstrated by a bacterial two‐hybrid system (BACTH) and by co‐chromatography of the solubilized membrane‐proteins (mHPINE assay). (ii) In the DcuB/DcuS complex only DcuS served as the sensor since mutations in the substrate site of DcuS changed substrate specificity of sensing, and substrates maleate or 3‐nitropropionate induced DcuS response without affecting the fumarate site of DcuB. (iii) The half‐maximal concentration for induction of DcuS by fumarate (1 to 2 mM) and the corresponding Km for transport (50 µM) differ by a factor of 20 to 40. Therefore, the fumarate sites are different in transport and sensing. (iv) Increasing levels of DcuB converted DcuS from the permanent ON (DcuB deficient) state to the fumarate responsive form. Overall, the data show that DcuS and DcuB form a DcuB/DcuS complex representing the C4‐dicarboxylate responsive form, and that the sensory site of the complex is located in DcuS whereas DcuB is required for converting DcuS to the sensory competent state.
The guanidinobutyrase GbuA is essential for the alkylquinolone‐regulated pyocyanin production during parasitic growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in co‐culture with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Jagmann Nina , Bleicher Vera , Busche Tobias , Kalinowski Jörn , Philipp Bodo
Published: June 2016

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa controls the production of virulence factors by quorum sensing (QS). Besides cell density, QS in P. aeruginosa is co‐regulated by metabolic influences, especially nutrient limitation. Previously, a co‐culture model system was established consisting of P. aeruginosa and the chitinolytic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila, in which parasitic growth of P. aeruginosa is strictly dependent on the QS‐controlled production of pyocyanin in response to nutrient limitation (Jagmann et al., ). In this study, the co‐culture was employed to identify novel genes involved in the regulation of pyocyanin production. Via transposon mutagenesis, the gene gbuA encoding a guanidinobutyrase was identified, deletion of which led to a loss of pyocyanin production in co‐cultures and to a reduced pyocyanin production in single cultures. Addition of the natural substrate of GbuA to the mutant strain enhanced the negative effect on pyocyanin production in single cultures. The gbuA mutant showed a reduced transcription of the pqsABCDE operon and could be complemented by PqsE overexpression and addition of alkylquinolone signal molecules. The strong effect of gbuA deletion on the QS‐controlled pyocyanin production in co‐cultures showed the value of this approach for the discovery of novel gene functions linking metabolism and QS in P. aeruginosa.
Stability of Palatal Rugae as a Forensic Marker in Orthodontically Treated Cases
Authors: Ali Batool , Shaikh Attiya , Fida Mubassar
Published: June 2016

The palatal rugae have been used as a reference landmark and identification marker by orthodontists and forensic analysts. However, the reliability of palatal rugae as a forensic marker remains questionable once an individual is subjected to orthodontic treatment. This study aimed at evaluating the changes in the rugae pattern after nonextraction, extraction, and maxillary expansion orthodontic treatment. The lengths and shapes of palatal rugae were evaluated on the pretreatment and post‐treatment dental casts of 168 subjects using the Thomas and Kotze classification. Extraction treatment significantly reduced the second and third rugae lengths (p < 0.05), whereas the third rugae length was significantly increased after palatal expansion (p < 0.05). The shape of rugae remained consistent in all the study groups which may be used as a reliable forensic marker in subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, the use of the lengths of palatal rugae in forensic odontology must be made with caution.
How does choice of statistical method to adjust counts for imperfect detection affect inferences about animal abundance?
Authors: Field Christopher R. , Gjerdrum Carina , Elphick Chris S.
Published: June 2016

There is ongoing debate in ecology about the value of the increasing complexity of analytical methods, especially as it relates to models that correct occupancy or abundance estimates for imperfect detection. While both arguments for and against increasing complexity have merit, there is a need for greater clarity on how to determine what level of complexity is necessary. We present a general approach and case study for comparing alternative detection methods that vary in their complexity. Our approach puts emphasis on the logistical costs of methods, which are often overlooked in the debate about method complexity, and on developing models that address common sources of error in ecological data sets while avoiding unwarranted complexity.

We used point counts of saltmarsh sparrows (Ammodramus caudacutus) to compare estimates of abundance from three alternative protocols that vary by logistical costs: single observer, multiple observers and multiple visits. We also compared results from counts to those from captures and nest searches from the same populations to provide broader context for the evaluation of point count methods.

We found that parameter estimates derived from alternative count protocols were similar and that predictions of point‐level abundance were highly correlated (r = 0·96). We found lower correlation between pairwise comparisons of abundance estimated from point count data, the number of individuals captured and the number of nests (all comparisonsr = 0·50 or less).

Choosing point counts over alternative measures of abundance may have a greater effect on inferences than choosing among specific count protocols. For saltmarsh sparrows, there is likely little added benefit to adopting count protocols that require additional logistical costs. Determining the frequency of cases like this has broad implications for the appropriate design of studies that rely on estimates of abundance, especially when resources are limited. The general approach we present can be used to assess whether general rules of thumb can be developed to benefit people charged with implementing field studies and allocating limited resources.
Automated content analysis: addressing the big literature challenge in ecology and evolution
Authors: Nunez‐Mir Gabriela C. , Iannone Basil V. , Pijanowski Bryan C. , Kong Ningning , Fei Songlin
Published: June 2016

The exponential growth of scientific literature – which we call the ‘big literature’ phenomenon – has created great challenges in literature comprehension and synthesis. The traditional manual literature synthesis processes are often unable to take advantage of big literature due to human limitations in time and cognition, creating the need for new literature synthesis methods to address this challenge.

In this paper, we discuss a highly useful literature synthesis approach, automated content analysis (ACA), which has not yet been widely adopted in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. ACA is a suite of machine learning tools for the qualitative and quantitative synthesis of big literature commonly used in the social sciences and in medical research.

Our goal is to introduce ecologists and evolutionary biologists to ACA and illustrate its capacity to synthesize overwhelming volumes of literature. First, we provide a brief history of the ACA method and summarize the fundamental process of ACA. Next, we present two ACA studies to illustrate the utility and versatility of ACA in synthesizing ecological and evolutionary literature. Finally, we discuss how to maximize the utility and contributions of ACA, as well as potential research directions that may help to advance the use of ACA in future ecological and evolutionary research.

Unlike manual methods of literature synthesis, ACA is able to process high volumes of literature at substantially shorter time spans, while helping to mitigate human biases. The overall efficiency and versatility of this method allow for a broad range of applications for literature review and synthesis, including both exploratory reviews and systematic reviews aiming to address more targeted research questions. By allowing for more extensive and comprehensive reviews of big literature, ACA has the potential to fill an important methodological gap and therefore contribute to the advancement of ecological and evolutionary research.
Developing and Testing of a Software Prototype to Support Diagnostic Reasoning of Nursing Students
Authors: de Sousa Vanessa Emille Carvalho , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venícios , Keenan Gail M. , Lopez Karen Dunn
Published: June 2016

PURPOSE

To design and test educational software to improve nursing students’ diagnostic reasoning through NANDA‐I‐based clinical scenarios.

METHODS

A mixed method approach was used and included content validation by a panel of 13 experts and prototype testing by a sample of 56 students.

FINDINGS

Experts’ suggestions included writing adjustments, new response options, and replacement of clinical information on the scenarios. Percentages of students’ correct answers were 65.7%, 62.2%, and 60.5% for related factors, defining characteristics, and nursing diagnoses, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Full development of this software shows strong potential for enhancing students’ diagnostic reasoning.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

New graduates may be able to apply diagnostic reasoning more rapidly by exercising their diagnostic skills within this software.

OBJETIVO

Desenvolver e testar um protótipo de software educativo para melhorar o raciocínio diagnóstico de estudantes de enfermagem.

MÉTODOS

Uma abordagem mista foi utilizada e incluiu validação de conteúdo por 13 experts e testagem do protótipo por 56 estudantes.

RESULTADOS

Sugestões dos experts incluíram ajustes na escrita, inclusão de novas opções de resposta e substituição de dados clínicos nos cenários. Os percentuais de respostas corretas dos estudantes foram 65,7%, 62,2% e 60,5% para fatores relacionados, características definidoras e diagnósticos de enfermagem respectivamente.

CONCLUSÃO

O desenvolvimento deste software tem um forte potencial para melhorar o raciocínio diagnóstico de estudantes.

IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA EM ENFERMAGEM

Através deste software, enfermeiros poderão ser capazes de exercitar o raciocínio diagnóstico e aplicá‐lo mais rapidamente.
Automated Data Abstraction of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Process Measures for Complete Episodes of Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation
Authors: Lin Steve , Turgulov Anuar , Taher Ahmed , Buick Jason E. , Byers Adam , Drennan Ian R. , Hu Samantha , J. Morrison Laurie
Published: June 2016

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) process measures research and quality assurance has traditionally been limited to the first 5 minutes of resuscitation due to significant costs in time, resources, and personnel from manual data abstraction. CPR performance may change over time during prolonged resuscitations, which represents a significant knowledge gap. Moreover, currently available commercial software output of CPR process measures are difficult to analyze.

Objective

The objective was to develop and validate a software program to help automate the abstraction and transfer of CPR process measures data from electronic defibrillators for complete episodes of cardiac arrest resuscitation.

Methods

We developed a software program to facilitate and help automate CPR data abstraction and transfer from electronic defibrillators for entire resuscitation episodes. Using an intermediary Extensible Markup Language export file, the automated software transfers CPR process measures data (electrocardiogram [ECG] number, CPR start time, number of ventilations, number of chest compressions, compression rate per minute, compression depth per minute, compression fraction, and end‐tidal CO2 per minute). We performed an internal validation of the software program on 50 randomly selected cardiac arrest cases with resuscitation durations between 15 and 60 minutes. CPR process measures were manually abstracted and transferred independently by two trained data abstractors and by the automated software program, followed by manual interpretation of raw ECG tracings, treatment interventions, and patient events. Error rates and the time needed for data abstraction, transfer, and interpretation were measured for both manual and automated methods, compared to an additional independent reviewer.

Results

A total of 9,826 data points were each abstracted by the two abstractors and by the software program. Manual data abstraction resulted in a total of six errors (0.06%) compared to zero errors by the software program. The mean ± SD time measured per case for manual data abstraction was 20.3 ± 2.7 minutes compared to 5.3 ± 1.4 minutes using the software program (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

We developed and validated an automated software program that efficiently abstracts and transfers CPR process measures data from electronic defibrillators for complete cardiac arrest episodes. This software will enable future cardiac arrest studies and quality assurance programs to evaluate the impact of CPR process measures during prolonged resuscitations.
Causes of Elevated Cardiac Troponins in the Emergency Department and Their Associated Mortality
Authors: Meigher Stephen , Thode Henry C. , Peacock W. Frank , Bock Jay L. , Gruberg Louis , Singer Adam J.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Cardiac troponins (cTn) are structural components of myocardial cells and are expressed almost exclusively in the heart. Elevated cTn levels indicate myocardial cell damage/death but not reflect the underlying etiology. The third universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI) differentiates MI into various types. Type 1 (T1MI) is due to plaque rupture with thrombus, while type 2 (T2MI) is a result of a supply:demand mismatch. Non‐MI cTn elevations are also common. We determined the causes of elevated cTn in a tertiary care emergency department (ED) and the associated in‐hospital mortality.

Methods

We performed a structured, retrospective review of all consecutive adult ED patients with elevated troponin I (defined as > 99th percentile of the normal population, as run on the ADVIA Centaur platform; Siemens USA) during 1 year. Causes of elevated cTn were classified based on the third universal definitions. Comparisons between groups were performed using chi‐square and Mann‐Whitney U‐tests.

Results

Of 96,612 ED patients presenting from May 2012 to April 2013, a total of 13,502 (14%) had cTn measured, of which 1,310 (9.7%) were elevated. Of these, 340 (26.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.2% to 29.0%) were T1MI, 452 (35.2%, 95% CI = 32.7% to 37.9%) T2MI, 458 (35.7%, 95% CI = 33.1% to 38.4%) multifactorial, and 33 (2.5%, 95% CI = 1.8% to 3.5%) due to nonischemic injury. Non‐T1MI patients were slightly older, more likely female, and had higher blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Comorbidities were more common in non‐T1MI while cardiac risk factors were more common in T1MI. Non‐T1MI patients were less likely to have diagnostic ECGs and had lower initial and subsequent cTn levels. In‐hospital mortality rates were similarly high for T1MI and non‐T1MI (11% [95% CI = 8% to 15%] vs. 10% [95% CI = 8% to 12%], p = 0.48).

Conclusions

Of all ED patients with elevated cTn, ~75% have a non‐T1MI. The mortality of patients with non‐T1MI is similar to the mortality in patients with T1MI.
Alcohol marketing in the Americas and Spain during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Tournament
Authors: Noel Jonathan K. , Babor Thomas F. , Robaina Katherine , Feulner Melissa , Vendrame Alan , Monteiro Maristela
Published: June 2016

Background and aims

To identify the nature of visual alcohol references in alcohol advertisements during televised broadcasts of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Tournament matches and to evaluate cross‐national differences according to alcohol marketing policy restrictiveness.

Design

Content analysis using the Delphi method and identification of in‐game sponsorships.

Setting

Television broadcasts of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Mexico, Spain and the United States.

Cases

Eighty‐seven alcohol advertisements; 20 matches.

Measurements

Quantitative rating scales, combined with the Delphi rating technique, were used to determine compliance of the alcohol advertisements with the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking's (IARD) Guiding Principles. Recordings of five matches from four countries were also used to identify the number of in‐ and out‐of‐game alcohol brand appearances.

Findings

A total of 86.2% of all unique alcohol advertisements contained at least one violation of IARD's Guiding Principles, with violation rates ranging from 72.7% (Mexico) to 100% (Brazil). Countries with the least restrictive marketing policies had a higher prevalence of violations in guidelines designed to protect minors. There were 2.76 in‐game alcohol brand appearances and 0.83 out‐of‐game alcohol brand appearances per minute. Brand appearances did not differ across countries or according to a country's marketing policy restrictiveness.

Conclusions

Self‐regulation and statutory policies were ineffective at limiting alcohol advertising during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Tournament television broadcasts. Most advertisements contained content that violated the self‐regulation codes, and there were high levels of within‐broadcast brand appearances.
Spermatogonial stem cell organization in felid testis as revealed by Dolichos biflorus lectin
Authors: Escada‐Rebelo S. , Silva A. F. , Amaral S. , Tavares R. S. , Paiva C. , Schlatt S. , Ramalho‐Santos J. , Mota P. C.
Published: June 2016

Spermatogonial stem cells are being exploited in many species as a tool to recover fertility, but may also be used to manipulate the genetic pool. Whatever the purpose, these cells must be fully characterized and easily identifiable, and our goal was to improve this procedure in the domestic cat, used as an animal model for endangered felid species and for some human diseases/physiological processes. We have therefore screened several markers that might be used to distinguish and study the undifferentiated spermatogonia population in situ and in vitro via immunohistochemistry applied to tissue sections and whole mounts of the domestic cat seminiferous tubules. Our results show that, although they label the cytoplasm and nucleus of gonocytes and spermatogonia in pre‐pubertal animals, PGP9.5 and FoxO1 cannot be considered markers of undifferentiated spermatogonia in adult animals, as almost all spermatogonia, namely type A and B, express these proteins. Nonetheless, the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA lectin) was able to label the cell surface and cytoplasm of a small type A spermatogonial population in the adult animals. Analysis of the number and distribution of the DBA‐labeled cells showed they were present in low number, which did not vary with epithelium seminiferous stage. Morphometric analysis revealed that DBA‐labeled cells present tropism to a peculiar area of the seminiferous tubules, namely the area in direct contact with Leydig cells. Whole mounts of DBA‐stained seminiferous tubules revealed the arrangement of DBA‐stained cells in small clones up to eight cells. Noteworthy, the clonal cells presented variable staining intensity suggesting the existence of asymmetric distribution of O‐glycosylated proteins within each clone. Our results strongly suggest that the DBA lectin is a marker of undifferentiated spermatogonia in domestic cat, and illustrate the peculiar characteristics of spermatogonial stem cell development and organization in this species.
Evaluation of CC‐cytokine ligand 2 and complementary factor H Y402H polymorphisms and their interactional association with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Bonyadi Mortaza , Foruzandeh Zahra , Mohammadian Tahereh , Fotouhi Nikou , Soheilian Masoud , Jabbarpoor Bonyadi Mohammad Hossein , Javadzadeh Alireza , Moein Hamidreza , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the association of CC‐cytokine ligand 2 CCL2–2518 (rs1024611) single nucleotide polymorphism, complement factor H (CFH Y402H) and their possible interaction in developing advanced age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

In this case–control study, DNA samples from 266 patients with advanced AMD and 229 healthy controls were genotyped for CCL2 polymorphism and also 254 patients and 164 healthy controls were genotyped for CFH polymorphism. The possible associations of these polymorphisms with susceptibility to AMD independently and in different joint combinations were evaluated.

Results

The genotype frequency for CFH was found to be significantly different between AMD and normal controls (31.5% versus 20.7%, OR = 3.56, p < 0.001 for CC and 52.4% versus 41.5%, OR = 2.96, p < 0.001 for CT genotype). However, no significant association between CCL2 polymorphism and AMD was observed in this cohort (OR = 1.15 and OR = 0.8, p = 0.172). Interestingly, studying the joint effects of two genotypes (TT genotype of CFH Y402H and AG genotype of CCL2‐2518) showed more significant protective effect against AMD (p = 0.0001), while the risk effect of CC and CT genotypes of CFH was only visible in the presence of AA genotype of CCL2‐2518 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Complement factor H Y402H polymorphism is strongly associated with advanced type AMD. Although this study revealed no association of CCL2‐2518 with AMD, the risk effect of CFH genotypes was only visible in the presence of AA genotype of CCL2‐2518. AG genotype of CCL2‐2518 in combination with TT genotype of CFH Y402H showed significant protective effect against AMD.
Children's understanding of equity in the context of inequality
Authors: Rizzo Michael T. , Killen Melanie
Published: June 2016

In the context of a pre‐existing resource inequality, the concerns for strict equality (allocating the same number of resources to all recipients) conflict with the concerns for equity (allocating resources to rectify the inequality). This study demonstrated age‐related changes in children's (3–8 years old, N = 133) ability to simultaneously weigh the concerns for equality and equity through the analysis of children's judgements, allocations, and reasoning in the context of a pre‐existing inequality. Three‐ to 4‐year‐olds took equity into account in their judgements of allocations, but allocated resources equally in a behavioural task. In contrast, 5‐ to 6‐year‐olds rectified the inequality in their allocations, but judged both equitable and equal allocations to be fair. It was not until 7–8 years old that children focused on rectifying the inequality in their allocations and judgements, as well as judged equal allocations less positively than equitable allocations, thereby demonstrating a more complete understanding of the necessity of rectifying inequalities. The novel findings revealed age‐related changes from 3 to 8 years old regarding how the concerns for equity and equality develop, and how children's judgements, allocations, and reasoning are coordinated when making allocation decisions.
Treatment patterns, testicular loss and disparities in inpatient surgical management of testicular torsion in boys: a population‐based study 1998–2010
Authors: Sood Akshay , Li Hanhan , Suson Kristina D. , Majumder Kaustav , Sedki Mai , Abdollah Firas , Sammon Jesse D. , Friedman Ariella , Löppenberg Björn , Lakshmanan Yegappan , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Elder Jack S.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To examine temporal trends in inpatient testicular torsion (TT) treatment and testicular loss (TL), and to identify risk factors for TL using a large nationally representative paediatric cohort, stratified to established high prevalence TT cohorts (neonatal TT [NTT]; age <1 years) and adolescent TT (ATT; age 12–17 years).

Methods

Boys (age ≤17 years, n = 17 478) undergoing surgical exploration for TT were identified within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998–2010). Temporal trends in inpatient TT management (salvage surgery vs orchiectomy) and TL were examined using estimated annual percent change methodology. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for TL.

Results

Teaching hospitals treated 90% of boys with NTT, compared with 55% with ATT (P < 0.001). Of boys with NTT, 85% lost their testis, compared with 35% with ATT (P < 0.001). Inpatient management of NTT declined during the study period, from 7.5/100 000 children in 1998 to 3/100 000 in 2010 (estimated annual percent change −4.95%; P < 0.001). The decrease was similar but less dramatic in ATT. TL patterns did not improve. In adjusted analyses, for NTT, orchiectomy was more likely at teaching hospitals. For ATT, orchiectomy was more likely in children with comorbidities (odds ratio 5.42; P = 0.045), Medicaid coverage or self‐pay (P < 0.05) and weekday presentation (P = 0.001). Regional or racial disposition was not associated with TL.

Conclusions

There has been a gradual decrease in inpatient surgical treatment for both NTT and ATT, presumably as a result of increased outpatient and/or non‐operative management of these children. Concerningly, TL patterns have not improved; targeted interventions such as parental and adolescent male health education may lead to timely recognition/intervention in children at‐risk for ATT. We noted no regional/racial disparities in contrast to earlier studies.
A sequential cognitive diagnosis model for polytomous responses
Authors: Ma Wenchao , de la Torre Jimmy
Published: June 2016

This paper proposes a general polytomous cognitive diagnosis model for a special type of graded responses, where item categories are attained in a sequential manner, and associated with some attributes explicitly. To relate categories to attributes, a category‐level Q‐matrix is used. When the attribute and category association is specified a priori, the proposed model has the flexibility to allow different cognitive processes (e.g., conjunctive, disjunctive) to be modelled at different categories within a single item. This model can be extended for items where categories cannot be explicitly linked to attributes, and for items with unordered categories. The feasibility of the proposed model is examined using simulated data. The proposed model is illustrated using the data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2007 assessment.
Rethinking accountability in complex and horizontal network delivery systems
Authors: Conteh Charles
Published: June 2016

This paper revisits the conventional notion of accountability rooted in bureaucratic and hierarchical structures of government and advances an alternative conceptualization more useful for analyzing complex horizontal network delivery systems. Although such systems are increasingly prevalent, they often exacerbate the problem of accountability in the public sector. By examining regional economic development policy implementation in Manitoba, this article illustrates the prospects and challenges of adapting conventional constructs of accountability to horizontal network delivery systems.
Employment equity in Canada: Making sense of employee discourses of misunderstanding, resistance, and support
Authors: McGowan Rosemary A. , Ng Eddy S.
Published: June 2016

Employment equity initiatives – redressing past inequities or discrimination by promoting the hiring of members of underrepresented groups – are controversial and divisive. Although a national Gallup poll (1993) indicated 74 % of Canadians felt a person's qualifications should solely determine hiring decisions, many have little knowledge and understanding of the issue. Adopting a discourse analytic framework, this research explores employees’ understandings and perceptions of an employment equity initiative in a mid‐sized Canadian organization. Employment equity was seen as problematic and not well understood, and individuals eligible for employment equity initiatives were marginalized. This study contributes to identifying the misunderstandings and underlying sources of tensions with employment equity principles, legislation and administrative regimes.