bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contesting competence
Authors: Marjoribanks Timothy , Farquharson Karen
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate around conceptualising competence in sport organisations by analysing club leadership and management in the Australian Football League (AFL) at a time of professionalisation. The paper asks: what were considered appropriate activities for newly professionalised AFL clubs, and how was the role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as a competent leader in delivering these activities conceptualised in the clubs?

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 38 senior club managers in the AFL. A thematic analysis was undertaken.

Findings

– The paper finds that perceptions of core activities of clubs expanded with professionalisation, and that the role of the CEO emerged as the outcome of internal organisational contests. CEO competence is not only a set of technical skills, but is social, relational and “essentially contested” (Good, 1998, p. 205).

Research limitations/implications

– The qualitative methodology adopted means findings cannot be generalised to other sporting leagues, however, because all clubs participated they do reflect conceptualisations in the AFL at the time. The findings are suggestive of issues that may be relevant to other sporting competitions.

Practical implications

– The paper provides evidence that CEOs in sporting organisations should not be appointed only on the basis of technical skills. Social and relational skills are critical to organisational success.

Originality/value

– This paper enriches understandings of AFL clubs and of CEOs as leaders in sport organisations, and contributes to theoretical debates around the organisational construction of competence.
Forecasting sponsorship costs: marketing intelligence in the athletic apparel industry
Authors: Jensen Jonathan A. , Wakefield Lane , Cobbs Joe B. , Turner Brian A.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Due in large part to the proprietary nature of costs, there is a dearth of academic literature investigating the factors influencing the costs for sport marketing investments, such as sponsorship. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical framework for market intelligence that enables managers to better predict and forecast costs in today’s ever-changing sport marketing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Given the dynamic and ultra-competitive nature of the athletic apparel industry, this context was chosen to investigate the influence of four distinct factors on sponsorship costs, including property-specific factors, on-field performance, and market-specific factors. A systematic, hierarchical procedure was utilized in the development of a predictive empirical model, which was then utilized to generate predicted values on a per property basis.

Findings

– Results demonstrated that both property-specific and performance-related factors were significant predictors of costs, while variables reflecting the attractiveness of the property’s home market were non-significant. Further analysis revealed the potential for agency conflicts in the allocation of resources toward properties near the corporate headquarters of sponsors, as well as evidence of overspending by challenger brands (Adidas, Under Armour) in their quest to topple industry leader Nike.

Originality/value

– Though the context of apparel sponsorships of US-based intercollegiate athletic programs limits the generalizability of the results, this study represents one of the few in the literature to empirically investigate the determinants of sponsorship costs, providing much-needed guidance to aid decision making in a highly volatile, unpredictable industry.
Tourism, ecotourism and sport tourism: the framework for certification
Authors: Singh Satyendra , Dash Tapas R. , Vashko Irina
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for identifying the need for ecotourism certification within ecotourism and sport tourism (EST) by discussing the overlapping characteristics on the dimensions of EST.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitatively, the Social Exchange Theory was used to discover segments of tourists based on the two dimensions: EST.

Findings

– The findings discovered four strategic segments (namely; vacation, green, action oriented and active tourists), their related activities, and the level of need for eco certification.

Practical implications

– EST activities offer a unique opportunity for tourism managers to positively influence conservation in and around communities, protected areas and sport events. Applying and implementing a global eco certification is paramount to attract tourists and enhance credibility of sport tourism.

Originality/value

– Identification of the four tourists segments and their relative need for certification is the novelty of the study. The labels of the identified tourist segments are: vacation tourist (low on ecotourism and low on sport tourism); green tourist (high on ecotourism and low on sport tourism); action-oriented tourist (high on ecotourism and high on sport tourism); and active tourist (low on ecotourism and high on sport tourism). The certification needs for green and action-oriented tourists are HIGH, for active tourist is MEDIUM, and for vacation tourist is LOW.
An exploratory examination of the strategic direction of the Gaelic Athletic Association via the application of sports marketing segmentation bases
Authors: Gallagher Damian , O'Connor Christina , Gilmore Audrey
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to go beyond the predominantly conceptual or normative approach found in the market segmentation literature and focus not only on its actual application but to review the empirical findings themselves (Foedermayr and Diamantopoulos, 2008) so as to provide the basis for identifying and understanding new segments and assessing the strategic development of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Ireland in order to ensure its continued survival, growth and prosperity.

Design/methodology/approach

– An exploratory methodology is operationalised in this study using qualitative data obtained from 27 participants possessing relevant knowledge and experience of Gaelic football via a range in-depth interviews and focus groups.

Findings

– This study identifies those existing segmentation bases that are both applicable and non-applicable, to the indigenous amateur game of Gaelic football in Ireland, whilst additionally identifying and developing an understanding of new segmentation bases. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges and opportunities that will require strategic management if the GAA is to successfully maintain and develop its domestic market whilst simultaneously developing its overseas markets.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings of this study are limited to the indigenous amateur game of Gaelic football in Ireland. They reaffirm the need to develop segmentation bases for individual sports markets. They highlight issues that will have a strategic impact upon the operations of the GAA and make recommendations for addressing and realising the opportunities that these will present.

Originality/value

– This study addresses a research gap in the knowledge in regards to the strategic development and application of existing sports marketing segmentation bases to indigenous amateur sport.
Assessment of Important Sensory Attributes of Millet Based Snacks and Biscuits
Authors: McSweeney Matthew B. , Duizer Lisa M. , Seetharaman Koushik , Dan Ramdath D.
Published: March 2016

There is an increasing push by consumers for new food products that can provide health benefits. To develop these products, sometimes it is necessary to look to alternative crops, 1 of which is millet. For millet to be successfully adopted by consumers, it is necessary to identify and develop product types that are acceptable to North Americans. Biscuits and extruded snacks were produced using varying amounts of refined proso millet flour (0%, 25%, 75%, and 100%). Sensory analysis was conducted on 8 products (4 types of biscuits and 4 types of extruded snack) in 2 separate tests (1 for biscuits and 1 for snacks). Preferred Attribute Elicitation (PAE), a relatively new sensory method, was used to determine attributes affecting liking of the products. Results indicated that as the amount of millet in the biscuits and extruded snacks increased, the liking of the flavor, texture and overall liking decreased. Millet contributed to a bitter taste and bitter aftertaste, and resulted in gritty and dry food products. Further work is required to refine the products tested as well as to identify further products that can be added to the diet in order to take advantage of the health benefits that millet provides.
Oliguria without serum creatinine increase after living donor liver transplantation is associated with adverse post‐operative outcomes
Authors: Mizota T. , Minamisawa S. , Imanaka Y. , Fukuda K.
Published: March 2016

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after liver transplantation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although clinical guidelines recommend defining AKI based on serum creatinine increase and oliguria, the validity and utility of the oliguric component of AKI definition remains largely unexplored. This study examined the incidence and the impact on clinical outcomes of oliguria meeting the urine output criterion of AKI in patients undergoing liver transplantation. The authors hypothesised that oliguria was an independent risk factor for adverse post‐operative outcomes.

Methods

This study retrospectively examined 320 patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation at our centre. AKI stages were allocated according to recent guidelines based on serum creatinine or urine output within 7 days of surgery.

Results

The incidence of oliguria meeting the urine output criterion of AKI was 50.3%. Compared with creatinine criterion alone, incorporating oliguria into the diagnostic criteria dramatically increased the measured incidence of AKI from 39.7% to 62.2%. Compared with patients diagnosed without AKI using either criterion, oliguric patients without serum creatinine increase had significantly longer intensive care unit stays (median: 5 vs. 4 days, P = 0.016), longer hospital stays (median: 60 vs. 49 days, P = 0.014) and lower chronic kidney disease‐free survival rate on post‐operative day 90 (54.2% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Oliguria is common after liver transplantation, and incorporating oliguria into the diagnostic criteria dramatically increases the measured incidence of AKI. Oliguria without serum creatinine increase was significantly associated with adverse post‐operative outcomes.
Technological change and sexual disorder
Authors: Keane Helen
Published: March 2016

Commentary to: Should compulsive sexual behavior be considered an addiction?
The effectiveness and safety of amisulpride in Chinese patients with schizophrenia: An 8‐week, prospective, open‐label, multicenter, single‐arm study
Authors: Liang Ying , Cao Changan , Zhu Cheng , Wang Chuanyue , Zhang Congpei , Dong Fang , Yang Fude , Deng Hong , Yu Jingjie , Tang Jisheng , Su Lei , Xin Limin , Hong Ling , Gao Minglong , Tang Muni , Xie Shiping , Lu Shuiping , Liu Tiebang , Xu Xiaojin , Wang Xijin , Li Xuanzi , Wang Xueyi , Li Yi , Zhang Yong , Chen Zhiyu , Yu Xin
Published: March 2016

Introduction

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of amisulpride in Chinese schizophrenia patients.

Methods

A multicenter, single‐arm Phase IV study (NCT01795183). Chinese patients with schizophrenia received amisulpride for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was ≥50% decrease in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score from Baseline to Week 8.

Results

A total of 316 patients were enrolled; 295 were included in the effectiveness analysis; 66.8% (197/295) achieved ≥50% decrease in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score from Baseline to Week 8. Nine patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events.

Discussion

Amisulpride had clinical effectiveness and was relatively well tolerated in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
How did geese fly domestically? Firm demography and spatial restructuring in China's apparel industry
Authors: Shi Jin , He Canfei , Guo Qi
Published: March 2016

Using a firm‐level database from 1999 to 2008, this paper sheds new light on the industrial dynamics of China's clothing industry, highlighting the multi‐scalar process of spatial restructuring primarily driven by differences in the rate of job creation, especially through start‐up firms. At the inter‐provincial level, 2004 represents a turning point where the industry ceased to be concentrated in coastal areas and began to relocate inland, especially to central provinces. At the intra‐provincial level, cities in coastal provinces remained the most attractive locations for start‐up companies even after 2004. The results suggest that the regionally decentralised authoritarian regime, intertwined with market forces shaping the multi‐scalar process of spatial restructuring, is pivotal to understanding the changing geography of China's apparel industry.
EUROmediCAT signal detection: an evaluation of selected congenital anomaly‐medication associations
Authors: Given Joanne E. , Loane Maria , Luteijn Johannes M. , Morris Joan K. , de Jong van den Berg Lolkje T.W. , Garne Ester , Addor Marie‐Claude , Barisic Ingeborg , de Walle Hermien , Gatt Miriam , Klungsoyr Kari , Khoshnood Babak , Latos‐Bielenska Anna , Nelen Vera , Neville Amanda J. , O'Mahony Mary , Pierini Anna , Tucker David , Wiesel Awi , Dolk Helen
Published: March 2016

Aims

To evaluate congenital anomaly (CA)‐medication exposure associations produced by the new EUROmediCAT signal detection system and determine which require further investigation.

Methods

Data from 15 EUROCAT registries (1995–2011) with medication exposures at the chemical substance (5th level of Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical classification) and chemical subgroup (4th level) were analysed using a 50% false detection rate. After excluding antiepileptics, antidiabetics, antiasthmatics and SSRIs/psycholeptics already under investigation, 27 associations were evaluated. If evidence for a signal persisted after data validation, a literature review was conducted for prior evidence of human teratogenicity.

Results

Thirteen out of 27 CA‐medication exposure signals, based on 389 exposed cases, passed data validation. There was some prior evidence in the literature to support six signals (gastroschisis and levonorgestrel/ethinylestradiol (OR 4.10, 95% CI 1.70–8.53; congenital heart disease/pulmonary valve stenosis and nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (OR 5.01, 95% CI 1.99–14.20/OR 28.20, 95% CI 4.63–122.24); complete absence of a limb and pregnen (4) derivatives (OR 6.60, 95% CI 1.70–22.93); hypospadias and pregnadien derivatives (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10–1.76); hypospadias and synthetic ovulation stimulants (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.28–2.70). Antipropulsives produced a signal for syndactyly while the literature revealed a signal for hypospadias. There was no prior evidence to support the remaining six signals involving the ordinary salt combinations, propulsives, bulk‐forming laxatives, hydrazinophthalazine derivatives, gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues and selective serotonin agonists.

Conclusion

Signals which strengthened prior evidence should be prioritized for further investigation, and independent evidence sought to confirm the remaining signals. Some chance associations are expected and confounding by indication is possible.
Behavioural, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of diversity in frog colour patterns
Authors: Rojas Bibiana
Published: March 2016

The role of colours and colour patterns in behavioural ecology has been extensively studied in a variety of contexts and taxa, while almost overlooked in many others. For decades anurans have been the focus of research on acoustic signalling due to the prominence of vocalisations in their communication. Much less attention has been paid to the enormous diversity of colours, colour patterns, and other types of putative visual signals exhibited by frogs. With the exception of some anecdotal observations and studies, the link between colour patterns and the behavioural and evolutionary ecology of anurans had not been addressed until approximately two decades ago. Since then, there has been ever‐increasing interest in studying how colouration is tied to different aspects of frog behaviour, ecology and evolution. Here I review the literature on three different contexts in which frog colouration has been recently studied: predator–prey interactions, intraspecific communication, and habitat use; and I highlight those aspects that make frogs an excellent, yet understudied, group to examine the role of colour in the evolution of anti‐predation strategies and animal communication systems. Further, I argue that in addition to natural‐history observations, more experiments are needed in order to elucidate the functions of anuran colouration and the selective pressures involved in its diversity. To conclude, I encourage researchers to strengthen current experimental approaches, and suggest future directions that may broaden our current understanding of the adaptive value of anuran colour pattern diversity.
Evidence for Intuitive Morality: Preverbal Infants Make Sociomoral Evaluations
Authors: Van de Vondervoort Julia W. , Hamlin J. Kiley
Published: March 2016

Traditional views of morality and moral development rooted in rationality and demonstrations of explicit reasoning suggest that moral evaluations emerge in childhood. In contrast, definitions of morality rooted in intuition allow scholars to examine the emergence of moral evaluations among those who cannot reason this way, such as human infants. Consistent with an intuition‐based view of morality, infants evaluate prosocial individuals positively and evaluate antisocial individuals negatively. These evaluations are sensitive to the intent and epistemic states of the person who is helping or hindering, and to the previous behavior of the person who is being helped or hindered. Early‐emerging intuitions regarding others' morally relevant behaviors may have evolved to support wide‐scale cooperation in human societies.
Influence of vitamin C on the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis to p‐phenylenediamine
Authors: Basketter David A. , White Ian R. , Kullavanijaya Preya , Tresukosol Poohglin , Wichaidit Mingkwan , McFadden John P.
Published: March 2016

Background

Hair dyes represent one of the most important causes of allergic contact dermatitis resulting from the use of cosmetic products. The principal causative chemistry is associated with oxidation products of p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) and closely related substances.

Objectives

To examine whether prior application of the antioxidant vitamin C to the skin was able to reduce the cutaneous allergic response to PPD.

Methods

Twenty eight volunteers with a proven history of contact allergy to PPD were recruited. Each was tested with a range of PPD doses and PPD‐containing hair dye on untreated skin and skin pretreated for 10 min with a vitamin C formulation.

Results

Pretreatment of skin sites with vitamin C led to a reduction in the intensity, or even ablation, of the cutaneous allergic reaction to PPD in ∼75% of cases as compared with untreated skin.

Conclusions

The results suggest that treatment of the skin adjacent to the hair‐bearing area with antioxidant could form part of a strategy to reduce the burden of cosmetic allergic contact dermatitis caused by hair dyeing.
Generation of bioengineered feather buds on a reconstructed chick skin from dissociated epithelial and mesenchymal cells
Authors: Ishida Kentaro , Mitsui Toshiyuki
Published: March 2016

Various kinds of in vitro culture systems of tissues and organs have been developed, and applied to understand multicellular systems during embryonic organogenesis. In the research field of feather bud development, tissue recombination assays using an intact epithelial tissue and mesenchymal tissue/cells have contributed to our understanding the mechanisms of feather bud formation and development. However, there are few methods to generate a skin and its appendages from single cells of both epithelium and mesenchyme. In this study, we have developed a bioengineering method to reconstruct an embryonic dorsal skin after completely dissociating single epithelial and mesenchymal cells from chick skin. Multiple feather buds can form on the reconstructed skin in a single row in vitro. The bioengineered feather buds develop into long feather buds by transplantation onto a chorioallantoic membrane. The bioengineered bud sizes were similar to those of native embryo. The number of bioengineered buds was increased linearly with the initial contact length of epithelial and mesenchymal cell layers where the epithelial‐mesenchymal interactions occur. In addition, the bioengineered bud formation was also disturbed by the inhibition of major signaling pathways including FGF (fibroblast growth factor), Wnt/β‐catenin, Notch and BMP (bone morphogenetic protein). We expect that our bioengineering technique will motivate further extensive research on multicellular developmental systems, such as the formation and sizing of cutaneous appendages, and their regulatory mechanisms.
Unexpected but welcome. Artificially selected traits may increase fitness in wild boar
Authors: Fulgione Domenico , Rippa Daniela , Buglione Maria , Trapanese Martina , Petrelli Simona , Maselli Valeria
Published: March 2016

Artificial selection affects phenotypes differently by natural selection. Domestic traits, which pass into the wild, are usually negatively selected. Yet, exceptionally, this axiom may fail to apply if genes, from the domestic animals, increase fertility in the wild. We studied a rare case of a wild boar population under the framework of Wright's interdemic selection model, which could explain gene flow between wild boar and pig, both considered as demes. We analysed the MC1R gene and microsatellite neutral loci in 62 pregnant wild boars as markers of hybridization, and we correlated nucleotide mutations on MC1R (which are common in domestic breeds) to litter size, as an evaluation of fitness in wild sow. Regardless of body size and phyletic effects, wild boar sows bearing nonsynonymous MC1R mutations produced larger litters. This directly suggests that artificially selected traits reaching wild populations, through interdemic gene flow, could bypass natural selection if and only if they increase the fitness in the wild.
Land‐use change affects water recycling in Brazil's last agricultural frontier
Authors: Spera Stephanie A. , Galford Gillian L. , Coe Michael T. , Macedo Marcia N. , Mustard John F.
Published: March 2016

Historically, conservation‐oriented research and policy in Brazil have focused on Amazon deforestation, but a majority of Brazil's deforestation and agricultural expansion has occurred in the neighboring Cerrado biome, a biodiversity hotspot comprised of dry forests, woodland savannas, and grasslands. Resilience of rainfed agriculture in both biomes likely depends on water recycling in undisturbed Cerrado vegetation; yet little is known about how changes in land‐use and land‐cover affect regional climate feedbacks in the Cerrado. We used remote sensing techniques to map land‐use change across the Cerrado from 2003 to 2013. During this period, cropland agriculture more than doubled in area from 1.2 to 2.5 million ha, with 74% of new croplands sourced from previously intact Cerrado vegetation. We find that these changes have decreased the amount of water recycled to the atmosphere via evapotranspiration (ET) each year. In 2013 alone, cropland areas recycled 14 km3 less (−3%) water than if the land cover had been native Cerrado vegetation. ET from single‐cropping systems (e.g., soybeans) is less than from natural vegetation in all years, except in the months of January and February, the height of the growing season. In double‐cropping systems (e.g., soybeans followed by corn), ET is similar to or greater than natural vegetation throughout a majority of the wet season (December–May). As intensification and extensification of agricultural production continue in the region, the impacts on the water cycle and opportunities for mitigation warrant consideration. For example, if an environmental goal is to minimize impacts on the water cycle, double cropping (intensification) might be emphasized over extensification to maintain a landscape that behaves more akin to the natural system.
Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis with palatal erosion in an elderly edentulous patient with uncontrolled diabetes: report of a rare case
Authors: Shah Vinit , Rao Jitendra , Verma Veerendra , Singh Kalpana , Agarwal Bhaskar
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To report a rare case of chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis with palatal erosion.

Background

Restoring and maintaining oral health of diabetic elderly patients with increased risk of infections is a challenge to the dentist. Patients suffering from uncontrolled diabetes are susceptible to fungal infections. Palatal erosion due to fungal rhinosinusitis is rare.

Materials and methods

Case report of a 65 years old illiterate female patient from low socio‐economic strata, suffering from uncontrolled diabetes and poor systemic health presenting with chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis leading to palatal erosion.

Conclusion

Such a case is a diagnostic challenge to a dentist. Therefore understanding the disease process and its possible outcomes is desirable. The treatment warrants a multidisciplinary approach.
Variation in the activities of late stage filaggrin processing enzymes, calpain‐1 and bleomycin hydrolase, together with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid levels, corneocyte phenotypes and plasmin activities in non‐sun‐exposed and sun‐exposed facial stratum corneum of different ethnicities
Authors: Raj N. , Voegeli R. , Rawlings A. V. , Summers B. , Munday M. R. , Lane M. E.
Published: March 2016

Background

Knowledge of the ethnic differences and effects of photodamage on the relative amounts of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) together with filaggrin processing enzymes in facial stratum corneum is limited. Our aim was to characterize the activities of calpain‐1 (C‐1), bleomycin hydrolase (BH) and the levels of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) as a marker for total NMF levels and to relate them to plasmin activities and corneocyte maturation.

Methods

Enzyme activities, PCA levels and corneocyte maturation were determined from facial tape strippings of photoexposed cheek and photoprotected post‐auricular areas (PA) of healthy Caucasian (C), Black African (BA) and albino African (AA) female subjects living in South Africa.

Results

PCA concentration levels were of the order AA > BA > C subjects, and the highest activities of BH were present in the AA subjects. BH activities were greater on the photoexposed sites for the BA and C subjects, but they were only numerically elevated in the AA subjects. Photoprotected sites had an increase in C‐1 activity in pigmented groups (C and BA), whereas in the AA subjects, the opposite was measured. Plasmin activities were greater on the cheek compared with the PA site for the AA and C subjects, but the activity was low in the BA subjects. In both test sites, the AA, but not the BA and C subjects, had smaller, parakeratotic and less mature corneocytes.

Conclusion

Variation in PCA levels has been found for different ethnic groups in this study (AA > BA > C subjects). The values in the AA subjects are surprising as one might expect that the lack of pigmentation, and thereby increased photodamage, might lead to lower levels. Increased BH, but not C‐1 activity, was observed in the AA subjects indicating that BH is associated with PCA production to a greater extent. Surprisingly, corneocyte maturation is still impaired with elevated PCA levels in AA subjects. The higher levels of plasmin and BH activities on the cheeks, especially for AA and C subjects, suggest that they can be used as markers for epidermal photodamage.
American dental hygienists' attitudes towards chairside medical screening in a dental setting
Authors: Greenberg BL , Kantor ML , Bednarsh H
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Targeted screening for medical conditions in a dental setting can be an effective strategy for early identification of individuals at increased disease risk. Dentists, patients and physicians have a favourable attitude towards this strategy. Given that dental hygienists (DHs) are involved in preventive and educational activities, this seems like a natural extension to their roles. We report on the attitudes of American DHs towards chairside medical screening.

Methods

A 5‐point Likert scale (1 = very important/willing, 5 = very unimportant/unwilling) survey was mailed to a nationwide random sample of US practicing DHs. Descriptive statistics were used for all questions, and the Friedman nonparametric analysis of variance was used for multi‐element questions.

Results

A total of 3133 respondents returned the completed questionnaires for an effective response rate of 49.2% and a margin of error 1.8%. The majority of respondents felt it was important to perform/conduct chairside screening for hypertension (94%), diabetes mellitus (89%), cardiovascular disease (85%), HIV (79%) and hepatitis infection (78%); were willing to refer a patient for medical consult (94%), conduct screening that yields immediate results (85%); and were willing to collect the data/samples needed (57–95%). The most important considerations were dentist/owner support (98%), training (97%), patient willingness (98%) and time (98%).

Conclusion

Similar to dentists, physicians and patients, the majority of the DHs had a favourable attitude towards chairside medical screening. Integrating the DH into screening activities is likely to require additional training and education regarding the diseases of interest, something that could be accomplished through continuing education courses and eventually incorporation into the educational curriculum.
Preparation of Li6Zr2O7 Nanofibers with High Li‐Ion Conductivity by Electrospinning
Authors: Liu Yulong , Hua Xiufu
Published: March 2016

Li6Zr2O7 nanofibers were synthesized by a simple electrospinning technique. The thermal decomposition behavior, crystal structure, micromorphology, and electrical conductivity of the as‐prepared Li6Zr2O7 nanofibers were characterized. The results show that Li6Zr2O7 nanofibers were of pure phase after calcined at 750°C for 1 h. In addition, the as‐prepared Li6Zr2O7 nanofibers reveal high conductivity in the measured temperature region, which can be attributed to the huge surface and nanosize effect of the nanofiber electrolyte. Moreover, we provide a general method to improve the conductivity of Li‐ion solid electrolyte.
Development and interrater reliability of the UK Mental Health Triage Scale
Authors: Sands Natisha , Elsom Stephen , Colgate Robert , Haylor Helen , Prematunga Roshani
Published: March 2016

Mental health triage scales are clinical tools used at point of entry to specialist mental health service to provide a systematic way of categorizing the urgency of clinical presentations, and determining an appropriate service response and an optimal timeframe for intervention.The aim of the present study was to test the interrater reliability of a mental health triage scale developed for use in UK mental health triage and crisis services.An interrater reliability study was undertaken.Triage clinicians from England and Wales (n = 66) used the UK Mental Health Triage Scale (UK MHTS) to rate the urgency of 21 validated mental health triage scenarios derived from real occasions of triage.Interrater reliability was calculated using Kendall's coefficient of concordance (w) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) statistics.The average ICC was 0.997 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.996–0.999 (F (20, 1300) = 394.762, P < 0.001).The single measure ICC was 0.856 (95% CI: 0.776–0.926 (F (20, 1300) = 394.762, P < 0.001).The overall Kendall'swwas 0.88 (P < 0.001).The UK MHTS shows substantial levels of interrater reliability.Reliable mental health triage scales employed within effective mental health triage systems offer possibilities for not only improved patient outcomes and experiences, but also for efficient use of finite specialist mental health services.
Gel of chamomile vs. urea cream to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ferreira Elaine Barros , Ciol Marcia A. , Vasques Christiane Inocêncio , Bontempo Priscila de Souza Maggi , Vieira Nayara Narley Pires , Silva Luis Felipe Oliveira e , Avelino Samuel Ramalho , dos Santos Marcos Antônio , dos Reis Paula Elaine Diniz
Published: March 2016

Aim

To compare a gel made with chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) with a cream of urea as an intervention to delay the time to occurrence of radiation dermatitis.

Background

Radiation dermatitis is one of the most common adverse effects of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. It is characterized by erythema, itching, pain, skin breakage and burning sensation, and there is no consensus on how to prevent it.

Design

The study is a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Methods

We will recruit 48 individuals with head and neck cancer who will be starting their radiotherapy and randomize them to receive either gel of chamomile or cream of urea, as an intervention for prevention of radiation dermatitis. Social‐demographic data will be collected at baseline, and clinical data will be collected before the initiation of radiotherapy. Participants will be followed weekly to assess development of radiation dermatitis. The protocol is funded by Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico (Brazil). The study was approved by a research ethics committee.

Discussion

Given the clinical relevance of preventing radiation dermatitis and the lack of evidence supporting specific preventive interventions, it is important to study new products that might be efficacious to prevent this complication. This article presents the protocol of a randomized controlled trial comparing a gel made with chamomile (intervention) with a cream of urea (control) to prevent radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy.
Nurses' readiness for evidence‐based practice at Finnish university hospitals: a national survey
Authors: Saunders Hannele , Stevens Kathleen R. , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: March 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine nurses' readiness for evidence‐based practice at Finnish university hospitals.

Background

Although systematic implementation of evidence‐based practice is essential to effectively improving patient outcomes and value of care, nurses do not consistently use evidence in practice. Uptake is hampered by lack of nurses' individual and organizational readiness for evidence‐based practice. Although nurses' evidence‐based practice competencies have been widely studied in countries leading the evidence‐based practice movement, less is known about nurses' readiness for evidence‐based practice in the non‐English‐speaking world.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive survey design.

Methods

The study was conducted in November–December 2014 in every university hospital in Finland with a convenience sample (n = 943) of practicing nurses. The electronic survey data were collected using the Stevens' Evidence‐Based Practice Readiness Inventory, which was translated into Finnish according to standardized guidelines for translation of research instruments. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Nurses reported low to moderate levels of self‐efficacy and low levels of evidence‐based practice knowledge. A statistically significant, direct correlation was found between nurses' self‐efficacy in employing evidence‐based practice and their actual evidence‐based practice knowledge level. Several statistically significant differences were found between nurses' socio‐demographic variables and nurses' self‐efficacy in employing evidence‐based practice, and actual and perceived evidence‐based practice knowledge.

Conclusions

Finnish nurses at university hospitals are not ready for evidence‐based practice. Although nurses are familiar with the concept of evidence‐based practice, they lack the evidence‐based practice knowledge and self‐efficacy in employing evidence‐based practice required for integrating best evidence into clinical care delivery.
Information Acquisition and the Equilibrium Incentive Problem
Authors: Su Alice Peng‐Ju
Published: March 2016

I study the optimal incentive provision in a principal–agent relationship with costly information acquisition by the agent. I emphasize that adverse selection or moral hazard is the principal's endogenous choice by inducing or deterring information acquisition. The principal designs the contract not only to address an existing incentive problem but also to implement its presence. Implementation of adverse selection relies on a steeper information rent to the agent than the standard menu, such that the agent is motivated to distinguish the efficient state of nature from the inefficient. Moral hazard is implemented by replacing the benchmark debt contract with a debt‐with‐equity‐share contract, such that the agent does not attempt to acquire information to either avoid debt or to extract rent.
Taking the Leap: The Determinants of Entrepreneurs Hiring Their First Employee
Authors: Fairlie Robert W. , Miranda Javier
Published: March 2016

Job creation is one of the most important aspects of entrepreneurship, but we know relatively little about the hiring patterns and decisions of start‐ups. Longitudinal data from the Integrated Longitudinal Business Database (iLBD), Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS), and the Growing America through Entrepreneurship (GATE) experiment are used to provide some of the first evidence in the literature on the determinants of taking the leap from a nonemployer to employer firm among start‐ups. Several interesting patterns emerge regarding the dynamics of nonemployer start‐ups hiring their first employee. Hiring rates among the universe of nonemployer start‐ups are very low, but increase when the population of nonemployers is focused on more growth‐oriented businesses such as incorporated and employer identification number businesses. If nonemployer start‐ups hire, the bulk of hiring occurs in the first few years of existence. After this point in time, relatively few nonemployer start‐ups hire an employee. Focusing on more growth‐ and employment‐oriented start‐ups in the KFS, we find that Asian‐owned and Hispanic‐owned start‐ups have higher rates of hiring their first employee than white‐owned start‐ups. Female‐owned start‐ups are roughly 10 percentage points less likely to hire their first employee by the first, second, and seventh years after start‐up. The education level of the owner, however, is not found to be associated with the probability of hiring an employee. Among business characteristics, we find evidence that business assets and intellectual property are associated with hiring the first employee. Using data from the largest random experiment providing entrepreneurship training in the United States ever conducted, we do not find evidence that entrepreneurship training increases the likelihood that nonemployers hire their first employee.
Reproductive and population parameters of spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias in the south‐western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Colonello J. H. , Cortés F. , Belleggia M. , Massa A. M.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study was to estimate reproductive and population parameters of the spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias for the south‐western Atlantic Ocean. In total, 2714 specimens (1616 males and 1098 females) were collected from surveys carried out using research vessels. Males ranged from 225 to 861 mm total length (LT) and females from 235 to 925 mm LT. The size at maturity of females (651 mm) was significantly greater than that of males (565 mm). The maximum proportion of mature individuals (Pmax) of the gestation ogive was <1, which indicates that a proportion of mature females was not in gestation. This inactivity may be explained by the occurrence of resting periods between cycles or by the asynchrony of the reproductive cycle. The estimated Pmax for the maternity ogive suggested that about one third of mature females were in the maternity stage (i.e. with embryos >156 mm). The temporal and spatial co‐occurrence of non‐gravid adult females at different stages of ovarian development, as well as gravid females at all embryonic development stages would indicate that the female reproductive cycle in the south‐western Atlantic Ocean is asynchronous. The results indicate that S. acanthias is susceptible to fishing pressure on account of its length at maturity, extended reproductive cycles and low fecundity.
Habitat residency and movement patterns of Centropomus parallelus juveniles in a subtropical estuarine complex
Authors: Daros F. A. , Spach H. L. , Correia A. T.
Published: March 2016

Sixty Centropomus parallelus juveniles were collected in March 2013 in two locations (Tromomó and Guaraguaçu) inside the Paranaguá estuarine complex, southern Brazil. The habitat residency and movement patterns of the individuals were inferred from Sr:Ca ratios and age recorded in the otoliths. Data suggest that the species spawns preferentially in brackish areas mainly from October to January, and that growth rate during the early juvenile stage could be influenced by environmental salinity. Furthermore, the data also show that C. parallelus can occupy diverse salinity habitats and migrate among marine, brackish and freshwater areas within the Paranaguá estuarine complex, showing a high environmental plasticity and adaptation.
Histological and morphological aspects of reproduction in the sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus in the U.S. south‐eastern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Piercy A. N. , Murie D. J. , Gelsleichter J. J.
Published: March 2016

The reproduction of the sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus in the U.S. south‐eastern Atlantic Ocean including the Gulf of Mexico was examined using a combination of histological and morphological characteristics of C. plumbeus collected through fishery‐dependent and ‐independent sampling programmes (n = 1,567). Indices of maturity were constructed using measurements of gonads, reproductive tracts and claspers, and sandbar sharks exhibited 50% maturity sizes of 140 and 148 cm fork length for males and females respectively. Gonado‐somatic indices and variation in reproductive tract condition were used to determine seasonal trends in reproduction of mature C. plumbeus. Sandbar sharks have discrete seasonal reproductive cycles in which males produce sperm from January to May with a peak in May and females develop eggs from January to May with ovulation occurring in June. Females were shown to exhibit a >2 year reproductive cycle. Embryonic development was assessed through measurements of masses and lengths of uterine contents. Gestation was 12 months, from July to the following June, with parturition in late June. This research highlights a difference from previously reported data on the periodicity of female reproduction in C. plumbeus in the U.S. south‐eastern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, which may have major effects on future C. plumbeus stock management.
Growth and reproduction of the highfin grouper Epinephelus maculatus
Authors: Rhodes K. L. , Taylor B. M. , Hernandez‐Ortiz D. , Cuetos‐Bueno J.
Published: March 2016

Highfin grouper Epinephelus maculatus sampled in Chuuk, Micronesia, exhibited a moderate growth rate and a relatively short life span compared to other epinephelids of a similar size. Combined gonad and otolith analysis provide preliminary evidence that the species conforms to a protogynous sexual pattern. Mean total length at maturity for females was 308 mm with first age at maturity 2·8 years for females and 4 years for males, which differs from other regional studies. Based on the gonado‐somatic index and microscopic analysis of gonads, E. maculatus in Chuuk have a 4 month spawning season (January to April) that corresponds with seasonal lows in sea surface water temperature and overlaps with that of other aggregating epinephelids. The estimated von Bertalanffy growth factor (K) was 0·51 year−1, while total mortality was 0·34 year−1. Current management for E. maculatus in Chuuk includes a January to May catch, sale and export ban, which overlaps with its reproductive season. The effectiveness of these arrangements will require on‐going monitoring to determine whether alternative management strategies are required to ensure population persistence.
Morphogenesis of myocardial trabeculae in the mouse embryo
Authors: Captur Gabriella , Wilson Robert , Bennett Michael F , Luxán Guillermo , Nasis Arthur , de la Pompa José Luis , Moon James C , Mohun Timothy J
Published: March 2016

Formation of trabeculae in the embryonic heart and the remodelling that occurs prior to birth is a conspicuous, but poorly understood, feature of vertebrate cardiogenesis. Mutations disrupting trabecular development in the mouse are frequently embryonic lethal, testifying to the importance of the trabeculae, and aberrant trabecular structure is associated with several human cardiac pathologies. Here, trabecular architecture in the developing mouse embryo has been analysed using high‐resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) and three‐dimensional (3D) modelling. This study shows that at all stages from mid‐gestation to birth, the ventricular trabeculae comprise a complex meshwork of myocardial strands. Such an arrangement defies conventional methods of measurement, and an approach based upon fractal algorithms has been used to provide an objective measure of trabecular complexity. The extent of trabeculation as it changes along the length of left and right ventricles has been quantified, and the changes that occur from formation of the four‐chambered heart until shortly before birth have been mapped. This approach not only measures qualitative features evident from visual inspection of 3D models, but also detects subtle, consistent and regionally localised differences that distinguish each ventricle and its developmental stage. Finally, the combination of HREM imaging and fractal analysis has been applied to analyse changes in embryonic heart structure in a genetic mouse model in which trabeculation is deranged. It is shown that myocardial deletion of the Notch pathway component Mib1 (Mib1flox/flox; cTnT‐cre) results in a complex array of abnormalities affecting trabeculae and other parts of the heart.