bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the effectiveness of predictors in accounting-based models
Authors: Trigueiros Duarte
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Financial ratios are routinely used as predictors in modelling tasks where accounting information is required. The purpose of this paper is to discuss such use, showing how to improve the effectiveness of ratio-based models.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper exposes the inadequacies of ratios when used as multivariate predictors. It then develops a theoretical foundation and methodology to build accounting-based models. Experiments then verify that this methodology outperforms the conventional methodology.

Findings

From plausible assumptions about the cross-sectional behaviour of accounting data, the paper shows that the effect of size, which ratios remove, can also be removed by modelling algorithms, which facilitates the discovery of meaningful predictors and leads to markedly more effective models.

Research limitations/implications

The paper covers cross-sectional modelling only, accounting identities and other interactions between line items are ignored, the methodology is especially appropriate in tasks where the effectiveness of the model is seen as a valued quality.

Practical implications

The need to select ratios among many alternatives is avoided, models become more accurate and robust, less biased and less likely to generate missing values, model construction is less arbitrary.

Originality/value

The paper provides a solid foundation for accounting-based modelling, by developing a whole new methodology that can end the uncritical use of modelling remedies currently prevailing and release the full relevance of accounting information when utilised to support investments and other value-bearing decisions.
The social-political roles of NGOs: a study on a triadic business network
Authors: Cheah Chee Wei
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study examines the institutional setting and decision-making structures among key industry actors in the Malaysian housing industry, using the IMP network approach and institutional theory as theoretical lenses. The purpose of this study is to uncover the role of NGOs, housing developers and the government at a collective level within a highly regulated housing market. This study uses “relationships” as the unit of analysis, focusing on triadic interactions of NGOs, housing developers and the government.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the qualitative case-study-research approach, using 20 in-depth interviews from the purposefully selected industry actors within the housing market, online observations and documents.

Findings

The findings suggest that NGOs play an influential role in housing-industry interactions and outcomes. In particular, the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association can influence the members’ decisions through supportive and disruptive actions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to our understanding of how NGOs interact with their regulator and housing developers and how these three parties co-evolve and respond to institutional demands in a housing market that is bound by a highly restricted housing policy. By understanding how actors interact within a network and how it affects each other’s decision, it may assist policymakers in formulating policies that can improve market efficiency. It also aids businesses in formulating their collective strategies.
Effectiveness of the Dual Approach Program to promote sexual abstinence in Thai early female adolescents and improve parent-daughter sexual communication
Authors: Hattakitpanichakul Kultida , Phuphaibul Rutja , Phumonsakul Srisamorn , Viwatwongkasem Chukiat
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of abstinence-based sexual education programs delivered in parallel to Thai parents and their early adolescent daughters to promote sexual abstinence and improve communication regarding sexual topics between them and their parents.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental design included groups of parent/daughter dyads; Group 1 (controls) (n=40), Group 2 Adolescent Program (n=40) and Group 3 Adolescent Parent Program (APP) (n=42). Outcome measures included parent–adolescent communications and adolescents’ sexual abstinence cognitions and intent to abstain from sexual behaviors, measured at five and nine weeks post-programs.

Findings

Generalized estimating equation analyses indicated that the dual program (APP) was more effective in increasing parental communication with their daughters compared with Group 1 (p-value<0.05) and only the daughters in the APP program reported more positive subjective norms, sense of perceived behavioral control and intent to abstain than did Group 1 (p-value<0.05).

Originality/value

The overarching goal of supporting the development of family environments where female adolescents are able to talk about sexuality is essential for adolescent sexual health promotion. The data provide further evidence that a dual program with simultaneous parent and female adolescent interactive activities over three sessions is superior compared with programs that target either the parents or the adolescents only. Hence, further replication with more parent–daughter dyads and then within more diverse cultures and populations is warranted. Developing and testing a similarly structured program for parents and sons is also required.
Investigating repatronage intention in stores carrying halal products through store personalities
Authors: Mohtar Mozard , Taha Azni Zarina , Ghazali Ezlika , Radzi Mardiana Md
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of store environment cues, store personality and attitude toward halal product (AHP) on store evaluation and repatronage intention. The authors extended the conceptual framework of Baker and colleagues (2002) and examined the indirect effects of store personality (i.e. sophistication and sincerity) and AHP on the outcome variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted survey design to test our hypotheses. Data were collected random to store patrons and post-graduate students of public university business schools in Klang valley. There was almost equal selection of Muslim (49.6%) and non-Muslim respondents.

Findings

Results indicate that the model explains 44 per cent of the variance in store repatronage intention. In particular, serial mediation is not significant only for two mediation paths.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply that brand personality, attitude toward halal product and store evaluation mediate the relationship between store environment cues and purchase intention. However, there are few limitations. First, the respondents were only limited to store patrons in Klang valley. Second, the authors only tested for three store environment cues.

Practical implications

Store repatronage intention could be increased by focusing on store environment cues (i.e. music and design), forming sincere and sophisticated store personalities and attaining favorable evaluation for both store and particularly halal products.

Social implications

Halal requirements for consumable goods especially food and drinks are warrant concerns for both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. It deals with safety and health issues of producing such goods. In a nation that comprises multiethnic-multireligious population, it is not surprising that non-Muslims are assured by quality of faith-based products made for Muslims.

Originality/value

Store repatronage intention is a valid concern for all retailers. In this study, stores which carry halal products should focus on enhancing store design and music perception, forming sincere and sophisticated personality, and generating favorable attitudinal evaluation for both halal products and store. After all, halal products are an assurance of quality for all store patrons.
The impact of culture on consumer’s perception of brand identity
Authors: Kushwah Shiksha , Shree Deep , Rezaei Sakineh , Sagar Mahim
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of culture on consumers’ perception of brands, specifically brand identity in Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar), and how brands entering new markets, launching new products or modifying existing brands can gain important insights from this to make the brand culturally acceptable.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes both inductive and deductive approaches. The literature review has been conducted to identity the factors of brand identity and culture, followed by the blending of the factors through Delphi method. The relationship that was identified through qualitative approach was further tested through a quantitative survey (n=1,152). The analysis includes, hypotheses testing using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Findings

The results of hypothesis testing proved that culture does play a significant role in shaping how consumers perceive brand identity. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed a significant difference across three cultures. Only two constructs that were not ranked significantly different across three cultures were brand as a stance and brand through place and time. Findings of this study supported the culture-specific branding, i.e. Islamic branding in the studied context.

Practical implications

Brand identity can be said to be the focal point of all branding activities. Brand identity creation starts with the starting of the product or services and is passed on through the process of brand communication and is manifested through the brand image formation by customer. Once the brand identity for a brand is created, it is very tough to change it; hence, from the very beginning, marketers have to take care of the brand identity. Thus, the findings of this study can be used by brand managers and marketers to create or modify brand identity according to the culture of the target consumers. These findings could also be incorporated for designing Islamic branding strategy for the studied context.

Originality/value

This research uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches to identify the brand identity and culture variables and subsequently probes the relationship among them. This study would help the brand managers in designing the brand identity for the brand operating or planning to enter in the Gulf countries.
Analysis of disclosure determinants: a local-relation approach
Authors: Castellano Nicola , Del Gobbo Roberto , Corsi Katia
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In the literature on determinants of disclosure, scholars generally tend to investigate the existence of relations in “global” terms by considering the whole range of observed values pertaining to both dependent and independent variables involved in the descriptive model. Despite the different methodologies used coherently to this approach, a hypothesis can be only accepted or rejected entirely. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by proposing a data-driven method based on smooth curves, which allow scholars to detect the existence of local relations, significant in a limited interval of the dependent variable.

Design/methodology/approach

The employment of smooth curves is simplified by conducting a study on goodwill disclosure. The model derived by the adoption of the locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) curves may provide an accurate description about complex relations between the extent of disclosure and its expected determinants, whose shape is not completely captured by traditional statistic techniques.

Findings

The model based on LOWESS curves provided a comprehensive description about the complexities characterizing the relationship between disclosure and its determinants. The results show that in some cases, the extent of disclosure is influenced by multi-faceted local relations.

Practical implications

The exemplificative study provides evidences useful for standard setters to improve their comprehension about the inclination of companies in disclosing information on goodwill impairment.

Originality/value

The adoption of smooth curves is coherent with an inductive research approach, where empirical evidence is generalized and evolves into theoretical explanations. The method proposed is replicable in all the field of studies, when extant studies come to unclear and contradicting results as a consequence of the complex relations investigated.
Sustainable development for zero-wastewater-discharge reproduction planning under quantitative and qualitative information
Authors: Lin Chun-Wei , Jeng Shiou-Yun , Tseng Ming-Lang , Wong Wai Peng
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the wastewater discharge and a zero-wastewater-discharge (ZWD) reproduction plan is designed for a paper mill in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model of ZWD reproduction planning is established using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and Taguchi method to determine the overall wastewater recovery rate. Still the prior studies failed to address a systematic approach to optimize the waste water recovery rate.

Findings

The optimal solution for clean water is 500 tons, recovery electrodialysis reversal is 345 tons, the wastewater reuse performance is 1.3 and waste heat recycling performance is 0.8, the larger number is performed well. The results shows that the maximum overall waste water recovery rate is 97.8 percent.

Originality/value

A paper mill is strived for improving their sustainable development. In real situation, there is a need to address the qualitative information and qualitative data to carry out the optimal ZWD reproduction planning.
Online conferencing for focus group discussions with teenage girls
Authors: Thompson Roberta
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of online conferencing platforms for focus group discussions with teenage girls.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the use of online conferencing for focus group discussions with Australian teenage girls aged 12–14 years who were participating in a study about their online interaction with friends. It examines both the practical application of online conferencing as a qualitative method as well as the inherent challenges of this context for youth research. Design decisions are explained and methods for ensuring rich contribution are detailed.

Findings

Online conferencing offers three distinct advantages for focus group work. First, the environment consciously engages participants in spontaneous interaction with other participants by using communication tools familiar to them. Second, elaborated discussion can be stimulated by introducing ideas and trends through visual mediums and artefacts. Third, the virtual setting provides remote access by the researcher which shifts power relationships so discussions flow more naturally between participants.

Practical implications

Outcomes indicate that online conferencing is an effective method for encouraging participants to share ideas and experiences about aspects of their lives that are often private and/or sensitive.

Originality/value

Technological advances in online collaboration tools have resulted in an increased use of online conferencing platforms across disciplines especially for teaching and learning contexts. However, application of online conferencing for focus group discussions with young people has not received much attention. Research presented here demonstrates that it is a useful tool for engaging teenage girls in focus group discussions.
Preparing for dissertation writing: doctoral education students’ perceptions
Authors: Ciampa Katia , Wolfe Zora
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate doctoral students’ perceptions of and satisfaction with their doctor of education program, specifically related to dissertation writing preparation. The results offer a complex picture that has implications for the design of doctoral education programs that aim to help students prepare for culminating academic writing products such as dissertations.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data, by means of an anonymous online survey with open-ended questions, were used to ascertain 115 doctoral students’ writing experiences in a doctoral program at one university in the USA.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest the importance of intrapersonal factors, specifically the ability to engage in self-directed learning; interpersonal factors, such as peer and faculty support; and institutional factors, namely, faculty’s writing-based pedagogical practices, in supporting doctoral students’ academic writing.

Practical implications

This study suggests in addition to selecting and nurturing students’ ability to engage in self-directed learning, there are a number of specific strategies and practices doctoral faculty can engage in and use to prepare students for successful dissertation writing.

Originality/value

This study provides the perspective of former and existing doctoral students to illuminate the needs they perceive as they engage in dissertation writing. The study provides practical strategies based on common themes in student responses.
Evaluation of foam performance at different temperature for enhanced oil recovery process
Authors: Abd Rahim Nurul Suhana , Saaid Ismail Mohd , Umar Abubakar Abubakar
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Application of foam in enhanced oil recovery requires a production of foam that is strong and stable enough to withstand a long period. There are numerous factors that may affect the performance of foam, among which is temperature. Therefore, this study aims to observe the foam performance at different temperature by evaluating the foamability and the stability of the foam.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, bulk foam test using FoamScan was conducted to examine the effect of temperature on foam in the presence of crude oil. Nitrogen gas was sparged through the mixture of crude oil, an in-house developed surfactant, and sodium chloride solution as the brine at different temperatures to produce foam at a certain height. The crude oil was extracted from an oilfield in East Malaysia and the in-house developed surfactant was a mixture of amphoteric and anionic surfactants. A camera continuously recorded the height of foam during the generation and the collapse of the foam. The foamability and foam stability properties of each sample were taken as the indicators for foam performance. Furthermore, the entering, spreading and bridging analysis was run to observe the effect of the presence of crude oil on foam performance.

Findings

In general, the higher the temperature, the less stable the foam is. As the stability of foam is associated with the rate of liquid drainage, it was observed that as temperature increases, the rate of liquid drainage also increases. On the other hand, the entering, spreading and bridging analysis shows that there is entering of oil droplet happening on the interface of foam film that may promote the rupture of the foam film even more.

Originality/value

It was found that the temperature has a small impact on foamability, whereas the foam stability was significantly affected by the temperature. Therefore, it can be concluded that foamability is not necessarily interrelated to foam stability, contradicting to the findings of few authors.
Fallow management increases habitat suitability for endangered steppe bird species through changes in vegetation structure
Authors: Sanz‐Pérez Ana , Giralt David , Robleño Irene , Bota Gerard , Milleret Cyril , Mañosa Santiago , Sardà‐Palomera Francesc
Published: June 2019

In the face of the dramatic worldwide decline of farmland bird populations, the preservation of fallow fields is a conservation measure encouraged through subsidies (e.g. agri‐environmental schemes, AES). Beyond the general benefits of increasing fallow availability for endangered steppe bird populations, there is a lack of knowledge on how fallow management can contribute to meeting species‐specific habitat requirements.

We used occurrence data from three steppe bird species protected at the EU level (Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus, Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax and Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra), framed in a quasi‐experimental approach covering an unprecedented spatio‐temporal scale that included 612 fallow fields over a 3‐year study period in an agricultural Mediterranean landscape (Spain). We used path analysis to explore the mechanisms by which common agricultural practices affected species‐specific occurrence. We examined partial effects of agricultural practices on vegetation structure and food availability, and the partial effect of these variables on bird occurrence compared to control fields (no agricultural practices applied).

Agricultural practices had a significant effect on the presence of the three studied species. Through changes in the vegetation structure, Shredding + Herbicide and Tillage increased the occurrence of the Stone Curlew and Shredding increased the occurrence of the Little Bustard. The occurrence of Calandra Lark was mostly affected by landscape variables.

Synthesis and applications. Our study highlights that, in addition to the acknowledged positive role of fallow availability, applying a limited number of specific agricultural practices before the breeding season can further increase bird occurrence by changing the vegetation structure. Using path analysis, we explored the mechanisms driving the occurrence of three steppe bird species under different agricultural practices. Such information is key to providing specific recommendations for future conservation management of endangered species within agri‐environmental schemes.
Selection and analysis of bacteriophage‐insensitive mutants of Streptococcus thermophilus isolated in Ukraine
Authors: Naumenko Oksana , Skrypkina Inessa , Zhukova Yaroslava , Vakulenko Mykola , Kigel Natalia
Published: June 2019

Bacteriophage‐insensitive Streptococcus thermophilus mutants (BIMs) were obtained by treating the phage‐sensitive industrial strains with virulent phages. Five BIMs acquired resistance to S. thermophilus phages of two (cos and pac) main groups selected at Ukrainian dairy processing enterprises. In addition, the valuable biotechnological properties of BIMs were characterised. During fermentation, they formed fermented milk curds with a homogeneous, dense consistency, with pleasant taste and flavour. The BIMs were identified as S. thermophilus by phenotypic and species‐specific PCR methods. The BIMs could be used as starters to stabilise the fermentation process under phage infection conditions.
Sudden Unexpected Death Due to Left Subclavian Artery‐esophageal Fistula Caused by Fish Bone
Authors: Zhao Shuquan , Tinzin Lopsong , Deng Weinian , Tong Fang , Shi Qing , Zhou Yiwu
Published: June 2019

A 53‐year‐old woman was admitted to the hospital due to unexpected dizziness and died the following morning. To investigate the cause of death, a forensic autopsy along with histological examination was performed 3 days after her death. The major findings of the autopsy were that a fish bone had pierced the left subclavian artery after perforating the esophagus with 680 mL of blood in the stomach and bloody and tarry contents were present in the intestines, and the cause of death was confirmed to be subsequent hemorrhagic shock. Unfortunately, none of her family realized that she had eaten a fish 4 days before the tragedy until the fish bone was found. The present case is rare and instructive. The histopathological findings of left subclavian artery‐esophageal fistula induced by a fish bone can be used as a reference in forensic practice.
Finding of Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna During the Autopsy Procedure: Forensic Issues
Authors: Bascou Agathe , Savall Frederic , Vergnault Marion , Montoriol Romain , Guilbeau‐Frugier Céline , Maupoint Estelle , El Khal Mohamed Chérif , Telmon Norbert
Published: June 2019

Hyperostosis frontalis interna is a common phenomenon, which may have been overrated in its significance in the past, and may, currently be underrated in its significance. We present three cases of hyperostosis frontalis interna found during medicolegal autopsies and discuss their forensic considerations. The patients were all middle‐aged women with metabolic and endocrine manifestations and psychiatric ailments; thickening of the inner table of the frontal bone of the skull was found during each autopsy. We describe the relationship between hyperostosis frontalis interna, metabolic manifestations, and neuropsychiatric symptoms as part of Morgagni‐Stewart‐Morel syndrome. There is still considerable disagreement in the scientific community as to whether this syndrome is a clinical entity. Nonetheless, awareness of Morgagni‐Stewart‐Morel syndrome can be of help in understanding the circumstances surrounding death. In some other cases, hyperostosis frontalis interna could be used by forensic pathologists as criteria for sexing and aging a skeleton.
Integrated transcriptomic and secretomic approaches reveal critical pathogenicity factors in Pseudofabraea citricarpa inciting citrus target spot
Authors: Yang Yuheng , Fang Anfei , Yu Yang , Bi Chaowei , Zhou Changyong
Published: June 2019

Target spot is a newly emerging citrus disease caused by Pseudofabraea citricarpa. Outbreaks of this disease result in massive economic losses to citrus production. Here, an integrated study involving comparative transcriptomic and secretomic analyses was conducted to determine the critical pathogenicity factors of P. citricarpa involved in the induction of citrus target spot. A total of 701 transcripts and their cognate proteins were quantified and integrated. Among these transcripts and proteins, 99 exhibited the same expression patterns. Our quantitative integrated multi‐omic data highlight several potentially pivotal pathogenicity factors, including 16 unigenes that were annotated as plant cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes, 13 unigenes homologous to virulence factors from various fungi, and one unigene described as a small cysteine‐rich secreted protein, were screened and analysed. The screening of differentially expressed genes that encode secondary metabolism core enzymes implicated terpene metabolism in the pathogenicity of P. citricarpa. Overall, results indicated that plant cell wall degradation, plant–pathogen protein/polyribonucleotide interaction, and terpene biosynthesis have critical roles in the pathogenicity of P. citricarpa. This work demonstrated that integrated omic approaches enable the identification of pathogenicity/virulence factors and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity of fungi. These insights would aid the development of effective disease management strategies.
Influence of rainfall amount and livestock grazing on soil respiration in a moist Kenyan savannah
Authors: Ondier Joseph , Okach Daniel O. , John Onyango C. , Otieno Dennis O.
Published: June 2019

The influence of livestock grazing and changing rainfall patterns on soil respiration (Rs) in the tropical savannah in Lambwe is unclear. Measurements of Rs using chambers were conducted between June and November 2012 in a humid savannah in Western Kenya to determine how simulated rainfall amounts and cattle grazing affected soil respiration. The experimental layout was split plot comprising rainfall simulations which were laid on grazed and fenced blocks, respectively. The rainfall simulations split plots each measured 6 m × 3 m and were covered with rainout gutters above the canopy of the herbaceous layer to either increase or reduce ambient rainfall by 50%. Grazing increased soil bulk density and significantly (p < 0.05) lowered soil respiration rates and soil water content irrespective of the rainfall treatment. The positive correlation between Rs and root biomass in both grazed and fenced plots revealed a significant contribution of root growth activities to Rs. Increased soil water content (SWC) by rainfall addition improved water penetration into deeper soil layers and therefore stimulated root and microbial activities which in turn built up soil respiration. Reduction in SWC by rainfall exclusion lowered microbial contact with the organic substrate and likely caused death and/ or inactivity of roots.
New versatile dual‐support pediatric heart pump
Authors: Fox Carson , Sarkisyan Harutyun , Stevens Randy , Arabia Francisco , Fischer Wade , Rossano Joseph , Throckmorton Amy
Published: June 2019

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices for pediatric patients continue to lag in development behind those for adults. There is no heart pump with the design innovation to support dysfunctional states of heart failure and the anatomic heterogeneity of cardiac defects in pediatric patients. To address this unmet need, we are developing a versatile MCS technology with 2 separate blood pumps under 1 housing, whereby a centrifugal pump rotates around an axial pump. In this study, we advanced the design with a new inducer for the axial pump component and flat inlet volute for the centrifugal pump component. We conducted computational modeling of the design iterations, built prototypes, and tested their performance. The axial pump component was able to generate pressure rises of 1–112 mm Hg for 2–5 L/min at 10 000–14 000 RPM, and the centrifugal pump component produced pressure rises of 1–184 mm Hg for 2–5 L/min at 1750–3000 RPM. Shear stresses and blood damage estimations were less than  490 Pa and 0.5%, respectively. Axial and radial forces were also estimated to be less than 5 N for the axially and radially centered impellers. Data sets were repeatable, and data trends followed theoretical expectations. The new designs for the axial and centrifugal pumps enabled us to reduce the height of the pump while maintaining performance expectations. These findings support the continued development of this new medical device for pediatric patients.
Epidemiology of uveitis in a region of southern Sweden
Authors: Bro Tomas , Tallstedt Leif
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To analyse the distribution and treatment of uveitis in a region of southern Sweden and compare the results with previously reported European data.

Methods

Anonymized data for all individuals in the region with an ICD‐10 diagnosis that indicated uveitis between 2013 and 2017 were extracted from a computerized healthcare register.

Results

In total, 2483 patients were diagnosed with uveitis during 2013–2017. Anterior uveitis was diagnosed in 93%, intermediate in 1%, posterior in 5% and panuveitis in 1% of cases. An associated diagnosis was found in 14%, and the five most common associated diseases were herpes simplex/zoster (4.9%), inflammatory bowel disease (2.2%), rheumatic arthritis (1.9%), ankylosing spondylitis (1.8%) and sarcoidosis (1.8%). Systemic treatment was used in 14% of the cases. The period prevalence of uveitis was 700 cases per 100 000 individuals, and the yearly incidence was estimated to 108 cases/year/100 000 individuals.

Conclusions

Compared with studies from referral clinics, this community‐based study had a large proportion of anterior uveitis (93%) and uveitis without associated diagnosis (86%). Uveitis was also much more common among elderly than shown in previous research. The distribution of possible associated diagnosis conformed to several previous European studies.
Health Extension Workers’ diagnostic accuracy for common childhood illnesses in four regions of Ethiopia: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Getachew Theodros , Mekonnen Solomon , Yitayal Mezgebu , Persson Lars Åke , Berhanu Della
Published: June 2019

Aim

The Ethiopian primary care of sick children is provided within the integrated Community Case Management of childhood illnesses by Health Extension Workers (HEW). There is limited knowledge whether this cadre correctly assess and classify common diseases. The aim was to study their ability to correctly classify common childhood illnesses.

Methods

A survey was conducted from December 2016 to February 2017 in four regions of Ethiopia. Observations of the HEWs’ assessment and classification of sick children were followed by child re‐examination by a trained health officer.

Results

The classification by the HEWs of 620 sick children as compared to the re‐examiner had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 94% for diarrhoea, sensitivity 52% and specificity 91% for febrile disorders, and a sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 94% for acute respiratory tract infection. Malnutrition and ear infection had a sensitivity of 39 and 61%, and a specificity of 99 and 99%, respectively.

Conclusion

Most cases of diarrhoea were correctly classified, while other illnesses were not frequently identified. The identification of malnutrition was especially at fault. These findings suggest that a significant number of sick children were undiagnosed that could lead to absent or incorrect management and treatment.
Clinical outcomes of polyvalent immunoglobulin use in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis – Part II: Non‐kidney transplant
Authors: Bourassa‐Blanchette Samuel , Patel Vishesh , Knoll Greg A. , Hutton Brian , Fergusson Nicholas , Bennett Alexandria , Tay Jason , Cameron D. William , Cowan Juthaporn
Published: June 2019

Immunoglobulin (IG) is commonly used to desensitize and treat antibody‐mediated rejection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The impact of IG on other outcomes such as infection, all‐cause mortality, graft rejection, and graft loss is not clear. We conducted a similar systematic review and meta‐analysis to our previously reported Part I excluding kidney transplant. A comprehensive literature review found 16 studies involving the following organ types: heart (6), lung (4), liver (4), and multiple organs (2). Meta‐analysis could only be performed on mortality outcome in heart and lung studies due to inadequate data on other outcomes. There was a significant reduction in mortality (OR 0.34 [0.17‐0.69]; 4 studies, n = 455) in heart transplant with hypogammaglobulinemia receiving IVIG vs no IVIG. Mortality in lung transplant recipients with hypogammaglobulinemia receiving IVIG was comparable to those of no hypogammaglobulinemia (OR 1.05 [0.49, 2.26]; 2 studies, n = 887). In summary, IVIG targeted prophylaxis may decrease mortality in heart transplant recipients as compared to those with hypogammaglobulinemia not receiving IVIG, or improve mortality to the equivalent level with those without hypogammaglobulinemia in lung transplant recipients, but there is a lack of data to support physicians in making decisions around using immunoglobulins in all SOT recipients for infection prophylaxis.
An impact of Lutheran theology on the formation of the church and society in Tanzania
Authors: Mahali Faustin Leonard
Published: June 2019

This article analyzes the impact of Lutheran theology on the life of the church and society in Tanzania, beginning with an introduction to the basic teachings of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania and their connection to the theological foundations of Reformation. The second part of the article deals with the story of the establishment of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania and how it interacted with the social context of Tanzania. Finally, the article correlates the basic theological foundations of Lutheranism and their influence on the formation of the church itself and society as a whole.
Lutheran perspectives on interfaith relations: Theological trajectories of study processes in the Lutheran communion
Authors: Sinn Simone
Published: June 2019

The global Lutheran communion has been engaged in theological reflection on interreligious relations for several decades. In the 1960s, the Lutheran World Federation embarked on theologically reflecting on its relations to the Jewish people. This led to a critical assessment of Luther's writings on Jews. 1984, the LWF established a desk to engage theologically with religious pluralism. Starting off from a theology of religions' approach the engagement of the global communion has become more contextual, dialogical, and collaborative over the years. This has led to a dialogical public theology which affirms dialogue and theology as sisters in a critical‐constructive engagement with one's own and other communities. Raising epistemological and theological questions in dialogue in view of religious actors' public accountability can help to prevent faith from mutating into ideology or manifesting itself as idolatry.
Review of the mathematical background to the development of realistic load histories for fatigue testing relevant to tubular structures in the North Sea
Authors: Pook Les P.
Published: June 2019

Following the discovery of oil and gas, fixed welded tubular steel platforms were first installed in the North Sea in 1966. They are subjected to significant fatigue loads due to wave action. A report on proposed standard load histories was published in 1976. These were based on theoretical calculations. In 1979, increasing interest led to the formation of the Wave Action Standards History (WASH) Working Group. Strain gauge data for platforms in the North Sea were made available to the Working Group so later standard load histories were based on service data rather than theoretical calculations. Mathematical techniques used are reviewed, and some load histories are described as case studies. A framework was developed that could be used to formulate a particular standard load history but left open the option of incorporating alternative features, with relatively little additional work.
An integrative review of leadership competencies and attributes in advanced nursing practice
Authors: Heinen Maud , van Oostveen Catharina , Peters Jeroen , Vermeulen Hester , Huis Anita
Published: June 2019

Aim

To establish what leadership competencies are expected of master level‐educated nurses like the Advanced Practice Nurses and the Clinical Nurse Leaders as described in the international literature.

Background

Developments in health care ask for well‐trained nurse leaders. Advanced Practice Nurses and Clinical Nurse Leaders are ideally positioned to lead healthcare reform in nursing. Nurses should be adequately equipped for this role based on internationally defined leadership competencies. Therefore, identifying leadership competencies and related attributes internationally is needed.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

Embase, Medline and CINAHL databases were searched (January 2005–December 2018). Also, websites of international professional nursing organizations were searched for frameworks on leadership competencies. Study and framework selection, identification of competencies, quality appraisal of included studies and analysis of data were independently conducted by two researchers.

Results

Fifteen studies and seven competency frameworks were included. Synthesis of 150 identified competencies led to a set of 30 core competencies in the clinical, professional, health systems. and health policy leadership domains. Most competencies fitted in one single domain the health policy domain contained the least competencies.

Conclusions

This synthesis of 30 core competencies within four leadership domains can be used for further development of evidence‐based curricula on leadership. Next steps include further refining of competencies, addressing gaps, and the linking of knowledge, skills, and attributes.

Impact

These findings contribute to leadership development for Advanced Practice Nurses and Clinical Nurse Leaders while aiming at improved health service delivery and guiding of health policies and reforms.
Additional considerations to the use of single‐step genomic predictions in a dominance setting
Authors: Mota Rodrigo R. , Vanderick Sylvie , Colinet Frédéric G. , Hammami Hedi , Wiggans George R. , Gengler Nicolas
Published: June 2019

Recent publications indicate that single‐step models are suitable to estimate breeding values, dominance deviations and total genetic values with acceptable quality. Additive single‐step methods implicitly extend known number of allele information from genotyped to non‐genotyped animals. This theory is well derived in an additive setting. It was recently shown, at least empirically, that this basic strategy can be extended to dominance with reasonable prediction quality. Our study addressed two additional issues. It illustrated the theoretical basis for extension and validated genomic predictions to dominance based on single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction theory. This development was then extended to include inbreeding into dominance relationships, which is a currently not yet solved issue. Different parametrizations of dominance relationship matrices were proposed. Five dominance single‐step inverse matrices were tested and described as C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5. Genotypes were simulated for a real pig population (n = 11,943 animals). In order to avoid any confounding issues with additive effects, pseudo‐records including only dominance deviations and residuals were simulated. SNP effects of heterozygous genotypes were summed up to generate true dominance deviations. We added random noise to those values and used them as phenotypes. Accuracy was defined as correlation between true and predicted dominance deviations. We conducted five replicates and estimated accuracies in three sets: between all (S1), non‐genotyped (S2) and inbred non‐genotyped (S3) animals. Potential bias was assessed by regressing true dominance deviations on predicted values. Matrices accounting for inbreeding (C3, C4 and C5) best fit. Accuracies were on average 0.77, 0.40 and 0.46 in S1, S2 and S3, respectively. In addition, C3, C4 and C5 scenarios have shown better accuracies than C1 and C2, and dominance deviations were less biased. Better matrix compatibility (accuracy and bias) was observed by re‐scaling diagonal elements to 1 minus the inbreeding coefficient (C5).
Linking hospital culture to the training performance of residents: The roles of leader‐member exchange and transactional leadership style
Authors: Deng Guangwei , Zhao Di , Lio Jonathan , Ma Xiaopeng , Liang Liang , Feng Chenpeng
Published: June 2019

Background

Hospital culture is a crucial aspect of residents' training. However, the mechanisms related to stakeholder culture (SC) and teacher‐resident interaction remain unclear. The study investigated the relationship between hospital culture and training performance of residents. Also, it explored the mediating effect of teacher‐resident exchange and the moderating effect of the teacher's transactional leadership style within a Chinese context.

Methods

Based on stakeholder and leadership member exchange theories, we constructed a composite model. Data were collected from 296 residents from five tertiary hospitals in China. Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Results

(a) Both the employee‐orientation culture (EOC) (β = .14, P ≤ .05) and patient‐orientation culture (POC) (β = .47, P ≤ .001) in the hospital were significantly related to residents' training performance. (b) Teacher‐resident exchange fully mediated the relationship between EOC and training performance and partially mediated the relationship between POC and training performance. (c) The moderating role of transactional leadership style (TLS) in the relationship between EOC and leader‐member exchange (LMX) (β = −.17, P ≤ .05) was negative; it was not significant in the interaction between POC and TLS (β = .06, P > .1).

Conclusion

The results suggest that trainers should consider the value of multiple cultures and ensure balance among stakeholders rather than focusing on a single one. Furthermore, a positive interaction improves teacher‐student relationship and training performance. Most importantly, educational departments should pay attention to establishing assessment tools, using rewards and incentives in residents' training.
An Examination of the Association Between Relationship Mindfulness and Psychological and Relational Well‐being in Committed Couples
Authors: Kimmes Jonathan G. , Jaurequi Matthew E. , Roberts Kathryn , Harris Victor W. , Fincham Frank D.
Published: June 2019

Relationship mindfulness is the degree to which individuals tend to be mindful during interactions with romantic partners. In this study, we examined both the intrapersonal and interpersonal links between relationship mindfulness and psychological and relationship functioning in a sample of 219 couples who had been in their relationship for at least 1 year. Even when accounting for the general tendency to be mindful, relationship mindfulness was linked with markers of relationship well‐being and psychological functioning, both intrapersonally and interpersonally. The findings bring to light the importance of considering relationship mindfulness in clinical work with couples that focuses on addressing deficiencies in relationship or psychological well‐being.
Staff responses to residents exposing their genitals in public in long‐term care settings: The gap between common and perceived best practices
Authors: Villar Feliciano , Celdrán Montserrat , Serrat Rodrigo , Fabà Josep , Martínez Teresa
Published: June 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore staff reactions to residents’ behaviour consisting in exposing their genitals in public, and to differentiate between what is perceived as common practice (what most staff do) and best practice (the best possible approach).

Background

The presence of inappropriate sexual behaviours (ISBs) in long‐term care facilities poses practical and ethical dilemmas since they may impinge on the rights of others (staff and residents) and thus need to be adequately monitored and managed. However, no studies have focused on how staff handle ISBs, and particularly exposing oneself in public.

Methods

A total of 2,175 people working in 152 Spanish LTC facilities participated in the study. They were presented with a vignette describing a resident exposing his/her genitals in public, and they were asked what they think most of their workmates would do and what they think should be done in that situation. The STROBE checklist was used to enhance the quality and transparency of the research.

Results

Approximately one‐third of participants (32.4%) reported having experienced behaviours such as the one described in the vignette. Staff reactions underline the predominance of restrictive practices. However, if prompted to think in terms of best practice, supportive reactions increased in frequency. Finally, factors such as work position have an influence on perceived common and best practices, with care assistants generally holding more restrictive views than directors or technical staff.

Conclusions

Around one‐third of staff members, and particularly those in managerial or technical positions, had witnessed residents exposing their genitals in public. However, there is no common ground among staff regarding the best way to handle the situation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our findings stress the importance of organisational policies and workplace training in the management of challenging behaviours such as exposing oneself.