bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a non-trivializing education
Authors: Bula Germán  Ulises
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a model of education that is non-reproductive; that is, productive of non-trivial machines. The reason for this is the postulate that society’s main problems are second-order deficiencies, which cannot be fixed by doing what we do better or more intensely, but rather by changing what we do.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper proposes several guidelines for non-reproductive education based on Von Foerster’s concept of a non-trivial machine and of legitimate questions, and Ashby’s law of requisite variety. The ideas presented are corollaries and the result of a philosophical fleshing-out of said concepts and laws.

Findings

– In order to have a non-reproductive education, it is necessary to limit the role of central control and promote self-evaluation in education at every level of recursion: that is, in the relationship between state and educational institutions, educational institutions and teachers, teacher and students and students as evaluators of themselves.

Originality/value

– First, the concept of genuine self-evaluation is proposed, to distinguish this from what is currently called self-evaluation; which, it is shown, is not truly so. Second, the concept of authentic research is proposed, as distinguished from original research. This is useful for seeing how legitimate questions work at all levels of education. Third, a number of relationships between cybernetics and philosophical thought are established. Fourth, a model for non-reproductive education is proposed.
Proposing a basic methodology for developing balanced scorecard by system dynamics approach
Authors: Khakbaz Seyed Behnam , Hajiheydari Nastaran
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Successful future has inspired organizations to measure long-term and non-financial measurements and key performance indicators (KPIs). Kaplan and Norton proposed balanced scorecard (BSC) for this issue and have extended it to one of the most preferred strategic management system’s tools. However, available planning tools like BSC have some limitations, like dependency to the developer, weakness in showing time delays, and also mathematical relationships between lead and lag indicators. In this paper, the authors would present a new methodology for developing BSCs, which would be able to overcome these limitations. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated framework for developing BSC with system dynamics approach (a dynamic BSC (DBSC)) which has lower limitation in compare with traditional BSC. The other purpose of this paper is developing a DBSC for an Iranian public transportation company.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on this purpose, related literature was thoroughly reviewed and the proposed methodology designed using the system dynamics and BSC concepts. This methodology is a composition of original BSC development methodology and system dynamics principles. An assumed organization has been used for showing methodology’s capability and procedure. Furthermore, a case study has been accomplished in this paper. This case study is a DBSC which has been developed for an Iranian public transportation company. The purpose of this case study is to ensure about proposed methodology implication in action.

Findings

– The authors proposed a methodology which can be applied for developing BSCs. This methodology consists of six different steps which are: developing a system for organization, selecting stakeholders’ most important objectives and target, identifying organization’s objectives and their KPIs for different BSC aspects, developing strategy map, targeting, and selecting initiatives. In the proceeding of this paper, the proposed methodology and its steps would be explained in detail.

Originality/value

– The system dynamic approach has precedents in business studies; however, this research makes this approach operational in BSC designing and analysis. BSCs, which developed by this methodology can show time delays between an organization’s objectives, its KPIs’ relationship and also planning for it. Selecting achievable and rational vision and objectives’ targets, change management, scenario planning and policy analysis are other values which can be achieved by DBSC deployment which need further researches. In summary, this research has shown an integrated framework for developing DBSC and then applies it to an Iranian public transportation company. Therefore, another contribution of this paper is the application of this method for an Iranian public transportation company.
Integrated sustainability management for organizations
Authors: Panagiotakopoulos Panagiotis , Espinosa Angela , Walker Jon
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose the Viable System Model (VSM) as an effective model to base the analysis of organizational sustainability (long-term viability). It is specifically proposed as a model to integrate the various sustainability tools, and as the basis for designing a unified Sustainability Management System.

Design/methodology/approach

– The VSM is used as an organizational model to examine three prominent sustainability standards: ISO 26000, ISO 14001 and ISO 14044. A generic manufacturing company is used as a template; and its typical business processes are related to each of the VSM’s components. Each clause of the three sustainability standards is then mapped on to the VSM model. These three models are integrated into one, by analysing the differences, similarities and complementarities in the context of each VSM component, and by identifying common invariant functions.

Findings

– In all, 12 generic sustainability functions are identified. ISO 26000 has the widest scope; ISO 14001 is focused primarily on internal measurement and control (System 3), while ISO 14044 is a complex performance indicator at the System 3 level. There is a general absence of System 2. Each standard can be regarded as a distinct management layer, which needs to be integrated with the Business Management layer.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research is needed to explore the specifics of integration.

Practical implications

– This integration should not be based on creating distinct roles for each management layer.

Originality/value

– The paper uses the insights of organizational cybernetics to examine prominent sustainability standards and advance sustainability management at the business level.
Assisting individuals ageing with learning disability: support worker perspectives
Authors: Wark Stuart , Hussain Rafat , Edwards Helen
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– While ageing with an intellectual (learning) disability has been subject to increased research in recent years, there remains little knowledge regarding the daily practice issues that disability workers struggle most to support in this cohort. The purpose of this paper is to gain feedback directly from staff regarding the problems they experience in daily work, and to evaluate whether any changes to legislation or practice could potentially alleviate identified areas of concern.

Design/methodology/approach

– A Delphi project was conducted over three rounds with participants from rural areas of New South Wales (NSW). The panel was composed of support workers who assist people ageing with a learning disability. Participants were asked their perceptions of the main practice issues facing them while they provide support.

Findings

– The panel identified 29 issues that were considered problematic in the provision of support to people ageing with a learning disability. A thematic analysis indicated three main themes of access to services; time constraints; and funding.

Research limitations/implications

– The participants in this study were all disability workers employed by non-government organisations in rural NSW, and as such, many of the issues identified may be specific to this population cohort and geographic setting. Any generalisation of these results to other locations or populations must be considered within these limitations.

Originality/value

– Identification of the issues facing disability staff may facilitate government, health care providers and disability organisations to proactively plan to address current and future problem areas. The consequent effect of improving practices can assist individuals to receive better support and lead to a corresponding improvement in their quality of life. The current implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Australia is an ideal opportunity for cross-sectoral collaboration to change practice to facilitate better support for a highly vulnerable group of the community.
Commentary – what is a resource allocation system?
Authors: Duffy Simon
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– In discussing some of the issues arising from the paper by Sue Davies and colleagues, the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the development of the concept of a Resource Allocation System (RAS).

Design/methodology/approach

– Critical analysis based on review of literature and personal experience.

Findings

– The role and purpose of the RAS has changed over time and is unlikely to remain stable.

Practical implications

– Local authorities may consider whether their RAS will be fit for purpose in the future.

Social implications

– Social innovations are often unstable and may have unexpected consequences; especially when other factors beyond their original design intentions begin to influence their use.

Originality/value

– The author of a social innovation reflects on the failure of that innovation to achieve its original purpose.
Transient dynamics of competitive exclusion in microbial communities
Authors: Louca Stilianos , Doebeli Michael
Published: September 2015

Microbial metabolism drives our planet's biogeochemistry and plays a central role in industrial processes. Molecular profiling in bioreactors has revealed that microbial community composition can be highly variable while maintaining constant functional performance. Furthermore, following perturbation bioreactor performance typically recovers rapidly, while community composition slowly returns to its original state. Despite its practical relevance, we still lack an understanding of the mechanisms causing the discrepancy between functional and compositional stability of microbial communities. Using a mathematical model for microbial competition, as well as simulations of a model for a nitrifying bioreactor, we explain these observations on grounds of slow non‐equilibrium dynamics eventually leading to competitive exclusion. In the presence of several competing strains, metabolic niches are rapidly occupied by opportunistic populations, while subsequent species turnover and the eventual dominance of top competitors proceeds at a much slower rate. Hence, functional redundancy causes a separation of the time scales characterizing the functional and compositional stabilization of microbial communities. This effect becomes stronger with increasing richness because greater similarities between top competitors lead to longer transient population dynamics.
Anaerobic choline metabolism in microcompartments promotes growth and swarming of Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Jameson Eleanor , Fu Tiantian , Brown Ian R. , Paszkiewicz Konrad , Purdy Kevin J. , Frank Stefanie , Chen Yin
Published: September 2015

Gammaproteobacteria are important gut microbes but only persist at low levels in the healthy gut. The ecology of Gammaproteobacteria in the gut environment is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that choline is an important growth substrate for representatives of Gammaproteobacteria. Using Proteus mirabilis as a model, we investigate the role of choline metabolism and demonstrate that the cutC gene, encoding a choline‐trimethylamine lyase, is essential for choline degradation to trimethylamine by targeted mutagenesis of cutC and subsequent complementation experiments. Proteus mirabilis can rapidly utilize choline to enhance growth rate and cell yield in broth culture. Importantly, choline also enhances swarming‐associated colony expansion of P. mirabilis under anaerobic conditions on a solid surface. Comparative transcriptomics demonstrated that choline not only induces choline‐trimethylamine lyase but also genes encoding shell proteins for the formation of bacterial microcompartments. Subsequent analyses by transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of such novel microcompartments in cells cultivated in liquid broth and hyper‐flagellated swarmer cells from solid medium. Together, our study reveals choline metabolism as an adaptation strategy for P. mirabilis and contributes to better understand the ecology of this bacterium in health and disease.
Ten‐year follow up of graduates from the Aspiring Dietitians Study: Implications for dietetic workforce development
Authors: Plint Hayley , Ball Lauren , Hughes Roger , Desbrow Ben
Published: September 2015

Aim

To explore the career pathways and practice experiences of dietitians in the first decade following graduation to identify factors influencing workforce development.

Methods

A qualitative, follow up study was conducted on a previously recruited cohort of aspiring dietetic students who had graduated as dietitians over the preceeding decade. Participants completed an individual, semistructured telephone interview which focused on retrospectively exploring factors influencing career pathways, perceptions of career success and satisfaction and the competencies required for effective practice. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and underwent qualitative descriptive and triangular analysis.

Results

Career pathways were opportunistic rather than planned, influenced more by actual employment opportunities and lifestyle preferences (particularly location) than initial career preferences and plans. Most acknowledged that initial unfamiliarity of the profession, employment realities and pragmatic career decision‐making explained the misalignment of plans with actual career pathways. Participants rated competencies of communication, teamwork, counselling and specific disciplinary knowledge as most relevant to effective practice. Despite some participants acknowledging that their career was not as originally anticipated, there was a consistent theme of career success and satisfaction determined more by intrinsic factors (helping people, effective in job, being acknowledged as a specialist) than extrinsic variables (remuneration level, management progression). Retention in the dietetic workforce appeared to be high, particularly when opportunities to specialise or undertake research were realised.

Conclusions

Workforce preparation that facilitates graduates to be flexible to employment, continuing professional development opportunities and support specialisation and research in practice are likely to be important for nutrition and dietetic workforce retention.
Two new species and one new record species of Rhopus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from China, with a key to Chinese species
Authors: Zu Guo‐Hao , Li Cheng‐De
Published: September 2015

Rhopus antennalis sp. nov. and R. qingdaoensis sp. nov. are described as new to science and R. nigroclavatus (Ashmead, 1902) is first recorded from China. A key to all the known Chinese species of the genus also presented.
Temporal analysis of 16 STR loci in human blood drawn from two culicid mosquitoes cultured at different temperatures
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed M.A. , Alrakan Lamia A. , Alaifan Saleh Ahmed , Al‐Mekhlafi Fahd A. , Kassab Ahmed Ch.
Published: September 2015

Female mosquitoes feed on human blood, which can be collected to analyze human short tandem repeat (STR) sequences; these are specific to each human individual. Analysis of STRs might help in identification of a person found near a crime scene. Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens mosquitoes fed on human blood were cultured at 18°C or 40°C (median temperature for summer and winter time in Riyadh governorate, Saudi Arabia) for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. In A. aegypti, human DNA concentration was reduced with time at both temperatures. At 18°C, we obtained full STR profiles up to 48 h post feeding on human blood while none of the 16 loci were obtained at 72 h. At 40°C, we missed six sites at 12 h after blood sucking, 12 at 24 h, and 15 at 48 h and 72 h. In C. pipiens cultured at 18°C, full profiles were developed up to 48 h following blood feeding while we could not amplify five sites at 72 h. At 40°C, mortality among females was 50% at 24 h and 100% at both 48 h and 72 h; however, we had full profiles in all samples including dead insects. This research addressed the possibility of using mosquitoes in forensic research by DNA genotyping by changing the mosquito culturing temperature and mosquito genus. Our findings proved that different types of mosquito change the temporal pattern of STR analysis and showed that the mosquito culturing temperature affects the integrity of DNA for STR analysis.
Water and carbohydrate levels at different developmental stages and dynamics in hibernating pupae of Pieris melete (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
Authors: Xiao HaiJun , Chen JunHui , Chen Chao , Xue Fangsen
Published: September 2015

For insight into the physiological indicators of diapause in Pieris melete, water and carbohydrate (glycogen and trehalose) levels were measured under both natural and laboratory conditions. The highest water content (3.71–3.79 mg/mg dry weight) was found in larvae and developing pupae, which was substantially higher than in diapausing pupae (2.59 mg/mg dry weight). Water content was almost stable during diapause, except for individuals approaching diapause termination (3.43–3.58 mg/mg dry weight). The total carbohydrate level was significantly higher in pre‐pupae (47.41 μg/mg) compared to larvae (22.80 μg/mg) and developing pupae (21.48 μg/mg). The highest level of trehalose was detected in winter diapausing pupae, and no trehalose was found in larvae or developing pupae. Levels of glycogen were highest in pre‐pupae and lowest in diapausing pupae. Levels of total carbohydrate decreased as diapause proceeded, and no significant changes were found in trehalose levels for diapausing pupae under natural conditions or treated for 60–90 days at 5°C. Pupae treated at 20°C for 60–90 days had significantly lower levels of trehalose than those treated for 30 days. Glycogen content was relatively stable at 5°C, but increased after treatment under natural conditions and 20°C for more than 60 days. These results suggest that the dynamics of water and carbohydrate levels are potential physiological diapause indicators, which show metabolic differences between trehalose and glycogen during diapause development.
Cost‐efficacy of biologic therapies for psoriatic arthritis from the perspective of the Taiwanese healthcare system
Authors: Yang Tsong‐Shing , Chi Ching‐Chi , Wang Shu‐Hui , Lin Jing‐Chi , Lin Ko‐Ming
Published: September 2015

Background

Biologic therapies are more effective but more costly than conventional therapies in treating psoriatic arthritis.

Objectives

To evaluate the cost‐efficacy of etanercept, adalimumab and golimumab therapies in treating active psoriatic arthritis in a Taiwanese setting.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials to calculate the incremental efficacy of etanercept, adalimumab and golimumab, respectively, in achieving Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria (PsARC) and a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology score (ACR20). The base, best, and worst case incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for one subject to achieve PsARC and ACR20 were calculated.

Results

The annual ICER per PsARC responder were US$27 047 (best scenario US$16 619; worst scenario US$31 350), US$39 339 (best scenario US$31 846; worst scenario US$53 501) and US$27 085 (best scenario US$22 716; worst scenario US$33 534) for etanercept, adalimumab and golimumab, respectively. The annual ICER per ACR20 responder were US$27 588 (best scenario US$20 900; worst scenario US$41 800), US$39 339 (best scenario US$25 236; worst scenario US$83 595) and US$33 534 (best scenario US$27 616; worst scenario US$44 013) for etanercept, adalimumab and golimumab, respectively.

Conclusions

In a Taiwanese setting, etanercept had the lowest annual costs per PsARC and ACR20 responder, while adalimumab had the highest annual costs per PsARC and ACR responder.
The importance of assessment and management of morning stiffness in Asian patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Recommendations from an expert panel
Authors: Mok Chi Chiu , Cha Hoon Suk , Hidayat Rudy , Nguyen Lan Thi Ngoc , Perez Emmanuel C. , Ramachandran Raveendran , Tsay Gregory J. , Yoo Dae Hyun ,   the Asia Pacific Morning Stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis Expert Panel
Published: September 2015

Objective

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), morning stiffness is linked more to functional disability and pain than disease activity, as assessed by joint counts and markers of inflammation. As part of the Asia Pacific Morning Stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis Expert Panel, a group of eight rheumatologists met to formulate consensus points and develop recommendations for the assessment and management of morning stiffness in RA.

Methods

On the basis of a systematic literature review and expert opinion, a panel of Asian rheumatologists formulated recommendations for the assessment and medical treatment of RA.

Results

The panel agreed upon 10 consensus statements on morning stiffness, its assessment and treatment. Specifically, the panel recommended that morning stiffness, pain and impaired morning function should be routinely assessed in clinical practice. Although there are currently no validated tools for these parameters, they should be assessed as part of the patients' reported outcomes in RA. The panel also agreed on the benefits of low‐dose glucocorticoids in RA, particularly for the improvement of morning stiffness.

Conclusions

These recommendations serve to guide rheumatologists and other stakeholders on the assessment and management of morning stiffness, and help implement the treat‐to‐target principle in the management of RA.
Study of the early management of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Nesvaderani Maryam , Eslick Guy D. , Faraj Shadi , Vagg Daniel , Cox Michael R.
Published: September 2015

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute surgical presentation with evidence‐based guidelines for early management. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance to the published guidelines in patients presenting with AP in Western Sydney.

Methods

A retrospective case note audit was conducted for all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AP from 2008 to 2011 in Western Sydney.

Results

There were 932 patients. The mortality was low for mild (0.7%) and severe (1.2%) AP. There was an under‐utilization of ultrasound (U/S) with 239 (25.6%) patients not having a U/S. There was an over‐utilization of early (within 72 h) computed tomography scanning for diagnosis (31.1%), assessment of severity (16.1%) and assessment for the presence of complications (7.3%). Inappropriate prophylactic antibiotic usage occurred in 15.3% patients. Of 373 cases of gallstone pancreatitis, only 231 (69.1%) had a cholecystectomy within 4 weeks of presentation. There was an under‐utilization of early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for associated cholangitis (12.5%). Only 16 (18.8%) patients with severe pancreatitis received enteric feeding. In patients with pancreatic necrosis, 50% had invasive intervention delayed beyond 4 weeks and 69% had minimally invasive procedures performed prior to necrosectomy. Patients having a minimally invasive procedure initially showed an improvement in mortality compared with those who had primary necrosectomy (0 versus 40%, P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Although morbidity and mortality were acceptable, there was a failure to comply with evidence‐based guidelines for the early management of pancreatitis. The results support for the development and auditing of protocols for the early assessment and treatment of AP in all hospitals.
Implementation of psychiatric‐focused lifestyle medicine programs in Asia
Authors: Sarris Jerome , Nishi Daisuke , Xiang Yu‐Tao , Su Kuan‐Pin , Bannatyne Amy , Oliver Georgina , Kua Ee‐Heok , Ng Chee Hong
Published: September 2015

Lifestyle‐focused health programs are growing in interest throughout Western society, and a range of lifestyle factors are known to enhance both physical and mental health. However, it remains largely unknown as to whether this approach is salient for the Asian context. The major components of integrative lifestyle‐focused health programs to enhance mental and physical health are considered to include the evidence‐based adoption of physical activity and exercise, dietary modification, general psychoeducation, adequate relaxation/sleep and social interaction, use of mindfulness techniques, the reduction of substance use, attention of intersecting environmental factors, and the potential use of motivation and goal‐setting techniques. This paper outlines an overview of the evidence underpinning these elements, and discusses potential barriers and challenges, and what logistical considerations may need to be addressed in the implementation of such programs within the context of Asian cultures.
Living together in student accommodation: performances, boundaries and homemaking
Authors: Holton Mark
Published: September 2015

Recent discussions of the geographies of students have drawn attention to the trajectories of UK students electing to leave home for university. While such debates recognise these important mobilities, little has been discussed as to how students interact within their term‐time accommodation. Through a qualitative study of the living arrangements of UK students, this paper will demonstrate that much can be drawn from focusing on the micro‐geographies of non‐local students within their term‐time homes. Student accommodation is more than simply somewhere to live. Student homes are intensely dynamic places, perhaps more so than family homes as they contain multiple, disconnected identities. This research contributes to research on the geographies of the home by unpacking how house‐sharers in transition interact with each other, how they transfer their identities from one home to another, how they delineate their territory and whether they integrate or withdraw within their term‐time accommodation. This paper addresses this by exploring (1) how students negotiate their habitualised behaviours in shared spaces and (2) how these behaviours become spatialised through the configuration and maintenance of boundaries.
PenPC: A Two-Step Approach to Estimate the Skeletons of High-Dimensional Directed Acyclic Graphs
Authors: Ha Min Jin , Sun Wei , Xie Jichun
Published: September 2015

Estimation of the skeleton of a directed acyclic graph (DAG) is of great importance for understanding the underlying DAG and causal effects can be assessed from the skeleton when the DAG is not identifiable. We propose a novel method named PenPC to estimate the skeleton of a high-dimensional DAG by a two-step approach. We first estimate the nonzero entries of a concentration matrix using penalized regression, and then fix the difference between the concentration matrix and the skeleton by evaluating a set of conditional independence hypotheses. For high-dimensional problems where the number of vertices p is in polynomial or exponential scale of sample size n, we study the asymptotic property of PenPC on two types of graphs: traditional random graphs where all the vertices have the same expected number of neighbors, and scale-free graphs where a few vertices may have a large number of neighbors. As illustrated by extensive simulations and applications on gene expression data of cancer patients, PenPC has higher sensitivity and specificity than the state-of-the-art method, the PC-stable algorithm.
High construal level can help negotiators to reach integrative agreements: The role of information exchange and judgement accuracy
Authors: Wening Stefanie , Keith Nina , Abele Andrea E.
Published: September 2015

In negotiations, a focus on interests (why negotiators want something) is key to integrative agreements. Yet, many negotiators spontaneously focus on positions (what they want), with suboptimal outcomes. Our research applies construal‐level theory to negotiations and proposes that a high construal level instigates a focus on interests during negotiations which, in turn, positively affects outcomes. In particular, we tested the notion that the effect of construal level on outcomes was mediated by information exchange and judgement accuracy. Finally, we expected the mere mode of presentation of task material to affect construal levels and manipulated construal levels using concrete versus abstract negotiation tasks. In two experiments, participants negotiated in dyads in either a high‐ or low‐construal‐level condition. In Study 1, high‐construal‐level dyads outperformed dyads in the low‐construal‐level condition; this main effect was mediated by information exchange. Study 2 replicated both the main and mediation effects using judgement accuracy as mediator and additionally yielded a positive effect of a high construal level on a second, more complex negotiation task. These results not only provide empirical evidence for the theoretically proposed link between construal levels and negotiation outcomes but also shed light on the processes underlying this effect.
Brain‐volume changes in young and middle‐aged smokers: a DARTEL‐based voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Peng Peng , Wang Zhenchang , Jiang Tao , Chu Shuilian , Wang Shuangkun , Xiao Dan
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Many studies have reported brain volume changes in smokers. However, the volume differences of grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in young and middle‐aged male smokers with different lifetime tobacco consumption (pack‐years) remain uncertain.

Objectives

To examine the brain volume change, especially whether more pack‐years smoking would be associated with smaller gray matter and white matter volume in young and middle‐aged male smokers.

Methods

We used a 3T MR scanner and performed Diffeomorphic anatomical registration through exponentiated lie algebra (DARTEL)‐based voxel‐based morphometry on 53 long‐term male smokers (30.72 ± 4.19 years) and 53 male healthy non‐smokers (30.83 ± 5.18 years). We separated smokers to light and heavy smokers by pack‐years and compared brain volume between different smoker groups and non‐smokers. And then we did analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) between smokers and non‐smokers by setting pack‐years as covariates.

Results

Light and heavy smokers all displayed smaller GM and WM volume than non‐smokers and more obviously in heavy smokers. The main smaller areas in light and heavy smokers were superior temporal gyrus, insula, middle occipital gyrus, posterior cingulate, precuneus in GM and posterior cingulate, thalamus and midbrain in WM, in addition, we also observed more pack‐years smoking was associated with some certain smaller GM and WM volumes by ANCOVA.

Conclusion

Young and middle‐aged male smokers had many smaller brain areas than non‐smokers. Some of these areas' volume had negative correlation with pack‐years, while some had not. These may due to different pathophysiological role of smokings.
Clinical benefits and impact of early use of long‐acting injectable antipsychotics for schizophrenia
Authors: Stevens Georgia L. , Dawson Gail , Zummo Jacqueline
Published: September 2015

Aim

Results from clinical trials support the use of oral antipsychotics for treatment of early or first‐episode psychosis in patients with schizophrenia. This paper will review literature on the advantages of early initiation of treatment for schizophrenia and the clinical benefits of early use of long‐acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs).

Method

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify published literature on the use of LAIs early in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Results

Although there is a higher response rate to initial antipsychotic treatment for a first‐episode of schizophrenia than with subsequent antipsychotic treatment, we have not effectively addressed this issue. Poor adherence to treatment is a primary cause of relapse and rehospitalization in subsequent years and was associated with higher relapse rates resulting in devastating effects and substantial economic burden. The costs of nonadherence were estimated to be $1.48 billion. Thus, a major challenge with the treatment of schizophrenia is changing poor adherence to persistence with antipsychotic therapy. LAIs are known to be at least as effective as oral antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia, and yet are underutilized. Further, LAIs address many of the problems associated with adherence to oral therapy. Recent evidence suggests that LAIs are effective for treating first‐episode psychosis and for early initiation of treatment for schizophrenia.

Conclusion

Although consistent antipsychotic treatment represents a critical part of treatment, a person‐centred approach to treating schizophrenia is essential for all aspects of care, including establishing and maintaining a therapeutic alliance, strengthening shared decision‐making and adherence, and achieving long‐lasting recovery.
Clinical significance of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive Mac‐2‐binding protein level and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein concentration in autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Iwata Yoshinori , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Takata Ryo , Nishimura Takashi , Yoh Kazunori , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: September 2015

Aim

We aimed to examine the relationship between the Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive Mac‐2‐binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) level and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hCRP) concentration and liver histological findings for patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Methods

A total of 84 AIH patients (median age, 64 years) were analyzed. We examined the effect of pretreatment WFA+‐M2BP level and hCRP concentration on histological findings of liver fibrosis and liver inflammation activity comparing with other laboratory markers. Receiver–operator curve (ROC) analysis was performed for calculating the area under the ROC (AUROC).

Results

The median WFA+‐M2BP values in each fibrosis stage were: 1.5 cut‐off index (COI) in F1, 2.1 in F2, 3.3 in F3 and 9.8 in F4 (P < 0.001). The median WFA+‐M2BP values in each liver inflammation stage were: 1.6 COI in A1, 2.5 in A2 and 5.4 in A3 (P < 0.001). For predicting liver cirrhosis (F4), WFA+‐M2BP yielded the highest AUROC (0.853). For predicting advanced liver fibrosis (F3 or F4), WFA+‐M2BP, FIB‐4 index and hyaluronic acid yielded the highest AUROC (0.747). For predicting severe liver inflammation activity (A3), WFA+‐M2BP yielded the highest AUROC (0.739). The hCRP concentration in patients with A3 (median, 2230 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that in patients with A1 or A2 (median, 854.5 ng/mL) (P < 0.01). WFA+‐M2BP level significantly correlated with hCRP concentration (rs = 0.461, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

WFA+‐M2BP can be a useful marker for assessing liver histological findings in AIH patients and it correlated well with hCRP concentration.
Low Temperature Carbothermal Reduction Synthesis of ZrC Nanofibers via Cyclized Electrospun PVP/Zr(OPr)4 Hybrid
Authors: Ghelich Raziyeh , Mehdinavaz Aghdam Rouhollah , Torknik Fatemeh Sadat , Jahannama Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2015

The fabrication capability of zirconium carbide (ZrC) nanofibers by a novel polymeric solution was examined using electrospinning method. The electrospinnable solution was prepared from the reaction of zirconium n‐propoxide (Zr(OPr)4) with acetylacetone and acetic acid followed by the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution. By utilizing thermal and microstructural analyses such as differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetry (DSC–TG), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), the effect of heat treatment type on the morphology and crystallinity of as‐spun PVP/Zr(OPr)4 hybrid fibers was examined. The results showed that direct carbonization treatment of as‐spun fibers under argon atmosphere led to spherical ZrC aggregates in lack of fibrillar morphology, whereas carbonization coupled with cyclization could be recognized as the unique template to govern the morphology and crystallinity of ZrC nanofibers. Carbonization of the cyclized fibers at 1550°C in flowing argon atmosphere produced the thick, fragmented rosary‐like fibers with a diameter of 357 nm, while through a 100°C decrease in carbonization temperature to 1450°C, the thin, smooth, long, and uniform ZrC nanofibers with 176 nm diameter and a medium surface area of 23 m2/g were obtained.
Effect of Milling Time on the Microstructure and Thermoelectric Properties of P‐type TAGS‐90 Alloys by HEM and SPS
Authors: Kim Hyo‐Seob , Madavali Babu , Hong Soon‐Jik , Kim Taek‐Soo
Published: September 2015

In this study, p‐type TAGS‐90 powders were fabricated using high‐energy milling (HEM), subsequently sintered by spark plasma sintering (SPS). And then, the effects of milling time on the microstructure, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties were investigated. The powders were quickly decreased to fine particles of ~1 μm in size and uniformly agglomerated with the increasing of milling time. XRD results indicated that all milled powders and SPSed samples showed single GeTe phase. Also, EDX results showed almost no contamination and exact composition after milling. The maximum figure of merit, ZT = 1.08, was obtained for 30‐min‐milled sample at 723 K.
Neurothrombectomy Trial Results: Stroke Systems, Not Just Devices, Make the Difference
Authors: Mocco J. , Fargen Kyle M. , Goyal Mayank , Levy Elad I. , Mitchell Peter J. , Campbell Bruce C. V. , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Dippel Diederik W. J. , Khatri Pooja , Hill Michael D. , Saver Jeffery L.
Published: September 2015

The overwhelming benefit demonstrated in the four recent randomized trials comparing intra-arterial therapies to medical management alone will have a transformative effect on the emergent management of strokes throughout the world. New generation neurothrombectomy devices were critical to trial success, but not the sole driver of patient outcomes in these trials. Patients in the positive trials were treated at hospitals with complex, efficient, resource-rich, team-based stroke systems in place. To ensure attainment of trial results in actual practice, patients should receive treatment at facilities certified as having the resources, personnel, organization, and continuous quality improvement processes characteristic of trial centers. It is our hope that, through greater education initiatives, robust resource investment, and developing quality-based certification processes, the results demonstrated by these trials may be extrapolated to greater numbers of centers – in turn allowing greater access for patients to high-quality, advanced stroke care.
Nesting success of native and introduced forest birds on the island of Kaua‘i
Authors: Hammond Ruby L. , Crampton Lisa H. , Foster Jeffrey T.
Published: September 2015

Forests of the Hawaiian archipelago are a global hotspot for conserving avian diversity and contain among the world's most imperiled species. Demographic studies are necessary to determine primary causes of Hawaiian forest bird population declines. We conducted research on the nesting success of multiple bird families on the island of Kaua‘i, allowing us to investigate the importance of factors related to breeding biology on forest bird declines at a community scale. Our study included two Hawaiian honeycreepers, ‘anianiauMagumma parvaand ‘apapaneHimatione sanguinea, a native monarch flycatcher, Kaua‘i ‘elepaioChasiempis sclateri, and one introduced species, Japanese white‐eyeZosterops japonicus. Data from 123 nests showed that nesting success ± SE, estimated using program MARK, was low for ‘apapane (0.23 ± 0.10), but did not vary substantially among our other study species (‘anianiau = 0.56 ± 0.09, Kaua‘i ‘elepaio = 0.63 ± 0.08, Japanese white‐eye = 0.52 ± 0.11). Causes of nest loss for 51 nest failures included nest predation (43%), unknown (25%), empty after termination with no signs of nest predation (e.g. eggshell or chick remains in nest, disheveled nest) (24%), and abandoned clutch or brood (4% each). Kaua‘i ‘elepaio suffered more than twice as many nest losses to predation compared to our other study species, but also had the highest nesting success; and, ‘apapane suffered least to nest predation, but had the lowest nesting success. Further, rates of nesting success derived in our study were relatively high compared to multi‐species studies in mainland tropics. Therefore, although nest predation accounted for the greatest proportion of nest failures, it may not be a cause of forest bird population declines in our system. We suggest that future demographic studies focus on post‐fledgling, juvenile, and adult survival, in addition to the importance of double‐brooding and renesting attempts on annual reproductive success.
Examining the Ecology of Commodity Trade Networks Using an Ecological Information‐Based Approach: Toward Strategic Assessment of Resilience
Authors: Kharrazi Ali , Kraines Steven , Rovenskaya Elena , Avtar Ram , Iwata Shuichi , Yarime Masaru
Published: September 2015

Commodity trade networks exhibit certain patterns in the configuration of material flows that are similar to natural ecological networks. This article develops and explores an ecological information‐based approach to examine the ecology of commodity trade networks. We demonstrate that commodity trade networks show a pattern of commonality when viewed through the introduced ecological information‐based metrics. Specifically, we show how the network metrics of effective connectivity and effective number of roles can convey boundaries where commodity trade networks are robust. Further, the temporal trends of these metrics suggest the existence of multiple basins of attractions and provide clues on the dynamics of resilience of these networks over time.
Localisation of 11β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 in Mineralocorticoid Receptor Expressing Magnocellular Neurosecretory Neurones of the Rat Supraoptic and Paraventricular Nuclei
Authors: Haque M. , Wilson R. , Sharma K. , Mills N. J. , Teruyama R.
Published: September 2015

An accumulating body of evidence suggests that the activity of the mineralocorticoid, aldosterone, in the brain via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. MR was recently found in vasopressin and oxytocin synthesising magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) in both the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei in the hypothalamus. Considering the physiological effects of these hormones, MR in these neurones may be an important site mediating the action of aldosterone in blood pressure regulation within the brain. However, aldosterone activation of MR in the hypothalamus remains controversial as a result of the high binding affinity of glucocorticoids to MR at substantially higher concentrations compared to aldosterone. In aldosterone‐sensitive epithelia, the enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β‐HSD2) prevents glucocorticoids from binding to MR by converting glucocorticoids into inactive metabolites. The present study aimed to determine whether 11β‐HSD2, which increases aldosterone selectivity, is expressed in MNCs. Specific 11β‐HSD2 immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm of the MNCs in both the SON and PVN. In addition, double‐fluorescence confocal microscopy demonstrated that MR‐immunoreactivity and 11β‐HSD2‐in situ hybridised products are colocalised in MNCs. Lastly, single‐cell reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction detected MR and 11β‐HSD2 mRNAs from cDNA libraries derived from single identified MNCs. These findings strongly suggest that MNCs in the SON and PVN are aldosterone‐sensitive neurones.
Best practices for digitally constructing endocranial casts: examples from birds and their dinosaurian relatives
Authors: Balanoff Amy M. , Bever G. S. , Colbert Matthew W. , Clarke Julia A. , Field Daniel J. , Gignac Paul M. , Ksepka Daniel T. , Ridgely Ryan C. , Smith N. Adam , Torres Christopher R. , Walsh Stig , Witmer Lawrence M.
Published: September 2015

The rapidly expanding interest in, and availability of, digital tomography data to visualize casts of the vertebrate endocranial cavity housing the brain (endocasts) presents new opportunities and challenges to the field of comparative neuroanatomy. The opportunities are many, ranging from the relatively rapid acquisition of data to the unprecedented ability to integrate critically important fossil taxa. The challenges consist of navigating the logistical barriers that often separate a researcher from high‐quality data and minimizing the amount of non‐biological variation expressed in endocasts – variation that may confound meaningful and synthetic results. Our purpose here is to outline preferred approaches for acquiring digital tomographic data, converting those data to an endocast, and making those endocasts as meaningful as possible when considered in a comparative context. This review is intended to benefit those just getting started in the field but also serves to initiate further discussion between active endocast researchers regarding the best practices for advancing the discipline. Congruent with the theme of this volume, we draw our examples from birds and the highly encephalized non‐avian dinosaurs that comprise closely related outgroups along their phylogenetic stem lineage.
A qualitative study of key stakeholders’ perspectives on compassion in healthcare and the development of a framework for compassionate interpersonal relations
Authors: Kneafsey Rosie , Brown Sarah , Sein Kim , Chamley Carol , Parsons Joanne
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

To report findings from a qualitative study of key stakeholders’ perspectives on ‘compassion’ in the health care context. To present the ‘Framework for Compassionate Interpersonal Relations’.

Background

Although many research articles, health policies and health care strategies identify compassion as an underpinning value and key component of health care quality, identifying a unified definition of compassion is challenging. For Higher Education Institutions implementing ‘values‐based’ recruitment processes, a clearer understanding of this core concept is vital.

Design

Exploratory, qualitative design.

Methods

Academic staff, health care students, clinicians and service users (n = 45), participated in nine focus groups where they were asked to define compassion in the context of health care. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four overarching themes were drawn from the data. The first theme centred on the participants’ definitions of compassion, while the second identified compassionate behaviours. The third theme related to the barriers and threats to compassionate practice and the fourth, focused on ways to support compassion in practice. Participants believed that the health care staff should be ‘consistently compassionate’, and were emphatic that compassion should not be substituted with a ‘care without engagement’ approach.

Conclusions

The findings concur with other research, which identifies the link between compassion and empathy and the importance of establishing meaningful connections with others. While participants in this study recognised the pressures of health care work and accepted that the expectation of ‘consistent compassion’ was not necessarily realistic, it was still seen as an important goal.

Relevance to clinical practice

Participants held clear expectations regarding practitioners’ communication skills and used these as a proxy for compassionate practice. The ‘Framework for Compassionate Inter‐personal Relations’ may be used to promote reflection on the implementation of compassionate practice. It may also be used to highlight areas of focus when conducting values‐based recruitment activities.