bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IFRS adoption challenges in developing economies: an Indian perspective
Authors: Sharma Sharad , Joshi Mahesh , Kansal Monika
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine the perceptions of accounting practitioners and users about implementation challenges with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) at the pre-implementation stage. Under institutional pressures, India conveyed its decision to implement IFRS beginning 1 April 2016, despite initial reluctance to adopt IFRS. It specifically explores the responses of accounting professionals (preparers) and the banking industry professionals (users) in India to challenges in IFRS implementation, rather than more widely researched dimensions of IFRS implementation such as reasons for adoption, experience effects and diversity in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a questionnaire survey that provided 192 responses from accounting practitioners and banking professionals working in India.

Findings

The findings convey IFRS implementation preparedness perceptions of participants with respect to education, training and information technology (IT) infrastructure. Respondents acknowledged the efforts and capability of the accounting body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, but expressed reservations about training, cost, interpretation, IT infrastructure and staffing. The accounting practitioners and the users have similar perspectives on the subject of awareness and preparedness challenges of IFRS implementation.

Practical implications

The study heightens awareness of the challenges facing jurisdictions who express initial reluctance, although they ultimately decide to adopt IFRS on account of institutional pressures. The analysis suggests that the International Accounting Standards Board should increase focus on implementation issues, in addition to updating and making IFRSs.

Originality/value

The study is distinct from the studies in abundance on the creation of accounting standards, implementation benefits and their implication in a specific geography.
Perceptions, predictors and consequences of whistleblowing among accounting employees in Barbados
Authors: Alleyne Philmore , Charles-Soverall Wayne , Broome Tracey , Pierce Amanda
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Whistleblowing has been receiving increased attention and support in recent times as a means of detecting and correcting wrongdoing in organizations. This study aims to examine perceptions, attitudes and consequences (actions and reactions) of whistleblowing, as well as the predictors of internal and external whistleblowing intentions, by using Graham’s (1986) model of principled organizational dissent in a small emerging and collectivist culture like Barbados.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a self-administered survey of 282 accounting employees working in organizations in Barbados.

Findings

Results reveal that there is little awareness of whistleblowing legislation. Most respondents perceive whistleblowing as ethical and favor internal over external whistleblowing. Findings show that personal responsibility and personal costs significantly influence internal whistleblowing intentions, while personal costs influence external whistleblowing. Using qualitative data, several themes emerged as influencing whistleblowing: perceived benefits of whistleblowing, actual whistleblowing experiences (handling of reports), personal costs (climate of fear and hostility), perceived lack of anonymity and cultural norms.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should control for social desirability bias and use more rigorous qualitative approaches such as face-to-face interviews and focus groups to gain in-depth opinions and feelings on the topic.

Practical implications

Whistleblowing can be achieved through such mechanisms as perceived organizational support, strong ethical codes of conduct, rewarding ethical behavior and promoting sound work ethics in organizations.

Originality/value

This paper explores whistleblowing in an emerging economy where there has been little research on the topic. Thus, this study supplements the existing research in emerging economies by examining the applicability of Graham’s (1986) model of principled organizational dissent.
The role of organizational culture in the adoption of customer profitability analysis: a field study
Authors: Fish Matthew , Miller William , Becker D’Arcy , Pernsteiner Aimee
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of organizational culture as a company migrates through a four-stage model for designing a performance measurement system (PMS) focused on customer profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a single-site phenomenological case study, at Growth Spurt Marine Accessories (Growth Spurt), a manufacturing organization headquartered in the USA. Data were collected over a two-year period through interviews with accounting staff, internal company documents and recording observational notes.

Findings

The paper identifies three major factors that prevented Growth Spurt from transitioning its customer profitability analysis (CPA) reporting package through Kaplan and Cooper’s four-stage model of PMS design: executives exerting their power and spending political capital to prevent implementation without providing rationale, executives believing that the allocation methods were too subjective and executives relying on their own intuition in analyzing customer profitability rather than relying on data. These factors suggest that organizational culture plays an important role in migrating a customer-focused profitability PMS through Kaplan and Cooper’s four-stage model of PMS system design.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that a PMS focused on customer profitability that does not advance beyond Stage II (financial reporting-driven) may still suit the needs of an organization. Additionally, managers should advocate for a multidisciplinary PMS design and implementation team to minimize potentially adverse effects of organizational culture.

Originality/value

This paper is unique because it applies Kaplan and Cooper’s four-stage model for PMS design to CPA and it uses a phenomenological case approach to explore impediments to a comprehensive CPA implementation.
Long‐term species loss and homogenization of moth communities in Central Europe
Authors: Valtonen Anu , Hirka Anikó , Szőcs Levente , Ayres Matthew P. , Roininen Heikki , Csóka György
Published: April 2017

As global biodiversity continues to decline steeply, it is becoming increasingly important to understand diversity patterns at local and regional scales.

Changes in land use and climate, nitrogen deposition and invasive species are the most important threats to global biodiversity. Because land use changes tend to benefit a few species but impede many, the expected outcome is generally decreasing population sizes, decreasing species richness at local and regional scales, and increasing similarity of species compositions across sites (biotic homogenization). Homogenization can be also driven by invasive species or effects of soil eutrophication propagating to higher trophic levels. In contrast, in the absence of increasing aridity, climate warming is predicted to generally increase abundances and species richness of poikilotherms at local and regional scales.

We tested these predictions with data from one of the few existing monitoring programmes on biodiversity in the world dating to the 1960s, where the abundance of 878 species of macro‐moths have been measured daily at seven sites across Hungary.

Our analyses revealed a dramatic rate of regional species loss and homogenization of community compositions across sites. Species with restricted distribution range, specialized diet or dry grassland habitat were more likely than others to disappear from the community.

In global context, the contrasting effects of climate change and land use changes could explain why the predicted enriching effects from climate warming are not always realized.
Core outcome sets in women's and newborn health: a systematic review
Authors: Duffy JMN , Rolph R , Gale C , Hirsch M , Khan KS , Ziebland S , McManus RJ ,   On behalf of the International Collaboration to Harmonise Outcomes in Pre‐eclampsia (iHOPE)
Published: April 2017

Background

Variation in outcome collection and reporting is a serious hindrance to progress in our specialty; therefore, over 80 journals have come together to support the development, dissemination, and implementation of core outcome sets.

Objective

This study systematically reviewed and characterised registered, progressing, or completed core outcome sets relevant to women's and newborn health.

Search strategy

Systematic search using the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trial initiative and the Core Outcomes in Women's and Newborn Health initiative databases.

Selection criteria

Registry entries, protocols, systematic reviews, and core outcome sets.

Data collection and analysis

Descriptive statistics to describe characteristics and results.

Results

There were 49 core outcome sets registered in maternal and newborn health, with the majority registered in 2015 (n = 22; 48%) or 2016 (n = 16; 32%). Benign gynaecology (n = 8; 16%) and newborn health (n = 3; 6%) are currently under‐represented. Twenty‐four (52%) core outcome sets were funded by international (n = 1; <1%), national (n = 18; 38%), and regional (n = 4; 8%) bodies. Seven protocols were published. Twenty systematic reviews have characterised the inconsistency in outcome reporting across a broad range of relevant healthcare conditions. Four core outcome sets were completed: reconstructive breast surgery (11 outcomes), preterm birth (13 outcomes), epilepsy in pregnancy (29 outcomes), and maternity care (48 outcomes). The quantitative, qualitative, and consensus methods used to develop core outcome sets varied considerably.

Conclusions

Core outcome sets are currently being developed across women's and newborn health, although coverage of topics is variable. Development of further infrastructure to develop, disseminate, and implement core outcome sets is urgently required.

Tweetable abstract

Forty‐nine women's and newborn core outcome sets registered. 50% funded. 7 protocols, 20 systematic reviews, and 4 core outcome sets published. @coreoutcomes @jamesmnduffy
Heroin‐related Deaths from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office from 2004 Through 2015
Authors: Love Sara A. , Lelinski Jessica , Kloss Julie , Middleton Owen , Apple Fred S.
Published: April 2017

Over the past two decades, prescription and illicit opioid use has led to changes in public health policy to address the increasing number of opioid‐related deaths. The purpose of this study was to review cases from Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office between 2004 through 2015 where heroin was listed as a significant contributor or as the cause of death. We identified 322 heroin‐related deaths, which were predominantly male (255; 79%). 6‐Monoacetylmorphine (6‐MAM) median (range) concentrations were as follows: blood (n = 7), 0.010 (0.006–0.078) mg/L; urine (n = 30), 0.359 (0.009–1.75) mg/L; and vitreous humor (n = 31), 0.034 (0.004–0.24) mg/L. Free morphine was measurable in 273 cases and the percent free morphine (range), when grouped by COD, was opioid (n = 124), 28% (2.2%–92%), and mixed drug toxicity (n = 135), 35.3% (1.5%–100%); (p < 0.01). Quantitation of 6‐MAM in blood and vitreous humor, along with a free to total morphine ratio >26%, was useful in establishing heroin‐related deaths.
Serum levels of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein reflect the severity of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Fujiyama Takashi , Ito Tetsuhide , Ueda Keijiro , Tachibana Yuichi , Yasunaga Kohei , Miki Masami , Takaoka Takehiro , Lee Lingaku , Kawabe Ken , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the utility of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA
+‐M2BP) level as a marker for chronic pancreatitis (CP).

METHODS

We measured the serum WFA+‐M2BP level of 74 patients with CP who had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and 30 normal controls (NC) using a glycan sugar chain‐based immunoassay and investigated the relationship between serum WFA+‐M2BP levels and the Cambridge classification of CP.

RESULTS

Serum WFA+‐M2BP level was significantly higher in patients with CP than in NC (0.64 ± 0.28 vs 0.34 ± 0.25, P < 0.001). The levels (expressed as cut‐off index) of WFA+‐M2BP for the classification of mild, moderate and marked CP were 0.44, 0.63 and 0.87, respectively. Thus, serum WFA+‐M2BP levels increased with increasing CP severity. With a cut‐off value of 0.34, 0.59 and 0.61, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity and specificity were 0.829, 91.9% and 63.3% for mild CP; 0.891, 81.8% and 85.0% for moderate CP; and 0.888, 92.0% and 74.7% for marked CP, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated serum WFA+‐M2BP was independently associated with moderate and marked CP, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Serum WFA+‐M2BP level is a useful marker for grading CP severity.
The relation between skin conductance responses and recovery from symptoms of PTSD
Authors: Günther A. , Sackey P. , Bjärtå A. , Schandl A.
Published: April 2017

Background

The purpose was to investigate if potentially stressful reminders of the intensive care unit (ICU) stay influenced variability in transient skin conductance responses, and whether such changes were associated with post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and development of symptoms over time.

Methods

Thirty patients with an ICU length of stay > 48 h were included in the study. Within the week after ICU discharge (T1), patients were exposed to authentic ICU sound and questions regarding traumatic ICU memories while skin conductance reactivity was monitored. PTSS was assessed using PTSS‐10 at T1 and again 3 months later (T2). Changes in number of skin conductance fluctuations per second (NSCF) between baseline and during the cueing conditions and in relation to PTSS scores (T1) were investigated. PTSS scores at T2 and changes between T1 and T2 (PTSS‐CS) were used to investigate if reactivity in NSCF could predict symptoms of PTSD.

Results

The results showed increases in NSCF during both situational and verbal cueing, compared to baseline. However, no relation to PTSS scores was indicated. Negative correlations between NSCF during situational cueing and both PTSS‐T2 and PTSS‐CS were found among women, but not among men.

Conclusion

A low variability, or reactivity in skin conductance responses to situational cues could imply a risk of developing, or not being able to recover from, symptoms of PTSD in women. As such, the measurement could be used to predict this risk in women. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate this area of application.
Surgery versus conservative management of endometriomas in subfertile women. A systematic review
Authors: Brink Laursen Jacob , Schroll Jeppe B. , Macklon Kirsten T. , Rudnicki Martin
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Endometriomas are present in up to 44% of all women with endometriosis and have a detrimental effect on fertility. However, it is controversial whether endometriomas should be surgically removed before assisted reproduction technology. Our purpose was to evaluate whether surgical stripping of endometriomas in subfertile women improves the chance of a live birth. Secondary outcomes were impact on ovarian reserve and pain.

Material and methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis with results reported in accordance to the PRISMA guidelines. A summary of findings table was developed using GRADE. We searched Medline and Embase. Two reviewers performed the screening.

Results

Of 686 manuscripts, we included one randomized controlled trial and nine retrospective cohort studies, mostly of low quality. The odds ratio for live birth after surgery [compared with conservative management before in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)] was 0.87 (95% CI 0.64–1.18, six studies, I2 = 3%; ⨁◯◯◯, VERY LOW quality). The mean difference of antral follicle count was −2.09 (95% CI −4.84 to 0.67, four studies). No difference was observed regarding antral follicle count between the two groups (MD −2.09, 95% CI −4.84 to 0.67, four studies, ⨁◯◯◯, VERY LOW quality). Pain outcome was not reported in the included studies.

Conclusion

The very low quality evidence suggests no difference in odds ratio of live birth between women who underwent surgery for endometriomas before IVF/ICSI compared with conservative management. Further high quality studies are needed, but due to a lack of convincing evidence favoring surgery, we recommend considering conservative treatment if the only indication is subfertility.
Cognitive profiles in euthymic patients with bipolar disorders: results from the FACE‐BD cohort
Authors: Roux Paul , Raust Aurélie , Cannavo Anne Sophie , Aubin Valérie , Aouizerate Bruno , Azorin Jean‐Michel , Bellivier Frank , Belzeaux Raoul , Bougerol Thierry , Cussac Iréna , Courtet Philippe , Etain Bruno , Gard Sébastien , Job Sophie , Kahn Jean‐Pierre , Leboyer Marion , Olié Emilie ,   The FondaMental Advanced Centers of Expertise in Bipolar Disorders (FACE‐BD) Collaborators, Henry Chantal , Passerieux Christine
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Although cognitive deficits are a well‐established feature of bipolar disorders (BD), even during periods of euthymia, little is known about cognitive phenotype heterogeneity among patients with BD.

Methods

We investigated neuropsychological performance in 258 euthymic patients with BD recruited via the French network of expert centers for BD. We used a test battery assessing six domains of cognition. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the cross‐sectional data was used to determine the optimal number of subgroups and to assign each patient to a specific cognitive cluster. Subsequently, subjects from each cluster were compared on demographic, clinical functioning, and pharmacological variables.

Results

A four‐cluster solution was identified. The global cognitive performance was above normal in one cluster and below normal in another. The other two clusters had a near‐normal cognitive performance, with above and below average verbal memory, respectively. Among the four clusters, significant differences were observed in estimated intelligence quotient and social functioning, which were lower for the low cognitive performers compared to the high cognitive performers.

Conclusions

These results confirm the existence of several distinct cognitive profiles in BD. Identification of these profiles may help to develop profile‐specific cognitive remediation programs, which might improve functioning in BD.
Review: Longitudinal trajectories of child and adolescent depressive symptoms and their predictors – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shore Lori , Toumbourou John W. , Lewis Andrew J. , Kremer Peter
Published: April 2017

Background

With depression predicted to contribute to an increased disease burden in coming decades, prevention efforts have become increasingly important. In order to prevent depression it is valuable to identify and classify longitudinal patterns of depressive symptoms across development, ideally beginning early in childhood. To achieve this, longitudinal studies are increasingly using person‐centered data‐analytic methods to model subgroups with similar developmental patterns (trajectories) of depressive symptoms.

Method

A search was completed for English language studies that longitudinally modeled depressive symptom trajectories in nonclinical populations with a baseline age of <19 years. Study characteristics were extracted, prevalence rates and risk factors were summarized, a random‐effect meta‐analysis was undertaken, and risk of bias analysis completed.

Results

Twenty studies published between 2002 and 2015 were included. Participants were recruited at ages 4 through 17 (average age 12.34) and followed longitudinally for an average of 7.45 years. Between 3 and 11 trajectory subgroups were identified. A random pooled effect estimate identified 56% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 46–65%] of the sampled study populations (N = 41,236) on ‘No or low’ depressive symptom trajectories and 26% (CI 14–40%) on a ‘Moderate’ trajectory. ‘High’, ‘Increasing’, and ‘Decreasing’ depressive symptom subgroups were evident for 12% (CI 8–17%). Moderate symptoms were associated with poorer adjustment and outcomes relative to low symptom groups. ‘High’ or ‘Increasing’ trajectories were predominantly predicted by: female gender, low socioeconomic status, higher stress reactivity; conduct issues; substance misuse, and problems in peer and parental relationships.

Conclusions

The review highlighted consistent evidence of subgroups of children and adolescents who differ in their depressive symptom development over time. The findings suggest preventative interventions should evaluate the longer term benefits of increasing membership in low and moderate trajectories, while also targeting reductions in high‐risk subgroups. Considerable between‐study method and measurement variation indicate the need for future trajectory studies to use standardized methods.
The effect of high‐dose vitamin D supplementation on muscular function and quality of life in postmenopausal women—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grimnes G. , Emaus N. , Cashman K.D. , Jorde R.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Observational studies have suggested positive associations between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and muscular strength, balance and quality of life. Our aim was to examine whether high‐dose vitamin D supplementation would improve these measures as compared to standard‐dose vitamin D, as well as the possible muscular effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding vitamin D‐related enzymes.

Design

A 12‐month randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial where the participants received daily elemental calcium (1000 mg) plus vitamin D3 (800 IU). In addition, the participants were randomized to receive either capsules with vitamin D3 (20 000 IU) or matching placebos to be taken twice a week.

Patients

A total of 297 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Measurements

Muscle strength (handgrip and knee extensor strength), balance (tandem test) and quality of life (EQ‐5D) were measured at baseline and after 12 months. The subjects were genotyped for SNPs related to vitamin D metabolism.

Results

Of the 297 included women, 275 completed the study. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels dramatically increased in the high‐dose group (from 64.7 to 164.1 nmol/L; P<.01), while a more moderate increased was observed in the standard‐dose group (from 64.1 to 81.8 nmol/L; P<.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in change in muscular strength, balance or quality of life over the intervention period. Polymorphisms in rs3829251 (located in the 7‐dehydrocholesterol reductase gene) were associated with muscle strength and treatment effects.

Conclusion

One‐year treatment with high‐dose vitamin D had no effect on muscular strength, balance or quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis as compared to standard dose. The association between rs3829251 and muscle strength needs confirmation in other populations.
Intermediate‐term and long‐term outcome of piggyback drainage: connecting glaucoma drainage device to a device in‐situ for improved intraocular pressure control
Authors: Dervan Edward , Lee Edward , Giubilato Antonio , Khanam Tina , Maghsoudlou Panayiotis , Morgan William H
Published: April 2017

Importance

This study provides results of a treatment option for patients with failed primary glaucoma drainage device.

Background

The study aimed to describe and evaluate the long‐term intraocular pressure control and complications of a new technique joining a second glaucoma drainage device directly to an existing glaucoma drainage device termed ‘piggyback drainage’.

Design

This is a retrospective, interventional cohort study.

Participants

Eighteen eyes of 17 patients who underwent piggyback drainage between 2004 and 2013 inclusive have been studied. All patients had prior glaucoma drainage device with uncontrolled intraocular pressure.

Methods

The piggyback technique involved suturing a Baerveldt (250 or 350 mm) or Molteno3 glaucoma drainage device to an unused scleral quadrant and connecting the silicone tube to the primary plate bleb.

Main Outcome Measures

Failure of intraocular pressure control defined as an intraocular pressure greater than 21 mmHg on maximal therapy on two separate occasions or further intervention to control intraocular pressure.

Results

The intraocular pressure was controlled in seven eyes (39%) at last follow‐up with a mean follow‐up time of 74.2 months. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 27.1 mmHg (95% confidence interval 23.8–30.3) compared with 18.4 mmHg (95% confidence interval 13.9–22.8) at last follow‐up. The mean time to failure was 57.1 months (95% confidence interval 32.2–82), and the mean time to further surgery was 72.3 months (95% confidence interval 49.9–94.7). Lower preoperative intraocular pressure was associated with longer duration of intraocular pressure control (P = 0.048). If the intraocular pressure was controlled over 2 years, it continued to be controlled over the long term. Two eyes (11%) experienced corneal decompensation.

Conclusions

Piggyback drainage represents a viable surgical alternative for the treatment of patients with severe glaucoma with failing primary glaucoma drainage device, particularly in those at high risk of corneal decompensation.
Short‐term outcomes of small incision cataract surgery provided by a regional population in the Pacific
Authors: Bhikoo Riyaz , Vellara Hans , Lolokabaira Salome , Murray Neil , Sikivou Biu , McGhee Charles
Published: April 2017

Background

This study aims to describe patient demographics, visual and surgical outcomes of a cohort undergoing small incision cataract surgery at a Pacific regional ophthalmic training facility.

Design

This is a prospective, longitudinal study conducted at the Pacific Eye Institute, Fiji.

Participants

One hundred fifty‐six patients underwent small incision cataract surgery.

Methods

Preoperatively, a complete ophthalmic examination, including pachymetry and macular optical coherence tomography performed by two independent investigators. Temporal small incision cataract surgery with intraocular lens insertion was performed by ophthalmologists, and trainee ophthalmologists. Follow‐up occurred at day one, four weeks and 3 months.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient characteristics, visual outcomes including surgically induced astigmatism and complications.

Results

Ninety‐one per cent (142/156) attended 3‐month follow‐up with median age 63 years (range 19–82), 52% female (81/156) and 58% (90/156) Fijian ethnicity. In 37% (57/156), the contralateral eye was pseudophakic. Mean preoperative best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity was logMAR 1.44 (6/165). At 3 months, 74% (105/142) achieved ≥6/18 unaided vision (94% [133/142] best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity). Mean postoperative spherical equivalent was −0.78 (SD 0.95) D and mean surgically induced astigmatism 1.04 (0.57) D. Complications included posterior capsular rupture with vitreous loss (4% [6/156]), optical coherence tomography confirmed macular oedema (8% [12/152] at 4 weeks), significant posterior capsular opacity (23% [31/136]) and >5% increase in preoperative pachymetry (1% [1/142]) at 3 months. Reduction in preoperative best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity occurred in 2% (3/142). No cases of endophthalmitis.

Conclusion and relevance

Small incision cataract surgery provided to a regional population is effective with 94% achieving the World Health Organisation's definition of ‘Good Vision’ (≥6/18). Refinements in biometric and surgical techniques may allow a greater proportion of patients to achieve good unaided vision.
The hidden stressor of child welfare workers: client confidentiality as a barrier for coping with emotional work demands
Authors: Løvseth Lise Tevik
Published: April 2017

Studies show that client confidentiality can inhibit proper adaptation to emotional work stress, which can affect health and well‐being among help service professionals. There is a lack of knowledge on the link between confidentiality and symptoms of ill health. It is likely that confidentiality can be a hidden stressor that modifies coping strategies necessary for healthy adaptation to emotional work demands. The aim of the current paper was to investigate the influence of client confidentiality on different modes of coping among child welfare workers and possible variation according to proximity to clients and years of experience. The study included survey data among all child welfare workers (n = 142) situated at six office locations in a Norwegian city with a population of >150 000. The analyses included descriptive statistics, t‐test, analysis of variance and multiple linear regressions. The results showed that client confidentiality can interfere with a range of coping strategies which are important to reduce stress from emotionally demanding work experiences among child welfare workers. This was prominent among workers with less experience or high proximity to clients. The results imply that confidentiality can interfere with adaptation to work stress, which can affect the health and well‐being of child welfare workers.
Assessing causality in drug policy analyses: How useful are the Bradford Hill criteria in analysing take‐home naloxone programs?
Authors: Olsen Anna , McDonald David , Lenton Simon , Dietze Paul M.
Published: April 2017

The Bradford Hill criteria for assessing causality are useful in assembling evidence, including within complex policy analyses. In this paper, we argue that the implementation of take‐home naloxone (THN) programs in Australia and elsewhere reflects sensible, evidence‐based public health policy, despite the absence of randomised controlled trials. However, we also acknowledge that the debate around expanding access to THN would benefit from a careful consideration of causal inference and health policy impact of THN program implementation. Given the continued debate around expanding access to THN, and the relatively recent access to new data from implementation studies, two research groups independently conducted Bradford Hill analyses in order to carefully consider causal inference and health policy impact. Hill's criteria offer a useful analytical tool for interpreting current evidence on THN programs and making decisions about the (un)certainty of THN program safety and effectiveness.
Places and social contexts associated with simultaneous use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana among young adults
Authors: Lipperman‐Kreda Sharon , Paschall Mallie J. , Robert F. Saltz , Morrison Christopher N.
Published: April 2017

Introduction and Aims. Little is known about social–ecological correlates of simultaneous use of alcohol with other substances. This study examined places and social contexts associated with simultaneous use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana among young adults. Design and Methods. We used survey data obtained from 1538 young adult recent alcohol drinkers (49% male; 18–30 years old) in 24 non‐contiguous cities in California. Event‐level measures included alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use, drinking places and social characteristics of the event. Individual‐level measures included alcohol expectancies, depression and demographics. Results. Bars and restaurants had less alcohol and marijuana use (odds ratio = 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.18, 0.62; P < 0.001) and alcohol, marijuana and tobacco use (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% confidence interval 0.14, 0.54; P < 0.001) compared with alcohol use only. Perceived percent of intoxicated people at an event was associated with greater likelihood of using alcohol with tobacco and marijuana at the event. At the individual level, greater age was generally associated with increased odds of simultaneous use. Participants who were male, less educated, more depressed and had positive alcohol expectancies were more likely to simultaneously co‐use alcohol with tobacco and marijuana. Those with negative expectancies were less likely to simultaneously use these substances. Discussion and Conclusions. Social events in private settings with a high percentage of people who are intoxicated had increased likelihood of simultaneous use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. Prevention efforts in these settings may reduce simultaneous use of these substances and related harms. [Lipperman‐Kreda S, Paschall MJ, Saltz RF, Morrison CN. Places and social contexts associated with simultaneous use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana among young adults. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000–000]
Alcohol use of immigrant youths in The Netherlands: The roles of parents and peers across different ethnic backgrounds
Authors: Creemers Hanneke E. , Spanakis Panagiotis , Delforterie Monique J. , Huizink Anja C.
Published: April 2017

Introduction and Aims. The aims of this study were to examine the roles of parental permissiveness toward alcohol use and affiliation with alcohol‐using peers in alcohol use in youths from various ethnic backgrounds, and whether the role of peers was moderated by parental permissiveness. In addition, differences in these associations between native Dutch and non‐Western immigrant youths were examined. Design and Methods. Cross‐sectional data of 578 youths with Surinamese, Moroccan, Turkish, Antillean and Asian backgrounds and 81 native Dutch were used, all aged 15–24. Alcohol use, affiliation with alcohol‐using peers and parental permissiveness were measured using self‐report questionnaires. Regression models controlled for age, religiousness, education level and parental alcohol use. Because of very low levels of alcohol use, data from Turkish and Moroccan immigrants were aggregated, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results. Parental permissiveness and affiliation with alcohol‐using peers were positively related to level of alcohol use in youths with Surinamese, Antillean and Asian backgrounds and played an equally strong role in native Dutch youths with one exception. In Surinamese youths, parental permissiveness was more strongly related to alcohol use than in native Dutch youths. In youths with a Turkish/Moroccan background, parental permissiveness and affiliation with alcohol‐using peers were strongly associated with any (versus no) alcohol use. Only parental permissiveness was, equally strong, associated with any alcohol use in native Dutch youths. Discussion and Conclusions. Irrespective of ethnic background and differences in level of alcohol use, parental permissiveness and affiliation with alcohol‐using peers are related to youth alcohol use. [Creemers HE, Spanakis P, Delforterie MJ, Huizink AC. Alcohol use of immigrant youths in The Netherlands: The roles of parents and peers across different ethnic backgrounds.
Recreational freshwater fishing drives non‐native aquatic species richness patterns at a continental scale
Authors: Davis A. J. S. , Darling J. A.
Published: April 2017

Aim

Mapping the geographic distribution of non‐native aquatic species is a critically important precursor to understanding the anthropogenic and environmental factors that drive freshwater biological invasions. Such efforts are often limited to local scales and/or to single species, due to the challenges of data acquisition at larger scales. Here, we map the distribution of non‐native freshwater species richness across the continental United States and investigate the role of human activity in driving macroscale patterns of aquatic invasion.

Location

The continental United States.

Methods

We assembled maps of non‐native aquatic species richness by compiling occurrence data on exotic animal and plant species from publicly accessible databases. Using a dasymetric model of human population density and a spatially explicit model of recreational freshwater fishing demand, we analysed the effect of these metrics of human influence on the degree of invasion at the watershed scale, while controlling for spatial and sampling bias. We also assessed the effects that a temporal mismatch between occurrence data (collected since 1815) and cross‐sectional predictors (developed using 2010 data) may have on model fit.

Results

Non‐native aquatic species richness exhibits a highly patchy distribution, with hotspots in the Northeast, Great Lakes, Florida, and human population centres on the Pacific coast. These richness patterns are correlated with population density, but are much more strongly predicted by patterns of recreational fishing demand. These relationships are strengthened by temporal matching of datasets and are robust to corrections for sampling effort.

Main conclusions

Distributions of aquatic non‐native species across the continental US are better predicted by freshwater recreational fishing than by human population density. This suggests that observed patterns are driven by a mechanistic link between recreational activity and aquatic non‐native species richness and are not merely the outcome of sampling bias associated with human population density.
Respacing for Peace? Resistance to Integration and the Ontopolitics of Rural Planning in Post‐War Burundi
Authors: Purdeková Andrea
Published: April 2017

This article investigates the politics and social impact of post‐war ‘respacing for peace’ strategies in Burundi from within a set of contested spatial arrangements — or rather, post‐war socio‐spatial experiments — including peace villages, IDP site clearances and land sharing. The author takes a critical look at these reconfigurations, and the resistances and manipulations that result when people (or their remains) are moved or placed in the name of coexistence, integration and sharing after the war. In this way, the article contributes to a post‐conflict planning literature that is mostly concerned with overcoming segregation and cleansing through integration, by exploring some of the complexities and problems that can arise with unquestioned embrace of the latter. It shows that a very particular and problematic logic of ethnic coexistence and physical integration drives post‐war respacing in Burundi and that people resist it with strategies in both physical and reflexive space. Proceeding through a set of paradoxes — such as the refusal to return and staying put, or re‐emigration as a response to settling — the article explores how and why respacing‐for‐peace might produce, or fail to prevent, the opposite outcome: community conflict, social tension and segregation.
Vertical transmission in feather mites: insights into its adaptive value
Authors: DOÑA JORGE , POTTI JAIME , DE LA HERA IVÁN , BLANCO GUILLERMO , FRÍAS OSCAR , JOVANI ROGER
Published: April 2017

1. The consequences of symbiont transmission strategies are better understood than their adaptive causes.

2. Feather mites are permanent ectosymbionts of birds assumed to be transmitted mainly vertically from parents to offspring. The transmission of Proctophyllodes doleophyes Gaud (Astigmata, Proctophyllodidae) was studied in two European populations of pied flycatchers, Ficedula hypoleuca Pallas (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae).

3. The vertical transmission of this mite species is demonstrated here with an acaricide experiment. This study also compared (for two distant populations during 4 years) patterns in reductions in mite intensity in adult birds, from egg incubation to chick‐rearing periods, with the predictions of three hypotheses on how host survival prospects and mite intraspecific competition might drive feather mites' transmission strategy.

4. The results are in agreement with previous studies and show that feather mites transmit massively from parents to chicks.

5. The magnitude of the transmission was closer to that predicted by the hypothesis based on intraspecific competition, while a bet‐hedging strategy is also partially supported.
Is There Something in Common? Forms and the Theory of Word Meaning
Authors: Pritchard Timothy
Published: April 2017

Plato's reflections on Forms have generally been overlooked, in contemporary Philosophy of Language, as a serious resource for illuminating the notion of word meaning. In part, this is due to the influence of Wittgenstein's critical reflections on looking for ‘something in common’ as explanatory for use of a general term. I argue that, far from being undermined, appeal to Forms can both help explain, and provide corrective critical insight into, Wittgenstein's observations. Plato's reflections provide insight into word meaning that is relevant for contemporary research. Relevant considerations include (1) an explanation as to why an item is F; (2) looking to ‘what something is’; (3) the compresence of opposites; (4) whether participation in a Form involves approximation to the Form.
The factor structure of dental fear
Authors: van Houtem Caroline M. H. H. , van Wijk Arjen J. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Ligthart Lannie , Visscher Corine M. , De Jongh Ad
Published: April 2017

There is limited empirical information as to whether or how stimuli associated with dental fear can be classified into distinct subtypes. The purpose of the current study was to develop a descriptive framework for the classification of dental fear. Data were collected using a survey among Dutch twin families (n = 11,771). The sample was randomly divided into two subsamples of, respectively, 5,920 and 5,851 individuals. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the first subsample to delineate the multidimensional structure of a set of 28 dental‐fear‐provoking objects and situations. The second sample was used to confirm the newly derived model using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA yielded a three‐factor solution with 70.7% explained variance pertaining to: (i) invasive treatment or pain; (ii) losing control; and (iii) physical sensations. The CFA showed an acceptable fit to the data, thereby confirming the stability of the three‐factor structure. There are at least three different subtypes of dental fear. As these subtypes require a different treatment approach in clinical practice, it could be important to assess the severity of patients' fear response along these three dimensions.
A novel JAK inhibitor JTE‐052 reduces skin inflammation and ameliorates chronic dermatitis in rodent models: Comparison with conventional therapeutic agents
Authors: Tanimoto Atsuo , Shinozaki Yuichi , Yamamoto Yasuo , Katsuda Yoshiaki , Taniai‐Riya Eriko , Toyoda Kaoru , Kakimoto Kochi , Kimoto Yukari , Amano Wataru , Konishi Noriko , Hayashi Mikio
Published: April 2017

Janus kinases (JAKs) are required for several inflammatory cytokine signalling pathways and are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. JAK inhibitors are therefore promising therapeutic candidates for chronic dermatitis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the novel JAK inhibitor JTE‐052 on inflammatory responses associated with chronic dermatitis, and compared its profile with those of conventional therapeutic agents in rodent models of chronic dermatitis. JTE‐052 inhibited the Th1‐, Th2‐ and Th17‐type inflammatory responses of human T cells and mast cells in vitro. Oral administration of JTE‐052 inhibited skin inflammation in hapten‐induced chronic dermatitis in mice, associated with reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines in the skin and immunoglobulin (Ig) E in serum. In contrast, although ciclosporin partly inhibited skin inflammation, it did not reduce interleukin (IL)‐4 production in skin, and enhanced IgE production in serum. Oral administration of JTE‐052 also inhibited skin inflammation in mouse models of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis induced by a mite extract, thymic stromal lymphopoietin or IL‐23. The maximal efficacy of JTE‐052 in these dermatitis models was superior to the conventional therapeutic agents, ciclosporin and methotrexate. Topical application of JTE‐052 ointment ameliorated hapten‐induced chronic dermatitis in rats more effectively than tacrolimus ointment. Furthermore, JTE‐052 ointment did not cause the thinning of normal skin associated with topical corticosteroids. These results indicate that JTE‐052 is a promising candidate as an anti‐inflammatory drug for various types of chronic dermatitis, with a distinctly different profile from conventional therapy following either oral or topical application.
Tracking escaped Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) aggregated around Norwegian farms: Considerations for management strategies
Authors: Hedger R. D. , Serra‐Llinares R. M. , Arechavala‐Lopez P. , Nilsen R. , Bjørn P. A. , Uglem I.
Published: April 2017

To examine site fidelity and potential for ecosystem impacts, 20 escapee cod (Gadus morhua L.) from fjord‐based cod farms were tagged with acoustic transmitters, released in the vicinity of the same farm, and their subsequent behaviour and survival monitored using a fixed array of acoustic receivers. Most individuals demonstrated high fidelity to their farm where tagged, and this increased during the polar night. Only five individuals (25%) were occasionally detected at another farm (4 km distance), and only three cod (15%) migrated out of the fjord during the 6‐month study period. Vertical movements were consistently greater in the hours around noon than at night, a behaviour inconsistent with that observed for wild fish. A high mortality rate (40%) was observed during the first 4 months post‐release, and actual mortality may have been even higher, limiting the potential for negative ecosystem effects from cod escapees. Findings from this study are used to discuss the development of recapture strategies for minimising potential impacts from cod escapees to ensure sustainable farming activity.
Geochemical signatures of benthic foraminiferal shells from a heat‐polluted shallow marine environment provide field evidence for growth and calcification under extreme warmth
Authors: Titelboim Danna , Sadekov Aleksey , Almogi‐Labin Ahuva , Herut Barak , Kucera Michal , Schmidt Christiane , Hyams‐Kaphzan Orit , Abramovich Sigal
Published: April 2017

Shallow marine calcifiers play an important role as marine ecosystem engineers and in the global carbon cycle. Understanding their response to warming is essential to evaluate the fate of marine ecosystems under global change scenarios. A rare opportunity to test the effect of warming acting on natural ecosystems is by investigation of heat‐polluted areas. Here, we study growth and calcification in benthic foraminifera that inhabit a thermally polluted coastal area in Israel, where they are exposed to elevated temperatures reaching up to ~42°C in summer. Live specimens of two known heat‐tolerant species Lachlanella sp. 1 and Pararotalia calcariformata were collected over a period of 1 year from two stations, representing thermally polluted and undisturbed (control) shallow hard bottom habitats. Single‐chamber element ratios of these specimens were obtained using laser ablation, and the Mg/Ca of the most recently grown final chambers were used to calculate their calcification temperatures. Our results provide the first direct field evidence that these foraminifera species not only persist at extreme warm temperatures but continue to calcify and grow. Species‐specific Mg/Ca thermometry indicates that P. calcariformata precipitate their shells at temperatures as high as 40°C and Lachlanella sp. 1 at least up to 36°C, but both species show a threshold for calcification at cold temperatures: calcification in P. calcariformata only occurred above 22°C and in Lachlanella sp. 1 above 15°C. Our observations from the heat‐polluted area indicate that under future warming scenarios, calcification in heat‐tolerant foraminifera species will not be inhibited during summer, but instead the temperature window for their calcification will be expanded throughout much of the year. The observed inhibition of calcification at low temperatures indicates that the role of heat‐tolerant foraminifera in carbonate production will most likely increase in future decades.