bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publish or impoverish
Authors: Quan Wei , Chen Bikun , Shu Fei
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the landscape of the cash-per-publication reward policy in China and reveal its trend since the late 1990s.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the analysis of 168 university documents regarding the cash-per-publication reward policy at 100 Chinese universities.

Findings

Chinese universities offer cash rewards from USD30 to USD165,000 for papers published in journals indexed by Web of Science, and the average reward amount has been increasing for the past ten years.

Originality/value

The cash-per-publication reward policy in China has never been systematically studied and investigated before except for in some case studies. This is the first paper that reveals the landscape of the cash-per-publication reward policy in China.
On the quest for currencies of science
Authors: Costas Rodrigo , Perianes-Rodríguez Antonio , Ruiz-Castillo Javier
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The introduction of “altmetrics” as new tools to analyze scientific impact within the reward system of science has challenged the hegemony of citations as the predominant source for measuring scientific impact. Mendeley readership has been identified as one of the most important altmetric sources, with several features that are similar to citations. The purpose of this paper is to perform an in-depth analysis of the differences and similarities between the distributions of Mendeley readership and citations across fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze two issues by using in each case a common analytical framework for both metrics: the shape of the distributions of readership and citations, and the field normalization problem generated by differences in citation and readership practices across fields. In the first issue the authors use the characteristic scores and scales method, and in the second the measurement framework introduced in Crespo et al. (2013).

Findings

There are three main results. First, the citations and Mendeley readership distributions exhibit a strikingly similar degree of skewness in all fields. Second, the results on “exchange rates (ERs)” for Mendeley readership empirically supports the possibility of comparing readership counts across fields, as well as the field normalization of readership distributions using ERs as normalization factors. Third, field normalization using field mean readerships as normalization factors leads to comparably good results.

Originality/value

These findings open up challenging new questions, particularly regarding the possibility of obtaining conflicting results from field normalized citation and Mendeley readership indicators; this suggests the need for better determining the role of the two metrics in capturing scientific recognition.
Incorporating data sharing to the reward system of science
Authors: Mongeon Philippe , Robinson-Garcia Nicolas , Jeng Wei , Costas Rodrigo
Published: August 2017

Purpose

It is widely recognized that sharing data is beneficial not only for science but also for the common good, and researchers are increasingly expected to share their data. However, many researchers are still not making their data available, one of the reasons being that this activity is not adequately recognized in the current reward system of science. Since the attribution of data sets to individual researchers is necessary if we are to include them in research evaluation processes, the purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of linking data set records from DataCite to the authors of articles indexed in the Web of Science.

Design/methodology/approach

DataCite and WoS records are linked together based on the similarity between the names of the data sets’ creators and the articles’ authors, as well as the similarity between the noun phrases in the titles of the data sets and the titles and abstract of the articles.

Findings

The authors report that a large number of DataCite records can be attributed to specific authors in WoS, and the authors demonstrate that the prevalence of data sharing varies greatly depending on the research discipline.

Originality/value

It is yet unclear how data sharing can provide adequate recognition for individual researchers. Bibliometric indicators are commonly used for research evaluation, but to date no large-scale assessment of individual researchers’ data sharing activities has been carried out.
Reflections on business ethics through 1992-2017
Authors: Wood Greg
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide reflections on business ethics in the 25-year window from 1992-2017, and to then seek to examine some of the concerns for the future of which we all need to be cognizant.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper represents the reflections of a now retired academic who spent the period from 1992 to 2017 researching in the area of business ethics.

Findings

In the world of commerce, we are still seeing the same alleged behaviours by corporations from developed economies that have dogged business for so long. Have we moved forward and how far have we moved are difficult to determine.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on the reflections on 25 years of research in the area of international business ethics. The limitation is that the paper is based on the experiences of one academic.

Practical implications

The paper points to considerations that are required if the field of business ethics is to move forward in a positive manner.

Originality/value

The paper looks at many of the pertinent issues facing the field of commerce in respect to business ethics now and into our foreseeable future.
On the dimensionality of intragroup conflict
Authors: Ma Lin , Yang Baiyin , Wang Xueli , Li Yan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dimensionality of intragroup conflict and to develop an instrument with acceptable psychometric properties for the comprehensive measurement of conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper strictly follows the standard scale-developing method: first, establish theoretical dimensions of intragroup conflict; then, develop the initial scale through in-depth interviews and coding schemes; third, revise and verify the scale through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis; and, finally, examine the predictive validity of the new intragroup conflict scale.

Findings

This study identifies four dimensions of intragroup conflict – cognitive conflict, affective conflict, behavioral conflict, and interest-based conflict – and provides evidence of construct validity for a new measure. The results show that cognitive and interest-based conflict affect group innovation performance positively, whereas affective and behavioral conflict affects it negatively.

Originality/value

This study first detects interest-based conflict as a new dimension and explores a more comprehensive scale (ABCI) that reflects all the connotations of conflict, which deepens the understanding of intragroup conflict, laying a solid foundation for empirical studies of conflict.
Knowledge management of automobile system failures through development of failure knowledge ontology from maintenance experience
Authors: James Ajith Tom , Gandhi O.P. , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an ontological model of failure knowledge of automobile systems that will enhance the knowledge management of automobile system failures, which will help for design and maintenance of automobiles. Failure knowledge of automobile systems and components gained through maintenance and repair can mitigate future failures, if integrated in the design. This is an outcome of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A failure coding scheme is developed for assimilating various entities of automobile failure knowledge and an ontological model is developed for its systematic structuring and representation. The developed failure code is a combination of alphanumeric and numeric code that incorporates ingredients of the failure knowledge, which will help database management, with reduced data entry time and storage space.

Findings

The maintenance of automobiles not only brings back the systems into operating conditions but also convey a lot of information regarding the failures. This is a useful input to the designers in development of reliable and maintainable automobile systems. A knowledge base can be created for automobile systems/components failures from their maintenance and service experience.

Research limitations/implications

Developed ontological model of automobile failure knowledge gained through maintenance experience can be shared across automobile manufacturers and service providers. This would help in design improvements, with ease and efficient undertaking of maintenance activities. This paper proposes the conceptual ontology structure, which is populated with three cases of automobile maintenance.

Originality/value

This research work is a first attempt to develop an ontological model for automobile failures from their maintenance and service experience. The novelty of the work is in its explicit consideration of all knowledge related to failures and maintenance of automobile systems, with their coding and structuring.
Strategic management of multi-business portfolios in the public sector
Authors: Baškarada Saša , Hanlon Brian
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adapt the traditional corporate portfolio management approach to the strategic management of multi-business portfolios in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach presented in this paper is based on a research project conducted within the Defence Science and Technology Group, Australian Department of Defence. It was developed iteratively and incrementally over the course of one year with a reference group comprising 15 middle management representatives and several members of the senior management team.

Findings

The approach developed comprises a multi-stage process and an assessment framework designed to capture the complexity of the problem space, build a strategic narrative, and facilitate senior leadership decision-making. The process is aimed at eliciting the required information, promoting contestability of the results, ensuring appropriate consultation, and ultimately achieving senior leadership consensus on priorities. The assessment framework is used to assess and visualize the balance of organizational capabilities.

Originality/value

By synthesizing and visualizing information on past performance and future potential, the approach presented in this paper may be used to facilitate strategic decision-making by senior management in the public sector.
Carbon credit returns under EU ETS and its determinants: a multi-phase study
Authors: Dhamija Ajay Kumar , Yadav Surendra S. , Jain P.K.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out the best method for forecasting European Union Allowance (EUA) returns and determine its price determinants. The previous studies in this area have focused on a particular subset of EUA data and do not take care of the multicollinearities. The authors take EUA data from all three phases and the continuous series, adopt the principal component analysis (PCA) to eliminate multicollinearities and fit seven different homoscedastic models for a comprehensive analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

PCA is adopted to extract independent factors. Seven different linear regression and auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models are employed for forecasting EUA returns and isolating their price determinants. The seven models are then compared and the one with minimum (root mean square error is adjudged as the best model.

Findings

The best model for forecasting the EUA returns of all three phases is dynamic linear regression with lagged predictors and that for forecasting EUA continuous series is ARIMA errors. The latent factors such as switch to gas (STG) and clean spread (capturing the effects of the clean dark spread, clean spark spread, switching price and natural gas price), National Allocation Plan announcements events, energy variables, German Stock Exchange index and extreme temperature events have been isolated as the price determinants of EUA returns.

Practical implications

The current study contributes to effective carbon management by providing a quantitative framework for analyzing cap-and-trade schemes.

Originality/value

This study differs from earlier studies mainly in three aspects. First, instead of focusing on a particular subset of EUA data, it comprehensively analyses the data of all the three phases of EUA along with the EUA continuous series. Second, it expressly adopts PCA to eliminate multicollinearities, thereby reducing the error variance. Finally, it evaluates both linear and non-linear homoscedastic models incorporating lags of predictor variables to isolate the price determinants of EUA.
The main determinants of differences in compliance levels of disclosure items for IAS 16 in BIST
Authors: Erdem Sabri , Aslanertik Esra , Yardimci Bengü
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the main determinants of the compliance level of disclosure requirements for IAS 16, as well as factors that may explain the differences in the levels of compliance within companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The association between the level of compliance and various corporate characteristics was examined using Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) analysis in financial disclosures for IAS 16. CHAID analysis was applied to the manufacturing companies listed in Borsa Istanbul for the years 2012 and 2013.

Findings

It was found that the most significant factor is the auditor reputation within different nodes such as size or free float rate. In most of the studies, correlation is used to determine the association between different factors, but this study is the first one that uses the CHAID analysis which offers an adjusted significance testing, and at the same time classification of the interaction between variables.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides insights into the primary factors of disclosure compliance that help to improve the structure of disclosures and the level of compliance in preparing future financial reports. The proposed improvements will also support further developments in financial reporting regulations regarding disclosures. The key limitation in this paper is that it concentrates on a specific standard and only covers two years. However, it provides suggestions for one of the most important standards that includes various disclosures.

Originality/value

In addition, this paper fills a gap in the literature about the compliance level of specific standards such as IAS 16 and the usage of CHAID analysis in such studies. The results were consistent with some previous studies regarding the relationship between compliance level, auditor reputation and size and it also highlight the effect of different disclosure items on compliance level.
Utilizing a realist evaluative research approach to investigate complex technology implementations
Authors: King Melanie Rose Nova , Dawson Ray J. , Rothberg Steve J. , Batmaz Firat
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a theory-driven realist evaluative research approach to better understand complex technology implementations in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

An institution wide e-learning implementation of lecture capture (LC), within a UK University, was chosen, and a realist evaluation framework was used, tailored for educational technology. The research was conducted over four, increasingly focused, evaluation cycles combining engagement analytics, user interviews and theory to refine what works (or does not work), for whom, in which contexts and why.

Findings

Despite explicit demand and corresponding investment, overall student engagement is lower than expected. Increased student use appears linked to particular staff attitudes and behaviours and not to specific disciplines or course content. The main benefits of LC are providing reassurance to the majority, aiding revision and understanding for the many and enabling catch-up for the few. Recommendations for future research are based on some unexpected outcomes uncovered, including evolving detrimental student behaviours, policy development based on technological determinism and future learner-centred system development for next-generation LC technologies.

Practical implications

The realist approach taken, and evaluation framework used, can be adopted (and adapted) for future evaluative research. Domain specific reference models, categorizing people and technology, supported analysis across multiple contexts.

Originality/value

This study responds to a call for more theory-based research in the field of educational technology. The authors demonstrate that a theory-driven approach provides real and practical recommendations for institutions and allows for greater insight into the political, economic and social complexity of technology implementation.
Online information seeking behaviour among people living with HIV in selected public hospitals of Tanzania
Authors: Lwoga Edda Tandi , Nagu Tumaini , Sife Alfred Said
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to determine factors that influence people living with HIV (PLHIV) to engage in internet-based HIV information seeking behaviour in selected Tanzanian public regional hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a questionnaire-based survey to 221 PLHIV in two regional public hospitals in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They assessed the validity and reliability of the measurement model by using exploratory factor analysis and also used hierarchical regressions to examine the research hypotheses by using Statistical Package for Social Science.

Findings

The study found that there is low usage of internet (24.3 per cent) to search online HIV information. Factors related to attitude and information source accessibility predicted usage intentions of internet, while facilitating conditions, information source accessibility and usage intention of internet determined actual use of internet among PLHIV. Age moderated the effects of information source quality and social influence on usage intention of internet, and the effects of the information source accessibility and social influence on actual use of internet. The findings imply that younger PLHIV were more likely to use internet to access HIV information than the older respondents due to perceived ease of accessing information and quality of the online content. Further, older PLHIV were more influenced by the views of others when making decisions to use internet.

Practical implications

Health-care providers and libraries need to conduct regular studies on health needs of patients, and promote benefits of accessing online information; website designers need to design user-friendly databases; public libraries need to include a section on health information; hospital and public librarians need to provide catalogues of health information resources on their websites; and health-care providers need to improve technological infrastructure.

Originality/value

This is a comprehensive study that provides empirical findings to better understand the HIV information seeking behaviour from actual internet users, particularly factors that may influence PLHIV to seek online information in Tanzania.
Managing top management support in complex information systems projects
Authors: Bueno Salvador , Gallego M. Dolores
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Top management support (TMS) is considered as a critical factor for the success of information systems (ISs) projects. The literature shows that TMS has a positive impact on achieving success in ISs’ projects in different aspects. However, the enabling factors for TMS in complex ISs’ projects have barely been tested, something which this study aims to rectify.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has designed a research model based on structural equation modelling (SEM) with the intention of analysing the perception of IS end users regarding the effect on TMS of the following factors: technological complexity and training and organizational communication. The application of the study has focused on an enterprise resource planning–open source software (ERP-OSS) environment.

Findings

The findings show how end users have a perception that organizational communication and training have a positive relation with TMS. Based on these findings, the authors have suggested several practical considerations.

Research limitations/implications

There are two limitations to this study. First, this study is based on the perception of complex IS/IT users. It would be interesting to add the perception of top managers to provide more solid findings. The second limitation is that this study has not suggested any additional potential factors which could affect TMS.

Practical implications

First, this article provides a study of the key role of TMS when an organization needs to implement a complex IS/IT. Second, organizations must develop mechanisms for increasing training and communication relating to the new complex IS/IT projects. Finally, the complexity of an IS/IT project does not constitute an enabling factor incentivizing TMS and should therefore not be a determining factor in increasing TMS within an organization selecting an IS/IT.

Originality/value

This study contributes to advancing theory in the field of TMS in information systems projects.
An empirical study of the role of IT flexibility and IT capability in IT-business strategic alignment
Authors: Jorfi Saeid , Nor Khalil Md , Najjar Lotfi
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the current discussion on strategic alignment of information technology and business (strategic alignment) by developing a model for conceptualizing how strategic alignment can be enabled through of IT flexibility and IT capability.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire instrument was created to measure the constructs and it was assessed in a pretest and two pilot-tests. The main data set was collected from IT managers (or similar titles) of medium- and large-sized firms.

Findings

Strategic alignment seems to be moving closer to firms’ core activity in today’s business environment. The findings revealed that strategic alignment was significantly affected by four dimensions of IT flexibility and IT capability. Furthermore, the significant role of two dimensions of IT flexibility in IT capability was supported.

Research limitations/implications

Single key informants were used for data collection that could be a potential limitation.

Practical implications

It seems likely that firms will benefit from the results to manage and control their scarce IT resources more effectively for aligning IT with business strategies, goals and needs.

Originality/value

Strategic alignment has become a more complex and unstructured phenomenon and many firms are still considering how to reconcile to it. Furthermore, the lack of empirical examination of IT flexibility and IT capability in relation to strategic alignment from important perspectives, and the lack of research of the dimensions of IT flexibility for supporting IT capability, determines the purpose of this study.
The interaction between mandatory and voluntary risk disclosure: a comparative study
Authors: Cordazzo Michela , Papa Marco , Rossi Paola
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the interaction between mandatory and voluntary risk disclosure is a complementary or substitutive consequence of different risk regulatory regimes. The paper is a cross analysis comparing Germany, the US, Italy, France and the UK during the period 2007-2010.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is used to examine mandatory and voluntary risk information in corporate annual reports. A framework for the identification and measurement of risk information is developed by considering national and supranational regulations.

Findings

A complementary effect between mandatory and voluntary risk disclosure exists in each risk regulation jurisdiction. This effect does not depend on the presence of national risk rules (Germany and the US) as against national risk guidelines (France and the UK). Some cross-country differences emerge in the extent of the complementary effect, which are based on the national risk regulations. Germany shows the highest degree of complementing mandatory with voluntary risk disclosures.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations relate to the sample size, which is based on the choice of a matched approach and to some country-specific influences on regulatory regimes, which are not analysed. The practical implications refer to the revision or addition of mandated rules by accounting standard setters.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it proposes an incremental analysis of corporate risk disclosure by examining the interaction between mandatory and voluntary risk disclosure with a complementary or substitutive consequence in different risk regulatory settings not previously investigated. Second, the paper makes a method-based contribution by developing an original analytical framework based on the analysis of different regulatory regimes.
Records management and procurement performance
Authors: Namukasa Juliet
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence procurement records management had on the performance of the procurement function under the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Procurement records management was the independent variable, while procurement performance was the dependent variable. The study also adopted a simple correlation and case study design. An accessible population of 101 respondents was identified, with 93 forming a sample. An 88% response rate was realized.

Findings

Results indicated that procurement records management had a significant effect on procurement performance. Whereby, there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between records creation and procurement performance; there was a positive relationship between records maintenance, preservation and procurement performance; and, finally, records access and use also had a positive significant influence on procurement performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research focused on the central region of Uganda, and yet, Uganda has got so many other regions which operate the NAADS programs. This means that research was conducted within a defined scope. Therefore, based on this, the researcher could not generalize the research findings.

Practical implications

Findings imply that ethical practices should be emphasized and custodians of procurement records be held accountable for their actions, as this will help in the support of proper record-keeping and avoid documents not being on file, misplaced or misfiled, which negatively affects procurement performance. Enabling a more efficient information management system results into effective procurement performance that leads to significant cost reduction in both the private and the government sector, especially when digital records are involved.

Social implications

As majority of the NAADS staff were found to possess inadequate knowledge in records maintenance and preservation, the government through the NAADS training committees should organize timely workshops to sensitize staff on how best records maintenance and preservation is core to its operations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an important area which has not been given attention in the Ugandan context, where there is difficulty of relating the value of effective records maintenance to business management because of the lack of quantifiable evidence. Therefore, the study highlights the influence of records creation, maintenance and use on procurement performance. The review of literature finds that better records management results into better performance of the procurement units in procurement entities.
Personal health records: a new type of electronic medical record
Authors: Hawthorne Kisha Hortman , Richards Lorraine
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper examines existing research on the topic of personal health records (PHRs). Areas covered include PHR/patient portal, recordkeeping, preservation planning, access and provider needs for future reuse of health information. Patient and physician PHR use and functionality, as well as adoption facilitators and barriers, are also reviewed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper engages in a review of relevant literature from a variety of subject domains, including personal information management, medical informatics, medical literature and archives and records management literature.

Findings

The review finds that PHRs are extensions of electronic records. In addition, it finds a lack of literature within archives and records management that may lead to a less preservation-centric examination of the new PHR technologies that are desirable for controlling the lifecycle of these important new records-type.

Originality/value

Although the issues presented by PHRs are issues that can best be solved with the use of techniques from records management, there is no current literature related to PHRs in the records management literature, and that offered in the medical informatics literature treats the stewardship aspects of PHRs as insurmountable. This paper offers an introduction to the aspects of PHRs that could fruitfully be examined in archives and records management.
Use of reversed latissimus dorsi muscle flap for primary oesophageal repair reinforcement in Boerhaave's syndrome
Authors: Kok Amy Siu‐Yan , Wong Jeff Siu‐Wang , Chow Tam‐Lin
Published: August 2017

Aim

Boerhaave's syndrome, or spontaneous oesophageal rupture, is a rare but serious condition. The pathology involved is a complete, transmural laceration of the oesophagus. The overall mortality rates are still high (range: 10–60 per cent). Outcomes of oesophageal perforations depend on the duration between diagnosis of perforation and treatment. Primary repair has been identified as the best treatment option, especially for presentation before 24 h. Mediastinal pleura, gastric fundus, pericardial flap and intercostal muscle flap are frequently used. Reversed latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap is another feasible option, especially when the intercostal muscle is inadequate and the length of perforation is long.

Patients and Methods

A patient presented with Boerhaave's syndrome with left posterolateral thoracotomy done. Intraoperation found a 4‐cm, full‐thickness perforation over the distal oesophagus. Primary repair and reinforcement with reversed LD muscle flap was performed.

Results

The patient had an uneventful recovery. Water‐soluble contrast enema confirmed no leakage. He was discharged on postoperative day 10.

Conclusion

Primary repair and reinforcement with reversed LD muscle flap is a feasible option when the intercostal muscle is inadequate and the length of the oesophageal perforation is long.
Decreased Expression of Thrombomodulin in Endothelial Cells by Fibroblast Growth Factor‐23/α‐Klotho
Authors: Tanaka Kenji , Salunya Tancharoen , Motomiya Yoshihiro , Motomiya Yasuki , Oyama Yoko , Yamakuchi Munekazu , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: August 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been known to be a state of excessive fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF23) and α‐Klotho deficiency. Patients undergoing hemodialysis have an increased mortality risk associated with cardiovascular disease and endothelial dysfunction. The mechanism responsible for the relationship of FGF23 to endothelial damage in these patients has been unclear. On the other hands, increasing evidences have demonstrated that thrombomodulin (TM) plays an important role in the endothelial barrier. Here, we report the suppression of membrane TM, in a dose‐dependent manner, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells after FGF23 and FGF23/α‐Klotho stimulation. In addition, the levels of soluble TM, which reflect endothelial cell injury, were much higher in cell supernatants after FGF23 and FGF23/α‐Klotho stimulation than in the control supernatant. This study indicates a possible mechanism by which excessive levels of FGF23 are involved in endothelial TM disruption, which has been implicated as a potential cardiovascular risk factor in patients with CKD, especially in HD patients.
RAS Inhibitor Is Not Associated With Cardiovascular Benefits in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Japan
Authors: Mizobuchi Masahide , Ogata Hiroaki , Onishi Yoshihiro , Fukuma Shingo , Akizawa Tadao , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: August 2017

Definitive evidence of whether renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition is beneficial on cardiovascular events (CVE) among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of RAS inhibitor usage with CVEs in patients enrolled in the Dialysis Outcomes Practice Pattern Study in Japan (J‐DOPPS). Association of RAS inhibitor prescription with outcomes including all‐cause death, death caused by CVE, and hospitalization due to cardiac failure was investigated by using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Of the 3848 patients enrolled, 1784 (45%) patients were treated by RAS inhibitors. After adjusting for potential cofounders by Cox proportional hazards models, we found a statistically insignificant but positive association of RAS inhibitor usage with death caused by CVE (HR: 1.46, 95%CI: 0.96–2.23, P = 0.08). Similar results were observed in the association of RAS inhibitor with all‐cause death, hospitalization due to cardiac failure, and hospitalization due to CV disease (HR for all‐cause death: 1.24, 95%CI: 0.84–1.48, P = 0.28, HR for hospitalization due to cardiac failure: 1.24, 95%CI: 0.84–1.81, P = 0.28, and HR for hospitalization due to CV disease: 1.20, 95%CI: 0.95–1.51, P = 0.13). Sensitivity analyses using propensity scores gave similar results. RAS inhibition did not show favorable association with CVEs suggesting that RAS inhibition alone was insufficient to reduce the risk of CV complications in patients undergoing HD. Some strategies in addition to RAS inhibition may be needed to protect against CVEs in this population.
Proposal for a gold standard for cosmetic evaluation after breast conserving therapy: Results from the St George and Wollongong Breast Boost trial
Authors: Merie Roya , Browne Lois , Cardoso Jaime S , Cardoso Maria J , Chin Yaw , Clark Catherine , Graham Peter , Szwajcer Alison , Hau Eric
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Breast cosmesis is an important endpoint of breast conserving therapy (BCT), but a gold standard method of its evaluation is not yet established. The St. George and Wollongong Randomised Breast Boost trial used five different methods of cosmetic assessment, including both subjective and objective, to comprehensively evaluate the cosmetic outcome of the trial patients. This current study analyses the level of concordance between these methods in an attempt to determine a possible standard in the evaluation of breast cosmesis.

Methods

Patients attending follow‐up clinic reviews at 5 years post breast radiotherapy were evaluated. Patients completed a cosmesis and functional assessment questionnaire, assessing clinicians completed an EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) cosmetic rating questionnaire and photographs were obtained. The photographs were later assessed by a panel of five experts, as well as analysed using the objective pBRA (relative Breast Retraction Assessment) and the BCCT.core (Breast Cancer Conservative Treatment.cosmetic results) computer software. Scores were dichotomised to excellent/good and fair/poor. Pairwise comparisons between all methods, except pBRA, were carried out using overall agreement calculations and kappa scores. pBRA scores were compared on a continuous scale with each of the other dichotomised scores obtained by the other four methods.

Results

Of 513 St George patients alive at 5 years, 385 (75%) attended St George for follow‐up and consented to photography. Results showed that assessment by physicians in clinic and patient self‐assessment were more favourable regarding overall cosmetic outcome than evaluation of photographs by the panel or the BCCT.core software. Excellent/good scores by clinician‐live and patient self‐assessments were 93% and 94% respectively (agreement 89%), as compared to 75% and 74% only by BCCT.core and panel assessments respectively (agreement 83%, kappa 0.57). For the pBRA measurements, there was a statistically significant difference (P <0.001) between scores for excellent/good versus fair/poor cosmesis by all four methods. The range of median pBRA measurements for fair/poor scores was 13.4–14.8 and for excellent/good scores was 8.0–9.4.

Conclusion

Incorporating both BCCT.core assessment and patient self‐assessment could potentially provide the basis of a gold standard method of breast cosmetic evaluation. BCCT.core represents an easy, time efficient, reproducible, cost effective and reliable method, however, it lacks the functional and psychosocial elements of cosmesis that only patient self‐reported outcomes can provide.
Novel phytoplasma strains of X‐disease group unveil genetic markers that distinguish North American and South American geographic lineages within subgroups 16SrIII‐J and 16SrIII‐U
Authors: Pérez‐López E. , Wei W. , Wang J. , Davis R.E. , Luna‐Rodríguez M. , Zhao Y.
Published: August 2017

Phytoplasmas in the X‐disease group (16SrIII) are highly diverse in terms of geographic distributions, vectorship and plant host specificity. Such biological and ecological diversity is often correlated with distinctive genetic markers present in evolutionarily conserved genes. Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers in the 16S rRNA gene sequences, 29 subgroups have been delineated, with most of them being found in the Americas. However, it has been unknown whether distinct geographic lineages are present within a given subgroup. Prior to this study, phytoplasmas belonging to subgroups 16SrIII‐J and 16SrIII‐U were reported only in countries located in South America. In the present study, we identified new phytoplasmas strains closely related to the reference strains of the two subgroups in Mexico, a North American country. These newly identified Mexican strains possess unique RFLP, single nucleotide polymorphism, and fragmental deletion markers in 16S rRNA‐ and/or ribosomal protein‐encoding genes. Since these markers consistently distinguished the Mexican strains from their South American counterparts, they may represent emerging or previously unknown North American geographic lineages of the subgroups 16SrIII‐J and 16SrIII‐U.
The Pediatric Submersion Score Predicts Children at Low Risk for Injury Following Submersions
Authors: Shenoi Rohit P. , Allahabadi Sachin , Rubalcava Daniel M. , Camp Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Pediatric submersion victims often require admission. We wanted to identify a cohort of children at low risk for submersion‐related injury who can be safely discharged from the emergency department (ED) after a period of observation.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective derivation/validation cross‐sectional study of children (0–18 years) who presented postsubmersion to a tertiary care, children's hospital ED from 2008 to 2015. We reviewed demographics, comorbidities, and prehospital and ED course. Primary outcome was safe discharge at 8 hours postsubmersion: normal mentation and vital signs. To identify potential scoring factors, any p‐value of ≤0.25 was included in binary logistic regression; p‐values < 0.05 were included in the final score. In the validation data set, we generated a one‐point scoring system for each normal ED item. Receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) were generated to test sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The derivation data set consisted of 356 patients and validation data set of 89 patients. Five factors generated a safe discharge score at 8 hours: normal ED mentation, normal ED respiratory rate, absence of ED dyspnea, absence of need for airway support (bag‐valve mask ventilation, intubation, and CPAP), absence of ED systolic hypotension (maximum score = 5; range = 0–5). Only the 80 patients with values for all five factors were included in the sensitivity/specificity analysis. This resulted in an AUC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71–0.91; p < 0.001). Based on the sensitivity/specificity analysis, the discriminative ability peaks at 75% with a score of ≥3.5. A score of 4 or higher in the ED would suggest a safe discharge at 8 hours (sensitivity = 88.2% [95% CI = 72.5%–96.7%]; specificity = 62.9% [95% CI = 44.9%–78.5%]; positive predictive value = 69.8% [95% CI = 53.9%–82.8%]; negative predictive value = 84.6% [95% CI = 65.1%–95.6%]).

Conclusions

A risk score can identify children at low risk for submersion‐related injury who can be safely discharged from the ED after observation.
Change in Care Transition Practice for Patients With Nonspecific Chest Pain After Emergency Department Evaluation 2006 to 2012
Authors: Yiadom Maame Yaa A. B. , Baugh Christopher W. , Jenkins Cathy A. , Collins Sean P. , Bhatia Monisha C. , Dittus Robert S. , Storrow Alan B.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

From 2005 to 2010 health care financing shifts in the United States may have affected care transition practices for emergency department (ED) patients with nonspecific chest pain (CP) after ED evaluation. Despite being less acutely ill than those with myocardial infarction, these patients’ management can be challenging. The risk of missing acute coronary syndrome is considerable enough to often warrant admission. Diagnostic advances and reimbursement limitations on the use of inpatient admission are encouraging the use of alternative ED care transition practices. In the setting of these health care changes, we hypothesized that there is a decline in inpatient admission rates for patients with nonspecific CP after ED evaluation.

Methods

We retrospectively used the Nationwide ED Sample to quantify total and annual inpatient hospital admission rates from 2006 to 2012 for patients with a final ED diagnosis of nonspecific CP. We assessed the change in admission rates over time and stratified by facility characteristics including safety‐net hospital status, U.S. geographic region, urban/teaching status, trauma‐level designation, and hospital funding status.

Results

The admission rate for all patients with a final ED diagnosis of nonspecific CP declined from 19.2% in 2006 to 11.3% in 2012. Variability across regions was observed, while metropolitan teaching hospitals and trauma centers reflected lower admission rates.

Conclusion

There was a 41.1% decline in inpatient hospital admission for patients with nonspecific CP after ED evaluation. This reduction is temporally associated with national policy changes affecting reimbursement for inpatient admissions.
Electric pulp test threshold responses in healthy incisors, canines, premolars and molars
Authors: Šimović Marija , Pavušek Ivan , Ivanišević Malčić Ana , Jukić Silvana , Prpić Mehičić Goranka , Matijević Jurica
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the range of threshold responses of healthy dental pulps and test the reproducibility of the electric pulp test (EPT). Forty‐nine dental students participated in the study. Sound teeth in both arches, except third molars, were included. The teeth were isolated using cotton rolls and dried with compressed air, and the threshold responses were recorded. Participants stopped the stimulus increase by pressing the switch at the first sensation of discomfort. The measurements were repeated after 30 days. The obtained data were analysed using SPSS®16.0. The mean thresholds for the maxillary incisors, canines, premolars and molars were 10.77, 21.07, 21.88 and 34.07 μA, and for mandibular incisors, canines, premolars and molars 9.81, 18.7, 19.24 and 30.1 μA respectively. The differences between the two measurements were statistically significant for teeth 32, 31, 41 and 42. The EPT was shown to be reproducible for all the teeth tested except mandibular incisors.
Intercropping flowering plants in maize systems increases pollinator diversity
Authors: Norris Stuart L. , Blackshaw Rod P. , Critchley C. Nigel R. , Dunn Robert M. , Smith Kate E. , Williams John , Randall Nicola P. , Murray Philip J.
Published: August 2017

Maize is a poorly competitive crop. Accordingly, soil preparation and high application rates of herbicides are required to reduce early competition with weeds. This leaves a large amount of bare ground with few flowering weeds, providing a poor farmland habitat for pollinators.

The present study evaluates the effect of four different maize management regimes on pollinator diversity and community composition.

Flowering plants intercropped with maize attracted pollinators, helping to support pollinator communities. Similar intercropping techniques using a grass ground cover did not increase pollinator density, demonstrating that pollinator richness, density and diversity is intrinsically linked to the presence of flowering plants.

A maize system with a diverse intercrop may make it possible for pollinators to thrive; however, these systems may only be sufficiently attractive to bring pollinators in temporarily from the surrounding areas.

These results show that there can be significant improvements to pollinator diversity, density and community composition as a result of modifying maize cultivation practices; however, these benefits must be balanced with yield penalties of approximately 60% to farmers.
Woody vegetation composition and diversity in woodlands inside and outside a Forest Reserve in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Abiem Iveren , Saha Sonali , Manu Shiiwua A. , Elisha Emmanuel B.
Published: August 2017

Protected areas such as forest reserves are often assumed to be best ways to conserve biodiversity and maintain intact ecosystems. We examined woody plant composition and diversity in the gallery forest and savannah woodland habitats of Amurum Forest Reserve and areas immediately surrounding it in Jos, Nigeria. A total of 100 10 × 10 m sample plots were established inside and outside the reserve. All woody plants ≥1 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were identified and measured. A total of 7,564 individual plants categorized as 134 species from 44 families were recorded. Overall species diversity was significantly higher in the Forest Reserve than outside the reserve, although more species were encountered outside the reserve. Our findings suggest that, protected areas and the areas surrounding them are important for the conservation of biodiversity as the areas outside protected areas also contain species of conservation value. The continuous degrading areas outside protected areas isolates them and poses a serious threat to the long‐term viability of wildlife populations, so it is important that biodiversity in protected areas and their surrounding areas be conserved.