bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy uncertainty and dynamics of international trade
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine how economic policy uncertainty emanating from three major global economic blocks (the US, the Chinese and the European Union) and volatility in global oil prices influence international trade.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses quarterly data spanning the period between 1995 and 2014 in an autoregressive distributed lag framework.

Findings

This study finds that economic policy uncertainty conditions associated with the US and the Chinese economies tend to have significant negative or constraining impact on key components of international trade. Further analysis suggests that between the two leading economies (the US and the Chinese economies), economic policy uncertainty emanating from the US economy tend to have much more constraining impact on dynamics of international trade than the Chinese economy all things being equal.

Practical implications

This study’s findings carry significant strategic planning and policy implications for international trade dependent firms or corporations and economies. For instance, for multi-national corporations or firms whose products and services depend heavily on cross-border trade, understanding and taking into consideration prevailing economic policy dynamics emanating from the US and the Chinese economies in product and services demand forecast, and other strategic moves could be critical in minimizing potential adverse effects on projected performance or growth targets.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study’s approach stems from its assessment of how perception of uncertainty among economic agents about economic policies originating from three noted global economic blocks impacts international trade. In other words, instead of traditional factors or conditions surmised to influence variability in trend associated with international trade found in related studies, this study rather examines how perceptions of uncertainty about prevailing or yet to be enacted economic policy within specific global economic block impacts international trade.
Expatriation, alcohol and drugs: antecedents and consequences of substance use in expatriation
Authors: Wurtz Olivier
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Expatriation is known to be stressful. The purpose of this paper is to examine stress as an antecedent of substance use (SU) during expatriation and related effects on expatriates’ work adjustment. Moreover, the study sheds light on individual-level moderators (i.e. gender and prior international experience) and organizational-level moderators (i.e. organizational social support) that might condition the stress–SU link.

Design/methodology/approach

This work adopts a quantitative survey approach. It is based on two studies, one of 205 expatriates and one of 96 expatriate–supervisor dyads. The data were collected through personal networks and with the help of multinational companies.

Findings

This research shows that stress at a medium- to high-level increases SU among male expatriates, but not among female expatriates. Expatriates with substantial prior international experience were identified as being more prone to react to stress by resorting to SU. It also provides evidence that SU to aid coping harms professional adjustment. Moreover, some implications relating to professional adjustment are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

SU was self-reported; this may have deterred users from accurately reporting their consumption levels. Moreover, convenience samples have been used. Preventive actions limiting SU, such as well-being programs, could be sponsored by local human resource managers in order to limit this phenomenon.

Originality/value

This work is one of the first to analyze SU among expatriates. It shows that some expatriates are more at risk than others of resorting to such use to cope with the hardships of expatriation.
Halal tourism: conceptual and practical challenges
Authors: Boğan Erhan , Sarıışık Mehmet
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Muslim tourists participating in halal tourism activities represent a valuable niche market for global tourism industry. The purpose of this study is to clarify the concepts of halal tourism and Islamic tourism and to draw attention to some conceptual and practical challenges in the halal tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a critical assessment of the literature in this field. To differentiate the concepts and to discuss practical and conceptual challenges, the authors found some references by reviewing the existing definitions in related literature and the primary source of the concepts which is Holy Book of Islam, Quran.

Findings

The terms “intention” and “Islamic motivation” can be used to differentiate Islamic tourism and halal tourism. The authors suggest calling hotels that provide good and services in halal tourism industry as “halal hotels” and tourists as “Muslim tourists”. One of the leading practical challenges in halal tourism is having lack of halal standards, especially for hotels. As the way Muslims understand and adapt their lives to Islam is quite different, which means this market is not homogenous, the authors suggest that halal hotels should be scaled through different qualifications in different countries.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on literature review, and it lacks primary research.

Practical implications

Current paper stresses the need for consistent use of Islamic-related tourism terms in industry. Hotel companies should have halal certifications that will provide assurance to customers. It is highly important for hotel companies to inform their target guests about the location of hotel before arriving at hotel. This is because halal hotels and other hotels are usually located in resort destination, especially in Turkey.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the leading papers that differentiates Islamic tourism and halal tourism concepts. It also provides several conceptual and practical issues in halal tourism industry.
The effects of supervisor humour on employee attitudes
Authors: Mesmer-Magnus Jessica , Guidice Rebecca , Andrews Martha , Oechslin Robert
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how employees’ perceptions of their supervisor’s use of four types of humour relate to employee job satisfaction, organisational pride, organisational commitment and self-esteem. Supervisor favourability is also examined as a mediating variable in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 216 working individuals provided data on the effect of supervisor use of humour on employee attitudes.

Findings

Perceptions of positive forms of humour (affiliative and self-enhancing) positively related to employee various attitudes, while aggressive humour was negatively associated with those attitudes. Results also support the intervening role of supervisor favourability in the relationship between supervisors’ positive use of humour and employees’ job satisfaction, affective commitment and organisational pride.

Research limitations/implications

Studies of the effects of workplace humour can benefit from using more fine-grained operationalisation of positive and negative humour. Research can also benefit from considerations of intervening mechanisms to the humour–work outcome relationship.

Practical implications

The results underscore the benefits of affiliative and self-enhancing humour on employee attitudes in the workplace. While negative humour can have an undesirable effect, there may be circumstances under which self-defeating humour is not negatively received.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to better understand supervisors’ use of different, more discriminating forms of humour on employee attitudes.
Usability testing for a community college library website
Authors: Valenti Alyssa M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper details a usability testing case study on a simplified homepage for [Library]. The usability testing was completed in Spring 2017 to meet the needs of diverse user groups and shifting trends in Web design and development. At the conclusion of the usability testing, recommendations for change informed the design decisions and a new homepage was implemented in October 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher performed eight usability tests with a combination of the different library user types; full-time faculty, students, an administrator and members of the public. The usability test consisted of 13 specific tasks. After testers completed the tasks, users filled out a 30-question Likert-scale questionnaire and answered a set of 8 open-ended questions.

Findings

This paper discusses the recommendations for change which the researcher discovered at the conclusion of the usability testing period. The research found the need to improve and include specific navigational, visual and easy-to-use elements to best meet the needs of the users in the usability tests. Changes were ranked and implemented on a scale of catastrophic to cosmetic.

Research limitations/implications

As websites, technology and user preferences continually evolve, the homepage will need to be tested for usability again in the next several years. Researchers are encouraged to adapt the methods to their own institutions.

Practical implications

This paper discusses findings specific to [Library], which in turn has proved to increase usage of certain features and functions by the user community.

Originality/value

This is the first time usability testing has been done for the [Library’s] website. It was the first time the design of the homepage was informed by real user preference. This paper is valuable to those looking to create a simple, easy-to-use homepage that best benefits their own unique community of users.
Protectionist vs liberalised maritime cabotage policies: a review
Authors: Paixão Casaca Ana Cristina , Lyridis Dimitrios V.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The development of the current European economic area maritime cabotage market occurred when, at a policy level, the European Union forced the opening of its member-states cabotage markets to Community shipowners and extended this openness, in 1997, to the european free trade area countries. A two-tier cabotage market emerged, where a European economic area legislative framework co-exists with the legislative acts of each member-state. With such a unique background, this paper aims to investigate both the European economic area member-states and the rest of the world cabotage regimes and identify a list of reasons and policy measures used to implement cabotage policies.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of a desk research methodological approach, this paper analyses, from a geographical perspective, different countries’ cabotage policies and classifies them, and identifies in a systematically way a set of reasons and policy instruments that support each of chosen policies approach.

Findings

The outcome indicates that only a few countries promote free liberalised cabotage services and that most countries favour protectionist cabotage policies, whose governments can control the number of foreign vessels participating in these trades. Cabotage regimes have been categorised and the reasons behind both policies and respective policy instruments have been identified.

Originality/value

Quite often, researchers only focus on the cabotage policies of the European economic area countries, the USA, Australia, Japan and South Korea. This paper value rests on its ability to incorporate cabotage policies from other African, Asian and Latin American countries and to update existing information on the subject. Overall, this paper paves the way to broaden the cabotage knowledge.
The implementation of a new conceptual framework for occupational engagement in forensic settings: feasibility and application to occupational therapy practice
Authors: Morris Karen , Ward Kath
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Facilitation of genuine occupational engagement rather than a more superficial level of participation that has minimal therapeutic benefit is a challenge within secure mental health settings. The purpose of this paper is to develop, pilot and evaluate therapeutic tools based on a framework of occupational engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used action research with occupational therapists from two secure residential units. Focus group discussions gathered participants’ views of how the occupational engagement framework could be used to inform a therapeutic tool. Following the development and piloting of the subsequent tools, focus groups were again used to review their usefulness in practice. Discussions were audio recorded and thematically analysed.

Findings

Three tools were designed and piloted. Evaluation revealed a number of benefits and different ways in which the tools could be used in practice.

Research limitations/implications

This research has indicated that the occupational engagement framework has potential for increasing understanding of the relationship between the value and consequences of participating in occupations. The limited timescale of the research restricted the opportunity to fully explore the tools’ potential effectiveness as outcome measures.

Practical implications

The clinical tools developed within this research have provided some information to the clinical teams which has contributed to their understanding of how service users experience participating in occupations.

Originality/value

The occupational engagement framework and resulting tools have the potential to enhance understanding of occupational engagement within secure settings.
Assessment of chemical and bioactive properties of native fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Almeida Adrielle Borges de , Silva Anna Karoline Carmo , Lodete Ariadne Ribeiro , Egea Mariana Buranelo , Lima Mayra Conceição Peixoto Martins , Silva Fabiano Guimarães
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate six different fruits from the Cerrado as to their chemical and bioactive properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Six different fruits from the Cerrado (araticum, baru, jatoba-do-cerrado, lobeira, macauba and pequi) were characterized regarding moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, carotenoids, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activities.

Findings

The highest flavonoid content, which was found in araticum pulp, was significantly different from the ones of other fruit pulps. The carotenoid content of pequi pulp was 12-fold the one of lobeira pulp. The vitamin C content of baru pulp was five-fold the Reference Daily Intake (RDI). In relation to the antioxidant activity, araticum (5.7 µM/g) and jatoba (5.2 µM/g) pulps exhibited the highest values (p< 0.01). Both baru and araticum pulps were capable of capturing the radical with mean percentage of discoloration of 68.7 and 67.4%, respectively (p< 0.01).

Originality/value

Native fruits of the Cerrado have been poorly described in the literature, even though they are highly consumed in the region. Publicizing their nutritional characteristics can increase the commercial value of these fruits, which have been traditionally devalued. In addition, knowledge of new sources of nutrients contributes to their use by pharmaceutical and food industries.
Qualitative research: deductive and inductive approaches to data analysis
Authors: Azungah Theophilus
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the rationale for choosing the qualitative approach to research human resources practices, namely, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, rewards management, employee communication and participation, diversity management and work and life balance using deductive and inductive approaches to analyse data. The paper adopts an emic perspective that favours the study of transfer of human resource management practices from the point of view of employees and host country managers in subsidiaries of western multinational enterprises in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Despite the numerous examples of qualitative methods of data generation, little is known particularly to the novice researcher about how to analyse qualitative data. This paper develops a model to explain in a systematic manner how to methodically analyse qualitative data using both deductive and inductive approaches.

Findings

The deductive and inductive approaches provide a comprehensive approach in analysing qualitative data. The process involves immersing oneself in the data reading and digesting in order to make sense of the whole set of data and to understand what is going on.

Originality/value

This paper fills a serious gap in qualitative data analysis which is deemed complex and challenging with limited attention in the methodological literature particularly in a developing country context, Ghana.
Study on the polymer material infiltrating metallic parts by selective laser sintering of 3D printing
Authors: Chen Jibing , Wan Nong , Li Juying , He Zhanwen
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Metal green parts fabricated by indirect selective laser sintering (SLS) have lower mechanical properties, and thus, they cannot satisfy practical application. To enhance their performance, two polymer resins were compounded as a modified material to infiltrate into the metal parts by SLS.

Design/methodology/approach

The viscosity and glass-transition temperature were tested by a viscometer and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The microstructure and morphology of the interface of parts by polymer resin infiltrated were observed to be using scanning electron microscopy. The tensile strength of sample parts was tested, too. The temperature tolerances of two mass ratio polymer materials were tested and compared by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA).

Findings

Compared to those without being polymer material infiltrated, the results of test showed that the tensile strength of the metallic parts is enhanced obviously, about four times. In addition, the analysis of TGA showed that the resin of mass ratio of 2:1 can be endured up to 200° and can be used as infiltrating materials for metal parts.

Originality/value

Therefore, plastic injection mold and function part can be manufactured by this method.
3D modelling and printing of craniofacial implant template
Authors: Gill Deepkamal Kaur , Walia Kartikeya , Rawat Aditi , Bajaj Divya , Gupta Vipin Kumar , Gupta Anand , Juneja Mamta , Tuli Rakesh , Jindal Prashant
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To relieve intracranial pressure and save patient inflicted with severe head injury, neurosurgeons restore cranial defects. These defects can be caused because of trauma or diseases (Osteomyelitis of bone) which are treated by cranioplasty, using the preserved bone of patient. In case of non-availability of bone, a cranial implant is generated using a biocompatible synthetic material, but this process is less accurate and time-consuming. Hence, this paper aims to present the use of rapid prototyping technology that allows the development of a more accurate patient-specific template and saves the surgery time.

Design/methodology/approach

A five-year-old girl patient having cranial defect was taken up for cranioplasty. CT (computed tomography) scans of the patient were used to generate 3D design of the implant suitable to conceal the defect on the left frontal portion using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing) software. The design was used for 3D printing to manufacture a base template, which was finally used to fabricate the actual implant using Simplex® P bone cement material to conceal the defect.

Findings

Surgery using Simplex® P implant was performed successfully on the patient, giving precise natural curvature to left frontal portion of the patient, decreasing surgery time by about 30 per cent.

Originality/value

The case demonstrates the development of a convenient, time-saving and aesthetically superior digital procedure to treat cranial defect in the absence of preserved bone flap using CT scan as input. 3D modelling and printing were deployed to produce an accurate template which was used to generate an implant using bone cement biocompatible material.
Queering accounting: opening up and connecting professional services firms
Authors: McGuigan Nicholas , Ghio Alessandro
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the research undertaken by Egan (2018), arguing for the themes of opening and connecting to be embraced, adopted and practiced by professional service firms, those who work within them and the academic researchers actively engaged in investigating this field.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides insights into the need for professional service firms to ensure breathing space for LGBTQI-identifying accountants rather than a simple acceptance and assimilation of LGTQI peoples within the consolidated heteronormative structures of the accounting profession. Starting from the recent societal and legislative changes coupled with the ongoing disruption of the business environment, this paper urges professional service firms and accounting researchers to open up and connect to cultural identification, theory, research ideas, research methodologies and research impact and dissemination.

Originality/value

This study represents the beginning of a discussion around the lifeworlds of LGBTQI-identifying accountants and how embracing these may be beneficial for their accounting profession. It provides a critical discussion of the current use of Queer Theory and it supports future studies around the notion of “intersectionality.” It also includes empirical evidence about connecting academic, professional and public communities around the topic of “Queering Accounting.”
High‐grade trichoblastic carcinoma arising through malignant transformation of trichoblastoma: Immunohistochemical analysis and the expression of p53 and phosphorylated AKT
Authors: Fusumae Takayuki , Tanese Keiji , Takeuchi Asako , Takasugi Arisa , Kawakita Rino , Shiraishi Junichi , Yoshida Tetsuya
Published: October 2018

Trichoblastoma (TB) is a benign cutaneous adnexal neoplasm. The lesion typically presents as a slow‐growing, solitary, well‐circumscribed nodule measuring up to 3 cm in diameter. On rare occasions, TB causes malignant transformation into an aggressive form described as high‐grade trichoblastic carcinoma. Four such cases have been reported to date; all were described as high‐grade trichoblastic carcinomas. Here, we describe the case of a 72‐year‐old Japanese male patient with a rapidly enlarging subcutaneous tumor on his lower back, which was diagnosed as high‐grade trichoblastic carcinoma. Histopathologically, the tumor featured both benign and malignant components, and a transition zone between these states was clearly evident. In the immunohistochemical analysis, a malignant component was positive for p53 and showed stronger staining of phospho‐RAC‐α serine/threonine‐protein kinase (AKT) Ser473 in comparison with a benign component. These results suggest that loss of p53 function and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase–AKT signaling pathways played important pathogenic roles in malignant transformation of the present case.
Association between rosacea severity and relative muscle mass: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nam Jae‐Hui , Yang Junghwa , Park Jiho , Seo Je Hyun , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Kim Won‐Serk
Published: October 2018

Rosacea is thought to be associated with factors involved in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Muscle mass has a beneficial role in preventing MetS, but its link to rosacea remains unknown. We sought to investigate the association between rosacea severity and relative skeletal muscle mass. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on subjects who attended a skin check‐up program at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Health Screening Center between 2014 and 2016. Polarized light photographs of the face were taken and evaluated by two dermatologists. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI, [%] = total skeletal muscle mass [kg] / bodyweight [kg] × 100) was estimated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate an association between SMI and rosacea. Of 110 rosacea subjects who were finally enrolled, 17 (15.5%) and 93 (84.5%) were classified as having papulopustular and erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, respectively. Categories of SMI comprised the following tertiles: 22.86–38.40%, 38.41–43.44% and 43.45–80.65%. In severity, compared with mild rosacea (75.5%), moderate rosacea (24.5%) incrementally increased as SMI decreased (Ptrend < 0.01). Severe rosacea was not observed. After adjustment for age and sex, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for moderate rosacea comparing SMI tertiles 1 and 2 to the highest tertile (reference) were 5.66 (1.22–26.20) and 4.43 (1.12–17.55), respectively (Ptrend = 0.03). This association was present in women with marginal significance (Ptrend = 0.06), but not in men. Relative muscle mass is negatively associated with an increased risk of more severe rosacea, suggesting that skeletal muscle can have a protective effect on rosacea exacerbation.
Two cases of chronic oral ulcers effectively treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy: Circumorificial plasmacytosis and traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia
Authors: Kuriyama Yuko , Shimizu Akira , Toki Sayaka , Endo Yukie , Yasuda Masahito , Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: October 2018

Chronic oral ulcers are induced by various causative factors. Biopsy from an active site around ulceration is critical for both the definitive diagnosis and proper treatment. We report two cases of chronic oral ulcers, circumorificial plasmacytosis (CP) and traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE). A 65‐year‐old man presented with a mucosal ulcer on the right half of the lower lip. The dense plasmacytic inflammatory infiltration was histologically consistent with CP. A 32‐year‐old woman presented with a mucosal ulcer on the right mouth commissure. The dense mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates composed of eosinophils, lymphocytes and histiocytes extending from the submucosal tissue to underlying striated muscle fibers were histologically consistent with TUGSE. p.o. administration of corticosteroid was effective in both cases. A broad differential diagnosis is required for chronic oral ulcers. If the oral ulcer did not respond to the first therapy, clinical re‐evaluation and biopsy is essential.
The reliability and validity of the 15‐item Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation (SCORE‐15) Thai version
Authors: Limsuwan Nida , Prachason Thanavadee
Published: October 2018

The 15‐item Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation (SCORE‐15) Thai version was developed. This study aims to assess the test‐retest reliability and the criterion validity of the SCORE‐15 Thai version. The assessment of the test‐retest reliability was performed on twenty‐four non‐clinical participants who gave two ratings two to four weeks apart. Furthermore, sixty‐two clinical and seventy‐three non‐clinical subjects were included for the assessment of the criterion validity. The SCORE‐15 Thai version exhibited excellent test‐retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.94. The validity study revealed that the effect sizes of score differences between clinical and non‐clinical groups were large (0.90–1.85). In conclusion, the SCORE‐15 Thai version can be a choice for routine clinical practice to determine family functioning in systemic family therapy.

Practitioner points

Assessment of family functioning is an essential process for both initial evaluations and monitoring the progress of family interventions

The SCORE‐15 Thai version exhibited excellent test‐retest reliability and criterion validity

The SCORE‐15 Thai version can be used as an instrument to determine family functioning in clinical practice and research
The gender politics of executive candidate selection and reselection
Authors: VERGE TÀNIA , ASTUDILLO JAVIER
Published: October 2018

This research provides new theoretical and empirical insights into the gender politics of the springboards to chief executive office. The extremely masculinised composition of the relatively few top national executive positions has posed a serious impediment to empirically assessing the conditions that may facilitate women's under‐representation and men's over‐representation. To overcome this constraint, this study looks at the top regional executive office across four West European countries that present a multilevel state structure – namely Austria, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Using two original datasets, the article examines the ways in which the selection and reselection of regional prime ministerial candidates is shaped by individual, organisational and institutional factors that produce heterogeneous experiences and career opportunities across sex. The results show that women have not shattered the glass ceiling at the regional level and pinpoint the fact that they are held to higher standards, benefit less from the political resources they possess and are more dependent on the decision environment in which parties select executive candidates. The conclusion is that the rules of the game guiding selection and reselection processes are strongly biased towards men.
Evaluation of Bluestar® Forensic Magnum and Other Traditional Blood Detection Methods on Bloodstained Wood Subjected to a Variety of Burn Conditions,
Authors: Vineyard Autumn R. , Hazelrigg Eric J. , Ehrhardt Christopher J. , Connon Catherine C.
Published: October 2018

Accurate blood detection is a primary concern for forensic scientists, especially in highly compromised situations. In this study, blood was added to wood blocks and subjected to a variety of fire treatments: the absence or presence of accelerant, burn time (1, 3, or 5 min), and extinguishment method (smothering or dousing with water). Burned blocks were given a qualitative burn score, followed by removal of half of the char from each block and subsequent testing of each half for blood using luminol (13% positive; n = 96), Bluestar® Forensic Magnum (5.2% positive; n = 96), and combined phenolphthalein tetramethylbenzidine test (0% positive; n = 192). Luminol and Bluestar® Forensic Magnum performed similarly, both outperforming PTMB. Additionally, positive results were more likely from samples that were smothered, had a low burn score, and had more concentrated blood solutions (neat or 1:2). Overall, it is extremely unlikely that blood would be detected on combustible substrates exposed to direct fire.
Segmental Hair Analysis—Interpretation of the Time of Drug Intake in Two Patients Undergoing Drug Treatment
Authors: Wang Xin , Johansen Sys Stybe , Nielsen Marie Katrine Klose , Linnet Kristian
Published: October 2018

The present study involved segmental testing of hair in two clinical cases with known dosage histories. Hair analysis confirmed the first patient's exposure to the prescribed sertraline and citalopram for several months. Citalopram was generally distributed along the hair shaft in accordance with the drug ingestion period. By contrast, “false” positive results were observed for sertraline in distal hair segments, corresponding to a period of no sertraline exposure, which may indicate incorporation from sweat or sebum, which transport the drugs along the hair surface. The second patient received various drugs during her treatment for brain cancer. Metoclopramide, morphine, oxazepam, paracetamol, sumatriptan, tramadol, and zopiclone, which had been part of the therapy, were all detected in the proximal hair segment. The results of these two cases indicated that results—especially concerning the time of drug intake—must be interpreted with caution and allow for the possibility of incorporation from sweat or sebum.
Self‐Care Behavior of Hemodialysis Patients With Arteriovenous Fistula in China: A Multicenter, Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Yang Miao‐miao , Zhao Hui‐hua , Ding Xiao‐qiang , Zhu Guo‐hong , Yang Zhen‐hua , Ding Lin , Yang Xiong‐hao , Zhao Yuan , Chen Lei , Yang Ren‐mei , Fang Jian , Sousa Clemente Neves
Published: October 2018

Improving the level of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) self‐care behavior by people receiving hemodialysis is an effective way to reduce the occurrence of complications and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the self‐care behavior of Chinese patients undergoing hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula. The assessment of self‐care behaviors with arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis (ASBHD‐AVF, Portuguese version) was translated into Chinese using Brislin's translation model. The content validity was evaluated by six experts. Then we involved 301 hemodialysis patients with AVF to explore the construct validity of the Chinese version of ASBHD‐AVF. Ultimately 216 patients from eight dialysis centers of general hospitals in China were recruited to evaluate the patients’ self‐care behavior about AVF. Measures included demographic questionnaire, and the Chinese ASBHD‐AVF. The Chinese ASBHD‐AVF that included 12 items has a good internal consistency (α = 0.865) and content validity (CVI = 0.979). Principal component analysis generated two factors which explained 53.525% of the total variance. About 69.9% of hemodialysis patients’ AVF self‐care behavior were at a low or moderate level. The level of self‐care behavior and knowledge need to be improved. Nurses should give specific guidance according to the patients’ own characteristics and different influence factors, in order to improve the recipients’ self‐care behavior.
Effect of Various Hot‐Air Drying Processes on Clam Ruditapes philippinarum Lipids: Composition Changes and Oxidation Development
Authors: Liu Zhong‐Yuan , Zhou Da‐Yong , Zhou Xin , Yin Fa‐Wen , Zhao Qi , Xie Hong‐Kai , Li De‐Yang , Zhu Bei‐Wei , Wang Tong , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: October 2018

Clam Ruditapes philippinarum was processed by hot‐air drying and the changes of its lipids were evaluated by analyzing lipid classes, phospholipid classes, fatty acids, as well as oxidation parameters including peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) value, total oxidation value (TOTOX), and oxidation test (OXITEST). The hot‐air drying process reduced the contents of triacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine, indicating the hydrolysis of lipids. Meanwhile, the hot‐air drying process significantly decreased the proportion of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and consequently increased the PUFA ratio of n‐3/n‐6. Interestingly, the POV, TBARS and TOTOX decreased after the hot‐air drying process. However, significant decline of the induction period for the dried clam tissue at elevated temperatures indicated their higher oxidation level, poor oxidative stability and reduction of shelf‐life. Therefore, OXITEST method turned out to be an effective tool for estimating the level of lipid oxidation for hot‐air dried clam.
Systematic review: predictive biomarkers of therapeutic response in inflammatory bowel disease—personalised medicine in its infancy
Authors: Stevens Toer W. , Matheeuwsen Mijntje , Lönnkvist Maria H. , Parker Claire E. , Wildenberg Manon E. , Gecse Krisztina B. , D’Haens Geert R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by substantial heterogeneity in treatment response. With an expanding number of therapeutic agents, identifying optimal treatment at the patient level remains a major challenge.

Aim

To systematically review the available literature on predictive biomarkers of therapeutic response in IBD.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed on 30 January 2018 using MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Retrospective, prospective, uncontrolled and controlled studies reporting on biomarkers predicting therapeutic response in paediatric and adult IBD populations were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the QUIPS tool. Due to anticipated heterogeneity and limited data, a qualitative, rather than quantitative, assessment was planned.

Results

Of the 10 638 citations identified, 92 articles met the inclusion criteria. Several potential DNA, mRNA and protein markers were evaluated as predictive biomarkers. Most studies focused on predicting response to anti‐TNF agents. Substantial between‐study heterogeneity was identified with respect to both the biomarkers studied and the definition of response. None of the included studies received a low risk of bias rating for all six domains. Currently, none of the biomarkers is sufficiently predictive for clinical use.

Conclusions

The search for predictive biomarkers is still in its infancy and current evidence is limited. Future research efforts should take into account the high patient heterogeneity within prospective trials with objective response assessment. Predictive models will most likely comprise a combination of several molecular markers from integrated omics‐levels and clinical characteristics.
Phase I/II study on cytarabine and idarubicin combined with escalating doses of clofarabine in newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and high risk for induction failure (AMLSG 17‐10 CIARA trial)
Authors: Krauter Jürgen , Fiedler Walter , Schlenk Richard F. , Paschka Peter , Thol Felicitas , Lübbert Michael , Wattad Mohammed , Verbeek Mareike , Könecke Christian , Neuhaus Barbara , Papkalla Armin , Kebenko Maxim , Janning Melanie , Döhner Konstanze , Gaidzik Verena I. , Becker Heiko , Greil Christine , Reimer Peter , Götze Katharina S. , Döhner Hartmut , Ganser Arnold , Heuser Michael
Published: October 2018

This open‐label, multicentre phase I/II study determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety and efficacy of clofarabine administered with cytarabine and idarubicin in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients lacking favourable genetic aberrations. The MTD was 30 mg/m2 clofarabine for patients below and above 60 years. The most frequently reported grade 3–4 non‐haematological adverse events were infectious and gastrointestinal toxicities. Complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete recovery rate was 67%. Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation in first remission was feasible in a high proportion of younger AML patients and probably contributed to the favourable outcome compared to historical controls.
Vaccines for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections: a systematic review
Authors: Aziminia Nikoo , Hadjipavlou Marios , Philippou Yiannis , Pandian Shivkumar S. , Malde Sachin , Hammadeh Mohamed Y.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To systematically review the evidence regarding the efficacy of vaccines or immunostimulants in reducing the recurrence rate of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Materials and Methods

The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), PubMed, Cochrane Library, World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal, and conference abstracts were searched up to January 2018 for English‐titled citations. Randomised placebo‐controlled trials evaluating UTI recurrence rates in adult patients with recurrent UTIs treated with a vaccine were selected by two independent reviewers according to the Population, Interventions, Comparators, and Outcomes (PICO) criteria. Differences in recurrence rates in study populations for individual trials were calculated and pooled, and risk ratios (RRs) using random effects models were calculated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and heterogeneity was assessed using chi‐squared and I2 testing. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence (QOE) and summarise findings.

Results

In all, 599 records were identified, of which 10 studies were included. A total of 1537 patients were recruited and analysed, on whom data were presented. Three candidate vaccines were studied: Uro‐Vaxom® (OM Pharma, Myerlin, Switzerland), Urovac® (Solco Basel Ltd, Basel, Switzerland), and ExPEC4V (GlycoVaxyn AG, Schlieren, Switzerland). At trial endpoint, the use of vaccines appeared to reduce UTI recurrence compared to placebo (RR 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–0.81; low QOE). Uro‐Vaxom showed the greatest reduction in UTI recurrence rate; the maximal effect was seen at 3 months compared with 6 months after initial treatment (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.57–0.78; and RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69–0.88, respectively; low QOE). Urovac may also reduce risk of UTI recurrence (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.63–0.89; low QOE). ExPEC4V does not appear to reduce UTI recurrence compared to placebo at study endpoint (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.62–1.10; low QOE). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the included studies (chi‐squared = 54.58; P < 0.001, I2 = 84%).

Conclusions

While there is evidence for the efficacy of vaccines in patients with recurrent UTIs, significant heterogeneity amongst these studies renders interpretation and recommendation for routine clinical use difficult at present. Further randomised trials using consistent definitions and endpoints are needed to study the long‐term efficacy and safety of vaccines for infection prevention in patients with recurrent UTIs.
Building Bridges into the Community: Social Capital in a Volunteering Project for Care Leavers
Authors: Martikke Susanne , Cumbers Holly , Cox Nigel , Webb Lucy , Gedzielewski Emma , Duale Mariam
Published: October 2018

Volunteering to address poor life outcomes often experienced by care leavers is emphasised in UK policy. Although volunteering is credited with the ability to generate social capital, there is limited research on the impact of volunteering on the social capital of care leavers. This article re‐examines data from an evaluation of a volunteering project for care leavers. It explores in what ways young people's participation in the project constitutes social capital. The findings support the importance of regular face‐to‐face contact and co‐production for young people to become creators of their own social capital.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by hydroperoxides of limonene and dose‐response relationship—A repeated open application test (ROAT) study
Authors: Bennike Niels H. , Palangi Lina , Christensson Johanna Bråred , Nilsson Ulrika , Zachariae Claus , Johansen Jeanne D. , Hagvall Lina
Published: October 2018

Background

Contact allergy to oxidized limonene, with hydroperoxides of limonene (Lim‐OOHs) as the main allergens, is common. However, high proportions of weak positive and doubtful patch test reactions have been reported.

Objectives

To determine the clinical relevance, elicitation threshold and dose‐response relationship of Lim‐OOHs in individuals with a positive or doubtful patch test reaction to standard Lim‐OOHs 0.3% pet.

Methods

A multicentre 3‐week double‐blind vehicle‐controlled repeated open application test (ROAT) study with a simulated fine fragrance containing Lim‐OOHs at 1260, 420 and 140 ppm, equal to a dose/area per application of Lim‐OOHs of 3.0, 0.99 and 0.33 μg/cm2, was performed.

Results

Among 11 subjects allergic to Lim‐OOHs, 11 (100%), 7 (64%), and 3 (27%), respectively, reacted to the applied doses. No reactions were seen in 17 healthy controls exposed to the highest dose. This difference in reactivity was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Among 13 subjects with doubtful patch test reactions to Lim‐OOHs, two (15%) had positive ROAT reactions to the highest Lim‐OOH dose applied (P = 0.36 as compared with controls).

Conclusions

Contact allergy to Lim‐OOHs is of clinical relevance in patients with positive patch test reactions. A doubtful patch test reaction to Lim‐OOHs 0.3% pet. can be of clinical relevance.
Can type 2 diabetes be reversed and how can this best be achieved? James Lind Alliance research priority number one
Authors: Taylor R. , Barnes A. C.
Published: October 2018

The James Lind Alliance, in association with Diabetes UK, conducted a survey of people with Type 2 diabetes to establish their priorities for research. The number one research priority was found to be ‘Can Type 2 diabetes be cured or reversed, what is the best way to achieve this, and is there a point beyond which the condition cannot be reversed?’. The present review summarizes the current understanding of weight loss‐induced reversal of Type 2 diabetes. It considers the diagnostic criteria for remission and describes the clinical features of post‐diabetes. It is of great importance to recognize these, as post‐diabetes differs considerably from the high cardiovascular risk state of prediabetes. Current data demonstrate long‐term stable β‐cell function, providing weight regain is prevented. If an individual, having previously demonstrated susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes, returns to their previous weight then recurrence of the condition is certain. Appropriate use of the terms ‘reversal’ and ‘remission’ is discussed, with emphasis that the word ‘cure’ is inappropriate. Evidence‐based means of achieving and maintaining remission of Type 2 diabetes are described, together with a summary of the information on the steadily diminishing chance of achieving reversal with increasing duration of Type 2 diabetes.
A systematic review of observational studies of the association between pioglitazone use and bladder cancer
Authors: Ripamonti E. , Azoulay L. , Abrahamowicz M. , Platt R.W. , Suissa S.
Published: October 2018

Aim

To conduct a systematic review of all observational studies on the effect of pioglitazone on the risk of bladder cancer.

Methods

The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were queried for papers published between 1 January 2000 and 30 October 2017. We took into consideration observational studies (both retrospective and prospective) that included participants with Type 2 diabetes prescribed anti‐hyperglycaemic drugs.

Results

While some studies reported an association, others did not, and meta‐analyses of these studies showed a significantly increased risk; however, while meta‐analysis is a powerful and practical statistical tool, its results should be considered with caution when applied to widely heterogeneous studies. We describe how many of these studies are affected by different types of bias, most notably time‐related biases, which should preclude a pooled analysis that would result in biased estimation of the risk.

Conclusions

Given existing data, it is not appropriate to pool the outcomes of highly heterogeneous studies and further rigorously conducted observational research is needed to clarify the role of pioglitazone use on the incidence of bladder cancer.
HYSTERESIS IN A NEW KEYNESIAN MODEL
Authors: Craighead William D.
Published: October 2018

This paper provides a simple, tractable way of incorporating “hysteresis,” in which persistent unemployment takes on structural characteristics, into a macroeconomic model. Hysteresis is modeled as deterioration in labor market matching efficiency as the average duration of unemployment increases. This is embedded in a basic New Keynesian macro model. A decline in labor market matching efficiency would be consistent with the observed rightward shift of the Beveridge curve since the 2007–2009 recession. Hysteresis is shown to lead to larger and more persistent responses of the unemployment rate and unemployment duration to productivity, intertemporal preference, and monetary shocks. Hysteresis also generates an increase in the natural rate of unemployment. (JEL E24, J64, E32)