bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence processes of implementation effectiveness in challenged information technology projects in Africa
Authors: Muganda Ochara Nixon , Kandiri John , Johnson Roy
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This research reports on how influence processes (IP) impact on the implementation effectiveness of information technology (IT) projects. Drawing on an innovation perspective that elevate the interplay of factors related to innovations framing, innovations environment and innovation attributes, the study focused on IT projects based in Africa that are generally classified as “challenged” due to the conditions in the environment. The purpose of this paper is to assess how IP related to innovation framing, innovation environment and innovation attributes can be used to determine implementation effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a interpretive approach, a case study of institutions under a partnership that has been implementing various educational technologies in five African countries formed the sample. In all, 25 interviews of top-management representatives, project leaders and user representatives were conducted between 2012 and 2013 to assess the implementation effectiveness of these projects. Theoretical thematic analysis, based on a deductive approach, was employed to analyse the data.

Findings

– The results show that a majority of these development-oriented projects are “mandated failures” characterized by high framing, a bad internal environment and typically negative innovation attributes. That typically, the institutions engage symbolically in such innovations initiatives which are regarded as “show” projects. Such behaviour can be construed to be a pattern of cynical technology adoption linked to the appeasement of external stakeholders. In addition, participation in initiatives was largely symbolic and is considered as a mere demonstration of a modern organization that is technologically aware, yet the requisite innovation environment is lacking for effective appropriation of the technology. Third, mandated failures result in low morale of employees, who regard themselves as pawns in the process which make them grudgingly participate in the implementation process.

Practical implications

– These findings have implications for managing innovations in such challenged environments: the first proposition is that projects in challenged environment for innovation adopting organizations need to be considered as technology transfer projects. Second, the innovation environment and attributes can only be improved during implementation of the conditions related to absorptive capacity of the organization and the individual are addressed.

Originality/value

– The research reported in this paper, provides an empirical determination of the concept of implementation effectiveness by using three constructs of innovations framing, environment and attributes. On the basis of the empirical findings, an original contribution is claimed, especially in “challenged” IT project environments where the concept of success if fluid and outcomes uncertain.
Exploring the impact of empowering leadership on knowledge sharing, absorptive capacity and team performance in IT service
Authors: Lee Jungwoo , Lee Hyejung , Park Jun-Gi
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the mechanism through which empowering leadership of a team leader might influence the team performance in IT service.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data of 315 individuals collected from 85 different IT projects through online survey is used to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The results confirm that team leader′s empowering leadership raises the level of knowledge sharing among team members and increase the absorptive capacity of the team, and lead to better team performance.

Research limitations/implications

– This research theoretically presented and demonstrated the middle- and long-term impacts of empowering leadership resulting from the development of absorptive capacity as the effects of knowledge sharing in an IT project team are produced through absorptive capacity.

Practical implications

– The findings indicate that more effective in increasing the performance of IT project teams can be to strengthen empowering leadership than to promote traditional charisma or directive leadership. Knowledge sharing at a team level has the direct effect of improving project performance by providing information and knowledge regarding the related project, but on the other hand it contributes to making stronger the path of associating absorptive capacity with project performance.

Originality/value

– The impact of empowering leaderships on team performance of IT project has received less research attention. Little prior research has carried out such an integrated analysis in IT service context. This study contributes to knowledge management research by identifying a key antecedent of knowledge sharing.
Effect of quarterly earnings announcement under different market conditions
Authors: Das Santu , Kanta Pattanayak Jamini , Pathak Pramod
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The main purpose of this research study is to investigate the impact of quarterly earnings announcements on stock price movement of the firms constituting the SENSEX under two different market conditions – booming followed by recessionary. Analysis of price effect of quarterly earnings announcements during the five-year period prior to trading suspension, which is also characterized by a booming market condition have been made. Similar analysis during the five-year period following the trading suspension and marked by recessionary market condition has also been carried out side by side.

Design/methodology/approach

– Event study methodology using daily returns and market model has been used for the purpose of analyzing the quarterly earnings announcement effects on the security prices of the firms. A sign test has also been used along with the event study.

Findings

– The study reveals that quarterly earnings announcement does not have statistically significant effect on stock returns during the booming as well as the recessionary market conditions. The impact of quarterly earnings announcements on stock price movement of firms constituting the SENSEX has been similar for both periods undertaken in the study.

Research limitations/implications

– The study has been undertaken using the firms listed in BSE SENSEX. The effect of the quarterly earnings announcement with reference to firms listed in other indices, if covered, may provide different sets of results.

Originality/value

– The paper identifies the informational value of quarterly earnings announcement of BSE-SENSEX.
Negative earnings surprises: when is the glass half-full?
Authors: Deshpande Shreesh , Svetina Marko
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– In a setting with local bias in investors’ portfolios, the purpose of this paper is to study the stockholder wealth impact of negative earnings surprises for local firms as reported in a local newspaper.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the sample of earnings announcements, the authors observe that the stock price impact is statistically significantly more (less) negative in the case where the absolute difference between announced earnings and the consensus analysts’ forecast is greater (smaller) than the absolute difference between the announced earnings and last-year-same-quarter earnings.

Findings

– The differential effect is only observed when the stock market uncertainty (VIX) is high. In the empirical analysis, the paper finds that investors’ reactions to negative earnings surprises appear to be influenced by the level of historical, publicly available last-year-same-quarter earnings.

Originality/value

– When stock market uncertainty is high, the result suggests that the stock market may not be semi-strong efficient and/or that there is a behavioral response to negative earnings surprises in a setting where investors have portfolios over-weighted with local firm stocks.
Impact of board gender diversity on firm risk
Authors: Jane Lenard Mary , Yu Bing , Anne York E. , Wu Shengxiong
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study gender diversity on the board of directors and the relation to risk management and corporate performance as measured by the variability of stock market return.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample consists of companies from the RiskMetrics database from 2007 to 2011. This database contains information on corporate board of directors. Financial variables were collected from the Compustat database and CRSP database for the years 2005-2011. The authors then measure the effect of gender diversity on corporate performance in terms of firm risk, using the model by Cheng (2008) which measures the variability of stock market return.

Findings

– The study shows that more gender diversity on the board of directors impacts firm risk by contributing to lower variability of stock market return. The higher the percentage of female directors on the board, the lower the variability of corporate performance.

Originality/value

– The research design and findings assist in providing additional evidence about the role of women in corporate leadership positions and the association with corporate performance. The approach combines Cheng's (2008) model of stock market variability with the impact of gender diversity on the board of directors.
Accounting irregularities and failure to deliver
Authors: E. Boyd Naomi , Marie Hibbert Ann , Pavlova Ivelina
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between naked short selling and accounting irregularities that cause a firm to issue a restatement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the level of abnormal fails-to-deliver as a proxy for naked short selling, the paper looks for evidence of increased naked short selling in anticipation of, as well as in response to these announcements.

Findings

– Larger firms and firms with a higher percentage of institutional ownership experience greater levels of fails prior to the announcement day, while smaller firms are more likely to be targets of naked short sellers after the announcement. The paper also finds that more transparent announcements are associated with more abnormal fails.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first research to study the relation between naked short selling and accounting restatements.
Effectiveness of adult day treatment for eating disorders
Authors: Hepburn Zoë , Wilson Kim
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of day treatment programmes for adults with eating disorders by comparing, evaluating and synthesizing published pre- and post-treatment outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic review was undertaken of publications containing quantitative outcome data relating to weight restoration among underweight patients, reduction in binge and purge/vomit symptoms, decrease in eating disorder psychopathology and improvement in psychological functioning.

Findings

– This systematic review of pre- and post- treatment outcomes from 15 studies revealed large effect sizes relating to increase in Body Mass Index (BMI), reduction in symptoms and decrease in depression. Medium effect sizes were observed for improvement in self-esteem and reduction in anxiety and medium-large effect sizes were generally observed for attitude-change, although a small effect size was identified for perfectionism.

Practical implications

– This systematic review indicates that day treatment for adults is effective in increasing BMI among underweight patients, reducing binge, purge/vomit symptoms and eating disorder psychopathology and improving psychological functioning. Further research is required to investigate whether gains are cost-effective and sustainable over the longer term, and how day treatment programmes can improve outcomes for patients who are vulnerable to non-response and drop-out.

Originality/value

To date, reviews of day treatment for adults with eating disorders have focused upon comparisons of treatment approach and structure and neglected to assess outcomes. Therefore this review fills a gap in existing literature
Biological correlates of psychopathy: a brief review
Authors: Debowska Agata , Boduszek Daniel , Hyland Philip , Goodson Simon
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present and provide a critical review of most recent studies inquiring into brain abnormalities in psychopathy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors provide an overview of the findings of neurobiological studies conducted in the last five years. Publications chosen for review were found using Web of Science, PsycINFO and Scopus search engines.

Findings

– Data in the literature reveal that psychopathy is associated with brain abnormalities in frontal and temporo-limbic regions, i.e. regions responsible for moral decision making, emotional processing and learning. Additionally, interactions between the brain areas have been identified as crucial for the development of psychopathic personality traits. Research findings suggest that the flow of impulses between the frontal cortex and temporo-limbic structures in psychopaths is significantly hindered.

Originality/value

– The current paper provides an in-depth review of most recent neurobiological studies inquiring into brain abnormalities associated with psychopathic personality traits. Moreover, a particular attention has been paid to identifying abnormalities in brain structures not previously studied in relation to psychopathy (e.g. mirror neuron system, white matter connections).
The impact of case formulation focussed consultation on criminal justice staff and their attitudes to work with personality disorder
Authors: Ramsden Jo , Lowton Mark , Joyes Emma
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of a highly structured, formulation focused consultation process on knowledge and attitudes towards personality disorder and on perceived practice with personality disordered offenders. Consultation was delivered by the Yorkshire/Humber regional Pathway Development Service (PDS). This pilot study sought to inform the development of this service and the support offered to probation Trusts across Yorkshire/Humber to implement the national Personality Disorder Offender Pathway.

Design/methodology/approach

– Consultation was offered to a number of offender managers working in the Yorkshire/Humber region. The impact of the consultation on their knowledge and understanding of personality disorder in general was examined as was their attitudes to working with this population and their perceived confidence and competence in delivering supervision to each individual.

Findings

– The findings from this small pilot study would suggest that the structured format used by the Yorkshire PDS was helpful in enhancing the probation officers’ knowledge and understanding of personality disorder as well as their perceived confidence in and attitudes towards working with individuals with a personality disorder.

Originality/value

– The study indicates that the structured format used by the PDS is of value and may be applied to the support offered to probation Trusts across Yorkshire/Humber as they implement the community specification of the national Personality Disorder Offender Pathway.
A multilevel study of the relationship between organizational justice and affective commitment
Authors: Ohana Marc
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating role of organizational size and individual tenure on the relationship between organizational justice and organizational affective commitment. Based on the literature on organizational justice and justice climate, this paper tests whether the role of justice climate, measured at the organizational level, is affected by these organizational and individual characteristics in determining individual organizational affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data on 20,936 employees from 1,496 companies that were included in the 2004 Workplace Employment Relationships Survey were used.

Findings

– Hierarchical linear modeling analysis shows that the importance of the justice climate extends beyond its effect on individual perceptions. Moreover, whereas the organization size does not influence the justice climate – affective commitment relationship, organizational tenure moderates it.

Originality/value

– This study shows the impact of justice climate on affective commitment beyond the effect of individual justice. It also examines organizational (organization size) and individual characteristics (tenure) as possible moderators, constructs rarely considered in studies on justice climate.
Static and dynamic views of conflict and cooperation in the employment relationship
Authors: M. Gould Anthony , Desjardins Guillaume
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The employment relationship is beset by an incongruous mix of bases for cooperation and conflict. Scholars have attempted to reconcile the simultaneous presence of convergent and divergent interests between capital and labour in several ways and distinctive bodies of theory addressing this matter have emerged. However, to date, attempts to incorporate the role that the passage of time plays in changing the ratio of conflict to cooperation in the employment relationship have mostly been inadequate. This essay presents a theory about this issue based on six tenets. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A critical review of existing genres of literature addressing conflict and cooperation in the employment relationship and a conceptual contribution to a perceived generic limitation of these bodies of literature.

Findings

– A new conceptualization of the elements causing conflict and cooperation between employers and their employees. The theory presented is modular and mostly compatible with the work of earlier scholars. It has theoretical and practical application and aids in understanding the strategic management consequences of new employment forms when other pertinent variables are held constant.

Practical implications

– The paper offers a fresh perspective on new employment forms in particular

Originality/value

– A new conceptualization of the elements causing conflict and cooperation between employers and their employees. The new view is not necessarily incompatible with earlier perspectives but does have potential to create genuinely new research paradigms and reframe certain contemporary debates about non-standard work in particular.
Predicting boredom-coping at work
Authors: W. Whiteoak John
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the dimensions of boredom-coping in the workplace and develop a linear equation capable of predicting a single individual's boredom-coping capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research employs a mixed-methods approach and triangulates the identification of themes through, consultation with five industry experts, 23 individual interviews and 169 survey respondents.

Findings

– A linear composite that explains 41.4 percent of the variance in boredom-coping (r=0.66,p<0.001) was developed. The model was derived from four constructs identified from primary qualitative data. These were, personality traits (i.e. conscientiousness, openness, work ethic, and extraversion), attitude to challenge, trainable abilities (i.e. practical intelligence, foresight ability, and situational awareness), and group potency.

Research limitations/implications

– These findings provide research implications for the study of boredom-coping at work. Common-method artifacts are a potential limitation of the conclusions drawn. However, the mixed-methods approach, independent samples at each stage, and multiple data collection sites and times, supports the integrity of the findings discussed.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this research includes providing strategies for human resource decisions associated with recruitment, selection, and front-line training interventions. The model indicates training may be targeted at different areas of the equation with markedly different impact and return depending on the timed nature of interventions.

Originality/value

– The findings support the development of approaches that may help to create a more engaged, productive, and well-adjusted workforce. The translation of the findings to the “bottom-line” is also significant.
The benefits of participation for young offenders
Authors: Creaney Sean
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of participation for young offenders. It also explores some of the challenges giving young people “a say”.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews and critiques a number of published sources, including peer reviewed journal articles. By critically reviewing the literature, the paper intends to promote discussion and ignite debate on the topic of “offender participation”.

Findings

– This paper argues that if young people are given a voice and provided with the opportunity to influence how a service is implemented it is more probable that the child will be “rehabilitated”. Furthermore, participation has many benefits for the individual child. More specifically, not only does it increase levels of engagement and compliance with a particular form of intervention or programme, but by being involved in the process, the child's self-esteem increases, making “motivation to change” more likely.

Originality/value

– This paper argues that despite good policy and practice intentions, the involvement of young offenders in the design and delivery of youth justice services requires further development. Indeed, there needs to be greater opportunities provided to young people, across the Youth Justice System, to “share their views” and influence practice.
Redesigning an assembly line through Lean-Kaizen: an Indian case
Authors: Prashar Anupama
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the adoption of Lean-Kaizen approach to process improvement by the largest manufacturer of steering systems for passenger car and utility vehicle market in India. The company was facing severe liquidity crunch due to falling customer demand (25 percent lower than forecasted), rising cost of raw material and bank borrowing rates. In order to survive in such stiff scenario, the company systematically deployed Kaizen events and drastically improved their internal efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study categorically illustrates the employment of value stream mapping (VSM) to target the areas for Kaizen improvement events. Current state VSM was developed to display the non-value-added activities in the existing assembly process. Future state VSM was proposed. After identifying root cause of wastes using 5 Why, three Kaizen events were proposed.

Findings

– The current state VSM revealed cumulative inventory of 61 days in the entire process, long distances travelled by subassembly for final assembly (294 meters) and a high defect rate (879 parts per million). After modifying the assembly line using lean strategies, the company reduced its inventory levels by 66 percent, defect rate reduced by 32 percent and achieved other benefits such as reduced equipment, production staff and storage space. These reductions helped the company in saving the working capital and also contributed significantly to its profitability.

Originality/value

– The study exhibits implementation of Lean-Kaizen approach for redesigning assembly line in an auto component manufacturing unit. The proposed lean strategies are considered to be highly valuable for manufacturer of steering for passenger cars and utility vehicles market.
Measuring the importance and practices of Lean values
Authors: Ingelsson Pernilla , Mårtensson Anna
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the result from a study carried out at an organization, which has recently started applying Lean, to examine changes in the importance and presence of Lean values within the organization in relation to when different parts of the organization started to apply Lean.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire was used at three different groups at a dental care provider. ANOVA was used to detect any differences in regards to the importance and practice of five Lean values in relation to time since the clinics started to apply Lean.

Findings

– The study showed no difference between the three groups in relation to the stated importance of the values, something that could indicate that there is a commonly shared value base in the organization. The only difference that was statistically significant was with regard to the presence of the values “continuous improvement” and “supportive leadership” between Groups 1 (pilot, 18 month since starting to apply Lean) and 3 (not yet started to apply Lean).

Research limitations/implications

– The research was conducted as one single study in one organization and further research should be done in other organizations and types of businesses.

Practical implications

– The questionnaire can be used in organizations to put focus on cultural change when applying Lean both when it comes to practice as well as importance.

Originality/value

– Traditional measures mainly focus on hard measurements when measuring the progress in applying quality initiatives such as Lean. This questionnaire can complement these traditional measurements and create a greater focus on the cultural changes in the organization.
Towards a standardised management system for corporate sustainable development
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Searcy Cory
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The systematic implementation and assessment of corporate sustainable development is difficult in the absence of a structured approach. The existing management systems and frameworks do not provide a balanced approach to the management of the triple bottom line of sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of developing a sustainable development management system (SDMS) and provides a basic framework for such a system.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reviews the approaches that can be employed to embody the various elements of a SDMS – including underlying values, system requirements, continual improvement, and assessment approaches. Advantages and disadvantages of developing a SDMS are also reviewed.

Findings

– Descriptive guidelines augmented by prescriptive requirements could provide a comprehensive guide to corporate sustainable development management and assessment through a hybrid approach. A basic structure for the descriptive guidelines, prescriptive requirements, and assessment approaches is provided.

Practical implications

– The paper could provide a needed starting point for managers to structure their thinking related to their organisation's sustainability initiatives.

Originality/value

– The existing systems and guidelines addressing sustainable development are characterised by several limitations. This paper provides a unique framework for corporate sustainable development that has not been addressed in previous publications.
Adaptive leadership responses
Authors: Murthy Vikram , Murthy Aasha
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to posit a hierarchical classification of enactments, practices and virtues that comprise an emerging adaptive leadership response to the prevailing volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Reports and discusses the findings of two neo-classical grounded theory research studies to theorise augmented leadership repertoires for VUCA worlds. The first study was conducted with eight large regional and multinational organisations in Australia. The second is an on going, longitudinal study undertaken with 18 regional, national and multinational organisations in New Zealand.

Findings

– The first neo-classical grounded theory study in Australia identifies a set of emerging leadership practices labelled, “Zeitgeist – Integrating Cognition, Conscience and Collective Spirit”, as part of such a repertoire. The preliminary results of the second neo-classical grounded theory research extension in New Zealand, results in the further grounded theorising of the ensemble leadership repertoire (ELR), which is an emerging and hierarchical classification of leadership enactments, practices and virtues for prevailing times. The classification is robust because of its methodological similarities and conceptual congruence with other emerging and well-accepted classifications like, for example, character strengths in positive psychology.

Originality/value

– The grounded theorising provides a core category of the ELR which has its origins in substantive context. It lists 93 enactments inducted from leaders’ key phrases. These enactments in turn aggregate in relational sets through the process of constant comparison to describe 14 practices, which in sets of dyads and triads describe the five zeitgeist leadership virtues of being present, being good, being in touch, being creative and being global.
Corporate social responsibility, Waqf system and Zakat system as faith-based model for poverty reduction
Authors: Raimi Lukman , Patel Ashok , Adelopo Ismail
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Poverty is a plague which has continental manifestation, but its impact is heavily felt in several Muslim majority nations (MMNs), where unemployment, illiteracy, chronic diseases, food shortage, sectarian wars and wave of militancy are surging at alarming rates. The purpose of this paper is to develop a faith-based model (FBM) to complement the conventional poverty reduction models. Experiences have shown that FBMs find more acceptability among Muslim nations because they have theoretical and theological underpinnings from the Qur’an and Hadith, as opposed to conventional models that are often viewed with suspicion, sequel to Islamic revivalism.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research adopts a qualitative research method relying on secondary data/information sourced from CIA Factbook, previous scholarly works, working papers, case studies and relevant internet resources. In line with methodological approach of qualitative research, the secondary data/information were subjected to content and thematic analyses (CTA) from which facts, figures and presumptions were derived to support the FBM.

Findings

– The paper justified the plausibility of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR), Waqf system (WS) and Zakat system (TZS) as FBM for poverty reduction, enterprise development and economic empowerment in MMNs.

Research limitations/implications

– The gap left behind by the paper is for future researchers to carry out an empirical investigation on the viability or otherwise of the FBM. This could include the governance structure, operational modalities and regulatory frameworks that would enhance the functioning of the FBM.

Practical implications

– FBM framework is practically a corporate social investment (CSI), which would be heavily funded by Zakat payers, CSR donations and Waqf. The funds would be deployed to poverty reduction in a number of ways ranging from training, micro-credit support for SMEs, apprenticeships, setting up technology business incubation centres, cluster development, infrastructural development in industrial parks, as well as providing welfare support services to the poor, marginalised communities and other economically disadvantaged groups.

Originality/value

– The theoretical research is a contribution to theory and practice of CSR in the field of management and Islamic economics. It has developed a FBM for adoption by MMNs who are hesitant in adopting western model for fear of compromising their ethical values.
Direct interspecies electron transfer accelerates syntrophic oxidation of butyrate in paddy soil enrichments
Authors: Li Huijuan , Chang Jiali , Liu Pengfei , Fu Li , Ding Dewen , Lu Yahai
Published: July 2014

Syntrophic interaction occurs during anaerobic fermentation of organic substances forming methane as the final product. H2 and formate are known to serve as the electron carriers in this process. Recently, it has been shown that direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) occurs for syntrophic CH4 production from ethanol and acetate. Here, we constructed paddy soil enrichments to determine the involvement of DIET in syntrophic butyrate oxidation and CH4 production. The results showed that CH4 production was significantly accelerated in the presence of nanoFe3O4 in all continuous transfers. This acceleration increased with the increase of nanoFe3O4 concentration but was dismissed when Fe3O4 was coated with silica that insulated the mineral from electrical conduction. NanoFe3O4 particles were found closely attached to the cell surfaces of different morphology, thus bridging cell connections. Molecular approaches, including DNA‐based stable isotope probing, revealed that the bacterial Syntrophomonadaceae and Geobacteraceae, and the archaeal Methanosarcinaceae, Methanocellales and Methanobacteriales, were involved in the syntrophic butyrate oxidation and CH4 production. Among them, the growth of Geobacteraceae strictly relied on the presence of nanoFe3O4 and its electrical conductivity in particular. Other organisms, except Methanobacteriales, were present in enrichments regardless of nanoFe3O4 amendment. Collectively, our study demonstrated that the nanoFe3O4‐facilitated DIET occurred in syntrophic CH4 production from butyrate, and Geobacter species played the key role in this process in the paddy soil enrichments.
Functional characterization and phylogenetic analysis of acquired and intrinsic macrolide phosphotransferases in the Bacillus cereus group
Authors: Wang Chao , Sui Zhihai , Leclercq Sébastien Olivier , Zhang Gang , Zhao Meilin , Chen Weiqi , Feng Jie
Published: July 2014

The Bacillus cereus group is composed of Gram‐positive spore‐forming bacteria of clinical and ecological importance. More than 200 B. cereus group isolates have been sequenced. However, there are few reports of B. cereus group antibiotic resistance genes. This study identified two functional classes of macrolide phosphotransferases (Mphs) in the B. cereus group. Cluster A Mphs inactivate 14‐ and 15‐membered macrolides while Cluster B Mphs inactivate 14‐, 15‐ and 16‐membered compounds. The genomic region surrounding the Cluster B Mph gene is related to various plasmid sequences, suggesting that this gene is an acquired resistance gene. In contrast, the Cluster A Mph gene is located in a chromosomal region conserved among all B. cereus group isolates, and data indicated that it was acquired early in the evolution of the group. Therefore, the Cluster A gene can be considered an intrinsic resistance gene. However, the gene itself is not present in all strains and our comparative genomics analyses showed that it is exchanged among strains of the B. cereus group by the mean of homologous recombination. These results provide an alternative mechanism to intrinsic resistance.
Is diffusion‐weighted MRI superior to FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT in evaluating and predicting pathological response to preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in patients with rectal cancer?
Authors: Li Yu Lai , Wu Lian Ming , Chen Xiao Xi , Delproposto Zachary , Hu Jia Ni , Xu Jian Rong
Published: July 2014

Objective

This meta‐analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) or FDG‐PET/computed tomography (CT) in evaluating and predicting pathological response to preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with rectal cancer.

Methods

A comprehensive literature research was conducted to identify the relevant studies for this meta‐analysis. Combined sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated.

Results

A total of 33 studies including 1564 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity (81% [95% CI 74–86%] vs 85% [95% CI 75–91%]) and NPV (80% [95% CI 68–89%] vs 91% [95% CI 80–95%]) for FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT were significantly lower than those for DW‐MRI (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in pooled specificity and PPV between DW‐MRI and FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT. Further subgroup analyses showed that DW‐MRI had higher sensitivity on adenocarcinomas alone than on those including mucinous‐type adenocarcinomas (92% [95% CI 83–99%] vs 76% [95% CI 63–90%], P = 0.00).

Conclusions

DW‐MRI is superior to FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT in predicting and evaluating pathological responses to preoperative NCRT in patients with rectal cancer. However, its relatively low specificity and PPV limit its application in clinic, making it currently inappropriate to monitor such patients, especially those with mucinous‐type rectal adenocarcinomas.
The tragedy of the commons in a violent world
Authors: Sekeris Petros G.
Published: July 2014

Earlier research has shown that the tragedy of the commons may be resolved by Folk theorems for dynamic games. In this article, we graft on a standard natural‐resource exploitation game the possibility to appropriate the resource through violent means. Because conflict emerges endogenously as resources get depleted, the threat supporting the cooperative outcome is no longer subgame perfect, and thus credible. The unique equilibrium is such that players exploit noncooperatively the resource when it is abundant, and they revert to conflict when it becomes scarce. The players' utility is shown to be lower even if conflict wastes no resources.
Abuse potential of intranasal buprenorphine versus buprenorphine/naloxone in buprenorphine‐maintained heroin users
Authors: Jones Jermaine D. , Sullivan Maria A. , Vosburg Suzanne K. , Manubay Jeanne M. , Mogali Shanthi , Metz Verena , Comer Sandra D.
Published: July 2014

In spite of the clinical utility of buprenorphine, parenteral abuse of this medication has been reported in several laboratory investigations and in the real world. Studies have demonstrated lower abuse liability of the buprenorphine/naloxone combination relative to buprenorphine alone. However, clinical research has not yet examined the utility of the combined formulation to deter intranasal use in a buprenorphine‐maintained population. Heroin‐using volunteers (n = 12) lived in the hospital for 8–9 weeks and were maintained on each of three sublingual buprenorphine doses (2, 8, 24 mg). Under each maintenance dose, participants completed laboratory sessions during which the reinforcing and subjective effects of intranasal doses of buprenorphine (8, 16 mg), buprenorphine/naloxone (8/2, 8/8, 8/16, 16/4 mg) and controls (placebo, heroin 100 mg, naloxone 4 mg) were assessed. Intranasal buprenorphine alone typically produced increases in positive subjective effects and the 8 mg dose was self‐administered above the level of placebo. The addition of naloxone dose dependently reduced positive subjective effects and increased aversive effects. No buprenorphine/naloxone combination dose was self‐administered significantly more than placebo. These data suggest that within a buprenorphine‐dependent population, intranasal buprenorphine/naloxone has reduced abuse potential in comparison to buprenorphine alone. These data strongly argue in favor of buprenorphine/naloxone rather than buprenorphine alone as the more reasonable option for managing the risk of buprenorphine misuse.
Nordic pulse oximetry screening – implementation status and proposal for uniform guidelines
Authors: de‐Wahl Granelli Anne , Meberg Alf , Ojala Tiina , Steensberg Jesper , Oskarsson Gylfi , Mellander Mats
Published: July 2014

Aim

Pulse oximetry screening of newborn infants increases early detection of critical congenital heart disease and minimises the risk of circulatory collapse before surgery. This study provides an update on the implementation of pulse oximetry screening in the Nordic countries and proposes standardised guidelines.

Methods

A questionnaire exploring pulse oximetry screening, clinical examination routines and availability of echocardiography was distributed to all 157 delivery units in the Nordic countries in June 2013.

Results

We received responses from 156 of the 157 delivery units, and 116 (74%) were using pulse oximetry screening by September 2013. Preductal and postductal screening were both used in 59 of 116 units (51%), with just postductal screening in 51 of 116 (44%) and just preductal screening alone in 6 of 116 (5%). Screening was performed before 24 h in 105 of 116 units (91%). The implementation of screening was highest in Finland (29/30, 97%), Sweden (42/46, 91%) and Norway (43/48, 90%) and lowest in Denmark (2/24, 8%) and Iceland (0/8 units).

Conclusion

In Sweden, Norway and Finland, the implementation of pulse oximetry screening is currently the highest in the world and coverage will be close to 100% in 2014. We propose uniform Nordic guidelines using preductal and postductal screening before 24 h of age.
Echinococcus granulosus and other intestinal helminths: current status of prevalence and management in rural dogs of eastern Australia
Authors: Jenkins DJ , Lievaart JJ , Boufana B , Lett WS , Bradshaw H , Armua‐Fernandez MT
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Ascertain the prevalence of intestinal helminths in rural dogs from eastern Australia and Tasmania. Identify farm management practices contributing to the perpetuation and transmission of Echinococcus granulosus.

Methods

Helminth infection in dogs was determined microscopically through faecal flotation. Infection with E. granulosus was determined via faecal antigen‐capture ELISA and coproPCR. Taeniid eggs were identified using molecular methods. Data on dog management and owner understanding of hydatid disease were collected via questionnaire.

Results

Faeces were collected from 1425 Australian rural dogs (1119 mainland; 306 Tasmania). Eggs of hookworms were most prevalent, up to 40.2%, followed by whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), up to 21.2%. Roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine) were least common, up to 6.1%. Taeniid eggs were found in 11 dogs (5 Taenia pisiformis; 2 T. serialis; 4 T. hydatigena); 2 of the T. hydatigena‐infected dogs were also E. granulosus coproantigen‐positive. Of the 45 dogs found to be E. granulosus coproantigen‐positive, 24 were in Tasmania, 16 in NSW, 3 in Victoria and 2 in Queensland. Three Tasmanian coproantigen ELISA‐positive dogs were also coproPCR‐positive. The most common dog ration was commercial dry food, but half the owners fed raw meat to their dogs and some fed offal of lambs (8.9%) or mutton (7.8%). More than half (69%) of owners weighed their dogs before deworming. Few dewormed their dogs often enough to ensure they remained cestode‐free and owners hunting wildlife usually left carcases where they were shot.

Conclusions

E. granulosus is still present in Australian rural dogs, including Tasmania, but at low levels. Owner behaviour perpetuates transmission of cestodes.
Genotype‐guided drug prescribing: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Goulding Rebecca , Dawes Diana , Price Morgan , Wilkie Sabrina , Dawes Martin
Published: July 2014

Aim

Adverse drug events lead to increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Pharmacogenetic testing that guides drug prescribing has the potential to reduced adverse drug events and increase drug effectiveness. Our aim was to quantify the clinical effectiveness of genotype‐guided prescribing.

Methods

Three electronic databases were searched from January 1980 through December 2013. Studies were eligible if they were RCTs comparing genotype‐guided prescribing with non‐genetic informed prescribing, reported drug specific adverse drug events and clinical effectiveness outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, extracted data and assessed study quality. Meta‐analyses of specific outcomes were conducted where data allowed.

Results

Fifteen studies, involving 5688 patients and 19 drugs, met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight studies had statistically significant results for their primary outcome in favour of genotype‐guided prescribing. Nine studies evaluated genotype‐guided warfarin dosing. Analysis of percentage of time in therapeutic international normalized ratio range (1952 individuals) showed a statistically significant benefit in favour of genotype‐guided warfarin dosing (mean difference = 6.67; 95% CI 1.34, 12.0, I2 = 80%). There was a statistically significant reduction in numbers of warfarin‐related minor bleeding, major bleeding and thromboembolisms associated with genotype guided warfarin dosing, relative risk 0.57 (95% CI 0.33, 0.99; I2 = 60%). It was not possible to meta‐analyze genotype‐guided dosing for other drugs. Of the six non‐warfarin genotype‐guided trials, two demonstrated a statistically significant benefit for their primary outcome, odds ratio 0.03 (95% CI 0.00, 0.62, P < 0.001) for abacavir.

Conclusions

There is evidence of improved clinical effectiveness associated with genotype‐guided warfarin dosing.
Population study of disease burden, management, and treatment of bipolar disorder in Sweden: a retrospective observational registry study
Authors: Carlborg Andreas , Ferntoft Lena , Thuresson Marcus , Bodegard Johan
Published: July 2014

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe temporal changes in bipolar disorder during 20 years within the Swedish population and to investigate clinical and socioeconomic characteristics, drug treatment, and mortality among patients with bipolar disorder.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, nationwide registry study (the Swedish Population Register) that included all patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (1991–2010) and linked individual data from the Swedish National Patient Register, the National Prescribed Drug Register, and the Population Register (NCT01455961). A cross‐sectional cohort analysis was performed for years 2006 versus 2009. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

During the study period, the annual incidence of diagnosed bipolar disorder increased 3.5‐fold, and patients were diagnosed at a younger age. Mortality among patients with bipolar disorder was twice that of the general population. Compared to an age‐standardized population, 30% fewer patients with bipolar disorder were available for work. Among the 40% employed, 64% reported sick leave (46% >100 days/year). Despite similar education levels, disposable income was lower compared to the general population. The most commonly preceding psychiatric diagnoses were depressive or anxiety disorders. Comparing the data for 2006 and 2009 demonstrated similar somatic comorbidity burdens and socioeconomic levels. There was also a decrease in dispensed antipsychotic medications and lithium, while antiepileptic prescriptions increased slightly. Antidepressant dispenses remained virtually unchanged.

Conclusions

In Sweden, the incidence and prevalence of diagnosed bipolar disorder have increased during the last 20 years. Compared to the general population, these patients had similar education levels, lower employment levels, less disposable income, more sick leave, and twice the mortality. A trend towards earlier diagnosis, more use of antidepressants, and less use of lithium was seen.