bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organisational psychopaths: a ten year update
Authors: Boddy Clive Roland
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This current paper reviews the theoretical speculations concerning psychopaths in the workplace that were originally presented in a paper published in this journal in 2006. The 2006 paper was called: “The Dark Side of Management Decisions: Organisational Psychopaths”.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a review of the literature on workplace psychopaths since 2006.

Findings

– This current paper determines that while many of these prior speculations about workplace psychopaths have since been supported by evidence, several others remain unexplored. This finding suggests that several important avenues for further research remain in this important area. In particular, links between corporate psychopaths, bullying and lowered corporate social responsibility have been established. On the other hand, links between corporate psychopaths, career advancement, fraud, and corporate failure as exemplified in the 2007 global financial crisis, have been under-explored.

Social implications

– Corporate psychopaths are worthy of further research because of their impact on society, for example on corporate social responsibility and their willingness to dump toxic waste material illegally.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an extensive review of research into corporate psychopaths to date and highlights areas where further investigation would be potentially rewarding.
A study of the relationship between the knowledge base and the innovation performance under the organizational slack regulating
Authors: Jin Xin , Wang Jie , Chen Song , Wang Ting
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the knowledge breadth and depth and the balance of the two affect various dimensions of the innovation performance under the consideration of the organizational slack as a moderating factor of the analysis framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study constructs and verifies a research model of knowledge breadth and depth to the explorative and exploitative innovation performance, using the exploratory factor analysis and the hierarchical regression analysis based on a survey sample of 320 Chinese companies.

Findings

– The knowledge base is a critical foundation for improving innovation performance of an enterprise. A more detailed analysis reveals that first knowledge breadth provides more benefits for explorative innovation performance while the knowledge depth is more advantageous to exploitative innovation performance of an organization. Second, organizational slack can positively facilitate the improvement of the knowledge depth for the explorative innovation performance while an optimal balance of the knowledge breadth and depth can significantly enhance exploitative innovation performance.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to previous research work by providing both specific comparative studies and a clear explanation of the impacts of different dimensions of the knowledge base, i.e., knowledge breadth and knowledge depth, on innovation performance measures of both exploration and exploitation through a comprehensive empirical study. In particular, organizational slack is found to play a much more complicated moderation role between the knowledge base and the two different dimensions of innovation performance than has been demonstrated in previous research.
The influence of supply network structure on firm’s multiple innovation capabilities
Authors: Delbufalo Emanuela
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical framework grounded in the fashion industry that investigates the relational capabilities of the lead firms to sustain synchronously multiple types of innovation by leveraging their supply network attributes. Both network functional diversity (NFD) and density are considered as impacting on the lead firm’s stylistic and process innovative capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A fixed-effect regression model was adopted for testing the theoretical model and hypotheses. The data have a cross-sectional time series structure with each of the 21 lead firms as a panel that spans a ten-year period.

Findings

– The empirical results mostly confirm the theoretical assumptions and suggest an invertedU-shaped relationship between NFD and both stylistic and process innovation as well as a positive linear linkage between key-component suppliers network density and both types of innovations. The study also confirms key-component suppliers network density mediates the relationships of network diversity with both stylistic and process innovative capabilities.

Originality/value

– This study departs from the current dominant logic of analysing each innovation type separately and explores the network configurations enhancing the joint generation or adoption of multiple innovation types. The study also proposes an empirical test of the theoretical assumptions in a specific industrial setting: the fashion industry.
Reflections on the socio-politics of qualitative research
Authors: Mills Albert J.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– A focus on the socio-politics of qualitative research and, given the space available, to raise more questions than answers. In other words, the author wants to be more speculative then definitive. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is grounded in a sociology of knowledge approach known as ANTi-History.

Findings

– The development of qualitative methods is grounded in the socio-politics of knowledge production.

Research limitations/implications

– The focus chosen – ANTi-History – is selected in exclusion to other potential approaches.

Practical implications

– To encourage researchers to include socio-politics in understanding the production of qualitative research methods.

Social implications

– Identification of the socio-politics that underlie qualitative approaches.

Originality/value

– The paper is rooted in a developing approach to the socio-politics of knowledge of the past.
Looking back: ten years of visual qualitative research
Authors: Davison Jane , McLean Christine , Warren Samantha
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the development of visual qualitative research in organizations and management over the past ten years, the experience of editing a special issue ofQualitative Research in Organizations and Managemententitled “Exploring the visual in organizations and management”, and the potential contributions this journal could make to the advancement of this significant area of research.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides an overview and critical reflections on visual qualitative research in the study of organizations and management.

Findings

– The authors note that organization studies have been slow to develop visual research compared to other disciplines, especially the humanities and branches of the social sciences. However, development has been rapid over the past decade, and the authors comment on the diverse visual empirical material and the range of conceptual approaches.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is a condensed reflection. It predicts a “mainstreaming” of visual research in future years and an increased integration of the visual into the study of management processes and organizations.

Practical implications

– This piece provides useful directions and references for researchers new to the field and different ways of thinking the visual and visual methodologies.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a rapid overview of the state of visual research in organizations and management studies.
Future avenues and challenges of exploring complex personhood
Authors: Slutskaya Natasha , Hughes Jason , Simpson Alexander , Valsecchi Raffaella
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer an account of the personal experiences of being involved with the journal ofQualitative Research in Organizations and Management, to review the themes and issues stemming from the work that the authors think most pertinent, and to highlight those topics that the authors consider to contain the greatest future promise and potential.

Design/methodology/approach

– Reflective piece.

Findings

– The piece demonstrates how the discussion pursued in this journal has prompted a rethink of what qualitative research entails, how it might be assessed and evaluated, how it might be extended and reimagined, and of its enduring value to the development of knowledge about organisations and management.

Originality/value

– The paper offers an account of personal experiences of being involved with the journal ofQualitative Research in Organizations and Management.
Understanding knowledge leakage: a review of previous studies
Authors: Durst Susanne , Aggestam Lena , Ferenhof Helio Aisenberg
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to review research on the topic of knowledge leakage to establish the current body of knowledge and, on this basis, to suggest some promising avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study consists of a systematic review of 57 refereed empirical articles on knowledge leakage.

Findings

– The findings contribute to a more holistic view of the topic and complement the study of knowledge management. Additionally, a conceptual framework is proposed that aims at guiding and informing future research activities.

Research limitations/implications

– This study may not have enabled a complete coverage of all empirical articles in the field of knowledge leakage. Yet, based on the chosen research methodology, it seems reasonable to assume that the review process covered a large share of studies available.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no systematic literature review on knowledge leakage has previously been published in academic journals.
Knowledge management in environmental sustainability practices of third-party logistics service providers
Authors: Evangelista Pietro , Durst Susanne
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured literature review on knowledge management (KM) and KM strategy in environmental sustainability practices of logistics service providers. The paper highlights the nature and scope of existing research and identifies areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study consists of a systematic review of existing research regarding KM in sustainable logistics. In all, 38 refereed research papers formed the basis of analysis. This methodology allows for the minimization of researcher bias and the maximization of reliability and replicability.

Findings

– The literature review made possible the identification of three basic elements through which building-up appropriate KM approaches and KM strategies in the area of environmental sustainability by third-party logistics service companies will be enhanced: customer relationship management, quality of human resources and the adoption of information and communication technology tools and systems.

Research limitations/implications

– This study may not have enabled a complete coverage of all articles in the field of KM in the context of environmental sustainability practices of logistics service companies. Yet, it seems reasonable to assume that the review process covered a large share of studies available. The main research implications deriving from the study concern research methods, analysis of factors hampering/supporting the implementation of KM in practices related to environmental sustainability, development of measures to demonstrate the impact of KM on sustainability practices and role of different stakeholders in the implementation of KM in environmental sustainability practices.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors ' knowledge, no systematic literature review on this topic has previously been published in academic journals.
Two knowledge perspectives to growth management
Authors: Laihonen Harri , Lönnqvist Antti , Metsälä Juha
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the connections between an organization’s knowledge management and growth management strategies. The study shows how knowledge management can support organizations’ growth objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper first connects the literature streams of growth management and knowledge management. This conceptual understanding about growth-oriented knowledge management is then advanced through an exploratory case study of a company aiming at rapid growth in the construction industry.

Findings

– The paper recognizes two knowledge perspectives to growth management. First, the perspective of knowledge assets concerns whether an organization has the needed knowledge resources to enable growth. Second, to make informed decisions, the management needs relevant and up-to-date information. From these viewpoints, the paper derives the case-specific cornerstones of growth-oriented knowledge management and suggests some paths forward in terms of future research.

Practical implications

– Although growth strategy defines an organization’s growth aims and clarifies how the intended growth will be attained, knowledge strategy takes a stand on the needed knowledge assets and paints a path from the existing knowledge base to a state where organization’s knowledge assets enable reaching of its business goals. The paper helps practitioners to plan growth-oriented knowledge management strategies.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes by extending the analysis of knowledge strategy to growth management and by providing a practical illustration of the development process where knowledge was put into prime focus of organization’s growth strategy. The paper also provides original data and perspective to the roles and interaction of the board and the management team in the case of growth management.
Estimation of combined exposure factor due to the impact of different transport related environmental pollutants air quality and noise level in Delhi city
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Madhu Errampalli , Maan Anil , Sinha Sanjeev , Akhtar Nasim
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to estimate combined exposure factor (CEF) due to impact of different transport-related environmental pollutants, air quality and noise level in Delhi city.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Estimation of CEF takes into account the potential relative uptake of each pollutant (CO, NO, NO2, O3, SO2, PM10 and PM2.5) by the boarding and alighting of commuters at Public Transport facility and using motorcycle. With the help of CRRI mobile air pollution monitoring laboratory and previous CRRI reports.

Findings

– Combined exposure to environmental pollutants is determined based on the taking weighting factor of pollutant stressor. Results shows average stressor for CO, NO, NO2, SO2, PM2.5 and noise were 2.79 mg/m3, 331.83, 210.25, 16.70, 241.3883 µg/m3, and 72.5 dB(A), respectively. Similarly for motorcyclist, results shows average stressor for CO, NO, NO2, SO2, PM2.5 and noise were 5.1 mg/m3, 483, 398, 19.3, 295 µg/m3, and 82.7 dB(A), respectively. The results show higher exposure value for motorcyclist.

Originality/value

– Knowledge of exposure factor due to air and noise pollutant for bus commuter in sitting and standing and motorcyclist is not known for Delhi city.
Experimental effects of early‐life corticosterone on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and pre‐migratory behaviour in a wild songbird
Authors: Pakkala Jesse J. , Norris D. Ryan , Sedinger James S. , Newman Amy E. M.
Published: November 2015

Although laboratory studies have shown that chronic exposure to elevated glucocorticoids during development can have profound effects on the physiology and behaviour of animals, we still have a poor understanding of the proximate and ultimate consequences of early life stress on individuals in the wild.

In an island population of Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), we examined multiple hypotheses to explain how elevated glucocorticoid exposure during the nestling period influenced both hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function during the nestling period and the subsequent movement and survival of young after they fledged the nest.

We exposed nestlings to exogenous corticosterone from 2 to 6 days of age and then measured both baseline and stress‐induced (30‐min restraint) plasma corticosterone levels prior to fledging (day 7). We then recaptured young throughout the pre‐migratory period and used mark–recapture analysis to estimate temporary emigration from the capture site (movement) and survival.

Corticosterone‐treated nestlings had higher baseline corticosterone levels and lower stress reactivity than untreated individuals, and were more sensitive to inclement weather. Although there was no evidence that corticosterone treatments influenced survival, treated individuals had higher rates of temporary emigration outside of the study site than sham or controls.

Our results provide support for the ceiling hypothesis, which suggests that individuals with chronic elevated glucocorticoids can lead to a dampened HPA axis response. We also provide support for the CORT‐activity hypothesis, which suggests that elevated glucocorticoids can increase activity levels, at least 1–2 months after leaving the nest. Our study highlights the importance of tracking individuals across multiple stages of the annual cycle to understand how early life events carry over to influence both physiology and behaviour.
Transgenerational plasticity and environmental stress: do paternal effects act as a conduit or a buffer?
Authors: Guillaume Annie S. , Monro Keyne , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: November 2015

For most organisms, early life‐history stages are the most sensitive to environmental stress and so transgenerational phenotypic plasticity, whereby the parental environment and offspring environment interact to alter the phenotype of the offspring, is viewed as key to promoting persistence in the face of environmental change. While there has been long‐standing interest in the role of transgenerational plasticity via the maternal line (traditionally the field of maternal effects), increasingly it appears that paternal effects can also play a role.

Despite the emerging role of paternal effects in studies of global change, key knowledge gaps remain: first, whether paternal effects act to increase or decrease offspring performance remains largely unexplored; second, the relative roles of maternal and paternal effects are rarely disentangled; and third, the role of environmental variation, a key determinant of the benefits of transgenerational plasticity, has not been explored with regard to paternal effects.

Here, we explore all three issues using the marine tubewormGaleolaria caespitosa, an important habitat‐forming species in southern Australia.

We found that both paternal and maternal experiences affected key stages of offspring performance (fertilization and larval development) and, surprisingly, paternal effects were often stronger than maternal effects. Furthermore, we found that paternal effects often reduced offspring performance, especially when environments varied compared with when environments were stable.

Our results suggest that, while transgenerational plasticity may play an important role in modifying the impacts of global change, these effects are not uniformly positive. Importantly, paternal effects can be as strong, or stronger, than maternal effects and environmental variability strongly alters the impacts of paternal effects.
The importance of biotic interactions for the prediction of macroinvertebrate communities under multiple stressors
Authors: Schuwirth Nele , Dietzel Anne , Reichert Peter
Published: November 2015

The community assembly of macroinvertebrates in streams depends on the regional taxon pool, dispersal limitations, local habitat conditions and biotic interactions. By integrating existing knowledge about these processes from theoretical ecology in a mechanistic model, we can test our mechanistic understanding and disentangle multiple stressor effects on community assembly.

To assess to which degree we can predict the community composition of macroinvertebrates, we integrated these processes in the mechanistic food web model Streambugs and tested it on 36 sites in the Glatt catchment on the Swiss plateau. The model predicts the observation probability of taxa from a regional taxon pool at each site taking into account uncertain knowledge on parameters, environmental conditions at the sites and sampling errors.

We use allometric scaling according to the metabolic theory of ecology, ecological stoichiometry and autecological data from trait databases that include the current knowledge on habitat requirements of the different taxa to parameterize their growth, respiration and death.

Without any calibration, for the majority of taxa at the 36 sites, the difference between the observed and predicted relative frequency of occurrence is <50% when taking prior parameter uncertainty and the uncertainty of environmental conditions into account (79% compared to 61% for the random model). By calibrating taxon‐specific modification factors for the growth rate, we can increase the model compliance with data.

Analysing the influence of different ecological traits and their corresponding environmental influence factors reveals that feeding types and sensitivity to organic toxicants contribute most to the predictive capabilities of the model in this catchment. The influence of temperature stress and oxygen depletion due to pollution with organic matter on the community composition is negligible. These results confirm our expectations regarding the most important water quality issues of streams on the Swiss plateau. Current velocity plays an intermediate role in this model application.

The contribution of the feeding types to model performance highlights the importance of taking biotic interactions (competition for food sources and predator–prey interactions) into account to predict the coexistence of taxa. Better knowledge of the actual feeding links in the food web (e.g. from gut content or stable isotope data) that are currently inferred from feeding types, body size and food availability could further improve this approach.
Trends in Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Practice in Nursing Homes, 2000–2010
Authors: Intrator Orna , Miller Edward Alan , Gadbois Emily , Acquah Joseph Kofi , Makineni Rajesh , Tyler Denise
Published: November 2015

Objective

To examine nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA) practice in nursing homes (NHs) during 2000–2010.

Data Sources

Data were derived from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting system and Medicare Part B claims (20 percent sample).

Methods

NP/PA state average employment, visit per bed year (VPBY), and providers per NH were examined. State fixed‐effect models examined the association between state regulations and NP/PA use.

Principal Findings

NHs using any NPs/PAs increased from 20.4 to 35.0 percent during 2000–2010. Average NP/PA VPBY increased from 1.0/0.3 to 3.0/0.6 during 2000–2010. Average number of NPs/PAs per NH increased from 0.2/0.09 to 0.5/0.14 during 2000–2010. The impact of state scope‐of‐practice regulations was mixed.

Conclusions

NP and PA scope‐of‐practice regulations impact their practice in NHs, not always as intended.
Blocked Lysine in Dairy Products: Formation, Occurrence, Analysis, and Nutritional Implications
Authors: Mehta Bhavbhuti M. , Deeth Hilton C.
Published: November 2015

Lysine residues in milk proteins become “blocked” when they react with reducing sugars, particularly lactose, in the Maillard reaction. The blocked or glycated lysines reduce the biological availability of the lysine to metabolic processes and also hinder hydrolysis of the parent protein by digestive enzymes. Heating and storage of milk and milk products are the major promotants of the Maillard reaction and resulting chemical damage to the proteins. Several methods have been proposed to estimate the extent of this protein damage. Two major compounds, furosine, a product of acid hydrolysis of lactulosyl‐lysine, the 1st stable product of the Maillard reaction, and carboxymethyl‐lysine are used for assessing the early and advanced stages of the Maillard reaction, respectively. In addition, several methods are used for assessing the bioavailability of lysine in a protein; these include chemical, enzymic, and animal‐based methods. This review discusses the Maillard reaction and its significance in milk and dairy products, methods of assessing the extent of the reaction and of the bioavailability of lysine, and the nutritional significance of blocked lysines and associated Maillard reaction products in milk proteins.
Malingering by Proxy: A Literature Review and Current Perspectives
Authors: Amlani Adam , Grewal Gurinder S. , Feldman Marc D.
Published: November 2015

Malingering by proxy (MAL‐BP) is a form of maltreatment that involves a caregiver who fabricates or induces signs or symptoms in a child, dependent adult, or pet in pursuit of external, tangible incentives. Rarely studied, MAL‐BP has an unknown prevalence, and is a challenging diagnosis for healthcare professionals. Therefore, a comprehensive computer literature search and review was conducted. The review uncovered a total of sixteen case reports of MAL‐BP (eleven human, five veterinary). The motive for malingering was financial in all human cases and medication‐seeking in all veterinary cases. Although the strategies employed differed among the identified cases, common themes regarding the best approach to identification of MAL‐BP cases became evident. A comprehensive workup including a thorough history, physical examination, appropriate neuropsychological testing, and relevant collateral information forms the basis of an effective identification strategy. The optimal method of management is currently unclear due to a relative paucity of data and guidelines. However, management of these cases would likely include a team‐based approach with a prudent assessment of safety for the proxy and a low threshold for referral to appropriate services. Long‐term follow‐up is essential and should be approached from a biopsychosocial perspective. Attention, research, and guidance on this topic are needed to develop further evidence‐based guidelines for the identification and management of MAL‐BP.
Noninvasive DNA methylation biomarkers in colorectal cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Xue Meng , Lai San Chuan , Xu Zhi Peng , Wang Liang Jing
Published: November 2015

Objective

To summarize the current evidence on the biomarkers associated with DNA methylation in the screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

A literature search was conducted on the databases of PubMed and Web of Science to identify articles published from 1 January 2000 to 6 June 2015 with language striction. Stuides focusing on the association between noninvasive biomarkers indicating DNA methylation and CRC were included.

Results

Altogether 74 studies were finally included in the study. Varied genetic markers in the feces and blood samples were hypermethylated in patients with CRC than in the healthy controls. Some of them could even be detected at the early stage of the tumors. The sensitivity of the genetic markers was superior to that of fecal occult blood test and carcinoembryonic antigen. Multitarget DNA assays using a combination of different methylated genes could improve the diagnostic sensitivity.

Conclusions

Genetic markers might be minimally invasive, economical and accurate for the screening and surveillance of CRC. Large multicenter studies evaluating these biomarkers systematically and prospectively not only in CRC but also in other types of cancers are needed in the future.
Mating strategy of Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in northern Australia
Authors: Nielsen Mogens Gissel , Peng Renkang , Offenberg Joachim , Birkmose Dorthe
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mating strategy of Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius, 1775) and to clarify the factors that related to the nuptial flight. The nuptial flight was investigated over three seasons in the Darwin area, Australia, in which a total of 19 swarmings were observed. All swarmings were observed on days where no rain fell before 15:00 h, and with wind speed ≤18 km/h. On days of swarming air pressure was significantly higher (mean ± SD: 1009.3 ± 1.6 hPa) than on rainless days without swarming (mean ± SD: 1006.9 ± 1.2 hPa). Several swarmings took place during the season, and the production of alate queens occurred more or less continuously over a period of at least 2 months. Therefore, the number of individuals in each swarming depends on the time elapsed since the last swarming. Swarming commenced with males gathering on the external surfaces of nests at sunrise, and about 15 min later they started departing, which took about 10 min. When the males commenced flying the females came out of the nests. When most males had flown, the females started flying, which also took about 10 min. Both males and females flew straight up towards an opening in the canopy. After swarming, alate queens were observed coming down to the canopy after 15–20 min. No queens were found in artificial queen traps 2 h after swarming. A few queens were observed flying around 13:00 h, and later in the afternoon many fertilised queens were found in queen traps. From field observation and laboratory experiments, we conclude that it is most plausible that alate queens meet the males in the air, proceed to the tree canopy to conclude the mating, and then after midday the mated alate queens fly individually to find a nesting site.
Timing of episiotomy and outcome of a non‐instrumental vaginal delivery
Authors: Rusavy Zdenek , Karbanova Jaroslava , Kalis Vladimir
Published: November 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare to compare immediate delivery outcome as well as healing, pain, anal incontinence and sexuality in a short‐term and a long‐term follow up after episiotomy performed before or at crowning in nulliparous women.

Material and methods

This cohort study is a comparison of prospectively collected data evaluating the importance of the timing of episiotomy. Patients with episiotomy performed before crowning (n = 86) and at crowning (n = 404) were compared. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries rate, additional perineal or vaginal trauma, neonatal outcome, episiotomy length, 2nd stage of labor duration, blood loss, infection, hematoma, dehiscence, need for resuturing, pain, painful defecation, resumption of sexual intercourse, dyspareunia, anal incontinence and constipation were assessed immediately after delivery or from responses to questionnaires 24 and 72 h, 10 days, 3 and 6 months postpartum.

Results

The groups did not differ in age, body mass index, birthweight, occipito‐posterior presentation, shoulder dystocia, or episiotomy type. Significant differences between before crowning and at crowning groups were observed in additional vaginal trauma [26 (30.2%) vs. 66 (16.3%), respectively, p < 0.001], mean episiotomy length (42 mm vs. 36 mm, p < 0.001), and mean estimated blood loss (367 mL vs. 344 mL, p < 0.001). Difference in obstetric anal sphincter injuries rate did not reach statistical significance [0 (0.0%) vs. 7 (1.7%), p = 0.61]. The groups did not differ in additional perineal trauma, pain (Visual Analogue Scale, Verbal Rating Scale and Activities of Daily Living scales), healing complications, sexual functions or anal incontinence in short‐term or long‐term follow up.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that episiotomy performed at crowning is not associated with worse anatomical or functional delivery outcome, and support a restrictive approach to episiotomy. The effect of episiotomy timing on pelvic organ prolapse development remains to be determined.
Home use of misoprostol for early medical abortion in a low resource setting: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iyengar Kirti , Klingberg‐Allvin Marie , Iyengar Sharad D. , Paul Mandira , Essén Birgitta , Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Although home use of misoprostol for early medical abortion is considered to be safe, effective and feasible, it has not become standard service delivery practice. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of home use of misoprostol with clinic misoprostol in a low‐resource setting.

Material and methods

This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial conducted in six primary care clinics in India. Women seeking medical abortion within up to nine gestational weeks (n = 731) received mifepristone in the clinic and were allocated either to home or clinic administration of misoprostol. Follow‐up contact was after 10–15 days.

Results

Of 731 participants, 73% were from rural areas and 55% had no formal education. Complete abortion rates in the home and clinic misoprostol groups were 94.2 and 94.4%, respectively. The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups (0.3%). A greater proportion of home users (90.2%) said that they would opt for misoprostol at home in the event of a future abortion compared with clinic users (79.7%) who would opt for misoprostol at the clinic in a similar situation (p = 0.0002). Ninety‐six percent women using misoprostol at home or in the clinic were satisfied with their abortion experience.

Conclusions

Home‐use of misoprostol for early medical abortion is as effective and acceptable as clinic use, in low resource settings. Women should be offered a choice of this option regardless of distance of their residence from the clinic and communication facilities.
Understanding university faculty perceptions about innovation in teaching and technology
Authors: Kopcha Theodore J. , Rieber Lloyd P. , Walker Brandy B.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this research is to understand faculty perceptions about innovation in teaching and technology in a college of education in a research‐intensive university. This study was motivated by the creation of a new initiative begun in a large college of education at a Carnegie Research‐Intensive university to promote innovation in teaching with the support and creative use of technology. This study used Q methodology, a mixed methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative analysis of descriptive data derived by a sorting activity. Results showed four emerging profiles about how faculty perceive innovation in teaching and technology. Faculty comprising three of these profiles shared the characteristic of valuing technology's role in teaching, though in different, nuanced ways. Faculty representing the fourth profile, in contrast, were generally cautious and skeptical of using technology for teaching. Implications of the study are discussed, including the caution not to assume that college faculty share meaning for words like “innovation in teaching and technology.” Also, the results of this study are useful to understanding theories of innovation based on faculty's perceptions of their ability to adapt to rapidly changing and ever‐increasing technology innovations for teaching.
Tertiary students' intention to e‐collaborate for group projects: Exploring the missing link from an extended theory of planned behaviour model
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Chu Samuel K.W. , Ma Carol S.M.
Published: November 2015

With the emergence of web technologies, students can conduct their group projects via virtual platforms, which enable online collaboration. However, students' lack of intention to use web technologies for conducting group work has recently been highlighted. Based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper developed and examined an extended model, specifying what factors affect e‐collaborative intentions. Data were collected from major tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. A total of 1120 students completed the questionnaire. The partial least square approach to structural equation modelling was used to analyse the a priori hypothesised model, which was empirically supported. Past experience and self‐esteem were found to play substantial roles in explaining e‐collaborative intentions. Moreover, the mediating roles of attitudes and perceived behavioural control were confirmed.
An exploration into first‐year university students' approaches to inquiry and online learning technologies in blended environments
Authors: Ellis Robert A. , Bliuc Ana‐Maria
Published: November 2015

The use of online learning technologies in experiences of inquiry is increasingly ubiquitous in university contexts. In blended environments, research into university experiences suggests that student approaches to learning are a key determiner of the quality of outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop relevant measures which help understand the interplay between student approaches to inquiry (SAI) and their approaches to using online learning technologies (SAOLT) in blended environments. Based on a first‐year university sample (n = 238), two questionnaires exploring qualitative variations in the SAI and SAOLT were developed. Each questionnaire had two subscales, that is, deep and surface approaches, and their construction was informed by existing research identifying qualitatively different approaches to inquiry and learning technologies. Our results indicate that the two questionnaires show satisfactory validity and reliability in measuring SAI and SAOLT. Furthermore, our findings show that deep approaches to inquiry were positively and logically related to deep approaches to online learning technologies (while surface approaches to inquiry were related to surface approaches to online learning technologies), and participants cluster in distinct groups according to their qualitatively different approaches to inquiry and online technologies. These outcomes have tangible implications for teaching and design, in particular for teachers aiming to support students to develop effective learning strategies when engaging in blended environments where students need to integrate their experiences and ideas across face‐to‐face and online contexts.
Trimetazidine prevents macrophage‐mediated septic myocardial dysfunction via activation of the histone deacetylase sirtuin 1
Authors: Chen Jing , Lai Jinsheng , Yang Lei , Ruan Guoran , Chaugai Sandip , Ning Qin , Chen Chen , Wang Dao Wen
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response accompanied by excessive production of inflammatory cytokines and cardiovascular dysfunction. Importantly, macrophage‐derived pro‐inflammatory agents play a key role in cardiovascular impairment in sepsis. Here we have investigated the effects of trimetazidine (TMZ) on pro‐inflammatory responses of macrophages in endotoxin‐induced myocardial dysfunction.

Experimental Approach

Mice pretreated with TMZ were injected i.p. with LPS and cardiac function evaluated. Levels of macrophage infiltration, macrophage inflammatory response and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were measured using immunohistochemical staining, elisa, real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blot, TUNEL and flow cytometry assays.

Key Results

Pretreatment with TMZ prevented LPS‐induced myocardial dysfunction and apoptosis. TMZ also lowered levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in serum and cardiac tissue and myocardial macrophage infiltration. Bone marrow transplantation indicated that TMZ alleviated LPS‐induced myocardial dysfunction via decreasing macrophage infiltration. TMZ reduced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in LPS‐stimulated cardiac and peritoneal macrophages. Co‐culture of TMZ‐pretreated macrophages with cardiomyocytes and conditioned media from TMZ‐pretreated macrophages both decreased LPS‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The anti‐apoptosis effects of TMZ resulted from decrease of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, partly due to normalizing the sirtuin 1 (Sirt1)/AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Nrf2/haem oxygenase‐1 and Sirt1/PPARα pathways in macrophages. Cytokine secretion was also regulated by ROS, which were attenuated by TMZ via activation of Sirt1, AMPK and PPARα.

Conclusions and Implications

TMZ protected against LPS‐induced myocardial dysfunction and apoptosis, accompanied by inhibition of macrophage pro‐inflammatory responses. Our studies suggest that TMZ might represent a novel therapeutic agent to prevent and treat sepsis‐induced myocardial dysfunction.
Collagenase 1A2 (COL1A2) gene A/C polymorphism in relation to severity of dental fluorosis
Authors: Escobar‐García Diana , Mejía‐Saavedra Jesús , Jarquín‐Yáñez Lizet , Molina‐Frechero Nelly , Pozos‐Guillén Amaury
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the putative association between the presence of the COL1A2 gene A/C polymorphism and the severity of dental fluorosis in a sample exposed to high concentrations of fluoride.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out that included 80 children residing in a community with high concentrations of fluoride in the drinking water. To determine whether the presence of this polymorphism and dental fluorosis are associated, the presence of the dental fluorosis was considered to be a response variable, while fluoride concentration in water and urine was designated as independent variables. In addition, the children's parents completed questionnaires with general information about drinking and cooking with tap water, consumption of milk and soft drinks, and other putative risk factors.

Results

Individuals with the polymorphism had nonsignificant odds (OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 0.55–9.02) of having dental fluorosis at higher exposures to fluoride. This finding was similar in individuals without the polymorphism (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 0.44–6.17).

Conclusions

The presence of polymorphism in the COL1A2 gene was not associated with the severity of dental fluorosis.
Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products – Part 3: Mentha × piperita – Solanum dulcamara
Authors: Calapai Gioacchino , Minciullo Paola L. , Miroddi Marco , Chinou Ioanna , Gangemi Sebastiano , Schmidt Richard J.
Published: November 2015

This review focuses on contact dermatitis as an adverse effect of a selection of topically used herbal medicinal products for which the European Medicines Agency has completed an evaluation up to the end of November 2013 and for which a Community herbal monograph – now (since 2015)† called a European Union herbal monograph – has been produced. Part 3: Mentha × piperita L.–Solanum dulcamara L.
Allergic contact dermatitis in children: trends in allergens, 10 years on. A retrospective study of 500 children tested between 2005 and 2014 in one UK centre
Authors: Smith Vanessa M. , Clark Sheila M. , Wilkinson Mark
Published: November 2015

Background

Contact allergy in children is becoming increasingly recognized as a cause of eczema. The causal agents may change with time, but there are few comparative data for this age group.

Objectives

To compare data from the past 10 years with a similar study from the previous decade.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2014, 500 consecutive children who had been patch tested at Leeds Teaching Hospitals were identified, and the results were reviewed.

Results

Twenty‐seven per cent (134 cases) of children had one or more positive patch test findings. The mean ± standard deviation age of patients with a positive test reaction was 11.9 ± 4.1 years, which was significantly higher than that of patients with a negative result (10.9 ± 4.0 years) (p = 0.01; Mann–Whitney U‐test). No significant relationship between sex and a positive patch test result was found (p = 0.48, chi‐squared). Allergy to nickel was the most frequent finding, although this accounted for 18%, rather than 33% (1995–2004), of all positive reactions. The next most common allergens included fragrance mix 1 (17%), p‐phenylenediamine (16%), and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (6%).

Conclusions

Although the overall incidence of contact allergy in our paediatric population is static, there has been a significant change in the allergens detected, probably as a result of changes in European legislation and cosmetic product use in children.
Temperature and trophic structure are driving microbial productivity along a biogeographical gradient
Authors: Gray Sarah M. , Poisot Timothée , Harvey Eric , Mouquet Nicolas , Miller Thomas E. , Gravel Dominique
Published: November 2015

Temperature is known to influence ecosystem processes through its direct effect on biological rates such as respiration and nutrient cycling. These changes can then indirectly affect ecologically processes by altering trophic dynamics, the persistence of a species in a given environment, and, consequently, its distribution. However, it is not known if this direct effect of temperature on biological rates is singularly the most important factor for the functioning of ecosystems, or if trophic structure and the adaptation of a species to the local environment also play an essential role. Understanding the relative importance of these factors is crucial for predicting the impact that climate change will have on species and ecosystems. To achieve a more complete understanding of the impact of changing temperatures, it is necessary to integrate perspectives from biogeography, such as the influences of species distribution and local adaptation, with ecosystem and community ecology. By using the microbial community inhabiting the water‐filled leaves ofSarracenia purpurea, we tested the importance of temperature, trophic structure, and local adaptation on ecosystem functioning. We accomplished this by collecting communities along a natural temperature gradient and maintaining these communities in a common garden, factorial experiment. To test for the importance of local adaptation and temperature, the origin of each community was crossed with the temperature from each site. Additionally, to test the importance of top‐down trophic regulation for ecosystem functioning, the presence of the mosquito larvae top predator was manipulated. We found that temperature has a greater effect on ecosystem functioning than origin, and that top‐down trophic regulation increased with temperature. Our results emphasize the synergistic effects of temperature and biotic interactions when predicting the consequences of global warming on ecosystem functioning.
RETRACTED: Inhibition of Rho‐kinase by Fasudil protects dopamine neurons and attenuates inflammatory response in an intranasal lipopolysaccharide‐mediated Parkinson's model
Authors: He Qing , Li Yan‐hua , Guo Si‐si , Wang Ying , Lin Wei , Zhang Qiong , Wang Jian , Ma Cun‐gen , Xiao Bao‐Guo
Published: November 2015

Microglia activation and inflammatory factors in brain microenvironment are associated with degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and various PD models. There is increasing evidence that the Rho/ROCK (Rho kinase) signalling pathway may play a critical role in the inflammatory response, and ROCK inhibitor has been reported to have neuroprotective effects. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective potential and possible mechanism of ROCK inhibitor Fasudil in an intranasal lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced PD model. ROCK was activated with LPS stimulation and inhibited by Fasudil treatment in this PD model. Behavioural tests demonstrated a clear improvement in motor performance after Fasudil treatment. Furthermore, Fasudil resulted in a significant attenuation of dopamine cell loss, α‐synuclein accumulation and inflammatory response with the reversion of inflammatory M1 to anti‐inflammatory M2 microglia, decreased NF‐кB activation, and IL‐12 and TNF‐α generation in the SN and olfactory bulb in this model. This study establishes a role for Fasudil in protecting against LPS‐mediated dopamine degeneration and provides a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PD.