bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying service-dominant logic to recurrent release of software: an action research study
Authors: Barqawi Neda , Syed Kamran , Mathiassen Lars
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Fierce competition drives software vendors to rely on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) strategies and to continuously match new releases with customers’ needs and competitors’ moves. Such recurrent release practices pose specific challenges for software vendors which shape how they service customers. To address these challenges, this paper aims to apply service science to innovate strategies for SaaS release management.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on action research methodology, the authors collaborated closely with Software Inc., an alias for a large multinational software provider, to apply service-dominant logic systematically, to analyze and improve its SaaS release management process and to support ongoing value co-creation with its customers.

Findings

The authors provide a detailed account of how Software Inc. improved its SaaS release management practices; they extend current understanding of service innovation dynamics in SaaS environments and offer a model of value co-creation in SaaS release management grounded in the findings from Software Inc.

Research limitations/implications

The research draws on a single case study with particular characteristics. Still, it allows for analytical generalizations with both theoretical and practical implications for how SaaS managers can improve recurrent release practices based on foundational service-dominant logic principles.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that SaaS managers concentrate on knowledge-sharing with customers, ensure continuous communication among teams supporting the service, re-organize release management to enhance the value co-creation process, use technology to improve customer service experiences and use service mapping to improve release management and service quality.

Originality/value

The authors bridge service-dominant logic principles and SaaS knowledge by demonstrating how service-dominant logic can be used to improve SaaS release practices and by offering conceptual and practical knowledge about value co-creation between customers and suppliers in SaaS contexts.
Nurses’ experiences of home visiting new parents in rural and regional communities in Australia: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Fraser Jennifer Anne , Hutchinson Marie , Appleton Jessica
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Child and family health (CAFH) services in Australia initially provide at least one nurse-home-visit following the birth of a child. Planning and referral then commences for the on-going provision of appropriate services to families. Unfortunately, services in rural and regional communities in Australia can be fragmented and poorly resourced. Little is known about CAFH nurses’ experiences of working with families in these communities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the way CAFH nurses work within a universal health service model that may be compromised by isolation, discontinuity and fragmentation.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups with 26 CAFH nurses from five rural, two regional and one urban community in New South Wales (NSW), Australia were conducted. A secondary, thematic analysis of the qualitative data were undertaken to reflect on change and continuity in the field of universal CAFH services. Analysis was driven by two key research questions: How do CAFH nurses experience their role in universal home-based CAFH services within rural and regional areas of Australia and, what unique factors are present in rural and regional areas that impact on their CAFH nursing role?

Findings

The experience of the CAFH nurses as presented by these data revealed a role that was family centred and concerned for the welfare of the family, yet compromised by the need to meet the disproportionately complex needs of families in the absence of a strong network of services. The opportunity to present the findings provides insight into the way in which families engage with available services in isolated communities. CAFH nurses in the study attempted to maintain service integrity by adapting to the unique context of their work.

Originality/value

It is important to understand the mechanisms through which CAFH nurses operate to work effectively with families referred to their service. This paper describes the way in which CAFH nurses work with families not meeting the threshold for more intensive and targeted home-visiting service delivery in rural and regional communities of NSW, Australia.
“When Margaret Thatcher met the Chinese”
Authors: Cheung Gordon Chi Kai , Gomez Edmund Terence
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the UK’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) policies under Margaret Thatcher’s era in the 1980s, with a view to understand the success stories, historical development and the structures of Chinese family business through a case study of See Woo Holdings Ltd.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have achieved the objective on the study of the SMEs policies under Margaret Thatcher through critical evaluation of the historical literatures, books, journals and newspapers. The study on overseas Chinese business and the case of See Woo Holdings Ltd. is mainly through the research of the Chinese overseas in the UK and Southeast Asia, and the companies report from the Companies House in the UK. The authors have used the latest 2011 UK Census statistics and academic reports to locate the most current demographic changes and Chinese business characteristics in the UK and the Northeast of England.

Findings

First, the UK’s SMEs policies under Margaret Thatcher were quite receptive towards the ethnic business. Second, the case of See Woo Holdings Ltd. indicates that family business networks are still one of the characteristics of Chinese business. Finally, the broader UK’s SMEs policies play an important role in this case study.

Originality/value

The authors provide a tentative linkage between the UK’s SMEs policies under Margaret Thatcher and Chinese family business. In addition, the case study of See Woo Holdings Ltd. improves the current understanding of Chinese family business with a clearer picture about their structure, practice, characteristics and development.
The impact of corporate governance mechanisms on earnings management in Islamic banks in the Middle East region
Authors: Mersni Hounaida , Ben Othman Hakim
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether corporate governance mechanisms affect the reporting of loan loss provisions by managers in Islamic banks in the Middle East region.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study uses balanced panel data from 20 Islamic banks, from seven Middle East countries for the period 2007 to 2011. The regression model is estimated using random effects specifications.

Findings

The empirical results show that discretionary loan loss provisions (DLLP) are negatively related to board size and the existence of an audit committee. Results also report a positive relationship between sharia board size and DLLP. This indicates that small sharia supervisory boards are more effective than larger ones, which could be due to the higher costs and negative effects of large groups on decision-making. Results also highlight that the existence of scholars with accounting knowledge sitting on the sharia board reduces discretionary behavior. Additional results provide evidence that an external sharia audit committee is also found to reduce discretion in Islamic banks. The conclusions are found to be robust to endogeneity issues and potentially omitted variables.

Practical implications

The findings are potentially useful for regulators and shareholders. Regulators could use the findings to focus on corporate governance mechanisms that restrain earnings management practices in Islamic banks and implement regulations to strengthen them. Additionally, this study gives shareholders further insight which enables them to better monitor the actions of managers and thus increase their control over their investments.

Originality/value

This study provides two contributions to the literature on Islamic banking. First, to the authors’ knowledge, this study is only the second piece of research focused on the impact of corporate governance on earnings management in Islamic banks. Second, the authors have examined the effect of some new corporate governance mechanisms that have not been studied previously in the research literature.
Brand typicality impact on brand imitations evaluation and categorization
Authors: Le Roux André , Thébault Marinette , Roy Yves , Bobrie François
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This research aims to explore the impact of an overlooked variable, brand typicality, on brand evaluation and the categorization of counterfeits and imitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 mixed design with the first three variables as between-subjects variables and the last as a within-subjects variable on a convenience sample of 287 respondents split into eight experimental conditions. Data are analyzed using Linear Mixed Models.

Findings

Results show that brand typicality and brand name and product appearance manipulations impact brand evaluation and categorization. Regarding brand evaluation, under high typicality conditions, any manipulation of brand name and/or product appearance, from identical to different, results in a less favorable evaluation, whereas under low typicality conditions, only brand name manipulation negatively impacts brand evaluation. Concerning categorization, under high typicality conditions, any change in brand name and/or product appearance results in the item’s categorization as an imitation or a counterfeit, whereas under low typicality conditions, the item may be categorized as either genuine or as imitation or counterfeit.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates the impact of brand typicality on both the evaluation and categorization of changes in brand name and product appearance. It also suggests that brands and product classes are not equal vis-à-vis counterfeiting and imitation. High typicality brand seems less vulnerable to counterfeiting and imitation. Findings are discussed regarding brand vulnerability to imitation and counterfeiting, the importance of considering competitive context, brand management and brand strategy.
A finer-grained approach to assessing the “quality” (“quantity” and “richness”) of risk management disclosures
Authors: Jia Jing , Munro Lois , Buckby Sherrena
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the “quality” of narrative risk management disclosures (RMD) from a “quantity” and “richness” (width and depth) perspective, utilising a finer-grained approach. Evidence is then provided on the relationships between RMD quality and the corporate determinants driving that quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Within a multidimensional quality disclosure framework, annual report narrative RMD from the top 100 Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listed companies precisely “matched” for the 2010 and 2012 years were examined using semantic content analysis. The relationship between the dimensions and sub-dimensions of RMD “quantity” and “richness”, and various corporate characteristics were explored using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that RMD are considerably lacking in quality, from the “quantity”, “width” and particularly the “depth” dimension and sub-dimensions for both years. Many companies provide “boiler plate” RMD over consecutive years and many do not comply with the intent of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations under the “if not, why not” regime (ASX CGC, 2010). Company size and cross-listing were found to be the primary determinants of higher quality RMD and, to a lesser extent, firm risk. Some evidence was found that “quality” RMD were less likely where companies are more highly leveraged and when their shareholders are more concentrated.

Research limitations/implications

Although two coders independently coded the RMD and specific decision rules were followed, the subjectivity inherent in conducting semantic content analysis into the dimensions and sub-dimensions of the framework cannot be completely eliminated. However, by adopting a finer-grained approach, this study contributes to the global literature on the quality of RMD. Previous studies are extended by analysing and testing the individual dimensions and sub-dimensions of “quantity” and “richness” which provides new empirical evidence and a more comprehensive portrayal of RMD quality and a greater understanding why some companies are more likely to disclose higher quality RMD than others.

Practical implications

These results provide useful and predominantly new empirical evidence on the quality of RMD for practitioners, regulators and researchers. As many companies are not complying with the “intent” of the “if not, why not” approach, these results support the argument for mandated narrative RMD regulations at an international level.

Originality/value

The multidimensional framework of RMD “quantity” and “richness” provides a basis for examining not only how much is disclosed, but what is disclosed and how. In adopting a finer-grained approach, this study analyses and tests the individual dimensions and sub-dimensions of the framework. This provides a deeper understanding of the overall quality of RMD and the determinants driving RMD quality for the sample companies.
Networked spectators
Authors: Jacobson Jenna
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony with the goal of making a nuanced contribution to the discussion of online participation and engagement afforded by social media.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a qualitative approach of sequential video analysis to the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony interpretive segment.

Findings

Despite the Olympics being a “networked media sport” where countries compete against each another in various sporting events, the paper argues that the overarching narrative of the London 2012 opening ceremony is one that breaks down traditional barriers, while simultaneously situating the individual at the centre of “networked spectatorship”.

Originality/value

Beyond merely watching media events, the paper proposes the term, “networked spectators” to identify how people participate in the content creation, social media moderation, and conversation using social media. Networked spectatorship moves away from the binary of active and passive participation, and rather reflects on the multiple ways people can engage in media events, which specifically includes social media monitoring/moderation as a form of participation.
Tenacity and colorfastness properties of chemically modified jute fibres dyed with Reactive Orange 14 and Basic Violet 14
Authors: Hoque Md Asadul , Saiduzzaman Md , Faruqui A. Nayeem , Islam Md Ashadul
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the loss of tenacity and colorfastness properties of bleached and modified (acrylonitrile, AN and methacrylonitrile, MAN) jute fibres dyed with Reactive Orange 14 and Basic Violet 14.

Design/methodology/approach

Jute fibres dyed with Reactive Orange 14 and Basic Violet 14 were studied as a function of exposure to sunlight in air, washing with soap solution and spotting with acids and alkalis.

Findings

Dye absorption of Basic Violet 14 was higher compared to Reactive Orange 14 at optimum dyeing conditions. Optimum dye uptake of Reactive Orange 14 required relatively severe conditions compared to that of Basic Violet 14. Whereas, Reactive Orange 14 showed overall good colorfastness to sunlight and moderate in washing compared to Basic Violet 14. All the bleached and modified fibres showed good colorfastness to weak acids and alkalis regardless of Reactive Orange 14 and Basic Violet 14 dyes. The loss in tenacity was higher in the case of non-modified fibres, and among the modified fibres, Basic Violet 14 showed the lowest loss in tenacity in the exposure to sunlight.

Originality/value

Many studies have been devoted to improve the substantivity of cellulosic fibre for reactive dyes. A few efforts were made to improve the light fastness. In this work, investigation will be made on a comparative study of loss of tenacity and colorfastness properties of bleached and modified (AN and MAN) jute fibres dyed with both Reactive Orange 14 and Basic Violet 14 on exposure to sunlight, washing and acid and alkali spotting. Optimum dyeing conditions will also be investigated for economic dyeing.
Mittal’s acquisition strategies
Authors: Alluru Jayanth-Reddy , Sankararaman Pooja , Tebbe Kathryn
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The paper highlights the success of ArcelorMittal’s acquisitions. Focusing on the strategy used to achieve smooth post-acquisition integrations of culturally distant state-owned firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a result of an exploratory research for qualitative information showing a similarity in the pattern in which post acquisition integrations were executed to successful completion in the history of ArcelorMittal.

Findings

Mittal’s post-acquisition integration processes began with programs such as the Knowledge Integration Program. These activities reduced pressure on issues related to the differences in the corporate cultures while increasing transparency among the departments of the acquired firms.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Navigating the human landscape in cross-border mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Ray Gordon D.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Developing individual relationships to drive multilateral, open communication, has the greatest power to connect all levels of an organization to a unifying strategy. This should be a primary consideration in both the due diligence and implementation stages of a cross-border merger/acquisition to ensure a successful transition. The organization considering/executing the merger/acquisition should look inward first, to its own practices, to make necessary adjustments and establish a foundation for integration.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
The salt‐regulated element in the promoter of lycopene β‐cyclase gene confers a salt regulatory pattern in carotenogenesis of Dunaliella bardawil
Authors: Liang Ming‐Hua , Lu Yan , Chen Hao‐Hong , Jiang Jian‐Guo
Published: September 2016

In the carotenoid biosynthesis, lycopene β‐cyclase (LCYb) is a key regulatory enzyme involved in the conversion of lycopene into β‐carotene. Under stress conditions, such as high salinity, high light and nutrient deprivation, large amounts of β‐carotene can be accumulated in Dunaliella bardawil. To study on the molecular responses of salt stress in D. bardawil is of great significance to reveal the mechanisms of salt tolerance and engineer crop plants to be salt‐tolerant. In this study, the full‐length coding sequence of lcyb from D. bardawil (Dblcyb, GenBank: KX218392) was isolated by transcriptome sequencing. Then, the genomic sequence, promoter and terminator regions of Dblcyb were isolated by genome walking. The Dblcyb promoter (GenBank: KX218393) contained several typical transcription boxes, multiple light response elements and a salt‐regulated element (SRE, GT1GMSCAM4). Dbpsy and Dblcyb responsible for β‐carotene biosynthesis in D. bardawil was shown to be up‐regulated under salt stress and their promoters contained the common SRE. By element deletion analysis and using Ble‐EGFP as the reporter, the salt‐inducible SRE was confirmed to confer salt‐induced expression of Dblcyb promoter. It was indicated that the salt‐regulated expression of Dblcyb may be attributed to the salt‐responsive element (GT1GMSCAM4) and the GT‐rich region in its genomic sequence.
Commode Cardia—Death by Valsalva Maneuver: A Case Series
Authors: Fisher‐Hubbard Amanda O. , Kesha Kilak , Diaz Francisco , Njiwaji Chantel , Chi PaoLin , Schmidt Carl J.
Published: September 2016

The Valsalva maneuver is used in clinical medicine for the diagnosis and/or treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. It can also be used in activities of daily living, such as defecation. Due to the cardiovascular effects produced during the Valsalva maneuver, it may be contraindicated in certain medical conditions and could be a trigger of sudden cardiac death. The incidence and prevalence of death following Valsalva maneuver in the presence of underlying cardiovascular disease, or “commode cardia,” has not been examined. In 2012, the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office (Detroit, MI) investigated 21 deaths that occurred on the toilet, fourteen of which were due to cardiovascular disease. In another 31 deaths in the bathroom due to cardiovascular disease, the possibility that the decedent defecated immediately prior to death could not be excluded. Hence, the incidence of commode cardia in this population ranges from 2.3 to 7.4% of all cardiovascular‐related deaths.
Associations between changes in glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and bodyweight reduction in patients receiving acarbose or metformin treatment
Authors: Wang Na , Zhang Jin‐Ping , Xing Xiao‐Yan , Yang Zhao‐Jun , Zhang Bo , Wang Xin , Yang Wen‐Ying
Published: September 2016

Background

The present post hoc analysis investigated whether changes in endogenous glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (∆GLP‐1) levels are associated with weight loss in newly diagnosed diabetes patients.

Methods

In all, 784 subjects from the Metformin and AcaRbose in Chinese as initial Hypoglycemic treatment (MARCH) study were stratified according to ∆GLP‐1. Changes in clinical and physiological parameters were evaluated across ∆GLP‐1 subgroups (low, medium, and high) to assess correlations between ∆GLP‐1 and weight loss in acarbose‐ versus metformin‐treated groups.

Results

After 24 weeks treatment, greater ∆GLP‐1 was associated with significantly greater weight loss (−2 vs −1 kg in the medium/high vs low ∆GLP‐1 groups, respectively) and reduction in body mass index (BMI; −0.88, −0.83, and −0.69 kg/m2 in the high, medium, and low ∆GLP‐1 groups, respectively). In the acarbose‐treated group, there was a significant association between ∆GLP‐1 and BMI reductions, and greater ∆GLP‐1 across the high, medium, and low ∆GLP‐1 groups was correlated with greater weight loss (−2.8, −2.1, and −1.9 kg, respectively) and reductions in fasting plasma glucose (−1.57, −1.28, and −1.02 mmol/L, respectively) at Week 24. No significant differences were found across ∆GLP‐1 subgroups in metformin‐treated patients (P > 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that gender, baseline BMI, and ∆GLP‐1 at Week 24 were associated with weight loss. Baseline BMI and ∆GLP‐1 in the acarbose‐treated group and baseline BMI in the metformin‐treated group predicted weight loss at Week 24.

Conclusion

Changes in GLP‐1 levels are associated with weight loss in newly diagnosed Chinese diabetes patients receiving acarbose.
The impact of CT colonography on abdominal aortic aneurysm referrals in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Khashram Manar , Tiong Li Ching , Jones Gregory T , Roake Justin A
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Computed tomography colonography (CTC) for the detection of colorectal disease is gaining popularity as an alternative to colonoscopy. This has been associated with an increase in incidental extra‐colonic findings such as abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, due to the patient selection process of obtaining a CTC, it was hypothesised that this patient cohort might represent a high‐risk group. The primary aim of this study was to determine the impact that CTC had on small aneurysm referrals. Owing to the potential selection bias, the secondary aim was to compare baseline characteristics referred by CTC to the cohort referred by other radiological modalities.

Methods

Consecutive patients attending the small aneurysm clinic at a single tertiary centre were included. Baseline patient comorbidities were collected and recorded on a prospective database. The characteristics of patients who had a CTC‐detected aneurysm were compared to patients referred by other radiological modalities.

Results

There were 566 patients with small aneurysms included. Of these, 96 (17.0%) had their aneurysm detected from CTC and the remaining aneurysms were detected by other radiological modalities. These patients were on average 2 years older and were less likely to have a smoking history. There was no difference in other patient characteristics.

Conclusion

Computed tomography colonography contributed to the initial diagnosis of one in five patients with small aneurysms. Despite a potential selection bias for patients undergoing CTC, there were no major baseline differences between the CTC cohort and patients referred by other radiological modalities. Routine assessment of the aorta during a CTC may aid in aneurysm detection.
Identification and validation of novel small proteins in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Yang Xiaochen , Jensen Sheila I. , Wulff Tune , Harrison Scott J. , Long Katherine S.
Published: September 2016

Small proteins of 50 amino acids or less have been understudied due to difficulties that impede their annotation and detection. In order to obtain information on small open reading frames (sORFs) in Pseudomonas putida, bioinformatic and proteomic approaches were used to identify putative sORFs in the well‐characterized strain KT2440. A plasmid‐based system was established for sORF validation, enabling expression of C‐terminal sequential peptide affinity tagged variants and their detection via protein immunoblotting. Out of 22 tested putative sORFs, the expression of 14 sORFs was confirmed, where all except one are novel. All of the validated sORFs except one are located adjacent to annotated genes on the same strand and three are in close proximity to genes with known functions. These include an ABC transporter operon and the two transcriptional regulators Fis and CysB involved in biofilm formation and cysteine biosynthesis respectively. The work sheds light on the P. putida small proteome and small protein identification, a necessary first step towards gaining insights into their functions and possible evolutionary implications.
Current Heavy Alcohol Consumption is Associated with Greater Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
Authors: Woods Adam J. , Porges Eric C. , Bryant Vaughn E. , Seider Talia , Gongvatana Assawin , Kahler Christopher W. , de la Monte Suzanne , Monti Peter M. , Cohen Ronald A.
Published: September 2016

Background

The acute consumption of excessive quantities of alcohol causes well‐recognized neurophysiological and cognitive alterations. As people reach advanced age, they are more prone to cognitive decline. To date, the interaction of current heavy alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) consumption and aging remains unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that negative consequences of current heavy alcohol consumption on neurocognitive function are worse with advanced age. Further, we evaluated the relations between lifetime history of alcohol dependence and neurocognitive function

Methods

Sixty‐six participants underwent a comprehensive neurocognitive battery. Current heavy EtOH drinkers were classified using National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria (EtOH heavy, n = 21) based on the Timeline follow‐back and a structured clinical interview and compared to nondrinkers, and moderate drinkers (EtOH low, n = 45). Of the total population, 53.3% had a lifetime history of alcohol dependence. Neurocognitive data were grouped and analyzed relative to global and domain scores assessing: global cognitive function, attention/executive function, learning, memory, motor function, verbal function, and speed of processing.

Results

Heavy current EtOH consumption in older adults was associated with poorer global cognitive function, learning, memory, and motor function (ps < 0.05). Furthermore, lifetime history of alcohol dependence was associated with poorer function in the same neurocognitive domains, in addition to the attention/executive domain, irrespective of age (ps < 0.05).

Conclusions

These data suggest that while heavy current alcohol consumption is associated with significant impairment in a number of neurocognitive domains, history of alcohol dependence, even in the absence of heavy current alcohol use, is associated with lasting negative consequences for neurocognitive function.
Association of Specific Traumatic Experiences With Alcohol Initiation and Transitions to Problem Use in European American and African American Women
Authors: Werner Kimberly B. , Sartor Carolyn E. , McCutcheon Vivia V. , Grant Julia D. , Nelson Elliot C. , Heath Andrew C. , Bucholz Kathleen K.
Published: September 2016

Background

The aims of this study were to (i) characterize racial differences in alcohol involvement and (ii) examine the risk conferred by specific trauma exposures and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for different stages of alcohol involvement in European American (EA) and African American (AA) women.

Methods

Data are from the Missouri Adolescent Female Twins Study (N = 3,787, 14.6% AA; mean age at most recent interview = 24.5 [SD 2.8]). Trauma exposures (e.g., sexual abuse [SA], physical abuse [PA], witnessing another person being killed or injured, experiencing an accident, and experiencing a disaster) were modeled as time‐varying predictors of alcohol initiation, transition to first alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptom, and transition to AUD diagnosis using Cox proportional hazards regression while taking into account other substance involvement, parental characteristics, and commonly co‐occurring psychiatric disorders.

Results

In EA women only, SA was associated with alcohol initiation prior to the age of 14, PA predicted transition from initiation to first AUD symptom, and PA, witnessing injury or death, and SA predicted transition to AUD diagnosis. No association was discovered between trauma exposures or PTSD for any stage of alcohol involvement in AA women.

Conclusions

Results reveal trauma experiences as important contributors to all stages of alcohol involvement in EA women only, with different trauma types conferring risk for each stage of alcohol involvement. PTSD was not revealed as a significant predictor of AUD in EA or AA women, suggesting trauma, independent of PTSD, directly contributes to alcohol involvement. Findings highlight the importance of considering racial differences when developing etiologic models of the association of traumatic experiences with alcohol involvement.
Doctors Have no Right to Refuse Medical Assistance in Dying, Abortion or Contraception
Authors: Savulescu Julian , Schuklenk Udo
Published: September 2016

In an article in this journal, Christopher Cowley argues that we have ‘misunderstood the special nature of medicine, and have misunderstood the motivations of the conscientious objectors’. We have not. It is Cowley who has misunderstood the role of personal values in the profession of medicine. We argue that there should be better protections for patients from doctors' personal values and there should be more severe restrictions on the right to conscientious objection, particularly in relation to assisted dying. We argue that eligible patients could be guaranteed access to medical services that are subject to conscientious objections by: (1) removing a right to conscientious objection; (2) selecting candidates into relevant medical specialities or general practice who do not have objections; (3) demonopolizing the provision of these services away from the medical profession.
Venous thromboembolism following colorectal resection
Authors: El‐Dhuwaib Y. , Selvasekar C. , Corless D. J. , Deakin M. , Slavin J. P.
Published: September 2016

Aim

The study investigated the rate of significant venous thromboembolism (VTE) following colorectal resection during the index admission and over 1 year following discharge. It identifies risk factors associated with VTE and considers the length of VTE prophylaxis required.

Method

All adult patients who underwent colorectal resections in England between April 2007 and March 2008 were identified using Hospital Episode Statistics data. They were studied during the index admission and followed for a year to identify any patients who were readmitted as an emergency with a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Results

In all, 35 997 patients underwent colorectal resection during the period of study. The VTE rate was 2.3%. Two hundred and one (0.56%) patients developed VTE during the index admission and 571 (1.72%) were readmitted with VTE. Following discharge from the index admission, the risk of VTE in patients with cancer remained elevated for 6 months compared with 2 months in patients with benign disease. Age, postoperative stay, cancer, emergency admission and emergency surgery for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were all independent risk factors associated with an increased risk of VTE. Patients with ischaemic heart disease and those having elective minimal access surgery appear to have lower levels of VTE.

Conclusion

This study adds to the benefits of minimal access surgery and demonstrates an additional risk to patients undergoing emergency surgery for IBD. The majority of VTE cases occur following discharge from the index admission. Therefore, surgery for cancer, emergency surgery for IBD and those with an extended hospital stay may benefit from extended VTE prophylaxis. This study demonstrates that a stratified approach may be required to reduce the incidence of VTE.
Can three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry detect anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence?
Authors: Rezaie A. , Iriana S. , Pimentel M. , Murrell Z. , Fleshner P. , Zaghiyan K.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is the gold standard for detecting anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence (FI), while anorectal manometry evaluates sphincter function. Three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry (3D HRAM) is a newer modality with the potential to assess both sphincter function and anatomy. The purpose of the present study was to compare 3D HRAM with 3D EAUS for the detection of anal sphincter defects in patients with FI.

Method

A linkage analysis was performed between the 3D HRAM and 3D EAUS databases of a tertiary referral centre to identify patients with FI who underwent both 3D EAUS and 3D HRAM. With 3D HRAM, a defect was defined as any pressure measurement below 25 mmHg at rest with at least 18° of continuous expansion. The 3D HRAM findings were compared with those of 3D EAUS.

Results

The study cohort included 39 patients with a mean age of 64.7 ± 15.2 years (SD); and 31 (79%) were female. Eight (21%) patients had an anal sphincter defect on EAUS with a median size of 93° (range 40°–136°). Fourteen (36%) had a defect shown by 3D HRAM with a median size of 144° (36°–180°). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 3D HRAM in detecting a sphincter defect were 75%, 74%, 43% and 92%, respectively.

Conclusion

With a negative predictive value of 92%, 3D HRAM may be a useful screening method for ruling out a sphincter defect in patients with FI, thereby avoiding both EAUS and manometry in selected patients.
Cyclone Aila, livelihood stress, and migration: empirical evidence from coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Sebak Kumar
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates why households migrated as a unit to Khulna City from the affected Upazilas of Dacope and Koyra in Khulna District, Bangladesh, following Cyclone Aila on 25 May 2009. The study reveals that households migrated primarily because of the livelihood stress that resulted from the failure to derive a secure income like before the event from the impacted areas—other push and pull factors also played a part in their migration decision. Despite all of the Aila‐induced losses and problems, all households wanted to avoid migration, but they were unable to do so for this principal reason. The findings also demonstrate that, if livelihoods cannot be restored, some form of widespread migration is inevitable after a disaster such as this one. In addition, they show that migration has the potential to serve as a key adaptive response to environmental events, as evidenced by the improved economic conditions of a substantial number of the migrated households.
The evolving local social contract for managing climate and disaster risk in Vietnam
Authors: Christoplos Ian , Ngoan Le Duc , Sen Le Thi Hoa , Huong Nguyen Thi Thanh , Lindegaard Lily Salloum
Published: September 2016

How do disasters shape local government legitimacy in relation to managing climate‐ and disaster‐related risks? This paper looks at how local authorities in Central Vietnam perceive their social contract for risk reduction, including the partial merging of responsibilities for disaster risk management with new plans for and investments in climate change adaptation and broader socioeconomic development. The findings indicate that extreme floods and storms constitute critical junctures that stimulate genuine institutional change. Local officials are proud of their strengthened role in disaster response and they are eager to boost investment in infrastructure. They have struggled to reinforce their legitimacy among their constituents, but given the shifting roles of the state, private sector, and civil society, and the undiminished emphasis on high‐risk development models, their responsibilities for responding to emerging climate change scenarios are increasingly nebulous. The past basis for legitimacy is no longer valid, but tomorrow's social contract is not yet defined.
Human rights and proactive displacement: determining the appropriate balance between the duty to protect and the right to remain
Authors: McDermott Ronan , Gibbons Pat
Published: September 2016

The proactive displacement by public authorities of populations from areas perceived to be exposed to a high risk of disaster presents complex human rights challenges. Provided that no ulterior motive is at play, the use of compulsory evacuations and relocations as policy responses to such risk is mandated by the duty to protect the right to life. However, proactive displacement in the interest of saving lives can be problematic as such measures can lead to the limitation of other human rights, resulting in an intricate assessment of whether compulsory evacuation or permanent relocation is proportional in any given circumstance. Such an analysis demands critical attention by public authorities to the perception of the disaster risk in question and problematises claims to objectivity of official risk assessments. Furthermore, it poses the question as to whether measures designed to address the disaster risk in question that are less intrusive than relocation may be available to public authorities.
Ketosis‐prone atypical diabetes in Cameroonian people with hyperglycaemic crisis: frequency, clinical and metabolic phenotypes
Authors: Lontchi‐Yimagou E. , Nguewa J. L. , Assah F. , Noubiap J. J. , Boudou P. , Djahmeni E. , Balti E. V. , Atogho‐Tiedeu B. , Gautier J. F. , Mbanya J. C. , Sobngwi E.
Published: September 2016

Aim

It is unclear whether ketosis‐prone diabetes is a specific type or a subtype of Type 2 diabetes. We aimed to describe the clinical and metabolic features of ketosis‐prone diabetes in a sub‐Saharan population.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled and characterized 173 people with non‐autoimmune diabetes admitted for hyperglycaemic crisis at the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. Blood samples were collected for fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile and C‐peptide assays with insulin resistance and secretion estimation by homeostasis model assessment. People were classified as having Type 2 diabetes (n = 124) or ketosis‐prone diabetes (n = 49). Ketosis‐prone diabetes was sub‐classified as new‐onset ketotic phase (n = 34) or non‐ketotic phase (n = 15).

Results

Ketosis‐prone diabetes was found in 28.3% of the hyperglycaemic crises. Age at diabetes diagnosis was comparable in Type 2 and ketosis‐prone diabetes [48 ± 14 vs 47 ± 11 years; P = 0.13] with a similar sex distribution. Overall BMI was 27.7 ± 13.4 kg/m2 and was ≥ 25 kg/m2 in 55.8% of those taking part, however, 73.5% of those with ketosis‐prone diabetes reported weight loss of > 5% at diagnosis. Blood pressure and lipid profile were comparable in both types. Ketosis‐prone diabetes in the ketotic phase was characterized by lower insulin secretion and higher serum triglycerides compared with non‐ketotic ketosis prone and Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 and ketosis prone diabetes in the non‐ketotic phase were comparable in terms of lipid profile, blood pressure, waist‐to‐hip ratio, BMI and fat mass, insulin secretion and insulin resistance indices.

Conclusions

Ketosis‐prone diabetes is likely to be a subtype of Type 2 diabetes with the potential to develop acute insulinopenic episodes.
Long‐term progressive motor skill training enhances corticospinal excitability for the ipsilateral hemisphere and motor performance of the untrained hand
Authors: Christiansen Lasse , Larsen Malte Nejst , Grey Michael James , Nielsen Jens Bo , Lundbye‐Jensen Jesper
Published: September 2016

It is well established that unilateral motor practice can lead to increased performance in the opposite non‐trained hand. Here, we test the hypothesis that progressively increasing task difficulty during long‐term skill training with the dominant right hand increase performance and corticomotor excitability of the left non‐trained hand. Subjects practiced a visuomotor tracking task engaging right digit V for 6 weeks with either progressively increasing task difficulty (PT) or no progression (NPT). Corticospinal excitability (CSE) was evaluated from the resting motor threshold (rMT) and recruitment curve parameters following application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the ipsilateral primary motor cortex (iM1) hotspot of the left abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM). PT led to significant improvements in left‐hand motor performance immediately after 6 weeks of training (63 ± 18%, P < 0.001) and 8 days later (76 ± 14%, P < 0.001). In addition, PT led to better task performance compared to NPT (19 ± 15%, P = 0.024 and 27 ± 15%, P = 0.016). Following the initial training session, CSE increased across all subjects. After 6 weeks of training and 8 days later, only PT was accompanied by increased CSE demonstrated by a left and upwards shift in the recruitment curves, e.g. indicated by increased MEPmax (P = 0.012). Eight days after training similar effects were observed, but 14 months later motor performance and CSE were similar between groups. We suggest that progressively adjusting demands for timing and accuracy to individual proficiency promotes motor skill learning and drives the iM1‐CSE resulting in enhanced performance of the non‐trained hand. The results underline the importance of increasing task difficulty progressively and individually in skill learning and rehabilitation training.
Atg1‐independent induction of autophagy by the Drosophila Ulk3 homolog, ADUK
Authors: Braden Christopher R. , Neufeld Thomas P.
Published: September 2016

Although canonical autophagy regulation requires a multi‐protein complex centered on the Ser/Thr‐kinase Atg1 (mammalian Ulk1/2), alternative signals can induce autophagy independent of Atg1 through unknown mechanisms. Here we identify the Drosophila Ulk3 ortholog, another Drosophila Unc‐51‐like kinase (ADUK), as an Atg1‐independent autophagy inducer. ADUK interacts with Atg1 complex members Atg13 and 200 kDa FAK family kinase‐interacting protein, and requires Atg13 but not Atg1 for autophagy induction. Loss of ADUK shortens adult lifespan and reduces the autophagic response to a chemical stressor, dimethyl sulfoxide. However, ADUK is not required for autophagy induction by Atg1‐dependent nutrient or developmental cues. Atg1 and ADUK/Ulk3 thus represent alternative catalytic components of a shared autophagy kinase complex.
Species interactions in a grassland mixture under low nitrogen fertilization and two cutting frequencies. II. Nutritional quality
Authors: Ergon Å. , Kirwan L. , Fystro G. , Bleken M. A. , Collins R. P. , Rognli O. A.
Published: September 2016

Mixtures and pure stands of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, white clover and red clover were grown in a three‐cut and a five‐cut system in southern Norway, at a low fertilization rate (100 kg N ha−1 year−1). The nutritional quality (annual weighted averages) of the dried forage from the two‐first harvesting years was analysed. There was no significant effect of species diversity on crude protein (CP) concentration. In the three‐cut system, we found a significant species diversity effect leading to 10% higher concentrations of acid detergent fibre (ADF), 20–22% lower concentrations of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and 4% lower net energy for lactation (NEL) concentrations in mixtures compared with pure stands (averaged across the two‐first years). In the five‐cut system, similar effects were seen in the first year only. This diversity effect was associated with a reduction in WSC and NEL concentrations and an increase in ADF, NDF and CP concentrations in the grass species, and not in red clover, when grown in mixtures. This is thought to be a combined result of better N availability and more shading in the mixtures. Species diversity reduced the intra‐annual variability in nutritional quality in both cutting systems.
A retrospective analysis of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis treated with corticosteroids
Authors: Liu Wenmin , Nie Xiaojuan , Zhang Li
Published: September 2016

Background

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) are severe mucocutaneous reactions that incur high mortality, and in which the systemic application of corticosteroids remains controversial.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the optimal protocols for the use of corticosteroids and treatment measures.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 70 patients with SJS/TEN who were hospitalized between January 2008 and May 2015 in the Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, and treated with corticosteroids. Expected and actual mortality rates in patients treated with different doses of corticosteroids, according to SCORTEN, were compared.

Results

The diagnoses associated with initial corticosteroid use differed significantly between the low‐ and high‐dose groups (P = 0.041). There were significant differences between expected and actual mortality rates according to the use of corticosteroid therapy (P = 0.0168, standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 0.30). There was a statistical difference between expected and actual mortality rates in the low‐dose group (P = 0.0145, SMR = 0.20). Serum albumin levels were significantly lower in patients administered corticosteroids additive therapy (31.12 ± 8.32 g/l vs. 35.54 ± 5.82 g/l; P = 0.016), and the rate of use of antibiotics was higher among patients in the additive therapy group than in the non‐additive group (94.7% vs. 60.8%).

Conclusions

Our research supports the use of corticosteroids for the systemic treatment of SJS/TEN. Corticosteroids should be used in a timely manner and in accordance with disease severity, age, underlying diseases, serum albumin level, and concurrent treatment with antimicrobial therapy.