bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody-mediated inhibition of Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase–haemolysin-induced macrophage cytotoxicity is influenced by variations in the bacterial population
Authors: Hegerle N. , Guiso N.
Published: February 2014

Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease presenting with epidemic cycles linked to natural and/or vaccine-driven evolution of the aetiological agent of the disease,Bordetella pertussis. Adenylate cyclase–haemolysin (AC-Hly) is a major toxin produced by this pathogen, which mediates macrophage apoptosisin vitroandin vivo. While current acellular pertussis vaccine (APV) formulations do not include AC-Hly, they all contain pertussis toxin and can comprise filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), which interacts with AC-Hly, and pertactin (PRN), which has been hypothesized also to interact with AC-Hly. We aimed to study the capacity of specific antibodies to inhibit thein vitro B. pertussisAC-Hly-mediated cytotoxicity of J774A.1 murine macrophages in a background of a changing bacterial population. We demonstrate that: (i) clinical isolates of different types or PRN phenotype are all cytotoxic and lethal in the mouse model of respiratory infection; (ii) lack of PRN production does not impact AC-Hly-related phenotypes; (iii) anti-AC-Hly antibodies inhibit cell lysis whatever the phenotype of the isolate, while anti-PRN antibodies significantly inhibit cell lysis provided the isolate produces this antigen, which might be relevantin vivofor APV-induced immunity; and (iv) anti-FHA antibodies only inhibit lysis induced by isolates collected in 2012, maybe indicating specific characteristics of epidemic lineages ofB. pertussis.
Louping ill virus: an endemic tick-borne disease of Great Britain
Authors: Jeffries C. L. , Mansfield K. L. , Phipps L. P. , Wakeley P. R. , Mearns R. , Schock A. , Bell S. , Breed A. C. , Fooks A. R. , Johnson N.
Published: February 2014

In Europe and Asia, Ixodid ticks transmit tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus that causes severe encephalitis in humans but appears to show no virulence for livestock and wildlife. In the British Isles, where TBEV is absent, a closely related tick-borne flavivirus, named louping ill virus (LIV), is present. However, unlike TBEV, LIV causes a febrile illness in sheep, cattle, grouse and some other species, that can progress to fatal encephalitis. The disease is detected predominantly in animals from upland areas of the UK and Ireland. This distribution is closely associated with the presence of its arthropod vector, the hard tick Ixodes ricinus. The virus is a positive-strand RNA virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus, exhibiting a high degree of genetic homology to TBEV and other mammalian tick-borne viruses. In addition to causing acute encephalomyelitis in sheep, other mammals and some avian species, the virus is recognized as a zoonotic agent with occasional reports of seropositive individuals, particularly those whose occupation involves contact with sheep. Preventative vaccination in sheep is effective although there is no treatment for disease. Surveillance for LIV in Great Britain is limited despite an increased awareness of emerging arthropod-borne diseases and potential changes in distribution and epidemiology. This review provides an overview of LIV and highlights areas where further effort is needed to control this disease.
Moderated estimation of fold change and dispersion for RNA-seq data with DESeq2
Authors: Love Michael I , Huber Wolfgang , Anders Simon
Published: February 2014

In comparative high-throughput sequencing assays, a fundamental task is the analysis of count data, such as read counts per gene in RNA-seq data, for evidence of systematic changes across experimental conditions. Small replicate numbers, discreteness, large dynamic range and the presence of outliers require a suitable statistical approach. We present DESeq2, a method for differential analysis of count data. DESeq2 uses shrinkage estimation for dispersions and fold changes to improve stability and interpretability of the estimates. This enables a more quantitative analysis focused on the strength rather than the mere presence of differential expression and facilitates downstream tasks such as gene ranking and visualization. DESeq2 is available as an R/Bioconductor package.
How should substance use problems be handled? Popular views in Sweden, Finland, and Canada
Authors: Blomqvist Jan , Koski-Jännes Anja , Cunningham John
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Although the way in which, for example, substance use problems are conceived and reacted to (by experts and treatment professionals but also by the environment), can have vast consequences for those directly or indirectly concerned, there is little systematic knowledge about how various preferred approaches differ between types of problems and sociocultural settings. In an ambition to at least partly mend this gap, this paper aims to compare how the general public in Sweden, Finland, and Canada appraise four generically different approaches to dealing with substance use problems, as these are applied to problem use of alcohol, cannabis, heroin, and cigarettes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses data from three national surveys, aimed at uncovering how representative population samples from Sweden, Finland, and Canada perceive and understand the character of, and the proper way of handling, various addictive problems. Data from these surveys have been used to discern and operationalize four basic “models of helping and coping” as these have been outlined by Brickmanet al.(1982). The analysis has aimed at investigating how the popular preferences for either of these models vary with type of addiction (to cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, and other (“hard”) drugs, national setting, and potentially important respondent characteristics.

Findings

– The results point to large differences between the ways in which the general public understands the proper way of handling the four types of addiction, and shows, for example, that addiction to “hard” drugs is predominantly perceived as a matter for expert treatment, whereas smoking, or addiction to cigarettes, is more often perceived as a bad habit which the user is able to break on her/his own. In addition, the popularity of different handling models is found to vary between countries, and with personal characteristics such as gender, age, and substance use experiences.

Originality/value

– The study is one of few that have systematically tried to find out how various forms of substance use problems, or addiction, are conceived and reacted to in various national and social settings.
The influence of firm-specific characteristics on the extent of voluntary disclosure in XBRL
Authors: Kaya Devrimi
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the influence of several firm-specific characteristics on the extent of voluntary disclosure in eXtensible business reporting language (XBRL).

Design/methodology/approach

– A disclosure checklist consisting of 54 financial and non-financial items in XBRL format is developed to examine the extent of voluntary disclosure in the 2008 annual reports of 51 US listed firms.

Findings

– The results show that firm size and firms' level of innovativeness are significantly and positively related to the extent of overall disclosures.

Research limitations/implications

– There are, however, several limitations in the study. First, a relatively small sample size of 51 firms from the year 2008. Second, the construction of an unweighted disclosure index based on the elements, which were voluntarily disclosed, may not be the best measurement. It might be interesting to replicate this study based on a larger sample size from another voluntary filing program.

Originality/value

– The findings of this study should be of interest to firms that prepare, “clients” that use and regulators that monitor financial reporting disclosures in XBRL.
Housing markets and policy in the UK and the USA
Authors: Jones Colin , W. Richardson Harry
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine how the exogenous shock of the global financial crisis has had a differential impact on the housing markets of the USA and UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins by examining the nature and dynamics of the global financial crisis. It presents a detailed comparison of institutional and housing market characteristics in each country. A particular focus is the differences in mortgage funding and subprime lending trends over the decade leading up to the financial crisis.

Findings

– The analysis demonstrates the distinctiveness of the recent housing cycles and the geography of the downward price adjustments. Relative unemployment rates play a key role in these outcomes. Despite the different dynamics of the boom and bust, there is a common legacy in terms of the collapse of house building, repossessions/foreclosures and falling home ownership rates. The short-term policy responses by both governments addressed the same target issues in alternative ways but with different outcomes. Longer-term solutions are still being debated in both countries.

Originality/value

– Innovatory insights are provided by the comparison of the sub-national spatial pattern of the recent house price cycle in two countries.
Cell phone towers and house prices in New Zealand: economic effects and policy implications
Authors: Filippova Olga , Rehm Michael
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Global demand growth for new cell phone towers is extraordinary. However, many markets feature onerous regulation that impedes the rolling out of new infrastructure. Regulators are primarily concerned with tower aesthetics and the perceived impact on house prices. Focusing on isolating the impact of tower aesthetic, this paper aims to discover whether proximity to cell phone towers influences house prices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hedonic modeling is used to measure the influence of proximity to cell phone towers on house prices in the urban area of Christchurch, New Zealand, based on 9,715 transactions over the period from 2004 to 2010. Three functional proximity forms are tested separately.

Findings

– No statistically significant connection between cell phone towers and house prices was observed.

Originality/value

– In light of this study's results and emerging empirical evidence on the proximity-price relationship, New Zealand's recently introduced National Environmental Standards for Telecommunication Facilities may serve as a model of public policy on tower siting for other markets.
Integrated portfolio planning of products and production systems
Authors: Bruch Jessica , Bellgran Monica
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the research presented is to analyse and discuss critical challenges related to the development of a production system portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employs a longitudinal case study of an industrialization project at a global supplier in the automotive industry.

Findings

– This research makes two clear theoretical contributions. First, it extends the existing research on the manufacturing and R&D interface by proposing an innovative structure for production system development facilitating manufacturing companies in their efforts of being fast and cost-effective when introducing new products to the market. Second, this research identifies challenges related to the adoption of a production system portfolio and the necessary actions of a manufacturing company applying such a portfolio strategy.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings should be seen as a first attempt at assisting the development of a production system portfolio that matches the product portfolio. However, since the findings are based on only one case, the findings are to some extent context-specific and thus need to be complemented by more research.

Practical implications

– The research unveils challenges related to production system development and provides managers with a better understanding of some of the implications of the adoption of a portfolio strategy.

Originality/value

– This empirical study is among the first to explore the implications of a production system portfolio strategy. It advances the understanding towards a fully integrated product and production system development.
R&D in Sweden and manufacturing in China: a study of communication challenges
Authors: Georgieva Wlazlak Paraskeva , Johansson Glenn
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore communication challenges related to geographic distance, with emphasis on differences in national culture and language between R&D and manufacturing engineers, in a development project faced with uncertainty and equivocality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The results originate from a longitudinal single-case study of a commercial product development project.

Findings

– Three communication challenges are identified: clarity of shared information, intention to share information, and responsiveness to information received. The challenges are strongly associated with differences in national culture and language. The study also indicates that the communication challenges cannot only be handled by the use of rich communication media, but also by employment of communication media of low richness such as e-mails or “picture books”.

Research limitations/implications

– The single-case study approach limits the ability to generalize the findings. Future research should thus focus on additional studies of geographically separated R&D and manufacturing.

Originality/value

– The results from the study provide important insights for the management of product development in geographically dispersed settings. The findings emphasize the need to consider potential differences in national culture and language within a product development team. Acknowledging these differences and managing them properly can support efficiency of product development projects.
Interface challenges and managerial issues in the industrial innovation process
Authors: Säfsten Kristina , Johansson Glenn , Lakemond Nicolette , Magnusson Thomas
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of challenges related to interfaces in industrial innovation processes, together with suggestions on how these interface challenges can be managed. The paper investigates similarities and differences between the interfaces and identified challenges in terms of required managerial issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The result presented in this paper is based on in-depth case studies of ten product development projects from five different manufacturing firms in Sweden. The empirical results are supplemented with results from a review of relevant literature.

Findings

– To manage the interface challenges market uncertainty, technological uncertainty, product complexity and/or degree of change in product, production complexity and/or degree of change in production, geographical and/or organisational dispersion between technology development and product development, and between product development and production, it was found that several issues have to be considered. Most of the identified managerial issues concern transfer synchronisation, transfer management and transfer scope. The authors have shown that despite many differences between the different phases in the innovation process, a quite concordant picture emerges when it comes to how to manage interface challenges.

Practical implications

– The classification of managerial issues into transfer synchronisation, transfer management and transfer scope provides an overview of areas that need to be addressed to manage interface challenges during the industrial innovation process. This knowledge provides some guidance for managers aiming at a smooth transition process, from technology development to production.

Originality/value

– By addressing both the interface between technology development and product development, and between product development and production in the same study, the authors have been able to provide a comprehensive overview of managerial issues related to interfaces challenges in industrial innovation processes in manufacturing firms.
The process of crisis information dissemination: impacts of the strength of ties in social networks
Authors: Wei Jiuchang , Bu Bing , Guo Xiumei , Gollagher Margaret
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The strength of ties between individuals influences the speed and spread of crisis information dissemination (CID). By constructing networks of strong and weak ties, this paper aims to innovatively explore the impacts of strong and weak ties on the CID at the macro level.

Design/methodology/approach

– To better understand the rules of CID in different kinds of social networks, this paper constructs a CID model based on the strength of ties in social networks and cellular automation, using simulations of CID speed and spread in an entire network, strong tie network and weak tie network generated by MATLAB.

Findings

– As the article's major theoretical contribution, the results demonstrate that CID is more efficient in a network of weak ties than in a network of strong ties, and that the spread of CID has a positive correlation with the believability of the information disseminated and the dissemination tendency coefficient. Furthermore, the difference of dissemination speeds between strong and weak tie networks varies regularly with information believability and the dissemination tendency coefficient.

Originality/value

– This study provides more effective public mechanisms for rapidly evaluating the believability of crisis information and responding to crises in real time. The findings also have some valuable implications for government agencies to improve the efficiency and effect of CID.
Creativity-based well-being of employees as a basis of future economy and society
Authors: Šarotar Žižek Simona , Treven Sonja , Mulej Matjaž
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– A new non-technological innovation to manage socio-economic crises and to build new economy and society. Economic theory that is based on fictitious market cannot manage building them, because it is one-sided and fails; the model suggests solving the crises and building new economy and society based on human requisite holism (HRH), creativity-based well-being (CBWB) and social responsibility (SR). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative economic analysis using HRH, CBWB, SR and dialectical systems theory (DST) is applied.

Findings

– The current global socio-economic/environmental crisis reflects decision-makers' one-sidedness and resulting oversights. HRH and SR support both holism and honesty and help to combat the negative impact of decision-makers' behaviour. SR can support holism and honesty better, if well-being is extended to CBWB, and if SR is upgraded with increasing CBWB, not welfare alone. Both SR and CBWB support HRH. The innovative synergy of CBWB and SR enables the solution of crises and the new economy and society beyond the currently practiced fictitious market. DST backs HRH, CBWB and SR, an ethic of interdependence and requisite holism (RH) approach, enabling requisite wholeness of outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– Empirical data are from Slovene enterprises.

Practical implications

– The RH approach to managing socio-economic crises helps practitioners to rebuild modern society.

Originality/value

– Available literature offers no similar concept.
Recent achievements in bionic implementations of insect structure and functions
Authors: Liu Chao , Liu Jing , Xu Li , Xiang Wei
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Entomology is a useful tool when applied to engineering challenges that have been solved in nature. Especially when these special abilities of olfactory sensation, vision, auditory perception, fly, jump, navigation, chemical synthesis, exquisite structure and others were connected with mechanization, informationization and intelligentization of modern science and technology, and produced innumerable classical bionic products. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– All kinds of special abilities of insects and application status have been described and discussed in order to summarize the advanced research examples and supply bibliographic reference to the latters. Future perspectives and challenges in the use of insect bionics were also given.

Findings

– In the period of life sciences and information sciences, insect bionics not only promoted the development of modern science and technology on the sides of mechanics, molecule, energy, information and control greatly but also provided new ideas and technologies for the crisis of science and technology, food, environment and ecosystem.

Originality/value

– It may provide strategies to solve the problems and be a source of good ideas for researchers.
The impact of healthy lifestyle interventions on mental health and wellbeing: a systematic review
Authors: Dale Hannah , Brassington Linsay , King Kristel
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– There is growing evidence that health behaviour change interventions are associated with mental health and wellbeing improvements. This paper aims to examine the effect of healthy lifestyle interventions on mental wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

– Six databases (Medline, Evidence Based Medicine Cochrane Registered Controlled Trials, Evidence Based Medicine Full Text Reviews, British Nursing Index, Embase, PsycINFO) were searched from database commencement up to April 2013. A broad focus on lifestyle interventions and mental health and wellbeing outcomes was chosen. Papers were systematically extracted by title then abstract according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria: any individual population (non-couple/family); any health behaviour change interventions; mental health and wellbeing outcomes; and a one-two level of evidence. Interventions aimed at workers were excluded, as were articles assessing cognitive functioning rather than mental health or wellbeing, or those using medications in interventions.

Findings

– Two authors reviewed 95 full papers. In total, 29 papers met inclusion criteria, representing a range of interventions spanning physical activity, diet, alcohol intake, drug use and smoking. A range of measures were used. The majority (n=25) of studies demonstrated improvements on at least one indicator of mental health and wellbeing. Limitations include the broad range of outcome measures used, varied follow-up times and the lack of detail in reporting interventions.

Originality/value

– Health behaviour change interventions targeting physical outcomes appear to have benefits to mental health and wellbeing spanning healthy populations and those with physical or mental health problems. Evidence is strongest for interventions targeting exercise and diet, particularly in combination and the actual lifestyle changes made and adherence appear to be important. However, it is not clear from this review which specific components are necessary or essential for improvements in mental health and wellbeing.
A study of network-building HR practices for TMT, strategic flexibility and firm performance
Authors: Lin Yaqing , Zhao Shuming , Li Na
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to introduce strategic flexibility as an important dynamic capability into the field of strategic human resource management (SHRM) and explore its mediating role between network-building HR practices for top management team (TMT) and firm performance. Moreover, based on the context of transition economy in China, the authors examine environmental uncertainty as a moderator in these relationships and empirically test the questions above.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors have conducted questionnaire surveys on 780 top managers in 390 companies mainly located in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang and finally received 241 valid samples.

Findings

– The results show that network-building HR practices have positive effects on firm performance and strategic flexibility plays a fully mediating role between them. In addition, environmental uncertainty moderates the relationship between network-building HR practices for TMT and strategic flexibility, while it has no moderating effect in the relationship between strategic flexibility and firm performance.

Originality/value

– These conclusions have important implications for the development and application of SHRM in dynamic environments. Theoretically, the authors enrich the functions of network-building HR practices for TMT and provide the evidence to advocate the development of the innovative HR practices in China. In terms of the practical implications of the study, it is argued that network-building HR practices for TMT and strategic flexibility can help firms to deal with uncertainty and achieve high performance, which provides constructive guidance in the development of enterprises in the China's transition economy.
Does original region institutional quality matter?
Authors: Xu Erming , Yang Hui
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Although it has been proved in the macro level, that institutional quality (IQ) has significant influence on a country's economic growth, international trading, resource allocation, development strategy and others, its direct influence on micro level, or firm level still remains ambiguous. In this article, the authors aim to focus on the influence of IQ of a company's original region on its financial performance. The authors choose H share companies as the sample and try to answer an interesting question that whether original region matters during the development of a company in abroad stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article uses a panel data of 120 H share firms, each ranges from 2005 to 2009. First, the authors use sectional analysis by SPSS19.0 to test the correlations and primary relationship among variables. Then, the authors use ordinary linear square (OLS) regression model to test the hypotheses with cross-sectional to reveal the primary results. In the end, the authors use STATA 11.0 to test panel data to decide the final results.

Findings

– The authors concluded that private sector development and product market development have positive effects on corporate financial performance, while laws and regulations development have negative effect. Type of the first shareholder plays an important role partly between region IQ and corporate financial performance: to governance-CFP relationship, non-state shareholders perform better than state ones; to product market-CFP relationship, state shareholders perform better non-state ones.

Practical implications

– In practices perspective, this conclusion is also inspirative. This study has implications for executives, too, and should help them to better manage their ownership structure. The results suggest that managers should choose first shareholder with critical thinking. Another way, this study has implications for governments-company interactions. It suggests that governments should engage in building an institution with high quality, so that every company will benefit from it.

Originality/value

– This article is the first research on region-level relationship between IQ and corporate financial performance, which is consistent with the multi-level structure of institution concept. And the authors employ H share companies as the sample, which revealed more about the conflict between governance and market embedded in regional institution.
The role of R&D investments in highly R&D-based firms
Authors: Schimke Antje , Brenner Thomas
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the short-term structure of the impact of R&D investments on turnover growth, indicating differences between tangible and intangible investments. The main questions are whether R&D and capital investments accompany firms' growth in the subsequent periods and how this relationship depends on other characteristics of the firms, such as size and industry. In addition, the authors study the relationship between R&D investments and the autocorrelation dynamics of firm growth.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses the European Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard as data source. This data source includes 1,000 European companies with information on employees, turnover, sector affiliation and details on capital expenditure and R&D expenditure.

Findings

– The authors find that R&D activities have, on average, a positive effect on turnover growth, while capital investments show both, positive and negative, relationships with firm growth. The relationship and its temporal structure strongly depend on firm size and industry affiliation as well as whether investments are considered as one-time or permanent activities.

Originality/value

– Usually, the impacts of firm characteristics on firm growth are studied without explicitly considering time. Firm characteristics and firm growth are usually measured and examined at the same point in time. In contrast, the study will focus on the short-term structure of the influence of firm characteristics on turnover growth, especially the impact of R&D investments.
How do CFOs make capital structure decisions? A survey of Greek listed companies
Authors: G. Noulas Athanasios , Genimakis Georgios
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to investigate the corporate financing behaviour of nonfinancial Greek listed companies, focusing on how managers determine optimal capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study analyses the results derived from questionnaires submitted to the companies' chief financial officers (CFOs), using both descriptive and nonparametric statistics.

Findings

– The results broadly support the pecking order hypothesis over static trade-off theory. Firms listed on the Athens Stock Exchange prefer to use internal rather than external financing. A deeper examination of the systematic relationship between a number of variables and the financing decision provides tentative support for the existence of asymmetrically distributed information in the market and demonstrates a series of significant correlations among the determinative factors of a new long-term investment.

Originality/value

– This paper fills the existing gap between prominent theories of corporate leverage and empirical evidence. The questionnaire collects primary research data that are not available from public sources and reports CFOs' opinions and practices in the field.
Intraday liquidity patterns in limit order books
Authors: Malik Azeem , Lon Ng Wing
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Algorithmic trading attempts to reduce trading costs by selecting optimal trade execution and scheduling algorithms. Whilst many common approaches only consider the bid-ask spread when measuring market impact, the authors aim to analyse the detailed limit order book data, which has more informational content.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using data from the London Stock Exchange's electronic SETS platform, the authors transform limit order book compositions into volume-weighted average price curves and accordingly estimate market impact. The regression coefficients of these curves are estimated, and their intraday patterns are revealed using a nonparametric kernel regression model.

Findings

– The authors find that market impact is nonlinear, time-varying, and asymmetric. Inferences drawn from marginal probabilities regarding Granger-causality do not show a significant impact of slope coefficients on the opposite side of the limit order book, thus implying that each side of the market is simultaneously rather than sequentially influenced by prevailing market conditions.

Research limitations/implications

– Results show that intraday seasonality patterns of liquidity may be exploited through trade scheduling algorithms in an attempt to minimise the trading costs associated with large institutional trades.

Originality/value

– The use of the detailed limit order book to reveal intraday patterns in liquidity provision offers better insight into the interactions of market participants. Such valuable information cannot be fully recovered from the traditional transaction data-based approaches.
Is the NPS a trustworthy performance measure?
Authors: Kristensen Kai , Eskildsen Jacob
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– In 2003 Reichheld published an article in HBR, in which he claims that the net promoter score (NPS), is the only number you need to grow, and the only number you need to manage customer loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the NPS is inferior to the standard measures of loyalty used by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and EPSI rating.

Design/methodology/approach

– In 2006 a customer satisfaction survey of the entire insurance sector in Denmark was conducted. The survey design was based on the questionnaires from EPSI rating and ACSI supplemented with insurance-specific questions, consumer sentiment questions and the basic Net Promoter Question. The sample consists of approximately 2,000 observations.

Findings

– The analyses presented in this paper show that the NPS it not what it claims to be: the one number you need to grow. The NPS is found to be a very poor predictor of both customer loyalty and customer satisfaction. The measure is very sensitive to changes in the underlying distribution, and finally the precision of the NPS was found to be low compared to other measures of loyalty, and it is not possible to predict the NPS categorization and hence it is hard to say precisely, how organizations can influence corporate growth based on the NPS.

Research limitations/implications

– The analysis is only conducted on data collected in a Danish business-to-consumer setting. More research is needed to shed light on the performance of the NPS across cultures as well as in a business-to-business setting.

Practical implications

– The paper demonstrates the dangers of using the NPS as an input to managerial decision making. Organizations are far better off using a standard customer loyalty measure such as those employed by the ACSI or EPSI instead of the NPS.

Originality/value

– Previous studies of the NPS have not replicated the methodology directly. Either there have been differences in scale length or in wording. The authors have constructed an experiment in the Danish insurance industry that answers some of the questions concerning the NPS without the shortcomings that most of the previous studies have suffered from.
Effects of a production improvement programme on global quality performance
Authors: H. Netland Torbjørn , Sanchez Ebly
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– How can multinational companies become more productive on a global scale? The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a production improvement programme can improve quality performance in a global network of factories. Specifically, the paper analyses the effects of the Volvo Group's production improvement programme on global quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research approach is a case study of the Volvo Production System (VPS). The paper analyses the effects of the programme on global quality performance, using data from an implementation audit and a questionnaire survey. The paper triangulate the analysis with longitudinal quality performance data from three different plants.

Findings

– The paper finds a significant and strong positive relationship between implementation of the VPS and improvements in both process quality and product quality. Hence, the paper suggests that tailored production improvement programmes have clear positive effects on global quality performance.

Research limitations/implications

– As with all case studies, the paper should use caution when generalising beyond the specific case. However, the Volvo Group is a broad and diversified corporation, which mitigates this limitation.

Originality/value

– While many studies have investigated the effect of production improvement programmes on performance, very few have looked at the effect of a corporate multi-plant programme. This study represents one of the first attempts to do so. The paper also provides a case description of the VPS that readers might find valuable in its own right.
Nutrient enrichment and local competition influence the evolution of plant mineralization strategy: a modelling approach
Authors: Barot Sébastien , Bornhofen Stefan , Loeuille Nicolas , Perveen Nazia , Shahzad Tanvir , Fontaine Sébastien
Published: February 2014

It is important to study how evolution impacts on plant functional traits and to determine how this subsequently determines ecosystem functioning. We tackle this general issue by studying the evolution of plant strategies that affect mineralization through the chemical quality of their own litter and their position on the leaf economic spectrum. This spectrum allows us to classify all plants on a single axis ranging from resource‐acquisitive to resource‐conservative strategies.

We build a spatially explicit and individual‐based simulation model: individual plants grow in the cells of a lattice and the limiting nutrient is recycled locally in these cells. Individual plants may die and produce seeds that are dispersed. Mutants with different mineralization strategies appear stochastically. A trade‐off is implemented between the rate of nutrient loss from plants and litter mineralization.

In the spatial‐explicit model, plant capacity to increase mineralization evolves and reaches an evolutionary equilibrium in most cases. The evolved mineralization decreases with plant longevity, seed dispersal efficiency, spatial homogenization of mineral nutrient availability and inputs of mineral nutrient to the ecosystem.

The evolved mineralization strategies neither maximize plant biomass, nor minimize the availability of mineral nutrient or the stock of dead organic matter. The evolutionary and ecological impacts of nutrient enrichment on the stock of organic matter are different.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that plant mineralization strategy may evolve provided that the mineral resource is not fully shared by all individuals. Such an evolution modifies soil capacity to store organic carbon thereby being relevant in the context of the current climate change and global nutrient enrichment. Indeed, our model shows that evolutionary feedbacks of plants to nutrient enrichment are likely to differ from purely ecological feedbacks.
The Effect of Previous Traumatic Injury on Homicide Risk
Authors: Griffin Russell L. , Davis Gregory G. , Levitan Emily B. , MacLennan Paul A. , Redden David T. , McGwin Gerald
Published: February 2014

Research has reported that a strong risk factor for traumatic injury is having a previous injury (i.e., recidivism). To date, the only study examining the relationship between recidivism and homicide reported strong associations, but was limited by possible selection bias. The current matched case–control study utilized coroner's data from 2004 to 2008. Subjects were linked to trauma registry data to determine whether the person had a previous traumatic injury. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between homicide and recidivism. Homicide risk was increased for those having a previous traumatic injury (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.09–2.99) or a previous intentional injury (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.24–5.17). These results suggest an association between homicide and injury recidivism, and that trauma centers may be an effective setting for screening individuals for secondary prevention efforts of homicide through violence prevention programs.
Sudden or Unnatural Deaths Involving Anabolic‐androgenic Steroids
Authors: Darke Shane , Torok Michelle , Duflou Johan
Published: February 2014

Anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AASs) are frequently misused. To determine causes of death, characteristics, toxicology, and pathology of AAS positive cases, all cases (n = 24) presenting to the New South Wales Department of Forensic Medicine (1995–2012) were retrieved. All were male, and the mean age was 31.7 years. Deaths were mainly due to accidental drug toxicity (62.5%), then suicide (16.7%) and homicide (12.5%). Abnormal testosterone/epitestosterone ratios were reported in 62.5%, followed by metabolites of nandrolone (58.3%), stanozolol (33.3%), and methandienone (20.8%). In 23 of 24 cases, substances other than steroids were detected, most commonly psychostimulants (66.7%). In nearly half, testicular atrophy was noted, as was testicular fibrosis and arrested spermatogenesis. Left ventricular hypertrophy was noted in 30.4%, and moderate to severe narrowing of the coronary arteries in 26.1%. To summarize, the typical case was a male polydrug user aged in their thirties, with death due to drug toxicity. Extensive cardiovascular disease was particularly notable.
Spontaneous Rupture of the Gall Bladder: An Unusual Forensic Diagnosis
Authors: Dean Dorothy E. , Jamison Jennifer M. , Lane Jason L.
Published: February 2014

Peritonitis secondary to spontaneous rupture/perforation of the gall bladder is a rare condition overall and is even less common in the forensic population. We report the case of a middle‐aged man who died from generalized peritonitis from gall bladder perforation due to acute acalculous cholecystitis. This condition usually occurs in critical patients with systemic illness, and although the exact pathogenesis remains unclear, the development of acalculous cholecystitis appears to be multifactorial. Antemortem diagnosis is reliant upon clinical presentation, laboratory data, and radiologic studies. Surgery and appropriate antibiotics are mainstays of treatment; however, there is an emerging role for minimally invasive procedures. Histopathologic features show significant overlap with the calculous type. Although increasing numbers of acalculous cholecystitis have been diagnosed in the critically ill, the fatal presentation of a perforated gall bladder following an undiagnosed case of acute acalculous cholecystitis is unusual in a nonhospitalized and ambulatory man.
Ketoacidosis and Adrenocortical Insufficiency
Authors: Palmiere Cristian , de Froidmont Sébastien , Mangin Patrice , Werner Dominique , Lobrinus Johannes A.
Published: February 2014

We herein report an autopsy case involving a 27‐year‐old Caucasian woman suffering from chronic adrenocortical insufficiency with a background of a polyendocrine disorder. Postmortem biochemistry revealed pathologically decreased aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone levels in postmortem serum from femoral blood as well as decreased cortisol and 17‐hydroxycorticosteroid in urine. Decreased vitreous sodium and increased 3‐beta‐hydroxybutyrate and C‐reactive protein concentrations were observed. The cause of death was determined to be acute adrenocortical insufficiency. Fasting ketoacidosis was postulated to have precipitated the Addisonian crisis. Traumatic causes of death and third‐party involvement were excluded. The case highlights the importance of systematically performing exhaustive postmortem biochemical investigations to formulate appropriate hypothesis regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the death process.
Long Bone (Humerus, Femur, Tibia) Measuring Procedure in Cadavers
Authors: Menéndez Garmendia Antinea , Gómez‐Valdés Jorge A. , Hernández Francisco , Wesp Julie K. , Sánchez‐Mejorada Gabriela
Published: February 2014

In this work, we present a measuring methodology for long bones of the limbs (humerus, femur, and tibia) of human corpses. Measurements of cadaveric height and long bone lengths were conducted on 72 corpses (20 females and 52 males) from the School of Medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Additionally, these measurements were compared with those taken from dry bones of a subsample of individuals. Our results show marginal differences (TEM% = 0.59) between cadaveric and dry bone measurements, resulting from different osteometric technical procedures. This note outlines the measuring methodology, which will be subsequently used to create regression formulas for stature estimation.
The diagnostic value of ultrasound compared with nerve conduction velocity in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Azami Ahad , Maleki Nasrollah , Anari Hassan , Iranparvar Alamdari Manouchehr , Kalantarhormozi Mohammadreza , Tavosi Zahra
Published: February 2014

Objective

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common form of peripheral entrapment neuropathy. The use of sonography for investigation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions has been rapidly increasing over the past few decades. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sonography can be an alternative method to nerve conduction study (NCS) in the diagnosis of CTS.

Methods

Individuals with electrodiagnostically proven CTS and healthy control subjects were enrolled prospectively. Median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) and flattening ratio (FR) at three different levels, proximal to tunnel inlet, at tunnel inlet and tunnel outlet, and flexor retinaculum thickness, were measured. Then, comparisons between ultrasonography and NCS were made.

Results

We assessed 180 wrists, of which 120 were electrophysiologically confirmed as CTS diseased hands and 60 nondiseased hands in 90 patients (83 women and seven men). The mean median nerve CSA at the tunnel inlet was 13.31 ± 3.23 mm2 in CTS diseased hands and 8.57 ± 0.82 mm2 in nondiseased hands. Post hoc comparisons between the diseased and nondiseased hands demonstrated that the CSA at various levels of the median nerve were significantly greater in the CTS diseased hands than the nondiseased hands (P = 0.001). CSA at the tunnel inlet with a threshold of 9.15 mm2 gave the best diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity and specificity of 99.2% and 88.3%, respectively. The difference in cross‐sectional area of the median nerve in mild, moderate and severe CTS was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Ultrasonographic measurement of the CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet is useful in diagnosing and grading CTS.
Our anonymous online research participants are not always anonymous: Is this a problem?
Authors: Dawson Phillip
Published: February 2014

When educational research is conducted online, we sometimes promise our participants that they will be anonymous—but do we deliver on this promise? We have been warned since 1996 to be careful when using direct quotes in Internet research, as full‐text web search engines make it easy to find chunks of text online. This paper details an empirical study into the prevalence of direct quotes from participants in a subset of the educational technology literature. Using basic web search techniques, the source of direct quotes could be found in 10 of 112 articles. Analysis of the articles revealed previously undiscussed threats from data triangulation and expert analysis/diagnosis. Issues of ethical obliviousness, obscurity and concern for future privacy‐invasive technologies are also discussed. Recommendations for researchers, journals and institutional ethics review boards are made for how to better protect participants' anonymity against current and future threats.