bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fluid and electrolyte balance of New Zealand European and Māori/Pacific Island athletes: An observational study
Authors: McLean Andrew , Brown Rachel Clare , Black Katherine Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

Observational research on professional athletes from the USA suggests differences may exist in sweat sodium loss based on ethnic differences. The New Zealand (NZ) sporting population is mainly of European or Māori/Pacific Island origin. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the fluid‐electrolyte balance of athletes by ethnicity. A total of 20 Māori/Pacific Islanders (MP; body mass 100.97 ± 13.05 kg) and 29 NZ European (NZE; body mass 89.11 ± 11.56 kg) elite male athletes were recruited. Sweat rates were determined by body mass change during a 1‐h spin cycle exercise session, during which fluid intakes and heart rate were recorded. Sweat samples were analysed for sodium concentration. Mean ± SD sweat sodium concentrations were 73.4 ± 27.2 mmol·L−1 and 55.5 ± 26.8 mmol·L−1 for the MP and NZE groups, respectively (p = 0.070). Sweat rate was 0.93 ± 0.26 L·h−1 for the MP group and 0.89 ± 0.33 L·h−1 for the NZE group (p = 0.357). Fluid intake was 1.05 ± 0.48 L and 0.93 ± 0.49 L for MP and NZE, respectively (p = 0.395). Half of the MP group gained weight during the exercise session compared to 37% of the NZE group. Pre‐exercise urine specific gravity was significantly lower amongst the NZE group (1.016 ± 0.009 g mL−1) than the MP group (1.024 ± 0.008 g mL−1) p = 0.001. There was no significant difference in heart rate between the groups, p = 0.082. Hydration practices of athletes in NZ may differ by ethnicity, and this may highlight the need for more targeted education by ethnicity.
Coaches' attitudes towards placebo interventions in sport
Authors: Szabo Attila , Müller Anna
Published: March 2015

Placebo‐induced performance enhancement is a new controversial issue in competitive sports. Coaches have control over the use of placebos, but their practices and attitudes were barely studied to date. In this survey 96 coaches from regional, national and international levels were asked about their practices and attitudes concerning placebo use in sports. Results revealed that 90% of the respondents were aware of placebo effects. Many (44%) coaches admitted to administering a placebo to their athletes. Those working at international level have administered placebos more often than the others (P =. 02). Two thirds of the coaches agreed to the wider use of placebos in sport. Respondents who have used placebos in the past reported improved athletic performance. They also agreed more to the wider use of placebos than the coaches who previously did not use a placebo (P =. 001). Team sport coaches use more often placebos than coaches working with individual athletes (P =. 05). Only 10% of the sample thought that their athletes would refuse a hypothetical performance enhancer supplied by them. After a successful placebo intervention, only 15% of the coaches would administer it again without consulting the athlete. Overall, the coaches are optimistic about placebo use in sports. Close to half of them, especially those coaching at higher levels of competition, may use it regularly while achieving positive results.
Past, present, and prospects: Reflections 40 years on from the selective impairment of semantic memory (Warrington, 1975)
Authors: McCarthy Rosaleen A. , Warrington Elizabeth K.
Published: March 2015

We summarize the main findings and conclusions of Warrington's (1975) paper, The Selective Impairment of Semantic memory, a neuropsychological paper that described three cases with degenerative neurological conditions [Warrington, E. K. (1975). The selective impairment of semantic memory. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 27, 635–657]. We consider the developments that have followed from its publication and give a selective overview of the field in 2014. The initial impact of the paper was on neuropsychological investigations of semantic loss followed some 14 years later by the identification of Semantic Dementia (the condition shown by the original cases) as a distinctive form of degenerative disease with unique clinical and pathological characteristics. We discuss the distinction between disorders of semantic storage and refractory semantic access, the evidence for category- and modality-specific impairments of semantics, and the light that has been shed on the structure and organization of semantic memory. Finally we consider the relationship between semantic memory and the skills of reading and writing, phonological processing, and autobiographical memory.
On the 𝑊-action on 𝐵-sheets in positive characteristic
Authors: Knop Friedrich , Pezzini Guido
Published: March 2015

Let

G
G

be a connected reductive group defined over an algebraically closed base field of characteristic

p
≥
0

p\ge 0

, let

B
⊆
G

B\subseteq G

be a Borel subgroup, and let

X
X

be a

G
G

-variety. We denote the (finite) set of closed

B
B

-invariant irreducible subvarieties of

X
X

that are of maximal complexity by

B

0

(
X
)

\mathfrak {B}_{0}(X)

. The first named author has shown that for

p
=
0

p=0

there is a natural action of the Weyl group

W
W

on

B

0

(
X
)

\mathfrak {B}_{0}(X)

and conjectured that the same construction yields a

W
W

-action whenever

p
≠
2

p\ne 2

. In the present paper, we prove this conjecture.
No ocean acidification effects on shell growth and repair in the New Zealand brachiopod Calloria inconspicua (Sowerby, 1846)
Authors: Cross Emma L. , Peck Lloyd S. , Lamare Miles D. , Harper Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2015

Surface seawaters are becoming more acidic due to the absorption of rising anthropogenic CO2. Marine calcifiers are considered to be the most vulnerable organisms to ocean acidification due to the reduction in the availability of carbonate ions for shell or skeletal production. Rhychonelliform brachiopods are potentially one of the most calcium carbonate-dependent groups of marine organisms because of their large skeletal content. Little is known, however, about the effects of lowered pH on these taxa. A CO2 perturbation experiment was performed on the New Zealand terebratulide brachiopod Calloria inconspicua to investigate the effects of pH conditions predicted for 2050 and 2100 on the growth rate and ability to repair shell. Three treatments were used: an ambient pH control (pH 8.16), a mid-century scenario (pH 7.79), and an end-century scenario (pH 7.62). The ability to repair shell was not affected by acidified conditions with >80% of all damaged individuals at the start of the experiment completing shell repair after 12 weeks. Growth rates in undamaged individuals >3 mm in length were also not affected by lowered pH conditions, whereas undamaged individuals <3 mm grew faster at pH 7.62 than the control. The capability of C. inconspicua to continue shell production and repair under acidified conditions suggests that this species has a robust control over the calcification process, where suitable conditions at the site of calcification can be generated across a range of pH conditions.
Human CD43+ B cells are closely related not only to memory B cells phenotypically but also to plasmablasts developmentally in healthy individuals
Authors: Inui Masanori , Hirota Saeko , Hirano Kumiko , Fujii Hiroshi , Sugahara-Tobinai Akiko , Ishii Tomonori , Harigae Hideo , Takai Toshiyuki
Published: March 2015

CD20+CD27+CD43+ B (CD43+ B) cells have been newly defined among PBMCs and proposed to be human B1 cells. However, it is controversial as to whether they are orthologs of murine B1 cells and how they are related to other B-cell populations, particularly CD20+CD27+CD43− memory B cells and CD20lowCD27highCD43high plasmablasts. Our objective is to identify phenotypically the position of CD43+ B cells among peripheral B-lineage cell compartments in healthy donors, with reference to B-cell subsets from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We found that CD43+ B cells among PBMCs from healthy subjects were indistinguishable phenotypically from memory B cells in terms of surface markers, and spontaneous in vitro Ig and IL-10 secretion capability, but quite different from plasmablasts. However, a moderate correlation was found in the frequency of CD43+ B cells with that of plasmablasts in healthy donors but not in SLE patients. An in vitro differentiation experiment indicated that CD43+ B cells give rise to plasmablasts more efficiently than do memory B cells, suggesting that they are more closely related to plasmablasts developmentally than are memory B cells, which is also supported by quantitative PCR analysis of mRNA expression of B-cell and plasma cell signature genes. Thus, we conclude that, in healthy individuals, CD43+ B cells are closely related not only to memory B cells phenotypically but also to plasmablasts developmentally, although the developmental origin of CD43+ B cells is not necessarily the same as that of plasmablasts.
Rethinking Risk for Pneumococcal Disease in Adults: The Role of Risk Stacking
Authors: Pelton Stephen I. , Shea Kimberly M. , Weycker Derek , Farkouh Raymond A. , Strutton David R. , Edelsberg John
Published: March 2015

Using data from 3 private healthcare claims repositories, we evaluated the incidence of pneumococcal disease among adults with US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) defined at-risk conditions or rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease, and neuromuscular disorder/seizures and those with traditional high-risk conditions. We observed that adults with ≥2 concurrent comorbid conditions had pneumococcal disease incidence rates that were as high as or higher than rates observed in those with traditional high-risk conditions.
A Case of Aggregatibacter aphrophilus Multiple Abscess
Authors: Belkacem Anna , Caseris Marion , Yazdanpanah Yazdan
Published: March 2015

We report a case of brain and lung abscesses caused by Agreggatibacter aphrophilus in a 43-YEAR-OLD man with past history of splenectomy and drug addiction, in the absence of endocarditis. Microbiological samples remain negatives and diagnosis was made by 16S rDNA PCR performance on abscess fluid for this coccobacillus that belongs to the HACEK group. The patient’s clinical symptoms resolved within 6 weeks of treatment with cefotaxim.
Fever and Cardiac Arrest in a Patient With a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Tan Eugene M. , Marcelin Jasmine R. , Tande Aaron J. , Rizza Stacey A. , Cummins Nathan W.
Published: March 2015

A 68-year-old avid deer hunter with ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation for destination therapy two years ago. He was living an active lifestyle, tracking deer and fishing in a Midwestern forest in November. His wife removed an engorged tick on his thorax. A few days later, he experienced fever, confusion, and ataxia and was hospitalized with septic shock and ventricular fibrillation. The LVAD site had no signs of trauma, drainage, warmth, or tenderness. A peripheral blood smear revealed intraleukocytic anaplasma microcolony inclusions. After completing 14 days of doxycycline, he recovered. Typical non-device-associated infections in LVAD recipients include pneumonia, urinary tract infection, or Clostridium difficile colitis. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a very atypical non-LVAD infection, and the incidence of tickborne illnesses in LVAD recipients is unknown.
Valproic Acid Attenuates Acute Lung Injury Induced by Ischemia–Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Wu Shu-Yu , Tang Shih-En , Ko Fu-Chang , Wu Geng-Chin , Huang Kun-Lun , Chu Shi-Jye
Published: March 2015

AbstractAbstract

The administration of valproic acid decreased all the parameters of lung injury, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation and some of its protection appeared to occur by increasing heme oxygenase-1 activity.

Background:

Evidence reveals that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The protective effect of HDAC inhibition involves multiple mechanisms. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is protective in lung injury as a key regulator of antioxidant response. The authors examined whether HDAC inhibition provided protection against ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) lung injury in rats by up-regulating HO-1 activity.

Methods:

Acute lung injury was induced by producing 40 min of ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion in isolated perfused rat lungs. The rats were randomly allotted to control group, I/R group, or I/R + valproic acid (VPA) group with or without an HO-1 activity inhibitor (zinc protoporphyrin IX) (n = 6 per group).

Results:

I/R caused significant increases in the lung edema, pulmonary arterial pressure, lung injury scores, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Malondialdehyde levels, carbonyl contents, and myeloperoxidase-positive cells in lung tissue were also significantly increased. I/R stimulated the degradation of inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB-α, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB, and up-regulation of HO-1 activity. Furthermore, I/R decreased B-cell lymphoma-2, heat shock protein 70, acetylated histone H3 protein expression, and increased the caspase-3 activity in the rat lungs. In contrast, VPA treatment significantly attenuated all the parameters of lung injury, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. In addition, VPA treatment also enhanced HO-1 activity. Treatment with zinc protoporphyrin IX blocked the protective effect of VPA.

Conclusions:

VPA protected against I/R-induced lung injury. The protective mechanism may be partly due to enhanced HO-1 activity following HDAC inhibition.
Sinosporangium fuscu m sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Ngaemthao Wipaporn , Chunhametha Suwanee , Thawai Chitti , Sanglier Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2015

A novel actinomycete, A-T 8343Twas isolated from a moist evergreen forest soil sample collected in the Trat Province, Thailand. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain A-T 8343Tbelonged to the genusSinosporangiumand was closely related toSinosporangium siamenseA-T 1946T(98.81 %) andSinosporangium album6014T(98.54 %). The DNA–DNA relatedness values were 21.8–27 % withS. siamenseA-T 1946Tand 31.1–31.9 % withS. album6014T, which were significantly below 70 %. The result differentiated A-T 8343Tfrom the closest species. The organism developed spherical sporangia containing non-motile spores on aerial mycelia. The cell-wall peptidoglycan containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained rhamnose, ribose, madurose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H4). The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyl-phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine,N-acetylglucosamine-containing phospholipids, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannosides, aminophosphoglycolipid and one unknown phospholipid. The major cellular fatty acids were saturated C16 : 0, iso C16 : 0, unsaturated C16 : 1and C18 : 1. Following an evaluation of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics, the new isolate is proposed as a representative novel species of the genusSinosporangiumto be namedSinosporangiumfuscumsp. nov. The type strain is A-T 8343T( = BCC 52770T = NBRC 109516T).
Glaciimonas alpina sp. nov. isolated from alpine glaciers and reclassification of Glaciimonas immobilis Cr9-12 as the type strain of Glaciimonas alpina sp. nov.
Authors: Frasson David , Udovičić Matije , Frey Beat , Lapanje Aleš , Zhang De-Chao , Margesin Rosa , Sievers Martin
Published: March 2015

Psychrophilic bacterial strains were isolated from alpine glaciers in Switzerland and characterized taxonomically. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis of partial 16S rRNA and rpoB genes, three of those strains, strain 79 ( = CCOS 247), strain 4/58 ( = CCOS 250) and strain 4/56 ( = CCOS 258) clustered together with strain Cr9-12T and separately from the type strains

Glaciimonas immobilis

Cr9-30T and

Glaciimonas singularis

LMG 27070T. Strain Cr9-12T has been previously described as a strain of

G. immobilis

. The three newly isolated strains were compared phenotypically with strain Cr9-12T and with the type strains of the species

G. immobilis

and

G. singularis

. Cr9-12T and the three novel strains from an alpine glacier in Switzerland were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped and psychrophilic and showed good growth throughout a temperature range of 1–20 °C and characteristically oxidized d-mannitol, l-fucose and bromosuccinic acid. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain Cr9-12T and the three novel strains were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. The respiratory quinone of these strains was ubiquinone 8 (UQ-8). The genomic DNA G+C content of Cr9-12T was 49.2 mol%. The combined data from phenotypic, phylogenetic and DNA–DNA relatedness studies strongly support the reclassification of strain Cr9-12T as representing a novel species. This strain and the isolates 79 ( = CCOS 247), 4/58 ( = CCOS 250) and 4/56 ( = CCOS 258) are representatives of a novel species of the genus

Glaciimonas

, for which the name Glaciimonas alpina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Glaciimonas alpina is Cr9-12T ( = CCOS 761T = DSM 22814T).
Crystal structure of bis[(1-ammonio-1-phosphonoethyl)phosphonato]tetraaquacadmium dihydrate: a powder X-ray diffraction study
Authors: Rukiah Mwaffak , Assaad Thaer
Published: March 2015

In the title compound, [CdL2(H2O)4]·2H2O [L= (1-ammonio-1-phosphonoethyl)phosphonate, C2H8NO6P2−], the CdIIion is situated on an inversion centre being coordinated by four aqua molecules in the equatorial plane and two phosphonate O atoms from two deprotonatedLligands in the axial positions in a distorted octahedral geometry. The asymmetric unit contains one-half of the complex molecule and one lattice water molecule. The ligandLexists in a zwitterionic form, with a positive charge on the NH3group and a negative charge on the O atom of the non-coordinating phosphonate group, and with an intramolecular O—H...O interaction forming anS(6) ring motif and two intramolecular N—H...O interactions each generating anS(5) ring motif. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the complex molecules into a three-dimensional network in which the voids of 38 Å3are filled with ordered lattice water molecules, which are also involved in O—H...O hydrogen bonding.
Recommendations from an American Indian reservation community-based suicide prevention program
Authors: Kelley Allyson , BigFoot Dee , Small Clayton , Mexicancheyenne Tom , Gondara Robbie
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Effective community-based suicide prevention strategies require culturally relevant contextually driven approaches, validated by community members. Existing literature, funding agencies, and polices do not adequately address the differences in community vs non-community definitions and approaches to suicide prevention. These differences and the process must be articulated to fully understand the complexities of effective American Indian community-based suicide prevention strategies. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses a qualitative methodology to understand the process and meaning of an American Indian reservation's community-based approach to suicide prevention.

Findings

– Seven recommendations emerge. These include: expand the understanding of suicide; plan activities and outreach early; uphold cultural values; build administrative and community capacity; prepare and respond to community needs and situations; anticipate challenges and develop solutions; and recognize the spiritual aspects of the endeavor.

Originality/value

– This study provides new insight about the process in which American Indian communities define, develop and implement suicide prevention strategies that are culturally relevant and community driven. The process and recommendations may be useful for institutions, funding agencies, policy makers, and tribal leaders, and community-based prevention partners.
Racial-ethnic differences in childhood higher body mass index: insurance status explanatory model
Authors: Holmes Laurens , Jackson Sequoia , LaHurd Alexandra , Oceanic Pat , Grant Kelli , Dabney Kirk
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence of obesity/overweight using higher body mass index (BMI), assess racial/ethnic variance in overweight/obese prevalence, and to determine whether or not insurance status explains the variance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-sectional design was used to assess medical records of children in Nemours Healthcare System during 2011. The authors reviewed the records and extracted information on normal BMI, BMI percent, higher BMI, prevalence of overweight/obese and other variables as well as race and ethnicity. χ2 statistic, Fischer's exact and logistic regression model were used to examine the data.

Findings

– Overall, the prevalence of higher BMI as overweight/obese was comparable to that of the US pediatric population, 33.4 percent. Compared to Caucasian/white, Asians were less likely to have higher BMI, prevalence odd ratio (POR)=0.79, 95 percent CI=0.70-0.90, but Blacks/African Americans (POR=1.22, 95 percent CI=1.18-1.27) and Some other Race were more likely to have higher BMI, POR=1.61, 95 percent CI=1.92-1.71. After controlling for insurance status, the racial disparities in higher BMI persisted; p<0.0001.

Research limitations/implications

– Racial/ethnic disparities exist in childhood higher BMI, which were not removed after controlling for insurance coverage as a surrogate for socioeconomic status. These findings are indicative of assessing sex, religious, dietary patterns, physical activities level, environmental resources, social media resources; and geographic locale as confounders in race/ethnicity and higher BMI association.

Originality/value

– Understanding the predisposing factors to obesity/overweight among diverse populations is essential in developing and implementing intervention programs in addressing this epidemic in our nation.
Urban destination marketing in contemporary Europe – what does “good” look like?
Authors: Heeley John
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine urban destination marketing from a mainly practitioner standpoint, though one of its principal observations is the gap between theory and practice; while the former is premised on related notions of difference and competitive advantage, in practice the greater part of urban destination marketing eschews competitive advantage, resulting in a pervasive marketing of “sameness”.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is in three parts. The first set out the urban tourism context in respect of historical, market, supply, impact and definitional/measurement dimensions. Part two profiles the bespoke delivery mechanisms established for urban destination marketing, examining nomenclature, core purpose/mission, status, size and finances, as well as overhead and operating parameters.

Findings

– The final section comprises a state-of-the-art review, setting out a five variable model of purposeful urban destination marketing, concluding that “good” in urban destination marketing is atypical and currently in Europe is confined to only a handful of European cities.

Originality/value

– This paper is intended to give the reader a better understanding of why, in such an important field of human endeavour, success is so problematic. It hopefully gives pointers to practitioners and academics as to how best in future there can be more winners and fewer losers, so that increasing numbers of towns and cities maximise the impact locally of the world's largest industry and at the same time become “known”.
Impacts of city personality and image on revisit intention
Authors: Kim Hong-bumm , Lee Sanggun
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the causal relationships of city personality and city image, together with the possible effect of city image on the revisit intention of visitors, through empirical validation, so that some meaningful implications can reveal to city planners and marketers how the city tourists can be affected by the personality and image of the city.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study offers an integrated approach to understanding the relationship between city personality and city image. The research model investigates the relevant relationships among the underlying dimensions of city personality and city image by using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Data obtained from a sample of 302 respondents drawn from a web-based survey in South Korea were analyzed with AMOS program.

Findings

– The results of this empirical study indicate that city personality positively or negatively affect city image depending on the nature of constructs. Positive relationships are found to exist between excitement as well as sophistication personality and dynamic image of city. On the contrary, the relationship between sincerity personality and dynamic image is negative. All the specific three images of city: dynamic, specific, and static image show positive impact on revisit intention of city tourists.

Originality/value

– The empirical results of this study provide tenable evidence that the proposed SEM designed to consider city personality and city image, and revisit intention simultaneously is acceptable. Even though in the previous literature, researchers tried to explain the relationship between city personality and city image, the conceptual model and empirical studies pertaining to causal relationships among those constructs have not been thoroughly examined. It is believed that this study has a substantial capability for generating more precise applications related to city tourism, especially concerning city personality and city image.
Segmentation for urban destination: gender, place of residence, and trip purpose: a case of Nizhni Novgorod, Russia
Authors: Stepchenkova Svetlana , Rykhtik Mikhail I. , Shichkova Elena , Kim Hany , Petrova Olga
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether a priori segmentation of visitors to a large urban destination along the dimensions of gender, place of residence (domestic, former states, and international), and trip purpose (business, leisure, and VFR) is indeed commonsense for the city's DMO. Specifically, the study investigated whether gender, place of residence, and trip purpose are associated with tourists’ destination risk perceptions, evaluations of destination performance, and post-visitation behavior; that is, intention to revisit and willingness to recommend.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis used data obtained in a 2013 survey of visitors to Nizhni Novgorod, a large urban center in Russia.

Findings

– The results indicate that place of residence and trip purpose discriminate tourists with respect to selected variables and can serve as segmentation bases for marketing communications about the city to potential target markets.

Practical implications

– In view of the mega-sport events to be conducted in Nizhni Novgorod in 2018, alleviating risk perceptions of international tourists and improving their experiences while at the destination are important goals for the city government, tourism planners, and destination marketing organizations.

Originality/value

– Segmentation bases of place of residence and trip purpose have rarely been examined in relation to a large multifunctional city, while gender has produced varying results. Thus, the study can add to the segmentation literature in the urban context.
Buyer’s dependence in value creating supplier relationships
Authors: Kähkönen Anni-Kaisa , Lintukangas Katrina , Hallikas Jukka
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine what kind of supplier relationship management activities can be seen as value-creating activities and how those might affect the buyer’s dependence on its suppliers. Power and dependence provide specific insights into the supplier relationship management and value creation in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilizes a survey data with 165 cases collected in Finland. The concepts are tested by means of regression analysis.

Findings

– The findings of the study indicate that the value-creating activities of inter-firm learning and early supplier involvement increase buyer’s dependence, but a supplier orientation does not have similar effects.

Practical implications

– The results have implications for supply chain managers and practitioners in terms of shedding light on the approaches of dependence and value creation at the same time. Managers need to understand the factors that create dependence, but which also have a substantial influence on value creation in supply chains and networks.

Originality/value

– The literature review reveals that the supply chain situations in which the supplier is strategically important and its role in the value-creation process is significant, and when the buyer is dependent on the supplier, have rarely been discussed. Moreover, by focusing on the supplier relationship management activities that can be seen as value-creating activities and by combining this to the dependence perspective, this study aims to narrow the research gap identified from the previous research.
What do Joint Strategic Needs Assessments tell us about people with learning disabilities in England?
Authors: Baines Susannah , Hatton Chris
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) are required for every local authority in England, and should contain information to allow for strategic health and wellbeing planning for the local population, including disabled people. A 2013 analysis of JSNAs showed that JSNAs were not routinely including information on the numbers and health needs of people with learning disabilities, particularly children. The purpose of this paper is to compare the information included in 2013 and 2014 JSNAs.

Design/methodology/approach

– JSNAs for 141 local authorities in England were sought. Local authorities were contacted when JSNAs were not initially found online. All 137 JSNAs found were analysed for mentions and specific sections concerning people with learning disabilities, and content analysed concerning the specific information they contained.

Findings

– In total, 72 per cent of JSNAs mentioned people with learning disabilities (vs 82 per cent in 2013); 24 per cent mentioned children (vs 39 per cent in 2013) and 72 per cent mentioned adults (vs 81 per cent in 2013). Overall, 13 per cent of JSNAs included a section on children with learning disabilities (vs 9 per cent in 2013), 65 per cent included a section on adults (vs 48 per cent in 2013) and 11 per cent included a section on older adults (vs 8 per cent in the 2013). More JSNAs contained information on current and projected future populations, health needs, social context and service usage concerning adults with learning disabilities compared to children. There was large regional variation in all these indicators.

Originality/value

– Further work is needed for JSNAs to contain sufficient information on people with learning disabilities to allow for strategic planning, and for JSNAs to be accessible to the public.
First-hand experience of accessible information
Authors: Mander Clare
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on primary research which investigated the first-hand experience of producing and implementing accessible information (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 18 participants were recruited for a qualitative scoping exercise from four distinct sampling groups: adults with learning disabilities; specialist learning disability service staff; mainstream NHS and local authority staff; and speech and language therapists. Each participant took part in a semi-structured focus group or interview which explored their range of skills, knowledge and attitudes relating to AI.

Findings

– Framework approach to thematic analysis led to three main classifications: ideology of AI, AI practice and the outcomes of delivering AI. First-hand experience varied across the stakeholders, highlighting differences in the operationalisation of national policies and legislation.

Originality/value

– The data supported the notion of AI as a multifaceted process; although the practice of delivering accessible resources appeared less advanced than accessible resource production.
Changing organisational culture: another role for self-advocacy?
Authors: Miller Robin
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Improvements in organisational culture are a common recommendation of enquiries into system failure and an aspiration of policy. The purpose of this paper is to explore an initiative to change culture in a low-secure service through the introduction of a self-advocacy group.

Design/methodology/approach

– An independent evaluation was carried out by a university research team. A theory-based methodology was deployed with qualitative data gathered through observations, interviews and focus groups.

Findings

– Culture change was reported by senior managers and clinicians in relation to the transparency of the service, decision making regarding resources, and engagement of patients in redesign. Self-advocacy group members reported a different relationship with senior management which in turn enabled greater influence in the organisation. Achieving these impacts relied on independent and skilled external facilitation, support from senior managers, and a calm and democratic atmosphere in the meetings. Ward staff were kept at an arms-length from the group and were less certain that it had made any difference to the way in which the ward operated.

Research limitations/implications

– The research was only based in one organisation and the impacts of the initiative may vary with a different local context. Research in a wider sample of organisations and culture change initiatives will provide greater insights.

Practical implications

– Self-advocacy groups can lead to organisation culture change alongside benefits for individual group members but require funding, external and independent facilitation, and organisational endorsement and support.

Originality/value

– This paper adds to the limited literature regarding culture change in secure services and services for people with a learning disability in general and also to the understanding of the impact of self-advocacy groups.
A commentary on “First-hand experience of accessible information”
Authors: Buell Susan
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Mander's paper on people with learning disabilities’ first-hand experience of accessible information.

Design/methodology/approach

– The commentary reflects on some of the findings presented by Mander and builds on these, with particular emphasis on what it means to understand information.

Findings

– Everything from initial product design to building capacity and constructing knowledge requires expertise and attention to detail.

Originality/value

– There are no easy fix solutions to achieving understanding of information for people who have learning disabilities.
Inbound event tourism attendees: a group qualities-values approach at destination
Authors: Hamilton John R. , Tee Singwhat , Prideaux Murray C.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The inbound event tourists drawn to an Australian destination to participate in one of 14 annual international auto racing (AR) events can be sectioned to release each group’s behavioural perspectives around their tourism-related impacts on the destination. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Inbound event tourists attending the destination are surveyed during the three-day major event. Each respondent displays non-uniform, personally driven agendas and varying degrees of local tourism acceptance.

Findings

– Inbound event tourists self-select into one of six psychologically framed AR sport groupings, and exhibit micro-differences that can then be used to align local tourism around future.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors do not consider locals attending this international series AR event, but project their destination tourism and event impacts to be less than those of inbound event tourists. Totally, 90 per cent of inbound AR event tourists each fit one of six motive groups and each group exhibits behaviours, decision-making and spending patterns which can be later optimized in preparation for the destination’s next major event.

Practical implications

– AR attendees self-select into just one behavioural attendance motive. Group approaches unlock new understanding of event attendees and their behaviours. Inbound event tourists spend 2 to 1 on the destination’s tourism vs its major event. Destinations targeting inbound event tourists should grow their spend ratio by bundling local tourism offerings into short length-of-stay requirements offering conservatively priced (under $100/activity), adventure focused, tourism options.

Originality/value

– This study links inbound event tourist groupings; acquisitions; stay patterns and spending. It captures the economic components and their relative impact on the destination. By combining all the sub-groups of inbound (and local) AR event attendees, a better representation of their economic impact on the destination can be determined.
Chronic anthropogenic disturbance drives the biological impoverishment of the Brazilian Caatinga vegetation
Authors: Ribeiro Elâine M. S. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Santos Bráulio A. , Tabarelli Marcelo , Leal Inara R.
Published: March 2015

In addition to acute transformations of ecosystems caused by deforestation, old‐growth forests world‐wide are being increasingly altered by low‐intensity but chronic human disturbance. Overgrazing and the continuous extraction of forest products are important drivers of chronic disturbance, which can lead to the gradual local extinction of species and the alteration of vegetation structure.

We tested this hypothesis in the Brazilian Caatinga vegetation, one of the most species‐rich and populated semi‐arid regions of the world. Using a multimodel averaging approach, we examined the impact of five recognized indicators of chronic disturbance (i.e. proximity to urban centre, houses, roads, density of people and livestock) on the diversity, abundance and evenness of 30 woody plant communities. We separately tested the response of seedlings, saplings and adults to identify the ontogenetic stages that are most susceptible to chronic disturbance.

We recorded over 11 000 individuals belonging to 51 plant species. As expected, most indicators of chronic disturbance were negatively related to species diversity and stem abundance, with a variable effect on community evenness. The density of people and density of livestock were the main factors driving changes in plant communities, with a stronger negative impact on seedling and sapling diversities. Species composition also varied significantly with disturbance indicators, irrespective of ontogeny.

Our results show the potential negative impact that chronic disturbance can have on Caatinga plant assemblages and highlight the fact that disturbance resulting from an extractivism‐based and subsistence economy are probably driving old‐growth forest stands towards shrub‐dominated secondary stands.

Synthesis and applications. These findings indicate that chronic disturbance should not continue to be neglected and we argue for: (i) research and rural programmes able to support better practices in terms of land use and sustainable exploitation of forest resources, (ii) improved governance and law enforcement to shift extractivism towards sustainable standards, and (iii) expanding the coverage and effective implementation of strictly protected areas.
Occurrence of moulds associated with ovine raw milk and cheeses of the Spanish region of Castilla La Mancha
Authors: Marín Patricia , Palmero Daniel , Jurado Miguel
Published: March 2015

The distribution of mould species was examined at several points of the processing chain in a Manchego cheese plant and associated dairy farms. Geotrichum and Fusarium were the genera most frequently isolated from milk samples as well as in cheeses ripened for one month, evidencing a direct transfer from raw milk. Conversely, the mycobiota of long‐ripened cheeses consisted mainly of Penicillium species, which gained entry to the cheese through the air of ripening rooms. This study contributes to the understanding of the dynamics of fungal populations in semihard and hard cheeses, highlighting that airborne transfer from the stables could have a direct impact on their quality.
Safety of vaccination against influenza A (H1N1) during pregnancy in the Netherlands: results on pregnancy outcomes and infant's health: cross‐sectional linkage study
Authors: van der Maas N , Dijs‐Elsinga J , Kemmeren J , van Lier A , Knol M , de Melker H
Published: March 2015

Objective

This study aims to assess the safety of Influenza A(H1N1), vaccination administered during the second and third trimester and containing MF59 and thiomersal (Focetria®), measured by pregnancy outcomes and infant's health.

Design

Cross‐sectional linkage study.

Setting and sample

A sample of pregnant women, eligible for prenatal screening, were invited to participate.

Methods

Questionnaire data were linked with the Netherlands Perinatal Registry (n = 1920). Information on infant growth, development (n = 1739) and infection‐related contacts with the general practitioner (GP) during the first year of life (n = 1671) was obtained.

Main outcome measures

Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between H1N1 vaccination and small‐for‐gestational‐age infant, preterm delivery and a composite adverse outcome, i.e. low Apgar‐score, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal resuscitation or perinatal death. Influence of maternal vaccination on growth, development and GP infection‐related contact rates were assessed using multivariate linear mixed modelling and multivariate negative binomial regression, respectively.

Results

Response rate was 21%. Though we found differences in characteristics between unvaccinated and vaccinated women, in the multivariate analyses no association was found between H1N1 vaccination and small‐for‐gestational‐age (odds ratio [OR] 0.84; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.50–1.43), preterm delivery (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.59–1.62) and the composite adverse outcome (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.44–1.60). We found no differences in weight‐for‐age (−0.05; 95% CI −0.13 to 0.04), length‐for‐age (−0.01; 95% CI −0.09 to 0.06), head‐circumference‐for‐age (−0.05; 95% CI −0.13 to 0.03), developmental scores (−0.06; 95% CI −0.28 to 0.17) and infection‐related GP contact rates (incidence rate ratio 1.07; 95% CI 0.91–1.28) between infants of unvaccinated and vaccinated mothers.

Conclusion

Pregnancy outcomes did not differ between H1N1‐vaccinated and unvaccinated women. Furthermore, growth, development and GP infection‐related contact rates, assessed after the first year of life, were similar in offspring of vaccinated and unvaccinated mothers.

Tweetable abstract

No increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes and infant's health following influenza vaccination.
The effects of mode delivery on postpartum sexual function: a prospective study
Authors: De Souza A , Dwyer PL , Charity M , Thomas E , Ferreira CHJ , Schierlitz L
Published: March 2015

Objective

To determine the effect of mode of delivery and perineal injury on sexual function at 6 and 12 months postpartum.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary women's hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Population

A cohort of 440 primigravid women.

Methods

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was completed at first visit (7–19 weeks of gestation), and at 6 and 12 months postpartum.

Main outcome measures

A statistically significant difference in total FSFI or domain scores over time according to mode of delivery or perineal injury.

Results

In this cohort 54% of women had a normal vaginal delivery, 21% had an instrumental delivery, and 25% gave birth by caesarean section. No difference was found in total FSFI or domain scores according to mode of delivery over time between antenatal assessment and 12 months postpartum. Pain was decreased in the caesarean group only at 6 months postpartum. All groups showed pain scores at 12 months that were comparable with antenatal levels. For those who gave birth vaginally, 27% had an intact perineum, 50% had an episiotomy, and 6%, 14%, and 3% had first, second, and third‐degree tears, respectively. The only differences between groups were found over time according to perineal injury at 6 months in the arousal domain. At 12 months, total FSFI and domain scores were no different to initial scores.

Conclusions

At 12 months postpartum sexual function has returned to early pregnancy levels, irrespective of mode of delivery or perineal injury.
Vulnerability to bullying of children with autism spectrum conditions in mainstream education: a multi‐informant qualitative exploration
Authors: Hebron Judith , Humphrey Neil , Oldfield Jeremy
Published: March 2015

Young people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) are widely reported by parents and teachers to be bullied by peers during their school years. Research in this area is still in its relative infancy with the majority of studies quantitative in nature. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate vulnerability to bullying of young people with ASC in mainstream schools in England. Five pupils aged 5–13 (three male, two female) were selected. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the children (where possible), their parents and teachers to explore vulnerability to being bullied in the context of school. Although none of the pupils were being seriously bullied, they were all recognised as vulnerable, especially as they grew older. Difficulties in conceptualising bullying emerged among the children, along with challenges forming and maintaining peer relationships. Behaviour difficulties risked isolating the pupils, potentially making them more vulnerable to bullies. However, school emerged as having a powerful protective role to play, with a positive ethos and zero tolerance of bullying, promotion of good relationships and communication with parents crucial in mitigating the risk of being bullied. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to research and practice.
Climate Smart Agriculture? Assessing the Adaptation Implications in Zambia
Authors: Arslan Aslihan , McCarthy Nancy , Lipper Leslie , Asfaw Solomon , Cattaneo Andrea , Kokwe Misael
Published: March 2015

We examine a set of potentially climate smart agricultural practices, including reduced tillage, crop rotation and legume intercropping, combined with the use of improved seeds and inorganic fertiliser, for their effects on maize yields in Zambia. We use panel data from the Rural Incomes and Livelihoods Surveys merged with a novel set of climatic variables based on geo‐referenced historical rainfall and temperature data to explore the changing effects of these practices with climatic conditions. We estimate the impacts on maize yields, and also on the exhibition of very low yields and yield shortfalls from average levels, as indicators of resilience, while controlling for household characteristics. We find that minimum soil disturbance and crop rotation have no significant impact on these yield outcomes, but that legume intercropping significantly increases yields and reduces the probability of low yields even under critical weather stress during the growing season. We also find that the average positive impacts of modern input use (seeds and fertilisers) are significantly conditioned by climatic variables. Timely access to fertiliser emerges as one of the most robust determinants of yields and their resilience. These results have policy implications for targeted interventions to improve the productivity and the resilience of smallholder agriculture in Zambia in the face of climate change.