bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking cessation in male prisoners: a literature review
Authors: Djachenko Ashleigh , St John Winsome , Mitchell Creina
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature relating to smoking cessation (SC) for the male prisoner population.

Design/methodology/approach

– Databases PubMed, CINAHL and MEDLINE were searched for English language studies from 1990 to 2012. The authors identified 12 papers examining SC in male prisoners. Full-text articles were analysed for inclusion.

Findings

– A total of 12 studies were identified for inclusion. Four studies focused on forced abstinence (a smoking ban) while the remainder looked at various combinations of nicotine replacement, pharmacology and behavioural techniques. No robust studies were found that examined nursing approaches to SC for the prisoner population. The evidence shows a strong “pro-smoking” culture in prison and that many prisoners continue to smoke irrespective of an enforced ban. However, SC strategies can be successful if implemented systematically and supported by consistent policies.

Research limitations/implications

– Female-only prisoner studies were excluded as females comprise just 7 per cent of the Australian prisoner population. The analysis does not differentiate between maximum- or minimum-security prisons, or length of prison sentence. Results cannot be generalised to other forms of detention such as police custody or immigration detention centres. Studies were not appraised for quality, as exclusion on that basis would render further exploration untenable. The analysis was presented in a narrative rather than meta-analytical format and may be subject to interpretation.

Practical implications

– This paper provides a foundation on which to build further research evidence into the smoking behaviour of prisoners. This information can be used to advocate for healthier public policy for a vulnerable and marginalised population.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first literature review into SC interventions in prisons. The authors apply the findings of this literature review to the five strategies for health promotion to propose a population approach to smoking cessation in male prisoners. Recommendations specific to the correctional environment are outlined for consideration by correctional health professionals.
Transformers: a programme for people with an intellectual disability and emotion regulation difficulties
Authors: McWilliams Jenna , de Terte Ian , Leathem Janet , Malcolm Sandra , Watson Jared
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The Transformers programme is a community-based intervention for people with an intellectual disability (ID) who have emotion regulation difficulties, which can manifest as aggressive and challenging behaviour. The programme was adapted from the Stepping Stones programme (Oxnam and Gardner, 2011) – an emotion regulation programme for offenders with an ID who live in an inpatient setting. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of the Transformers programme that has been implemented at an ID service, which provides secure and supervised care to people who have been convicted of an imprisonable offence or have high and complex behaviour needs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Transformers programme is delivered in weekly sessions over a six-month period in a group format. The focus is on helping group members to develop skills in recognising and understanding negative emotions and learning skills to cope effectively with such emotions. Treatment covers a variety of modules including relaxation, goal setting, chain analysis, emotion recognition, and emotion regulation. Specific strategies used include role-plays, DVDs, and quizzes.

Findings

– This paper presents the rationale, developmental history, and description of a specific approach to the treatment of emotion regulation difficulties.

Originality/value

– The paper aims to inform health professionals working in the field of ID.
Controversial product advertisements in Lebanon
Authors: Farah Maya F. , El Samad Lamis
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of religious sect on the Lebanese consumer’s perception of controversial product advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used a quantitative survey that was administered to a purposive representative sample of respondents from the two main Muslim sects in the country, namely, Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

Findings

– The results indicated significant differences in perceptions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims with regards to the offensiveness of the advertising of controversial products. Briefly, Sunni Muslims found the advertising of social and political as well as health and care products more offensive, whereas Shiite Muslims found the advertising of gender and sex-related products more offensive, and no significant difference in offensiveness perception between the two sects was found with regards to the advertising of addictive products.

Research limitations/implications

– Two main limitations faced the researchers: the fact that the respondents were not shown examples of offensive product advertisements; and that religiosity was not measured for the respondents, which could also be a factor in offensiveness perception.

Practical implications

– The study indicates that a consumer’s religious sect can play a determining role in how he/she perceives product advertisement, thus encouraging marketers to consider the differences between these sects while advertising to ensure no potential consumers are alienated.

Originality/value

– Although research has looked into the impact of religiosity and religion on the perception of offensive product advertisements, minimal research exists on the impact of religious sects on the perception of offensive product advertisement. The results of this study provide some insights into the consumer behavior differences between the two sects.
Halal clusters
Authors: Tieman Marco
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to propose a halal cluster concept to better organise production and trade of halal food.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper builds further on previous work published in theJournal of Islamic Marketingon halal food supply chains and value chains. A cluster analysis is conducted on the Malaysia and Dubai halal cluster to provide a better understanding of their halal cluster models and sustainability.

Findings

– Food production and trade has been described as the weak link in the halal value chain. To guarantee availability of and access to halal food, a new paradigm is required in better organising the production and trade of halal food through halal clusters. A halal cluster model is proposed based on five pillars, namely, Muslim consumer, education and research, halal integrity network, halal supply chain and enablers.

Research limitations/implications

– This conceptual paper proposes a halal cluster model to scale up the production of halal food for the world. However, more empirical research on halal purchasing, halal network development, halal trade and halal parks is needed to support the development of these halal clusters.

Practical implications

– To better address today’s issues in the halal industries (ingredients, certification, logistics, etc.), there are evident benefits of producing in strong halal clusters, hereby providing easy access to halal ingredients and access to attractive Muslim markets.

Originality/value

– As halal is going through an evolution, towards a halal supply chain and value chain, new business models are required. It is the first study investigating halal clusters.
Job insecurity: cross-cultural comparison between Germany and China
Authors: Roll Lara Christina , Siu Oi-ling , Li Simon Y.W. , De Witte Hans
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The recent economic crisis gave rise to job insecurity and had a seemingly greater effect on western than eastern countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine cross-cultural differences of the influence of job insecurity on employees’ wellbeing, innovative work behaviour (IWB) and safety outcomes in the form of attention-related cognitive errors (ARCES) in Germany as compared to mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

– Samples from both Germany and China rate their job insecurity, work engagement, burnout, IWB and ARCES in a survey.

Findings

– For both German and Chinese employees there was an indirect relationship between job insecurity and ARCES through burnout. In the German sample, there was an indirect relationship between employees’ job insecurity and IWB through work engagement. In contrast, the Chinese sample only showed the direct relationship between quantitative job insecurity and IWB, but not a mediation effect.

Practical implications

– For organizations to be effective and their employees to work safely, it is essential to understand the nature and process of job insecurity in different national contexts.

Originality/value

– The present research is unique by relating job insecurity to employee’ innovation on the one hand and safety outcomes on the other. Furthermore, these relationships are examined in the cultural contexts of Germany and China, contributing to the gap of research carried out in eastern contexts.
Explaining hospital performance via the cube one framework
Authors: Massimino Phoebe M. , Kopelman Richard E. , Joseph Meg L.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a relatively new theoretical perspective – the Cube One framework – which along with the Cube One Input-Output model provide a conceptual explanation of overall hospital performance. Further, this framework provides information pertinent to organizational improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multiple sources of data, including the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) patient satisfaction ratings, the “US News & World Report’s Best Hospitals” (disaggregated) ratings, the American Hospital Directory efficiency metrics, and Glassdoor employee satisfaction ratings, were used to test five hypotheses.

Findings

– Three sets of capabilities: patient-, employee-, and efficiency-related were positively associated with hospital performance. The model explained 38 percent of the variance in hospital performance.

Practical implications

– By adopting a multi-disciplinary, three-dimensional approach, the framework allows hospital leadership to diagnose areas for improving overall performance.

Social implications

– Hospitals have divergent stakeholders such as patients, patient’s families, employees, government agencies, insurance companies, administrators, boards of directors, and the community. Management capabilities regarding patients, employees, and the organization itself are crucial to the success of hospitals and all who depend on them.

Originality/value

– By utilizing a three-dimensional approach, the Cube One framework views performance from multiple perspectives.
The role of memory in document re-finding
Authors: Xie Xiao , Sonnenwald Diane H. , Fulton Crystal
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore graduate students’ behaviour and perspectives regarding personal digital document management, as well as insights into the connections between memory and document re-finding.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 graduate students studying information and library science. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed using open and axial coding.

Findings

– Participants were overall positive about the importance of managing their digital documents but they had little knowledge about currently available personal information management (PIM) tools. Characteristics of digital documents frequently used by participants to re-find documents include name, subject, storage location, creation time, keyword, document title, document file type, user’s location and recency. For participants the act of organizing documents is itself a memory aid. Participants’ recommendations for PIM tools include support for information organization and simplistic visualizations that can be customized, e.g., using colour to highlight folders or documents.

Research limitations/implications

– The number of study participants was relatively small, and further studies should examine a more diverse participant sample, e.g., to investigate whether tasks influence re-finding. Further studies should also examine PIM with respect to other types of devices and services, including tablets and cloud services.

Practical implications

– The results include recommendations for future PIM tool design.

Originality/value

– This research identifies documents’ characteristics that participants use to re-find documents and the importance of these characteristics. It also examines the usage and expectations of PIM tools in everyday PIM.
Research and discovery functions in mobile academic libraries
Authors: Bomhold Catharine
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the availability of discovery functions on mobile devices at academic research libraries in order to determine if research libraries are providing the mobile services that students believe that they need for academic success.

Design/methodology/approach

– The researcher surveyed 53 academic library mobile apps and mobile web sites at Carnegie rated RU/VH universities to determine the number and variety of discovery functions available.

Findings

– All of the libraries had some level of research functions available, but there was a discrepancy between those that offered a full range of services and those that offered a minimal level.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the transitory nature of the electronic universe, the data offered represents the state of academic library research services in a single moment in time and is subject to change.

Practical implications

– The research provides other libraries with a description of what comprises an adequate suite of essential services and a way to evaluate their own library’s offerings.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to evaluate and quantify the level of services provided by libraries at Carnegie Foundation RU/VH institutions.
European Union information in an acceding country
Authors: Faletar Tanackovic Sanjica , Faletar Horvatic Ivana , Badurina Boris
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the exploratory study whose aim was to investigate the information needs and information-seeking behavior of post-secondary students related to the European Union (EU) in Croatia.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 504 students enrolled in post-secondary education across country took part in this study. Data were collected through an online survey during a 60-day period preceding the Croatia’s full membership in the EU.

Findings

– The findings revealed the high need for information about the EU among the student population. The respondents required European information in a wide range of thematic areas and the majority of them did not feel well informed about the EU in general. Students responding required the European information both for personal reasons and for educational purposes. The majority of respondents required the EU information in order to better understand the EU in general and they faced a number of challenges when accessing it.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations inherent to the method used and the limited number of respondents. Future research should include a wider array of respondents (older citizens, professionals, etc.) so as to obtain a broad a picture as possible of information needs and seeking behavior related to EU.

Practical implications

– The study offers valuable insight into the types of EU information needed by citizens (post-secondary students) in an acceding country. The survey results are expected to be of interest to European administration charged with the development of effective communication policies, national authorities in EU candidate and acceding countries, and information professionals in general.

Originality/value

– This is the first study of EU information needs and seeking behavior in an acceding country.
Transvaginal prolapse repair with or without the addition of a midurethral sling in women with genital prolapse and stress urinary incontinence: a randomised trial
Authors: van der Ploeg JM , Oude Rengerink K , van der Steen A , van Leeuwen JHS , Stekelenburg J , Bongers MY , Weemhoff M , Mol BW , van der Vaart CH , Roovers J‐PWR ,   the Dutch Urogynaecology Consortium
Published: March 2015

Objective

To compare transvaginal prolapse repair combined with midurethral sling (MUS) versus prolapse repair only.

Design

Multi‐centre randomised trial.

Setting

Fourteen teaching hospitals in the Netherlands.

Population

Women with symptomatic stage two or greater pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and subjective or objective stress urinary incontinence (SUI) without prolapse reduction.

Methods

Women were randomly assigned to undergo vaginal prolapse repair with or without MUS. Analysis was according to intention to treat.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome at 12 months’ follow‐up was the absence of urinary incontinence (UI) assessed with the Urogenital Distress Inventory and treatment for SUI or overactive bladder. Secondary outcomes included complications.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐four women were analysed at 12 months’ follow‐up (63 in MUS and 71 in control group). More women in the MUS group reported the absence of UI and SUI; respectively 62% versus 30% UI (relative risk [RR] 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–3.15) and 78% versus 39% SUI (RR 1.97; 95% CI 1.44–2.71). Fewer women underwent treatment for postoperative SUI in the MUS group (10% versus 37%; RR 0.26; 95% CI 0.11–0.59). In the control group, 12 women (17%) underwent MUS after prolapse surgery versus none in the MUS group. Severe complications were more common in the MUS group, but the difference was not statistically significant (16% versus 6%; RR 2.82; 95% CI 0.93–8.54).

Conclusions

Women with prolapse and co‐existing SUI are less likely to have SUI after transvaginal prolapse repair with MUS compared with prolapse repair only. However, only 17% of the women undergoing POP surgery needed additional MUS. A well‐informed decision balancing risks and benefits of both strategies should be tailored to individual women.
True risk of fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia in subsequent pregnancies: a prospective observational follow‐up study
Authors: Tiller H , Husebekk A , Skogen B , Kjeldsen‐Kragh J , Kjær M
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To assess neonatal platelet counts by comparing alloimmunised pregnancies from a Norwegian screening and intervention study with subsequent pregnancies from the same women.

Design

Prospective observational follow‐up study.

Setting

A university hospital.

Population

HPA‐1a immunised women from a large Norwegian screening study that gave birth to one or more children after the screening study ended (2004–2012).

Methods

Follow‐up of maternal anti‐HPA‐1a antibody levels and neonatal platelet counts from the screening pregnancies were compared with subsequent pregnancies. None of the women received antenatal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment and neonatal platelet counts were therefore comparable.

Main outcome measures

Change in neonatal platelet counts from one HPA‐1a incompatible pregnancy to the next. Maternal anti‐HPA‐a1 antibody levels from one HPA‐1a incompatible pregnancy to the next.

Results

Forty‐five incompatible subsequent pregnancies were identified. Overall, the neonatal platelet count in the subsequent pregnancy was improved (18%), unchanged (52%), or worse (30%), compared with the corresponding screening pregnancy. There was one case of fetal intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) identified in the screening (intrauterine fetal death detected at 30 weeks of gestation) and no ICH cases recorded for the subsequent pregnancies. In cases where the platelet count was lower in the subsequent pregnancy, the maternal anti‐HPA‐1a antibody level was higher compared with the screening pregnancy. In comparison, the maternal antibody level was lower in subsequent pregnancies where the platelet count improved.

Conclusions

In contrast to what is often stated, we found that the neonatal platelet count was increased or unchanged in the majority of subsequent pregnancies of HPA‐1a‐immunised women.
Evaluating the readiness of special education doctoral students to apply the standards of evidence‐based practice to single‐case research
Authors: Mayton Michael R. , Zhang Jie , Carter Stacy L. , Suppo Jennifer L.
Published: March 2015

How well doctoral students in special education are prepared to evaluate research as evidence‐based practice (EBP) is likely to impact their careers, as well as the teachers they will train. In developing a method for evaluating the readiness of small cohort groups of doctoral students to apply a research‐based model of EBP, an instrument and procedure were refined in a pilot evaluation and implemented within a multiple baseline design across participants. Participants’ independent and instrument‐guided performance in rating published research was compared to the ratings of two experts in single‐case research design, yielding proportions of agreement across evaluation conditions. Results indicated group readiness to independently conduct the EBP evaluation and individual differences in readiness indicating the need for remediation.
The Impact of a Tiered Network on Hospital Choice
Authors: Frank Matthew B. , Hsu John , Landrum Mary Beth , Chernew Michael E.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a tiered network on hospital choice for scheduled admissions.

Data

The 2009–2012 patient‐level claims data from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA).

Study Design

BCBSMA's three‐tiered hospital network employs large differential cost sharing to encourage patients to seek care at hospitals on the preferred tier. During the study period, 44 percent of hospitals were moved to a different tier based on changes in cost or quality performance. We relied on this longitudinal variation for identification and specified conditional logit models to estimate the effect of the tiered network (TN) on patients' hospital choices relative to a non‐TN comparison group.

Principal Findings

The TN was associated with increased use of hospitals on the preferred and middle tiers relative to the nonpreferred tier for planned admissions. The results suggest that if all members were in a TN plan, relative to all members being in a non‐TN plan, scheduled admissions to hospitals on the nonpreferred tier would drop by 7.6 percentage points, while those to middle and preferred tier hospitals would rise by 0.9 and 6.6 percentage points, respectively.

Conclusion

Differential cost sharing can steer patients toward preferred hospitals for planned admissions.
Investor mood and the determinants of stock prices: an experimental analysis
Authors: Harding Noel , He Wen
Published: March 2015

We examine, in a controlled experimental setting, whether changes in investor mood cause changes in the determinants of stock prices. Our results show that a deterioration in mood, reflected in the negative dimensions of mood state, increases the level of risk aversion in male, but not female, investors. We find no evidence to suggest that a change in mood impacts on investors' forecasts of future earnings or future cash flows. By establishing the causal impact of a change in mood on risk aversion, our study provides support for archival research that relates various market anomalies to investor mood.
Momentum in Australian style portfolios: risk or inefficiency?
Authors: Chan Howard , Docherty Paul
Published: March 2015

Momentum strategies have been reported to be successful across a range of different markets and asset classes. Three possible explanations for momentum have been hypothesised: risk, return continuation and excessive co‐movement of stock returns compared with dividends. Lewellen (2002) adds to this literature by providing evidence of strong momentum returns in style portfolios that can be explained by negative cross‐serial correlation, a result which supports the excess co‐movement hypothesis. We report robust evidence of style momentum in the Australian market and use the Jegadeesh and Titman (1995) return decomposition to show that this momentum strategy is predominately explained by positive autocorrelation. Our results support the return continuation hypothesis and confirm Chen and Hong's (2002) assertion that Lewellen's (2002) explanation of style momentum returns does not stand up out‐of‐sample.
Melasma: clinical diagnosis and management options
Authors: Rodrigues Michelle , Pandya Amit G
Published: March 2015

Melasma is a common acquired disorder of pigmentation most commonly seen in those with skin of colour. It has long been a condition that is frustrating for both the dermatologist and patient to treat. This article provides a review of the literature on melasma and examines, in detail, various treatment options currently available to treat it.
Negative evaluations of self and others, and peer victimization as mediators of the relationship between childhood adversity and psychotic experiences in adolescence: The moderating role of loneliness
Authors: Murphy Siobhan , Murphy Jamie , Shevlin Mark
Published: March 2015

Objective

Previous research has identified an association between traumatic experiences and psychotic symptoms. Few studies, however, have explored the underlying mechanisms and contingent nature of these associations in an integrated model. This study aimed to test a moderated mediation model of negative childhood experiences, associated cognitive processes, and psychotic experiences within a context of adolescent loneliness.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A total of 785 Northern Irish secondary school adolescents completed the survey. A moderated mediation model was specified and tested.

Results

Childhood experiences of threat and subordination were directly associated with psychotic experiences. Analyses indicated that peer victimization was a mediator of this effect and that loneliness moderated this mediated effect.

Conclusion

A new model is proposed to provide an alternative framework for assessing the association between trauma and psychotic experience in adolescence that recognizes loneliness as a significant contextual moderator that can potentially strengthen the trauma–psychosis relationship.

Practitioner points

Moderated mediation analyses poses an alternative framework to the understanding of trauma–psychosis associations

Adolescent loneliness is a vulnerability factor within this association

Data are based on a Northern Irish sample with relatively low levels of loneliness

Cross‐sectional data cannot explore the developmental course of these experiences in adolescence.
Évaluation et cartographie de la vulnérabilité à la chaleur dans l'agglomération de Montréal
Authors: Lareau Félissa , Baudouin Yves
Published: March 2015

Cet article propose une méthodologie basée sur l'utilisation d'un système d'information géographique (SIG) pour évaluer la vulnérabilité des populations urbaines aux épisodes de chaleur extrême dans le contexte des changements climatiques. L'objectif est de produire une méthode d'évaluation simple et reproductible capable de croiser des facteurs sociaux et physiques afin d'identifier et de cartographier les secteurs les plus vulnérables en prenant comme étude de cas l'île de Montréal. Nous pouvons dégager trois éléments fondamentaux de la vulnérabilité thermique dans la littérature : l'exposition, la sensibilité et la capacité d'adaptation des populations. Les variables choisies pour évaluer la vulnérabilité thermique sont : 1) la présence d'îlots de chaleur urbains calculée à partir d'une image satellitaire pour représenter l'exposition; 2) la proportion de personnes âgées de 65 ans et plus vivant seules pour la sensibilité et 3) l'indice de défavorisation matérielle et sociale développé par Raymond et Pampalon pour exprimer la capacité d'adaptation. La cartographie résultante aide à hausser la résilience des municipalités en facilitant les interventions en cas de sinistre et en ouvrant la voie à l'implantation d'actions de prévention ciblées et efficaces. Cette étude constitue une avancée dans l'exploration des possibilités des SIG pour l'analyse environnementale.

This article proposes a methodology based on the use of a geographic information system (GIS) to evaluate the vulnerability of urban populations to episodes of extreme heat in a context of climate change. The goal is to produce a simple and reproducible evaluation method, incorporating social and physical factors, to identify and map areas that are most at risk using the island of Montreal as a case study. We have identified three fundamental elements of thermal vulnerability from the literature: exposure, sensitivity and the populations' ability to adapt. The variables we selected to evaluate thermal vulnerability were: 1) the presence of urban heat islands calculated from satellite imaging to represent exposure; 2) the proportion of people aged 65 and over who live alone for the purposes of sensitivity; and 3) the material and social deprivation index established by Raymond and Pampalon to express adaptability. The resulting map helps to improve the resilience of municipalities by facilitating action in the event of an extreme heat incident and by creating a new means to implement targeted and efficient measures of prevention. This study is a major advance in the exploration of possibilities offered by GIS for environmental analysis.
Ridge preservation after ridge expansion with simultaneous guided bone regeneration: a preclinical study
Authors: Stricker Andres , Fleiner Jonathan , Stübinger Stefan , Fleiner Henrik , Buser Daniel , Bosshardt Dieter D.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To evaluate ridge preservation after ridge splitting with simultaneous implant placement and guided bone regeneration (GBR) in a miniature pig model.

Material and Methods

In miniature pigs, the mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted together with removal of the interdental and buccal bone. Three months later, ridge splitting and expansion of the buccal plate were performed with simultaneous placement of two titanium implants per quadrant. On the test side, access by a mucoperiosteal flap followed by GBR with a biphasic calcium phosphate and a collagen membrane was performed. On the contralateral control side, a mucosal flap (MF), leaving the periosteum attached to the buccal bone, was elevated. After healing periods of 6 and 12 weeks, eight and four animals, respectively, were sacrificed for histological and histometric evaluation.

Results

In the MF group, all 16 implants were osseointegrated, while in the GBR group, one bone fracture occurred, and six of 16 implants were lost. After 6 weeks, significantly higher bone crest levels were found for the GBR group than for the MF group both buccally and lingually (P < 0.001), and buccal bone thickness was greater in the GBR group than in the MF group (P < 0.001 at the implant shoulder [IS]). After 12 weeks, bone was significantly higher in the GBR group compared to the MF group. Furthermore, buccal bone thickness in the GBR group was 0.93, 4.5, and 5.94 mm at, and 2 and 4 mm apical to the IS, respectively. The corresponding values in the MF group were greatly reduced (0, 0.21, and 2.56 mm). Bone loss on the buccal side compared to the lingual side was significantly greater only in the MF group.

Conclusions

In this ridge expansion model in miniature pigs, the buccal bone volume was significantly better preserved with GBR when compared to a mucosal access flap, provided that soft tissue healing occurred complication free.
A new technique of extreme lateral positioning for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization
Authors: Gonsalves S. , Brayshaw I. , Maslekar S. , Hance J. , Sagar P. , Miskovic D.
Published: March 2015

Aim

This aim of this study was to describe a novel positioning technique that assists in the expeditious mobilization of the splenic flexure without the need for redraping or compromise of port placement.

Method

A prospective case series was studied to evaluate the technique and its ability to facilitate splenic flexure mobilization.

Results

The technique was used in 12 patients. There were no adverse intra‐ or postoperative events. The median time (interquartile range) for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilisation was 10 (9–11.25).

Conclusion

This novel positioning technique is safe and feasible. We include a detailed video that describes and demonstrates the requisites for its safe conduct. We also include intra‐operative footage demonstrating the benefits of the patient's position.
An Algorithm for Clustering Using L1‐Norm Based on Hyperbolic Smoothing Technique
Authors: Bagirov Adil M. , Mohebi Ehsan
Published: March 2015

Cluster analysis deals with the problem of organization of a collection of objects into clusters based on a similarity measure, which can be defined using various distance functions. The use of different similarity measures allows one to find different cluster structures in a data set. In this article, an algorithm is developed to solve clustering problems where the similarity measure is defined using the L1‐norm. The algorithm is designed using the nonsmooth optimization approach to the clustering problem. Smoothing techniques are applied to smooth both the clustering function and the L1‐norm. The algorithm computes clusters sequentially and finds global or near global solutions to the clustering problem. Results of numerical experiments using 12 real‐world data sets are reported, and the proposed algorithm is compared with two other clustering algorithms.
Incremental Value of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography over the Two‐Dimensional Modality in the Assessment of Cardiac Lymphoma
Authors: Thind Munveer , Hsiung Ming C. , Gok Gulay , Elsayed Mahmoud , Joson Marisa , Nanda Navin C.
Published: March 2015

We describe a case of cardiac lymphoma where live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provided additional information compared to two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography regarding the extent of tumor infiltration. In addition, it gave a quantitative assessment of the tumor burden by providing its volume.
AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION AND THE ADOPTION OF PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Ang James B.
Published: March 2015

This paper tests Jared Diamond's influential theory that an earlier transition from a hunter‐gatherer society to agricultural production induces higher levels of technology adoption. Using a proxy for the geographic diffusion barriers of Neolithic technology and an index of biogeographic endowments to isolate the exogenous component of the timing of agricultural transition, the findings indicate that countries that experienced earlier transitions to agriculture were subsequently more capable of adopting new technologies in 1000 BC, 1 AD, and 1500 AD. These results lend strong support to Diamond's hypothesis. (JEL O30, O40)
IS THERE ADVERSE SELECTION IN LIFE INSURANCE MARKETS?
Authors: Hedengren David , Stratmann Thomas
Published: March 2015

Adverse selection theory predicts people with a high risk of death are more likely to own life insurance. Using a unique data set merging administrative and survey records, we test this theory and find the opposite: people with high death risk are less likely to own life insurance. We postulate advantageous selection and price discrimination swamp adverse selection in individual life insurance markets. To determine which effect is more powerful, we analyze group life insurance markets, where insurance companies cannot price discriminate as well as in individual markets. Our data suggest that price discrimination has a stronger effect than advantageous selection. (JEL D8, G1, I1)
Accounting for the effects of water and the environment on proximally sensed vis–NIR soil spectra and their calibrations
Authors: Ji W. , Viscarra Rossel R. A. , Shi Z.
Published: March 2015

Visible–near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy can be used to estimate soil properties effectively using spectroscopic calibrations derived from data contained in spectroscopic databases. However, these calibrations cannot be used with proximally sensed (field) spectra because the spectra in these databases are recorded in the laboratory and are different to field spectra. Environmental factors, such as the amount of water in the soil, ambient light, temperature and the condition of the soil surface, cause the differences. Here, we investigated the use of direct standardization (DS) to remove those environmental factors from field spectra. We selected 104 sensing (sampling) sites from nine paddy fields in Zhejiang province, China. At each site, vis–NIR spectra were recorded with a portable spectrometer. The soils were also sampled to record their spectra under laboratory conditions and to measure their soil organic matter (SOM) content. The resulting data were divided into training and validation sets. A subset of the corresponding field and laboratory spectra in the training set (the transfer set) was used to derive the DS transfer matrix, which characterizes the differences between the field and laboratory spectra. Using DS, we transferred the field spectra of the validation samples so that they acquired the characteristics of spectra that were measured in the laboratory. A partial least squares regression (PLSR) of SOM on the laboratory spectra of the training set was then used to predict both the original field spectra and the DS‐transferred field spectra. The assessment statistics of the predictions were improved from R2 = 0.25 and RPD = 0.35 to R2 = 0.69 and RPD = 1.61. We also performed independent predictions of SOM on the DS‐transferred field spectra with a PLSR derived using the Chinese soil spectroscopic database (CSSD), which was developed in the laboratory. The R2 and RPD values of these predictions were 0.70 and 1.79, respectively. Predictions of SOM with the DS‐transferred field spectra were more accurate than those treated with external parameter orthogonalisation (EPO), and more accurate than predictions made by spiking. Our results show that DS can effectively account for the effects of water and environmental factors on field spectra and improve predictions of SOM. DS is conceptually straightforward and allows the use of calibrations made with laboratory‐measured spectra to predict soil properties from proximally sensed (field) spectra, without needing to recalibrate the models.
Sensitivity analysis of dynamic response and fatigue behaviour of various asphalt concrete mixtures
Authors: Ali Y. , Irfan M. , Ahmed S. , Khanzada S. , Mahmood T.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the dynamic response (|E*|) and fatigue behaviour of various asphalt concrete mixtures subjected to sinusoidal compressive loading. Eight different wearing and base mixtures including Superpave, Asphalt Institute, British Standard dense bituminous macadam and Pakistan's National Highway Authority gradations were selected, and gyratory compacted specimens were fabricated. Laboratory investigations of |E*| at various temperatures (4.4 to 54.4 °C) and loading frequencies (0.1 to 25 Hz) were used to construct stress‐dependent master curves separately, for wearing and base course mixtures. The indicators of dynamic response and viscous (or elastic) properties of the mixtures were used to derive fatigue parameter to estimate the resistance to fatigue, and results revealed that Superpave wearing and NHA‐B base course had better resistance to fatigue for evaluated mixtures. Also, the sensitivity of the dynamic modulus to the variation in hot mix asphalt mix properties using different aggregate gradation, diverse loading frequencies and temperature were evaluated.
Removal of imidacloprid and acetamiprid from tea infusions by microfiltration membrane
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Lu Haiyan , Wang Bing , Zhang Zhuo , Lin Xiaorong , Chen Zhongzheng , Li Bin
Published: March 2015

Removal of imidacloprid and acetamiprid in tea infusions by microfiltration membrane using dead‐end model was investigated in the present study. The results showed that microfiltration significantly promoted the removal of both pesticides (P < 0.05) in tea infusions. Furthermore, the extent of removal was strongly influenced by the pore size of membrane, operational pressure and the concentrations of tea infusions. The initial concentration of imidacloprid and acetamiprid showed no significant effect on their removal rates. The maximum removal rates were 79.7% for imidacloprid and 81.9% acetamiprid. The changes in major chemical components of tea infusions after microfiltration were evaluated. The results indicated that microfiltration caused no considerable changes in total polyphenols and total free amino acids, and small but statistically significant losses (6.3–18.0%) of eight catechins and three methylxanthines when filtration volume reached to 200 mL. The present study validated the application of microfiltration as a potentially feasible and promising method for the removal of imidacloprid and acetamiprid residues from tea infusions.
Protecting and managing a local population of the European Green lizard Lacerta viridis at the Prague Zoo, Czech Republic
Authors: Rehák I.
Published: March 2015

The grounds of Prague Zoo are home to an important population of the European Green lizard Lacerta viridis, which is one of the most threatened species in the Czech Republic. Although generally thought of as common across some of its range, the Green lizard is recorded as critically endangered by legislative regulations in the Czech Republic and is on local Red Data Lists in Germany, although the species is thought to be extinct in other parts of its range. Conservation management is necessary to guarantee the survival of the Green lizard population at Prague Zoo and to coordinate conservation measures with the development of the Zoo site. A detailed conservation‐research study was carried out on a model population at the ‘Tiché údolí’ site to obtain the necessary knowledge to establish an appropriate management programme for the Green lizard population at the Zoo. A comprehensive action plan for European Green lizard conservation will be launched at Prague Zoo in 2015.
Liposarcoma or invasive lipomatosis in flower horn fish, hybrid cichlid: clinical, radiological, ultrasonographical and histopathological study
Authors: Rahmati‐Holasoo H , Shokrpoor S , Tavakkoli A , Vajhi A , Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi H
Published: March 2015

Liposarcoma or invasive lipomatosis affecting three indoor aquarium fish (flower horn fish, hybrid cichlid) is characterized, by the presence of mature adipocytes of variable sizes and by an invasive behaviour, which affected internal organs and eyes of all cases. Detailed macroscopic, radiological, ultrasonographical and histopathological features are presented. All fish had bilateral exophthalmia with some masses around the eyes. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of hyperechoic masses in the eyes. Histopathology of all cases described the presence of variable‐sized adipose cells in the eyes. The suggested diagnosis is well‐differentiated liposarcoma or invasive lipomatosis. This is the first report of liposarcoma or invasive lipomatosis in flower horn fish, hybrid cichlid.
Performance of growing cattle on poor‐quality rangelands supplemented with farm‐formulated protein supplements in Zimbabwe
Authors: Gusha J. , Katsande S. , Zvinorova P. I. , Halimani T. E. , Chiuta T.
Published: March 2015

Farmers use different non‐conventional protein supplements and different feeding strategies to aid their animals survive the dry season in Zimbabwe. The strategies can be giving supplements once a week or once every other day up to very little supplement daily. Supplements are either legume crop residues or forage legumes. However, the efficacy of the use of non‐conventional protein supplements in promoting growth and at the same time lowering the age at first calving is little understood. The study tested whether supplementing with farm‐formulated non‐conventional feeds could reduce live weight loss during the dry season and promote live weight gain as well as early development of sexual maturity in beef cattle. In a completely randomized design, thirty dams with calves on hooves were allocated to five different treatments which were repeated during the dry season for 3 years. The 3‐year study results show that weight loss can be controlled, resulting in positive growth in both the pre‐weaning and post‐weaning phases of growing cattle. Yearlings fed solely on natural pasture lost significant weight during the dry season as compared to supplemented groups. The period to puberty and first calving was achieved at 18 and 27 months, respectively. Using non‐conventional protein supplements could thus improve livestock productivity in resource‐poor farming communities. It was concluded that smallholder farmers can supplement cattle with a kilogram per day of low‐cost farm‐based non‐conventional legume meal to improve livestock productivity in semi‐arid regions of Zimbabwe.
Testing for Cointegration with Temporally Aggregated and Mixed‐Frequency Time Series
Authors: Ghysels Eric , Miller J. Isaac
Published: March 2015

We examine the effects of mixed sampling frequencies and temporal aggregation on the size of commonly used tests for cointegration, and we find that these effects may be severe. Matching sampling schemes of all series generally reduces size distortion, and the nominal size is obtained asymptotically only when all series are skip sampled in the same way – for example, end‐of‐period sampling. We propose and analyse mixed‐frequency versions of the cointegration tests in order to control the size when some high‐frequency data are available. Otherwise, when no high‐frequency data are available, we discuss controlling size using bootstrapped critical values. We test stock prices and dividends for cointegration as an empirical demonstration.
Rule‐Intermediaries in Action: How State and Business Stakeholders Influence the Meaning of Consumer Rights in Regulatory Governance Arrangements
Authors: Talesh Shauhin
Published: March 2015

The boundaries between public and private actors are increasingly blurred via regulatory governance arrangements and the contracting out of rights enforcement to private organizations. Regulation and governance scholars have not gained enough empirical leverage on how state actors, private organizations, and civil society groups influence the meaning of legal rules in regulatory governance arrangements that they participate in. Drawing from participant observation at consumer law conferences and interviews with stakeholders, my empirical data suggest that consumer rights and, in fact, consumer law, mean different things to different stakeholders tasked with adjudicating consumer rights. Rights afforded consumers who purchase warranties are now largely contingent on first using alternative dispute resolution structures, some created and operated by private organizations with soft state oversight and others run by stakeholders but with greater state oversight and involvement. Using new institutional sociology and regulatory governance theories, I find that stakeholders involved in overseeing and administering these dispute resolution systems filter the meaning of consumer rights through competing business and consumer logics. Because consumer laws mean different things to stakeholders tasked with adjudicating consumer rights, two different rights regimes simultaneously exist in this field. I conclude that how rule‐intermediaries administering private and state‐run dispute resolution systems conceptualize what consumer laws mean in action may have implications for regulatory governance and more broadly, consumers' access to justice.