bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetry of stakeholders’ perceptions as an obstacle for collaboration in inter-organizational projects
Authors: Romero-Torres Alejandro
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overlook influential factors associated with the collaboration itself, and to explore the effect of these factors on inter-organizational relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses two different technology projects requiring inter-organization collaboration for implementing medicine traceability: end-to-end verification system and e-pedigree. Based on a survey where 72 pharmaceutical organizations exposed their perceptions about each technological project, collaboration factors are identified.

Findings

This paper shows that pharmaceutical organizations in this study perceived differently the cost and benefits from traceability project. Organizations involved experience neither organizational nor technological proximity, impacting negatively collaboration in the inter-organizational project.

Practical implications

To strengthen collaboration, organization from different levels should consider how close they are each other, and this is at the geographic, organizational and technological level. Geographic proximity is defined as physical closeness, organizational proximity can be understood as the degree to which organizations are similar in interests and structure, and technological proximity concerns the similarity between the systems used to mediate communication and store information.

Originality/value

This paper presents empirical evidence on inter-organizational collaboration for industrial projects (i.e. implementing medicine traceability systems). It demonstrates proximity is a significant factor in producing inter-organizational collaboration success. Indeed, organizations experiencing proximity have a better knowledge of actors involved in the inter-organization project.
Macroeconomic determinants of sovereign bond market development in African emerging economies
Authors: Ahwireng-Obeng Asabea Shirley , Ahwireng-Obeng Frederick
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Despite being a viable source of funds, African sovereign bond markets are relatively underexplored. The empirical literature fails to consider the impact of exclusively macroeconomic factors and the volatile contexts in which African markets operate. The purpose of this paper is to fill the vacuum by proposing a context-sensitive theoretical framework. The study targets, specifically, macroeconomic factors and assesses the extent to which they affect bond market development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data on sovereign bond markets from 26 African economies, the study extends previous methodologies used in similar studies by accounting for downside risk in a generalized method of moments (GMM) framework and employing tighter robustness measures.

Findings

This study finds that inflation, domestic debt, external debt, GDP at PPP, fiscal balance and exports are important macroeconomic drivers of sovereign bond market development in African emerging economies.

Research limitations/implications

While GMM estimation is beneficial in the presence of endogeneity between the dependent variables that are instrumented with lagged independent variables, it guarantees consistency but, not unbiased estimations.

Practical implications

Market-oriented government funding with well-defined debt management strategies must be implemented to support the development of sovereign bond markets. External debt must be set at a sustainable level, and government should be dedicated to the confirmation of this. Furthermore, inflation rates must be kept low and stable.

Social implications

If policymakers are to take this study seriously, bond markets may begin to be viable sources of funds for African emerging economies.

Originality/value

This study introduces a methodology for measuring bond market development that considers the systemic volatility in emerging markets and proposes a theoretical framework for African emerging economies. In addition, the authors identify a new macroeconomic determinant of bond market development in the region.
Digitalization efforts in liminal space – inter-organizational challenges
Authors: Eklinder Frick Jens , Fremont Vincent Hocine Jean , Åge Lars-Johan , Osarenkhoe Aihie
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the benefits and drawbacks that strategically imposed liminality inflicts upon inter-organizational digitalization efforts within the different phases of its utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically examines digitalization in a large multinational manufacturing company, Sandvik Machining Solutions, using data that were collected through interviews and a qualitative research design.

Findings

This study shows that a liminal space separated from the structures in which one is supposed to inflict changes increases the risk of developing an incompatible system that will be rejected in the incorporation phase. An inter-organizational perspective on liminality thus contributes to our understanding of the benefits and drawbacks that liminal space can pose for the organizations involved.

Practical implications

The study suggests that, in the separation phase, driving change processes by creating liminal spaces could be a way to loosen up rigid resource structures and circumvent network over-embeddedness. Finding the right amount of freedom, ambiguity and community within the liminal space is, however, essential for the transition of information as well as the incorporation of the imposed changes.

Originality/value

Introducing an inter-organizational perspective on liminality contributes to our understanding of the stress that liminal space can place on individuals as well as the individual organization.
Firm risk and self-reference on past performance as main drivers of lean production implementation
Authors: Uhrin Ákos , Moyano-Fuentes José , Cámara Sebastián Bruque
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of external and internal sources of variability on the degree of lean production implementation. For this, this paper analyzes the effects of environmental risk and the company’s past operational performance on the level of lean production implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the reasoning of prospect theory and the threat-rigidity hypothesis, three hypotheses have been developed as to the impact of internal and external sources of variability on the degree of lean production implementation. A questionnaire has been developed to test the hypotheses of the paper on a sample of first-tier suppliers in the Spanish automotive industry. The methodology comprises a combination of hierarchical regression analysis and mediation analysis.

Findings

In line with the propositions of prospect theory, the results obtained show support for the influence of firm risk and past operational performance variability in terms of undertaking decisions that favor further progress in lean production implementation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the explanation of the circumstances that ultimately lead to the implementation of lean production. Consequently, the impact of the external and internal environment influences a company’s commitment to increasing its level of lean production implementation and fosters managers’ strategic decision making. Furthermore, its implementation could help guarantee firm survival.
Role of managerial traits in firm-level corruption: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Ashyrov Gaygysyz
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the link between behavioural and personality traits of firm representatives and bribery in the case study of Vietnam; second, to study whether corruption is associated to firm performance through managers’ personality traits.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses novel data from micro, small and medium firms in Vietnam for investigating the relationship between behavioural and personality traits of representatives of firms and bribery. Stratified sampling method is employed to ensure an adequate number of firms in each province with different ownership types. Ordinary least squares and logistic estimation techniques are used in this analysis.

Findings

This paper finds that traits of risk loving and innovativeness are positively associated to the likelihood of paying bribe whereas managers’ internal locus of control is negatively related to the probability of paying bribe. This paper reveals that managers, who have risk loving characteristics and get engaged to bribe payments, are related to lower firm performances.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the fact that this paper provides robust and statistically significant empirical analysis, results from this paper are constrained with use of cross-sectional survey data, which has been conducted in 2015. Although this paper can provide strong correlations, it does not establish causal linkages and one should therefore be careful in interpreting the observed patterns as causal impacts.

Originality/value

The role of managerial personality traits in corruption interactions has not yet been explicitly proposed and empirically investigated. This paper attempts to fill this void by examining the relationship between managerial traits and corruption tendencies among SMEs in Vietnam.
Knowledge transfer roles of subsidiaries in MNCs’ networks
Authors: Baskici Cigdem
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Although there have been a considerable number of studies regarding subsidiary role typology in multinationals’ management literature, there appear to be few studies that consider knowledge-based role typology from the network-based perspective. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap and extend the study of Gupta and Govindarajan (1991). Thus, the study focuses on answering the following research question: Do subsidiaries have different roles in terms of knowledge flows within a multinational company (MNC)?

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study has been carried out as an explorative single case study. An MNC with 15 foreign subsidiaries headquartered in Turkey, which operated in the manufacturing of household appliances and consumer electronics, has been selected as the case. Knowledge transfer is analyzed in this MNC from the network perspective.

Findings

Four role typologies are detected for subsidiaries of the MNC: collector transmitter, collector diffuser, converter transmitter and converter diffuser.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this study are specific to this case. Testing the findings in a sample consisting of subsidiaries of MNCs producing transnational products may contribute to the generalizability of these roles.

Practical implications

This study offers potentially important findings for MNC managers to use. First, in this study, knowledge flows' route could be defined within MNCs’ dual network. Second, role typologies could inform MNC managers to design their MNCs’ knowledge network.

Originality/value

The suggested typologies are expected to more accurately define the roles of subsidiaries within contemporary MNCs which are accepted to be transformed from hierarchical structures to network-based organizations.
Exploring online consumer curation as user-generated content
Authors: Babin Jessica , Hulland John
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Some consumers are engaged in online curation, a type of user-generated content, in ways that can be impactful for brands. An example of online curation includes organizing themed collections of product images on Pinterest. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework of online consumer curation, introducing this topic to the marketing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the analysis of the business and academic literature, as well as a careful study of many examples of online consumer curation, the authors present a framework for understanding online consumer curation.

Findings

The actions taken by online consumer curators are similar to those of museum or art gallery curators: acquiring, selecting, organizing and displaying content for an audience. The motivations for consumers to engage in online curation include building/displaying their identities and making social connections with their online audience. One outcome possible for the audience that views the curation is gaining access to carefully selected and recommended content.

Research limitations/implications

As online consumer curation is a new area of research, the authors suggest several marketing- and brand-relevant propositions that can be addressed in future research.

Practical implications

As consumers are frequently using product images and brand symbols in their online curation, it is important for marketing academics and practitioners to understand their actions.

Originality/value

The aim of the paper is to present a thorough introduction to the idea of online consumer curation by outlining relevant examples, providing a framework for understanding this activity and its implications for brand management, and listing ideas for future research.
Engaging customers through user-and company-generated content on CSR
Authors: Badenes-Rocha Alberto , Ruiz-Mafé Carla , Bigné Enrique
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) customer perceptions, customer–company identification and customer trust on customer engagement (CE), paying special attention to the moderating effects of two types of social media communication, firm-generated content and user-generated content.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed-methods’ approach. First, a single-factor experiment using Twitter posts as stimuli with 227 hotel guests. The structural model was analyzed using SmartPLS 3.2.7. Second, structured in-depth interviews were undertaken with three hotel industry experts to complement the conclusions of the quantitative study.

Findings

The results show that when a customer trusts a hotel and identifies with its corporate values, CSR tweets generate CE toward the hotel. CSR communications made by customers reinforce the impact of CSR tweets on customer trust more than CSR tweets posted by hotels. Hotel industry experts give insights to explain these results in different types of hotels.

Practical implications

CSR communications made through Twitter affect customers’ perceptions of a hotel’s CSR activities and customer trust in hotels, especially if they originate from a source external to the company. This result can be of use for hotel managers who have not previously given importance to active CSR communications or the interactivity of social media.

Originality/value

The authors show the moderating effect of user-generated content in the relationship between CSR customer perceptions and customer trust, thus contributing to the research into the effectiveness of social media. They use a mixed-methods’ approach to increase the validity of the results.
An interview with Steven Rogers: thoughts on diversity and inclusion
Authors: Foster Mary Kuchta
Published: November 2019

Research methodology

Personal interview.

Case overview/synopsis

In an interview with Dr Mary Foster, Mr Steven Rogers, Finance Instructor at the Harvard Business School (HBS), discussed his views on diversity, inclusion and the value of teaching cases which feature black protagonists. Mr Rogers estimates that fewer than 1 percent of HBS’ 10,000 or so teaching cases feature a black executive as protagonist, or central decision-making figure, despite US Census estimates that about 9 percent of US companies are now black-owned. Mr Rogers decided to address this imbalance; he has lead the development of 24 business cases featuring African-American business people over the last two years.

Complexity academic level

This article can be used to any undergraduate or graduate course where you would like to discuss diversity and inclusion.
Fishing in hot waters threatens phenotypic diversity
Authors: Aubry Lise M.
Published: November 2019

In Focus: Morrongiello, J. R., Sweetman, P. C., & Thresher, R. E. (2019). . Journal of Animal Ecology, 88, 1645‐1656.

Forces of unnatural selection, such as climate change and harvest, are rarely studied in concert, yet hold the great potential to act synergistically on individual performance, susceptibility to harvest, tolerance to warming temperatures, and ultimately population persistence and resilience. In this paper, Morrongiello et al. (2019) used long‐term monitoring of a site‐attached temperate reef fish, the purple wrasse (Notolabrus fucicola), to test novel predictions about how fisheries management and climate variability could alter individual growth rates and thermal reaction norms within and across stocks. Otolith growth increments were collected from three south‐east Australian populations between 1980 and 1999, pre‐ and post‐harvest, throughout an intensive warming spell. Using hierarchical models to partition variation in growth within and between individuals and populations, Morrongiello et al. detected increased average growth rate with warming, a release from density dependence post‐harvest, and a fishing‐by‐warming interaction that decreased diversity in thermal growth reaction norms because large individuals that tend to better tolerate warm temperatures were effectively culled from the population. This study outlines the importance of determining which phenotypes are more resilient to increasing temperatures, how fisheries should manage for them, and how such collective knowledge could help preserve and even promote resilience of managed populations to increasing temperatures in ecosystems threatened by climate change.
Mechanisms of trophic niche compression: Evidence from landscape disturbance
Authors: Burdon Francis J. , McIntosh Angus R. , Harding Jon S.
Published: November 2019

Natural and anthropogenic disturbances commonly alter patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, how networks of interacting species respond to these changes remains poorly understood. We described aquatic food webs using invertebrate and fish community composition, functional traits and stable isotopes from twelve agricultural streams along a landscape disturbance gradient.

We predicted that excessive deposition of fine inorganic sediment (sedimentation) associated with agricultural activities would negatively influence aquatic trophic diversity (e.g. reduced vertical and horizontal trophic niche breadths). We hypothesized that multiple mechanisms might cause trophic niche ‘compression’, as indicated by changes in realized trophic roles.

Food‐web properties based on consumer stable isotope data (δ13C and δ15N) showed that increasing sediment disturbance was associated with reduced trophic diversity. In particular, the aquatic invertebrate community occupied a smaller area in isotopic niche space along the sedimentation gradient that was best explained by a narrowing of the invertebrate community δ13C range.

Decreased niche partitioning, driven by increasing habitat homogeneity, environmental filtering and resource scarcity all seemingly lead to greater trophic equivalency caused by the collapse of the autochthonous food‐web channel. Bayesian mixing‐model analyses supported this contention with invertebrate consumers increasingly reliant on detritus along the sedimentation gradient, and predatory invertebrates relying more on the prey using these basal resources.

The narrowing of the fish community δ13C range along the sedimentation gradient contributed to an apparent ‘trophic shift’ towards terrestrial carbon, further indicating the loss of the autochthonous food‐web channel. On the vertical trophic niche axis, fish became increasingly separated from aquatic invertebrates with an increase in their estimated trophic position. In combination, these responses were most likely mediated through reduced fish densities and a diminished reliance on aquatic prey.

Although species losses remain a major threat to ecosystem integrity, the functional roles of biota that persist dictate how food webs and ecosystem functioning respond to environmental change. Sedimentation was associated with nonlinear reductions in trophic diversity which could affect the functioning and stability of aquatic ecosystems. Our study helps explain how multiple mechanisms may radically reshape food‐web properties in response to this type of disturbance.
Predator and scavenger movements among and within endangered seabird colonies: Opportunities for pathogen spread
Authors: Gamble Amandine , Bazire Romain , Delord Karine , Barbraud Christophe , Jaeger Audrey , Gantelet Hubert , Thibault Eric , Lebarbenchon Camille , Lagadec Erwan , Tortosa Pablo , Weimerskirch Henri , Thiebot Jean‐Baptiste , Garnier Romain , Tornos Jérémy , Boulinier Thierry
Published: November 2019

The spatial structure of host communities is expected to constrain pathogen spread. However, predators and/or scavengers may connect distant host (sub)populations when foraging. Determining whether some individuals or populations play a prominent role in the spread of pathogens is critical to inform management measures.

We explored movements and epidemiological status of brown skuasStercorarius antarcticus, the only avian terrestrial consumer native of Amsterdam Island (Indian Ocean), to assess whether and how they could be involved in the spread of the bacteriumPasteurella multocida, which recurrently causes avian cholera outbreaks in endangered albatross and penguin species breeding on the island.

High proportions of seropositive and DNA‐positive individuals forP. multocidaindicated that skuas are highly exposed to the pathogen and may be able to transmit it. Movement tracking revealed that the foraging ranges of breeding skuas largely overlap among individuals and expand all along the coasts where albatrosses and penguins nest, but not on the inland plateau hosting the endemic Amsterdam albatrossDiomedea amsterdamensis.

Considering the epidemiological and movement data, skua movements may provide opportunity for pathogen spread among and within seabird colonies.

Synthesis and applications.This work highlights the importance of considering the behaviour and epidemiological status of predators and scavengers in disease dynamics because the foraging movements of individuals of such species can potentially limit the efficiency of local management measures in spatially structured host communities. Such species could thus represent priority vaccination targets to implement efficient management measures aiming at limiting pathogen spread and also be used as sentinels to monitor pathogen circulation and evaluate the effectiveness of management measures.
Changes in officials, total factor productivity fluctuation and government transformation: Evidence from Chinese prefecture cities
Authors: Yu Yongze , Wang Zhe , Liu Dayong , Fu Liping
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the interrelationships between changes in officials and total factor productivity (TFP) in China. The tournament competition for promotion results in a series of predicaments, such as excessive investment, duplicate construction, split regional markets and misallocations; these negative effects further inhibit local TFP. Local government transformation from driving investment to providing services can promote TFP. We use data from 230 prefecture cities between 1999 and 2013 and find the following: (a) in recent years with the process of government transformation, changes in officials have typically had less impact on TFP fluctuation than in previous years; (b) changes in officials mainly affect technology efficiency (TE) in TFP; and (c) the mediation model reveals that changes in officials' positions influences TFP through economic spillovers and tax competition. Overall, our paper offers novel evidence for the impact of government administration on productivity and technology development, which is significant for policy decisions during government transformation.
Assessing Cognitive Bias in Forensic Decisions: A Review and Outlook
Authors: Curley Lee J. , Munro James , Lages Martin , MacLean Rory , Murray Jennifer
Published: November 2019

In recent years, a number of studies have demonstrated that forensic examiners can be biased by task‐irrelevant contextual information. However, concerns relating to methodological flaws and ecological validity attenuate how much the current body of knowledge can be applied to real‐life operational settings. The current review takes a narrative approach to synthesizing the literature across forensic science. Further, the review considers three main issues: (i) primary research on contextual bias within forensic science; (ii) methodological criticisms of this research; (iii) an alternative perspective that task‐irrelevant contextual information does not always lead to error. One suggestion for future research is outlined, which is that studies on contextual bias in forensic decisions should be conducted in collaboration between forensic scientists and cognitive psychologists. Only then can rigorous and ecological valid experiments be created that will be able to assess how task‐irrelevant contextual information influences forensic analysis and judgments in operationally valid settings.
Caregiving for Older Adults Requiring Hemodialysis: A Comparison Study
Authors: Sugisawa Hidehiro , Shinoda Toshio , Shimizu Yumiko , Kumagai Tamaki , Sugisaki Hiroaki , Sugihara Yoko
Published: November 2019

This study examined differences in caregiving appraisal between primary family caregivers of disabled older adults receiving hemodialysis (PFCGs‐wHD) and disabled older adults not receiving dialysis (PFCGs‐woD). A total of 242 PFCGs‐wHD and 335 PFCGs‐woD were included in the analyses. We used adjustment by propensity score to control for bias by confounding factors. Caregiving appraisal was measured in terms of role strain, emotional exhaustion, and caregiving satisfaction. On the first task, PFCGs‐wHD demonstrated significantly worse levels on all three appraisal indicators than did PFCGs‐woD. On the second task, only higher emotional exhaustion was significantly mediated by higher role strain in PFCGs‐wHD. Further, PFCGs‐wHD status directly influenced lower caregiving satisfaction without mediation by higher role strain. Caregiving for disabled older adults receiving HD may be associated with significant challenges for caregivers.
Phenotypic–genotypic analysis of GGDEF/EAL/HD‐GYP domain‐encoding genes in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Nie Hailing , Xiao Yujie , He Jinzhi , Liu Huizhong , Nie Liang , Chen Wenli , Huang Qiaoyun
Published: November 2019

Cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP) is a broadly conserved bacterial signalling molecule that modulates diverse cellular processes, such as biofilm formation, colony morphology and swimming motility. The intracellular level of c‐di‐GMP is controlled by diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) with GGDEF domain and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) with either EAL or HD‐GYP domain. Pseudomonas putida KT2440 has a large group of genes on its genome encoding proteins with GGDEF/EAL/HD‐GYP domains. However, phenotypic–genotypic correlation and c‐di‐GMP metabolism of these genes were largely unknown. Herein, by systematically constructing deletion mutants/overexpression strains of the 42 predicted c‐di‐GMP metabolism–related genes and analysing the phenotypes, we preliminarily revealed the role of each gene in biofilm formation, colony morphology and swimming motility. Subsequent results from protein sequence alignments and cellular c‐di‐GMP assessment indicated that 25 out of the 42 genes were likely to encode DGCs, nine genes were predicted to encode PDEs, four genes encoded bifunctional enzymes and the other four genes encoded enzymatically inactive proteins. This study offers a basic understanding of the roles of these 42 genes and can serve as a toolkit for investigators to further elucidate the functions of these GGDEF and EAL/HD‐GYP domain‐containing proteins.
The Association of Impulsivity and Family History of Alcohol Use Disorder on Alcohol Use and Consequences
Authors: Haeny Angela M. , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Morean Meghan E. , Krishnan‐Sarin Suchitra , DeMartini Kelly S. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Anticevic Alan , Krystal John H. , O'Malley Stephanie S.
Published: November 2019

Background

Extensive research indicates that having a positive family history of alcohol use disorder (FHP) and impulsivity are 2 risk factors for problem drinking. To our knowledge, no study has investigated which facets of impulsivity interact with family history to increase risk for problem drinking. The goal of this study was to: (i) examine whether FHP individuals with higher levels of impulsivity are more likely to engage in problematic drinking, and (ii) identify which facets of impulsivity interact with FHP to increase risk for problems.

Methods

The data consisted of a combined sample of 757 participants (50% female, 73% White, mean age = 32.85, SD = 11.31) drawn from the Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center and the Center for the Translational Neuroscience of Alcohol. Analyses of covariance and cumulative logistic regression models investigated the association of family history and impulsivity‐related traits with drinking quantity, frequency, and alcohol‐related problems. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnic group, education level, and data source.

Results

Significant interactions between impulsivity and family history were found for measures of alcohol‐related problems. Specifically, there was a stronger positive association of Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) poor self‐regulation with interpersonal, F(1, 504) = 6.27, p = 0.01, and impulse control alcohol‐related problems, F(1, 504) = 6.00, p = 0.01, among FHP compared to FHN individuals. Main effects of family history and impulsivity on alcohol quantity and frequency of use and problems were also found.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that having both a family history of AUD and high BIS poor self‐regulation is more strongly associated with alcohol‐related consequences in the interpersonal and impulse control domains. Given the heterogeneity of impulsivity, these findings highlight the need for additional research to examine which facets of impulsivity are associated with which alcohol outcomes to narrow phenotypic risk for alcohol misuse.
Prevalence of respiratory conditions among people who use illicit opioids: a systematic review
Authors: Hulin Joe , Brodie Arjuna , Stevens John , Mitchell Caroline
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims

There are growing concerns over the respiratory health of people who use illicit opioids due to high rates of opioid inhalation and tobacco smoking in this group. This study aimed to summarize the evidence relating illicit opioid use with poor respiratory health.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature on the association between illicit opioid use and respiratory health was undertaken in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidance (PROSPERO ID = CRD42017059953). Electronic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library databases were undertaken (English language, published January 1980–November 2018). All study designs excluding case studies were considered. Studies were undertaken in community and hospital settings in the United States (n = 23), United Kingdom (n = 7), Australia (n = 7), the Netherlands (n = 2), Canada (n = 2), Ireland (n = 1), Spain (n = 1) and Iran (n = 1). Measurements of respiratory disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and related symptoms were extracted. Data on respiratory‐related deaths and hospital admissions were also extracted. Meta‐analysis of prevalence data was undertaken using a random effects meta‐analysis model with parameters estimated using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation.

Results

Meta‐analyses estimated prevalence of asthma in people who inject illicit opioids as 8.5% [95% predictive interval (PrI) = 0.2%, 74.0%] and as 20.2% (95% PrI = 4.2%, 59.2%) in people who inhale illicit opioids. Prevalence of COPD in people who inject illicit opioids was estimated as 2.7% (95% PrI = 0.0%, 50.4%) and as 17.9% (95% PrI = 0.6%, 89.5%) in people who inhale illicit opioids. There was evidence of moderate to extreme heterogeneity across studies.

Conclusions

There is evidence of increased burden of respiratory diseases in people who use illicit opioids. Due to the heterogeneity of study design and samples, it is difficult to gain accurate estimates of the prevalence of respiratory disease in this population.
A case‐study of the experiences of junior medical officers in the emergency departments of a metropolitan hospital and rural hospital
Authors: Bonney Andrew , Mullan Judy , Hammond Athena , Burns Pippa , Yeo Georgia , Thomson Brett , Flynn Sharon , Carrigan Tom
Published: November 2019

Objective

Increased exposure to post‐graduate rural medical training is associated with increased likelihood of future rural practice. Training rotations in rural emergency departments provide a possible avenue for such exposure, but have been under‐investigated. This study aimed to compare junior medical officers' emergency department experiences in a metropolitan and a rural hospital to inform rural health workforce initiatives.

Design

Mixed‐method case‐study design.

Setting

Two 10‐week periods in the respective emergency departments.

Participants

Four junior medical officers at the rural site and 22 junior medical officers at the metropolitan hospital.

Main outcome measures

Caseloads extracted from electronic medical records and training experience.

Results

Data were collected over 142 days. The average number of patients seen per day, per junior medical officer, was significantly higher at the rural hospital emergency department (7.2 patients per day) in comparison with the metropolitan hospital (4.3 patients per day). Junior medical officers at the rural hospital saw relatively more lower acuity patients. The seven junior medical officers who were interviewed provided consistently positive responses regarding their training experiences in both locations. This was particularly evident in the rural hospital and was attributed to one‐on‐one supervision.

Conclusions

Most junior medical officers agreed that their expectations for support and learning opportunities were met and/or exceeded. However, junior medical officers reported feeling more supported at the rural hospital due to direct contact and communication with senior medical officers. Placement in a smaller hospital emergency department did not disadvantage the junior medical officers' training in this case‐study and provided a positive rural training experience. These findings support workforce policies which encourage rural hospital emergency department training.
Seeking harmony in Chinese families: A dyadic analysis on Chinese parent‒child relations
Authors: Cheung Francis , Lun Vivian Miu‐Chi , Ngo Hang Yue , Fong Eric
Published: November 2019

Based on Leung, Koch, and Lu’s (2002) dualistic harmony model, we examined the relations of two harmony‐seeking behaviors—harmony enhancement and disintegration avoidance—to family functioning among 177 Hong Kong Chinese adolescent‒parent dyads. Structural equation modeling results showed that adolescent‐rated harmony enhancement was positively related to adolescent‐rated family functioning whereas parent‐rated harmony enhancement was positively related to parent‐rated family functioning. Disintegration avoidance, however, was not related to family functioning in the two samples. Furthermore, no significant cross‐path association between harmony‐seeking behaviors and family functioning was identified, meaning that the harmony‐seeking behaviors of adolescents and their parents did not relate to each other’s perception of family functioning. Implications of these findings to our understanding of family in Chinese culture are discussed.
Time to computed tomography: does this affect trauma patient outcomes? A retrospective analysis at an Australian major trauma centre
Authors: Ng Cedric L. H. , Kim Jason , Dobson Ben , Campbell Don , Wullschleger Martin
Published: November 2019

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is an essential diagnostic tool for severe multi‐trauma patients. International guidelines recommend an optimal time of 1 h from arrival. The aim of this study was to determine the time interval from arrival at the emergency department to CT for all trauma patients and the effects on in‐hospital mortality and hospital length of stay.

Methods

Retrospective study of all patients who triggered a trauma call and underwent CT scanning at the Gold Coast University Hospital from January 2016 to December 2017. Exclusion criteria were scans performed at peripheral hospitals or performed more than 5 h after arrival to emergency department.

Results

One thousand six hundred and nineteen eligible trauma patients were admitted over the study period and underwent CT scanning. Median time to CT was found to be 43 min. CTs done within 1 h compared to those done after 1 h from emergency department arrival were found to have a higher mean injury severity score (11 ± 10 versus 9 ± 9, P = 0.003), a longer mean hospital length of stay (9 ± 21 versus 7 ± 13 days, P = 0.012) and no difference in mortality rates (2.2% versus 2.1%, P = 1.000). Age, injury severity score and intubation status were identified as independent predictors for longer hospital length of stay and higher mortality while time to CT did not. Injury severity score was shown to be an independent predictor of time to CT.

Conclusion

Our time to CT scanning is well within the timeframe recommended by international guidelines. Early CT scanning may also improve outcomes in severely injured trauma patients.
Dynamic measurement of centering forces on transvalvular cannulas
Authors: Stoiber Martin , Aigner Philipp , Grasl Christian , Röhrich Michael , Moscato Francesco , Schima Heinrich
Published: November 2019

In heart failure therapy, minimally invasive devices (transcatheter valves, catheter‐based cannulas or pumps) are increasingly used. The interaction with the valve is of special importance as valve damage, backflow, and thrombus formation are known complications. Therefore, the aim of this in vitro study was to characterize the forces acting on different sized transvalvular cannulas at various transvalvular pressures for four different valves. In a pulsatile setup radial and tangential forces on transvalvular cannulas were measured for bioprosthetic, artificial pericardial tissue, fresh, and fixated porcine valves. The cannula position was varied from a central position to the wall in 10° rotational steps for the whole circular range and the use of different cannula diameters (4, 6, and 8 mm) and transvalvular pressures (40‐100 mmHg). Centering forces of four different aortic valve types were identified and the three leaflets were visible in the force distribution. At the mid of the cusps and at the largest deflection the forces were highest (up to 0.8 N) and lowest in the commissures (up to 0.2 N). Whereas a minor influence of the cannula diameter was found, the transvalvular pressure linearly increased the forces but did not alter the force patterns. Centering forces that act on transvalvular cannulas were identified in an in vitro setup for several valves and valve types. Lowest centering forces were found in the commissures and highest forces were found directly at the cusps. At low pressures, low centering forces and an increased cannula movement can be expected.
Molecular and phenotypical investigation of ciprofloxacin resistance among Campylobacter jejuni strains of human origin: high prevalence of resistance in Turkey
Authors: Ilktac Mehmet , Ongen Betigul , Humphrey Thomas J. , Williams Lisa K.
Published: November 2019

Campylobacteriosis is one of the most frequently reported zoonoses worldwide. The well‐documented increase in the ciprofloxacin resistance has increased the importance of rapid detection of the resistance. The incidence of ciprofloxacin resistance was investigated using real‐time PCR. Identification of one hundred and fifty‐eight strains was performed by PCR. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin was determined by Epsilometer test. Following the confirmation of the efficiencies of singleplex real‐time PCR methods using two different probes, a cytosine to thymine point mutation at codon 86 was detected by allelic discrimination. Of the 158 strains, 114 (72.2%) were determined to be resistant to ciprofloxacin. The MIC50 and the MIC90 of ciprofloxacin were found to be 8 and ≥32 mg/L, respectively. By real‐time PCR, the presence of the mutation was confirmed in all, but one, resistant strains and the absence of the mutation was demonstrated in all, but one, susceptible strains. The rate of resistance is high among C. jejuni strains and ciprofloxacin should not be used in the treatment of such infections in Turkey. A cytosine to thymine mutation is the most frequently detected mechanism for the resistance. Real‐time PCR can be used for the quick screening of the resistance.
spoT‐mediated stringent response influences environmental and nutritional stress tolerance, biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Davis Rochell T. , Brown Paul D.
Published: November 2019

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen with significant potential for virulence and multidrug resistance. Treatment failure often occurs because the pathogen may couple virulence and drug resistance with the stringent response. This study assessed the role of the spoT gene in environmental and nutritional stress tolerance, exopolysaccharide capsule production and biofilm formation. spoT mutants were constructed using the lambda red recombinase technique, and mutant and wild‐type (WT) strains were exposed to limiting concentrations of carbon (glucose), phosphate and aminoacid, and environmental stresses of ethanol, salt and heat. Cell viability, capsule production and cell length were assessed as well as the ability to grow biofilm under antibiotic pressure using gentamicin and ceftazidime. spoT mutants were more susceptible to stresses versus WT; the reverse was true for survival during biofilm susceptibility assay (p < 0.05), especially when carbon and phosphate were present. spoT mutants were elongated and lacked a capsule versus WT and non‐starved strains. The inability to produce capsule in mutants before and after starvation was likely a general effect of spoT mutation. These data suggest that the spoT‐mediated stringent response is important for K. pneumoniae in conditions of nutrient limitation, environmental stress and antimicrobial pressure.
Pregnancy outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with vedolizumab, anti‐TNF or conventional therapy: results of the European CONCEIVE study
Authors: Moens Annick , van der Woude C. Janneke , Julsgaard Mette , Humblet Evelien , Sheridan Juliette , Baumgart Daniel C. , Gilletta De Saint‐Joseph Cyrielle , Nancey Stéphane , Rahier Jean‐François , Bossuyt Peter , Cremer Anneline , Dewit Sophie , Eriksson Carl , Hoentjen Frank , Krause Thomas , Louis Edouard , Macken Elisabeth , Milenkovic Zoran , Nijs Jochen , Posen Annelies , Van Hootegem Anneleen , Van Moerkercke Wouter , Vermeire Séverine , Bar‐Gil Shitrit Ariella , Ferrante Marc
Published: November 2019

Background

Women with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) often receive biologicals during pregnancy to maintain disease remission. Data on outcome of vedolizumab‐exposed pregnancies (VDZE) are sparse.

Aims

To assess pregnancy and child outcomes of VDZE pregnancies and to compare these results to anti‐TNF exposed (TNFE) or both immunomodulatory and biologic unexposed (CON IBD) pregnancies.

Methods

A retrospective multicentre case‐control observational study was performed.

Results

VDZE group included 79 pregnancies in 73 IBD women. The TNFE and CON IBD group included 186 pregnancies (162 live births) in 164 IBD women and 184 pregnancies (163 live births) in 155 IBD women, respectively. At conception, cases more often had active disease ([VDZE: 36% vs TNFE: 17%, P = .002] and [VDZE: 36% vs CON IBD: 24%, P = .063]). No significant difference in miscarriage rates were found between groups (VDZE and TNFE: 16% vs 13%, P = .567; VDZE and CON IBD: 16% vs 10%, P = .216). In live‐born infants, median gestational age and birthweight were similar between groups. Median Apgar score at birth was numerically equal. Prematurity was similar in the VDZE group compared to the control groups, even when correcting for disease activity during pregnancy. The frequency of congenital anomalies was comparable between groups as were the percentages of breastfed babies. During the first year of life, no malignancies were reported and infants' infection risk did not significantly differ between groups.

Conclusion

No new safety signal was detected in VDZE pregnancies although larger, prospective studies are required for confirmation.
Effects of rice feeding on growth performance and protein (amino acids) metabolism in weanling piglets
Authors: Tasaka Yusuke , Tachihara Kanako , Kagawa Ryutaro , Takada Ryozo
Published: November 2019

We investigated the effects of rice feeding on growth performance and protein (amino acids) metabolism of weanling piglets. In all, 16 weanling piglets with an average initial weight of 7.5 kg were divided into two groups. One group was fed a corn‐soybean meal‐based diet, and the other was fed a rice‐soybean meal diet, containing around 46% of corn or rice, respectively. A two‐week growth trial was conducted. The average daily gain (p = .025) and feed efficiency (p = .011) in rice‐fed piglets were significantly higher than those in corn‐fed piglets. Liver lysine‐ketoglutarate reductase activity tended to be lower (p = .073) in rice‐fed piglets than in corn‐fed piglets. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration in rice‐fed piglets was significantly lower than that in corn‐fed piglets. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were significantly higher in rice‐fed piglets than in corn‐fed piglets. Plasma‐free valine, isoleucine, and tryptophan concentrations were significantly higher in rice‐fed piglets than in corn‐fed piglets. In contrast, plasma histidine concentration was significantly lower in rice‐fed piglets than in corn‐fed piglets. Overall, these results show that rice feeding improves the growth performance and affects the protein (amino acids) metabolism in weanling piglets.