bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incentives and monitoring: impact on the financial and non-financial orientation of capital budgeting
Authors: Turner Michael J. , Coote Leonard V.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

While investment decisions may be financial decisions, there is a growing recognition that they are also often non-financially based decisions. The purpose of this study is to report findings focused on the project selection stage of capital budgeting, which has the objectives of exploring for: the relative degree of emphasis decision makers attach to a financial and non-financial orientation in capital budgeting; and the role, if any, that two agency theory variables have on the relative degree of emphasis: a personal incentive for project go-ahead and monitoring of project outcomes through a post-audit.

Design/methodology/approach

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are used and framed in a between-subjects 2 (personal incentive) × 2 (monitoring) design. DCEs are well-suited to research questions which examine some tension between competing alternatives. For example, trade-offs involving the relative degree of emphasis decision makers attach to a financial and non-financial orientation in capital budgeting.

Findings

In the absence of a personal incentive and monitoring, decision makers attach a significant degree of emphasis to cash inflows and cash outflows, both financial factors, and one strategic non-financial factor being improvement in the position of the firmvis-à-viscompetitors in capital budgeting. However, when decision makers receive a personal incentive from project go-ahead, they attach a lower degree of emphasis to cash outflows. Alternatively, when there is monitoring through a post-audit and a personal incentive, decision makers attach a higher degree of emphasis to cash outflows.

Practical implications

Decision makers attach a significant degree of emphasis to only a relatively narrow band of attributes in making a capital budgeting decision, which is true in both the absence of and in the presence of the agency conditions. There is also little support for the view that there is any higher degree of emphasis attached to a financial orientationvis-à-visa non-financial orientation. A particularly important finding relates to the overarching goal of monitoring through a post-audit. One view is that it should foster more accurate forecasting by making forecasters aware that their efforts will be reviewed. However, the findings of this study appear to be more supportive of a view that post-audits might lead agents to become more conservative or even shy away from projects.

Originality/value

The study makes contributions to the growing field of research which has the objective of exploring for the relative degree of emphasis decision makers attach to a financial and non-financial orientation in capital budgeting. In particular, it extends the prior research through its investigation of the role that two agency theory variables play in the relative degree of emphasis decision makers attach to a financial and non-financial orientation: a personal incentive for project go-ahead and monitoring of project outcomes through a post-audit.
Timely reporting and family ownership: the Portuguese case
Authors: Lourenço Isabel Costa , Branco Manuel Castelo , Curto José Dias
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine some factors influencing the timeliness of corporate financial reporting in Portugal, highlighting the differences between publicly listed family firms and nonfamily firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis is used to analyse some factors which influence the timeliness of corporate financial reporting.

Findings

Findings indicate that Portuguese listed family firms are more likely to promptly report their annual financial statements, when compared to non-family firms.

Originality/value

Exploring a hitherto unexplored aspect of accounting quality in family firms, the timeliness of financial reporting.
Patient’s behavioral intention: public and private hospitals context
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Sabbir , Mannan Mahafuz , Hossain Md Afnan , Zaman Mahmud Habib
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine patient’s behavioral intention in a comparative analysis between public and private hospitals in the context of a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was cross-sectional. A conceptual model was developed through an extensive literature review. Survey research was conducted to collect the data from the patients of public and private hospitals of Bangladesh. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to perform a comparative analysis of the proposed model.

Findings

Perceived service quality and corporate image both were found to have a positive direct effect on patient’s behavioral intention for both public and private hospitals. While emotional satisfaction was found not to influence patient’s behavioral intention for public hospitals, it was found to fully mediate the perceived service quality-behavioral intention relationship and partially mediate the corporate image-behavioral intention relationship for private hospitals. Experience economy was found to partially mediate the corporate image-behavioral intention relationship for public hospitals, while it was found to partially mediate both the perceived service quality-behavioral intention and corporate image-behavioral intention relationships for private hospitals.

Originality/value

This is the first of a kind study that combined experience economy and emotional satisfaction with perceived service quality and corporate image to predict patient’s behavioral intention in a comparative study between public and private hospitals in the context of a developing country.
Transformation to self-managing teams: lessons learned
Authors: Renkema Maarten , Bondarouk Tanya , Bos-Nehles Anna
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Although self-management is not a new phenomenon, there is a lack of understanding about how to transform organizations towards self-managing teams (SMTs). The purpose of this paper is to propose a guiding framework for how the empowerment process can be managed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets out 12 guidelines on how to address the transition towards SMTs based on a case study at a large Dutch healthcare organization. The lessons are drawn from observations, documents and more than 55 interviews with key informants.

Findings

This paper provides a holistic overview of lessons learned from the transformation process towards SMTs. The 12 recommendations are targeted at four stakeholder groups, namely, the management/board, HRM department, coach-managers and members of the SMTs.

Originality/value

The originality lies in the systematic approach including lessons learned for all levels of the organization.
Mindfulness in the workplace
Authors: Karlin David S.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study aims to explore how a New Jersey-based, national vision insurance company and a Pennsylvania pharmacy benefits manager have incorporated mindfulness into the workplace. National Vision Administrators (NVA) and BeneCard PBF offer mindfulness to all employees, which has markedly improved productivity and morale, created empathy and stronger teamwork. The practice of mindfulness has been known to enhance results, decision-making skills and empower individuals to thrive under pressure both inside and out of the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the benefit of a daily or weekly mindfulness practice, NVA tapped Free Form Minds, a training consultancy specializing in mindfulness, to conduct a series of group trainings and one-on-one sessions. To ensure optimal success and results, Fee Form Minds customized its programs for the companies and individuals they worked with.

Findings

The findings show team members have reported feeling more energized, with increased levels of concentration and decreased tendency of procrastination. Practicing employees found themselves regularly surpassing their goals while also allowing them to be more present with their families and less stressed at home.

Originality/value

The practice of mindfulness can help employees reduce stress and be more effective and focused. When utilizing this tool, ongoing, they are more likely to capitalize on their strengths and better handle stress. Incorporating the practice of mindfulness into NVA and BeneCard PBF has created a greater sense of community among employees leading to a more cohesive and happier work environment. Mindfulness has allowed individuals to be more focused, less impacted by stressors and improve both their professional and personal lives.
Building a global training initiative fit for KONE’s diverse workforce
Authors: Caine Samantha
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Business Linked Teams was tasked with creating a training programme for KONE to transform sales people in various markets to communicate value, differentiate the organisation from its competitors, improve margins and increase orders.

Design/methodology/approach

Business Linked Teams developed a global solution that is adaptable to local market conditions with case studies, activities and role plays and further course materials developed specifically for each respective front line of sales staff. The programme was also developed to run in multiple languages. The solution comprises two modules that are run approximately six months apart, supported by online learning elements.

Findings

In the UK, the results nine months post-training were that 72 participants had identified £11,463,378 worth of orders achieved as a result of the skills and processes they were able to use after the training, with £5,044,942 of future orders in the pipeline.

Originality/value

Business Linked Teams created an original training programme that was tailored to the unique needs of KONE. Each training programme that was created was designed to meet the specific goals of the organisation to ensure that the most effective route possible is taken and to maximise uptake of learning once the programmes have ended.
Managers and organizational forgetting: a synthesis
Authors: Mariano Stefania , Casey Andrea , Olivera Fernando
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate how managers influence accidental and intentional organizational forgetting, i.e. knowledge depreciation, knowledge loss and unlearning.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature was reviewed based on predetermined search terms to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English and available in full-text format from the EBSCOhost and Google Scholar databases. Empirical and theoretical contributions were included. Additional articles, books and book chapters were manually selected and included based on recent reviews and syntheses of organizational forgetting work.

Findings

Findings revealed that managers contributed to preventing accidental knowledge depreciation and loss and preserving organizational memory. With respect to intentional forgetting, findings revealed contradictory positions: on the one hand, managers contributed to the disbandment of existing beliefs and frames of reference, but on the other hand, they preserved existing knowledge and power structures.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by the accessibility of subscribed journals and databases, research scope and time span.

Practical implications

This paper provides useful guidelines to managers who need to reduce the disruptive effects of accidental forgetting or plan intentional forgetting, i.e. managed unlearning.

Originality/value

This paper represents a first attempt to review and define the influence of managers on organizational forgetting.
Young Arab consumers: an analysis of family buying process in Oman
Authors: Chaudhary Monica , Ghouse Suhail M. , Durrah Omar
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Young children, often called as teenagers (13-14 years) and tweenaged (8-12 years), are the new potential game changers for the big corporate. This paper aims to analyze Arab children’s influence for various products and services and across different buying process stages. The primary survey was conducted to capture a child’s role in family decision-making by analyzing their consumer socialization, influencing strategies and their influence across various products and buying stages.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the review and the research gap, a bilingual questionnaire in English and Arabic language was developed. The research study was organized in three stages. It commenced with a pilot study conducted with ten school students in the age group of 8-10 years. The second stage involved contact with the schools by telephone to brief them on the purpose of the study and to request the participation of their students. The last stage was based on the survey conducted in the time period of September-November 2016-17.

Findings

Almost 25 per cent of the children surveyed prefer to buy stationary and books after discussing with their parents. On the other hand, food/beverage is one particular item where children go ahead and buy theses item themselves even without discussing with their parents (42.50 per cent of the total respondents). As per children’s perception, they are most influential in the final decision stage (mean = 1.84 and SD = 0.499), followed by search and evaluation stage (mean = 1.80 and SD = 0.441) and start stage (mean = 1.79 and SD = 0.488).

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed in Arab countries, especially with parents of different social status, as their shopping behaviour is expected to differ. Also, as this analysis is based on child’s perception, parents’ views must also be analyzed for better results.

Practical implications

The is the first-of-its-kind research in the Gulf region. This empirical research highlights the need for global marketers to understand the distinct features and identity of a young Arab consumer. Despite Oman being a very traditional culture which emphasizes on conformity to group norms and social acceptance and hence confirms to collectivistic culture, where kids are supposed to be obedient, there is this new wave of super energetic, more informed young kids who take their own consumer decisions.

Originality/value

After going through the extensive literature review of different countries/cultures, there has been very clear understanding that despite being an important family member, almost no research has been focussed on kids in gulf nations.
Young consumers in fast food restaurants: technology, toys and family time
Authors: Kellershohn Julie , Walley Keith , West Bettina , Vriesekoop Frank
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to further our understanding of in-restaurant family behaviors using an ethnographic study of families with children (at least one child from 2 to 12 years old) dining in fast food restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes an unobtrusive, direct observational study of family fast food restaurant behaviour, including use of mobile technology, toys and indoor play area. Ordering and dining behaviours include field notes and enumeration of activity times for 300 families (450 children).

Findings

The food ordering process was rapid (<6 min), during which personal technology use was minimal, and adult/child interactions were perfunctory. Visits averaged 53 min, and only 18 min on average was spent eating. Families were observed using the fast food restaurant as a “third place” (home away from home) for many activities other than eating food. In-restaurant family behaviours included frequent use of technology (40 per cent of children/ 70 per cent of adults), use of the indoor play area (65 per cent of children/ 33 min of play) and child engagement with a toy (53 per cent of children/10 min of play).

Originality/value

Studying how time is spent in fast food restaurants expands the knowledge of current family eating behaviours and how young consumers behave in restaurants (i.e. with restaurant-provided activities, toys and indoor play spaces). Shifts in dining practices, from the intrusion of technology during the meal (technoference) to a decline in the use of restaurant-provided toys were noted. Dining visits now include many non-food activities, and the dining time in the restaurant was not a time for extensive family conversations or interactions, but rather a public home away from home.
Conceptualising ‘materialities of care’: making visible mundane material culture in health and social care contexts
Authors: Buse Christina , Martin Daryl , Nettleton Sarah
Published: February 2018

‘Materialities of care’ is outlined as a heuristic device for making visible the mundane and often unnoticed aspects of material culture within health and social care contexts, and exploring interrelations between materials and care in practice. Three analytic strands inherent to the concept are delineated: spatialities of care, temporalities of care and practices of care. These interconnecting themes span the articles in this special issue. The articles explore material practice across a range of clinical and non‐clinical spaces, including hospitals, hospices, care homes, museums, domestic spaces, and community spaces such as shops and tenement stairwells. The collection addresses fleeting moments of care, as well as choreographed routines that order bodies and materials. Throughout there is a focus on practice, and relations between materials and care as ongoing, emergent and processual. We conclude by reflecting on methodological approaches for examining ‘materialities of care’, and offer some thoughts as to how this analytic approach might be applied to future research within the sociology of health and illness.
Review article: Managing medical emergencies in rural Australia: A systematic review of the training needs
Authors: Pandit Tarsh , Ray Robin , Sabesan Sabe
Published: February 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the training needs of doctors managing emergencies in rural and remote Australia. A systematic review of Australian articles was performed using MEDLINE (OVID) and INFORMIT online databases from 1990 to 2016. The search terms included ‘Rural Health’, ‘Emergency Medicine’, ‘Emergency Medical Services’, ‘Education, Medical, Continuing’ and ‘Family Practice’. Only peer‐reviewed articles, available in full‐text that focussed on the training needs of rural doctors were reviewed. Data was extracted using pre‐defined fields such as date of data collection, number of participants, characteristics of participants, location and study findings. A total of eight studies published from 1998 to 2006 were found to be suitable for inclusion in the analysis. Six studies cited the results of self‐reported questionnaires and surveys, one used a telephone questionnaire on a hypothetical patient and one utilised a theoretical examination. The studies found a significant proportion of participants wanted more emergency training. Junior rural doctors were found to have deficiencies in knowledge about stroke. Emergency skills doctors wanted more training including: emergency ultrasound, paediatric/neonatal procedures and cricothyroidotomy. However, many of the studies were performed by training providers that may benefit from deficient results. Given that the data was over 10 years old and that advances have been made in knowledge, training opportunities and technology, the implications for current training needs of rural doctors in Australia could not be accurately assessed. Thus there is a need for further research to identify current training needs.
Octopamine modulates the activity of motoneurons related to calling behavior in the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar
Authors: Solari Paolo , Sollai Giorgia , Masala Carla , Maccioni Riccardo , Crnjar Roberto , Liscia Anna
Published: February 2018

A morphofunctional investigation of the different neuronal subpopulations projecting through each of the nerves IV–VI emerging bilaterally from the terminal abdominal ganglion (TAG) was correlated with the octopaminergic activity in the ganglion that controls the ovipositor movements associated with calling behavior in the female gypsy moth Lymantria dispar. Tetramethylrodamine‐dextran backfills from nerve stumps resulted in a relatively low number of TAG projections, ranging from 12 to 13 for nerve pair IV, 12 to 14 for nerve pair V, and 8 to 9 for nerve pair VI. Furthermore, as assessed by electrophysiological recordings, a number of fibers within each of these nerves displays spontaneous tonic activity, also when the ganglion is fully disconnected from the ventral nerve cord (VNC). Octopamine (OA) applications to the TAG strongly enhanced the activity of these nerves, either by increasing the firing rate of a number of spontaneously firing units or by recruiting new ones. This octopaminergic activity affected calling behavior, and specifically the muscle activity leading to cycling extensions of the intersegmental membrane (IM) between segments VIII and IX (ovipositor). Our results indicate that in the female gypsy moth the octopaminergic neural activity of the TAG is coupled with extensions and retractions of IM for the purpose of releasing pheromone, where motor units innervated by nerve pair IV appear antagonistic with respect to those innervated by nerve pair V.
Predictors of parental discretionary choice provision using the health action process approach framework: Development and validation of a self‐reported questionnaire for parents of 4–7‐year‐olds
Authors: Johnson Brittany J. , Zarnowiecki Dorota , Hendrie Gilly A. , Golley Rebecca K.
Published: February 2018

Aim

Children's intake of discretionary choices is excessive. This study aimed to develop a questionnaire measuring parents’ attitudes and beliefs towards limiting provision of discretionary choices, using the Health Action Process Approach model.

Methods

The questionnaire items were informed by the Health Action Process Approach model, which extends the Theory of Planned Behaviour to include both motivational (intention) and volitional (post‐intention) factors that influence behaviour change. The questionnaire was piloted for content and face validity (expert panel, n = 5; parents, n = 4). Construct and predictive validity were examined in a sample of 178 parents of 4–7‐year‐old children who completed the questionnaire online. Statistical analyses included exploratory factor analyses, Cronbach's alpha and multiple linear regression.

Results

Pilot testing supported content and face validity. Principal component analyses identified constructs that aligned with the eight constructs of the Health Action Process Approach model. Internal consistencies were high for all subscales, in both the motivational (Cronbach's alpha 0.77–0.88) and volitional phase (Cronbach's alpha 0.85–0.92).

Conclusions

Initial results from validation tests support the development of a new questionnaire for measuring parent attitudes and beliefs regarding provision of discretionary choices to their 4–7‐year‐old children within the home. This new questionnaire can be used to gain greater insight into parents’ attitudes and beliefs that influence ability to limit discretionary choices provision to children. Further research to expand understanding of the questionnaires’ psychometric properties would be valuable, including confirmatory factor analysis and reproducibility.
A Consensus Model: Shifting assessment practices in dietetics tertiary education
Authors: Bacon Rachel , Kellett Jane , Dart Janeane , Knight‐Agarwal Cathy , Mete Rebecca , Ash Susan , Palermo Claire
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this research was to evaluate a Consensus Model for competency‐based assessment.

Methods

An evaluative case study was used to allow a holistic examination of a constructivist‐interpretivist programmatic model of assessment. Using a modified Delphi process, the competence of all 29 students enrolled in their final year of a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics course was assessed by a panel (with expertise in competency‐based assessment; industry and academic representation) from a course e‐portfolio (that included the judgements of student performance made by worksite educators) and a panel interview. Data were triangulated with assessments from a capstone internship. Qualitative descriptive studies with worksite educators (focus groups n = 4, n = 5, n = 8) and students (personal interviews n = 29) explored stakeholder experiences analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Panel consensus was achieved for all cases by the third‐round and corroborated by internship outcomes. For 34% of students this differed to the ‘interpretations’ of their performance made by their worksite educator/s. Emerging qualitative themes from stakeholder data found the model: (i) supported sustainable assessment practices; (ii) shifted the power relationship between students and worksite educators and (iii) provided a fair method to assess competence. To maximise benefits, more refinement, resources and training are required.

Conclusions

This research questions competency‐based assessment practices based on discrete placement units and supports a constructivist–interpretivist programmatic approach where evidence across a whole course of study is considered by a panel of assessors.
Development of Portable Flow‐Through Electrochemical Sanitizing Unit to Generate Near Neutral Electrolyzed Water
Authors: Zhang Jufang , Yang Hongshun , Chan Joel Zhi Yang
Published: February 2018

We developed a portable flow‐through, electrochemical sanitizing unit to produce near neutral pH electrolyzed water (producing NEW). Two methods of redirecting cathode yields back to the anode chamber and redirecting anode yields the cathode chamber were used. The NEW yields were evaluated, including: free available chlorine (FAC), oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP), and pH. The performances of 2 electrodes (RuO2‐IrO2/TiO2 and IrO2‐Ta2O5/TiO2) were investigated. The unit produced NEW at pH 6.46 to 7.17, an ORP of 805.5 to 895.8 mV, and FAC of 3.7 to 82.0 mg/L. The NEW produced by redirecting cathode yields had stronger bactericidal effects than the NEW produced by redirecting anode yields or NEW produced by mixing the commercial unit's anode and cathode product (P < 0.05). Electron spin resonance results showed hydroxyl free radicals and superoxide anion free radicals were present in the NEW produced by developed unit. The NEW generator is a promising sanitizing unit for consumers and the food industry to control foodborne pathogens.

Practical Application

Current commercial NEW‐producing units are quite large and are not convenient for family using. The developed portable flow‐through, NEW‐producing unit has great potential in a wide range of applications, such as organic farm, households, and small food industries. The examined sanitizing treatments showed effective control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes.
HER3 expression is enhanced during progression of lung adenocarcinoma without EGFR mutation from stage 0 to IA1
Authors: Kumagai Toru , Tomita Yasuhiko , Nakatsuka Shin‐ichi , Kimura Madoka , Kunimasa Kei , Inoue Takako , Tamiya Motohiro , Nishino Kazumi , Susaki Yoshiyuki , Kusu Takashi , Tokunaga Toshiteru , Okami Jiro , Higashiyama Masahiko , Imamura Fumio
Published: February 2018

Background

Activating EGFR mutations, HER2, and HER3 are implicated in lung cancer; however, with the exception of EGFR gene amplification in lung adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR mutations, their involvement in disease progression during the early stages is poorly understood. In this paper, we focused on which receptor is correlated with lung adenocarcinoma progression in the presence or absence of EGFR mutation from stage 0 to IA1.

Methods

HER2 and HER3 expression and activating EGFR mutations in surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma exhibiting ground glass nodules on chest computed tomography and re‐classified to stage 0 and IA1 were examined by immunohistochemistry and peptide nucleic acid‐locked nucleic acid PCR clamp method, respectively.

Results

HER2 and HER3 expression was detected in 22.2% and 86.1% of samples, respectively. The frequency of EGFR mutation was 45.7% and was not significantly different between stage 0 and IA1 (40.0% and 48.0%, respectively), suggesting that EGFR mutation does not correlate with cancer progression from stage 0 to IA1. HER2 expression also did not correlate to progression. However, not only the frequency, but also the intensity of HER3 expression was increased in stage IA1 lung adenocarcinoma, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma without EGFR mutation.

Conclusion

HER3 tends to be intensively expressed during the progression of lung adenocarcinoma without EGFR mutation from carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma.
Dryland management regimes alter forest habitats and understory arthropod communities
Authors: Johnson S.N. , Lopaticki G. , Aslam T.J. , Barnett K. , Frew A. , Hartley S.E. , Hiltpold I. , Nielsen U.N. , Ryalls J.M.W.
Published: February 2018

Dryland forests, those characterised as having low precipitation and soil nutrients, account for over a quarter of forests globally. Increasing their productivity often relies on irrigation and fertilisation, but the impacts on the wider habitat are largely unknown. Understory invertebrates, in particular, play key roles in forest systems (e.g. nutrient cycling), but their responses to dryland forest management practices are untested. We investigated the impacts of irrigation, fertilisation and a combination of both on soil chemistry, understory vegetation, tree growth and understory arthropod communities in aEucalyptusplantation to establish linkages between dryland management and ecosystem responses. Fertilisation increased all soil nutrients (N, NO3N, P and K) with similar effects on the chemical composition of understory grasses. Fertilisation also caused declines in foliar silicon concentrations, an important herbivore defence in grasses. Irrigation increased growth of both understory plants (+90%) and trees (+68%). Irrigation increased the abundance of ground‐dwelling arthropods by over 480% relative to control plots, but depressed higher level taxon arthropod diversity by 15%, declining by a further 7% (−22%) in combined treatment plots. Irrigation also caused a surge in the abundance of Collembola (+1300%) and Isopoda (+323%). Fertilisation drove increases in the abundance of Isopoda (+196%) and Diptera (+63%), whereas fertilisation combined with irrigation increased populations of Thysanoptera (+166%) and Acarina (+328%). Airborne arthropods were less affected, but fertilisation increased the abundance of Apocrita (+95%) and depressed populations of Thysanoptera (−77%). Diptera abundance was positively related to understory vegetation growth, whereas the abundance of other groups (Collembola, Isopoda, Thysanoptera and Acarina) correlated positively with tree growth. We proposed that the large increases in populations of key detritivores, Collembola and Isopoda, were linked to increased leaf litter from enhanced tree growth in irrigated and combined treatment plots. Our findings suggest that dryland management can increase both plant productivity and abundance of arthropods, but cause arthropod diversity at the higher taxon level to decline overall.
Beyond Abstinence: Changes in Indices of Quality of Life with Time in Recovery in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults
Authors: Kelly John F. , Greene M. Claire , Bergman Brandon G.
Published: February 2018

Background

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and recovery research typically have focused narrowly on changes in alcohol/drug use (e.g., “percent days abstinent”) with little attention on changes in functioning or well‐being. Furthermore, little is known about whether and when such changes may occur, and for whom, as people progress in recovery. Greater knowledge would improve understanding of recovery milestones and points of vulnerability and growth.

Methods

National, probability‐based, cross‐sectional sample of U.S. adults who screened positive to the question, “Did you used to have a problem with alcohol or drugs but no longer do?” (Response = 63.4% from 39,809; final weighted sample n = 2,002). Linear, spline, and quadratic regressions tested relationships between time in recovery and 5 measures of well‐being: quality of life, happiness, self‐esteem, recovery capital, and psychological distress, over 2 temporal horizons: the first 40 years and the first 5 years, after resolving an AOD problem and tested moderators (sex, race, primary substance) of effects. Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing regression was used to explore turning points.

Results

In general, in the 40‐year horizon there were initially steep increases in indices of well‐being (and steep drops in distress), during the first 6 years, followed by shallower increases. In the 5‐year horizon, significant drops in self‐esteem and happiness were observed initially during the first year followed by increases. Moderator analyses examining primary substance found that compared to alcohol and cannabis, those with opioid or other drugs (e.g., stimulants) had substantially lower recovery capital in the early years; mixed race/native Americans tended to exhibit poorer well‐being compared to White people; and women consistently reported lower indices of well‐being over time than men.

Conclusions

Recovery from AOD problems is associated with dynamic monotonic improvements in indices of well‐being with the exception of the first year where self‐esteem and happiness initially decrease, before improving. In early recovery, women, certain racial/ethnic groups, and those suffering from opioid and stimulant‐related problems appear to face ongoing challenges that suggest a need for greater assistance.
Radiographic measurements of the hindlimbs in crab‐eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Castilho M. S. , Rahal S. C. , Mamprim M. J. , Inamassu L. R. , Melchert A. , Agostinho F. S. , Mesquita L. R. , Teixeira R. H. F. , Teixeira C. R.
Published: February 2018

Life expectancy of crab‐eating foxes in captivity is approximately 11 years, which favours the development of diseases including orthopaedic disorders. However, to understand disorders that may affect these animals, it is worth determining a normal range of measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements of joint angles of the hindlimbs and the ratio of patellar ligament length to patellar length in healthy crab‐eating foxes. Fifteen captive crab‐eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), eight males and seven females, aged more than 1 year old, weighing 5.5–7.9 kg were used. Anatomic and mechanical femoral joint angles were assessed in ventrodorsal radiographic views, and mediolateral views were taken to measure patellar ligament length and patellar length, and the tibial plateau angle. The right and left hindlimbs were evaluated. All measurements were conducted in triplicate by the same investigator. No statistically significant differences were observed between sides in the radiographic measurements. The anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle and the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 95.43° and 92.75°, respectively. The mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle and the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 93.39° and 96.75°, respectively. Inclination angles measured according to the Tomlinson, Hauptman A and Hauptman B methods were 133.80°, 147.32° and 128.63°, respectively. The tibial plateau recorded 18.77°, and the ratio of the patellar ligament length to the patellar length was 1.99. In conclusion, the collected data are important to characterize the normal values of crab‐eating fox limbs.
Leptomeningeal enhancement on preoperative brain MRI in patients with glioblastoma and its clinical impact
Authors: Kim Hakyoung , Lim Do Hoon , Kim Tae Gyu , Lee Jung‐Il , Nam Do‐Hyun , Seol Ho Jun , Kong Doo‐Sik , Choi Jung Won , Suh Yeon‐Lim , Kim Sung Tae
Published: February 2018

Aim

Leptomeningeal enhancement (LME) on preoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not always indicate leptomeningeal seeding (LMS). With Stupp's regimen, authors have treated glioblastoma patients with LME on preoperative brain MRI but here we tried to find the clinical impact of LME.

Methods

From 2005 to 2015, 290 patients with glioblastoma have been treated with Stupp's regimen at Samsung Medical Center. Among these, 33 patients showed LME on preoperative brain MRI. We compared the clinical outcomes between the patients with or without LME on preoperative brain MRI and analyzed the clinical results according to changes of LME at following MRI.

Results

The median survival was 23 months, and 2‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rate was 46.3% and 19.6%, respectively. Prognostic factors for OS and DFS were Karnofsky performance status, extent of resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. MGMT promoter methylation status was a significant prognostic factor for DFS. However, LME was not a significant prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.156) or DFS (P = 0.193). Among the 33 patients with LME on preoperative MRI, 21 (63.6%) showed persistent LME at the next MRI. A statistically significant difference in 2‐year survival was evident between patients with and without persistent LME (OS, 17.3% and 70.1%, respectively, P = 0.044; DFS, 5.3% and 54.0%, respectively, P = 0.006). The most common pattern of failure was local recurrence. However, patients with persistent LME displayed a higher incidence of LMS than patients without LME.

Conclusion

LME on preoperative brain MRI did not affect the clinical results in glioblastoma patients treated with the Stupp's regimen. However, persistence of LME was associated with poor survival and high possibility of LMS. For these patients, the postoperative adjuvant treatment should focus on palliative aim or more aggressive treatment scheme should be followed to overcome the disastrous results.
Impacts of a mineral lick‐centred land use system on woody vegetation cover in an East African Savannah
Authors: Teka Habtamu , Madakadze I.C. , Hassen Abubeker , Angassa Ayana , Mussa Mohammed
Published: February 2018

Evaluation of woody vegetation changes with distance from a salt crater was conducted in the semi‐arid rangelands of southern Ethiopia. Data on live woody plants were collected over three seasons at 0, 1, 4, 6, 9 and 12 km from the salt crater. The density and diversity of woody plants differed significantly (p < .01) along the distance gradient. Six woody plant families were identified of which Fabaceae and Burseraceae were the dominant families. Acacia drepanolobium, Acacia nilotica, Commiphora africana and Acacia mellifera were among the severely encroaching woody species. There were high proportions of seedlings and saplings recorded closer to the salt crater showing a vigorous recruitment by woody plants. Woody plant encroachment along the 12‐km transect ranged from a low to severe encroachment, which could be translated into poor rangeland condition. Changes in soil characteristics increased grazing pressure and sedentary settlement around the salt crater, and the breakdown of traditional institutions seems to be major contributing factors to these vegetation changes. We suggest that severely encroached areas could be improved through a combination of methods such as bush clearing, prescribed fire, browsing animals and proper grazing management.
In Vitro Evaluation of ECG‐Synchronized Pulsatile Flow Using the i‐cor Diagonal Pump in Neonatal and Pediatric ECLS Systems
Authors: Moroi Morgan , Force Madison , Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif
Published: February 2018

The objective was to assess the i‐cor electrocardiogram‐synchronized diagonal pump in terms of hemodynamic energy properties for off‐label use in neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuits. The neonatal circuit consisted of an i‐cor pump and console, a Medos Hilite 800 LT oxygenator, an 8Fr arterial cannula, a 10Fr venous cannula, 91 cm of 0.6‐cm ID arterial tubing, and 91 cm of 0.6‐cm ID venous tubing. The pediatric circuit was identical except it included a 12Fr arterial cannula, a 14Fr venous cannula, and a Medos Hilite 2400 LT oxygenator. Neonatal trials were conducted at 36°C with hematocrit 40% using varying flow rates (200–600 mL/min, 200 mL increments) and postarterial cannula pressures (40–100 mm Hg, 20 mm Hg increments) under nonpulsatile mode and pulsatile mode with various pulsatile amplitudes (1000–4000 rpm, 1000 rpm increments). Pediatric trials were conducted at different flow rates (800–1600 mL/min, 400 mL/min increments). Mean pressure and energy equivalent pressure increased with increasing postarterial cannula pressure, flow rate, and pulsatile amplitude. Physiologic‐like pulsatility was achieved between pulsatile amplitudes of 2000–3000 rpm. Pressure drops were greatest across the arterial cannula. Pulsatile flow generated significantly higher total hemodynamic energy (THE) levels than nonpulsatile flow. THE levels at postarterial cannula site increased with increasing postarterial cannula pressure, pulsatile amplitude, and flow rate. No surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) was generated under nonpulsatile mode. Under pulsatile mode, preoxygenator SHE increased with increasing postarterial cannula pressure and pulsatile amplitude, but decreased with increasing flow rate. The i‐cor system can provide nonpulsatile and pulsatile flow for neonatal and pediatric ECLS. Pulsatile amplitudes of 2000–3000 rpm are recommended for use in neonatal and pediatric patients.
Expressive suppression is associated with state paranoia in psychosis: An experience sampling study on the association between adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and paranoia
Authors: Nittel Clara Marie , Lincoln Tania Marie , Lamster Fabian , Leube Dirk , Rief Winfried , Kircher Tilo , Mehl Stephanie
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Although emotional instability and problems in emotion regulation (ER) are known to be linked to the formation and maintenance of psychosis and paranoia, it remains unclear whether the use of specific ER strategies is associated with it. The first aim of the study was to explore the association between emotional instability and paranoia. The second and third aims were to investigate whether the use of maladaptive ER strategies leads to paranoia in patients with psychosis in daily life and whether the use of more adaptive ER strategies reduces paranoia.

Design

A prospective momentary assessment study over the course of 6 days was performed.

Method

Participants with psychosis (n = 32) reported repeatedly over six consecutive days on the presence and instability of positive and negative emotions, their use of adaptive (reappraisal, acceptance, distraction, social sharing, reflection) and maladaptive ER strategies (rumination, expressive suppression) and momentary paranoia in their daily life.

Results

Hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that patients with psychosis who presented pronounced instability of negative emotions showed more severe levels of state paranoia. In addition, patients with psychosis who used expressive suppression when confronted with negative emotions at one point in time presented more pronounced levels of state paranoia at the following point in time.

Conclusion

The results presented here suggest that both emotional instability and the use of expressive suppression might cause state paranoia and thus add to our understanding of causal mechanisms related to paranoia such as instability of negative emotions and the use of less adaptive ER strategies.

Practitioner points

Maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and more pronounced instability of negative emotions are relevant to paranoia in patients with psychosis and should be a special focus of CBTp interventions.

Future interventions designed for patients suffering from paranoia should promote coping with unstable negative emotions and replacing or reducing maladaptive emotion regulation strategies with adaptive ones.
Perceptual experience shapes our ability to categorize faces by national origin: A new other‐race effect
Authors: Thorup Bianca , Crookes Kate , Chang Paul P. W. , Burton Nichola , Pond Stephen , Li Tze Kwan , Hsiao Janet , Rhodes Gillian
Published: February 2018

People are better at recognizing own‐race than other‐race faces. This other‐race effect has been argued to be the result of perceptual expertise, whereby face‐specific perceptual mechanisms are tuned through experience. We designed new tasks to determine whether other‐race effects extend to categorizing faces by national origin. We began by selecting sets of face stimuli for these tasks that are typical in appearance for each of six nations (three Caucasian, three Asian) according to people from those nations (Study 1). Caucasian and Asian participants then categorized these faces by national origin (Study 2). Own‐race faces were categorized more accurately than other‐race faces. In contrast, Asian American participants, with more extensive other‐race experience than the first Asian group, categorized other‐race faces better than own‐race faces, demonstrating a reversal of the other‐race effect. Therefore, other‐race effects extend to the ability to categorize faces by national origin, but only if participants have greater perceptual experience with own‐race, than other‐race faces. Study 3 ruled out non‐perceptual accounts by showing that Caucasian and Asian faces were sorted more accurately by own‐race than other‐race participants, even in a sorting task without any explicit labelling required. Together, our results demonstrate a new other‐race effect in sensitivity to national origin of faces that is linked to perceptual expertise.
How good are ideas identified by an automatic idea detection system?
Authors: Christensen Kasper , Scholderer Joachim , Hersleth Stine Alm , Næs Tormod , Kvaal Knut , Mollestad Torulf , Veflen Nina , Risvik Einar
Published: February 2018

Online communities can be an attractive source of ideas for product and process innovations. However, innovative user‐contributed ideas may be few. From a perspective of harnessing “big data” for inbound open innovation, the detection of good ideas in online communities is a problem of detecting rare events. Recent advances in text analytics and machine learning have made it possible to screen vast amounts of online information and automatically detect user‐contributed ideas. However, it is still uncertain whether the ideas identified by such systems will also be regarded as sufficiently novel, feasible and valuable by firms who might decide to develop them further. A validation study is reported in which 200 posts from an online home brewing community were extracted by an automatic idea detection system. Two professionals from a brewing company evaluated the posts in terms of idea content, idea novelty, idea feasibility and idea value. The results suggest that the automatic idea detection system is sufficiently valid to be deployed for the harvesting and initial screening of ideas, and that the profile of the identified ideas (in terms of novelty, feasibility and value) follows the same pattern identified in studies of user ideation in general.