bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy pragmatism: Qatar and the global events circuit
Authors: Foley Malcolm , McGillivray David , McPherson Gayle
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to give an interesting insight into the rise in event bidding and delivery of sports mega‐events from Qatar and the Middle East. This paper seeks to examine the shift in government policies and citizen relationships in the Middle East and Gulf Region, focusing on the specific case of Qatar from its staging of the 15th Asian Games in 2006 to present.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with an overview of the main literature on the importance of sport events as a vehicle for securing global profile for cities and nations. The paper draws upon the authors' participation at the 15th Asian Games and interviews conducted there and latterly, desk‐based research involving scrutiny of Qatar's recent policy pronouncements and published materials pertaining to sporting events in the intervening period since the 2006 Games.

Findings

The findings are presented in the form of a case study, using the Asian Games as a starting point and finishing with Qatar's latest bids for sporting mega‐events. The paper presents a conceptual analysis of the situation in Doha and reveals a ten‐year strategy from Qatar to set itself apart from its neighbors in bidding to host mega‐sporting events and in its progress in terms of civil rights for women. This has allowed wider participation in sport and ensured Qatar can bid for the most prestigious global sporting events.

Research limitations/implications

This paper adds to the wider public policy discussion and contributes to the body of knowledge in this area. The authors have written extensively on events policy but believe issues of democracy versus ruling states, emotional bidding and awarding to such states will continue to rise over the coming years and these have significant implications for both event owners in awarding such bids but also for policy makers in legitimizing bidding for such events in this context.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that the currency of awarding events to countries in the Middle East, Africa and South America is politically and socially important and of major interest to both the public and academics at present.
The effect of word of mouth on inbound tourists' decision for traveling to Islamic destinations (the case of Isfahan as a tourist destination in Iran)
Authors: Reza Jalilvand Mohamad , Samiei Neda
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Word of mouth (WOM) is becoming recognized as an important form of promotion and an important source of information influencing consumer's attitudes and purchase behavior. WOM is especially important in the tourism industry, whose intangible products are difficult to evaluate prior to their consumption. The purpose of this paper is to survey the effect of WOM on tourists' decision for travelling to an Islamic destination.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a field research among 224 inbound tourists who have visited Isfahan as an Islamic destination, and the data were analyzed using regression and correlation. Additionally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applicable for the inference relationships between tourist characteristics and using WOM. The survey period was from June 2 to June 29, 2010.

Findings

Two findings have been concluded in this survey. First, WOM affects the decision of tourists for travelling to Isfahan. Second, nationality, gender, purpose of trip, and previous experience of travelling were associated with using WOM among prospective tourists.

Practical implications

Managers should develop complete understanding of WOM and try to stimulate WOM about destinations among tourists, because most tourists are influenced by information from informal sources.

Originality/value

The paper shows that customer‐oriented tourism programs improve the numbers of inbound tourists to a particular destination.
Islamic marketing: insights from a critical perspective
Authors: Jafari Aliakbar
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to encourage a critical dialogue within the realm of Journal of Islamic Marketing. It invites marketing scholars and practitioners working on various topics related to Islam and Muslim societies to adopt fresh theoretical and methodological positions that would enhance the understanding of multiple marketing and market dynamics in Muslim societies.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses a critical approach.

Findings

The author suggests that the advancement of knowledge in the area of Islamic marketing requires reflexivity and self‐critique.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights the constructive value of critical approach to the development of marketing theory and practice.

Originality/value

This paper reflects the author's personal viewpoint on the production of knowledge and improving practice in the realm of Islamic marketing.
Restaurant managers' perspectives on halal certification
Authors: Zannierah Syed Marzuki Sharifah , Hall Collin Michael , Ballantine Paul William
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of restaurant managers toward halal certification.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 33 interview sessions were conducted among restaurant managers in halal certified, halal claimant and non‐halal restaurants and the data were coordinated into common themes.

Findings

Restaurant managers feel that halal certification is very prevalent in the hospitality industry, as it promotes the importance of restaurant managers having knowledge of Muslims' dietary restrictions, sensitivity and religious practices; halal certification signifies that it has some attributes that make it unique and at the same time conforming to the Islamic dietary rules.

Originality/value

This study is very significant as this is the first paper to examine attitudes of restaurant managers in relation to halal certification in Malaysia. It is gathered that very few researches were performed in the hospitality industry pertaining to halal certification, although the demand for halal foods is growing.
Globality and intentionality attribution of animosity
Authors: Abd‐Razak Ili‐Salsabila , Abdul‐Talib Asmat‐Nizam
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the globality and intentionality aspects of consumer boycotts among the Muslim dominant markets around the world through the consumer animosity perspective, to provide better understanding of the issues. Some applied and potential solutions for marketers and policy makers in dealing with the issues are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical definition of consumer boycotts through the consumer animosity perspective is proposed and the relevance of the discussion is considered. The relationships between the globality and intentionality attributions with animosity and consumer boycotts are assessed before strategies to deal with the issues are diagnosed. Seminal works of classic and current consumer boycotts and animosity literature are reviewed in developing the conceptual background of the paper. Further conceptual reflections are stated based on the depicted current events in the market around the world.

Findings

The conceptual discussion revealed that consumer boycotts in the Muslim dominant market and animosity are two related issues worthy being explored. The issues are of the global concern and occurred unintentionally, therefore they could stimulate unexpected outcomes for the marketers and policy makers alike. Nonetheless, several strategies in dealing with the issues are found to be effective in preventing the issues from getting worse. However, the strategies would not work for all entities in all situations. Understanding the root of the issues would be the best solution.

Research limitations/implications

The discussion is limited to conceptual background of the aspects discussed. Further empirical studies would enhance the applicability of the discussions presented.

Practical implications

In order to find strategies to deal with consumer boycotts in the Muslim dominant markets, marketers need to understand the real reason for the events to occur and demonstrate sincere understanding towards the issues. By doing so, consumer boycotts would not obstruct the progress and growth of the international business in general. Looking at the issues from the animosity perspective is a prolific attempt to understand the events.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the relationship between consumer boycotts and animosity in the Muslim dominant markets and offers understanding of the specific events occurrence. The discussion is extended to describe the events' globality and intentionality attribution assessment.
The new wave of transformational Islamic marketing
Authors: Wilson Jonathan A.J.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, to reflect on the subject discipline of Islamic marketing and connecting activities in the Journal of Islamic Marketing. And, second, to capture key discussions and experiences, with the aim of refining definitions and approaches; in order to set a clear vision for scholarship in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

Expert knowledge elicitation from literature, key practitioners and academics, whilst serving on the Editorial Advisory Board; using participant observation methods and the Socratic elenchus. Data were gathered whilst the author presented at conferences and held a series of guest lectures, over a two‐year period in: India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and UK.

Findings

The term “Islamic marketing” is still very new, and reflective of an emergent phenomenon which stretches across the Muslim world and beyond. It draws from established subject disciplines in Business and Management, but also reaches into areas of Islamic studies and other social sciences. Furthermore, its interest and applicability has garnered support from those regardless of any Islamic faith. As such, there are varying perspective and standpoints, which have raised discussions as to how this phenomenon should be defined and understood; and moving forward should be researched and served by practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper gives consideration to a fan of opinions and the challenges faced, as are commonplace with any newly identified phenomenon. In addition, two models are offered as a basis for understanding how research can be undertaken, which has to balance two axes: Islamic studies and marketing; and Heterodoxy and orthodoxy.
Kantian moral psychology and criminal behavior
Authors: White Mark D.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

What leads a person to commit a crime, an act which not only violates moral norms and rules but also what are often considered to be among the most serious legal ones? A wide variety of social scientists, including psychologists, economists, and sociologists, have offered answers to this question. The current paper aims to take a different approach, offering an explanation drawn from the moral psychology of a pre‐eminent philosopher, Immanuel Kant.

Design/methodology/approach

While best known for his duty‐based ethics and the categorical imperative, Kant had a very rich conception of character, strength, and willpower that can inform the understanding of why persons choose to commit criminal acts. This short paper begins with a brief description of Kant's moral psychology, and then surveys a number of topics within the criminal law to which this can be applied, such as normative considerations in criminal penalties, Hart's distinction between internal and external points of view on the law,mens reaand mental illness, how people regard different criminal prohibitions, and how punishment does and should affect people's choice.

Findings

The paper emphasizes the effect of the normative status of criminal laws and penalties on the choice and action of morally imperfect persons, which contrasts with the overly simplistic models of criminal behavior of other social scientists, which are based on calculations of costs and benefits alone.

Originality/value

The paper introduces Kant's rich but little‐known moral psychology into the discussion of criminal psychology, bringing a different angle to topics such as motivation and responsibility that are primary areas of focus for psychologists, criminologists, and philosophers.
Mapping statistics to success on the PGA Tour
Authors: Sen Kabir C.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Although the PGA Tour provides a wide array of statistics, no single measure has successfully been able to predict a player's success during the season, either in terms of earnings per tournament or weighted average scores. The purpose of this paper is to present a metric that attempts to predict annual player rankings based on these two criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The metric is computed from available statistics and attempts to encapsulate a player's unique strengths and weaknesses in a single number.

Findings

Deviations in rankings based on the metric are compared to those based on earnings per event and adjusted scoring averages. The results suggest that in addition to the average annual performance on the greens, the mix of tournaments played and the incidence of heroics or consistency have an important impact on the chances of success on the Tour.

Research limitations/implications

The metric's predictions can be negatively affected if a golfer makes a large proportion of double eagles or double bogies.

Practical implications

The KCS (Key Criterion of Success) metric provides a quick route to succinctly summarizing a golfer's unique strengths and weaknesses in a single number.

Originality/value

Previous literature has mentioned the gap between statistics and success in golf. For the first time, possible reasons behind this divergence are identified in this paper.
Micro and macro level determinants of sport participation
Authors: Wicker Pamela , Hallmann Kirstin , Breuer Christoph
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Sport participation is not exclusively determined by individual socio‐demographic factors (micro level) since infrastructure factors such as the availability of sport facilities and sport programmes (macro level) can also play a role in this regard. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence for these determinants of sport participation using multi‐level analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey among the resident population in the city of Munich was carried out in 2008 (n=11,715). Furthermore, secondary data on the available sport infrastructure in every urban district of Munich (n=25) were collected. Multi‐level analyses were conducted to find the micro and macro level determinants of sport participation.

Findings

The results show that aside from micro level factors, the availability of swimming pools and parks is especially important for residents’ sport activity. Moreover, sport activity in non‐profit sport clubs can be enhanced by both a good supply of sport programmes offered by sport clubs as well as a poor supply of programmes from commercial sport providers and the municipality.

Research limitations/implications

Multi‐level analyses can be recommended for future research on sport participation. The use of GIS data would be fruitful in this regard.

Practical implications

It can be recommended that municipalities invest in the construction of swimming pools and parks.

Originality/value

The paper shows that multi‐level analyses are a relatively new method of analysis for research on sport participation and that they represent the most suitable approach for analysing multi‐level data.
Understanding adolescent sport participation through online social media
Authors: O'Reilly Norm , Berger Ida E. , Hernandez Tony , Parent Milena M. , Seguin Benoit
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the potential role and use of online social media to influence sport participation in youth aged 12 to 17 years by responding to two specific research questions: what is the nature of the online “marketplace” among youth?; and what is the nature of adolescent sport behavior as revealed through activities on online social media?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines and then implements the research methodology of netnography to achieve its purpose. Netnography involves a researcher joining an online forum, e‐tribe or other open‐source social media to observe and record the discussions for analysis.

Findings

The overarching finding is that online discourse related to sport participation among youth is very limited. When discussion does take place, five themes emerge: benefits, advice‐seeking, finding common interests, learning new sports, and challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides impetus for future work in the content area and in the use of the netnography method. It is limited by the lack of online content on the topic area by the target group.

Practical implications

The paper's results provide important understanding, direction and guidance to sport administrators working for government, sport organizations and organizations who market their products and services to youth through sport.

Originality/value

This paper is original in two respects: the use of netnography as the research method in this context, and the focus on social media and sport participation in youth.
Antitumor effect and pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal NK105, a nanomicellar paclitaxel formulation for peritoneal dissemination
Authors: Emoto Shigenobu , Yamaguchi Hironori , Kishikawa Junko , Yamashita Hiroharu , Ishigami Hironori , Kitayama Joji
Published: March 2012

The intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel has been shown to be a promising treatment strategy for peritoneal malignancy. The present study evaluated the effects of intraperitoneal administration of NK105, a paclitaxel‐incorporating micellar nanoparticle, which has been shown to have a remarkable effect in a mouse model of gastric cancer. Intraperitoneal NK105 significantly reduced peritoneal tumors in vivo compared with the conventional paclitaxel formulation of paclitaxel solubilized in Cremophor EL and ethanol (PTX‐Cre). Moreover, intraperitoneal NK105 significantly reduced the size of subcutaneously inoculated tumors, whereas no such effect was seen with PTX‐Cre. Similar systemic toxic effects were observed following the intraperitoneal administration of both NK105 and PTX‐Cre. Although NK105 disappeared rapidly almost within a day from the peritoneal cavity, the paclitaxel concentration in peritoneal nodules 4 h after intraperitoneal administration was significantly higher in the NK105 group than in the PTX‐Cre group (P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences in liver paclitaxel concentrations between the two groups. We also evaluated the pharmacokinetics following intraperitoneal administration of NK105 and PTX‐Cre. Serum paclitaxel concentrations 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the intraperitoneal administration of the drugs were significantly higher in the NK105 than the PTX‐Cre group. Furthermore, the peak serum concentration was higher in the NK105 than PTX‐Cre group (24 100 ± 3560 vs 108 ± 25 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001), as was the area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to 48 h (191 000 ± 32 100 vs 1500 ± 108 ng·h/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Therefore, intraperitoneal chemotherapy with nanoparticulate paclitaxel NK105 may offer a novel treatment strategy for improving drug delivery in gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination because of enhanced drug penetration into peritoneal nodules and its prolonged presence in the systemic circulation. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1304–1310)
Gene expression profiles of phaeochromocytomas with ERBB2 overexpression reveal a new molecular mechanism tumourigenicity
Authors: Qi Yan , Su Tingwei , Zhang Xia , Jiang Yiran , Yuan Wenqi , Wang Weiqing , Cui Bin , Ning Guang
Published: March 2012

Objective

Phaeochromocytomas (PHEO) and functional paragangliomas (PGLs) are catecholamine‐secreting neuroendocrine tumours. Although most PHEO/PGLs are benign, 10–35% present as (or develop into) malignant tumours with a poor prognosis. Overexpression of ERBB2 (v‐erb‐b2 erythroblastic leukaemia viral oncogene homologue 2) has been reported to be associated with malignant PHEO. We used gene expression profiling of PHEO/PGLs to gain a better understanding of the tumourigenic pathways associated with ERBB2.

Methods

We used the Affymetrix Gene Chip U133 Plus 2·0 genome‐wide gene expression cDNA microarray of 18 PHEO/PGLs (12 benign and six malignant, divided into two groups depending on ERBB2 expression levels) to analyse the gene expression patterns.

Results

Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis of transcription profiles of 18 samples identified two dominant expression clusters corresponding to samples belonging to the ERBB2+ and ERBB2− groups. According to the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) databases, the differentially expressed genes were classified into diverse functional categories and signalling pathways. In particular, the focal adhesion signalling pathway showed significant differences between the groups; specifically, the FAK‐Src‐MAPK pathway was prominently activated in the ERBB2+ group.

Conclusions

In summary, ERBB2+ PHEO/PGLs have a distinct expression pattern compared with the ERBB2− group. The focal adhesion signalling pathway may participate in ERBB2‐induced tumourigenesis in PHEO/PGLs.
Context modulates attention to social scenes in toddlers with autism
Authors: Chawarska Katarzyna , Macari Suzanne , Shic Frederick
Published: March 2012

Background:  In typical development, the unfolding of social and communicative skills hinges upon the ability to allocate and sustain attention toward people, a skill present moments after birth. Deficits in social attention have been well documented in autism, though the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

Methods:  In order to parse the factors that are responsible for limited social attention in toddlers with autism, we manipulated the context in which a person appeared in their visual field with regard to the presence of salient social (child‐directed speech and eye contact) and nonsocial (distractor toys) cues for attention. Participants included 13‐ to 25‐month‐old toddlers with autism (autism; n = 54), developmental delay (DD; n = 22), and typical development (TD; n = 48). Their visual responses were recorded with an eye‐tracker.

Results:  In conditions devoid of eye contact and speech, the distribution of attention between key features of the social scene in toddlers with autism was comparable to that in DD and TD controls. However, when explicit dyadic cues were introduced, toddlers with autism showed decreased attention to the entire scene and, when they looked at the scene, they spent less time looking at the speaker’s face and monitoring her lip movements than the control groups. In toddlers with autism, decreased time spent exploring the entire scene was associated with increased symptom severity and lower nonverbal functioning; atypical language profiles were associated with decreased monitoring of the speaker’s face and her mouth.

Conclusions:  While in certain contexts toddlers with autism attend to people and objects in a typical manner, they show decreased attentional response to dyadic cues for attention. Given that mechanisms supporting responsivity to dyadic cues are present shortly after birth and are highly consequential for development of social cognition and communication, these findings have important implications for the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of limited social monitoring and identifying pivotal targets for treatment.
Impact of intensive upper limb rehabilitation on quality of life: a randomized trial in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: SAKZEWSKI LEANNE , CARLON STACEY , SHIELDS NORA , ZIVIANI JENNY , WARE ROBERT S , BOYD ROSLYN N
Published: March 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine whether constraint‐induced movement therapy is more effective than bimanual training in improving the quality of life of children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method  Sixty‐three children (mean age 10y 2mo [SD 2y 6mo]; 33 males, 30 females) with CP of the spastic motor type (n=59) or with spasticity and dystonia (n=4) were randomly allocated to two groups. The children were assessed as Manual Ability Classification System level I (n=16), II (n=46), or III (n=1). Each group received 6 hours of daily intervention (either constraint‐induced movement therapy [CIMT] or bimanual training [BIM]) for 10 days over a 2‐week period (total intervention time 60h). Children aged 9 years and older completed the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (CPQOL‐Child) and those aged 8 years and older completed the KIDSCREEN‐52. All parents completed proxy versions of each measure. Assessments were made at baseline and at 3, 26, and 52 weeks after the end of the intervention.

Results  Thirty‐five children completed the CPQOL‐Child and 41 completed the KIDSCREEN‐52. No changes in social or emotional well‐being were reported by children in either group. Children and parents from both groups reported a significant improvement in their or their child’s feelings about functioning as well as participation and physical health on the CPQOL‐Child. The parents of children receiving CIMT reported positive and sustained changes in their child’s social well‐being (CPQOL‐Child). The CIMT group showed significant improvements in physical well‐being, psychological well‐being, and moods and emotions (KIDSCREEN‐52) at 3 weeks post intervention, which were maintained over the study period.

Interpretation  Intensive goal‐directed upper limb training programmes using either CIMT or BIM achieved domain‐specific changes in quality of life relating to feelings about functioning and participation and physical health. A condition‐specific quality of life compared with a generic measure may be better able to detect changes in quality of life in children with unilateral CP.
Species turnover in lake littorals: spatial and temporal variation of benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and community composition
Authors: Suurkuukka Heli , Meissner Kristian K. , Muotka Timo
Published: March 2012

Aims  Despite wide consensus that ecological patterns and processes should be studied at multiple spatial scales, the temporal component of diversity variation has remained poorly examined. Specifically, rare species may exhibit patterns of diversity variation profoundly different from those of dominant taxa.

Location  Southern Finland.

Methods  We used multiplicative partitioning of true diversities (species richness, Shannon diversity) to identify the most important scale(s) of variation of benthic macroinvertebrate communities across several hierarchical scales, from individual samples to multiple littorals, lakes and years. We also assessed the among‐scale variability of benthic macroinvertebrate community composition by using measures of between‐ and within‐group distances at hierarchical scales.

Results  On average, a single benthic sample contained 23% of the total regional macroinvertebrate species pool. For both species richness and Shannon diversity, beta‐diversity was clearly the major component of regional diversity, with within‐littoral beta‐diversity (β1) being the largest component of gamma‐diversity. The interannual component of total diversity was small, being almost negligible for Shannon index. Among‐sample (within‐littoral) diversity was related to variation of substratum heterogeneity at the same scale. By contrast, only a small proportion of rare taxa was found in an average benthic sample. Thus, dominant species among lakes and years were about the same, whereas rare species were mostly detected in a few benthic samples in one lake (or year). For rare species, the temporal component of diversity was more important than spatial turnover at most scales.

Main conclusions  While individual species occurrences and abundances, particularly those of rare taxa, may vary strongly through space and time, patterns of dominance in lake littoral benthic communities are highly predictable. Consequently, many rare species will be missed in temporally restricted samples of lake littorals. In comprehensive biodiversity surveys, interannual sampling of littoral macroinvertebrate communities is therefore needed.
The challenge posed by newly discovered cryptic species: disentangling the environmental niches of long‐eared bats
Authors: Rutishauser Marianne D. , Bontadina Fabio , Braunisch Veronika , Ashrafi Sohrab , Arlettaz Raphaël
Published: March 2012

Aim

The discovery of cryptic species poses new challenges for species conservation. Species distributions and conservation status have to be re‐evaluated, and the ecological requirements within the species complex have to be re‐assessed to recommend adequate conservation guidelines. The recent discovery in Central Europe of the cryptic bat species Plecotus macrobullaris (Kuzjakin 1965) calls for a new appraisal of all three Plecotus species in that area.

Location

Switzerland.

Methods

Using mostly DNA‐identified records, we investigated the environmental niches (ecological niche factor analysis) of the three long‐eared bat species at the landscape scale and modelled their potential distributions. Discriminant analysis was used for interspecific niche comparisons.

Results

The occurrence of all three species was best explained by proximity to rural settlements and warm summer temperature. Plecotus auritus (Linnaeus, 1758) was positively associated with transition zones from forests to other habitats within heterogeneous landscapes; Plecotus austriacus (J. Fischer, 1829) was more frequently found in orchards and vineyards. Plecotus macrobullaris was linked mostly with deciduous forests. P. auritus had the broadest niche, with occurrence predicted in most forested regions throughout Switzerland. The slightly narrower niche of P. macrobullaris mainly encompassed areas in the Central and Southern Alps. P. austriacus showed a very narrow niche and was predicted mainly in the lowlands, with its habitat requirements overlapping those of P. macrobullaris. Although a range overlap was predicted between P. austriacus and P. macrobullaris, current observations suggest a mostly parapatric distribution in Switzerland.

Main conclusions

The projected distributions confirm previous knowledge for P. auritus, but shed new light on the other two species. In contrast to the newly discovered P. macrobullaris, which is actually widespread in the Southern Alps of Switzerland, P. austriacus is restricted to warmer cultivated lowlands and thus may have suffered from recent major land use changes. We suggest reclassifying P. austriacus to a higher conservation status.
Utilizing a multifaceted approach to assess the current distribution and conservation status of an uncommon species: the golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli) in Florida
Authors: Smiley Sarah A. , McCoy Earl D. , Schrey Aaron W. , Mushinsky Henry R.
Published: March 2012

Aim

Our goal was to assess the conservation status of the understudied and naturally uncommon habitat specialist, the golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli), at the edge of its range where its historically fragmented habitat has been subjected to severe loss.

Location

Peninsular Florida, north of approximately 27° latitude, USA.

Methods

We used data gathered from museum collections, regional biologists, geographic information systems (GIS) layers, field surveys and DNA sequencing to determine the habitats that best explain the distribution of the species, examine changes in the geographic extent of both the species and its habitats, and compare genetic differentiation between populations occupying disjunct regions. The results from these multiple analyses were combined to assess the conservation status of the species.

Results

Golden mouse occurrence records align well with the distribution of hardwood habitats in Florida. These habitats occur naturally as ‘islands’, but have become increasingly fragmented by anthropogenic land use. Despite habitat loss, the location of the southern range periphery has remained relatively unchanged in location over the past century. Genetic analysis reveals a history of limited dispersal of females among habitat ‘islands’ that likely predates anthropogenic landscape fragmentation. This pattern suggests that isolated populations that are extirpated will have little to no chance of successful recolonization.

Main conclusions

The combined results from multiple analyses produced a more complete picture of the threats faced by this previously data‐deficient species than any single analysis would have. Although the species' southern range limit cannot be shown to have retracted in the face of human expansion, habitat fragmentation clearly has put the species at increased risk. Conservation and management of hardwood habitats are critical to the persistence of the golden mouse at the edge of its range.
Native and introduced fish species richness in Chilean Patagonian lakes: inferences on invasion mechanisms using salmonid‐free lakes
Authors: Habit Evelyn , Gonzalez Jorge , Ruzzante Daniel E. , Walde Sandra J.
Published: March 2012

Aim

Geographic patterns of species richness have been linked to many physical and biological drivers. In this study, we document and explain gradients of species richness for native and introduced freshwater fish in Chilean lakes. We focus on the role of the physical environment to explain native richness patterns. For patterns of introduced salmonid richness and dominance, we also examine the biotic resistance and human activity hypotheses. We were particularly interested in identifying the factors that best explain the persistence of salmonid‐free lakes in Patagonia.

Location

Chile (39° to 54°S).

Methods

We conducted an extensive survey of 63 lakes, over a broad latitudinal range. We tested for the importance of temperature, ecosystem size, current and historic aquatic connectivity as well as measures of human activity (road access and land use) in determining patterns of native and introduced richness.

Results

Introduced species richness was positively correlated with native richness. Native and introduced richness declined with latitude, increased with temperature and ecosystem size. Variation in native richness was related to historic drainage connections, while introduced richness and salmonid dominance were significantly affected by current habitat connectivity. We found a total of 15 salmonid‐free lakes, all located in remote areas south of 45°S, and all upstream of major naturally occurring physical barriers.

Main conclusions

Temperature, as a correlate of latitude, and lake size were key determinants of native and introduced species richness in Chilean lakes and were responsible for the positive correlation between native and introduced richness. We found no evidence for biotic resistance by native species to salmonid expansion, and although the original introductions were human‐mediated, current patterns of introduced richness were not related to human activity, as measured by road access or land use. Rather, environmental factors, especially habitat connectivity and temperature, appear to limit salmonid expansion within Chilean freshwaters.
Gauging the impact of management expertise on the distribution of large mammals across protected areas
Authors: Li Sheng , McShea William J. , Wang Dajun , Lu Zhi , Gu Xiaodong
Published: March 2012

Aim

The world's network of protected areas (PAs) plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation. The management expertise within PAs is a function of the training, support and depth of the staff tasked with protecting the resources and should be a significant factor determining the distribution of wildlife species. However, there are few measurable linkages between wildlife populations and management effectiveness. Here, we addressed whether the management expertise within a PA is an important covariate explaining the occupancy of large terrestrial mammals, and identify the attributes of mammal species that would be effective for comparative monitoring of management effectiveness within PAs of developing countries.

Location

Six PAs within giant panda region, south‐west China.

Methods

We used systematic camera‐trapping as the primary field methodology to detect the presence of large mammals and used expert scoring to assess the management level of these PAs. Occupancy modelling and logistic regression were used to determine those mammal species with adequate detections to control for ecological covariates and to compare differences in management level between the sampled PAs.

Results

Thirty‐eight mammal species were recorded with a total sampling effort of 16,521 camera‐days at 722 sample sites. Among the 14 examined mammals, Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) was the most detected mammal (333 detections at 153 locations), whereas Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) was estimated with the highest occupancy rate (ψ = 0.49) and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) was estimated with the highest detection probability (P = 0.55). The independently assessed estimate of management expertise was a significant positive predictor for the occupancy of 11 of the 14 mammal species.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that there are measurable consequences for increasing PA patrolling and that standardized monitoring of large mammals is an adequate comparative measure of management effectiveness across diverse PAs that experience extensive poaching pressure.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Cumulative Risks, Cumulative Promotive Factors, and Adolescent Violent Behavior
Authors: Stoddard Sarah A. , Zimmerman Marc A. , Bauermeister José A.
Published: March 2012

This study examined the effects of cumulative risk and promotive factors on violent behavior across the high school years of adolescence in a sample of predominatelyAfricanAmerican urban adolescents (N = 750). Cumulative risk and promotive factor indices represented individual characteristics, and peer, parental, and familial influences. Using growth curve modeling, we describe trajectories of cumulative risk and promotive factors and test the associations between the time‐varying cumulative risk and promotive factor indices and violent behavior. Higher risk was associated with higher levels of violent behavior. Higher levels of promotive factors were associated with less violent behavior and moderated the association between risk and violent behaviors. The results support the risk‐protective model of resiliency. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Substance Use, Distress, and Adolescent School Networks
Authors: McLeod Jane D. , Uemura Ryotaro
Published: March 2012

This study examined the associations of substance use, psychological distress, and mental health services receipt with the structure and content of adolescent school‐based networks. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we found that substance use was associated with receiving more, but making fewer, peer nominations. It also was associated with less favorable network characteristics, such as low GPA. Services receipt was associated with receiving and making fewer nominations, less favorable network characteristics, and a lower likelihood of reciprocated best friendships. Psychological distress had fewer significant associations. All associations were modest in magnitude. Our results suggest the importance of considering multiple indicators of socioemotional problems and multiple dimensions of social networks in research on adolescent peer relations.
The Effect of Left Ventricular (LV) Remodeling on Ventricular Arrhythmia in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT‐D) Patients (Antiarrhythmic Effect of CRT)
Authors: SHAHRZAD SHAHAB , SOLEIMAN NOZAD KARIM , TABAN SAMIRA , ALIZADEH ABOLFATH , ASLANI AMIR , TAVOOSI AMIR , EMKANJOO ZAHRA
Published: March 2012

Background:

In patients with low ejection fraction and ventricular dyssynchrony, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an accepted therapeutic modality. In these patients, CRT can improve the quality of life and exercise tolerance in addition to improved survival. On the other hand, antiarrhythmic effects of CRT is a place of debate.

Method:

In this study, we evaluated the effect of CRT‐induced reverse remodeling on ventricular arrhythmia in heart failure patients. Patients with CRT were divided to two groups of responders and nonresponders. Responders were those with reduction of LVESD of more than 10% or increase in LVEF of more than 5%. They were visited and device analysis was performed during the follow‐up.

Results:

One hundred and nineteen patients were enrolled in this study. Those with reverse remodeling experienced fewer ventricular arrhythmias after two years of follow‐up (N = 2 vs 11, P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Reverse remodeling associated with CRT implantation can result in decreased frequency of ventricular arrhythmias. (PACE 2012;1–6)
Impact of Impaired Renal Function and Metabolic Syndrome on the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Catheter Ablation: A Long Term Follow‐Up
Authors: BERKOWITSCH ALEXANDER , KUNISS MALTE , GREISS HARALD , WÓJCIK MACIEJ , ZALTSBERG SERGEY , LEHINANT STEFAN , ERKAPIC DAMIR , PAJITNEV DIMITRI , PITSCHNER HEINZ‐FRIEDRICH , HAMM CHRISTIAN W. , NEUMANN THOMAS
Published: March 2012

Background:

The goal of this study was to analyze impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and impaired renal function on long‐term follow‐up after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results:

A total of 702 consecutive patients with AF (age = 58 year, history of AF = 5 year, male = 478, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation = 416, coronary artery disease = 62, hypertension = 487) considered for catheter ablation were enrolled in the study. The MetS was diagnosed at admission in 276 patients. The renal function was estimated by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was performed either with cryoballoon technique (n = 260) or circumferential PVI (n = 442) with a 3.5‐mm irrigated tip catheter. A 7‐day‐Holter electrocardiogram was performed at each follow‐up visit. Any episode of documented AF after an initial 3‐month blanking period was considered as clinical endpoint. Out of 702 patients, 370 (52.7%) were free of AF recurrences at median follow‐up of 15 six interquartile range (12.7–42.3) months. The patients with MetS had significantly lower success rate than those without (128/276 (46.4%) vs 242/426 (56.8%), P = 0.006). Among 103 patients with eGFR < 68 mL/min only 35 (34%) were free of recurrences compared with 335/599 (55.9%) in patients with GFR ≥ 68 mL/min (P = 0.001). Both parameters were revealed in multivariate analysis to be independent predictors for outcome after catheter ablation.

Conclusion:

The results of our study clearly demonstrated that outcome after 1st catheter ablation of AF is poor in patients with MetS and/or impaired renal function. This observation has a potential clinical impact for the follow up management of these patients. (PACE 2012;1–12)
PRE‐ AND POST‐TRANSPLANT CARE: NURSING MANAGEMENT OF THE RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT: PART 2
Authors: Trevitt Ray , Dunsmore Victoria , Murphy Fiona , Piso Lilibeth , Perriss Charlotte , Englebright Belinda , Chamney Melissa
Published: March 2012

This is the second article in a three part continuing education series on renal transplantation which addresses the specialised knowledge and skills required in order to prepare a patient admitted to hospital for renal transplantation and then how to care for that patient afterwards. The first article in this series addressed patient health and well‐being while waiting for a renal transplant. The third article will look at the long‐term care of kidney recipients.
EFFECT OF A SELF‐EFFICACY PROMOTION TRAINING PROGRAMME ON THE BODY WEIGHT CHANGES IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Aliasgharpour Mansooreh , Shomali Maryam , Moghaddam Masoumeh Zakeri , Faghihzadeh Sograt
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Haemodialysis is the most common form of medical management of patients affected by end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). For haemodialysis to be successful, strict fluid and weight control is recommended. Education, in terms of self‐care activities, is an important intervention for improving patients’ outcomes. A self‐efficacy promotion training programme can be an effective strategy to bring about behavioural change. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a self‐efficacy promotion training programme on the body weight changes in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Methods: In this single‐blind quasi‐experimental study, we recruited a convenience sample of 63 patients undergoing haemodialy‐sis from two teaching hospitals and allocated them randomly to the experimental or control group. Patients in the experimental group received a six‐session self‐efficacy promotion training programme while the control group received the routine care of the institute. Mean body weight gain and self‐efficacy were measured before, immediately and two months after the study.

Findings: The groups did not differ significantly regarding the study variable before the study. However, immediately and two months after the study, the mean body weight gain and self‐efficacy in the experimental group were significantly lower and higher, respectively, than the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Implementing a self‐efficacy promotion training programme is effective in decreasing weight gain and increasing self‐efficacy in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Nurses in haemodialysis units can use self‐efficacy promotion training pro‐grammes as an effective intervention for improving patients’ outcomes.
Antioxidant Status in Hyperthyroid Cats before and after Radioiodine Treatment
Authors: Branter E. , Drescher N. , Padilla M. , Trepanier L.A.
Published: March 2012

Background

Reversible antioxidant depletion is found in hyperthyroid humans, and antioxidant depletion increases the risk of methimazole toxicosis in rats.

Objectives

To determine whether abnormalities in concentrations of blood antioxidants or urinary isoprostanes were present in hyperthyroid cats, and were reversible after radioiodine treatment. To determine whether or not antioxidant abnormalities were associated with idiosyncratic methimazole toxicosis.

Animals

Hyperthyroid cats presented for radioiodine treatment (n = 44) and healthy mature adult control cats (n = 37).

Methods

Prospective, controlled, observational study. Red blood cell glutathione (GSH), plasma ascorbate (AA), plasma free retinol (vitaminA), α‐tocopherol (vitaminE), and urinary free 8‐isoprostanes in hyperthyroid cats were compared to healthy cats and to hyperthyroid cats 2 months after treatment.

Results

Blood antioxidants were not significantly different in hyperthyroid cats (mean GSH 1.6 ± 0.3 mM; AA 12.8 ± 4.9 μM, and vitamin E, 25 ± 14 μg/mL) compared to controls (GSH 1.4 ± 0.4 mM; AA 15.0 ± 6.6 μM, and vitamin E, 25 ± 17 μg/mL). Urinary isoprostanes were increased in hyperthyroid cats (292 ± 211 pg/mg creatinine) compared to controls (169 ± 82 pg/mg;P = .006), particularly in hyperthyroid cats with a USG < 1.035. Plasma free vitamin A was higher in hyperthyroid cats (0.54 ± 0.28 μg/mL versus 0.38 ± 0.21 in controls;P = .007). Both abnormalities normalized after radioiodine treatment. No association was found between oxidative status and prior idiosyncratic methimazole toxicosis.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Increased urinary isoprostane could reflect reversible renal oxidative stress induced by hyperthyroidism, and this requires additional evaluation.