bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting active learning in introductory financial accounting through the flipped classroom design
Authors: Lento Camillo
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a classroom design for introductory financial accounting that promotes active learning through a flipped classroom approach. A course learning management system, white-board voice-over video applications, an online homework manager and online tutorials pre-packaged with the course textbook were all adopted to facilitate the flipped classroom. The in-class sessions were refocussed around active learning strategies, including case analysis, concept mapping, solving comprehensive problems, mini lectures with bookends, and small group discussions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quasi-experimental design, combined with student surveys, are utilized. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test is used to assess the significance of any difference in student performance between a lecture-based course (control group, n=92) and the flipped classroom course (experimental group, n=97). Student performance is measured based on final exams and overall course grades.

Findings

– The results suggest that the flipped classroom improved student grade point averages, final exam performance, and pass rates. Both the stronger and weaker students benefited from the technologies and active learning strategies adopted in the flipped classroom.

Originality/value

– This is the first known study to investigate the efficacy of promoting active learning in introductory financial accounting through a flipped classroom design. This study is valuable for accounting educators, and educators in other similarly technical disciplines, who seek to combat the high failure rates that typically plague complex, technical introductory courses.
Organisational change and development towards inclusive higher education
Authors: O'Donnell Victoria Louise
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the impact of organisational policies around inclusion on individual academic practices, and to develop an understanding of the factors which enable or prevent shifts towards inclusion in higher education learning and teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents data from the document analysis phase of a larger research project. To achieve an understanding of the complex process of development towards an inclusive higher education culture within one focal university, the research took a qualitative approach, underpinned by a critical realist perspective which acknowledges and demands the investigation of multiple levels of reality. The documentary analysis presented here used a constant comparative technique. Documents were analysed inductively by the project team, leading to the identification of key emergent themes.

Findings

– Three themes related to the development of an inclusive higher education culture emerged from the analysis of the data. These were: learner empowerment; changing practice through challenging practice; inclusive practice as good practice. The focal university’s vision for an inclusive culture was expressed inconsistently across data sources, and did not provide clear indications of concrete shifts in practice which would be required in order to enact that vision.

Originality/value

– The data are analysed and discussed through the lens of socio-cultural theory, allowing for a complex understanding to emerge of the ways in which participation in the valued practices of a university community is affected by the influence of policy and strategy.
Do online instructor lessons complement on-campus teaching?
Authors: Henrickson Kevin E
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of online video mini-lectures, intended to complement in-class teaching by allowing students to review the more technical aspects of the course.

Design/methodology/approach

– Online video mini-lectures/tutorials, covering the technical components of the course, were introduced two-thirds of the way through a Principles of Microeconomics course. This methodology allows for the estimation of the impact of incorporating this technology on student performance. In addition, comparisons using results from previous terms, in which these videos were not available at any point during the course, allow for an examination of the overall impact of this technology on student performance in the last portion of the course.

Findings

– The results point to online lectures improving student achievement, but that this improvement is mostly achieved by the lower achieving students, and exhibits significant diminishing returns to the number of times the videos are watched. As such, the videos are shown to help students who were struggling with the material, but that there is little value to exclusively watching the videos multiple times.

Originality/value

– As technology impacts higher education, many wonder what role instructors will play. This study examines a unique implementation of technology within a traditional classroom, indicating that technology can serve as a complement to in-class teaching.
Learner enhanced technology
Authors: Ballard James , Butler Philip Ian
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model of engagement, appropriated from social media marketing, as a sense-making framework to understand engagement as a measurable process through the development of engagement profiles. To explore its potential application to education the paper follows previous work with Personalised Learning strategies to place emphasis on the promotion of the learner voice – their ability to influence decisions affecting them and their community.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper will position engagement as a sociocultural process and adopt an Activity Theory based methodology demonstrated through a desk analysis of VLE data from a further education college.

Findings

– The analysis suggests that the approach can yield insights that may be elusive in traditional measures reinforcing the overall conceptual proposal for a multi-method approach to profiling learner engagement.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper has focused on presentation and exploration of the conceptual approach, which has limited the scope to broaden the discussion of the desk analysis and wider findings that this approach reveals.

Practical implications

– It is intended that the approach offers a generalizable model that can be adopted by institutions planning to measure engagement or develop learner activity profiles. Several areas of immediate potential are identified throughout the paper.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes a multi-method approach to engagement as argued for in recent engagement literature. This should offer institutions a way to realise value from emerging ideas within related domains of Learning Design and Learning Analytics.
Does a balanced gender ratio improve performance? The case of Spanish banks (1999-2010)
Authors: Rodríguez-Ruiz Óscar , Rodríguez-Duarte Antonio , Gómez-Martínez Luis
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the dynamics of the gender diversity-to-performance relationship in the Spanish banking sector in the period 1999-2010. Specifically the authors try to study how different proportions of men and women in banking institutions lead to different levels of return on assets (ROA) and sales productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use conventional panel data methods to find an optimal mix of males and females which leads to higher levels of financial results. With the aim of controlling unobserved heterogeneity, equations are estimated using the random-effects model.

Findings

– The findings show that the proportion of women in the workforce does not affect productivity but significantly explains ROA. In addition low-moderated levels (27 per cent) of women in technical positions optimize ROA.

Originality/value

– This research empirically explores the business case for gender diversity going beyond the upper echelons of organizations. The authors also study how the technical qualification of employees can determine the optimal proportion of gender groups.
Exploring employees’ responses to unmet job expectations
Authors: Maden Ceyda , Ozcelik Hakan , Karacay Gaye
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the moderating roles of future job expectations and efficacy beliefs in employees’ responses to unmet job expectations, i.e. emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. It also investigates whether and how work experience influences the interactive effects of unmet job expectations and efficacy beliefs on employees’ responses.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 227 employees from a wide range of sectors. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The results showed that the relationships between unmet job expectations and emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction were stronger for employees with more positive future job expectations. In addition, efficacy beliefs moderated the relationship between unmet job expectations and turnover intention. For employees with more work experience, efficacy beliefs had a stronger moderating role in the relationship between unmet job expectations and the employees’ responses.

Research limitations/implications

– The common method variance might have inflated main effects at the expense of interaction effects. This study contributes to the understanding about the job expectations literature by demonstrating how individual-level factors moderate employees’ responses to unmet expectations.

Practical implications

– The results suggest that organizations need to manage their employees’ future job expectations, especially when these employees have higher levels of self-efficacy and work experience.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the first attempts to empirically explore how employees differ in their responses to unmet job expectations.
Teachers’ acceptance of ICT and its integration in the classroom
Authors: Mirzajani Hassan , Mahmud Rosnaini , Fauzi Mohd Ayub Ahmad , Wong Su Luan
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify factors that affect teachers’ motivation to use information and communications technology (ICT) in the classroom. The study aims to determine the extent to which selected variables, such as personal experience, school environment and technological factors, influenced teachers’ tendency to accept and utilize ICT in teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used primary data sources from Mazandaran, Iran, that included field notes and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

– Results revealed that adequate support from administrators, directives to teachers to use ICT, appropriate ICT skills and knowledge as well as adequate resources were important factors that influenced the utilization of ICT in the classroom. Findings also showed that insufficient technical support discouraged teachers from using ICT in teaching, while increasing adequate equipment and technical support in schools encouraged teachers in this respect.

Research limitations/implications

– Because this study was conducted on a small number of participants, its findings may not apply fully to other educational institutions.

Practical implications

– The results from this study would be helpful to educational departments and institutions in their formulation of policies to encourage the use of ICT in education. The findings would also give a better insight of what constitutes an environment that is conducive for learning where ICT is integrated into the classroom.

Originality/value

– By focusing on teachers’ intention, this study provides important insights into which factors influence teacher attitude to use ICT into classroom. As a result, the finding will help the development of e-learning quality enhancement and assurance strategies.
The applicability of course experience questionnaire for a Malaysian university context
Authors: Thien Lei Mee , Ong Mei Yean
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) in a Malaysian university context.

Design/methodology/approach

– The CEQ was translated into Malay language using rigorous cross-cultural adaptation procedures. The Malay version CEQ was administered to 190 undergraduate students in one Malaysian public university. Statistical analyses were used to examine the reliability and factor structures of the Malay version CEQ scales using IBM SPSS version 20.0.

Findings

– Findings raised serious questions about the reliability and construct validity of the CEQ for a Malaysian university sample. Findings revealed that only two out of five scales of CEQ showed satisfactory level of reliability. Six items failed to load on the intended scales.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size is small with 190 university students and covered respondents from one local university, while the other 17 local universities were not included due to geographical distance.

Practical implications

– The findings are particularly important for higher education policymakers to optimise and allocate the resources to improve university quality teaching. More attention should be paid toward how to furnish the university teaching staff to provide a high level of teaching quality that contributes to students’ generic skills for their employment in future. Researchers could extend the applicability of the Malay version CEQ in primary and secondary school context.

Originality/value

– The vast majority of CEQ-related research has been undertaken in the Western context, thus raising the question of the applicability of CEQ for a Malaysian university context. The fall in the Times Higher Education and QS World University rankings as well as the limited research in assessment-related higher education has also accelerated the needs to examine the applicability of CEQ23 in Malaysian university context. This study has provided fundamental cross-validation empirical evidence to propose improvement in future studies.
Functional topography of cardiovascular regulation along the rostrocaudal axis of the rat posterior insular cortex
Authors: Marins Fernanda Ribeiro , Limborço‐Filho Marcelo , Xavier Carlos Henrique , Biancardi Vinicia C , Vaz Gisele C , Stern Javier E. , Oppenheimer Stephen M , Fontes Marco Antonio Peliky
Published: January 2016

Cardiovascular (CV) representation has been identified within the insular cortex (IC) and a lateralization of function previously suggested. In order to further understand the role of IC on cardiovascular control, the present study compared the CV responses evoked by stimulation of N‐metil‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the right and left posterior IC at different rostrocaudal levels. Intracortical microinjections of NMDA were performed into the IC of male Wistar rats anaesthetized with urethane (1.4 g/kg) prepared for blood pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity. Gene expression of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B in the IC was confirmed by RT‐PCR. Immunofluorescence for the NMDA receptor NR1 subunit was demonstrated in the IC (coordinates anteroposterior (AP) +1.5, 0.0 and −1.5 mm). A cardiac sympathoinhibitory site was identified, more rostrally located than identified in previous studies. A site of sympathoexcitatory cardiac control was identified more caudal to this region in agreement with earlier work. Under the experimental conditions, no lateralization of cardiovascular function was identified with chemical stimulation eliciting the same responses from either left or right insular cortices. No tonic role of the insula on cardiovascular control was identified with the use of the NMDA antagonist, AP‐5. Peri‐insular microinjection of NMDA was without cardiovascular effect indicating the specificity of the insula as a cardiovascular regulatory site. The current study reveals a functional topography for autonomic cardiovascular control along the rostrocaudal axis of the posterior IC.
Effects of autonomic balance and fluid and electrolyte changes on cardiac function in infarcted rats: A serial study of sexual dimorphism
Authors: Souza NS , Dos‐Santos RC , Silveira Anderson Luiz Bezerra da , R Sonoda‐Côrtes , Gantus Michel Alexandre Villani , Fortes FS , Olivares Emerson Lopes
Published: January 2016

Premenopausal women are known to show lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than men. During myocardial infarction (MI), homeostatic responses are activated, including the sympathetic autonomic nervous system and the rennin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, which is related to the fluid and electrolyte balance, both aiming to maintain cardiac output. This study sought to perform a serial evaluation of sexual dimorphism in cardiac autonomic control and fluid and electrolyte balance during the development of MI‐induced heart failure in rats. Experimental MI was induced in male (M) and female (F) adult (7–9 weeks of age) Wistar rats. The animals were placed in metabolic cages to assess fluid intake and urine volume 1 and 4 weeks after inducing MI (male myocardial infarction (MMI) and female myocardial infarction (FMI) groups). They subsequently underwent echocardiographic evaluation and spectral analysis of heart rate variability. After completing each protocol, the animals were killed for postmortem evaluation and histology. The MMI group showed earlier and more intense cardiac morphological and functional changes than the FMI group, although the extent of MI did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). The MMI group showed higher sympathetic modulation and sodium and water retention than the FMI group (P < 0.05), which may partly explain both the echocardiographic and pathological findings. Females subjected to infarction seem to show attenuation of sympathetic modulation, more favourable fluid and electrolyte balances, and better preserved cardiac function compared to males subjected to the same infarction model.
Salmonellainfection in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), a marine mammal sentinel species: pathogenicity and molecular typing ofSalmonellastrains compared with human and livestock isolates
Authors: Baily Johanna L. , Foster Geoffrey , Brown Derek , Davison Nicholas J. , Coia John E. , Watson Eleanor , Pizzi Romain , Willoughby Kim , Hall Ailsa J. , Dagleish Mark P.
Published: January 2016

Microbial pollution of the marine environment through land–sea transfer of human and livestock pathogens is of concern.Salmonellawas isolated from rectal swabs of free‐ranging and stranded grey seal pups (21.1%; 37/175) and compared with strains from the same serovars isolated from human clinical cases, livestock, wild mammals and birds in Scotland,UKto characterize possible transmission routes using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multi‐locus variable number of tandem repeat analyses. A higher prevalence ofSalmonellawas found in pups exposed to seawater, suggesting that this may represent a source of this pathogen.SalmonellaBovismorbificans was the most common isolate (18.3% pups; 32/175) and was indistinguishable from isolates found in Scottish cattle.Salmonella Typhimurium was infrequent (2.3% pups; 4/175), mostly similar to isolates found in garden birds and, in one case, identical to a highly multidrug resistant strain isolated from a human child.Salmonella Haifa was rare (1.1% pups; 2/175), but isolates were indistinguishable from that of a human clinical isolate. These results suggest thatS.Bovismorbificans may circulate between grey seal and cattle populations and that bothS.Typhimurium andS.Haifa isolates are shared with humans, raising concerns of microbial marine pollution.
Optimisation of ingredients for a low‐fat, Chhana‐based dairy spread using response surface methodology
Authors: Amitraj Kumar , Khamrui Kaushik , Devaraja Hosapalya Chikkathimmappa , Mandal Surajit
Published: January 2016

The effect of ingredients, viz. chhana, skimmed milk powder (SMP), maltodextrin and whey powder, on sensory and texture responses of a low‐fat chhana‐based spreads was studied and its formulation was optimised using response surface methodology. In linear and quadratic terms, chhana and SMP significantly influenced all the responses. The interaction term between maltodextrin and chhana was the most effective in influencing texture parameters. Optimisation suggested 55.6% chhana, 6.2% SMP, 4% maltodextrin, 2% whey powder, 1.5% edible salt, 1.5% enzyme‐modified cheese, 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate, 0.5% trisodium citrate, 0.3% glycerol monostearate and 28% water with desirability of 0.889, as the best levels of these ingredients in a formulation that also contained 1.5% edible salt, 1.5% enzyme‐modi ed cheese, 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate, 0.5% trisodium citrate, 0.3% glycerol monostearate and 28% water on a w/w basis.
Auditor–Client Compatibility and Audit Firm Selection
Authors: BROWN STEPHEN V. , KNECHEL W. ROBERT
Published: January 2016

We examine auditor switching conditional on the compatibility of clients and their auditors using a unique text‐based measure of similarity of financial disclosures. We find clustering of clients within an audit firm based on this measure. We find that clients with the lowest similarity scores are significantly more likely (9.4%–10.6%) to switch auditors, and will change to an audit firm to which they are more similar. Regarding the effect on audit quality, we find that discretionary accruals are lower when similarity is higher. However, accounting restatements are more likely when text disclosures that are unaudited—business description, and management discussion and analysis (MD&A)—are more similar. We find no such similarity effect for the audited footnotes. Finally, we find that firms that are more similar are less likely to receive a going concern opinion (GCO), but the GCO reporting decision is more accurate. It is unclear if this reflects higher or lower audit quality since firms that are candidates for a GCO are intrinsically different from the average firm in an auditor's portfolio due to their financial distress. One implication of these results is that auditors might have greater involvement in the quality of the text disclosures that are currently not audited.
Qualitative study of patients' choice between public and private hospital emergency departments
Authors: He Jun , Toloo Ghasem‐Sam , Hou Xiang‐Yu , FitzGerald Gerry
Published: January 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to gather patients' perceptions regarding their choice between public and private hospital EDs for those who hold private health insurance. The findings of this study will contribute to knowledge regarding patients' decision‐making processes and therefore may contribute to the development of evidence based public policies.

Methods

An in‐depth semi‐structured guide was used to interview participants at public and private hospital EDs. Questions sought to identify the issues that were considered by the participants to decide to attend that hospital ED, previous ED experience, expectations of ED services and perceived benefits and barriers to accessing services. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content and thematic approaches.

Results

Four core themes emerged: prior good experience with the hospital, perceived quality of care, perceived waiting times and perceived costs that may explain patients' choice. Patients' choice between public and private EDs can be explained by the interaction of these core themes. The principal issues appear to be concern for gap payments at private hospital ED and waiting times at public hospital ED.

Conclusions

Patients who choose to attend public EDs appear to value financial concern over waiting time; those who choose to attend private EDs appear to value waiting time ahead of financial concerns.
Evaluation of the reference genes for expression analysis using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae
Authors: Kang Zhi‐Wei , Liu Fang‐Hua , Tian Hong‐Gang , Zhang Meng , Guo Shan‐Shan , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: January 2016

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera, Aphididae), is an important cosmopolitan pest. Real time qRT‐PCR has been used for target gene expression analysis on M. persicae. Using real time qRT‐PCR, the expression levels are normalized on the basis of the reliable reference genes. However, to date, the stability of available reference genes has been insufficient. In this study, we evaluated nine candidate reference genes from M. persicae under diverse experimental conditions. The tested candidate genes were comprehensively ranked based on five alternative methods (RefFinder, geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and the comparative ΔCt method). 18s, Actin and ribosomal protein L27 (L27) were recommended as the most stable reference genes for M. persicae, whereas ribosomal protein L27 (L27) was found to be the least stable reference genes for abiotic studies (photoperiod, temperature and insecticide susceptibility). Our finding not only sheds light on establishing an accurate and reliable normalization of real time qRT‐PCR data in M. persicae but also lays a solid foundation for further studies of M. persicae involving RNA interference and functional gene research.
Effects of thinning on scatter‐hoarding by rodents in temperate forest
Authors: ZHANG Yifeng , YU Jing , SICHILIMA Alfred M. , WANG Weirui , LU Jiqi
Published: January 2016

Deforestation and thinning are human activities that can destabilize the forest ecological system and, consequently, impact significantly on habitat and behavior of forest‐dwelling animals. This hypothesis was tested in Yugong in the Mount Taihangshan area by comparing the tracks of tagged seeds of Armeniaca sibirica. in sites of unthinned and thinned forests. Our results showed that: (i) the diversity of vegetation and rodents drastically reduced in sites with thinned forests, compared to unthinned sites; (ii) the amount of both removed and scatter‐hoarded seeds significantly declined in sites with thinned forests, compared with the unthinned sites; (iii) there was no significant difference observed in the distance of seed dispersal between the thinned and unthinned areas; and (iv) the thinning did not show a significant change to the model of cache size. These results suggested that the thinning of forests negatively influenced the species richness and food‐hoarding behavior of rodents. In addition, the results indicated that the weakened scattered‐hoarding might be disadvantageous to seedling recruitment and forest restoration.
Galápagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) as a seed disperser
Authors: TRAVESET Anna , NOGALES Manuel , VARGAS Pablo , RUMEU Beatriz , OLESEN Jens M. , JARAMILLO Patricia , HELENO Ruben
Published: January 2016

The role of the most common land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) in the Galápagos Islands as an effective seed disperser is explored in this study. A total of 5705 seeds of 32 plant species were identified from 160 scats, 4545 of which (80%) appeared visually undamaged. Germination trials of 849 seeds from 29 species revealed that at least 10 species remained viable after passing through the iguana's gut, although only a small proportion of those seeds (4%) germinated. In any case, we argue thatC. subcristatusexerts an important role on the 7 Galapagos islands where it occurs because of its abundance and capacity to ingest and disperse seeds at long distances. Our results strongly suggest that the GalápagosC. subcristatusplays an important role as a seed disperser of not only of native species but also some introduced plants in the Galápagos Islands.
Antimicrobial, Rheological, and Thermal Properties of Plasticized Polylactide Films Incorporated with Essential Oils to Inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Hiremath Nikhil , Jacob Harsha
Published: January 2016

Polylactide (PLA) is the most mature biobased and biodegradable polymer. Due to its inherent brittleness, the polymer cannot be used as a packaging material without plasticizer. An attempt was made to develop antimicrobial plasticized PLA film by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 3 essential oils (EO), namely cinnamon, garlic, and clove by solvent casting method. Physical, thermal, and rheological properties of those films were evaluated for practical applications whereas the antimicrobial properties were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni—pathogens related to poultry industry. Both PEG and EOs led to the formation of flexible PLA/PEG/EO films with significant drop in the glass transition temperature (Tg), and mechanical property. Time–temperature superposition (TTS) principle was employed to melt rheology of EO‐based films at selected temperature, and rheological moduli superimposed well in an extended frequency range. Among EOs, cinnamon and clove oil–based films (PLA/PEG/CIN and PLA/PEG/CLO) exhibited a complete zone of inhibition against C. jejuni at the maximum concentration (1.6 mL per 2 g PLA/PEG blend) whereas the garlic oil–based film (PLA/PEG/GAR) had the lowest activity.
Microstructural Changes in High‐Protein Nutrition Bars Formulated with Extruded or Toasted Milk Protein Concentrate
Authors: Banach J.C. , Clark S. , Lamsal B.P.
Published: January 2016

Milk protein concentrates with more than 80% protein (that is, MPC80) are underutilized as the primary protein source in high‐protein nutrition bars as they impart crumbliness and cause hardening during storage. High‐protein nutrition bar texture changes are often associated with internal protein aggregations and macronutrient phase separation. These changes were investigated in model high‐protein nutrition bars formulated with MPC80 and physically modified MPC80s. High‐protein nutrition bars formulated with extruded MPC80s hardened slower than those formulated with toasted or unmodified MPC80. Extruded MPC80 had reduced free sulfhydryl group exposure, whereas measurable increases were seen in the toasted MPC80. High‐protein nutrition bar textural performance may be related to the number of exposed free sulfhydryl groups in MPC80. Protein aggregations resulting from ingredient modification and high‐protein nutrition bar storage were studied with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Disulfide‐based protein aggregations and changes in free sulfhydryl concentration were not consistently relatable to high‐protein nutrition bar texture change. However, the high‐protein nutrition bars formulated with extruded MPC80 were less prone to phase separations, as depicted by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and underwent less texture change during storage than those formulated with toasted or unmodified MPC80.
Effect of Hops Beta Acids on the Survival of Unstressed‐ or Acid‐Stress‐Adapted‐Listeria Monocytogenes and on the Quality and Sensory Attributes of Commercially Cured Ham Slices
Authors: Wang Li , McKeith Amanda Gipe , Shen Cangliang , Carter Kelsey , Huff Alyssa , McKeith Russell , Zhang Xinxia , Chen Zhengxing
Published: January 2016

This study evaluated the antilisterial activity of hops beta acids (HBA) and their impact on the quality and sensory attributes of ham. Commercially cured ham slices were inoculated with unstressed‐ and acid‐stress‐adapted (ASA)‐L. monocytogenes (2.2 to 2.5 log CFU/cm2), followed by no dipping (control), dipping in deionized (DI) water, or dipping in a 0.11% HBA solution. This was followed by vacuum or aerobic packaging and storage (7.2 °C, 35 or 20 d). Samples were taken periodically during storage to check for pH changes and analyze the microbial populations. Color measurements were obtained by dipping noninoculated ham slices in a 0.11% HBA solution, followed by vacuum packaging and storage (4.0 °C, 42 d). Sensory evaluations were performed on ham slices treated with 0.05% to 0.23% HBA solutions, followed by vacuum packaging and storage (4.0 °C, 30 d). HBA caused immediate reductions of 1.2 to 1.5 log CFU/cm2 (P < 0.05) in unstressed‐ and ASA‐L. monocytogenes populations on ham slices. During storage, the unstressed‐L. monocytogenes populations on HBA‐treated samples were 0.5 to 2.0 log CFU/cm2 lower (P < 0.05) than control samples and those dipped in DI water. The lag‐phase of the unstressed‐L. monocytogenes population was extended from 3.396 to 7.125 d (control) to 7.194 to 10.920 d in the HBA‐treated samples. However, the ASA‐L. monocytogenes population showed resistance to HBA because they had a higher growth rate than control samples and had similar growth variables to DI water‐treated samples during storage. Dipping in HBA solution did not adversely affect the color or sensory attributes of the ham slices stored in vacuum packages. These results are useful for helping ready‐to‐eat meat processors develop operational procedures for applying HBA on ham slices.
Clinical characteristics of type 2 diabetic patients on basal insulin therapy with adequate fasting glucose control who do not achieve HbA1c targets
Authors: Mata‐Cases Manel , Mauricio Dídac , Franch‐Nadal Josep
Published: January 2016

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with basal insulin who achieved an adequate fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level (<130 mg/dL), but were unable to achieve the HbA1c target (<7%; <53 mmol/mol).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed on T2DM patients aged 31–90 years treated with basal insulin registered in the SIDIAPQ primary healthcare electronic database during 2010.

Results

In 2010, of a population of 126 811 T2DM subjects, 9899 were treated with basal insulin (neutral protamine Hagedorn [NPH], detemir, or glargine). Of these, 23.5% (n = 2322) achieved optimal FPG control levels (<130 mg/dL) but an inadequate HbA1c target (>7%). Mean HbA1c values in the contolled and uncontrolled groups were 8.15% (65.6 mmol/mol) and 6.31% (45.5 mmol/mol), respectively. Patients with controlled FPG but uncontrolled HbA1c had longer T2DM duration (11.6 vs 9.9 years), higher systolic blood pressure (138.2 vs 136.3 mmHg) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (104 vs 99 mg /dL), and a higher prevalence of retinopathy (24.8% vs 18.2%) than patients (17.8%) with optimal control of both glycemic targets (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that inadequate glycemic control was positively related only to younger age.

Conclusion

One‐quarter of T2DM patients treated with basal insulin have difficulties attaining the recommended HbA1c goal despite adequate FPG levels. As some guidelines state, healthcare professionals should focus on PPG to identify and intensify treatment to control prandial glucose excursions in these patients.
Perforating arteries of the thigh: An anatomical and radiological study
Authors: Dissanayake Ravi , Spelman Christopher , Balasubramanium Umatheepan , McPherson Rory , Martin Thomas , Buckenham Tim
Published: January 2016

Introduction

We aimed to advance the understanding of the anatomy of the perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery to facilitate the avoidance of iatrogenic injury in surgery around the thigh and ensure safe percutaneous embolisation.

Methods

Dissection was carried out on seven cadavers, examining the relationship of the point of origin of the perforating branches of profunda femoris, relative to lines connecting palpable bony landmarks (lines A and B). These were compared with 16 computed tomography angiograms (CTA). Left to right variation within subjects and variation between the dissection and imaged group was examined. The anatomy of the two groups was then compared with that described in anatomical textbooks.

Results

The side to side variation in number of perforators was not significant in the dissection (P = 0.20) nor the CT group (P = 0.70). Similarly, the point of origin of the perforating vessels along lines A and B did not demonstrate any significant difference except for the fourth perforator along line B (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in points of origin along line B between the dissection and CT groups for the first four perforators on the left (P = 0.51, P = 0.80, P = 0.66, P = 0.09 respectively) and right (P = 0.79, P = 0.45, P = 0.56, P = 0.11 respectively). The number and distribution of perforators were then compared with commonly used anatomical texts.

Conclusion

As in other parts of the body, textbook descriptions of anatomical structures may not be reflected consistently in vivo. However, the perforating branches of the profunda femoris demonstrate a predictable topographical relationship to palpable bony landmarks.
Relocation of patients after cardiac surgery: is it worth the effort?
Authors: Hansen L. S. , Hjortdal V. E. , Jakobsen C.‐J.
Published: January 2016

Background

Fast‐track protocols may facilitate early patient discharge from the site of surgery through the implementation of more expedient pathways. However, costs may merely be shifted towards other parts of the health care system. We aimed to investigate the consequence of patient transfers on overall hospitalisation, follow‐up and readmission rate after cardiac surgery.

Methods

A single‐centre descriptive cohort study using prospectively entered registry data. The study included 4,515 patients who underwent cardiac surgery at Aarhus University Hospital during the period 1 April 2006 to 31 December 2012. Patients were grouped and analysed based on type of discharge: Directly from site of surgery or after transfer to a regional hospital. The cohort was obtained from the Western Denmark Heart Registry and matched to the Danish National Hospital Register.

Results

Median overall length of stay was 9 days (7.0;14.4). Transferred patients had longer length of stay, median difference of 2.0 days, p < 0.001. Time to first outpatient consultation was 41(30;58) days in transferred patients vs. 45(29;74) days, p < 0.001. 18.6% was readmitted within 30 days. Mean time to readmission was 18.4 ± 6.4 days. Median length of readmission was 3(1,6) days. There was no difference in readmissions between groups. Leading cause of readmission was cardiovascular disease with 48%.

Conclusion

Transfer of patients does not overtly reduce health care costs, but overall LOS and time to first outpatient consultation are substantially longer in patients transferred to secondary hospitals than in patients discharged directly. Readmission rate is high during the month after surgery, but with no difference between groups.
Fatal injuries in rural and urban areas in northern Finland: a 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Raatiniemi L. , Steinvik T. , Liisanantti J. , Ohtonen P. , Martikainen M. , Alahuhta S. , Dehli T. , Wisborg T. , Bakke H. K.
Published: January 2016

Background

Finland has the fourth highest injury mortality rate in the European Union. To better understand the causes of the high injury rate, and prevent these fatal injuries, studies are needed. Therefore, we set out to complete an analysis of the epidemiology of fatal trauma, and any contributory role for alcohol, long suspected to promote fatal injuries. As a study area, we chose the four northernmost counties of Finland; their mix of remote rural areas and urban centres allowed us to correlate mortality rates with ‘rurality’.

Methods

The Causes of Death Register was consulted to identify deaths from external causes over a 5‐year time period. Data were retrieved from death certificates, autopsy reports and medical records. The municipalities studied were classified as either rural or urban.

Results

Of 2915 deaths categorized as occurring from external causes during our study period, 1959 were eligible for inclusion in our study. The annual crude mortality rate was 54 per 100,000 inhabitants; this rate was higher in rural vs. urban municipalities (65 vs. 45 per 100,000 inhabitants/year). Additionally, a greater number of pre‐hospital deaths from accidental high‐energy trauma occurred in rural areas (78 vs. 69%). 42% of all pre‐hospital deaths occurred under the influence of alcohol.

Conclusion

The crude mortality rate for fatal injuries was high overall as compared to other studies, and elevated in rural areas, where pre‐hospital deaths were more common. Almost half of pre‐hospital deaths occurred under the influence of alcohol.
Absence of Tau triggers age‐dependent sciatic nerve morphofunctional deficits and motor impairment
Authors: Lopes Sofia , Lopes André , Pinto Vítor , Guimarães Marco R. , Sardinha Vanessa Morais , Duarte‐Silva Sara , Pinheiro Sara , Pizarro João , Oliveira João Filipe , Sousa Nuno , Leite‐Almeida Hugo , Sotiropoulos Ioannis
Published: January 2016

Dementia is the cardinal feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the clinical symptoms of this disorder also include a marked loss of motor function. Tau abnormal hyperphosphorylation and malfunction are well‐established key events in AD neuropathology but the impact of the loss of normal Tau function in neuronal degeneration and subsequent behavioral deficits is still debated. While Tau reduction has been increasingly suggested as therapeutic strategy against neurodegeneration, particularly in AD, there is controversial evidence about whether loss of Tau progressively impacts on motor function arguing about damage of CNS motor components. Using a variety of motor‐related tests, we herein provide evidence of an age‐dependent motor impairment in Tau−/− animals that is accompanied by ultrastructural and functional impairments of the efferent fibers that convey motor‐related information. Specifically, we show that the sciatic nerve of old (17–22‐months) Tau−/− mice displays increased degenerating myelinated fibers and diminished conduction properties, as compared to age‐matched wild‐type (Tau+/+) littermates and younger (4–6 months) Tau−/− and Tau+/+ mice. In addition, the sciatic nerves of Tau−/− mice exhibit a progressive hypomyelination (assessed by g‐ratio) specifically affecting large‐diameter, motor‐related axons in old animals. These findings suggest that loss of Tau protein may progressively impact on peripheral motor system.
Generalizability and Effectiveness of Butterfly Phlebotomy in Reducing Hemolysis
Authors: Barnaby Douglas P. , Wollowitz Andrew , White Deborah , Pearlman Scott , Davitt Michelle , Holihan Laura , Bijur Polly , Gallagher E. John
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The objective was to test the hypothesis that exclusive use of butterfly needles for phlebotomy, compared with sample collection via intravenous (IV) catheter, will reduce rates of sample hemolysis.

Methods

This was an observational study of hemolysis rates before and after implementation of a “butterfly‐only” phlebotomy protocol. Weekly hemolysis rates, generated by the central laboratory, were collected and the proportion of hemolyzed specimens before and after protocol implementation were compared.

Results

Prior to institution of the butterfly‐only protocol, 11.3% of specimens sent from the emergency department were reported as hemolyzed. During the postintervention period, only 4.3% of specimens were hemolyzed for a proportionate decrease of 62% and an absolute decrease of 7.0% (95% confidence interval = 6.6% to 7.3%).

Conclusions

Use of a butterfly‐only phlebotomy protocol cuts hemolysis rates by more than half when compared with IV catheter phlebotomy.
Aortic Hemostasis and Resuscitation: Preliminary Experiments Using Selective Aortic Arch Perfusion With Oxygenated Blood and Intra‐aortic Calcium Coadministration in a Model of Hemorrhage‐induced Traumatic Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Manning James E. , Ross James D. , McCurdy Shane L. , True Nicholas A.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Selective aortic arch perfusion (SAAP) uses a thoracic aortic balloon occlusion catheter for heart and brain perfusion in cardiac arrest to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). SAAP with oxygenated stored blood was studied in a model of hemorrhage‐induced cardiac arrest. The study hypothesis was that intra‐aortic calcium coadministration would be required to maintain normal aortic arch blood ionized calcium during SAAP and to achieve ROSC.

Methods

Twelve anesthetized, domestic swine underwent severe hemorrhage and liver injury resulting in cardiac arrest. Whole blood and packed red blood cells (RBCs) stored in citrate anticoagulant served as perfusates for SAAP. Experiments were performed with four combinations of SAAP with oxygenated stored blood and intra‐aortic calcium gluconate infusion: 1) whole blood without calcium, 2) whole blood with calcium, 3) lactated Ringers–diluted packed RBCs with calcium, and 4) normal saline‐diluted packed RBCs with calcium. Aortic arch blood ionized calcium was monitored. Occurrence of ventricular dysrhythmias, success rate for ROSC, and the need for simultaneous intra‐aortic calcium infusion were assessed.

Results

Selective aortic arch perfusion using whole blood without intra‐aortic calcium (n = 2) resulted in severe aortic blood ionized hypocalcemia, refractory ventricular fibrillation, and no ROSC. SAAP using whole blood with intra‐aortic calcium (n = 4) resulted in ROSC in all four animals. Two of four developed ventricular fibrillation that was successfully defibrillated. SAAP using packed RBCs with intra‐aortic calcium resulted in ROSC in all six animals, but the intra‐aortic calcium dose needed to maintain normal aortic arch blood ionized calcium levels was one‐third of that needed for SAAP with whole blood. Dilution of packed RBCs with lactated Ringers (n = 2) resulted in formation of small clots in the perfusion circuit which were not seen with packed RBCs diluted with normal saline (n = 4).

Conclusions

Selective aortic arch perfusion with stored whole blood or packed RBCs requires simultaneous intra‐aortic calcium infusion to overcome citrate anticoagulant calcium binding, avoid refractory ventricular fibrillation, and allow for ROSC.