bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disaster recovery planning and business continuity for informaticians
Authors: Cervone H. Frank
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the problems associated with informatics and analytics projects that are developed in an “organic” manner. As such, this often circumvents formal project management principles and practices. The decision to do this is determined by organizational factors; however, even in an informal environment, ensuring that adequate disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place for all mission-critical applications is vital to ensure the long-term survival prospects of an organization in the event of a disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

By adapting the principles and techniques of traditional disaster recovery and business continuity planning, an informatician can develop plans that integrate the requirements of their projects into a larger, organization-wide plan to recover from incidents and ensure continuity of business operations.

Findings

The use of disaster recovery planning and business continuity planning can help ensure the long-term viability of informatics and analytics projects within an organization.

Originality/value

Most business continuity planning is focused on projects that are formally developed and relatively large in scale. This paper applies these principles and practices to informatics and analytics projects that are developed informally and managed casually. Thorough an example, the point that more traditional disaster recovery and continuity practices can and should be applied in this less-formal environment is demonstrated.
Cultivate, assess, advocate, implement, and sustain
Authors: Mannheimer Sara , Cote Conor
Published: May 2017

Purpose

For libraries with limited resources, digital preservation can seem like a daunting responsibility. Forming partnerships can help build collective knowledge and maximize combined resources to achieve digital preservation goals. This paper aims to provide guidance to help libraries with limited resources achieve digital preservation goals by forming partnerships to build collective knowledge and maximize combined resources.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2015, librarians from four Montana institutions formed the Digital Preservation Working Group (DPWG), a collaboration to increase digital preservation efforts statewide. The group’s immediate goals were to promote digital preservation best-practices at each individual institution, and to learn about and support each other’s work. The group’s long-term goal was to implement a shared digital preservation service that would fill gaps in existing digital preservation efforts.

Findings

Beyond the cost savings gained by sharing a digital preservation service, the members of DPWG benefitted from shared knowledge and expertise gained during the partnership. The group also functioned as a sounding board as each institution built its digital preservation program, and it became a system of support when challenges arose.

Practical/implications

This paper proposes a five-point plan for creating digital preservation partnerships: cultivate a foundation of knowledge and identify a shared vision; assess the current digital preservation landscape at each institution; advocate for the value of digital preservation activities; implement shared digital preservation services; and sustain group activities and establish structures for ongoing support.

Originality/value

The activities of DPWG provide a model for institutions seeking to collaborate to meet digital preservation challenges. This paper shows that by implementing a structured plan, institutions can build and sustain digital preservation partnerships, thus positioning themselves to achieve digital preservation success.
Finding access and digital preservation solutions for a digitized oral history project
Authors: Matusiak Krystyna K. , Tyler Allison , Newton Catherine , Polepeddi Padma
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine affordable access and digital preservation solutions for digital collections developed by under-resourced small- and mid-sized cultural heritage organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study ofJeffco Stories, a collection of digitized oral histories created by the Jefferson County Public Library in Colorado.

Findings

This paper describes how the Jefferson County Public Library undertook a migration project of its oral history digital collection into an open-access platform, Omeka, and selected DuraCloud as a hosted digital preservation service.

Research limitations/implications

As a case study, this paper is limited to one institution’s experience with selecting access and digital preservation solutions.

Practical/implications

This paper is relevant to librarians and archivists who are exploring access and preservation solutions for digital collections and to those who are considering migrating to open-access content management systems and cloud-based digital preservation solutions.

Originality/value

This paper presents a case of a public library and the challenges in finding affordable access and digital preservation solutions for small digital collections.
Rethinking digital preservation: definitions, models, and requirements
Authors: Wilson Thomas C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify a mechanism for determining the robustness of digital preservation options given that the field has matured and contains a number of alternatives.

Design/methodology/approach

By examining the component activities of digital preservation, the open archival information system (OAIS) reference model and the trustworthy repository certification process, this paper outlines a possible new model for evaluating the caliber of any particular digital preservation mechanism.

Findings

This paper offers a more ordered and prescriptive model for evaluating digital preservation efforts.

Research limitations/implications

As a review of the OAIS reference model is underway, this paper seeks to contribute to that ongoing discussion to address several issues lacking in the current model and its effect on the certification process.

Originality/value

This paper identifies weaknesses in current practices and offers a model for addressing them.
veraPDF: building an open source, industry supported PDF/A validator for cultural heritage institutions
Authors: Wilson Carl , McGuinness Rebecca , Jung Joachim
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper describes the development of the veraPDF validator. The objective of veraPDF is to build an industry supported, open source validator for all parts and conformance levels of the PDF/A specification for archival PDF documents. The project is led by the Open Preservation Foundation and the PDF Association and is funded by the EU PREFORMA project.

Design/methodology/approach

veraPDF is designed to meet the needs of the digital preservation community and the PDF industry alike. The technology is subject to the review of and acceptance by the PDF Association’s PDF Validation Technical Working Group, including many participants of the relevant ISO working groups. Cultural heritage institutions are collecting ever-increasing volumes of digital information, which they have a mandate to preserve for the long term. However, in many cases, they need to ensure their content has been produced to the specifications of a standard file format, as well as any acceptance criteria stated in their institutional policy.

Findings

With increasing knowledge and experience of processes and policies, cultural heritage institutions are influencing the production and development of digital preservation software. The product development funded by the PREFORMA project shows how such cooperation can benefit the community as a whole.

Originality/value

This paper describes the value of an open source approach to developing a PDF/A validator for cultural heritage organisations.
Archivematica outside the box
Authors: Trujillo Shaun , Bergin Meghan , Jessup Margaret , Radding Johanna , Walden McGowan Sarah
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This work aims to provide a report on adopting a consortial model of collaboration toward understanding digital preservation practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This work provides a case study detailing the work and outcomes of a digital preservation pilot project undertaken by the Five College Libraries between 2014 and 2015.

Findings

Digital preservation is a broad endeavor and rapidly developing facet of digital collections and institutional repositories; yet, it is often an area that is not fully understood or implemented by many libraries and archives, largely because institutions lack the necessary resources to do it alone. Working across institutional lines provides a possible solution to overcoming resource limitations and general challenges for pursuing robust digital preservation programs.

Research limitations/implications

Findings reported in this work are based on a limited-scope pilot project. Several questions laid out during the pilot remain unanswered at its close.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into an experimental process rarely reported in library and information science literature. The goal of the paper is to provide a reference point for institutions pursuing a consortial approach to the challenges of applied digital preservation practice.
Determinants of experienced tourists’ satisfaction and actual spending behavior: a PLS path modelling approach
Authors: Rezaei Sajad , Mazaheri Ebrahim , Azadavar Ramin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of customer perceived relationship marketing (CPRM), service quality and brand experience on tourists’ satisfaction and actual spending behavior in the emerging hospitality industry in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 308 valid questionnaires were collected to empirically evaluate the measurement and structural model using the PLS path modelling approach, a variance-based structural equation modelling (VB-SEM) technique.

Findings

The results support the causal relationships that exist between the exogenous and endogenous constructs. Furthermore, three other factors were found to be second-order constructs: brand experience (reflective-reflective) comprising of sensory, affective, behavioural and intellectual; service quality (reflective-reflective) comprising of tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy; and actual spending behaviour (reflective-reflective) comprising of dining frequency and dining expenditure.

Originality/value

Current literature has commonly investigated the attitude, satisfaction and behaviour of a traveller’s intentions; however, limited research has examined an experienced tourist’s actual spending behaviour in an emerging hospitality industry environment, such as Iran.
Exploring mindfulness and stories in tourist experiences
Authors: Moscardo Gianna
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for understanding tourist experiences based on concepts from evolutionary, cognitive and social psychology. This framework integrates concepts from mindfulness theory and story-telling theory and seeks to better explain the nature of tourist experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews some core conceptual approaches to understanding the concept of experience as a psychological driver in tourism. It will then set a series of research questions and explore some of these through a qualitative analysis of tourist stories and experiences in two South African destinations – Kruger National Park and Soweto. This analysis combines participant observation, content analysis of promotional literature and tourist blogs.

Findings

Evidence supports a set of propositions derived from integrating mindfulness and storytelling theory. Stories do play a significant role in encouraging mindful visitors and supporting more positive tourist experiences.

Originality/value

This paper combines two different approaches to understanding tourist experiences to create a new framework for understanding the cognitive processes involved in tourist experiences and how these link to outcomes.
The impact of Islamic accounting standards on information asymmetry
Authors: Tessema Abiot Mindaye , Garas Samy , Tee Kienpin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether disclosure as required by Islamic Financial Service Board Standard No. 4 (IFSB-4) influences information asymmetry among investors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries. In addition, the paper investigates whether the influence of IFSB-4 on information asymmetry varies between Islamic and conventional financial institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tests the hypotheses using a sample of firms listed in the GCC over a period of 2000-2013. Ordinary least square regression and fixed-effects estimation techniques are applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that information asymmetry among investors is lower after the implementation of IFSB-4 than before, indicating that the standard has increased transparency. The results also reveal that information asymmetry after the implementation of IFSB-4 is lower for Islamic than for conventional financial institutions. This suggests that IFAB-4 promotes more transparency for Islamic than conventional institutions.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to data availability, we were unable to use other proxies of information asymmetry, e.g. bid-ask spreads, and the level of disclosure, e.g. self-constructed disclosure index.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that disclosures under IFAB-4 reduce information asymmetry among investors. In this context, this study increases the awareness of standard setters academics investors regulators and many other stakeholders about the economic consequences of disclosure standards in the region.

Originality/value

This study takes a first step to fill evident gaps in the literature by investigating the influences of disclosure standard on information asymmetry in a unique setting that is often ignored by accounting researchers, which helps to widen our knowledge on accounting practices across the globe.
Islamic finance professional programme structure: development and prospects
Authors: Chong Siong Choy , Balogun Usman Olakunle
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development and prospects of an Islamic finance professional programme structure (IFPPS).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual in nature. It begins with a review of issues leading to the development of IFPPS by the Finance Accreditation Agency (FAA). The process of developing the IFPPS is then delineated, followed by discussions on its intended benefits, the challenges encountered, as well as ways the issues and challenges can be addressed.

Findings

The benefits of IFPPS to different stakeholders are highlighted, with consideration given to its strategic roles in addressing the issues and challenges put forth.

Research limitations/implications

Because this paper focuses on the conceptual development of IFPPS, its actual application will further reinforce its value. The outcomes will be presented in the form of case studies in a subsequent publication to contribute to theory and practice.

Practical implications

Having a knowledgeable and skilled workforce through continuous learning and development is key to sustaining the growth of the Islamic financial services industry (IFSI). One possible way is through the adoption of a unified structure, such as the IFPPS which links quality learning to competencies of IFSI practitioners. In addition, the IFPPS possess characteristics which could potentially serve to facilitate the development of sectorial-based national qualifications framework for Islamic finance, making harmonisation in terms of the design, development, delivery and assessment of different learning programmes and qualifications possible.

Originality/value

A uniformed structure that guides learning and development of practitioner-based Islamic finance programmes is long overdue. With the rapid growth of the IFSI, coupled with the concomitant need for a competent workforce to meet business requirements, the time has come for the development of the IFPPS for the IFSI. The development of IFPPS represents the first of its kind for the IFSI. Once the professional qualifications standards are fully developed and implemented, it is expected to bring enormous benefits to different stakeholders involved in Islamic finance learning and practice.
Challenges to Shariah equity screening, from Shariah scholars’ perspective
Authors: Azmi Anna , Non Normawati , Ab Aziz Norazlin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the challenges of applying Shariah law in the equity market by engaging in narratives with Shariah screeners and advisors on how they conduct their screening responsibilities despite the low levels of Islamic-related disclosure made by companies in their annual reports. The Shariah screening processes in three countries with different Islamic equity markets – Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom – are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interview 19 Shariah screeners and advisors in three different Islamic equity markets – Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

Findings

Overall, the findings in this study show that despite the differences in the regulatory environment, companies still make Islamic-related disclosures on a voluntary basis. However, the lack of Islamic-related disclosures presents various challenges for Shariah screeners, particularly when identifying the operations that constitute the main activity of the company in screening for prohibited activities.

Research limitations/implications

Shariah screeners can play an important role in increasing the level of understanding and perhaps increasing Islamic-related disclosures in annual reports by establishing a set of effective guidelines or practices for Shariah screeners to use when screening companies for their Shariah-compliant status.

Originality/value

The paper identifies a gap in the Shariah screening literature and voluntary Islamic disclosures literature. By identifying this gap, the paper highlights the challenges Shariah screeners and advisors face because of the low level of Islamic-related disclosures.
Ezubao: a Chinese Ponzi scheme with a twist
Authors: Albrecht Chad , Morales Victor , Baldwin Jack Kristian , Scott Steven Deron
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to report on the single largest peer-to-peer lending scandal in the history of China. The authors provide details on how the case was perpetrated. The authors also provide details as to how investors were fraudulently manipulated in the scam. Finally, the authors provide updates on recent regulation in China in the peer-to-peer lending industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical paper that provides a better understanding of both Ponzi schemes and fraudulent practices in the peer-to-peer industry.

Findings

While the Ponzi scheme has been around for many years, fraud perpetrators continue to find new ways to use the scheme to manipulate and take advantage of investors. The case of Ezubao provides important insight for both regulators, academics, investors and financial advisors.

Originality/value

Ezubao, a start-up in an industry with little to no regulation, provides a textbook example of common fraud symptoms (or red flags). The deception was enacted through Ezubao’s bold advertising scheme and falsified appearance of success and government support. This was enough to brilliantly deceive over 900,000 susceptible investors. While Ezubao was one of the first peer-to-peer lending scandals to be uncovered, it certainly will not be the last.
Online fraud offending within an Australian jurisdiction
Authors: Bolimos Ioannis A. , Choo Kim-Kwang Raymond
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the level of online fraud offending within an Australian jurisdiction and how to best apply resources to combat it.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were provided by an Australian law enforcement agency, and qualitative responses were obtained from the parties involved in the crimes themselves (the victims, the offenders and the nominated law enforcement agency).

Findings

Although there was variance between the ages of the online fraud victims, there was a slightly higher chance of an older member of the population falling victim to an offender than that of a younger person. The number of a particular gender reporting an instance of cybercrime in a given area can be higher if the total number of participants in that area was also high. Older victims were more likely to lose larger amounts of money to online fraud. Furthermore, it was found that when the non-gender identifiable data were removed, this increased to over 80 per cent.

Originality/value

Existing literature on online fraud and criminal offending generally focused on the quantitative aspects of measuring offending, which does not give an indication into the “why” component of the study: why are these offences being committed; why do these offenders pick particular victims; and why do the victims fall for such ruses? In this paper, the authors combined the qualitative responses obtained from those parties involved in the crimes themselves (the victims, the offenders and the nominated law enforcement agency) with a quantitative examination of the crime figures provided by an Australian law enforcement agency.
The effect of cyber-risk insurance to social welfare
Authors: Kuru Damla , Bayraktar Sema
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Previous studies generally focused on the definition of cybercrime and its effect on the market. Following Kesan’s study, this paper aims to analyse the relationship between cyber insurance and social welfare and compare it among three countries, namely, USA, UK and Turkey. The paper also discusses the main obstacles that the cyber insurer has to deal with and its effect on social welfare. This paper answers two questions related to cyber insurance at an aggregate level. First, “what kind of contribution does cyber insurance make to social welfare?” Second,“What kind of problems do insurers and insured have to face?” Although the findings are similar to Kesan’s study, this study gives an opportunity to make a country-based study and interpret the results with a different perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The calculation of utility is also important for interpreting social welfare in the market. Consumer behaviour under uncertainty constructs the background for this paper because the risks of malicious attacks are contingent and independent, which means that consumers have to make their decisions under uncertainty. Von-Neumann-Morgenstern utility function is used for interpreting consumer’s behaviour.

Findings

Basically, there are two important conclusions that can derive for cyber insurance. First, cyber insurance can be defined as a higher security investment when coupled with increased levels of safety and a robust IT infrastructure. Second, cyber insurance, as a high-security investment, would have a positive impact on social welfare by making the internet safer for all users. The results show that the problems that lead to market failure can be virtually eliminated with an accurate risk assessment that leads to appropriate premium levels for insured. These results are consistent with those of study by Kesan et al. (2006).

Research limitations/implications

Data availability for different industries have limited the ability to compare the impact of cyber-crime to different sectors.

Originality/value

Technological devices have become part of our daily life. Although they have brought us increasing access to all types of information, including opportunities for business, they have also increased the risk of malicious attacks and the risk of e-crime. By replicating the economic model used by Kesan et al. (2006), social welfare losses and insurance premiums are calculated for three countries: USA, UK and Turkey. Questions pertaining to contribution of cyber insurance to social welfare and problems faced by insurers and insured are addressed.
Makerspaces: a beneficial new service for academic libraries?
Authors: Curry Robert
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to start exploring the possibilities for makerspaces to function as a new learning space within academic library services in higher education (HE). This original research study ask two key questions: How is learning achieved and supported in makerspaces? What can academic library services bring to the effective organisation and support of makerspaces?

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review is followed by a template analysis (King, 2012) of data from an online forum of three professionals operating makerspaces in academic library services in the USA and a discussion incorporating relevant educational theory and philosophy.

Findings

The three overarching learning themes found were: experiential learning (Dewey, 1909; Kolb, 1984), communities of practice (Lave and Wenger, 1991) and self-efficacy through social learning (Bandura, 1997).

Research limitations/implications

The one-week forum of three professional library staff provided detailed and informative data. Substantial field work with students will also be required to see how far this professional lens has provided insight into how students are learning and supported in these and other makerspaces.

Social implications

The wider cultural implications are examined, including the potential social value of makerspaces as transformative creative spaces empowering communities and individuals.

Originality/value

This is the first study to date on the potential educational value of makerspaces within HE, and the specific support academic library services can offer if they choose to host a makerspace (including teaching information, digital and critical literacies).
Managerialism and the risky business of quality assurance in universities
Authors: Davis Annemarie
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify what is needed to enhance academic quality assurance in a university, with specific efforts to reduce the risks associated with ritualised quality assurance practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The aspects to enhance academic quality assurance efforts in managerial universities are identified through a thematic analysis of the literature.

Findings

It was found that the very nature of managerialism caused quality assurance effort to lose its meaning and become a ritual for compliance only. Subsequently, five aspects were identified to enhance academic quality assurance in a university: establishing quality assurance in the unique context of the institution; ensuring that the efforts of policy makers are aligned with those of policy users; quality assurance based on sound auditing principles without excessively monitoring performance; building a quality culture where quality assurance is practiced in an enabling environment; and allowing quality assurance practices to be adaptable.

Practical implications

The aspects identified are particularly important for quality assurance practitioners, developers of quality assurance processes and academics at universities to enable enhancement of academic quality assurance practices.

Originality/value

This paper argued that the nature of managerialism caused quality assurance to lose its meaning. The abundance of quality assurance tasks, forms and processes do not protect the institution against reputational risks, and quality assurance, as practiced presently, was found to be intrinsically risky. This paper offered an integrated view on how quality assurance efforts can be enhanced.
Family entrepreneurship and internationalization strategies
Authors: Ratten Vanessa , Ramadani Veland , Dana Leo-Paul , Hoy Frank , Ferreira Joao
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of family entrepreneurship and internationalization strategies by discussing the papers in this special journal issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The main research areas related to family business are discussed in terms of socioemotional wealth and societal trends. A review of the literature is conducted to highlight the emerging themes affecting the decision of family businesses to internationalize.

Findings

The paper stresses how it is important to have an entrepreneurial approach to internationalization of family businesses.

Research limitations/implications

As more family businesses are born globals, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of internationalization, including emerging markets and gaining important entrepreneurial knowledge.

Practical implications

Family businesses need to be more innovative and risk-taking in their approach to internationalization as it helps them build their reputation and increase performance.

Originality/value

As there are limited studies about family entrepreneurship and internationalization in terms of a broad view of family, this paper takes an inclusive approach to the changing nature of how a family is defined in today’s global society.
Community’s experiential knowledge on the development of rural tourism competitive advantage: a study on Kampung Semadang – Borneo Heights, Sarawak
Authors: Chin Chee Hua , Thian Susan Su-Zhuang , Lo May Chiun
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Rural tourism has emerged as one of the potential economic contributors to the country’s economic growth. To this extent, tourism stakeholders are aware of the rural tourism destination competitiveness where the development should be aligned with the objectives to achieve destination competitive advantage. Given the importance of studying factors that contribute to the development of rural tourism competitive advantage, the present study aimed to propose a research framework by identifying six predictors from the local community based on their experiential knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire survey where 144 respondents comprising local communities from Kampung Semadang – Borneo Heights, Sarawak, Malaysia – were involved. To assess the developed model, SmartPLS 2.0 (M3) was applied based on path modelling (measurement model assessment) followed by bootstrapping analysis (structural model assessment).

Findings

Interestingly, the findings revealed that the communities believed economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts significantly contributes to the development of rural tourism competitive advantage. Additionally, communities from Kampung Semadang viewed that both community knowledge and support for tourism greatly affect the development of rural tourism destination competitive advantage. Surprisingly, there was no significant relationship between stakeholder involvement and rural tourism competitive advantage.

Practical implications

From a practical point of view, the findings of the study provide valuable information to tourism stakeholders and policy planners about the importance of tri-dimensional tourism impacts, as well as community knowledge and support in the development of rural tourism destination competitive advantage. In line with policy development or planning for rural tourism development, the tourism stakeholders should pay more concern on the tri-dimensional impacts, the importance of community knowledge about tourism and gaining the community support for tourism development to achieve the goal of competitiveness.

Originality/value

There is lack of study in investigating the development of rural tourism competitive advantage with a holistic framework. This paper studies the intended or unintended economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts triggered by the tourism activities. This study has also investigated the local communities’ knowledge and supports toward tourism as the community efforts determine the success of a destination management, especially in the rural area. Stakeholder involvement was also examined as the collaboration among relevant parties to create competitive advantage is essential to achieve sustainable rural tourism.
Characteristics and consequences of falls among older adult trauma patients: Considerations for injury prevention programs
Authors: Chippendale Tracy , Gentile Patricia A. , James Melissa K.
Published: May 2017

Background/aim

Health promotion and prevention is an important component of occupational therapy practice. Falls are one of the most common causes ofERvisits among older adults and injurious falls requiring trauma care can have a significant impact on the health and quality of life of elders. The aim of this study was to compare characteristics and consequences of falls among older adult trauma patients across different age groups with an eye towards informing injury prevention programs.

Methods

A retrospective study using the trauma database from a level one trauma centre in the U.S. (N = 711) was conducted. We compared patient and fall characteristics across age groups and then used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios for hospital length of stay >4 days, discharge disposition, and injury severity (ISS>15).

Results

Associations between age group and fall height, location and alcohol use at the time of the fall were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). As compared to the reference group (85 and older), younger age groups had lower odds ratios for discharge to a facility for rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Results highlight differences among age groups of fallers admitted for trauma care and can help to inform injury prevention programs related to outdoor and indoor falls.
A Decision Tree for Nonmetric Sex Assessment from the Skull
Authors: Langley Natalie R. , Dudzik Beatrix , Cloutier Alesia
Published: May 2017

This study uses five well‐documented cranial nonmetric traits (glabella, mastoid process, mental eminence, supraorbital margin, and nuchal crest) and one additional trait (zygomatic extension) to develop a validated decision tree for sex assessment. The decision tree was built and cross‐validated on a sample of 293 U.S. White individuals from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. Ordinal scores from the six traits were analyzed using the partition modeling option in JMP Pro 12. A holdout sample of 50 skulls was used to test the model. The most accurate decision tree includes three variables: glabella, zygomatic extension, and mastoid process. This decision tree yielded 93.5% accuracy on the training sample, 94% on the cross‐validated sample, and 96% on a holdout validation sample. Linear weighted kappa statistics indicate acceptable agreement among observers for these variables. Mental eminence should be avoided, and definitions and figures should be referenced carefully to score nonmetric traits.
An Incidental Diffuse Midline Glioma Found at Autopsy
Authors: Walsh Meggen , Hamilton William , Casler Vektra , Yachnis Anthony
Published: May 2017

This case shows an unexpected midline glioma found at autopsy. Two siblings were riding on a single bicycle on the side of a road. The 13‐year‐old brother was seated and steering the bicycle, while the 14‐year‐old sister held onto the back. The bicycle veered left into traffic and was struck by a vehicle. The siblings were admitted to the local Level 1 trauma center, but both later succumbed to injuries. Autopsies were performed on the children, including brains for neuropathologic evaluation. The brother was found to have an infiltrating astrocytoma located in the left middle cerebellar peduncle, with extension to the pons and medulla. His hospital course included several imaging studies using CT and MRI modalities. However, this lesion was not identified until the postmortem neuropathologic examination. This rare case shows the continued need for postmortem autopsy and the current limitations of medical imaging.
Single disease entity for both chromosomal instable subtype gastric adenocarcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Qin
Published: May 2017

Gastric cardiac carcinoma (GCC) was and is considered as a part of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and staged with the rules for EAC. This may change. Recent comprehensive integrated genomic investigations on gastric and esophageal carcinomas discovered similar chromosomal instability profiles in these two groups of carcinomas with a gradual increasing gradient from the lowest percentage in the distal gastric antrum to a high level in the proximal gastric cardia, and to the peak of almost 100% in EAC. Therefore, most GCCs and EAC share similar chromosomal instable features of gastric carcinoma and should be grouped as a single disease entity because EAC may be the proximal extension of chromosomal instable GCCs. This breakthrough discovery in genomic characteristics of GCC and EAC would dramatically change the strategy on how patients should be appropriately managed clinically and also greatly help future investigation on detailed molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of GCC, leading to cure this fatal cancer.
Deguelin inhibits epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis of human non‐small cell lung cancer cells by regulating NIMA‐related kinase 2
Authors: Zhao Dejian , Han Wenzheng , Liu Xia , Cui Dawei , Chen Yu
Published: May 2017

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer is a lethal malignancy with a high mortality rate. Deguelin displays an anti‐tumor effect and inhibits metastasis in various cancers. The aberrant expression of NIMA‐related kinase 2 (NEK2) indicates poor prognosis and induces epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis processes. However, the underlying mechanism between deguelin and NEK2 has remained elusive.

Methods

NSCLC cell lines were treated with deguelin. Wound‐healing and invasion assays were applied to study the inhibitory effect of deguelin on NSCLC cells. EMT markers, E‐cadherin and Vimentin, were also detected by Western blot. NEK2 protein and messenger RNA expression levels were evaluated when NSCLC cells were treated with different concentrations of deguelin. The effect of NEK2 on NSCLC cell metastasis was evaluated through NEK2 knockdown. To investigate whether deguelin induced EMT by regulating NEK2, we overexpressed NEK2 in both NCI‐H520 and SK‐MES‐1 cell lines, and then used real time‐PCR to study the E‐cadherin and Vimentin messenger RNA expression in both NSCLC cells.

Results

Deguelin inhibited migration and invasion processes in NSCLC cell lines and decreased NEK2 expression in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, NEK2 knockdown inhibited NSCLC cell migration and invasion. Finally, overexpressing NEK2 in NCI‐H520 and SK‐MES‐1 cells could restore the inhibition of metastasis induced by deguelin.

Conclusions

Deguelin could inhibit EMT and metastasis, while overexpression of NEK2 promotes these processes. Deguelin could decrease NEK2 expression, while NEK2 overexpression could restore deguelin‐induced inhibition of metastasis.
Overexpression of ubiquitin specific peptidase 14 predicts unfavorable prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Baozhu , Li Mengqing , Huang Pinzhu , Guan Xin‐Yuan , Zhu Ying‐Hui
Published: May 2017

Background

Ubiquitin specific peptidase 14 (USP14), a deubiquitinating enzyme, has been documented as a key element to regulate the proteolysis function of proteasomes and an attractive therapeutic target for several cancers. Herein, we elucidate the role of USP14 in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

USP14 expression was detected in ESCC tissues and matched adjacent non‐tumorous tissues by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess the correlation between USP14 expression and prognosis in ESCC patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted with a Cox proportional hazards model to determine whether USP14 is an independent prognostic factor.

Result

Overexpression of USP14 was observed in approximately 60% of tested ESCC samples compared to their paired non‐tumor esophageal tissues at both RNA and protein levels, and was significantly associated with distant metastasis (P = 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that USP14 overexpression was related to poorer overall patient survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that USP14 was an independent risk factor for overall survival.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that USP14 could be used as a potential prognostic marker for ESCC patients.
Detecting selection signatures between Duroc and Duroc synthetic pig populations using high‐density SNP chip
Authors: Edea Z. , Hong J.‐K. , Jung J.‐H. , Kim D.‐W. , Kim Y.‐M. , Kim E.‐S. , Shin S. S. , Jung Y. C. , Kim K.‐S.
Published: May 2017

The development of high throughput genotyping techniques has facilitated the identification of selection signatures of pigs. The detection of genomic selection signals in a population subjected to differential selection pressures may provide insights into the genes associated with economically and biologically important traits. To identify genomic regions under selection, we genotyped 488 Duroc (D) pigs and 155 D × Korean native pigs (DKNPs) using the Porcine SNP70K BeadChip. By applying the FST and extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH‐Rsb) methods, we detected genes under directional selection associated with growth/stature (DOCK7, PLCB4, HS2ST1, FBP2 and TG), carcass and meat quality (TG, COL14A1, FBXO5, NR3C1, SNX7, ARHGAP26 and DPYD), number of teats (LOC100153159 and LRRC1), pigmentation (MME) and ear morphology (SOX5), which are all mostly near or at fixation. These results could be a basis for investigating the underlying mutations associated with observed phenotypic variation. Validation using genome‐wide association analysis would also facilitate the inclusion of some of these markers in genetic evaluation programs.
Elevated maternal placental protein 13 serum levels at term of pregnancy in postpartum major hemorrhage (>1000 mLs). A prospective cohort study
Authors: Farina Antonio , Bernabini Dalila , Zucchini Cinzia , De Sanctis Paola , Quezada Maria Soledad , Mattioli Mara , Rizzo Nicola
Published: May 2017

Problem

To compare placental protein 13 (PP13) levels in the serum of women with primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with a control population.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted between May 2014 and May 2016 and included 435 pregnant women at term (38 weeks gestation) without any known risk factor and with normal labor. Multiples of median (MoM) were used to evaluate differences of the PP13 values between cases and controls. PP13 concentrations were adjusted for maternal and neonatal weight. Multivariable analysis was used to detect independent contribution of predictors of PPH.

Results

Fifteen had a major PPH >1000 mLs and represented the cases of the study. They were matched with 399 controls. Twenty‐one patients who had a minor PPH (500‐1000 mLs) were excluded. The mean observed rank in the PPH group was higher than that of controls (28.5 vs 13.5, P‐value=.01). PP13 MoM values adjusted for maternal weight were higher than expected being 1.44±0.45 in PPH cases and 1.00±0.59 in controls (P‐value .008). This difference was still significant even after adjustment for neonatal weight that represented a confounding variable.

Conclusion

Higher PP13 levels are independently associated with major PPH >1000 mLs.
Initial observation of CIN2 does not appear to reduce quality of life in women under 25 years of age
Authors: Taghavi Katayoun , Morell Sára , Lamb Jillian , MacNab Helene , Innes Carrie , Coffey Kate , Williman Jonathan , Simcock Bryony , Sykes Peter
Published: May 2017

Background

Although the patient perspective is implicit in the practice of medicine, research evaluating this remains scarce. In a climate where clinicians and policy‐makers constantly strive to achieve more patient‐centred models of care, this omission warrants attention.

Aim

To assess health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) in women under 25 years of age with cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) receiving conservative management (colposcopy follow‐up, with treatment if necessary) compared with those receiving immediate excisional treatment with large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).

Methods

An observational study evaluating HrQoL was conducted at Christchurch Women's Hospital, New Zealand. Women undergoing conservative management for CIN2 were compared with those undergoing immediate excisional treatment in an age‐matched sample. The Short Form Health Survey 12 version 2 (SF‐12v2) was used to evaluate HrQoL. Secondary outcomes of anxiety and sexual function were also assessed.

Results

One hundred and four women with CIN2 participated in the study. Of these, 63 (60%) received conservative management and 41 (40%) received immediate excisional treatment with LLETZ. We found no significant difference in HrQoL between the groups in a multivariate regression analysis adjusted for parity, smoking and socioeconomic status. There were also no significant differences in sexual function or anxiety.

Conclusion

We found no difference in HrQoL by management strategy. Conservative management of CIN2 in women under 25 is unlikely to have an adverse impact on self‐reported HrQoL, anxiety or sexual functioning compared with conventional management.
Cervical cerclage placed before 14 weeks gestation in women with one previous midtrimester loss: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Harpham Margaret E. , Algert Charles S. , Roberts Christine L. , Ford Jane B. , Shand Antonia W.
Published: May 2017

Background

Cervical cerclage is used in an attempt to reduce recurrence risk of preterm birth, but evidence for use is limited.

Aims

To compare pregnancy outcomes among women with a single previous midtrimester delivery when managed with or without a cervical cerclage.

Materials and methods

Population‐based cohort study of all women in New South Wales, Australia with a singleton pregnancy ending in birth/miscarriage ≥14 and <28 weeks, between 2003 and 2011. Modified Poisson regression was used to compare outcomes in the next subsequent pregnancy, for women with a cerclage inserted <14 weeks, and those without cerclage. The primary outcome was gestational age <37 weeks at birth/miscarriage in the next pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included: maternal morbidity, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), stillbirth/neonatal death and composite neonatal morbidity for liveborn infants ≥28 weeks. Adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined.

Results

Five thousand, six hundred and ninety‐eight births/miscarriages were potential index deliveries. Of these, 2175 women had an eligible subsequent pregnancy: 108 received cerclage at <14 weeks gestation, 2067 did not. Women with cerclage were significantly more likely to deliver <37 weeks than those without (39.8% vs 19.3%, ARR 1.92, 95% CI 1.48–2.48), and had increased risks of PPROM (ARR 4.38, 95% CI 2.62–7.32) and stillbirth/neonatal death (ARR 2.20, 95% CI 1.02–4.73). Following cerclage, liveborn infants ≥28 weeks had double the risk of severe morbidity (ARR 2.54, 95% CI 1.55–4.16).

Conclusions

In women with a single previous midtrimester delivery, cervical cerclage <14 weeks gestation in subsequent pregnancy was associated with worse pregnancy outcomes.