bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational reform in a hierarchical frontline organization
Authors: Vuorensyrjä Matti
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to track changes in organizational and occupational stress in the Finnish police force during the police reform years. It also estimates the effects of organizational stressors on labor turnover intention (LTI).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on six distinct cross-sectional Police Personnel Surveys from 1999 to 2012. The surveys are not sample based, but have targeted the entire police force with good response rates. The study employs hierarchical logit models to predict LTI.

Findings

– Police agencies can be depicted as hierarchical frontline organizations. Major reforms in such agencies can be expected to give rise to increased organizational conflicts and stress. The empirical findings of the paper fall in line with the theory. Organizational stress and LTI have been increasing in the Finnish police force during the police reform years. However, at the same time, personal and occupational stressors have actually been reducing in the police force. Turnover intention was observed to be a positive function of those particular organizational stressors that have increased the most over the reform years.

Research limitations/implications

– The data are cross-sectional. No direct causal conclusions can be drawn from the results of this study. A non-material violation of the linearity assumption was detected in two logit models.

Originality/value

– Relying on Tops and Spelier's 2013 theory of police organizations as frontline organizations, the paper introduces a new theoretical construct – hierarchical frontline organization – and combines its theoretical ideas with comprehensive long-term data from the Finnish police force.
The influence of different physical education programs on police students’ physical abilities
Authors: Dimitrijević Raša , Koropanovski Nenad , Dopsaj Milivoj , Vučković Goran , Janković Radivoje
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of different Specialized Physical Education (SPE) teaching programs on the level of students’ physical abilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the Academy of Criminalistic and Police Studies (ACPS), one of the teaching program goals is an improvement of student's physical abilities level. Since the establishment of ACPS, three SPE programs have been implemented differing in number of class hours. Five different tests were used: “Isometric dead lift,” “Hand grip,” the Long jump (LJ), the Sit-up test and the Cooper test.

Findings

– Multivariate analysis of variance results indicated a statistically significant difference between the programs in tests LJ, Sit-up and Cooper. The Bonferroni test showed differences between all three programs. The discriminant analysis showed that both discriminant factors are statistically significant. The greatest factor in the first function was the test LJ, while the greatest factor in the second discriminant function was the Sit-up test.

Practical implications

– The importance of research was the fact that by determining the changes of students’ physical abilities level, the authors can evaluate the effectiveness of various SPE programs. Results could be used in planning standards, selection and control of the achieved physical abilities level.

Social implications

– Changes could contribute to the positive effects of the educational process on improvement of students’ physical abilities.

Originality/value

– This is one of the few studies which examine the influence of quantitatively different teaching programs on the level of physical abilities within a period of 15 years.
Ethical issues in predictive testing for Huntington's disease an evidence based case discussion
Authors: Lathif Nismen , Chishty Muhammad , Phipps Emily
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Diagnosis of Huntington's disease (HD) is with genetic tests and predictive testing for HD has been available for almost two decades. In the age of advancing genetic techniques, the question arises as to how the predictive tests can affect a person, his or her family and relatives, life choices and future. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study is presented demonstrating the complex issues surrounding genetic testing in HD. Relevant literature was then reviewed to further explore ethical issues linked to predictive testing for HD and also looked into findings on resolving this complex issue.

Findings

– Predictive testing in HD gives rise to ethical issues in social, legal, economical and imperatively personal aspects of an individual and society. Education and dispersion of knowledge to general society, regarding the test, its impact and also the illness would be a starting point in an attempt to resolve these issues. Need for counselling and support for patients in this context is vital and hence the imperative need to ensure provisions for standardised training and supply of professionals in this setting. Universal and enforceable framework along the lines of International Huntington Association recommendation should be adopted nationally.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a case study with significant value in demonstrating the challenges faced by genetic testing in HD, and provides insight in to this issue significant for all clinicians.
The importance of the wider society in rehabilitation of TBI and mental health sequelae
Authors: Wetherhill Stephanie
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review evidence for the importance of the wider society to combat mental health, long-term effects of TBI and the stigma and discrimination within the western society in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

– In favour of the neurobehavioural framework, studies included in this review are those conducted under such settings.

Findings

– Literature shows evidence of significant progress made under the neurobehavioural framework particularly, and, other intense rehabilitation schemes. Community rehabilitation is important for meeting emotional needs and furthering progress in this area, along side physical difficulties.

Research limitations/implications

– Access to all journal search engines was not possible in this case and thus there may be more research which may be useful in this paper. It is not based on any strict empirical evidence, however – it is based on experience and work in the field. More empirical research is needed in this area.

Practical implications

– Implications of this paper are to stress the importance of social rehabilitation, the documentation of behaviour and rehabilitation outcomes including measurements of success.

Social implications

– Social implications are infinite. Increasing the knowledge of TBI is necessary to allow survivors to live in the community with dignity, understanding and support. Awareness of such social disabilities may increase tolerance and patience among those least experienced in this aspect of disability. Communities may become more accepting and thus accommodate more for those living with TBI and ABI.

Originality/value

– There is less research on the qualitative data within services for rehabilitation in this field. A population whereby TBI/ABI symptoms and specific mental health sequelae coexist is less common and therefore can provide unique insight into the importance of community during rehabilitation.
Caring with confidence for Huntington's disease
Authors: Dale Maria , Freire-Patino Dawn , Matthews Helen
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a psychoeducational support group for informal carers of people with Huntington's disease (HD).

Design/methodology/approach

– A clinical intervention was designed by a specialist HD service in consultation with HD carers, building on resources from a generic programme for carers, to meet the specific needs of HD families. A mixed methods, repeated measures design was used to examine any potential benefits this had on carer confidence and quality of life, and to ascertain the most beneficial aspects of the programme.

Findings

– At the end of the group, participants reported feeling more confident in caring for relatives with HD. Carers reported that gaining new information and being with other carers was helpful.

Research limitations/implications

– Although participant numbers were small, this pilot indicates that informal carers of HD patients appear to value psychoeducational support delivered in a group format. Evaluation of this type of intervention for carers warrants more rigorous investigation.

Originality/value

– There is a paucity of research that evaluates the impact of HD-specific carer interventions. This offers a description of a unique intervention that was aimed to increase knowledge and confidence among HD carers and to help provide the basis for more comprehensive services to be offered to carers of this devastating genetic illness.
How is ABI assessed and responded to in non-specialist settings? Is specialist education required for all social care professionals?
Authors: Holloway Mark
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the research into prevalence of acquired brain injury in non-ABI specialist services, the impact of the invisible aspects of executive impairment and loss of insight upon functioning and to question how this is assessed and managed by generalist services.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature search was undertaken to identify where people with an ABI may come in to contact with services that are not specifically designed to meet their needs.

Findings

– ABI is prevalent amongst users of a variety of community, inpatient and criminal justice services. The common albeit invisible consequences of ABI complicate assessment, service use and or treatment particularly in the context of a lack of under pinning knowledge and experience amongst the staff in non-specialist ABI services. As a consequence risks to children and adults are increased, opportunities for rehabilitation and growth are lost and human potential squandered. Addressing the first stage in this process, developing knowledge of the consequences of ABI and how to assess need, is a pre-requisite for change.

Practical implications

– An absence of basic underlying knowledge of the consequences of ABI impacts upon assessment and so limits the effectiveness of services. A consequence of this is manifest in the over-representation of people with an ABI to be found in non-specialist settings.

Originality/value

–Little research is undertaken from a social and community perspective into the impact of ABI over the longer term for those who have no contact with specialist services and yet, quite clearly by their use of other services, have unidentified, unrecognised and un-responded to needs.
Enjoying the front-line of dementia care: an integrative analysis of what care home staff report makes them happy at work
Authors: Manthorpe Jill
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– High turnover of staff in the long-term dementia care sector contributes to poor quality care and lack of continuity of care in the UK and many other countries. The purpose of this paper is to explore the research evidence on what care assistants report they enjoy when working in front-line dementia care jobs in long-term care facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– An integrative analysis was used to study research findings focusing on the front-line workforce in care homes. The literature review sought to capture key findings, including overviews of research, from studies from 1990 to mid-2014 that have considered the positive experiences of front-line care home staff working with people with dementia.

Findings

– There is a great deal of research investigating care home staff's job satisfaction. Much of this highlights the importance of personal, social and managerial relationships. Common themes continue to be reported. There is potential for work on improving care assistant experiences in care homes but also a need to address long-standing inequities affecting the care home sector.

Research limitations/implications

– Some studies are not precise about which staff groups they are investigating in studies about care homes and many concentrate on the problems staff report. Measures of job satisfaction vary. When exploring dementia-related care not all studies are clear if care home residents have dementia or not.

Practical implications

– Many studies have investigated the views of care assistants working with people with dementia in care homes that address happiness in their work, often reported as job or work satisfaction, and these should be consulted when developing dementia services or managing care homes. As with other parts of the social care workforce, employers and managers need to be aware of effective and acceptable workforce reforms and ways to reduce turnover.

Originality/value

– This review suggests the value of investigating positive aspects of care work with people with dementia living in care homes. Greater attention could be paid to job satisfaction in social care more widely.
International Cooperative Initiatives in Global Climate Governance: Raising the Ambition Level or Delegitimizing the UNFCCC?
Authors: Widerberg Oscar , Pattberg Philipp
Published: November 2014

To close the gap between existing country pledges and the necessary ambition level to limit anthropogenic climate change to not more than 2°C average global temperature increase above pre‐industrial levels, decision makers from both the public and private domain have started to explore a number of complementary approaches to the top‐down targets‐and‐timetables approach of international climate change policy. Referred to as International Cooperative Initiatives (ICI), these governance arrangements are now also officially acknowledged under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Durban Platform for Enhanced Action. While proponents see ICIs as important bridging devices towards more ambitious climate policy, in particular up to 2020, critical observers note that the voluntary nature of ICIs makes it difficult to assess their contribution to climate change mitigation. This article scrutinizes the potential of ICIs to meaningfully contribute to closing the emissions gap along the criteria of effectiveness, legitimacy and institutional fit. As means of illustration, the analytical framework is applied to a random sample of nine ICIs (out of a total of 45 listed on the UNFCCC Secretariat's website). We find that while potential technical effectiveness is high, legitimacy and institutional fit should be improved with a view towards integrating ICIs into the emerging post‐2015 climate governance architecture.
Evaluation of the Marsh Deer Stifle Joint by Imaging Studies and Gross Anatomy
Authors: Shigue D. A. , Rahal S. C. , Schimming B. C. , Santos R. R. , Vulcano L. C. , Linardi J. L. , Teixeira C.R.
Published: November 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the stifle joint of marsh deer using imaging studies and in comparison with gross anatomy. Ten hindlimbs from 5 marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) were used. Radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in each stifle joint. Two hindlimbs were dissected to describe stifle gross anatomy. The other limbs were sectioned in sagittal, dorsal or transverse planes. In the craniocaudal radiographic view, the lateral femoral condyle was broader than the medial femoral condyle. The femoral trochlea was asymmetrical. Subsequent multiplanar reconstruction revealed in the cranial view that the external surface of the patella was roughened, the medial trochlea ridge was larger than the lateral one, and the extensor fossa at the lateral condyle was next to the lateral ridge. The popliteal fossa was better visualized via the lateral view. Sagittal MRI images identified lateral and medial menisci, caudolateral and craniomedial bundles of cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament, patellar ligament and common extensor tendon. In conclusion, the marsh deer stifle presents some anatomical characteristics of the ovine stifle joint.
Testing What Matters (If You Must Test at All): A Context‐Driven Approach to Substantive and Statistical Significance
Authors: Gross Justin H.
Published: November 2014

For over a half century, various fields in the behavioral and social sciences have debated the appropriateness of null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) in the presentation and assessment of research results. A long list of criticisms has fueled the so‐called significance testing controversy. The conventional NHST framework encourages researchers to devote excessive attention to statistical significance while underemphasizing practical (e.g., scientific, substantive, social, political) significance. I introduce a simple, intuitive approach that grounds testing in subject‐area expertise, balancing the dual concerns of detectability and importance. The proposed practical and statistical significance test allows the social scientist to test for real‐world significance, taking into account both sampling error and an assessment of what parameter values should be deemed interesting, given theory. The matter of what constitutes practical significance is left in the hands of the researchers themselves, to be debated as a natural component of inference and interpretation.
A novel acrosomal protein, IQCF1, involved in sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction
Authors: Fang P. , Xu W. , Li D. , Zhao X. , Dai J. , Wang Z. , Yan X. , Qin M. , Zhang Y. , Xu C. , Wang L. , Qiao Z.
Published: November 2014

On the basis of the unknown tags in the mature human sperm serial analysis of gene expression library constructed by our laboratory, some transcripts were cloned, including Iqcf1 (IQ motif containing F1). To investigate the function of sperm‐retained Iqcf1 in spermatogenesis and fertilization of mice, we investigated the spatial and temporal expression of IQCF1. By using the (transcription activator‐like effector nuclease) strategy, Iqcf1‐knockout mice were produced, and the phenotypes of the Iqcf1−/− mice were analyzed. The results showed that IQCF1 was localized in the acrosome of spermatozoa and spermatids; the expression of IQCF1 in testes was associated with spermatogenic capacity. The Iqcf1−/− mice were significantly less fertile than the wild‐type mice (p = 0.0057) because of reduced sperm motility (p = 0.0094) and the acrosome reaction (AR) (p = 0.0093). In spermatozoa, IQCF1 interacted with calmodulin (CaM) and possibly participated in the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins during capacitation. In conclusion, a newly identified acrosomal protein, IQCF1, is closely related to sperm capacitation and AR; in particular, it is involved in tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins through interaction with CaM. Research into the function of IQCF1 during fertilization could facilitate the investigation of the molecular mechanism of capacitation, which is unclear.
Oxidative stress is decreased in physically active sickle cell SAD mice
Authors: Charrin Emmanuelle , Aufradet Emeline , Douillard Aymeric , Romdhani Aymen , Souza Genevieve De , Bessaad Amine , Faes Camille , Chirico Erica N. , Pialoux Vincent , Martin Cyril
Published: November 2014

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in sickle cell disease (SCD) physiopathology. Given that chronic physical activity is known to decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in healthy subjects and in patients with cardiovascular or inflammatory pathologies, modulating these factors involved in the severity of the pathology could also be beneficial in SCD. This study aimed to determine if 8 weeks of increased physical activity (PA) by voluntary wheel running affects the hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) responses by reducing oxidative stress and increasing NO synthesis in sickle SAD mice. Nitrite/nitrate (NOx) concentrations, NOS3 mRNA expression and phosphorylated‐endothelial nitric oxide synthase immunostaining were increased in the lungs of the PA groups after H/R stress. Moreover, lipid peroxidation in the heart was decreased in PA SAD mice. The improvement of antioxidant activity at rest and the decrease in haemolysis may explain this reduced oxidative stress. These results suggest that physical activity probably diminishes some deleterious effects of H/R stress in SAD mice and could be protective against vascular occlusions.
The use of sling vs sphincter in post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence
Authors: Van Bruwaene Siska , De Ridder Dirk , Van der Aa Frank
Published: November 2014

The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is considered the ‘gold standard’ in post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence. However, in recent years, male slings have gained much popularity due to the ease of surgery, good functional results and low complications rates. This review systematically shows the evidence for the different sling systems, describes the working mechanism, and compares their efficacy against that of the AUS. Furthermore subgroups of patients are defined who are not suited to undergo sling surgery.
Robotic versus non‐robotic instruments in spatially constrained operating workspaces: a pre‐clinical randomized crossover study
Authors: Cundy Thomas P. , Marcus Hani J. , Hughes‐Hallett Archie , MacKinnon Thomas , Najmaldin Azad S. , Yang Guang‐Zhong , Darzi Ara
Published: November 2014

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of robotic and non‐robotic laparoscopic instruments in spatially constrained workspaces.

Materials and Methods

Surgeons performed intracorporeal sutures with various instruments within three different cylindrical workspace sizes. Three pairs of instruments were compared: 3‐mm non‐robotic mini‐laparoscopy instruments; 5‐mm robotic instruments; and 8‐mm robotic instruments. Workspace diameters were 4, 6 and 8 cm, with volumes of 50, 113 and 201 cm3 respectively. Primary outcomes were validated objective task performance scores and instrument workspace breach counts.

Results

A total of 23 participants performed 276 suture task repetitions. The overall median task performance scores for the 3‐, 5‐ and 8‐mm instruments were 421, 398 and 402, respectively (P = 0.12). Task scores were highest (best) for the 3‐mm non‐robotic instruments in all workspace sizes. Scores were significantly lower when spatial constraints were imposed, with median task scores for the 4‐, 6‐ and 8‐cm diameter workspaces being 388, 415 and 420, respectively (P = 0.026). Significant indirect relationships were seen between boundary breaches and workspace size (P < 0.001). Higher breach counts occurred with the robotic instruments.

Conclusions

Smaller workspaces limit the performance of both robotic and non‐robotic instruments. In operating workspaces <200 cm3, 3‐mm non‐robotic instruments are better suited for advanced bimanual operative tasks such as suturing. Future robotic instruments need further optimization if this technology is to be uniquely advantageous for clinical roles that involve endoscopic access to workspace‐restricted anatomical areas.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Resistance and Exclusion
Authors: Mulvey Kelly Lynn , Killen Melanie
Published: November 2014

The likelihood of resisting gender‐stereotypic peer group norms, along with expectations about personal resistance, was investigated in 9‐ to 10‐year‐olds and 13‐ to 14‐year‐olds (N = 292). Participants were told about a stereotype conforming group (boys playing football; girls doing ballet) and a stereotype nonconforming group (boys doing ballet; girls playing football). Contrary to expectations from gender‐stereotyping research, participants stated that they would personally resist gender‐stereotypic norms, and more so than they would expect their peers to resist. However, expecting peers to resist declined with age. Participants expected that exclusion from the group was a consequence for challenging the peer group, and understood the asymmetrical status of gender stereotypes with an expectation that it would be more difficult for boys to challenge stereotypes than for girls.
Irisin: ‘fat’ or artefact
Authors: Crujeiras A.B. , Pardo M. , Casanueva F.F.
Published: November 2014

Soon after the discovery of the muscle‐derived factor irisin, a great controversy arose in the literature regarding certain inconsistencies in the regulation of the fibronectin type III domain containing 5 protein (FNDC5/irisin) after exercise, as well as the unpredicted association of circulating irisin levels with parameters of adiposity in humans. Due to these questionable findings, doubts as to the identity of the soluble portion of FNDC5 as well as the real role of irisin and its possible therapeutic applications in the treatment of obesity and diabetes have proliferated. We recently postulated that FNDC5/irisin is an adipokine expressed and secreted by white adipose tissue in rats and humans. Its circulating concentration correlates with adiposity in humans among independent cohorts of patients. Further analysis, focused on obesity‐related metabolic disorders, has shown that irisin could play a role in promoting insulin resistance or act as an adaptive response to counteract disturbances in glucose and lipid homoeostasis in obesity. Overall, this leads us to raise the question whether the new factor, increased in circulation of obese patients, is really irisin‐reflecting fat mass or it is an artefact. Therefore, the current review is focused on the potential participation of adipose tissue in irisin circulating levels, and the role of irisin in metabolic pathologies associated with obesity in an attempt to clarify the controversy generated by these recently published reports.
Patients’ expectations, satisfaction, and quality of life with immediate loading protocol
Authors: Menassa Melanie , de Grandmont Pierre , Audy Nicholas , Durand Robert , Rompré Pierre , Emami Elham
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To examine patients’ expectations, the level of satisfaction, and the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) with regard to the implants’ immediate loading protocol (ILP) in edentate individuals.

Methods

This pilot trial used a pre–post design to assess patient‐centered outcomes in 18 edentate individuals (mean age 62.4 ± 7.7 years) who have received a 2‐implant (unsplinted) mandibular overdenture through an ILP. Visual analog scales, the McGill denture satisfaction questionnaire, and the oral health impact profile (OHIP‐20) questionnaire were used to evaluate patients’ expectations, satisfaction, and OHRQoL at baseline, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 4 months after surgery. Personality trait and socio‐demographic information were obtained using the revised NEO personality inventory and a self‐administered questionnaire, respectively. Non‐parametric methods and Brunner–Langer approach were used to analyze the data.

Results

The participants had a wide range of expectations regarding the ILP. Expectations included short‐term positive impact on aesthetics (83.3%) and social life (55.7%), as well as negative effects on comfort (5.6%), the ability to chew (11.1%), and the ability to clean the lower denture (11.1%). The ILP satisfied 94.4% of the participants, regardless of socio‐demographic and personality profiles. There was a statistically significant improvement in overall satisfaction, comfort, perceived aesthetics, stability of the overdenture, and ability to chew from baseline to 2‐week, 1‐, and 4‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001). There was 100% agreement among patients on recommending this procedure to others.

There was a statistically significant decrease in the total OHIP scores and all its domains (P < 0.001) from baseline to 2 weeks. These differences remained statistically significant at 4‐month follow‐up. The ILP improved patients’ OHRQoL, regardless of the implant loss, the socio‐demographic characteristics, and personality traits.

Conclusions

The ILP of two unsplinted implants with a mandibular overdenture significantly improved satisfaction and short‐term OHRQoL, and appears to meet expectations in edentulous elders. There was 100% agreement among patients on recommending this procedure to others.
The Value of Using Feasibility Models in Systematic Conservation Planning to Predict Landholder Management Uptake
Authors: TULLOCH AYESHA I. T. , TULLOCH VIVITSKAIA J. D. , EVANS MEGAN C. , MILLS MORENA
Published: November 2014

Understanding the social dimensions of conservation opportunity is crucial for conservation planning in multiple‐use landscapes. However, factors that influence the feasibility of implementing conservation actions, such as the history of landscape management, and landholders’ willingness to engage are often difficult or time consuming to quantify and rarely incorporated into planning. We examined how conservation agencies could reduce costs of acquiring such data by developing predictive models of management feasibility parameterized with social and biophysical factors likely to influence landholders’ decisions to engage in management. To test the utility of our best‐supported model, we developed 4 alternative investment scenarios based on different input data for conservation planning: social data only; biological data only; potential conservation opportunity derived from modeled feasibility that incurs no social data collection costs; and existing conservation opportunity derived from feasibility data that incurred collection costs. Using spatially explicit information on biodiversity values, feasibility, and management costs, we prioritized locations in southwest Australia to control an invasive predator that is detrimental to both agriculture and natural ecosystems: the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). When social data collection costs were moderate to high, the most cost‐effective investment scenario resulted from a predictive model of feasibility. Combining empirical feasibility data with biological data was more cost‐effective for prioritizing management when social data collection costs were low (<4% of the total budget). Calls for more data to inform conservation planning should take into account the costs and benefits of collecting and using social data to ensure that limited funding for conservation is spent in the most cost‐efficient and effective manner.
Training Intervention Study Participants to Disseminate Health Messages to the Community: A New Model for Translation of Clinical Research to the Community
Authors: Zimmermann Kristine , Khare Manorama M. , Koch Abigail R. , Wright Cherie , Geller Stacie
Published: November 2014

Peer education offers a novel strategy for the translation of health promotion interventions in hard‐to‐reach communities. We describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a program where research participants from a cardiovascular risk reduction intervention were invited to be trained as peer educators. The goal of the “Heart‐to‐Heart” intervention was to promote healthy behaviors among peers to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. We recruited and trained 32 peer educators from a rural, Midwestern community to implement the program, and 18 educators reached 175 women and men. A mixed‐method analysis revealed that those who opted to become peer educators were more likely to be African American than participants of the study population from which they were recruited. Peer educators reported positive assessments of their encounters with respect to preparation and confidence, as well as reinforced personal health behaviors. Peer educators' success was evident in reports from the individuals they reached, who reported learning new concepts and intention to change behavior. Interviews with peer educators revealed their motivations, peer education barriers, and recommendations. The Heart‐to‐Heart model for training research participants to serve as peer educators to disseminate behavior change messages warrants further investigation as a strategy for the translation of research to communities.
A Data‐Rich Recruitment Core to Support Translational Clinical Research
Authors: Kost Rhonda G. , Corregano Lauren M. , Rainer Tyler‐Lauren , Melendez Caroline , Coller Barry S.
Published: November 2014

Background

Underenrollment of clinical studies wastes resources and delays assessment of research discoveries. We describe the organization and impact of a centralized recruitment core delivering comprehensive recruitment support to investigators.

Methods

The Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science supports a centralized recruitment core, call center, Research Volunteer Repository, data infrastructure, and staff who provide expert recruitment services to investigators. During protocol development, consultations aim to optimize enrollment feasibility, develop recruitment strategy, budget, and advertising. Services during study conduct include advertising placement, repository queries, call management, prescreening, referral, and visit scheduling. Utilization and recruitment outcomes are tracked using dedicated software.

Results

For protocols receiving recruitment services during 2009–2013: median time from initiation of recruitment to the first enrolled participant was 10 days; of 4,047 first‐time callers to the call center, 92% (n = 3,722) enrolled in the Research Volunteer Repository, with 99% retention; 23% of Repository enrollees subsequently enrolled in ≥1 research studies, with 89% retention. Of volunteers referred by repository queries, 49% (280/537) enrolled into the study, with 92% retained.

Conclusions

Provision of robust recruitment infrastructure including expertise, a volunteer repository, data capture and real‐time analysis accelerates protocol accrual. Application of recruitment science improves the quality of clinical investigation.
Urtikaria
Authors: Wedi Bettina , Wieczorek Dorothea , Raap Ulrike , Kapp Alexander
Published: November 2014

Die Urtikaria ist häufig und als Krankheitsbild bereits in der Antike beschrieben worden. Trotzdem sind zum Pathomechanismus und Management viele Fragen offen. Die publizierte Evidenz ist im Vergleich zu anderen häufigen Hauterkrankungen gering. Die klinische Symptomatik mit juckenden, flüchtigen Urticae und/oder Angioödemen wird durch eine Mediatorausschüttung (insbesondere von Histamin) aus aktivierten Mastzellen und basophilen Granulozyten vermittelt. Der Mechanismus der Mastzellaktivierung ist für die meisten Urtikariaformen im Detail bislang nicht geklärt. Bei der Urtikaria müssen unterschiedliche Subtypen abgegrenzt werden. Spontane Formen sind häufiger als induzierbare Formen. Im Management sind besonders die chronischen Urtikariaformen und besondere Lebensalter und ‐umstände (Kinder, Schwangere) problematisch. Daher ist die internationale Konsensbildung mit der Entwicklung einer aktualisierten Leitlinie, die neben Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik auch einen dreistufigen Behandlungsalgorithmus beinhaltet, hilfreich. Neben den in Standarddosierung zugelassenen H1‐Antihistaminika steht seit kurzem mit Omalizumab für die chronische spontane Urtikaria, die nicht auf H1‐Antihistaminika anspricht, eine weitere zugelassene Therapieoption zur Verfügung. Der Wirkmechanismus von Omalizumab bei der chronischen Urtikaria ist nicht im Detail geklärt, seine Aufdeckung könnte wesentlich zum Verständnis der Pathogenese der Urtikaria und zur Entwicklung weiterer therapeutischer Strategien beitragen.
The high wage economy and the industrial revolution: a restatement
Authors: Allen Robert C.
Published: November 2014

This article responds toHumphries's critique of Allen's assessment of the high wage economy of eighteenth‐centuryBritain and its importance for explaining the industrial revolution. New evidence is presented to show that women and children participated in the high wage economy. It is also shown that the high wage economy provides a good explanation of why the industrial revolution happened in the eighteenth century by showing that increases of women's wages around 1700 greatly increased the profitability of using spinning machinery. The relationship between the high wage economy of the eighteenth century and the inequality and poverty in Britain in the nineteenth century is explored.
Hypsarrhythmia assessment exhibits poor interrater reliability: A threat to clinical trial validity
Authors: Hussain Shaun A. , Kwong Grace , Millichap John J. , Mytinger John R. , Ryan Nicole , Matsumoto Joyce H. , Wu Joyce Y. , Lerner Jason T. , Sankar Raman
Published: November 2014

Objective

Hypsarrhythmia is the classic interictal electroencephalographic pattern associated with infantile spasms, and characterized by high voltage, disorganization, and multifocal independent epileptiform discharges. Given this seemingly simple definition, one might expect excellent interrater reliability (IRR) in the identification of this pattern. Alternatively, it may be argued that assessments of voltage and disorganization are fairly subjective, and thus quite challenging in borderline cases. We sought to test the IRR of hypsarrhythmia assessment in a systematic fashion.

Methods

Six blinded pediatric electroencephalographers from four centers reviewed 22 electroencephalography (EEG) samples from patients with infantile spasms. Each sample was 5 min in duration and included only wakefulness. Raters determined if each EEG was abnormal and if hypsarrhythmia was present/absent, and characterized relevant features: voltage, organization, epileptiform discharges, slowing, interictal attenuations, symmetry, and synchrony. In addition, raters indicated their level of confidence for each assessment. Multirater kappa statistics (κ) were calculated for the assessment of hypsarrhythmia and each feature.

Results

Although IRR was favorable in determining whether a study was normal or abnormal (κ = 0.89), reliability was unfavorable for assessment of hypsarrhythmia (κ = 0.40), modified hypsarrhythmia (κ = 0.47), high voltage (κ = 0.37), disorganization (κ = 0.22), multifocal epileptiform discharges (κ = 0.68), interictal voltage attenuations (κ = 0.21), slowing (κ = 0.20), asymmetry (κ = 0.26), and asynchrony (κ = 0.08). Despite generally unsatisfactory interrater agreement, raters consistently reported high confidence in assessments.

Significance

This study contradicts the view that hypsarrhythmia assessment is straightforward. Even small variability in the identification of hypsarrhythmia has potentially deleterious consequences for clinical care, as its presence or absence impacts decisions to pursue high‐risk and high‐cost therapies. These inconsistencies may similarly confound studies in which abolition of hypsarrhythmia is an outcome measure. There is a great need for practical, reliable, and unbiased measures of hypsarrhythmia.
High vapor pressure deficit drives salt‐stress‐induced rice yield losses in India
Authors: Tack Jesse , Singh Rakesh K. , Nalley Lawton L. , Viraktamath Basavaraj C. , Krishnamurthy Saraswathipura L. , Lyman Nate , Jagadish Krishna S. V.
Published: November 2014

Flooded rice is grown across wide geographic boundaries from as far north as Manchuria and as far south as Uruguay and New South Wales, primarily because of its adaptability across diverse agronomic and climatic conditions. Salt‐stress damage, a common occurrence in delta and coastal rice production zones, could be heightened by the interactions between high temperature and relative humidity (vapor pressure deficit – VPD). Using temporal and spatial observations spanning 107 seasons and 19 rice‐growing locations throughout India with varying electrical conductivity (EC), including coastal saline, inland saline, and alkaline soils, we quantified the proportion of VPD inducing salinity damage in rice. While controlling for time‐invariant factors such as trial locations, rice cultivars, and soil types, our regression analysis indicates that EC has a nonlinear detrimental effect on paddy rice yield. Our estimates suggest these yield reductions become larger at higher VPD. A one standard deviation (SD) increase in EC from its mean value is associated with 1.68% and 4.13% yield reductions at median and maximum observed VPD levels, respectively. Yield reductions increase roughly sixfold when the one SD increase is taken from the 75th percentile of EC. In combination, high EC and VPD generate near catastrophic crop loss as predicted yield approaches zero. If higher VPD levels driven by global warming materialize in conjunction with rising sea levels or salinity incursion in groundwater, this interaction becomes an important and necessary predictor of expected yield losses and global food security.
Does the extracorporeal blood flow affect survival of the arteriovenous vascular access?
Authors: Ponce Pedro , Marcelli Daniele , Scholz Caecilia , Wehmeyer Wolfgang , Gonçalves Pedro , Grassmann Aileen , Brand Katharina , Canaud Bernard
Published: November 2014

Hemodiafiltration with high‐convective volumes is associated with improved patient survival, whereby practical realization is contingent on high extracorporeal blood flow (Qb) and dialysis treatment time. However, Qb is restricted by vascular access (VA) quality and/or concerns that high Qb could damage the VA. Taking VA quality into consideration, one can investigate the relationship between Qb and VA survival. We analyzed data from 1039 patients treated by hemodiafiltration over a 21‐month period where access blood flow (Qa) measurements were also available at baseline. VA failure was defined as a surgical intervention resulting in the generation of a new VA. Qa was included as a stratification variable within a Cox regression model. A second Cox proportional hazard model with a penalized spline was used to describe the association between Qb and VA survival. Compared with Qb in the 350–357 mL/min range, a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) for VA failure was detected for fistula only, and then only for Qb < 312 mL/min (HR: 2.361, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.251–4.453), Qb = 387–397 mL/min (HR: 1.920, 95% CI: 1.007–3.660) and Qb >414 mL/min (HR: 2.207, 95% CI: 1.101–4.424). Age, gender, diabetes, VA vintage, position of the VA, and arterial pressure were not significantly associated with outcome. The form of the penalized spline confirmed higher risk for VA failure for the lowest and the highest values of Qb. Taking Qa into consideration, no association was found between VA failure and Qb up to flows as high as approximately 390 mL/min.
Men's preferences and trade‐offs for prostate cancer screening: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Howard Kirsten , Salkeld Glenn P. , Patel Manish I. , Mann Graham J. , Pignone Michael P.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Prostate cancer screening using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) remains controversial. In deciding about screening, men must weigh the benefits and harms: little is known about benefit: harm trade‐offs men are willing to accept. The objective of this study was to assess men's preferences forPSAscreening, and the trade‐offs between benefits and harms men are willing to accept when deciding about screening.

Methods

Preferences of 662 men aged 40–69 were assessed using a discrete choice experiment.PSAscreening was described by six attributes: prostate cancer deaths, prostate cancer diagnoses, unnecessary biopsies from false‐positivePSAtests, impotence, urinary incontinence/bowel problems and cost. A mixed logit model was used to examine the influence of attributes on men's preferences forPSAtesting; benefit: harm trade‐offs were also calculated.

Results

Men's preferences were significantly influenced by test characteristics, particularly potential mortality benefit, unnecessary biopsies and likelihood of urinary incontinence or bowel problems; preferences were also influenced by age, priorPSAtesting experience and perceived risk of prostate cancer. Men were willing to accept between 65 and 233 of 10 000 extra men with unnecessary biopsies, and between 31 and 72 of 10 000 extra men with incontinence/bowel problems to avoid one prostate cancer death.

Conclusions

Differences in valuations of attributes and trade‐offs acceptable to men of different ages suggest a one size fits all approach toPSAtesting, regardless of age, may not reflect men's preferences. Our results can be used by policymakers to ensure screening programmes are in line with men's preferences and by clinicians and patients to facilitate informed discussions of the most relevant benefits and downsides ofPSAscreening for an individual man.
Couples with diabetes and health‐care providers: a grounded theory of preferential relating
Authors: Falke Stephanie I. , Lawson Lindsey
Published: November 2014

Background

A collaborative health‐care relationship is considered critical in managing chronic illness like diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes can greatly diminish one's quality of life and lead to severe complications or even death.

Rationale

Understanding how to improve the relationship between patients and their providers supports improved diabetes health outcomes.

Objective

We conducted a grounded theory study to examine the types of relationships that diabetic patients and their spouses prefer to form with their health‐care providers.

Results

The analysis of in‐depth interviews with 18 diabetic couples reveals four major relationship preferences that differ by the nature of caregiving and decision‐making power demonstrated by the physician.

Conclusion

Using illustrative examples, we show how the type of health‐care relationship couples prefer is explained by their connection with one another and suggest implications for practitioners that expand current collaborative models of care.
The New Chinese Accounting Standards and Audit Report Lag
Authors: Habib Ahsan
Published: November 2014

The audit report lag, defined as the period between a company's fiscal year‐end and the audit report date, has been considered to be one of the few externally observable audit output variables allowing outsiders to evaluate audit efficiency. Prior research on the determinants of the audit report lag has investigated a common set of firm characteristics, including firm size, fiscal year‐end, loss occurrence, presence of extraordinary items, client complexity, and audit opinion. However, there is scant research on the effect of changes in reporting regulations on the audit report lag. This paper examines empirically the effect on the audit report lag of a new set of Chinese accounting standards introduced in 2007 that were based on the fair value accounting system. We document empirical evidence of a significant increase in the audit report lag in China after the adoption of these new accounting standards. This increase, however, is more pronounced for clients audited by small audit firms.
Auditor–Client Interactions in the ChangedUKRegulatory Environment – A Revised Grounded Theory Model
Authors: Beattie Vivien , Fearnley Stella , Hines Tony
Published: November 2014

Audit and financial reporting quality are under intense scrutiny nationally and globally. The outcome of high‐level auditor‐auditee discussion and negotiation issues (auditor–client interactions) is central to this debate. Beattieet al. developed a grounded theory model of these interactions in the 1997UKsetting. This paper reports on a field study of 45 interactions in nine case companies in the radically changed post‐SOXregulatory environment. Crucially, interviewees in each case company extend the chief financial officer–audit partner dyad to include the audit committee chair. Fundamental revisions to the model emerge. The strongest influence on interactions has become the national enforcement regime, overlaid upon the international standard‐setting regime. The outcome in both the eyes of the participants and in our evaluation is full compliance (contrary to the findings from the 1997 setting), regardless of the perceived quality of the standards and the integrity of the outcome. Personal and company characteristics, which were of most importance in 1997, have become peripheral. The audit committee chair is shown to fulfil a gatekeeping role in relation to the full audit committee.