bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring service innovation in a network of travel agencies: the Robintur case
Authors: Capriello Antonella , Riboldazzi Sabina
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how customer engagement technologies impact service innovation in a network of travel agencies, analyzing the effects on sales channels, customer relationships and retail marketing policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative single case study approach and triangulating the data from different sources (documents, semi-structured interviews and in-store observations), this paper investigates the Robintur Group, a large Italian network of travel agencies operating in the leisure travel, business travel and organized tourism segments.

Findings

This study highlights three core areas of service innovation that have interrelated effects on travel agency management in coherence with the omni-channel strategy: synergetic channel integration, dynamic customer relationships and dynamic retail marketing.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on a single case study in Italy. Future research could extend the framework to other travel agencies and foreign markets where the diversification process of large grocery retailers is more diffused, and investigate the omni-channel approach in relation to other information and communication technologies and the implications on travel agency management.

Originality/value

Presenting a conceptual framework to exploit new technologies and revitalize the scope and functions of travel agencies, the case study offers insights contributing to the literature on service innovation in travel agencies. The data highlight the adoption of an omni-channel approach to facilitate the customer experience. This case study is also one of the first to empirically investigate the challenges of a large-scale retail group when diversifying to the travel industry and adopting an omni-channel strategy.
Online social networking websites in innovation capability and hotels’ performance in Malaysia
Authors: Al-Shami Samer , Al-Hammadi Abdul Hadi , Al Hammadi Abdulla , Rashid Nurulizwa , Al-Lamy Hayder , Eissa Dheyab
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of social network websites (SNWs) on hotels’ performance through innovation, especially in emerging countries, which is still lacking.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was randomly distributed to 219 of 4- and 5-star hotels in Malaysia and the data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results confirm that the SNWs have a positive effect on the innovation capacity; meanwhile, the innovation capacity fully mediated the association between online social networks and the firm’s performance. Moreover, the association between SNWs and innovation is partially mediated by absorptive capacity (AC).

Originality/value

This paper deliberates the significance of online social networking websites in the improvement of innovation capabilities through business intelligence and information management that improve hotels’ performance. This paper also deliberates the methods in which online social networking websites improve AC and information management.
Expatriation management process
Authors: Tahir Rizwan , Egleston David
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to validate Ozdemir and Cizel’s (2007) model of expatriate management. The researchers tested the framework developed initially by Ozdemir and Cizel (2007) by relating the four stages of the expatriation process with the performance and commitment of expatriate managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research population consists of expatriate managers from five Anglo-Saxon countries. A total of 110 surveys were collected. However, due to missing data and internal inconsistencies (i.e. random answering), six surveys (5.5%) were deleted resulting in a sample size of 104.

Findings

Ozdemir and Cizel’s four-stage process model (2007) has been established as a valid, useful model for creating an expatriation management system. Few expats interviewed indicated their selection was systematized or that they received training in advance of the assignment. Families of these expats received even less consideration despite the fact that many expat failures result from family failure to adapt to the new culture. Very few companies managed the repatriation process at all. Given the substantial correlations between components of Ozdemir and Cizel’s model and performance and commitment, these finding are no less than troubling.

Originality/value

As companies are becoming increasingly international, the number of expatriates working around the world is growing. While the management of expatriates has been studied extensively in North America and Europe, research into the expatriate process in the UAE is still in its infancy. The present study endeavors to begin to fill this research gap.
A study on volatility and return spillover of exchange-traded funds and their benchmark indices in India
Authors: Chandrasekaran Buvanesh , Acharya Rajesh H.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the volatility and return spillover between exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and their respective benchmark indices in India. The paper uses time series data which consist of equity ETF and respective index returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses autoregressive moving average–generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity and autoregressive moving average–exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity models. The study uses data from the inception date of each ETF to December 2016.

Findings

The findings of the paper confirm that there is unidirectional return spillover from the benchmark index to ETF returns in most of the ETFs. Furthermore, ETF and benchmark index return have volatility persistence and show the presence of asymmetric volatility wherein a negative news has more influence on volatility compared to a positive news. Finally, unlike unidirectional return spillover, there is a bidirectional volatility spillover between ETF and benchmark index return.

Practical implications

The study has several practical implications for investors and regulators. A positive daily mean return over a fairly long period of time indicates that the passive equity ETFs can be a viable long-term investment option for ordinary investors. A bidirectional volatility spillover between the ETFs and benchmark index returns calls for the attention of the market regulators to examine the reasons for the same.

Originality/value

ETFs have seen fast growth in the Indian market in recent years. The present study considers the longest period data possible.
Isocyanuric acid-modified cyclohexanone–formaldehyde resins for fire-retardant polyurethane
Authors: Yivlik Yusuf , Kizilcan Nilgun , Akar Ahmet
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Cyclohexanone–formaldehyde resin (CFR) was in situ modified with isocyanuric acid (ICA) in the presence of hydrochloric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid by condensation polymerization. The purpose of this study is to produce isocyanuric acid-modified ketonic resins that have higher melting and decomposition temperature, and to use the produced resin in the production of fire-retardant polyurethane.

Design/methodology/approach

Two methods were used for in situ preparation of ICA-modified CFR in the presence of an acid catalyst. Method I: cyclohexanone, paraformaldehyde and ICA were mixed, and then an acid catalyst was added to form the modified CFR. Method II: ICA and formalin were mixed to produce N, N, N-trihydroxymethyl isocyanurate, and then water was removed under vacuum. The produced N, N, N-trihydroxymethyl isocyanurate solution was mixed with cyclohexanone and paraformaldehyde, then an acid catalyst was slowly added to this mixture to obtain ICA-modified CFR.

Findings

CFR was prepared in the presence of an acid catalyst. The product, CFR, has a dark red colour. The resulting resins have similar physical properties with the resin prepared in the presence of a basic catalyst. The solubility of ICA-modified CFR is much different than CFR in organic solvents.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on obtaining an ICA-modified ketonic resin. Cyanuric acid has the form of an enolic structure under a basic condition; therefore, it cannot give a product with formaldehyde under basic conditions. The modification experiments were carried out in acidic conditions.

Practical implications

This study provides technical information for in situ modification of ketonic resin in the presence of acid catalysts. The resins may also promote the adhesive strength of the coating and provide corrosion inhibition on metal surfaces for a coating. The modified resins may also be used in the field of fire-retardant polyurethane applications.

Social implications

These resins may be used for the preparation of non-toxic fire-retardant polyurethane foam. Polyurethane containing ICA-modified resin may exhibit better fire-retardant performance because of the incorporation of ICA molecule into the polyurethane structure.

Originality/value

ICA-modified CFRs have been synthesized in the presence of an acid catalyst, and the ICA-modified resin was used to produce fire-retardant polyurethane.
Beyond researcher as instrument
Authors: Becker Kelly Mancini
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of an arts-based methodology in conducting a doctoral study on The Nile Project, an East African based musical collective. Despite some evidence that music is an effective tool for qualitative inquiry, there are few studies on its use, especially the use of musicking in the interview process.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a qualitative and arts-based research approach.

Findings

Outcomes suggest that music may help to create an “in-between” space challenging researcher positionality and giving voice to the “researched.” Music also acted as a bridging agent encouraging open and honest dialogue and relationship building.

Research limitations/implications

Findings suggest that music may be a useful tool for researchers interested in arts-based and participatory methods in qualitative research particularly when interviewing participants with varied linguistic, cultural, political and musical backgrounds.

Originality/value

There is sparse research on the use of musicking in the interview process of qualitative research.
Understanding school-based policing: recommendations for improving School Resource Officer programs and promoting safer schools
Authors: Glenn Jonathan W. , Taylor Lorraine C. , Chesterton Hannah P. , Williams Shepeara , Moavenzadeh Faith
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to leverage the perspectives of School Resource Officers (SROs) to develop improvement strategies aimed toward effective and efficient school-based policing. This study offers recommendations to improve SRO programs, with the goal of streamlining the path toward safer schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study was guided by two overarching research questions that aim to leverage the perspectives of SROs. The first question aimed to identify SROs’ perceived barriers to successful school-based policing, while the second question explores their perspectives in hopes of developing solutions for improved school safety. This study used secondary qualitative data to explore the perspectives of SROs (n=456) via an opened-ended section of a statewide survey of SROs conducted by the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools. Conventional content analysis was the approach used to explore the data.

Findings

SROs identified the need for improved quality of and access to training, additional resources allocations and improved program implementation on the part of both policing agencies and school districts.

Practical implications

The authors recommend standardizing the manner in which SRO programs are implemented. In addition, partnerships should be developed between school districts and policing agencies to use school-based behavioral specialists to support SRO programs. Finally, the authors recommend further study of school-based policing as a concept in the academic community.

Originality/value

Little is known about the experiences and needs of SROs themselves. The present studies address this gap in the literature, leveraging their perspectives to streamline a path toward safer schools.
“Proud to be a Special”: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of Special Constables in the UK
Authors: Plimley Sarah L. , Krahenbuhl Sarah
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand what motivates members of the public to volunteer within the Special Constabulary and seek to understand their experiences when engaging in this role. There is little qualitative research examining the experiences of volunteers and yet such literature is pivotal in supporting positive future engagement of a valuable resource.

Design/methodology/approach

Six currently serving Special Constables (SC) were interviewed about their role. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analysed qualitatively through thematic analysis.

Findings

Thematic analysis identified four main themes: “Proud to be a Special”: active demonstration of pro-social behaviour; “Lines of Division”: recognition of distinction between SC and Regular Police Officers; “Levels of Training”: adverse consequences of inadequate training; and “Mind the Gap”: impact of financial austerity. The SC recognised their role as a utilitarian resource with both positive and negative impacts on all Police Officers.

Originality/value

The findings highlighted the need for a careful balance between having enough SC to maintain appropriate policing and yet ensuring opportunity for sufficient experience to develop and implement their skills, successful demonstration of which would support more positive working relationships with Regular Police Officers.
Detection of point scatterers using diffraction imaging and deep learning
Authors: Tschannen Valentin , Ettrich Norman , Delescluse Matthias , Keuper Janis
Published: October 2019

Diffracted waves carry high‐resolution information that can help interpreting fine structural details at a scale smaller than the seismic wavelength. However, the diffraction energy tends to be weak compared to the reflected energy and is also sensitive to inaccuracies in the migration velocity, making the identification of its signal challenging. In this work, we present an innovative workflow to automatically detect scattering points in the migration dip angle domain using deep learning. By taking advantage of the different kinematic properties of reflected and diffracted waves, we separate the two types of signals by migrating the seismic amplitudes to dip angle gathers using prestack depth imaging in the local angle domain. Convolutional neural networks are a class of deep learning algorithms able to learn to extract spatial information about the data in order to identify its characteristics. They have now become the method of choice to solve supervised pattern recognition problems. In this work, we use wave equation modelling to create a large and diversified dataset of synthetic examples to train a network into identifying the probable position of scattering objects in the subsurface. After giving an intuitive introduction to diffraction imaging and deep learning and discussing some of the pitfalls of the methods, we evaluate the trained network on field data and demonstrate the validity and good generalization performance of our algorithm. We successfully identify with a high‐accuracy and high‐resolution diffraction points, including those which have a low signal to noise and reflection ratio. We also show how our method allows us to quickly scan through high dimensional data consisting of several versions of a dataset migrated with a range of velocities to overcome the strong effect of incorrect migration velocity on the diffraction signal.
Deprescription in elderly: A spotlight on pharmacoeconomic aspect
Authors: El Desoky Ehab S.
Published: October 2019

Aging is a complex process and many factors in the elderly, especially multiple diseases and related unnecessary drug use, support a deprescription approach to this age group to save money and health cost. In this review, we have searched for studies related to the pharmacoeconomic aspect of this deprescription approach in the elderly. Few studies are available, but they are promising and effective in paving the way for prospective longitudinal studies to assess the role of deprescription in optimizing the drugs prescribed to aged patients in a way that reduces the costs of both drug adverse effects and/or hospitalization. Awareness of deprescription is important not only to society, but also to hospital stuff and individual patients.
Impact of Public Investment on Private Investment in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Crowding In or Crowding Out?
Authors: Ouédraogo Rasmané , Sawadogo Hamidou , Sawadogo Relwendé
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the possible crowding‐in or crowding‐out effect of public investment on private investment in sub‐Saharan Africa. While this relationship has been theoretically and empirically studied in the literature, most studies used traditional panel fixed effects or Generalized Method of Moments estimators which can potentially lead to biased and inconsistent estimates. We employ heterogeneous parameter models, including the Mean Group, the Common Correlated Effects Mean Group Model, and the Augmented Mean Group estimators, to incorporate the possibility of slope heterogeneity and the presence of cross‐sectional dependence. Using a large sample of 44 sub‐Saharan African countries over the period 1960–2015, we find that on average public investment crowds in private investment in sub‐Saharan Africa. We also find that the impact differs between countries and is higher in countries with a strong private sector.
Determination of Changes in Crystal Violet and Phenoxyethanol (Dating Ink)
Authors: Salkım İşlek Dilek , İşat Esra , Cengiz Salih
Published: October 2019

Ink dating is a significant problem in terms of forensic science. Ballpoint pens are generally used as writing tools on the documents. Aging is determination of the changes in dyes and solvents in the composition of ink over time by analytical methods. The evaporation of the solvents from the paper surface is faster than the decomposition process of the dyes. In this study, in 2017, we were asked by the court to determine whether the texts on the suspicious pages of an agenda dated 1996 were written within 2 years or earlier. Phenoxyethanol and dyes were examined in the composition of all suspected ink samples. The results show the determination of both the decomposition process of the dyes and the evaporation process of phenoxyethanol in the aging of the document entries written by ballpoint pen.
Wolbachia‐induced expression of kenny gene in testes affects male fertility in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Biwot John C. , Zhang Hua‐Bao , Liu Chen , Qiao Jun‐Xue , Yu Xiao‐Qiang , Wang Yu‐Feng
Published: October 2019

Wolbachia are Gram‐negative endosymbionts that are known to cause embryonic lethality when infected male insects mate with uninfected females or with females carrying a different strain of Wolbachia, a situation characterized as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). However, the mechanism of CI is not yet fully understood, although recent studies on Drosophila melanogaster have achieved great progress. Here, we found that Wolbachia infection caused changes in the expressions of several immunity‐related genes, including significant upregulation of kenny (key), in the testes of D. melanogaster. Overexpression of key in fly testes led to a significant decrease in egg hatch rates when these flies mate with wild‐type females. Wolbachia‐infected females could rescue this embryonic lethality. Furthermore, in key overexpressing testes terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labeling signal was significantly stronger than in the control testes, and the level of reactive oxygen species was significantly increased. Overexpression of key also resulted in alterations of some other immunity‐related gene expressions, including the downregulation of Zn72D. Knockdown of Zn72D in fly testes also led to a significant decrease in egg hatch rates. These results suggest that Wolbachia might induce the defect in male host fertility by immunity‐related pathways and thus cause an oxidative damage and cell death in male testes.
Metabolite Profile Differences Among Different Storage Time in Beef Preserved at Low Temperature
Authors: Yang Bin , Liu Xue‐Jun
Published: October 2019

Storage temperature influences meat color stability and quality. This study was performed to quality change‐associated metabolites profiles using a nontargeted liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)‐based method. Beef longissimus dorsi samples were purchased immediately after slaughter, and then stored at room temperature, 4 °C and 0 °C. Water holding capacity (WHC), moisture content and pH value of the muscle samples were detected. Muscle samples and quality control samples were then prepared for nontargeted LC‐MS/MS system, followed by identification of distinct metabolites. Pearson correlation coefficients between metabolites and quality indexes were calculated. Storage reduced pH values of beef, and room temperature and 4 °C displayed the lowest pH value. Moisture content and WHC in beef muscles, especially WHC declined obviously during the first 24 hr. The significantly altered metabolites profiles in meat samples at 0, 3.5, and 7 days during 4 °C storage were identified using LC‐MS/MS. Most metabolites showed linear changes during storage (0 to 7 days). Using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, we found 1(α)‐naphthol, urocanic acid, tyramine, guanine, histamine, picolinic acid, 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, and hypoxanthine were increased, and 2‐(S‐glutathionyl)acetyl glutathione and glutathione were decreased in beef during 4 °C storage. Correlation analysis showed there were significantly correlations between metabolites and meat quality indexes (WHC, moisture content, and pH). In summary, 1(α)‐naphthol, urocanic acid, tyramine, guanine, histamine, picolinic acid, 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, and hypoxanthine, proved to be harmful to human body, accumulated gradually, especially after 3.5 days during storage at 4 °C. While the contents of beneficial substances, including 2‐(S‐glutathionyl)acetyl glutathione and glutathione, were decreased, which provided reference for the nutrition guidance of using beef meat.
Effects of Lactic Acid and Salt on Enterotoxin A Production and Growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Elahi Shaheem , Fujikawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2019

Food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) produced in foods. Staphylococcal food poisoning is mostly caused by staphylococcal enterotoxin type A (SEA) among SEs. Growth/no growth for S. aureus under various environmental conditions was well studied with a logistic regression model so far. Recently we successfully described the boundaries of SEA production and growth of S. aureus in broth at various temperatures and salt concentrations with the model. In this study, the effects of lactic acid and salt on SEA production and growth of S. aureus was quantitatively studied. Consequently the boundaries of SEA production and growth of S. aureus cocktail in broth at various combinations of salt concentrations and pH values that were adjusted with lactic acid were successfully described with a logistic regression model. Here the cocktail was incubated in stationary culture at 30 °C and 10 °C. The maximum toxin production and cell growth of the cocktail were observed both at 5% salt in the pH range from 4.5 to 7.0. Also, the characteristics of individual strains of the cocktail in SEA production and growth at 30 °C and 10 °C were found to be specific to the strains. The present study revealed the effect of lactic acid and salt on SEA production and growth of S. aureus as well as the variety of SEA production and growth of S. aureus strains. These results would become useful information in food industry to prevent staphylococcal food poisoning.

Practical Application

Boundaries of enterotoxin A production/no production and growth/no growth of staphylococcal cocktail at various combinations of pHs adjusted with lactic acid and salt concentrations were well described with a logistic regression model. The maximum toxin production and cell growth were observed both at 5% salt in the pH range from 4.5 to 7.0. A variety of the toxin production and cell growth were observed in terms of pH and salt concentration among individual strains of the cocktail.
Turkey and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Economic Pragmatism meets Geopolitics
Authors: Köstem Seçkin
Published: October 2019

This article explores Turkey's expectations for the AIIB as a new multilateral development bank (MDB) and examines the projects that the AIIB has financed in Turkey so far. The main argument is that economic pragmatism, national developmental needs, and geopolitical motivations together explain Turkey's interest in the AIIB. Ankara initially hoped to attract funds from the AIIB for its connectivity projects in Eurasia. Ankara has also seen the AIIB as an important contributor to its long‐standing goal of enhancing Turkey's national energy supply security. The Bank's lending in Turkey has so far concentrated on energy sector projects. As of 2019, Turkey is the third largest recipient of AIIB loans. From a geopolitical perspective, Ankara's interest in the AIIB is part of its recent pivot to Eurasia and its self‐identification as a rising power with a growing regional and global crossroads agenda. As such, Ankara's expectations for the AIIB are also evolving as the Bank's own agenda is becoming more concrete and as Turkey makes these shifts in its geostrategic positioning.
Trajectory of criterion symptoms of major depression under newly started antidepressant treatment: sleep disturbances and anergia linger on while suicidal ideas and psychomotor symptoms disappear early
Authors: Tajika A. , Furukawa T. A. , Inagaki M. , Kato T. , Mantani A. , Kurata K. , Ogawa Y. , Takeshima N. , Hayasaka Y. , Noma H. , Maruo K.
Published: October 2019

Objective

In modern psychiatry, depression is diagnosed with the diagnostic criteria; however, the trajectory of each of the criterion symptoms is unknown. This study aims to examine this.

Methods

We made repeated assessments of the nine diagnostic criterion symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) among 2011 participants of a 25‐week pragmatic randomised controlled trial of sertraline and/or mirtazapine for hitherto untreated major depressive episodes. The changes from baseline were estimated with the mixed‐effects model with repeated measures. The time to disappearance of each symptom was modeled using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

The total score on PHQ‐9 was 18.5 (SD = 3.9, n = 2011) at baseline, which decreased to 15.3 (5.2, n = 2011) at week 1, to 11.5 (5.9, n = 1953) at week 3, to 7.8 (6.0, n = 1927) at week 9, and to 6.0 (5.9, n = 1910) at week 25. Suicidal ideas, psychomotor symptoms decreased rapidly, while anergia and sleep disturbance also decreased but only slowly. The survival analyses confirmed the primary analyses.

Conclusions

Upon initiation of antidepressant treatment, patients with newly treated major depressive episodes can expect their suicidal ideas and psychomotor symptoms to disappear first but sleep disturbances and anergia to linger on.
Transitions across tobacco use profiles among adolescents: results from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study waves 1 and 2
Authors: Simon Patricia , Buta Eugenia , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Kong Grace , Morean Meghan E. , Camenga Deepa R. , Bold Krysten W. , Krishnan‐Sarin Suchitra
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

To estimate progression to polytobacco use (PTU) over 1 year among a sample of US youth.

Design

Prospective survey with two waves 1 year apart: wave 1 (2013–14) and wave 2 (2014–15). We conducted latent transition analysis (LTA) to identify latent class transitions and examine socio‐demographic predictors of transition types.

Setting

United States.

Participants

A total of 11, 996 people who were aged 12–17 years at wave 1.

Measurements

Publicly available data were used from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, a nationally representative sample of US civilian, non‐institutionalized population aged 12 years and older. Tobacco use status was assessed and classified in terms of: never use, non‐current (not in the past 30 days) and current (past 30‐day) use of cigarettes, cigars, e‐cigarettes, hookah and smokeless tobacco. Other nicotine products were excluded because rates of use were either too low to model (e.g. pipe) or the product was not assessed in the PATH youth sample (e.g. nicotine replacement products).

Findings

We identified three distinct patterns: class 1, non‐use (wave 1 prevalence = 86%; wave 2 prevalence = 78%); class 2, ever use of cigarettes and e‐cigarettes (wave 1 prevalence = 11%; wave 2 prevalence = 14%); and class 3, current PTU (wave 1 prevalence = 4%; wave 2 prevalence = 7%). Probability of progression from non‐use to ever use of cigarettes and e‐cigarettes was 0.06 and ever use of cigarettes and e‐cigarettes to current PTU was 0.32. Non‐users were more likely to transition to ever use of cigarettes and e‐cigarettes if they were older (versus younger), white (versus non‐white) or if their parental education level was high school or less (versus more than high school); and ever users of cigarettes and e‐cigarettes to current PTU if they were older, male or white.

Conclusions

US youth who had previously tried e‐cigarettes and cigarettes at wave 1 (2013–14) had a 32% chance of transitioning to current use of two or more tobacco products within 1 year.
Long‐term effects of youth unemployment on alcohol‐related morbidity
Authors: Thern Emelie , Ramstedt Mats , Svensson Johan
Published: October 2019

Aim

To test if exposure to unemployment in young adulthood is associated with an increased risk of later alcohol‐related morbidity.

Design

A nation‐wide register‐linked longitudinal population‐based study.

Setting

Sweden.

Participants

A total of 16 490 individuals born between 1967 and 1978, who had participated in the Labour Force Survey between the ages of 16–24 years during 1990–95.

Measurement

Information on the outcome of alcohol‐related morbidity was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Register. The Swedish index of alcohol‐related in‐patient care was used to define the outcome. Information on sex, age and country of birth, as well as parents’ level of education, socio‐economic status and alcohol‐related health problems, were also obtained. Average follow‐up time was 22 years. Cox regression analysis was used to obtain hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Findings

Compared with full‐time students, individuals who experienced short‐ and long‐term unemployment spells at a young age were at an increased risk of later alcohol‐related morbidity; < 3 months (HR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.35–3.09), 3–6 months (HR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.29–3.75) and > 6 months (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.06–3.71) of unemployment, after adjusting for several important individual and family level covariates.

Conclusion

In Sweden, a nation‐wide register‐based study with a 22‐year follow‐up suggests that being unemployed in young adulthood is associated with an increased risk of alcohol‐related morbidity later in life.
Gross morphological features of the air sacs of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix)
Authors: El‐Sayed Ahmed K. , Hassan Said
Published: October 2019

Air sacs are considered to be one of the controlling factors of bird behaviour and habits in addition to their roles in ventilation, regulating body temperature, swimming and flight. As a scavenger and an omnivorous flight bird, air sacs of the hooded crow were the focus of this study. Eight healthy, adult hooded crows were used to examine the morphological characteristics of the air sacs, which were examined grossly and with latex and cast preparations. In general, the morphological overview of the hooded crow air sacs is similar to other avian species. We observed nine air sacs; four paired sacs (cervical, cranial thoracic, caudal thoracic and abdominal air sacs) and one unpaired sac; the clavicular air sac. The cervical air sac communicated to the lung through the medioventral bronchus and had three diverticula; intermuscular, subscapular and subcutaneous. The clavicular air sac communicated with lung through the medioventral bronchus and had subscapular, axillary, humeral, subpectoral and sternal diverticula. The cranial and caudal thoracic air sacs were communicated with lung through the lateroventral bronchi and the both sacs did not have any diverticula. The abdominal air sacs were posterior to the caudal thoracic air sacs. The left abdominal sac was the largest air sac. The right and left abdominal sacs gave off branches to diverticula that pneumatized synsacrum. The abdominal air sacs gave off femoral diverticula behind the hip joint as well as perirenal diverticula.
No seasonal influence on cognitive performance in a national sample of older adults in New Zealand
Authors: Barak Yoram , Leitch Sharon , Gale Chris , Glue Paul
Published: October 2019

Objectives

A recent North American study reported seasonal differences in cognitive functioning in older adults. We assessed seasonality of cognitive functioning in a large data set of older adults in New Zealand.

Methods

The International Residential Assessment Instrument‐Home Care (interRAI‐HC) data set was analysed using a non‐parametric method for testing seasonal distribution of cognitive and depression scale scores.

Results

Participants were 73 285 New Zealanders 65 years and older who completed their first interRAI‐HC assessment (mean age, 81.4 years; 57% female). We analysed this sample cross‐tabulating season (summer, autumn, winter and spring) and the Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS) score (Kruskal‐Wallis test, P = 0.45). Month‐by‐month CPS scores also demonstrated no variation (Spearman's test, P = 0.96). There was no association between season of assessment and the Depression Rating Scale score, ruling out variability in affect impacting on cognitive performance (Kruskal‐Wallis test, P = 0.99).

Conclusion

Our findings, limited to the Southern Hemisphere, demonstrate a lack of seasonality in cognitive performance and impairment in older adults.
Staff perceptions of caring for people exhibiting behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in residential aged care: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Roe Jessica , Coulson Suzanne , Ockerby Cherene , Hutchinson Alison M.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To explore the attitudes of direct care staff in residential aged care when interacting with, and responding to, residents exhibiting behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey (n = 70).

Results

Participants favoured a person‐centred approach to their management of residents with BPSD and were aware of the causes of BPSD. There were significant differences between personal care workers’ (PCWs) and enrolled nurses’ (ENs) perceptions of the impact of interpersonal relationships and the physical environment on aggressive behaviours, and between registered nurses and both PCWs and ENs regarding the use of medications for aggressive behaviour and a medical approach to care.

Conclusions

The attitudes of participants reflected an awareness of BPSD and its causes. Participants recognised the benefits of a person‐centred paradigm, but more education directed towards ENs and PCWs regarding appropriate administration and potential risks of psychotropic medication for BPSD may be beneficial.
Investigating the care needs of those with endometriosis: Are we listening to the patients?
Authors: Steele Emma , Bush Deborah , Healey Martin , Rapsey Charlene M. , Peate Michelle , Girling Jane E.
Published: October 2019

What do women with endometriosis need? What are the things that would make their lives easier? Where are the gaps in their care? Questions like these can only be answered by women themselves. The development of an unmet needs survey for women with endometriosis would facilitate the design of patient‐centred interventions to meet these needs and ultimately improve quality of life.
Borderline anaemia and postoperative outcome in women undergoing major abdominal surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Miles L. F. , Larsen T. , Bailey M. J. , Burbury K. L. , Story D. A. , Bellomo R.
Published: October 2019

Pre‐operative anaemia is typically diagnosed with a haemoglobin concentration < 120 g.l−1 for women and < 130 g.l−1 for men on the basis of limited evidence. This retrospective cohort study stratified women undergoing elective, major abdominal surgery based on pre‐operative haemoglobin concentration: anaemic (< 120 g.l−1); borderline anaemic (120–129 g.l−1); and non‐anaemic (> 130 g.l−1). Data from 1554 women were analysed. Women with borderline anaemia had a greater incidence of postoperative complications (55 (16%) vs. 110 (11%); p = 0.026), longer duration of hospital stay (median (IQR [range]) 3 (1–6 [0–69]) days vs. 2 (1–5 [0–80]) days; p = 0.017) and fewer days alive and out of hospital at postoperative day 30 (median (IQR [range]) 27 (23–29 [0–30]) vs. 28 (25–29 [0–30]) days; p = 0.017) compared with non‐anaemic women. However, after matched cohort analysis, these outcome differences no longer remained statistically significant. After multivariable adjustment for procedure, Charlson comorbidity index and patient age, a negative relationship between logarithmic pre‐operative haemoglobin concentration and duration of stay was found (parameter estimate (standard error) −0.006 (0.003) vs. 0.003 (0.003) for a haemoglobin concentration < 130 g.l−1 vs. > 130 g.l−1, respectively; p = 0.03); the difference in duration of stay was approximately 50% greater for women with a haemoglobin concentration of 120 g.l−1 compared with those with a haemoglobin concentration of 130 g.l−1. Although the contribution of borderline anaemia to the incidence of postoperative complications is uncertain, the current diagnostic criteria should be re‐assessed.
Immediate skin‐to‐skin contact is feasible for very preterm infants but thermal control remains a challenge
Authors: Linnér Agnes , Klemming Stina , Sundberg Bo , Lilliesköld Siri , Westrup Björn , Jonas Wibke , Skiöld Béatrice
Published: October 2019

Aim

Current care of very preterm infants in an incubator implies separation of the mother‐infant dyad. The aim of this study was to determine whether skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) between parent and very preterm infant from birth and during the first postnatal hour is feasible.

Methods

Infants born in 2014‐16 in Stockholm at gestational age 28 + 0‐33 + 6 weeks were randomised to care provided in SSC with a parent or on a resuscitaire and later in an incubator or bed during the first postnatal hour. Infant body temperature was measured on admission to the neonatal unit and at one postnatal hour. Data on respiratory support and breastfeeding were prospectively collected.

Results

We studied 55 infants at 32 + 0 ± 1.4 weeks (range 28 + 2‐33 + 6), with birthweight 1760 g ± 449 g (range 885‐2822). 60% were boys. Mean body temperature in the SSC group was 0.3°C lower 1 hour after birth, 36.3°C ± 0.52 (range 34.4‐37.2) vs 36.6°C ± 0.42 (range 36.0‐37.4, P = .03). No differences between groups were seen in respiratory support or breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Stabilisation of very preterm infants can be performed while in SSC with a parent, but caution needs to be paid to maintain normothermia.
Direct comparison of the specialised blood fibrosis tests FibroMeterV2G and Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease from tertiary care centres
Authors: Guillaume Maeva , Moal Valerie , Delabaudiere Cyrielle , Zuberbuhler Floraine , Robic Marie‐Angèle , Lannes Adrien , Metivier Sophie , Oberti Frederic , Gourdy Pierre , Fouchard‐Hubert Isabelle , Selves Janick , Michalak Sophie , Peron Jean‐Marie , Cales Paul , Bureau Christophe , Boursier Jerome
Published: October 2019

Background

The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score (ELF) and the FibroMeterV2G are two specialized blood fibrosis tests which include direct markers of liver fibrosis. They have been shown to be more accurate than the simple blood fibrosis tests FIB4 and the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score (NFS).

Aims

To directly compare the accuracies of ELF and FibroMeterV2G for the non‐invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis in NAFLD.

Methods

Four hundred and seventeen patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were enrolled from two tertiary care centres. Four blood fibrosis tests were calculated: ELF, FibroMeterV2G, NFS, and FIB4. Advanced fibrosis F3/4 on liver biopsy (NASH CRN scoring) was the primary endpoint.

Results

Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve for advanced fibrosis were not significantly different between the direct markers of liver fibrosis (hyaluronate, PIIINP, TIMP‐1, alpha2‐macroglobulin) and the simple blood fibrosis tests NFS and FIB4. ELF (0.793 ± 0.022) and FibroMeterV2G (0.804 ± 0.021) had significantly higher AUROC than NFS (0.722 ± 0.025, P < .010) and FIB4 (0.739 ± 0.024, P < .020). AUROC for advanced fibrosis and Obuchowski index were not significantly different between ELF and FibroMeterV2G. Algorithms using first ELF or FibroMeterV2G and then liver biopsy in case of undetermined diagnosis provided high diagnostic accuracy for advanced fibrosis: 90% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 93% negative predictive value, 85% positive predictive value, and 90% correct classification. In these algorithms, the rate of liver biopsy was 45.3% with ELF versus 39.3% with FibroMeterV2G (P = .065).

Conclusions

ELF and FibroMeterV2G have equal accuracy and perform better than the simple FIB4 and NFS tests for the non‐invasive diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD from tertiary care centres.
Social Psychological Explanations of Political Inaction: Citizens’ Perspectives in Brazil, Hungary, and the Netherlands
Authors: van Bezouw M. J. , Závecz G. , Penna C. , Rijken A. J. , Klandermans P. G. , Uluğ Ö. M.
Published: October 2019

Engaging in political action can ensure adequate political representation for citizens. Except for voting, however, only a nonrepresentative, small group of people regularly engages in political action. Social psychological theories provide individual, group, and system‐level explanations for why people could remain inactive. However, they often focus only on personally held attitudes and do not fully consider the dynamics of attitude formation in interactions. Based on 26 focus group discussions conducted in Brazil, Hungary, and the Netherlands, we explored how citizens explain political inaction. We used latent thematic analysis, informed by social psychological theories, to understand how people form opinions about their own and others’ political inaction. In all three countries, the prevalent norm in the focus group discussions was that political inaction should be reduced but a lack of political efficacy constituted a core theme in explaining why people remain politically inactive. Depending on the sociopolitical context and how people self‐categorized within the discussions, people blamed unresponsive governments, or cited personal fears of repercussions and cultural differences within and between countries as reasons for inaction. The findings and interpretations are discussed within a framework that extends and integrates previous perspectives on why people remain politically inactive.
Using the therapy and enhancement distinction in law and policy
Authors: McGee Andrew
Published: October 2019

In a first major study, the UK’s Royal Society found that 76% of people in the UK are in favour of therapeutic germline genomic editing to correct genetic diseases in human embryos, but found there was little appetite for germline genomic editing for non‐therapeutic purposes. Assuming the UK and other governments acted on these findings, can lawmakers and policymakers coherently regulate the use of biomedical innovations by permitting their use for therapeutic purposes but prohibiting their use for enhancement purposes? This paper examines the very common claim in the enhancement literature that the therapy v enhancement distinction does little meaningful work in helping us think through the ethical issues, a claim that has significant implications for these lawmakers and policymakers who may wish to regulate genomic editing techniques to reflect the findings of this important study. The focus of this paper is on germline genomic editing as one of the main themes in this special issue.
Drawing the line on in vitro gametogenesis
Authors: Notini Lauren , Gyngell Christopher , Savulescu Julian
Published: October 2019

In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) might offer numerous research and clinical benefits. Some potential clinical applications of IVG, such as allowing opposite‐sex couples experiencing infertility to have genetically related children, have attracted support. Others, such as enabling same‐sex reproduction and solo reproduction, have attracted significantly more criticism. In this paper, we examine how different ethical principles might help us to draw lines and distinguish between ethically desirable and undesirable uses of IVG. We discuss the alleged distinction between therapeutic and non‐therapeutic uses of assisted reproduction in the context of IVG, and show how it is both problematic to apply in practice and theoretically dubious. We then discuss how the ethical principles of reproductive justice and beneficence apply to IVG for opposite‐sex reproduction, same‐sex reproduction, and solo reproduction. We suggest that these principles generate strong reasons for the use of IVG for opposite‐sex and same‐sex reproduction, but not for solo reproduction.