bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Females’ Representation in the Boardroom and Their Impact on Financial Distress: An Evidence from Family Businesses in India
Authors: Mittal Sangeeta , Lavina
Published: June 2018

This study empirically examine the females’ representation (gender diversity) on the board as well as their impact on financial distress by taking the sample of Indian-listed family firms for a period ranging from 2013 to 2016. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression have been used to find out the influence of feminine on financial distress. The results of descriptive statistics show that on an average, there is just 9 per cent share of females on the board to a maximum of 28 per cent and only 2 per cent of firms have female chief executive officer (FCEO). Further, females have a diminutive impact on financial distress since their presence on the board is very low. Only one variable, females’ percentage (FPER) on the board is significant and negatively associated with financial distress. However, other insignificant variables are also negatively related with financial distress indicating that gender diversity on the board can minimise the financial distress. Consequently, practical implications derived from the present study are that there should be a considerable share of females on the board and executive positions so that their decisions could considerably impact the firm’s performance and be helpful to reduce the financial distress.
Socially Responsible Investment, Microfinance and Banking: Creating Value by Synergy
Authors: Praseeda Challapalli
Published: June 2018

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is fast catching the imagination of the ever increasing social consciousness of the investor community. Emergence of SRI can be traced back to the 1970s to few socially conscious investors who wanted to invest in bonds other than war, arms and ammunition and alcohol. Traditionally, SRI has focused on the economic social and governance (ESG) areas. Dieckmann (2007) who authored; Microfinance an emerging investment opportunity as a part of the Deutsche Bank Research, indicates that the SRI sector is witnessing the emergence of novae entrants like the microfinance (MF). The report also states that MF is scanning the environment for new funding opportunities by securitising MF opportunities and moving to the extent of going public. The scenario suggests microfinance to be robust, low risk profiled and growing investment avenue, which is fast emerging in the field of SRI. The purpose of the present article is to explore into the different dimensions of this emerging phenomenon and understand the emerging opportunities for banks in creating value using the synergy of SRI and MF.
Are the Filipino domestic helpers caring the home‐dwelling elders in Hong Kong competent to provide first aid in a medical emergency?
Authors: Ho Cheuk‐Him , Chan Tsz‐Kit , Leung Nicholas ATC , Leung Reynold , Fan Kit‐Ling , Leung Ling‐Pong
Published: June 2018

Background:

The healthcare need of the elderly in Hong Kong is a major issue. Foreign domestic helpers, especially those from the Philippines, play a significant role in response to the healthcare need of a home‐dwelling elder as they are often the sole caregiver of the elders.

Objectives:

This study primarily aimed at exploring the Filipino domestic helpers’ knowledge of and attitude to managing a medical emergency of a home‐dwelling elder.

Methods:

This was a questionnaire survey of the Filipino domestic helpers working in Hong Kong and was conducted from 1 July 2015 to 29 February 2016. The survey collected their demographic data, evaluated their first aid knowledge by a test of multiple‐choice questions and assessed their attitudes to providing first aid to the elders they cared in terms of confidence and perceived responsibility. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the findings.

Results:

In all, 398 Filipino domestic helpers were surveyed. Most had completed university education. About one third had been trained in first aid. The average mark attained by the respondents on first aid knowledge assessment was 4.5 (full mark = 16). Their knowledge was especially poor in heat exhaustion, choking, external bleeding, epistaxis and scald injury. Their median confidence score was 10 (full score = 15) and median perceived responsibility score was 13 (full score = 20).

Conclusion:

The first aid knowledge among the Filipino domestic helpers surveyed in this study was poor. They were not confident enough in providing first aid to an elder and their perceived responsibility was also low.
Comparing Serious Games and Educational Simulations: Effects on Enjoyment, Deep Thinking, Interest and Cognitive Learning Gains
Authors: Imlig-Iten Nina , Petko Dominik
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim. Serious games are generally considered to have positive effects on many aspects of learner engagement as well as on cognitive learning gains and subject-related interest. Yet few studies have examined which combination of game elements influence engagement and learning, and how these factors are related. For this reason, an experimental study was conducted to explore these aspects with regard to digital serious games.

Method. Twelve primary school classes with 153 students from 9 to 12 years of age participated in this experimental field study using group comparisons. The students were randomly assigned to interact either with an educational simulation or a digital serious game. The results were analyzed using t-tests and hierarchical linear regressions.

Results and Conclusion. Results show that there are no group differences in tested learning gains nor in self-reported cognitive learning gains or increase in interest. Although there are also no differences regarding enjoyment, self-reported levels of deep thinking are higher when learning with a serious game. While post-test knowledge is only influenced by prior knowledge, self-reported cognitive learning gains and increases in interest are both positively correlated with deep thinking and enjoyment. These results lead to the conclusion that learning with serious games does not always lead to the expected increases in all aspects of engagement and learning outcomes. Thus, research needs to address the interplay of game elements and their impact on engagement and learning in more detail.
Mechanical and cracking behavior of granite containing two coplanar flaws under conventional triaxial compression
Authors: Huang Yan-Hua , Yang Sheng-Qi
Published: June 2018

Flaws widely exist in rock mass, which significantly influences the strength and failure behavior of rock. The study of the flaw effect on the mechanical and cracking behavior is important to predict the unstable failure of fractured rock engineering. However, three-dimensional crack propagation behavior of real rock containing preexisting flaws under triaxial compression has been rarely studied. To increase the understanding of crack coalescence behavior, a series of laboratory conventional triaxial compression experiments were carried out on granite specimens containing two coplanar three-dimensional flaws. On the basis of experimental results, the effects of flaw angle and confining pressure on the strength properties of granite specimens were analyzed. As the flaw angle increased from 30° to 60° and the confining pressure increased from 0 to 30 MPa, the triaxial compressive strength and crack damage threshold of granite specimen increased. The cohesion and internal friction angle of preflawed granite specimen increased with increasing flaw angle. And then, X-ray micro-CT scanning technique was used to investigate the internal fracture characteristic of granite specimen. Four typical crack coalescence modes were identified in this experiment, i.e. no coalescence, two types of indirect coalescence, and shear coalescence. Under uniaxial compression, cracks from the tips of the flaws led to the specimen failure under tension, while under higher confining pressure, shear cracks and antiwing cracks were dominant.
Vancouver Foot and Ankle WNS (Wound, Nerve, and Systemic) Classification System for Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Veljkovic Andrea , Penner Murray , Wing Kevin , Abbas Kaniza Zahra , Salat Peter , Lau Johnny , Femino John E. , Phisitkul Phinit , Amendola Annunziato , Younger Alastair
Published: June 2018

Background:

Adverse events require consistent recording to determine the effect of alternate treatments. This study was undertaken to evaluate the Vancouver Foot and Ankle WNS complication scale to capture complications (W: wound, N: nerve, S: systemic) to assist in outcome recording.

Methods:

Interrater reliability was tested in 2 settings: (1) between 2 blinded clinicians in a live clinical setting and (2) between 8 orthopedic surgeons using case vignettes based on a retrospective analysis of 500 foot and ankle procedures performed at the Toronto Western Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics. The intrarater reliability of the WNS scale was tested in a single rater using the case vignettes. Inter- and intrarater reliability were assessed using the Fleiss and Cohen weighted kappa ( k), respectively and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There was adequate power over 0.8.

Results:

In the live clinical setting, the Cohen weighted k (95% CI) values for the W (0.935 [0.862, 1.01]), N (0.914 [0.752, 1.08]), and S (1 [1, 1]) parameters, indicating a near perfect level of agreement between raters. In the broader community of professional foot and ankle surgeons, the Fleiss k values (95% CI) had moderate agreement for the W (0.712 [0.688, 0.735]), N (0.775 [0.738, 0.811]), and high agreement for S (0.834 [0.802, 0.866]) parameters based on case vignettes. However, the Fleiss k values continued to indicate moderate to strong agreement between raters for all parameters.

Conclusions:

The WNS scale provided a standardized method of measuring foot and ankle surgical complications. There was at least moderate-strong interrater agreement for all parameters measured on case vignettes and excellent concordance in the live setting.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Case Manager Resource Allocation Decision-Making for Adult Home Care Clients: With Comparisons to a High Needs Pediatric Home Care Clients
Authors: Fraser Kimberly , Lisa Garland Baird , Laing Daley , Lai Jonathan , Punjani Neelam Saleem
Published: June 2018

Home care programs have become integral parts of the overall health service system in Canada and in many other developed nations. Resource allocation decision-making by home care case managers (CM) is a complex task where CMs are challenged to meet the dual responsibilities for clients, in order that they achieve high quality care, and to the system to contain costs. The purpose of this study was to extend what is known about resource allocation decision-making factors identified in a previous systematic literature review and ethnographic study within a high needs pediatric context conducted by the principal investigator in Western Canada. Spradley’s ethnoscience method was used in this research. The study sample consisted of 17 home care CMs, professional practice leads, and their managers from two separate home care offices. All participating CMs had assigned caseloads and were involved in the assessment and implementation of care planning for clients. Purposive sampling methods were employed. In keeping with Spradley’s ethnoscience approach, data collection occurred in three distinct phases or rounds. The first round of data collection began with a series of one-on-one interviews with card sorts, the second round of data collection was another series of one-on-one interviews with CMs who were not interviewed in the prior round, and the third and final round of data collection was a focus group to accomplish further refinement and verification of our established categories. Participants identified five categories of factors that effected their resource allocation decision-making. The categories were related to one of five main areas: the client, the CM, the home care program, community resources, or the health care system. The findings of this study reinforced the complexity of CM resource allocation decision-making in home care. This study provides new insights into CM resource allocation decision-making based on multidisciplinary, integrated home care teams caring for adults, the majority of whom are 65 years and older. This study also provides the comparison of taxonomy that differs between pediatric and adult home care populations that influence resource allocation decision-making.
Understanding Plagiarism
Authors: Suter William Newton , Suter Paula M.
Published: June 2018

The charge of plagiarism can blindside authors and ruin careers. We view plagiarism not as evidence of moral turpitude but in most cases the tragic result of limited understanding. We present information about types of plagiarism, trends, and methods of detection with a sharp focus on paraphrasing plagiarism (least understood and most murky). We summarize editors’ alarm and offer general advice for ensuring novice writers and experienced (published) authors do not unwittingly face charges of plagiarism.
Childhood Social Functioning and Young Adult Intimate Partner Violence in Girls With and Without ADHD: Response Inhibition as a Moderator
Authors: Youn Cherry , Meza Jocelyn I. , Hinshaw Stephen P.
Published: June 2018

Objective: Examine the moderating effects of response inhibition on the longitudinal association between social preference/relational aggression measured in childhood, and intimate partner violence (IPV) measured in young adulthood, among women with ( n = 140) and without ( n = 88) histories of childhood ADHD. Method: During childhood, social preference was measured through confidential peer sociometric nominations, yielding negative and positive peer regard; relational aggression was assessed via staff behavioral observations; and response inhibition was assessed using commission errors from the continuous performance task. During young adulthood, IPV was ascertained via a clinician-administered, semistructured interview. Results: Social preference and relational aggression independently predicted IPV; this prospective link was moderated by response inhibition. Conclusion: In combination with low social preference or high relational aggression in childhood, poor response inhibition predicted the highest levels of young-adult IPV. Given the developmental significance of peer relationships, additional research on the causes of and treatments for poor social functioning in ADHD is warranted.
Training General Practitioners in Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment: An Evaluation of the Tobacco Treatment Training Network in Crete (TiTAN-Crete) Intervention
Authors: Girvalaki Charis , Papadakis Sophia , Vardavas Constantine , Pipe Andrew L. , Petridou Eleni , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Lionis Christos
Published: June 2018

Background. Rates of tobacco treatment delivery in primary care are suboptimal. Aims. We report on the effectiveness of the TiTAN Crete intervention on rates of patient-reported 4As (ask, advise, assist, arrange) tobacco treatment and general practitioner’s (GP) knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions. Methods. A quasi-experimental pilot study with pre-post evaluation was conducted in Crete, Greece (2015-2016). GPs ( n = 24) intervention and control group and a cross-sectional sample of their patients ( n = 841) were surveyed before the implementation of the intervention. GPs in the intervention group received training, practice, and patient tools to support the integration of the 4As treatment into clinical routines. Intervention group GPs ( n = 14) and a second cross-sectional sample of patients ( n = 460) were surveyed 4 months following the intervention to assess changes in outcomes of interest. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data. Results. Among GPs exposed to the intervention, significant increases in knowledge, self-efficacy, and rates of 4As delivery were documented between the pre- and postassessment and compared with those of the control group. Specifically, the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 4As delivery between the pre-and postassessment among GPs exposed to the TiTAN intervention were as follows: Ask AOR 3.66 (95% CI [2.61, 5.14]); Advise AOR 4.21 (95% CI [3.02, 5.87]); Assist AOR 13.10 (95% CI [8.83, 19.42]) and Arrange AOR 4.75 (95% CI [2.67, 8.45]). Conclusion. We found significant increases in rates at which GPs delivered evidence-based tobacco treatment following exposure to the TiTAN intervention. Future research should examine methods for supporting broader dissemination of well-designed training interventions in general practice.
Rankings of Advertising Programs by Advertising Educators
Authors: Richards Jef I. , Taylor Elizabeth Gigi
Published: June 2018

Many advertising practitioners have criticized advertising education, but it is unclear on what those opinions are based. Educators should be educating the industry about their programs, but that effort should concentrate on the most exemplary programs in the nation. Unfortunately, unlike other disciplines, advertising programs never have been ranked. A survey is presented which asked the heads of 143 advertising programs to rank both undergraduate and graduate advertising programs. Additional questions look at what these professors believe contributes to a quality advertising program.
Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms in Saudi Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Bin Huraib Ghaleb , Al Harthi Fahad , Arfin Misbahul , Al-Sugheyr Mohammed , Rizvi Sadaf , Al-Asmari Abdulrahaman
Published: June 2018

The cause of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial and a number of genes including cytokines have been involved. We genotyped 315 subjects for polymorphisms in TNF-α and TNF-β and IL-10 genes. Patients had significantly higher frequency of GA genotype of TNF-α (−308 G/A) than healthy controls. Patients with AD and controls had similar distribution of A and G alleles. Genotype AA was found in 7.11% of controls while completely absent in cases. The frequencies of genotypes GG and AA of TNF-β (+252 A/G) polymorphism were higher whereas the frequency of genotype GA was significantly lower in patients than the controls. The frequencies of genotypes GG and AA of IL-10 (1082 G/A) polymorphism were significantly increased whereas genotype GA was decreased in patients than the controls. It is concluded that TNF-α (−308 G/A), TNF-β (+252 A/G), and IL-10 (−1082 G/A) polymorphisms are linked with the susceptibility of AD in Saudis and can be a risk factor.
An Analysis of Multiple Stressors on Resident Benthic Communities in a California Agricultural Stream
Authors: Hall Lenwood W , Anderson Ronald D , Killen William D , Alden Raymond W
Published: June 2018

This 3-year study (2015-2017) was designed to characterize benthic communities (macroinvertebrates) and physical habitat in an agriculturally dominated waterbody in the Central Coast area of California (Santa Maria River). Benthic communities as represented by various metrics that represent richness, composition, tolerance/intolerance and trophic measures were used as response variables for the various stressors described below. Concurrent water quality evaluations, physical sediment parameters (grain size and total organic carbon [TOC]), pyrethroids, bulk metals—including simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) and acid volatile sulfides (AVS) ratios—and nutrients were measured. The relationship of various benthic metrics to physical habitat metrics, pyrethroids, metals, nutrients and sediment characteristics was evaluated for the 3-year data set. Total physical habitat scores in this watershed were considered to be poor. Samples collected for various sediment chemistry measurements were from depositional areas (fine grain areas primarily silt and clay) where hydrophobic chemicals such as pyrethroids could be found if sources exist. Dominant benthic taxa collected were generally considered to be tolerant to moderately tolerant of environmental stressors and rated as impaired based on a benthic index. Potentially toxic sediment concentrations of arsenic, cadmium and nickel were reported at various sites based on a comparison with existing threshold effect levels. Pyrethroid concentrations interpreted by using a highly protective toxics units approach with a laboratory sensitive taxon ( Hyalella) suggested potential toxicity at various sites. Nutrient concentrations could not be interpreted within the context of potential impairment because the State of California has not developed nutrient criteria. The results of the stepwise linear regression models comparing benthic metrics with all environmental variables showed that TOC was the most important variable shaping the benthic communities. In contrast, pyrethroids, metals and physical habitat were not shown to be significant factors shaping benthic communities. The summary multivariate canonical correlation analysis indicated that less stressed, more diverse benthic communities tended to be associated more with TOC-rich finer sediments and lower concentrations of phosphorous-based nutrients, and more stressed, less diverse benthic communities tended to be associated with less organically rich, somewhat less fine sediments and higher phosphorous concentrations.
Precision Medicine in Head and Neck Cancer: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Malone Eoghan , Siu Lillian L
Published: June 2018

Standard treatment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is limited currently with decisions being made primarily based on tumor location, histology, and stage. The role of the human papillomavirus in risk stratification is actively under clinical trial evaluations. The molecular complexity and intratumoral heterogeneity of the disease are not actively integrated into management decisions of HNSCC, despite a growing body of knowledge in these areas. The advent of the genomic era has delivered vast amounts of information regarding different cancer subtypes and is providing new therapeutic targets, which can potentially be elucidated using next-generation sequencing and other modern technologies. The task ahead is to expand beyond the existent armamentarium by exploiting beyond the genome and perform integrative analysis using innovative systems biology methods, with the goal to deliver effective precision medicine-based theragnostic options in HNSCC.
The effect of ceramic tribo-elements on friction and wear of smooth steel surfaces
Authors: Dzierwa Andrzej , Pawlus Pawel , Reizer Rafal
Published: June 2018

The pin-on-disc dry sliding friction and wear experiments have been made on 42CrMo4 steel in contact with Si3N4, SiC, WC, Al2O3, and ZrO2 ceramic balls. The tests were carried out at sliding speeds of 0.16 m/s, 0.24 m/s, and 0.32 m/s. During the tests, the friction force was monitored as a function of time. Discs and balls wear was measured after the tests using a white light interferometer Talysurf CCI Lite and Altisurf 520 optical profilometer with a CL1 confocal probe. To decrease variations in the experimental results, during the tests, wear debris was continuously removed from the disc surfaces. It was found out that with Al2O3 counterpart the wear volume of the steel discs was the largest. However, the largest wear volume of the balls was observed for Si3N4 ceramic balls.
Physical education-related home–school collaboration: The experiences of parents of children with disabilities
Authors: Wilhelmsen Terese , Sørensen Marit
Published: June 2018

In this hermeneutic phenomenological study, we describe the physical education (PE)-related home–school collaboration as experienced by parents of children with disabilities. We further explore which conditions parents experienced as either promoting or inhibiting the collaborative relationship and how they became involved in school activities to secure quality education in PE. The data consisted of 25 semi-structured interviews with parents of children with disabilities. Inductive thematic analysis generated five themes: (1) lack of PE-related information; (2) contradictory expectations; (3) competence and continuous systematic communication; (4) involvement in school-based activity; and (5) navigating the system. PE was often absent in the formal collaboration between home and school. The conditions emphasised as inhibiting collaboration were lack of information, contradictory expectations, conflict over resources and short-sighted planning. The promoting conditions were continuous systematic communication, trust in the competencies of the school personnel, and joint problem solving and collaboration among professionals. The study illuminates the ways in which parents informally involved themselves in their children’s education and their use of various strategies to promote participation and quality in PE.
Enhancing public health outcomes in developing countries: from good policies and best practices to better implementation
Authors: Woolcock Michael
Published: June 2018

In rich and poor countries alike, a core challenge is building the state’s capability for policy implementation. Delivering high-quality public health and health care—affordably, reliably and at scale, for all—exemplifies this challenge, since doing so requires deftly integrating refined technical skills (surgery), broad logistics management (supply chains, facilities maintenance), adaptive problem solving (curative care), and resolving ideological differences (who pays? who provides?), even as the prevailing health problems themselves only become more diverse, complex, and expensive as countries become more prosperous. However, the current state of state capability in developing countries is demonstrably alarming, with the strains and demands only likely to intensify in the coming decades. Prevailing “best practice” strategies for building implementation capability—copying and scaling putative successes from abroad—are too often part of the problem, while individual training (“capacity building”) and technological upgrades (e.g. new management information systems) remain necessary but deeply insufficient. An alternative approach is outlined, one centered on building implementation capability by working iteratively to solve problems nominated and prioritized by local actors.
The management of penetrating neck injury
Authors: Weale R , Madsen A , Kong VY , Clarke DL
Published: June 2018

Penetrating neck injuries are serious as there is a high concentration of vital structures in close proximity to each other in a compressed anatomical area. Penetrating neck injuries can be immediately life threatening due to massive bleeding from vascular structures or due to airway compromise. Injury to the digestive tract in the neck may also result in delayed and potentially life-threatening conditions. The majority (79%) of penetrating neck injuries can be managed conservatively. The clinician caring for such a patient requires a structured and comprehensive approach to managing these injuries. This article will provide a general overview of penetrating neck injuries, including resuscitation, epidemiology, surgical management and the use of appropriate imaging.
Book review: Coles, A., Gray, L. and Momsen, J., editors, 2015: The Routledge Handbook of Gender and Development
Authors: Kumar Ankit
Published: June 2018

Coles, A., Gray, L. and Momsen, J., editors, 2015: The Routledge Handbook of Gender and Development. London/New York, NY: Routledge. 594 pp. £190. ISBN: 9780415829083 (Hardcover).
Bicalutamide enhances fodrin-mediated apoptosis through calpain in LNCaP
Authors: Lee Jiyeong , Mun Sora , Park Arum , Kim Doojin , Heun Cha Byung , Kang Hee-Gyoo
Published: June 2018

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and before it progresses and metastasizes, the anticancer drug bicalutamide is often administered to patients. Many cases of androgen-dependent prostate cancer develop resistance during treatment with bicalutamide. Therefore, the effect of bicalutamide on androgen-dependent LNCaP prostate cancer cells is of clinical interest. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of the anticancer drug bicalutamide on LNCaP prostate cancer cells by using a proteomics approach. Based on the results, 314 proteins were differentially expressed between the LNCaP and LNCaP treated with bicalutamide. The apoptosis pathway associated with differentially expressed proteins was shown in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome pathway mapper. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome pathway mapper results revealed that the fodrin-mediated apoptosis pathway is associated with the actions of bicalutamide and Western blotting was performed to validate these results.

Impact statement

We studied bicalutamide’s anticancer action by using proteomics. The effect of bicalutamide on androgen-exposed LNCaP cells was also studied. KEGG identified >1.8-fold differentially expressed proteins between test group cells. KEGG mapper showed fodrin-mediated apoptosis involvement in bicalutamide’s action. The anticancer effects of bicalutamide, which was further confirmed using Western blotting. Therefore, this drug is a potential candidate for understanding bicalutamide’s effect on LNCaP and fodrin can be used as a biomarker monitoring status in metastatic carcinoma.
Congenital Absence of the Common Carotid Artery With Common Origin of the Internal and External Carotid Arteries
Authors: Aboul Hosn Maen , Messner Amy , Sharp William J.
Published: June 2018

Congenital absence of the common carotid artery is a rare vascular anomaly that is usually discovered incidentally in otherwise asymptomatic patients and can potentially pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although it has been typically associated with separate origins of the internal and external carotid arteries, a common origin of both arteries is exceedingly rare and has been reported in 6 cases to date. We present the case of a 70-year-old female, who was referred for a carotid ultrasound after a carotid bruit was auscultated. Carotid duplex scan identified the congenital absence of the right common carotid artery with no significant internal carotid stenosis. This was confirmed by a computed tomography angiography scan of the neck, which showed the right internal and external carotid arteries sharing a common origin off the distal brachiocephalic artery.
Patients’ perceptions and use of natural health products
Authors: Barry Arden R.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Despite a lack of good scientific evidence for their benefit, Canadians take a lot of natural health products (NHPs). The objectives of this study were to determine patients’ perception of the efficacy, safety and quality of NHPs and to characterize NHP use.

Methods:

A standardized, 18-question survey was distributed to the general public through a variety of methods.

Results:

A total of 326 individuals completed the survey. Eighty-five percent of respondents take 1 or more NHPs. Forty-seven percent agreed/strongly agreed that NHPs are safer than prescription medications and 24% disagreed/strongly disagreed that prescription medications are more effective than NHPs. Three-quarters of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that health care providers should recommend NHPs more often, as most stated they preferred to take an NHP for both a minor ailment (82%) and chronic medical condition (60%). Respondents used 124 different NHPs, most commonly vitamin D, vitamin B and magnesium. Respondents purchased NHPs primarily from health/vitamin stores (66%) and accessed the Internet for information about them (64%). Younger, female respondents were more likely to take NHPs.

Discussion:

Patients appear to be comfortable foregoing education from health care professionals about the benefits and risks of NHPs. Patients’ comfort with self-prescribing NHPs seems to stem from a perception of general efficacy and quality with little to no concern about harm and appears to be strongly influenced by lay sources of information.

Conclusion:

Most respondents take 1 or more NHPs, preferring to use NHPs over prescription medications for minor and chronic health concerns seemingly based on a perception of safety and quality.
Does candidate for plate fixation selection improve the functional outcome after midshaft clavicle fracture? A systematic review of 1348 patients
Authors: Vautrin M , Kaminski G , Barimani B , Elmers J , Philippe V , Cherix S , Thein E , Borens O , Vauclair F
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The hypothesis of this study was that patient selection for midshaft clavicle fracture (open reduction internal fixation with plate versus conservative) would give better functional outcome than random treatment allocation.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search for primary studies providing functional score and non-union rate after conservative or surgical management of midshaft clavicle fractures. Six randomized controlled trial and 19 non-randomized controlled trial studies encompassing a total of 1348 patients were included.

Results

Patients treated with surgical management were found to have statistically superior Constant scores in non-randomized controlled trials than in randomized controlled trials (94.76 ± 6.4 versus 92.49 ± 6.2; p < 0.0001). For conservative treatment, randomized controlled trials were found to have significantly better functional outcome. The prevalence of non-union (6.1%) did not show significant statistical difference between non-randomized controlled trial and randomized controlled trial studies. The functional outcome after surgical management was significantly higher than after conservative management in both randomized controlled trial and non-randomized controlled trial groups. The non-union rate after surgery (1.1% for both non-randomized controlled trial and randomized controlled trial) was significantly lower than following conservative treatment (9.9% non-randomized controlled trial versus 15.1% randomized controlled trial).

Discussion

This review shows that patient selection for surgery may influence functional outcome after midshaft clavicle fracture. Our results also confirm that plate fixation provides better functional outcome and lower non-union rate.
CSR and Shareholder Value in the Restaurant Industry: The Roles of CSR Communication Through Annual Reports
Authors: Kim MinChung , Kim YongHee
Published: June 2018

Studies on the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on shareholder value identified that CSR communication through marketing channels is a key mechanism necessary to translate CSR into shareholder value. In this study, annual reports are considered the primary information source used by a firm’s financial stakeholders (e.g., investors and analysts) in their valuation of the firm. Specifically, this study examined whether the extent to which restaurant firms communicate CSR through their annual reports influences the effect of CSR on shareholder value in returns (i.e., Tobin’s Q) and risks (i.e., equity-holder risk). CSR was disaggregated into two distinct types for primary and nonprimary stakeholders. Results corroborate that communicating CSR for nonprimary stakeholders through annual reports helps the nonprimary-stakeholder CSR to increase shareholder value by reducing equity-holder risk, whereas communicating CSR for primary stakeholders does not affect the value relevance of the primary-stakeholder CSR through a change of either Tobin’s Q or equity-holder risk.
The Impact of Renovation Capital Expenditure on Hotel Property Performance
Authors: Turner Michael J. , Hesford James W.
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the impact of renovation capital expenditure on multiple measures of hotel property performance. We conduct analyses in two time periods: for a 3-year period immediately following renovation (short-term impact), and 3 to 6 years following renovation (long-term impact). The study is based on proprietary project, operational and financial data obtained for 305 renovation capital expenditure projects of individual properties within a single budget hospitality chain. We find renovation capital expenditures offer significant short-term beneficial impact in terms of increased revenue, profitability gains, higher customer satisfaction, and decreased repair and maintenance expense. Altogether, these outcomes should be advantageous to hotel property performance. In the long-term, a significant decline is apparent in revenue and profitability. Surprisingly, customer satisfaction does not decline, and repair and maintenance expense does not increase, which are both favorable.
Constructing global data: Automated techniques in ecological monitoring, precaution and reification of risk
Authors: Thayyil Naveen
Published: June 2018

Automatic aggregation of large-scale data is increasingly conceived as central in the production of ecological knowledge. This article examines the implications of the employment of automation techniques and ‘data-driven analysis’ in long-term biodiversity monitoring. What are the pathways and paradoxes in the possible public acceptance of automated data-sets as a trustworthy source for use in global protection and regulation of biodiversity? This article suggests that the precautionary discourse aid topdown measures for the public acceptability of the use of such techniques. Automated biodiversity monitoring offers distinctive advantages to further precautionary goals in terms of a faster, cost-effective and less messy way of collecting data, at a large scale over long periods of time. However, it contradicts other values implied through precaution – for instance the opacity and reification of the construction of risk. How do the specific forms of data-making relate with specific forms of risk governance, and what implications does this have for helping us to understand appropriate ways of political representation in governance? Can paradoxes attendant to introducing a form of construction of data help understand the nature of the exercise of governmental power?

[Box: see text]
Different innate immunity and clearance of Salmonella Pullorum in macrophages from White Leghorn and Tibetan Chickens
Authors: Wei Shao , Wu Keliang , Nie Yijuan , Li Xiang , Lian Zhengxing , Han Hongbing
Published: June 2018

Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum ( S. Pullorum) is responsible for the systemic salmonellosis in different breeds of chickens. Macrophages, as host cells, play a key role in the innate immune response following infection with S. Pullorum. In this study, we first generated macrophages from two breeds of chicken (White Leghorn (WL) and Tibetan Chickens (TC)) peripheral blood monocytes in vitro. Then, we showed that the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages was significantly higher compared with the unstimulated cells in TC. LPS triggered only more expression of IL-10 in WL macrophages. Furthermore, macrophages from TC eliminated intracellular bacteria more efficiently than those from WL after S. Pullorum infection at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) 1. In addition, the variation between individuals and sex had the crucial effect on the immune response to LPS and S. Pullorum invasion.
Dynamic finite element analysis of implants for femoral neck fractures simulating walking
Authors: Noda Mitsuaki , Nakamura Yukiko , Adachi Kazuhiko , Saegusa Yasuhiro , Takahashi Masayasu
Published: June 2018

Background:

To examine postoperative complications for osteosynthesizing femoral neck fractures (Pauwels III), biomechanical analysis should be conducted under dynamic conditions simulating for walking, not static conditions. Among the two main aims of this study, one is to pioneer the technique of dynamic finite element (FE) analysis, and the other is to compare stress distribution between two implants during walking.

Materials and Methods:

First, we performed an inverse dynamic analysis with optimization method using a musculoskeletal model to calculate the inter-segmental and muscular forces during walking. Second, three FE models were prepared: (I) intact hip joint, (II) fractures treated with two Hansson pins (HP), and (III) fractures with Dual SC Screws (DSCS) maintaining an angular stability. The direction and magnitude of the loadings varied continuously. Stress distribution during the walking was evaluated by using a dynamic explicit method. We examined the time-dependent von Mises stresses at two representative spots: medial cortex at the femoral neck fracture site and lateral pin (presumed) insertion holes.

Results:

In general, stress values are always changing during walking cycle. Regarding medial femoral neck cortex at the fracture line, intact model showed almost consistent value. Both HP model and DSCS model amounted the highest around 30 MPa. At lateral holes, highest values were 18.8, 104.0, and 63.1 MPa of intact, HP, and DSCS models, respectively.

Conclusion:

Thus, our analysis simulating the real walking will be useful in evaluating time-varying stress distribution to assess postoperative complication.

Clinical Relevance:

DSCS is expected to be paramount for treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures.
Employer Branding in B2B and B2C Companies in India: A Qualitative Perspective
Authors: Biswas Mukesh K. , Suar Damodar
Published: June 2018

The employer branding (EB) phenomenon has garnered the attention of practitioners and academicians over the past decade. However, the subjective experiences of managers on EB are hardly tapped. This study explores company executives’ views on EB through the case study method with semi-structured interviews in the context of the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) companies located in India. Four key categories relevant to EB emerged from the data. These are (a) essence of a successful EB, (b) precursors of EB, (c) visibility of the employer and (d) outcomes of EB. Attributes of these categories were explored along the sub-themes, which reveal the respondents’ perceptions regarding their implementation of EB strategy. These attributes were similar in B2B and B2C companies.
Emerging Discourses on Security—From ‘Traditional’ to ‘Worldly’ and Beyond: An Innovative Indian Perspective
Authors: Gaan Narottam
Published: June 2018

In the traditional conceptualisation of security, human beings remain predominantly at the centre stage claiming all privileges of military apparatus of the state by virtue of being ‘superior’ to all other living forms. Realist and neo-realist conceptualisations of the state see human kind as the sole reference point and subject of security. It is argued that the security of the state impregnates the individuals against all kinds of threats from the outside ‘other’. With the emergence of non-traditional security paradigms and the broadening of the ambit of security to bring human beings directly to the mainstream, and include non-human material beings, the new materialism and worldly approaches obtain a different kind of prominence in the canon of security analysis. In this new approach, we can find the conceptualisation of ‘being together’ of human beings, other non-human living forms and the non-living material world being part of one whole world. This so-called ‘worldly approach’, articulates and emphasizes the realisation and feeling of human beings for the ‘other’, but falls short of suggesting any means by which human beings could expand themselves to include all-living and non-living forms to create new security models. This article analyses the relevance and applicability of ancient Indian wisdom substantiated by modern science to the analysis of state security.
Exploring traditional and nontraditional roles for thrombomodulin
Authors: Loghmani Houra , Conway Edward M.
Published: June 2018

Thrombomodulin (TM) is an integral component of a multimolecular system, localized primarily to the vascular endothelium, that integrates crucial biological processes and biochemical pathways, including those related to coagulation, innate immunity, inflammation, and cell proliferation. These are designed to protect the host from injury and promote healing. The “traditional” role of TM in hemostasis was determined with its discovery in the 1980s as a ligand for thrombin and a critical cofactor for the major natural anticoagulant protein C system and subsequently for thrombin-mediated activation of the thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (also known as procarboxypeptidase B2). Studies in the past 2 decades are redefining TM as a molecule with many properties, exhibited via its multiple domains, through its interacting partners, complex regulated expression, and synthesis by cells other than the endothelium. In this report, we review some of the recently reported diverse properties of TM and how these may impact on our understanding of the pathogenesis of several diseases.
von Willebrand factor regulation of blood vessel formation
Authors: Randi Anna M. , Smith Koval E. , Castaman Giancarlo
Published: June 2018

Several important physiological processes, from permeability to inflammation to hemostasis, take place at the vessel wall and are regulated by endothelial cells (ECs). Thus, proteins that have been identified as regulators of one process are increasingly found to be involved in other vascular functions. Such is the case for von Willebrand factor (VWF), a large glycoprotein best known for its critical role in hemostasis. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that lack of VWF causes enhanced vascularization, both constitutively and following ischemia. This evidence is supported by studies on blood outgrowth EC (BOEC) from patients with lack of VWF synthesis (type 3 von Willebrand disease [VWD]). The molecular pathways are likely to involve VWF binding partners, such as integrin αvβ3, and components of Weibel-Palade bodies, such as angiopoietin-2 and galectin-3, whose storage is regulated by VWF; these converge on the master regulator of angiogenesis and endothelial homeostasis, vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Recent studies suggest that the roles of VWF may be tissue specific. The ability of VWF to regulate angiogenesis has clinical implications for a subset of VWD patients with severe, intractable gastrointestinal bleeding resulting from vascular malformations. In this article, we review the evidence showing that VWF is involved in blood vessel formation, discuss the role of VWF high-molecular-weight multimers in regulating angiogenesis, and review the value of studies on BOEC in developing a precision medicine approach to validate novel treatments for angiodysplasia in congenital VWD and acquired von Willebrand syndrome.