bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of a service brand process in a cruise context: the perspective of the service employees
Authors: Skaalsvik Hugo , Olsen Bjørn
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to examine the service branding process of the historic tourist attraction, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Hurtigruten).

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative design guided the research and the research instrument employed was semi-structured in-depth interviews with service employees employed in the shipping line Hurtigruten ASA.

Findings

– The research shows that the long history of the Hurtigruten, the role of leadership and culture, organising principles and analytical orientation were influential factors to the branding process on the Hurtigruten and that determined the key characteristics of the process, that of a structured process.

Research limitations/implications

– Although, the study is innovative in its orientation, the research findings are restricted to the research context: on the Hurtigruten. However, the inductive approach makes it possible to conduct follow-up studies including more cruise line carriers.

Practical implications

– A set of advices is provided which is beneficial in making the Hurtigruten an even stronger brand. One advice is to develop brand messages to be used in market communication which is built on attractive values to tourists such as Norwegian sea man skills, safety, reliability, comfort and exoticness.

Social implications

– One important social implication is the suggestion to integrate the service employees in branding processes which may have consequences for employees’ brand commitment and loyalty.

Originality/value

– In the research literature, more research on services branding is called for. Thus, the study contributes to the extant knowledge on an interesting research field and the value of the study lies in its in-depth exploration of an important management process, that of services branding.
Temperature rise characteristics of a new designed disc for inclined downward belt conveyor
Authors: Meng Qingrui
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this work is to reveal the temperature rise characteristics of the new designed disc during a braking process. In underground coal mines, the highest temperature of the disc brake used for inclined downward belt conveyors should be < 150 to prevent gas explosion during a braking process. To meet the requirements, a new type of disc was designed.

Design/methodology/approach

– By using ANSYS software, the disc surface and interior temperature rise variations, effect of braking time and running speed on temperature rise are analyzed numerically.

Findings

– The results show that the new designed disc can meet the coal mines’ requirements well, during the braking process the disc surface temperature increases at first and then decreases, there is an obvious temperature gradient in the axial direction; when running speed increases to two times of the rated one, the highest temperature nearly reaches 150; and a prolonged braking time can decrease the highest temperature effectively.

Research limitations/implications

– It indicates that the disc brake should act as earlier as possible to slow down the belt conveyor when overspeed occurs; and when the running speed increases to two times of the rated one, the braking time must be prolonged to prevent gas explosion.

Originality/value

– Research findings of this paper provides theoretical basis for the practical applications of the disc brake used for inclined downward belt conveyor.
Tribology of drawing lubricants for low carbon steel
Authors: Dattatraya Bachchhav Bhanudas , S. Lathkar Geeta , Bagchi Harijan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to present a study of frictional characteristics of steel/die steel pair under sliding contact in presence of a set of formulated lubricants. AISI 1010 low carbon steels, although being strong, are less formable grades of steel and require appropriate selection of lubricants in tribological conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of three mineral-based lubricating blends were formulated for varying concentration of ester. Plan of experiments, based on Taguchi’s analysis technique were performed using dedicated test rig based on “pin-on-disc” principle.

Findings

– A correlation was established between additive concentration, sliding speed and pressure with coefficient of friction by multiple linear regression. On the basis of experimental results and S/N ratio analysis, ranking of the parameters has been done. A possible regime of working with such lubricants is also suggested.

Practical implications

– Due to voluminous data involved, a few dominant process parameters were taken into consideration for the study.

Originality/value

– This paper is highlighting the tribo-effects of additives to render it as suitable lubricant in sliding contact conditions. This paper also suggested an approach for selection of optimum regime of working in the light of “Stribeck Curve” for ester-containing lubricating oils.
Size and currency derivatives usage by multilateral banks
Authors: Kamau Philip , L. Inanga Eno , Rwegasira Kami
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which the size of multilateral banks (MBs) influences their usage of currency derivatives to manage currency risk. It provides an empirical assessment of whether economies of scale and scope found in other studies apply to MBs.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative hypothesis regarding the relationship of the size of MBs to their usage of currency derivatives was tested using regression, correlation and analysis of variance.

Findings

– The results show that there is a significant positive relationship between size (as measured by total assets) of MBs and the total principal amounts of currency derivatives used. These results suggest that MBs are enjoying economies of scale and scope in using currency derivatives in managing currency risk.

Research limitations/implications

– The data used were obtained from annual reports that may not fully provide relevant information that could influence the usage and size of currency derivatives. Future studies may therefore use surveys to obtain data to conduct multivariate regression analysis to provide further insights on other determinants of currency derivatives usage.

Originality/value

– The study is of value to those interested in multilateral banking. It breaks new ground by using non-survey method for the first time in investigating the relationship between size and currency derivatives used by MBs. The results are also useful for financial institutions selling currency derivative products to MBs in identifying which to target. For managers of small MBs it may be cost effective for them to use internal hedging techniques as economies of scale applies in currency derivative markets. The results of the study are also useful to policy and regulation of MBs.
The organisation as artist’s palette: arts-based interventions
Authors: Schnugg Claudia
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on arts-based interventions as a management tool for personal, team and organisational development. How have management teams implemented art in their organisations, and toward what end? The literature has focused predominantly on a single case, creating many possibilities of constructing arts-based interventions. Yet, a typology is still missing. This paper examines various arts-based interventions and their underlying principles from a business perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on a systematic review of the literature in English and German, with special consideration for articles and books within the field of business.

Findings

– The typology presented in this paper, based on a mapping of the field, should contribute to a more coherent understanding of arts-based interventions. My goal is to provide researchers with a more structured perspective for approaching this academic area. Furthermore, the findings suggest that over and above the various types of arts that can be introduced to organisations, there are three basic principles for the achievement of this goal.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper presents a mapping of the cases in literature on arts-based interventions and presents a coherent understanding of ways of bringing art into organisations.

Practical implications

– The three underlying principles presented in this paper should assist practitioners in designing arts-based interventions for specific problems.

Originality/value

– This paper provides assistance to consultants, business executives, leaders, managers, researchers and students for understanding the basics of arts-based interventions. Furthermore, it provides a structure for the body of literature on cases of arts-based interventions.
Better value chains: a matrix for competitive advantage
Authors: Shaw Conrad
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a new and comprehensive business strategy matrix which can be used to create competitive advantage for the value chain of every business unit of any firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews the key findings of several well-known papers within the value chain literature and then adds several new conceptual insights to step by step create a logically developed, business strategy matrix featuring four strategy choices.

Findings

– This paper presents the four business strategy choices of competitive value chains, based on the business strategies of innovative quality, lean cost, agile delivery and attentive service.

Research limitations/implications

– A future research implication of this paper is to empirically test the financial benefits for producers of custom products, of applying agile delivery as a key business strategy.

Practical implications

– This paper provides the senior management of each business unit of any firm, with a clear guide to defining an optimal business strategy.

Social implications

– This paper is intended to advance the practice of business strategy by senior management, to enhance customer value across all business units.

Originality/value

– This paper expands upon existing business strategy models by providing a comprehensive business strategy matrix, which can be applied to all possible business units. It does this by building upon current best practice to demonstrate that next to innovative quality, lean cost and attentive service strategies, an agile delivery strategy is required in the case of custom products.
Identity theft and university students: do they know, do they care?
Authors: Seda Ludek
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to explain what factors influence the relationship between the university students’ knowledge of the risk of identity theft and the preventive measures they take.

Design/methodology/approach

– A series of semi-structured interviews was used as the primary data collection tool. The sample for this study comprised 12 undergraduate students (six males and six females) from the Flinders Business School. The interviews were designed as face-to-face interviews.

Findings

– The current findings indicate that, despite the fact that students were reasonably knowledgeable regarding the general risk of identity theft, many of the students had only limited knowledge about specific issues related to identity theft. It was found that the limited knowledge or misunderstanding of specific issues prevented students from using appropriate measures that could reduce the risk of identity theft. The students demonstrated a significant misunderstanding of who perpetrators typically were targeting when stealing personal information or what perpetrators of identity theft were looking for.

Originality/value

– The results of the study contribute to a better understanding of the students’ knowledge about the risks associated with identity crime. They may also assist governments and other stakeholders with vested interests, such as financial institutions and educational providers, to educate individuals about the circumstances where they are potentially vulnerable to identity theft.
Who were the winners and losers in the Financial Crisis of 2008: it depends
Authors: Fisher James , Gilsinan Jim , Islam Muhammed , Seitz Neil
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to address the question of who gained and who lost in the financial crisis of 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

– Gains and losses were identified by groups ranging from bankers to homeowners to taxpayers.

Findings

– Gains and losses are not neatly split by a main street/Wall street dichotomy. Major financial institutions and their chief executive officers made huge gains followed by bigger losses, a substantial portion of which were shared by taxpayers. Homeowners and taxpayers consistently lost. Workers and real estate developers experienced a mixture of gains and losses.

Practical implications

– Financial legislation is affected by questions of who won and who lost. The complex mixture of gains and losses must be fully grasped if winners and losers are an important consideration in the design of legislation.

Originality/value

– The detailed analysis and model of winners and losers provide important lessons for legislators and regulators in all countries.
Linking information motivation to attitudes towards Web advertising
Authors: Bassam Mahmoud Ali
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationships among Syrian consumers’ information motivation and beliefs about and attitude towards Web advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-sectional investigation is conducted and the proposed model is tested and revised using structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

– The results indicate that information motivation predicts three dimensions of beliefs about Web advertising, i.e. positively for information and entertainment; and negatively for irritation. It is found also that information motivation positively influences consumers’ attitudes towards advertising. As well as, information, entertainment and irritation are found to partially mediate the relationship between information motivation and attitude towards Web advertising. Additionally, values corruption is found to negatively influence Syrian consumers’ attitudes toward Web advertising.

Research limitations/implications

– Researchers are advised to use the validated scales in the present study when it comes to measure beliefs about and attitudes toward Internet advertising in the Syrian context or other Arab countries contexts. Also, further investigations using longitudinal design are needed to check the validity of our results on a longer period of time, besides using qualitative methods along with quantitative analyses could produce a wider vision to the results. Additionally, it is recommended that other types of Internet usage motivation are included in future studies’ models.

Practical implications

– Advertisers promoting in Syria are encouraged to influence Syrian consumers’ attitudes towards Web advertising to be more positive and less negative through offering free and high-quality content of information, especially for Internet users with high levels of informative motivation. Additionally, producing informative, enjoyable, less annoying and less values corruptive could help promoting for favorable attitudes towards Web advertising.

Originality/value

– This research comes to be one of the first studies to investigate Syrian consumers’ beliefs about and attitudes towards Internet advertising. Also, this study provides evidence of the direct relationship between information motivation and general attitudes towards Web advertising.
Halal logistics in Malaysia: a SWOT analysis
Authors: Syazwan Ab Talib Mohamed , Bakar Abdul Hamid Abu
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this strengths or weaknesses, and its external opportunities or threats (SWOT) analysis study on Halal logistics industry in Malaysia is to identify SWOT in the Halal logistics environment and to uncover strategies to leverage on the strengths and opportunities and rectifying the weaknesses as well as overcoming the threats.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study comprises two methods: literature review and interviews. Extensive literature reviews were obtained from leading databases and the articles recorded matches or related with the keywords. In addition, the respondents from the interviews consist of middle- and top-level managers with reputable knowledge, expertise and experience in the Logistics and Halal industry. After the literature was reviewed and information was transcribed from the interviews, reduction techniques were used to group and summarize the variables into the four SWOT categories.

Findings

– The SWOT categories, consisting of SWOT, are generated from the literature reviews and supported by the respondents’ views and vice versa. Examples of SWOT analyses done are as follows: strength (strong government support), weakness (inconsistent Halal definition), opportunity (Muslims’ population growth) and threat (no uniformity on Halal standards).

Research limitations/implications

– The SWOT analysis done for this study only demonstrates the internal and external environments and not the assumption that they are certain to be correct, as they contain every imaginable matter in relation to Halal logistics. Plus, the analysis done does not show how to achieve competitive advantage, merely as a guideline and the SWOT analysis done may be outdated as the environments are constantly changing.

Practical implications

– The study hopes to contribute in future studies and act as a guide for the Halal logistics players to have better understanding in their business environment.

Originality/value

– This study is the first of its kind, to incorporate SWOT and Halal logistics. Hence, this study will add in more value to the existing academic research done on SWOT analysis and broadening the Halal and logistics business understanding, not only in Malaysia but globally as well.
Common grounds of accounting scandals reflected on Wikipedia
Authors: Ilter Cenap
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the type of accounting scandals reported in Wikipedia which have occurred in different countries on different continents. It also explores the frequency and the dollar amount of the type of accounting scams that have been committed by the companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyses each company‘’s committed accounting scandal(s). It then classifies the companies on a country, type of scandal and industry basis. It further analyses the distribution of accounting scandals and explains the major ones in its category.

Findings

– The paper concludes that within the confines of the information reported in Wikipedia, the majority of accounting scandals have occurred in USA both in number of scams and in USD amount. The most frequent type of accounting scam is overstatement of assets and understatement of liabilities including roundtrip sales. Another inference from the paper is that the accounting scams can occur anywhere at any amount. It is not a country-specific issue.

Practical implications

– Auditors, accounting and auditing instructors and accountants talk about accounting scandals. Auditors, in particular, are required to issue audit reports that are free of material errors either deliberately or innocently made. This paper sheds light onto the issue, as it shows what major type of accounting scandals have been committed in the literature, as they had devastating repercussions on the shareholders.

Social implications

– Resources are scarce. Public’s savings must be sourced to the companies that produce the value added to the society. Misrepresentation of financial statements is an issue which distorts this relationship. The paper, by showing the type and amount of scandals, is opening up the issue to public that people be aware of what type of company they are investing in and what potential risks they are undertaking that may be leading them to be more selective in their investments.

Originality/value

– The paper covers the original stories that have occurred throughout the world since 1970s. The names of the companies are original and the amounts of scams have either been collected as USD from the story itself or converted to USD at time of the event. All USD figures have then been restated to the 2011 year-end purchasing power. Thus, the cases are reflecting the approximate USD value as of 2011 year-end derived from its historical original value. The paper reshuffles the data in certain ways so that the reader will have a better view of the cases than that of presented in Wikipedia.
Fighting to eat healthfully: measurements of the military food environment
Authors: Carins Julia , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on a quantitative study of the food environment designed to measure aspects of support for healthy eating.

Design/methodology/approach

– An ecological view of eating behaviour was taken by examining the food environment that surrounded a military population of interest. Food outlets (n = 34) were assessed using the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in store (NEMS-S), Nutrition Environment Measures Study in restaurants (NEMS-R) and military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (mNEAT) instruments to determine how well food outlets supported healthy eating.

Findings

– Despite better-than-average provision of healthy options on-base, the total environment surrounding the military base barely supports healthy eating. Average support to healthy eating was 45 per cent (NEMS) or 27 per cent (mNEAT) of support that could be measured. Individuals accessing this food environment would find few healthy alternatives, little information directing them to healthy choices and pricing and promotion that drives unhealthy eating behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

– This study focused on one food environment; replication is recommended to establish foundation data for benchmarking outlets, and further develop these measures for Australian settings. Future studies may assess the media environment to further extend the ecological model used.

Practical implications

– A method to measure the food environment is demonstrated which provides formative research insights for use when planning social marketing interventions. Consideration of these influences together with intra- and inter-personal influences offer the potential to better design social marketing healthy eating interventions, by addressing multiple levels within an ecological framework.

Originality/value

– This paper answers calls for social marketers to consider the influence of the surrounding environment, using methods not previously used in Australian settings.
The Room of Opportunity: understanding phases of creative knowledge processes in innovation
Authors: Johanne Ness Ingunn , Elisabeth Søreide Gunn
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this article is to investigate the creative knowledge processes which are often invisible in innovation work.

Design/methodology/approach

– An ethnographic field study was conducted following three multidisciplinary groups; two groups in an Oil and Gas Company, Statoil and one group in a Research Institute. Data collection included observations, field conversations and formal interviews.

Findings

– Creative knowledge processes develop over time in six different phases of initial innovation work. The article discusses the characteristics of communication and knowledge work in these phases. It was concluded that the creative processes peak in the three middle phases, and these phases can be seen as a separate “Room of Opportunity”.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited to three groups, but the pattern of phases is consistent across all groups studied.

Practical implications

– This study shows that knowledge diversity in groups does not automatically lead to creativity and underscore that group members’ ability to learn from each other is crucial for the quality of new ideas. To develop innovative ideas, groups must ensure a knowledge platform and challenge present knowledge by balancing alterity and intersubjectivity in a circular movement.

Originality/value

– The findings presented in a model “Room of Opportunity” show that creative knowledge processes develop in phases and peak in a separate room. This is a new way to understand early innovation work, and the model is a contribution to how such invisible processes can be visualized and facilitated.
Linking leader-member exchange differentiation to work team performance
Authors: H.M. Tse Herman
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model that delineates the psychological process and boundary condition of how leader-member exchange (LMX) differentiation influences team performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on theories of LMX and social information processing, it is argued that several important mechanisms underpin the relationship between LMX differentiation and team performance. The role of these variables in the relationship is discussed.

Findings

– The team mechanisms such as affective climate and team-member exchange (TMX) serve as a boundary condition and psychological process to influence the LMX differentiation-team performance relationship. Their conceptual significance and how they affect the relationship are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

– This study focusses on theorizing TMX and affective climate as key variables in the LMX differentiation-team performance relationship. Future research considers examining the relative importance of other variables such as team potency or team cohesion to advance the understanding of the precise mechanisms that explain the relationship.

Practical implications

– The proposed model increases the understanding of the role of affective climate in the relationships between LMX differentiation, TMX and team performance. It helps minimize the negative effect of LMX differentiation, and may ultimately lead to better team performance.

Originality/value

– Although the implication of LMX differentiation has been discussed extensively, the research has not yet led to a firm conclusion as to its relationship with team outcomes. This study is one of the first to theorize affective climate and TMX as an important psychological mechanism and boundary condition to simultaneously influence the LMX differentiation – team performance relationship.
Audit quality and decision-making in small companies
Authors: Ojala Hannu , Niskanen Mervi , Collis Jill , Pajunen Kati
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to focus on economic consequences of audit outcomes by investigating the concept of audit quality operationalised as seven components of audit benefits to owner-managers of small companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyse survey data collected in 2013 from 642 small private companies above the audit exemption threshold in Finland.

Findings

– No significant association was found between engagement of a Big 4 auditor (proxy for audit quality) and any of the audit benefits tested. However, the results provide consistent evidence of a positive relationship between the owner-manager’s perception of the competence and reliability of the external accountant and the perceived benefits of audit. It was also found that companies which do not incorporate e-processes in the accounting system are more likely to value the internal control benefits provided by audit.

Research limitations/implications

– Small business surveys suffer from poor response rates. To some extent, the authors overcame this problem by using two focused sampling frames and reminders. Care must be taken when generalising the results, as the definition of “small” varies across jurisdictions.

Originality/value

– By focusing on small private companies, the research contributes to the audit quality literature. Contrary to studies of listed companies, the authors conclude that use of a Big 4 auditor is not a sufficient surrogate for audit quality in small companies. The authors go beyond aggregate measures of audit quality used in previous studies and identify specific audit benefits.
Examining psychosocial challenges arising in strata titled housing
Authors: Guilding Chris , L. Bradley Graham , Guilding Jessica
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and extent of psychosocial need fulfillment experienced by resident strata title owners and to shed light on factors that detract from residents’ lived experience in the strata title context.

Design/methodology/approach

– An interview schedule that draws on theories of psychosocial need fulfillment was developed. In total, 16 home owners and three strata title managers were interviewed. Interviewees were sourced from three master planned communities located in South East Queensland, Australia.

Findings

– The majority of owners reported high levels of need fulfillment and neighbourhood satisfaction. Primary sources of dissatisfaction appeared to be related to body corporate committee governance issues.

Research limitations/implications

– The study's findings are subject to the widely acknowledged limitations of small sample based interview research and the study's qualitative orientation signifies that it suffers from the compromised generalisability and potential of selective and subjective reporting of observations.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest a need for greater societal appreciation of factors associated with living in a strata titled community. Recommendations are provided for facilitating the transition to strata title living and reducing sources of resident dissatisfaction.

Originality/value

– The paper uniquely explores residential satisfaction from a psychosocial needs perspective. There is a paucity of related research reported in the literature.
Movement of Atlantic cod around the British Isles: implications for finer scale stock management
Authors: Neat Francis C. , Bendall Victoria , Berx Barbara , Wright Peter John , Ó Cuaig Macdara , Townhill Bryony , Schön Pieter‐Jan , Lee Janette , Righton David
Published: October 2014

Commercial fisheries risk unintentionally depleting local population components if stock management units do not reflect the population structure of the species. Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. was over exploited in the sea areas around the British Isles in the last century and is struggling to recover. There is an urgent need to define the biological stock structure to improve management.

In this study, we used data recovered from temperature and depth loggers attached to 252 Atlantic cod to infer and map their movements around the British Isles. Individual cod showed a range of behaviours including migration, site fidelity and limited home ranging. We estimated home ranges and seasonal movements and test predictions based on data from population genetics. Cod from a northern offshore area in the North Sea did not mix with cod from the central and southern North Sea, which in turn did not mix with those from western areas (the Celtic and Irish Seas).

Cod experienced average monthly temperatures between 6 and 17 °C and occupied average depths between 15 and 165 m. Cod that occupied the deeper northern offshore area lived in colder and less variable waters than elsewhere. Differences in thermal experience are likely to underpin variation in physiology and growth rate that will have implications for how the species responds to climate change.

This study provides evidence that cod living around the British Isles are comprised of at least one more distinct population unit that is currently recognized for stock management purposes. Failure to recognize this complexity of stock structure in past management plans is likely to have been a contributory factor to the over‐exploitation of cod stocks around the British Isles.

Synthesis and applications. The results of this study and recent genetic research provide a new and more definitive understanding of movement patterns and population structure of cod around the British Isles. The applied implication of this is that spatially explicit adjustment of exploitation strategies, for example setting a maximum sustainable yield for each of the population units, should be considered to ensure sustainable harvesting of cod in the future.
Environmental controls on intragroup diversity of the uncultured benthic archaea of the miscellaneous Crenarchaeotal group lineage naturally enriched in anoxic sediments of the White Oak River estuary (North Carolina, USA)
Authors: Lazar Cassandre Sara , Biddle Jennifer F. , Meador Travis B. , Blair Nic , Hinrichs Kai‐Uwe , Teske Andreas P.
Published: October 2014

Sediments of the White Oak River (WOR) estuary are situated on the coast of North Carolina harbour, one of the most diverse known populations of uncultured Archaea, specifically the miscellaneous Crenarchaeotal group (MCG). In order to constrain the environmental factors influencing the uncultured archaeal groups in the WOR estuary, biogeochemical profiles as well as archaeal 16S rRNA genes from sediment pushcores were analysed. The relative fraction of MCG Archaea in clone libraries decreased at shallow sediment depths (27% of the total MCG). A LINKTREE analysis of the MCG intragroup diversity reinforced the observation that the MCG subgroup 6 was found predominantly within sulfide‐depleted shallow sediment layers; other subgroups (especially MCG‐1 and MCG‐5/8) occurred preferentially in deeper, more strongly reducing sediment layers. The available evidence from this study and published MCG distribution patterns indicates that the MCG‐6 subgroup is a specialized MCG lineage that, in contrast to other MCG subgroups, prefers suboxic sediment horizons with minimal or no free sulfide. Collectively, our results reveal the habitat preferences of different MCG subgroups in the WOR sediments and suggest that physiological adaptations to distinct sedimentary geochemical niches evolved in different MCG subgroups.
Political and clinical developments in analytical psychology, 1972‐2014: subjectivity, equality and diversity—inside and outside the consulting room
Authors: Samuels Andrew
Published: October 2014

Utilizing Jung's idea of theory as a ‘personal confession’, the author charts his own development as a theorist, establishing links between his personal history and his ideas. Such links include his relationship with both parents, his sexuality, his cultural heritage, and his fascination with Tricksters and with Hermes. There follows a substantial critical interrogation of what the author discerns as the two main lines of clinical theorizing in contemporary analytical psychotherapy: interpretation of transference‐countertransference, and the relational approach. His conclusion is that neither is superior to the other and neither is in fact adequate as a basis for clinical work. The focus then shifts to explore a range of political and social aspects of the clinical project of analytical psychology: economic inequality, diversity within the professional field, and Jung's controversial ideas about Jews and Africans. The author calls for an apology from the ‘Jungian community’ for remarks about Africans analogous to the apology already issued for remarks about Jews. The paper is dedicated to the author's friend Fred Plaut (1913‐2009).
Comparison of OxidativeDNADamage Between Alcohol‐Dependent Patients With and Without Delirium Tremens
Authors: Huang Ming‐Chyi , Chen Chiao‐Chicy , Pan Chun‐Hung , Chen Chun‐Hsin
Published: October 2014

Background

Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption increases oxidative stress. We previously found that levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a marker of oxidativeDNAdamage, are elevated in alcohol‐dependent patients without delirium tremens (DTs). The aim of this study was to compare serum 8‐OHdGlevels between alcohol‐dependent patients with and withoutDTs.

Methods

We recruited 16 alcohol‐dependent patients withDTs (DTs group) and 58 patients withoutDTs (non‐DTs group). Alcohol withdrawal severity was evaluated using theChinese version of the revised Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale (CIWA‐Ar‐C) every 8 hours. Serum levels of 8‐OHdGand other biological indices were assayed at baseline and after 1 week of detoxification.

Results

The mean 8‐OHdGlevel in theDTs group was significantly higher than that in the non‐DTs group (0.50 vs. 0.34 ng/ml,p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the highestCIWA‐Ar‐Cscores and serum 8‐OHdGlevels (β = 0.43,p = 0.001) in the non‐DTs group, but not in theDTs group (β = 0.34,p = 0.19). An area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 suggests that 8‐OHdGlevels potentially differentiate patients withDTs from those withoutDTs. After dividing the patients into quartiles by 8‐OHdGlevel, we found that compared to the patients in the third and fourth quartiles, the patients in the highest quartile had an odds ratio of 24.1 (p < 0.001) to haveDTs, while those in the second highest quartile had an odds ratio of 3.5 (p = 0.19). Serum 8‐OHdGlevels did not significantly change after 1 week of detoxification in either group.

Conclusions

Alcohol‐dependent patients withDTs have higher serum 8‐OHdGlevels than those withoutDTs, suggesting that higher oxidative stress carries a greater risk of the occurrence ofDTs.
Drinking Behavior Among Low‐Income Older Adults: A Multimethod Approach to Estimating Alcohol Use
Authors: Clapp John D. , Reed Mark B. , Martel Brandi , Gonzalez Maria C. , Ruderman Danielle
Published: October 2014

Background

Substance abuse is the fastest growing health concern for older adults. Heavy drinking among older persons is associated with an increased risk of health consequences such as diabetes, cognitive impairment, sleep issues, and depression. It is important to note, however, the prevalence estimates of alcohol use among older adults are often based on inconsistent methodology. To address these potential methodological shortcomings, this study examines drinking patterns among low‐income older adults using both self‐report and unobtrusive methods.

Methods

The study was conducted in a low‐income residential senior center in the United States. A total of 174 participants, aged 60 years or older, completed 2 self‐administered cross‐sectional surveys. A bogus recycling program was implemented to assess the amount of alcohol consumed by residents. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to model predictors of drinking status and to determine predictors of 3 category Alcohol Use and Disorders Identification Test scores. Bivariate associations that predicted associations with alcohol use were included in the final multivariate model. Alcohol containers collected from recycling were converted to standard drink estimates in order to calculate the capital consumption of residents.

Results

About 40% of respondents reported consuming alcohol and 25% reported drinking at least once a week. On average, a total of 1,079 drinks were consumed per month. There were 3 significant predictors of drinking status: age, education, and diagnosis of diabetes. Additionally, there appears to be an increase in recycled alcohol containers coinciding with the time residents received their social security checks.

Conclusions

Overall, the combination of self‐report and unobtrusive measures of alcohol consumption has potential to highlight different aspects of drinking behavior with a population living in a single dwelling such as a senior center apartment complex, residential hall, and the like.
A ‘missing not at random’ (MNAR) and ‘missing at random’ (MAR) growth model comparison with a buprenorphine/naloxone clinical trial
Authors: McPherson Sterling , Barbosa‐Leiker Celestina , Mamey Mary Rose , McDonell Michael , Enders Craig K. , Roll John
Published: October 2014

Aims

To compare three missing data strategies: (i) the latent growth model that assumes the data are missing at random (MAR) model; (ii) the Diggle–Kenward missing not at random (MNAR) model, where dropout is a function of previous/concurrent urinalysis (UA) submissions; and (iii) the Wu–Carroll MNAR model where dropout is a function of the growth factors.

Design 

Secondary data analysis of a National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network trial that examined a 7‐day versus 28‐day taper (i.e. stepwise decrease in buprenorphine/naloxone) on the likelihood of submitting an opioid‐positive UA during treatment.

Setting

11 out‐patient treatment settings in 10 US cities.

Participants

A total of 516 opioid‐dependent participants.

Measurements

Opioid UAs provided across the 4‐week treatment period.

Findings

The MAR model showed a significant effect (B = −0.45, P < 0.05) of trial arm on the opioid‐positive UA slope (i.e. 28‐day taper participants were less likely to submit a positive UA over time) with a small effect size (d = 0.20). The MNAR Diggle–Kenward model demonstrated a significant (B = −0.64, P < 0.01) effect of trial arm on the slope with a large effect size (d = 0.82). The MNAR Wu–Carroll model showed a significant (B = −0.41, P < 0.05) effect of trial arm on the UA slope that was relatively small (d = 0.31).

Conclusions

This performance comparison of three missing data strategies (latent growth model, Diggle–Kenward selection model, Wu–Carrol selection model) on sample data indicates a need for increased use of sensitivity analyses in clinical trial research. Given the potential sensitivity of the trial arm effect to missing data assumptions, it is critical for researchers to consider whether the assumptions associated with each model are defensible.
The relationship between length of Barrett's oesophagus mucosa and body mass index
Authors: Abdallah J. , Maradey‐Romero C. , Lewis S. , Perzynski A. , Fass R.
Published: October 2014

Background

Length of Barrett's oesophagus (BE) is a risk factor for oesophageal cancer. The underlying mechanisms that determine BE length are nor fully known.

Aim

To determine if there is a correlation between obesity and length of BE.

Methods

Using a population‐based study, 381 patients diagnosed with Barrett's oesophagus between 1999 and 2013 were included. Body mass index (BMI) at the time of BE diagnosis was calculated. Upper endoscopy reports were reviewed to obtain the length of BE. Spearman's correlation coefficient was performed to assess the strength of the relationship between Barrett's length and BMI. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to further examine the association between BMI and length of BE.

Results

The adjusted odds ratio for each five‐point increase in BMI was 1.5 (95% CI 1.24–1.81, P < 0.001). The mean BMI was significantly higher in patients with long segment BE as compared to patients with short segment BE (32.7 vs. 30.3, P = 0.001). There was also a positive trend in long segment BE as patients entered into higher BMI categories (Z = 4.25, P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between BMI and length of BE (r = 0.25, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a correlation between BMI and the length of Barrett's oesophagus mucosa. Thus, increased BMI is associated with longer segment of Barrett's oesophagus.
Building a construction procurement negotiation training game model: Learning experiences and outcomes
Authors: Dzeng Ren‐Jye , Lin Ken‐Yu , Wang Pei‐Ru
Published: October 2014

Game‐based education is a promising method for encouraging student learning. Although learning construction procurement and negotiation require hands‐on practice, in most construction management courses at the college level, this subject is taught by using lectures and case studies. In this study, a construction procurement and negotiation game was developed, and paper‐based and web‐based versions were implemented. The game enables students to play the role of contractors or suppliers and generate profits by negotiating and procuring or selling reinforcing steel in a simulated market with a probabilistic nature. The experimental results indicate that playing both versions of the game increased student learning motivation, satisfaction and outcomes. Students awarded the web‐based game higher assessment scores than they did for the paper‐based game. Students playing either version of the game also achieved higher test scores than students who were taught using the traditional approach did. However, for students with work experience, playing the paper‐based game resulted in higher scores than the web‐based game scores.
Feeling like a group after a natural disaster: Common ingroup identity and relations with outgroup victims among majority and minority young children
Authors: Vezzali Loris , Cadamuro Alessia , Versari Annalisa , Giovannini Dino , Trifiletti Elena
Published: October 2014

We conducted a field study to test whether the common ingroup identity model (Gaertner & Dovidio, 2000, reducing intergroup bias: The common ingroup identity model. Philadelphia, PA: Psychology Press) could be a useful tool to improve intergroup relations in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Participants were majority (Italian) and minority (immigrant) elementary school children (N = 517) living in the area struck by powerful earthquakes in May 2012. Results revealed that, among majority children, the perceived external threat represented by the earthquake was associated with greater perceptions of belonging to a common ingroup including both ingroup and outgroup. In turn, heightened one‐group perceptions were associated with greater willingness to meet and help outgroup victims, both directly and indirectly via more positive outgroup attitudes. Among immigrant children, perceived disaster threat was not associated with any of the dependent variables; one‐group perceptions were positively associated with outgroup attitudes, helping and contact intentions towards outgroup victims. Thus, one‐group perceptions after a natural disaster may promote more positive and supporting relations between the majority and the minority group. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
Anaesthetics as cardioprotectants: translatability and mechanism
Authors: Kikuchi C , Dosenovic S , Bienengraeber M
Published: October 2014

The pharmacological conditioning of the heart with anaesthetics, such as volatile anaesthetics or opioids, is a phenomenon whereby a transient exposure to an anaesthetic agent protects the heart from the harmful consequences of myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of anaesthetic conditioning appear largely to mimic those of ischaemic pre‐ and post‐conditioning. Progress has been made on the understanding of the underlying mechanisms although the order of events and the specific targets of anaesthetics that trigger protection are not always clear. In the laboratory, the protection afforded by certain anaesthetics against cardiac ischaemia and reperfusion injury is powerful and reproducible but this has not necessarily translated into similarly robust clinical benefits. Indeed, clinical studies and meta‐analyses delivered variable results when comparing in the laboratory setting protective and non‐protective anaesthetics. Reasons for this include underlying conditions such as age, obesity and diabetes. Animal models for disease or ageing, human cardiomyocytes derived from stem cells of patients and further clinical studies are employed to better understand the underlying causes that prevent a more robust protection in patients.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8