bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of public sector information management systems: challenges and promising practices
Authors: Khalid Hannan , Noor Asim , Iqbal Javed , Farid Shahid , Chang Victor
Published: September 2018

Purpose

More and more governmental organizations are switching to information systems to enhance their operations and reduce cost but the development of these systems involves a lot of challenges. This paper aims to find out the challenges that project managers have to face during the development of such systems and the practices they can adopt to address these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the challenges, data have been gathered across six key project management areas. The six targeted key areas are project integration management, project scope management, project time management, project cost management, project human resource management and project communications management. The authors have coordinated with 11 managerial-level IT professionals using semi-structured interviews and have gone through their communication archives.

Findings

Findings prove that practices such as focusing on cost reduction, informal congregations, trainings and frequent communication between vendor and client help in addressing the challenges. Furthermore, learning from management experiences of the managers can assist managers in similar role to create a pattern of success while working with governmental projects.

Originality/value

The authors peek into the development life cycle of a public sector project named as prison information management system. The project has encountered numerous challenges and has been accomplished in significantly delayed time than designated.
Mining the Web to approximate university rankings
Authors: McCoy Corren G. , Nelson Michael L. , Weigle Michele C.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present an alternative to university ranking lists published inU.S. News & World Report,Times Higher Education,Academic Ranking of World UniversitiesandMoney Magazine. A strategy is proposed to mine a collection of university data obtained from Twitter and publicly available online academic sources to compute social media metrics that approximate typical academic rankings of US universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The Twitter application programming interface (API) is used to rank 264 universities using two easily collected measurements. The University Twitter Engagement (UTE) score is the total number of primary and secondary followers affiliated with the university. The authors mine other public data sources related to endowment funds, athletic expenditures and student enrollment to compute a ranking based on the endowment, expenditures and enrollment (EEE) score.

Findings

In rank-to-rank comparisons, the authors observed a significant, positive rank correlation (τ= 0.6018) between UTE and an aggregate reputation ranking, which indicates UTE could be a viable proxy for ranking atypical institutions normally excluded from traditional lists.

Originality/value

The UTE and EEE metrics offer distinct advantages because they can be calculated on-demand rather than relying on an annual publication and they promote diversity in the ranking lists, as any university with a Twitter account can be ranked by UTE and any university with online information about enrollment, expenditures and endowment can be given an EEE rank. The authors also propose a unique approach for discovering official university accounts by mining and correlating the profile information of Twitter friends.
M-payment adoption for bottom of pyramid segment: an empirical investigation
Authors: Hussain Mehdi , Mollik Abu Taher , Johns Rechel , Rahman Muhammad Sabbir
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine m-payment adoption for the bottom of pyramid (BoP) segment in a developing country context.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed to 247 BoP customers in Bangladesh. Data were analysed by employing confirmatory factor analysis and Structural Equations Modelling.

Findings

The results show that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC), habit and social influence (SI) significantly influence the BoP segment’s behavioural intention (BI). It is revealed that PE, lifestyle compatibility (LC), SI and habit have relatively stronger effects being higher predictor of intentions. Again EE and FC have relatively lower effects on m-payment BI. On the other hand, hedonic motivation (HM) and price value (PV) are two non-significant predictors of m-payment adoption.

Practical implications

The study recommends that financial institutions, such as banks and other non-banking service firms, need to know the antecedents affecting BI suggested by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) theory along with “LC”. This will increase m-payment adoption for the BoP segment in developing countries.

Originality/value

To the extent of researcher’s knowledge, none of the previous studies using the UTAUT2 theory to examine m-payment adoption for BoP segment. This study contributes empirical data to the predominantly theoretical literature by offering a deeper understanding of the inclusion of LC, which is one of the significant antecedents in explaining BoP segment’s m-payment adoption.
Unravelling agropreneurship activities among Malaysian Gen Y
Authors: Yusoff Asliza , Ahmad Noor Hazlina , Abdul Halim Hasliza
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Drawing on the institutional theory and the theory of planned behaviour, the purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of social institutional and psychological variables on the formation of agropreneurial intention and behaviours using samples from Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Via a six-month longitudinal study, the paper analyses whether normative forces supplied by subjective norm and social networking impact psychological variables and agropreneurship activities.

Findings

The model explained a satisfactory percentage of the variance in all five dimensions of agropreneurial behaviour, intention and the psychological variables. The results suggest a certain path in the configuration of agropreneurial intention and behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The longitudinal effect of intention on actual agropreneurial behaviour was limited to six months longitudinal time only. Hence, the causality between intention and actual behaviour could not be strongly demonstrated. Nevertheless, future study on agropreneurial behaviour can replicate this study by extending the longitudinal time frame to more than six months.

Practical implications

Key policy actions should increase the agropreneurial social events such as agropreneurship’s seminars, forums or workshops to exert more normative influence on the young Gen Y.

Originality/value

This study shows that the development of agropreneurial intention and behaviour is the significant effect of social institutional and psychological influences. The results suggest that six-month period is adequate for Malaysian Gen Y to make appropriate preparation for the establishment of an agropreneurial business.
Analysis of the Health Sector Evolution Plan from the perspective of equity in healthcare financing: a multiple streams model
Authors: Zahirian Moghadam Telma , Raeissi Pouran , Jafari-Sirizi Mehdi
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Health Sector Evolution Plan (HSEP) is known as the biggest and most comprehensive reform in Iran’s health system. One of the goals of HSEP is to reduce inequity in the healthcare financing. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate HSEP agenda setting from the perspective of equity in healthcare financing (EHCF) using the multiple streams model.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study was conducted by 26 documents review and analysis, and 30 semi-structured interview with Iranian key informants in the field of HSEP that were selected based on purposeful and snowball sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist based on the goals. All audio-taped interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Data management and analysis were performed using the framework analysis in MAXQDA software.

Findings

The framework analysis identified 12 complementary sub-themes totally. Problem stream included four sub-themes (high share of Out Of Pocket, high index of catastrophic health expenditures, low EHCF index, and inappropriate economic state and sanctions). Focus on EHCF in general policies of the Iran World Health Organization’s report in 2000, the Targeted Subsidies Law and emphasis on equalizing healthcare financing in the Fourth and Fifth Development Plan were considered as policy stream sub-themes. Finally, political stream showed four sub-themes including strong support from the Minister of Health for HSEP, mass media, the pressure of WHO and people’s request to reduce health costs.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the present study included paying attention to one package (evolution in the treatment sector) of three health packages to assess EHCF, as well as the lack of similar national and international evidence in implementation framework.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be used to analyze other health sector reforms around the word and can help the formulation and implementation of most practical reforms, especially in field of health system financing.

Social implications

This study gives a holistic view about health system policy setting that can be used for understanding policy-making streams to population.

Originality/value

This is the first study that has examined HSEP (the biggest health sector reform in Iran) from the perspective of agenda setting. In addition, using the popular and well-known Kingdon’s model to explain HSEP agenda setting is one of the strengths of this study. Furthermore, taking advantage of a wide range of related views by including highly informed people increased the strength of the results of the study. In addition, the short interval between the interview and reviewing the results on reforms reduced the recall bias of the participants in the study.
Creating a community driven bioethics network
Authors: L. Sibbald Shannon , Sibbald Robert
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The South West Health Ethics Network (SWHEN) was created to bring together health care providers from a variety of health care settings across a geographical region. SWHEN’s mission was to connect health professionals who have an interest in ethical issues. SWHEN’s target participants are people with an interest in this field regardless of the individual’s capacity within an ethics profession. While other ethics networks exist, few of these expand beyond a narrow scope of ethics professionals (clinical ethicists). The preliminary vision in bringing together this group was to create a regional collaborative to educate, share lessons and begin to create a common approach to ethics issues in our region. Ethics networks increase collaboration and the exchange of resources, information and ideas among clinical ethicists. As a result, they address many of the ethical dilemmas faced in integrated care and facilitate the success of these systems in providing coordinated patient care. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi consensus building approach was conducted to determine goals and priorities of the network.

Findings

Several priorities and counter priorities were discussed. In the end, the network was stifled by three major challenges: resource sharing, balance of network priorities and individual needs, and leadership.

Originality/value

While the journey to creating a sustainable network is long and complex, it is still worth the struggles. Network members remained connected through e-platforms, and the meetings have increased our region’s cohesiveness around ethics. We remain cautiously optimistic of SWHENs future and acknowledge that our initial plan may have shifted but our achievements are still meaningful and worthwhile.
The impact of religiosity, environmental marketing orientation and practices on performance
Authors: Hari Adi Pramono , Adawiyah Wiwiek Rabiatul
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the environmental marketing orientation of Muslim entrepreneurs and looks at its relationship with environmental marketing and organizational performance in the context of small and medium enterprises in Indonesian. The study also examines the role of religiosity as a moderator on the relationship between environmental marketing orientation and green marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is empirical and quantitative in nature. The sample of the study is Muslim entrepreneurs in West Java and Central Java Indonesia. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and partial least square analysis.

Findings

Environmental orientation has a positive relationship with environmental marketing and operational and economic performance. Nonetheless, the study suggests no significant influence of environmental marketing on commercial performance due to “greenwashing” practices. Religiosity appears to moderate the relationship between environmental orientation and environmental marketing practices.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of papers on Islamic marketing makes the depth of discussion somewhat limited.

Practical implications

The recommendation of this study provides a new path to the local government in mitigating the issue of environmental destructions occurring because of entrepreneurs’ business practices. This study has demonstrated the importance of cultivating religious values among society and specifically entrepreneurs as moral guidelines to further strengthen ethical behavior while conducting businesses. The government may endorse more teaching hours on Islamic curriculum at school to create the generation of religious entrepreneurs.

Social implications

The act of preserving the environments while conducting businesses is one form of worship in Islam as such we call for the elaboration and application of strategies to instill the paradigm of excellent merchants among Muslim.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind which empirically testing the relationship between environmental marketing and firms performance with religiosity as a moderator among Muslim entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
Marketing of academic health libraries 2.0: a case study
Authors: Lamba Manika
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The advent of Web 2.0 in libraries persuades the librarians to adopt new ways to communicate, determine, and satisfy the needs of the users. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A 30-question questionnaire was given to 30 undergraduate medical students of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and a 10-question questionnaire was given to the librarian, to find out: the marketing and promotional strategies employed by the library; determine the awareness and satisfaction level of the users; prepare library profile, customer profile and market profile; and perform SWOT analysis. User responses were coded and processed using GNU PSPP software.

Findings

From the library profile of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College library, it can be concluded that the library has the potential to offer better services and products to its users. From the customer profile of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College library, it is concluded that the most of its users are young male undergraduate students who use the library more on weekly basis. From the market profile of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College library, it is concluded that the library has not invested in the marketing and has no promotion strategy or marketing strategy for its products and services. Also, the library has only one digital promotional activity. From the SWOT analysis of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College library, it is concluded that the library does not use any of the social platforms to market its products and services. Most of the users are unaware of the services and products offered by the library. There are many opportunities for the library to work upon and improve the quality of products and services being offered to its users.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the present study is its small sample size. It is very difficult to conduct surveys in health libraries because of the busy schedule of the undergraduate medical students and their reluctance to fill out lengthy questionnaires. However, this small sample size only made it possible to conduct the SWOT analysis on the basis of the users’ survey successfully. Further, the small sample size helped to take into account all the opportunities stated by the users which would not have been possible if a larger sample size was taken.

Originality/value

This study is one of a kind which provides an overview of marketing research of an academic health library of New Delhi (India) with a special focus on library profile, market profile, customer profile and SWOT analysis. It addresses the gaps in the literature by studying marketing in the context of academic health libraries in the digital environment.
Family factors associated with self‐harm in adults: a systematic review
Authors: Buckmaster Ruth , McNulty Muireann , Guerin Suzanne
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature pertaining to family dynamics in the adult self‐harming population. PsycINFO, Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) were searched for studies containing two keywords, one relating to self‐harm and the second relating to a family relationship. The final search was run on 4 August 2017. The electronic search yielded a total of 2,623 studies; 119 texts were selected for full review and twenty‐seven articles were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the results. Results indicated that insecure parental attachments, neglectful, overprotective, disempowering and abusive parenting were associated with self‐harm. Similarly, insecure attachments and abusive relationships with romantic partners were linked to self‐harm. Finally, self‐harm was found to be related to poor family functioning.
Near‐fatal Intoxication with the “New” Synthetic Opioid U‐47700: The First Reported Case in the Czech Republic
Authors: Židková Monika , Horsley Rachel , Hloch Ondřej , Hložek Tomáš
Published: September 2018

Recreational use of the potent synthetic opioid 3,4‐ dichloro‐N‐(2‐(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl)‐N‐methylbenzamide (U‐47700) is rising, accompanied by increasingly frequent cases of serious intoxication. This article reports a case of near‐fatal U‐47700 intoxication. A man was found unconscious (with drug powder residues). After 40 h in hospital (including 12 h of supported ventilation), he recovered and was discharged. Liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to detect and quantify substances in powders, serum and urine. Powders contained U‐47700 and two synthetic cannabinoids. Serum and urine were positive for U‐47700 (351.0 ng/mL), citalopram (<LOQ), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC: 3.3 ng/mL), midazolam (<LOQ) and a novel benzodiazepine, clonazolam (6.8 ng/mL) and their metabolites but negative for synthetic cannabinoids. If potent synthetic opioids become cheaper and more easily obtainable than their classical counterparts (e.g., heroin), they will inevitably replace them and users may be exposed to elevated risks of addiction and overdose.
Addressing Declining Appropriations for Bureau of Reclamation Infrastructure: Policies Needed for Enabling Private Finance
Authors: Doyle Martin W.
Published: September 2018

Western water infrastructure was funded in the early and mid‐20th Century through federal financing through the Bureau of Reclamation. Over the past 30 years, federal financing has been less forthcoming, which has been commensurate with an increase in the need for financing rehabilitation and replacement of western irrigation infrastructure. As federal appropriations have declined, there has been increased interest in alternative approaches to infrastructure including public–private partnerships (P3s), loan guarantees, or title transfer of federal infrastructure. However, two of these approaches — P3s and loan guarantees — are precluded by existing federal budgetary policies, particularly Office of Management and Budget (OMB) scoring practices. If the OMB changed its policies for P3s or loan guarantees, private capital could play an important role in recapitalizing aging Reclamation infrastructure.
Identification and diversity of Y‐chromosome haplotypes in Qinghai yak populations
Authors: Ma Z. J. , Xia X. T. , Chen S. M. , Zhao X. C. , Zeng L. L. , Xie Y. L. , Chao S. Y. , Xu J. T. , Sun Y. G. , Li R. Z. , Guanque Z. X. , Han J. L. , Lei C. Z.
Published: September 2018

The aim of the present study was to perform a preliminary analysis of the characterization and diversity of Y‐chromosome haplotypes/haplogroups in yak of Qinghai Province, China. A total of 322 male yaks from nine populations belonging to three officially recognized breeds (Gaoyuan, Huanhu and Datong) were sampled. Animals were genotyped using six previously reported Y‐SNPs present in the SRY, USP9Y, UTY, AMELY and OFD1Y genes and four new Y‐SNPs in the OFD1Y gene (g.569A>C, g.578A>C, g.608G>T and g.653G>C) identified in this study. Seven Y‐chromosome haplotypes (H1–H7) were identified according to the combination of the 10 Y‐SNPs. H1, H2 and H6 were the most common and shared haplotypes across all yak populations/breeds. Private haplotypes H3 and H7 were detected in the Datong breed; H4 in Guoleimude, Qumalai, Qilian, Tianjun and Ganglong populations; and H5 in Qumalai of Gaoyuan breed. Haplotype clustering and network analyses inferred two haplogroups, Y1 and Y2, indicating two divergent lineages of paternal origins of Qinghai yak. The analysis of molecular variance showed a significant difference among individuals (P < 0.0001) with more than 93% of the total genetic variation present within populations, suggesting a weak genetic structure among Qinghai yak populations. The overall Y‐haplotype diversity was 0.538 ± 0.028, showing a relatively high diversity in Qinghai yak. The Gaoyuan and Datong breeds had similar haplotype diversities (0.547 ± 0.030 and 0.553 ± 0.083, respectively), which were higher than that of the Huanhu breed (0.441 ± 0.098). Our results support the conservation and sustainable use of unique yak genetic resources in Qinghai.
Not a matter of parental choice but of social justice obligation: Children are owed measles vaccination
Authors: Bester Johan C.
Published: September 2018

This article presents arguments that reframe the discussion on vaccination ethics. The correct starting point for discussions on vaccination ethics is not what society owes parents, but rather what society owes children. Drawing on the justice theory of Powers and Faden, two conclusions are defended by presenting and defending a set of arguments. First, a just society is obligated to protect its children against serious vaccine‐preventable diseases such as measles through adequate levels of vaccination. Second, this obligation of the just society rests on identifiable individuals and institutions: parents, healthcare professionals, government, and vaccine producers have important obligations in this regard. This removes vaccination out of the realm of individual or parental discretion, and situates it in the realm of societal obligation. Children are owed vaccination, society is obligated to provide it. If parents cannot or will not provide it, society ought to respond.
On Assessing Binary Regression Models Based on Ungrouped Data
Authors: Lu Chunling , Yang Yuhong
Published: September 2018

Assessing a binary regression model based on ungrouped data is a commonly encountered but very challenging problem. Although tests, such as Hosmer–Lemeshow test and le Cessie–van Houwelingen test, have been devised and widely used in applications, they often have low power in detecting lack of fit and not much theoretical justification has been made on when they can work well. In this article, we propose a new approach based on a cross-validation voting system to address the problem. In addition to a theoretical guarantee that the probabilities of type I and II errors both converge to zero as the sample size increases for the new method under proper conditions, our simulation results demonstrate that it performs very well.
Contrasting patterns of local richness of seedlings, saplings, and trees may have implications for regeneration in rainforest remnants
Authors: Stride Gail , Thomas Chris D. , Benedick Suzan , Hodgson Jenny A. , Jelling Ahmad , Senior Mike J.M. , Hill Jane K.
Published: September 2018

Remnants of lowland rain forest remain following deforestation, but the longer‐term effects of fragmentation remain poorly understood, partly due to the long generation times of trees. We study rain forest trees in three size classes: seedlings (<1 cm dbh), saplings (1–5 cm dbh), and trees (>5 cm) that broadly reflect pre‐ and post‐fragmentation communities, and we examine the impacts of fragmentation on forest regeneration in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. We found that seedling richness (measured as the number of genera per plot) in fragments was about 30 percent lower than in plots in undisturbed forest, and about 20 percent lower than in an extensive tract of selectively logged forest, providing evidence of recruitment declines in fragments. Seedling richness was lowest in small, isolated, and disturbed fragments, potentially signaling an extinction debt given that these fragmentation impacts were not observed in trees. Unlike seedlings, saplings showed no declines in richness in fragments, suggesting that density dependent mortality (where rare individuals have a higher survival rate) and/or year‐to‐year variation in which species are recruiting could potentially compensate for the reductions in seedling richness we observed. Longer‐term studies are required to determine whether sporadic or failed recruitment in small fragments will eventually translate into reduced richness of mature trees, or whether the processes that currently retain high sapling richness will continue in fragments.
Optimizing poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibition through combined epigenetic and immunotherapy
Authors: Prasanna Thiru , Wu Fan , Khanna Kum Kum , Yip Desmond , Malik Laeeq , Dahlstrom Jane E. , Rao Sudha
Published: September 2018

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor survival outcomes. Currently, there are no targeted therapies available for TNBCs despite remarkable progress in targeted and immune‐directed therapies for other solid organ malignancies. Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are effective anticancer drugs that produce good initial clinical responses, especially in homologous recombination DNA repair‐deficient cancers. However, resistance is the rule rather than the exception, and recurrent tumors tend to have an aggressive phenotype associated with poor survival. Many efforts have been made to overcome PARPi resistance, mostly by targeting genes and effector proteins participating in homologous recombination that are overexpressed during PARPi therapy. Due to many known and unknown compensatory pathways, genes, and effector proteins, overlap and shared resistance are common. Overexpression of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and cancer stem cell (CSC) sparing are novel PARPi resistance hypotheses. Although adding programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1)/PD‐L1 inhibitors to PARPi might improve immunogenic cell death and be crucial for durable responses, they are less likely to target the CSC population that drives recurrent tumor growth. Lysine‐specific histone demethylase‐1A and histone deacetylase inhibitors have shown promising activity against CSCs. Combining epigenetic drugs such as lysine‐specific histone demethylase‐1A inhibitors or histone deacetylase inhibitors with PARPi/anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 is a novel, potentially synergistic strategy for priming tumors and overcoming resistance. Furthermore, such an approach could pave the way for the identification of new upstream epigenetic and genetic signatures.
Association of antithyroglobulin antibodies with the development of thyroid dysfunction induced by nivolumab
Authors: Kimbara Shiro , Fujiwara Yutaka , Iwama Shintaro , Ohashi Ken , Kuchiba Aya , Arima Hiroshi , Yamazaki Naoya , Kitano Shigehisa , Yamamoto Noboru , Ohe Yuichiro
Published: September 2018

Thyroid dysfunction (TD) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors is not sufficiently understood. The purpose of this retrospective observational study was to identify risk factors and the clinical course of TD induced by nivolumab. Patients with advanced solid tumors who were treated with nivolumab from March 2009 through to March 2016 at the National Cancer Center Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) were included. Thyroid function and antithyroid Abs from serum samples among all patients were evaluated at baseline and during nivolumab treatment. Overt hypothyroidism was defined as low serum‐free T4 together with elevated thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) >10 μIU/mL. Thyrotoxicosis was defined as low TSH with elevated free T4 and/or free T3. We defined thyroid autoimmunity as the presence of antithyroid Abs at baseline, including antithyroid peroxidase Abs and antithyroglobulin Abs (TgAb). Twenty‐three (14%) of a total of 168 patients developed TD, including 17 cases of hypothyroidism and 20 of thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism occurred in 14 cases. Fourteen of 35 patients (40%) with thyroid autoimmunity developed TD vs 9 of 133 (7%) without (odds ratio 9.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.53‐23.9). In multivariate analysis, elevated TSH and TgAb at baseline were significantly associated with the development of TD, with odds ratio of 7.36 (95% CI, 1.66‐32.7) and 26.5 (95% CI, 8.18‐85.8), respectively. Association between TD and elevated antithyroid peroxidase Abs at baseline was not significant. These results suggest that patients with pre‐existing TgAb and elevated TSH at baseline are at high risk of TD.
Energy expenditure of household activities and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with obesity
Authors: Dereppe H. , Verbeke M. , Debruxelles C. , Boucq E. , Ponzoni L. , Cuvelier G.
Published: September 2018

Patients with obesity experience difficulties in executing household activities. Our purpose was to compare the energy expenditure and exercise intensity of daily household activities and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in women with obesity and normal weight women. Twenty‐eight non‐obese women (NO, 44.6 ± 7.2 years; body mass index [BMI] 22.1 ± 1.7 kg m−2) and 20 women with obesity (OB, 44.0 ± 7.7 years; BMI 33.4 ± 2.7 kg.m−2). Peak oxygen uptake (⩒O2peak), maximal heart rate (HR) and maximal cycling power output were measured during a maximal incremental cycling test to assess CRF. Oxygen uptake (⩒O2) used to assess CRF was measured during a standardized protocol that included ironing, cleaning floor and walking and climbing stairs. The intensity of the three household activities was expressed by the ratio between ⩒O2 during household activity (⩒O2‐activity) and resting ⩒O2, and between ⩒O2 during household activity and ⩒O2peak. ⩒O2 peak was higher in OB (1845.2 ± 290.5 mL min−1) than in NO women (1612.6 ± 250.9 mL min−1, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences for the ratio between ⩒O2‐activity and resting ⩒O2 between NO and OB women for any of the three household activities. No differences were observed either between the two groups for the ratio of ⩒O2‐activity to ⩒O2peak. In healthy women with obesity and normal CRF, physical activity (PA) may not be affected by energy need and intensity of household activities. In this way, these women can be motivated to maintain a high PA level contributing to lessen the cardiovascular risk.
The Association between Symptom Accommodation and Emotional Coregulation in Couples with Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Weber Danielle M. , Fischer Melanie S. , Baucom Donald H. , Baucom Brian R. W. , Kirby Jennifer S. , Runfola Cristin D. , Matherne Camden E. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: September 2018

Intense negative emotions and maladaptive behavioral strategies to reduce emotional distress occur not only in patients with various forms of psychopathology but also in their committed partners. One common strategy to reduce distress is for partners to accommodate to the symptoms of the disorder, which reduces distress short term but maintains symptoms long term. Accommodation is believed to be motivated by the partner reacting behaviorally to the patient's emotions, but the emotions of thepartnerin this context have yet to be examined. This pilot study examined how partner accommodation related to specific patterns of emotional coregulation between patients with binge eating disorder (BED) and their partners, before and after a couple‐based intervention for BED. Vocally encoded emotional arousal was measured during couples’ (n = 11) conversations about BED. As predicted, partners’ emotional reactivity to patients’ emotional arousal was associated with high accommodation before treatment. Thus, partners may use accommodation as a strategy to reduce both the patients’ and their own distress. After treatment, partners’ arousal was no longer associated with the patients’ emotional arousal; instead, partners showed greater emotional stability over time, specifically when accommodation was low. Additionally, patients were less emotionally aroused after treatment. Therefore, treatment may have decreased overall emotionality of patients and altered the association between accommodation and partners’ emotional reactivity. If replicated, this understanding of the emotional context associated with accommodation in BED can inform couple‐based treatment by targeting specific emotional precipitants of behaviors that maintain symptoms.
Microstructure, grain orientation, and properties of ITO ceramics sintered with various heating rates
Authors: Mei Fangsheng , Qin Kai , Mei Fangchao , Yuan Tiechui , Liu Wende , Li Ruidi , Chen Lisan
Published: September 2018

In this study, the microstructure, grain orientation, electrical resistivity, nanohardness, and fracture strength were systematically investigated in ITO ceramics sintered with different heating rates. It was found that ITO ceramics sintered at 1600°C consist of main phase (In2O3) and secondary phase (In2SnO5) and the distributions of coarse grains with high indium content and fine grains with high tin content are interval. The higher heating rate was found to refine the grain size and increase the {1000} textured secondary phase. The increase in electrical resistivity of ITO ceramics was due to the decrease in oxygen vacancies caused by the reducing oxide decomposition. Moreover, the nanohardness of fine grains was found to be higher than that of coarse grains due to the reinforcement effect of Sn element. Besides, the increase of heating rate is beneficial to enhance the fracture strength due to the higher resistance of grain boundary to fracture propagation and the predominantly intergranular fracture.
In‐line estimation of the elastic module of milk gels with variation of temperature protein concentration
Authors: Salvador Daniel , Arango Oscar , Castillo Manuel
Published: September 2018

The cutting time of the curd is a relevant factor to improve the quality of the cheese. Only a few studies have focused on the prediction of objective rheological parameters, such as the elastic modulus of the gel (G′) instead of a subjective cut‐off time. A complete randomized factorial design with three replicates was used to determine the effect of proteins and temperature in the prediction of G′ values, gelation time and cutting time in reconstituted skimmed milk gels. The coagulation process was monitored simultaneously using an in‐line light backscatter sensor operated at 880 nm and a small amplitude oscillatory rheometer. Changes in the structure of the protein during milk coagulation correlated with the signal changes derived from both the optical sensor and the rheometer. The results showed that the backscatter sensor predicts well (R2 = 0.99) the time when the gel reaches a value of G′ = 30 Pa.
Associations between imprinted gene differentially methylated regions, appetitive traits and body mass index in children
Authors: Do E. K. , Zucker N. L. , Huang Z. Y. , Schechter J. C. , Kollins S. H. , Maguire R. L. , Murphy S. K. , Hoyo C. , Fuemmeler B. F.
Published: September 2018

Background

Knowledge regarding genetic influences on eating behaviours is expanding; yet less is known regarding contributions of epigenetic variation to appetitive traits and body mass index (BMI) in children.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between methylation at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of imprinted genes (insulin‐like growth factor 2/H19 and Delta‐like, Drosophila, homolog 1/maternally expressed gene 3) using DNA extracted from umbilical cord blood leucocytes, two genetically influenced appetitive traits (food responsiveness and satiety responsiveness) and BMI.

Methods

Data were obtained from participants (N = 317; mean age = 3.6 years; SD = 1.8 years) from the Newborn Epigenetic STudy. Conditional process models were implemented to investigate the associations between DMRs of imprinted genes and BMI, and test whether this association was mediated by appetitive traits and birthweight and moderated by sex.

Results

Appetitive traits and birthweight did not mediate the relationship between methylation at DMRs. Increased insulin‐like growth factor 2 DMR methylation was associated with higher satiety responsiveness. Higher satiety responsiveness was associated with lower BMI. Associations between methylation at DMRs, appetitive traits and BMI differed by sex.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to demonstrate associations between epigenetic variation established prior to birth with appetitive traits and BMI in children, providing support for the need to uncover genetic and epigenetic mechanisms for appetitive traits predisposing some individuals to obesity.
Potassium control in chronic kidney disease: implications for neuromuscular function
Authors: Arnold Ria , Pianta Timothy J. , Pussell Bruce A. , Endre Zoltan , Kiernan Matthew C. , Krishnan Arun V.
Published: September 2018

In Australia, approximately 1.7 million adults have evidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This complex disease can result in a multitude of complications, including hyperkalaemia, which is common and well recognised. The advent of new therapeutics aimed at lowering serum potassium has raised the possibility of optimising potassium control to enable greater use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors in the management of CKD. Recent studies suggest that hyperkalaemia also has implications for peripheral neuropathy in CKD, a complication that substantially contributes to patient morbidity. This review examines evidence of the relationship between potassium and peripheral neuropathy, with a discussion of clinical implications. We searched PubMed for original and review articles using pre‐specified key words, clinical guidelines and population data. The major findings were that contemporary CKD cohorts demonstrate a high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, even in stage 3–4 CKD, including those without diabetes. The severity of the problem has been emphasised by an ominous rise in foot complications and amputation rates in dialysis patients, highlighting the need for increased awareness of the condition in earlier stages of CKD and targeted treatment strategies. It is likely that the pathophysiology of peripheral neuropathy in CKD is multifaceted, with potential influences from potassium, vascular abnormalities, diabetes, inflammation and unknown middle molecules. Despite these complexities, the relationship between potassium and nerve function in dialysis has been well established, and recent research in stage 3–4 CKD suggests that assertive potassium control may improve neuromuscular outcomes in CKD. These small studies should be confirmed in large, multicentre settings.
Chemotherapy and biologic use in the routine management of metastatic colorectal cancer in Australia: is clinical practice following the evidence?
Authors: Semira Christine , Wong Hui‐Li , Field Kathryn , Lee Margaret , Lee Belinda , Nott Louise , Shapiro Jeremy , Wong Rachel , Tie Jeanne , Tran Ben , Richardson Gary , Zimet Allan , Lipton Lara , Tamjid Babak , Burge Matthew , Ma Brigette , Johns Julie , Harold Michael , Gibbs Peter
Published: September 2018

Background

Emerging evidence on the optimal use of chemotherapy and biologics in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer should impact management in routine care. Recent studies have demonstrated benefits for initial triplet chemotherapy (5‐fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan, FOLFOXIRI) and for initial treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRi) in patients with a RAS wild‐type tumour and a left‐sided primary tumour.

Aim

To explore evolving pattern of metastatic colorectal cancer care over time in Australia.

Methods

We analysed data from the Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer registry.

Results

From July 2009 to December 2017, 2552 metastatic colorectal cancer patients were entered into the Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer registry. Of 1585 patients who initially underwent chemotherapy, treatment was with a doublet in 76%. FOLFOXIRI was given to 22 patients (1.4%), mostly young patients and those with potentially resectable disease. Along with first‐line chemotherapy, 61% received bevacizumab, while 3.3% received an EGFRi, predominantly over the last 2 years. Within the KRAS wild‐type left‐sided tumour cohort, EGFRi use increased from 9% in 2015 to 37% in 2017. Across treatment sites, there was a wide variation in the utilisation of FOLFOXIRI and EGFRi therapy; bevacizumab use was more consistent. A clear impact on survival outcomes from these regimens is not evident, potentially due to multiple confounders.

Conclusion

Doublet chemotherapy + bevacizumab remains the dominant initial strategy, with limited uptake of triplet chemotherapy and of EGFRi. Potential explanations include uncertainty about the significance of post hoc analyses for EGFRi and concerns regarding adverse events for both strategies.
Access, knowledge and experience with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in infection management: a survey of Australia and New Zealand infectious diseases physicians and microbiologists
Authors: Douglas Abby P. , Thursky Karin A. , Worth Leon J. , Harrison Simon J. , Hicks Rodney J. , Slavin Monica A.
Published: September 2018

Background

Despite fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) being funded only for staging and restaging of some malignancies in Australia, there is evidence of benefit of FDG‐PET/CT for infection indications such as pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), prolonged neutropenic fever (NF) and prosthetic device infection.

Aim

To evaluate the current knowledge, utilisation of and gaps in access to FDG‐PET/CT for infectious indications by Australasian infectious diseases (ID) physicians and microbiologists.

Methods

An online survey was administered to ID and microbiology doctors practising in adult medicine in Australia and New Zealand through two established email networks. Using targeted questions and case‐based examples, multiple themes were explored, including access to FDG‐PET/CT, use and perceived benefit of FDG‐PET/CT in diagnosis and monitoring of non‐malignant conditions such as NF and PUO, and barriers to clinical use of FDG‐PET/CT.

Results

A response was received from 120 participants across all states and territories. Onsite and offsite FDG‐PET/CT access was 63% and 31% respectively. Eighty‐six percent reported using FDG‐PET/CT for one or more infection indications and all had found it clinically useful, with common indications being PUO, prosthetic device infections and use in the immunocompromised host for prolonged NF and invasive fungal infection. Thirty‐eight percent reported barriers in accessing FDG‐PET/CT for infection indications and 76% would utilise FDG‐PET/CT more frequently if funding existed for infection indications.

Conclusion

Access to FDG‐PET/CT in Australia and New Zealand is modest and is limited by lack of reimbursement for infection indications. There is discrepancy between recognised ID indications for FDG‐PET/CT and funded indications.
Does Independent Industry Expertise Improve Board Effectiveness? Evidence From Bank CEO Turnovers
Authors: Chen Zhongdong
Published: September 2018

This study explores the impact of independent bank directors’ financial industry expertise on board effectiveness by investigating bank CEO turnovers and post‐turnover bank performance. Empirical results find such expertise increases the probability of forced CEO turnover and the probability of outsider succession. It improves bank performance and reduces bank risk‐taking following a forced CEO turnover. This is likely because industry‐specific expertise enhances boards’ ability to locate a superior successor CEO and to monitor and advise the new management. Market reaction to bank CEO turnover announcements tends to agree with this view.
Understanding the Water Resources of a Small Rural Community: Citizen Science in Cascabel, Arizona
Authors: Eastoe Christopher J. , Clark Barbara
Published: September 2018

Cascabel residents have cooperated in assembling and discussing a dataset addressing community concerns about groundwater quality and sustainability of water supply in their reach of the semi‐arid San Pedro Valley. Most of the groundwater is drawn from Holocene sediments underlying the pre‐entrenchment floodplain of the San Pedro River and similar sediments in major tributaries. Stable O and H isotopes distinguish two main floodplain aquifers: A, containing groundwater derived from the Valley flanks, and B, containing groundwater labeled by the presence of ancient water from a hot‐spring system. In aquifer A, unpalatable groundwater containing dissolved ferrous iron and hydrogen sulfide is associated with clay containing buried wetland sediments that supply nutrients for microbial reduction of iron and sulfate. In aquifer B, groundwater is palatable, and static water levels at three locations have generally declined since the early 1990s, probably as a result of natural drainage in the upgradient part of the aquifer. Most groundwater from both aquifers contains measurable tritium, indicating vulnerability to multi‐decadal drought.