bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Events at Baseline in a Chinese General Hospital: A Pilot Study of the Global Trigger Tool
Authors: Xu Xiao-Di , Yuan Yi-Jie , Zhao Li-Ming , Li Yang , Zhang Hui-Zhen , Wu Hua
Published: September 2016

Objective

To investigate adverse events (AEs) at baseline in a Chinese general hospital using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Global Trigger Tool (GTT) and discuss the feasibility of this tool to detect AEs in China.

Methods

A total of 10 inpatient records from the hospital were sampled randomly half a month in 2014. The records were reviewed to identify AEs according to the second edition of the IHI GTT for measuring AEs. Triggers and AEs were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS software, version 19.0.

Results

A review of 240 patient records identified 51.0% (26/51) triggers in the worksheet, and 33.3% (17/51) were associated with AEs. A total of 70 AEs were identified in 54 patients, including 65.7% (46/70) category E AEs, which represent temporary harm requiring intervention, and 34.3% (24/70) category F AEs, which represent temporary harm requiring initial or prolonged hospitalization. The average rate of AEs per 1000 patient-days was 32.1 ± 20.9. The average rate of AEs per 100 admissions was 29.2 ± 16.1. The average rate of admissions with an AE was 22.5% ± 13.9%. The most significant characteristic of patients with AEs was longer hospital stay.

Conclusions

More than one fifth of adult inpatients in the current study experienced at least one AE resulting in temporary harm, most commonly caused by surgical operations and medication. With some modifications, the IHI GTT is a feasible and effective tool for detecting the overall status of AEs in a Chinese hospital.
Quantitative characterization of the microstructure of heat-treated Zr-Excel by neutron line profile analysis
Authors: Ahmmed Kazi F. , Balogh Levente , Idrees Yasir , Yu Hongbing , Long Fei , Daymond Mark R.
Published: September 2016

Neutron diffraction line profile analysis (DLPA) and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the components of the bimodal microstructure of Zr-Excel (Zr–3.5Sn–0.8Mo–0.8Nb), a nuclear structural material. The dual microstructure, consisting of equiaxed primary grains and martensitic domains both having hexagonal close-packed (h.c.p.) α crystal structure, forms when the as-received Zr-Excel alloy is heat treated at a high temperature and subsequently quenched,i.e. is solution treated. Because both microstructure components have the same crystal structure the reflections from the two components overlap significantly. The article presents how the multi-phase analysis capability of modern DLPA methods can be used to model the measured neutron diffraction patterns as the sum of two sub-patterns corresponding to the components of such a bimodal microstructure, which can be found in many hexagonal alloys relevant for industrial applications. The results show that the large equiaxed primary h.c.p. α grains have a highly correlated low-density dislocation structure and large sub-grains (∼300 nm), while the large martensitic domains have a randomly arranged very high density dislocation structure and sub-grains the size of ∼30 nm. The significantly different defect structures of the primary and martensitic phases manifest as large differences in the hardness and ductility of the individual components. As a result of this duality of the mechanical properties, solution-treated Zr-Excel materials can be considered as analogous to metal matrix composites where a softer ductile matrix contains a harder brittle reinforcing phase.
MOMAC: a SAXS/WAXS laboratory instrument dedicated to nanomaterials
Authors: Taché Olivier , Rouzière Stéphan , Joly Philippe , Amara Mohamed , Fleury Blaise , Thill Antoine , Launois Pascale , Spalla Olivier , Abécassis Benjamin
Published: September 2016

This article presents the technical characteristics of a newly built small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) apparatus dedicated to structural characterization of a wide range of nanomaterials in the powder or dispersion form. The instrument is based on a high-flux rotating anode generator with a molybdenum target, enabling the assessment of highly absorbing samples containing heavy elements. The SAXS part is composed of a collimation system including a multilayer optic and scatterless slits, a motorized sample holder, a vacuum chamber, and a two-dimensional image-plate detector. All the control command is done through a TANGO interface. Normalization and data correction yield scattering patterns at the absolute scale automatically with a q range from 0.03 to 3.2 Å−1. The WAXS part features a multilayer collimating optic and a two-dimensional image-plate detector with variable sample-to-detector distances. The accessible q range is 0.4–9 Å−1, ensuring a large overlap in q range between the two instruments. A few examples of applications are also presented, namely coupled SAXS/WAXS structure and symmetry determination of gold nanocrystals in solution and characterization of imogolite nanotubes and iron-filled carbon nanotube samples.
Isotypic MnII and FeII binuclear complexes of the ligand 5,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid
Authors: Alfonso Monserrat , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: September 2016

The title isotypic complexes, bis[μ-5,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylato]-κ4
N
1,O
2,N
6:O
3;κ4
O
3:N
1,O
2,N
6-bis[diaquamanganese(II)] tetrahydrate, [Mn2(C16H8N4O4)2(H2O)4]·4H2O, (I), and bis[μ-5,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylato]-κ4
N
1,O
2,N
6:O
3;κ4
O
3:N
1,O
2,N
6-bis[diaquairon(II)] tetrahydrate, [Fe2(C16H8N4O4)2(H2O)4]·4H2O, (II), are, respectively, the manganese(II) and iron(II) complexes of the ligand 5,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid. The complete molecule of each complex is generated by inversion symmetry. Each metal ion is coordinated by a pyrazine N atom, a pyridine N atom, two carboxylate O atoms, one of which is bridging, and two water O atoms. The metal atoms have MN2O4 coordination geometries and the complexes have a cage-like structure. In the crystals of both compounds, the complexes are linked by O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the coordinating water molecules, forming chains along [100]. These chains are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the non-coordinating water molecules, forming layers parallel to (011). The layers are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds and offset π–π interactions, so forming a hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional framework.
How personal advisors make a difference in serving “almost rich” bank customers
Authors: Wahlberg Olof , Öhman Peter , Strandberg Christer
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore mass affluent customer perceptions of the service quality delivered by personal advisors and banks, and the contributions of personal advisors and banks to customer satisfaction; and also to analyse the strength of the relationship between customer satisfaction with personal advisors and banks.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey composed of items designed to mirror service quality practices used in the mass affluent segment was administered to customers of a major Swedish bank. Statistical analyses of the responses were performed.

Findings

Four service quality dimensions are identified as salient to customer satisfaction: interpersonal behaviour, knowledge, service portfolio, and trust. The relative importance of these dimensions depends on whether customer satisfaction with the personal advisor or the bank is focused. Moreover, the analysis indicates a double “rubbing off” effect where customer satisfaction with the personal advisor influences customer satisfaction with the bank and vice versa.

Originality/value

The unexplored separation of service quality provided by the bank and the personal advisor is central to perceived service quality. The study focuses on customer satisfaction in the mass affluent segment, which is an unexplored context different from retail banking.
Customer value proposition, corporate transformation and growth in Caribbean financial firms
Authors: Smith Trevor Alexander
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance a model for identifying the superior customer value proposition that evolves through a process of corporate transformation while simultaneously seeking to align this value proposition with regional expansion and growth of Caribbean financial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes a cross-sectional design. Telephone surveys were used to collect data from 80 financial firms and 243 customers across ten Caribbean countries. Structural equations modeling was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The main findings are that corporate transformation of financial firms was a significant driver of customer orientation, consumer confidence, quality, flexibility, branding, and firm capability while lower prices (such as interest rates, fees, and charges), consumer confidence, and branding were the key drivers of regional expansion and growth.

Practical implications

The study identified six value-added dimensions along with price as the superior customer value proposition of financial firms. These dimensions should be incorporated in the business model for transformation and growth of these firms.

Originality/value

The study extended the literature through development of a customer value proposition model that was primarily built on Levitt’s (1965) product life cycle conceptualization and augmented by Porter’s generic strategies.
Malaysian consumers’ willingness to choose Islamic mortgage products
Authors: Amin Hanudin , Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Rahim , Abdul-Razak Dzuljastri
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand consumers’ willingness to choose Islamic mortgage products as a way to help Islamic banks tap into the Islamic mortgage sector in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour as a point of departure, this study proposes a framework that examines factors influencing consumers’ willingness to choose Islamic mortgage products. A total of 282 usable surveys are obtained from customers of Islamic banks and the data were analysed using partial least squares.

Findings

The results indicate that affect, social factors, and facilitating conditions influence willingness to choose Islamic mortgages. Besides these factors, the added factors, namely, perceived risk and perceived financial benefit, significantly influence consumers’ willingness to choose Islamic mortgages.

Research limitations/implications

This study is confined to two public universities in Malaysia. Further testing of the proposed model across different population groups is necessary to determine the generalisability of this study’s findings. This study applies consumer factors such as affect, social factors, facilitating conditions, perceived risk and perceived financial benefit. Further testing on other factors is needed to expand the findings in this area.

Practical implications

The results could help bank managers make improved decisions about the factors which they need to effectively market Islamic mortgage products. This study provides insights and guidance for bank managers to manage Islamic mortgage products.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is a proposed framework of consumers’ willingness to choose Islamic mortgage products which takes into account the key factors necessary to predict consumers’ demand.
A meta-analysis of satisfaction in the banking sector
Authors: Ladeira Wagner Junior , Santini Fernando De Oliveira , Sampaio Cláudio Hoffmann , Perin Marcelo Gattermann , Araújo Clécio Falcão
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic framework with a meta-analytical approach to distinguish various types of antecedents and consequences of satisfaction in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted searches in 13 databases and analysed 811 relationships in 210 articles. For the quantitative data analysis, the authors used the coefficient of correlation r as a metric variable to measure the effect size of the studied scope variables.

Findings

The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrated ten dimensions that directly influence satisfaction in the banking sector: a bank’s atmosphere, special treatment and relational benefits, timesaving features, the dimensions and determinants of service quality, customers’ overall perceptions of service quality, end-user computing, service recovery, external factors, strategic orientation and behavioural outcomes. These ten dimensions were derived from 55 variables.

Research limitations/implications

This meta-analysis reviewed relationships found worldwide in the literature, expanding and improving the current knowledge. It identified ways that research on satisfaction in the banking sector is lacking and presents suggestions for the elaboration of new studies to allow future researchers to better define their agendas.

Practical implications

The results show that managers should care about satisfaction because it results from the consumer’s banking experience. The ten dimensions affect satisfaction to differing degrees.

Originality/value

This research tested the impact of the antecedents and consequences of satisfaction in the banking sector and presented important results through this meta-analytical review. This meta-analysis contributes to the marketing literature, with a set of empirical generalizations, including relationship coefficients and calculated fail-safe numbers.
Determinants of Ghanaian banks’ credit to the “missing middle”: a supply side approach
Authors: Boadi Isaac
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use bank-level panel data to examine the determinants of Ghanaian banks credit to SMEs often referred to as the “Missing Middle.” Demands for bank credit by SMEs sector have been over flogged by researchers in recent times. Determinants of banks’ credit to SMEs from the supply side using most recent data for both micro (bank level) and macro (country) level data is a contribution to empirical literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the Generalized methods of moments using ten banks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange to examine factors that determine banks credit to SMEs in Ghana. Bank-specific and country-specific data were collected from the financial statements of the sampled commercial banks operating in Ghana compiled by Ghana Association of Bankers over the period 1997-2014 consisting of 180 observations. The macroeconomic variables were retrieved from Ghana Statistical Service and Bank of Ghana, respectively.

Findings

The result of the study reveal that apart from the size of top management and GDP growth, the rest of micro (bank-specific variables) and macro (country) level sampled statistically influences bank credit to SMEs. Specifically, the coefficient of bank size, its profitability and inflation variables are negative demonstrating that in Ghana, bigger, most profitable banks and high inflation period limit credit to the SMEs sector. The coefficients of board size and bank origin variables were found to be positive indicating banks with huge board size and foreign banks tend to provide more credit to SMEs.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is to examine determinants of Ghanaian banks credit to the “Missing Middle.” A supply side approach.
Customer experience quality and demographic variables (age, gender, education level, and family income) in retail stores
Authors: Deshwal Pankaj
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on ascertaining whether and how groups based on demographic variables (age, gender, education level, and family income) differs for dimensions of customer experience quality in the Indian retail store context.

Design/methodology/approach

A 23 items instrument was distributed to retail store customers. Demographic variables were age, gender, education level, and family income. Finally, the analysis was performed on 346 responses. ANOVA test was performed to find out the significant difference between the groups based on demographic variables with respect to components of customer experience quality in the Indian retail store context.

Findings

Analysis revealed that some categories of demographic variables differ with respect to dimensions of customer experience quality in the Indian retail store context.

Originality/value

Authors believe that this is the first study, which applies EXQ model in India retail context.
Who do you think you are? An initial investigation of ego identity development and criminogenic thinking among incarcerated offenders
Authors: Gavel David W. , T. Mandracchia Jon
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Criminogenic thinking refers to patterns of specific cognitive events associated with criminal behavior that facilitate the development and maintenance of patterned criminal behavior. Relatively little is known about the specific processes involved in the development of criminogenic thinking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine ego identity development and criminal associations as two possible predictors of criminogenic thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included 104 adult male state penitentiary inmates. Participants completed measures assessing ego identity status, criminogenic thinking, and the amount of time spent in the presence with other offers. Data were analyzed with a series of hierarchical regressions.

Findings

Results indicated that active engagement in the psychosocial process of identity development is associated with decreased criminogenic thinking. However, interaction with criminal associates and incarceration prior to the age of 18 were significant predictors of criminogenic thinking, regardless of identity development style. Implications for correctional mental health and offender rehabilitation are discussed.

Originality/value

As this is the first study of its’ kind and limitations are to be expected, there are several potential implications for correctional mental health and offender rehabilitation that are discussed.
Towards global music digital libraries
Authors: Hu Xiao , Lee Jin Ha
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare music mood perceptions of people with diverse cultural backgrounds when they interact with Chinese music. It also discusses how the results can inform the design of global music digital libraries (MDL).

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was designed based on the Music Information Retrieval Evaluation eXchange (MIREX) five-cluster mood model, to solicit mood perceptions of listeners in Hong Kong and the USA on a diverse set of Chinese music. Statistical analysis was applied to compare responses from the two user groups, with consideration of different music types and characteristics of listeners. Listeners’ textual responses were also analyzed with content coding.

Findings

Listeners from the two cultural groups made different mood judgments on all but one type of Chinese music. Hong Kong listeners reached higher levels of agreement on mood judgments than their US counterparts. Gender, age and familiarity with the songs were related to listeners’ mood judgment to some extent.

Practical implications

The MIREX five-cluster model may not be sufficient for representing the mood of Chinese music. Refinements are suggested. MDL are recommended to differentiate tags given by users from different cultural groups, and to differentiate music types when classifying or recommending Chinese music by mood.

Originality/value

It is the first study on cross-cultural access to Chinese music in MDL. Methods and the refined mood model can be applied to cross-cultural access to other music types and information objects.
To document the undocumentable
Authors: Kjellman Ulrika
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to see how the disciplines of physical anthropology and race biology used photographs as documenting tools when trying to prove the existence of variations among the human species dependent on race. On a more general level the study aims to contribute to the discussions on how images work as documents in scientific practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary methodology of this study is a functional and rhetorical analysis of the photographic material taken by the Swedish State Institute of Racial Biology between 1922 and 1958.

Findings

How images work as documents in scientific practice depends on what kind of documents they are, and what practices they take part in.

Originality/value

By showing how images played an important and substantial role in the research practices of physical anthropology and race biology, this paper stresses the importance of taking images as serious influences in scientific practice. The authors stress the need for further investigations into how images work as documents in scientific contexts.
Bubbles, Froth and Facts: Another Look at the Masters Hypothesis in Commodity Futures Markets
Authors: Sanders Dwight R. , Irwin Scott H.
Published: September 2016

The Masters Hypothesis suggests that long‐only index funds were the main cause of a massive increase in commodity prices in 2007–2008 and 2011–2012. Central to the Masters Hypothesis are three basic tenets: (i) long‐only commodity index funds were directly responsible for driving futures prices higher; (ii) the deviations from fundamental value were economically very large; (iii) the impact was pervasive across commodity futures markets. There has been a great deal of empirical research on the Masters Hypothesis and commodity market bubbles. However, surprisingly few studies have found evidence that directly support the main tenets of the Masters Hypothesis. Some have attributed the lack of supporting evidence to the low‐power of time‐series tests, market efficiency issues and a lack of conditioning variables within models. In this paper, we address each of these issues using updated data and new empirical approaches. Still, price behaviour consistent with the Masters Hypothesis is surprisingly difficult to find in the data. This is an important finding given the on‐going policy debate and regulations proposed or being implemented to limit speculative positions in these markets.
Powerful Individuals in a Globalized World
Authors: Partzsch Lena
Published: September 2016

Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, made media headlines at the end of last year when he announced his intention to donate most of his Facebook shares to charity. This article deals with the significance and potential of individuals, such as Zuckerberg, in a globalized world, to determine global policy agendas. Philanthropists who head global foundations are the most apparent. While philanthropists’ involvement in international relations is based on their capital, celebrities increasingly use their fame to do political advocacy, and social entrepreneurs are sometimes able to initiate change based on new ideas. Contributing to the existing literature, the article compares the characteristics of these three categories and discusses their relevance against the background of the increasing delegation of authority to private actors in global governance. When dealing with non‐state actors in global governance, scholars have simply assumed these actors to be collective entities. In consequence, we have missed the fact that power has not only shifted away from state actors but also increasingly concentrates on very few individuals who possess respective resources of power. The individualization of global policy processes therefore causes new problems of democratic accountability and legitimacy.
Effects of graded levels of liquid brewer's yeast on chemical composition and fermentation quality in cassava pulp and rice straw‐based total mixed ration silage
Authors: Kamphayae Sukanya , Kumagai Hajime , Bureenok Smerjai , Narmseelee Ramphrai , Butcha Patima
Published: September 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of liquid brewer's yeast (LBY) addition on chemical composition and fermentation quality of mixture of LBY and cassava pulp (CVP) with rice straw (RS) in different ratios during preservation periods. Four mixtures of LBY, CVP and RS were made, that is mixture ratio of LBY : CVP : RS of 0% LBY, 20% LBY, 35% LBY and 50% LBY were 0:70:30, 20:50:30, 35:35:30 and 50:20:30 as fresh matter, respectively. The bags were opened at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 after storage. The contents of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber ranged 36.4‐40.0, 88.9‐90.8, 4.0‐12.0, 1.1‐1.3, 58.8‐61.6 and 37.6‐40.0, respectively, and the contents of CP and EE increased and the other components decreased in proportion to LBY inclusion (P < 0.01). 50% LBY had the highest (P < 0.05) pH (4.81) and ammonia nitrogen per total nitrogen (NH3‐N/TN) (7.40%) and the lowest V‐score (90.3). Propionic and butyric acid contents were 0.01% or lower in each mixture and storage period. There were rapid pH decrease and NH3‐N/TN increase during the first week of the storage period. The increases of NH3‐N/TN and acetic acid content and decreases of pH, lactic acid content and V‐score during the preservation were more drastic as LBY inclusion increased. Although higher proportion of LBY produced higher CP and lower fiber contents in the mixture, attention should be paid for the reduction of fermentation quality during longer storage periods.
Interactive effect of inoculant and dried jujube powder on the fermentation quality and nitrogen fraction of alfalfa silage
Authors: Tian Jipeng , Li Zhenzhen , Yu Zhu , Zhang Qing , Li Xujiao
Published: September 2016

The interactive effect of inoculants and dried jujube powder (DJP) on the fermentation and nitrogen fraction (PA, PB1, PB2, PB3 and PC fractions) of alfalfa silage was investigated. Three of the Lactobacillus plantarum inoculants (LP1, LP2 or LP3) were used. The DJP was added at rates of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 or 15% of the whole fresh forage. The combination of DJP and inoculants decreased the pH value and ammonia nitrogen content and increased the PC portion. As the DJP ratio increased, there was a peak in lactic acid : acetic acid ratio (12% of DJP ratio) and PB2 fraction (9% of DJP ratio) while the PA content decreased linearly. The LP1 and LP2 had the highest lactic acid content. Inoculants decreased the PB1 portion of true protein. The LP1 treated silage had the highest acetic acid content with the lowest lactic acid : acetic acid ratio and had lower PB3 and PC and higher PB2 than LP2 or LP3 treated silages. The result showed that the application of DJP or inoculants have positive effect on the fermentation, nutrition and N fraction value in the high moisture alfalfa silages, and the combination of DJP and inoculants preserves best.
Ingestive behavior of supplemented Nellore heifers grazing palisadegrass pastures managed with different sward heights
Authors: Vieira Bruno Ramalho , Azenha Mariana Vieira , Casagrande Daniel Rume , Costa Diogo Fleury Azevedo , Ruggieri Ana Cláudia , Berchielli Telma Teresinha , Reis Ricardo Andrade
Published: September 2016

Three sward heights (15, 25 and 35 cm) and three supplement types (energy, energy‐protein, and a mineral mix supplement) were evaluated in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement distributed in a completely randomized design to study changes in forage search patterns in Nellore heifers in a continuous grazing system. Pasture data were collected using two replicates (paddocks) per treatment over four periods during the rainy season. The behavior assessments were made in the first and fourth grazing seasons. It was hypothesized that supplements and pasture management would modify ingestive behavior, considering that animals would require less time grazing if they had energy requirements met through higher digestibility of better managed paddocks, or use of supplements high in energy. Total and green forage masses along with green : dead material ratio were greater in treatments managed with higher sward heights. Sward managed with 35 cm height resulted in lower leaf : stem ratio compared with 15 cm sward height treatments. The animals on the 15 cm pastures spent more time grazing overall and during each meal, but there were no differences observed in meal numbers in comparison to 35 cm treatments. Heifers fed protein and/or energy supplements spent less time grazing in the early afternoon, but overall grazing time was the same for all animals.
Comparison of Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution Kinetics of Roxithromycin and Expression of CYP 3A1 between Pregnant Mice and Foetuses
Authors: Qin Yi , Xu Weizhe , Mo Lanjian , Li Xiaorong , Ge Beikang , Xiong Jie , Gao Lifang , Xu Pinxiang , Xue Ming
Published: September 2016

The roxithromycin, macrolide antibiotics, is recommended for treating mycoplasma infection and has the potential to be administered to pregnant women who are susceptible to the infection. This study compared the pharmacokinetic properties and tissue distribution of roxithromycin among pregnant mice and their foetuses. We also determined the level of CYP3A1, a major enzyme for roxithromycin metabolism, in liver microsomes and investigated the placental transport properties of roxithromycin. Biosamples were collected from female mice at gestational day 17 after a single intragastric administration of roxithromycin. A sensitive and specific liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy method was developed to detect the drug concentration and to obtain kinetic data. The level of CYP3A1 was significantly lower in foetal liver compared with that in maternal liver according to Western blot data, suggesting a decreased metabolism and prolonged half‐life of roxithromycin in the foetus. The tissue distributions of roxithromycin were similar between mother and foetus, indicating that the placental barrier did not block the transport of roxithromycin from mother to foetus. The current findings are consistent with the clinical efficacy of roxithromycin in both pregnant mothers and foetuses. Based on this study, it is feasible and reasonable to predict the transport properties of other lipophilic drugs during pregnancy.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Contraindication or Ethical Justification for Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery in Adolescents
Authors: Spriggs Merle , Gillam Lynn
Published: September 2016

Is Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery for an adolescent with Body Dysmorphic Disorder ever ethically justified? Cosmetic genital surgery (specifically labioplasty) for adolescent girls is one of the most ethically controversial forms of cosmetic surgery and Body Dysmorphic Disorder is typically seen as a contraindication for cosmetic surgery. Two key ethical concerns are (1) that Body Dysmorphic Disorder undermines whatever capacity for autonomy the adolescent has; and (2) even if there is valid parental consent, the presence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder means that cosmetic surgery will fail in its aims. In this article, we challenge, in an evidence‐based way, the standard view that Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a contraindication for genital cosmetic surgery in adolescents. Our argument gathers together and unifies a substantial amount of disparate research in the context of an ethical argument. We focus on empirical questions about benefit and harm, because these are ethically significant. Answers to these questions affect the answer to the ethical question. We question the claim that there would be no benefit from surgery in this situation, and we consider possible harms that might be done if treatment is refused. For an adolescent with Body Dysmorphic Disorder, the most important thing may be to avoid harm. We find ourselves arguing for the ethical justifiability of cosmetic labioplasty for an adolescent with Body Dysmorphic Disorder, even though we recognize that it is a counter intuitive position. We explain how we reached our conclusion.
Student conceptions of feedback: Impact on self‐regulation, self‐efficacy, and academic achievement
Authors: Brown Gavin T. L. , Peterson Elizabeth R. , Yao Esther S.
Published: September 2016

Background

Lecturers give feedback on assessed work in the hope that students will take it on board and use it to help regulate their learning for the next assessment. However, little is known about how students’ conceptions of feedback relate to students’ self‐regulated learning and self‐efficacy beliefs and academic performance.

Aims

This study explores student beliefs about the role and purpose of feedback and the relationship of those beliefs to self‐reported self‐regulation and self‐efficacy, and achievement.

Sample

A total of 278 university students in a general education course on learning theory and approaches in a research‐intensive university.

Methods

Self‐reported survey responses for students’ conceptions of feedback (SCoF), self‐regulation (SRL), academic self‐efficacy (ASE), and Grade Point Average (GPA) were evaluated first with confirmatory factor analysis and then interlinked in a structural equation model.

Results and conclusions

Three SCoF factors predicted SRL and/or GPA. The SCoF factor ‘I use feedback’ had positive associations with SRL (β = .44), GPA (β = .45), and ASE (β = .15). The SCoF factors ‘tutor/marker comments’ and ‘peers help’ both had negative relations to GPA (β = −.41 and −.16, respectively). ‘Peers help’ had a positive connection to SRL (β = .21). ASE itself made a small contribution to overall GPA (β = .16), while SRL had no statistically significant relation to GPA. The model indicates the centrality of believing that feedback exists to guide next steps in learning and thus contributes to SRL, ASE, and increased GPA.
Pregnancy outcomes in myeloproliferative neoplasms: UK prospective cohort study
Authors: Alimam Samah , Bewley Susan , Chappell Lucy C. , Knight Marian , Seed Paul , Gray Gabriella , Harrison Claire , Robinson Susan
Published: September 2016

The reported higher risk of maternal and fetal complications in women with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) poses challenge during pregnancy. A national prospective study of maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with a diagnosis of MPN was undertaken via the United Kingdom Obstetric Surveillance System between January 2010 and December 2012. Fifty‐eight women with a diagnosis of MPN were identified; 47 (81%) essential thrombocythaemia, five (9%) polycythaemia vera, five (9%) myelofibrosis and one (2%) MPN‐unclassified. There were 58 live births. The incidence of miscarriage was 1·7/100 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0·04–9·24) and the perinatal mortality rate was 17/1000 (95% CI: 0·44–92·36) live and stillbirths. Incidence of maternal complications was 9% (5/57) pre‐eclampsia, 9% (5/57) post‐partum haemorrhage and 3·5% (2/57) post‐partum haematoma. There were no maternal deaths or thrombotic events. Delivery was induced in 45% (24/53) of women and the Caesarean section rate was 45% (24/53). The majority (85%, 45/53) delivered at term (>37 weeks gestation). Twenty‐two percent (12/54) of neonates were below the 10% centile for growth and 13% (7/54) required admission to a neonatal care‐unit; there were no neonatal deaths. The findings of this large, UK prospective study suggests women with MPN appear to have successful pregnancies with better outcomes than would be anticipated from the literature.
Atrial fibrillation in CLL patients treated with ibrutinib. An international retrospective study
Authors: Thompson Philip A. , Lévy Vincent , Tam Constantine S. , Al Nawakil Chadi , Goudot François‐Xavier , Quinquenel Anne , Ysebaert Loic , Michallet Anne‐Sophie , Dilhuydy Marie‐Sarah , Van Den Neste Eric , Dupuis Jehan , Keating Michael J. , Meune Christophe , Cymbalista Florence
Published: September 2016

Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in 5–9% of patients treated with ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL); the clinical consequences and optimal management are unclear. We retrospectively studied 56 CLL patients who received ibrutinib and developed AF. Median time to onset was 3·8 months. AF was persistent in 35/56 (62%) cases despite treatment. Clinical consequences included: three episodes of severe cardiac failure (one fatal) and one stroke; eight non‐thrombocytopenic patients (14%) experienced severe bleeding adverse events. Altogether, ibrutinib was permanently discontinued in 26/56 cases (46%). Data to guide optimal management are lacking and clinical practice guidelines are urgently needed.
On shifting the blame to humanity: Historicist narratives regarding transgressors evoke compassion for the transgressor but disdain for humanity
Authors: Gill Michael J. , Getty Phillip D.
Published: September 2016

People respond compassionately to transgressors whose immorality is rooted in an unfortunate life history. But, are reactions to such historicist narratives uniformly compassionate? We suggest not. We propose that historicist narratives also have a dark side. Specifically, they encourage blame shifting, in which negative evaluations of humanity arise hand in hand with compassion for the focal transgressor of the narrative. Indeed, historicist narratives portray the focal transgressor as victimized by multiple others, who destroy her goodness and remove her chance to flourish in life. This destruction of another's potential is itself a profound moral violation and thus activates far‐reaching blame responses that feed a disdainful view of humanity. In three studies, we provide evidence that historicist narratives evoke compassion for one but disdain for the multitude. We show that the resulting disdain can diminish prosocial behaviour in unrelated contexts, that it is elicited by both experimenter‐provided and participant‐generated historicist narratives, and that it is created via blame shifting. Our findings question the assumption that proliferation of historicist thinking would necessarily contribute to creating a more compassionate, humane society.
Qualitative study on decision‐making by prostate cancer physicians during active surveillance
Authors: Loeb Stacy , Curnyn Caitlin , Fagerlin Angela , Braithwaite Ronald Scott , Schwartz Mark D. , Lepor Herbert , Carter Herbert Ballentine , Sedlander Erica
Published: September 2016

Objective

To explore and identify factors that influence physicians’ decisions while monitoring patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance (AS).

Subjects and Methods

A purposive sampling strategy was used to identify physicians treating prostate cancer from diverse clinical backgrounds and geographic areas across the USA. We conducted 24 in‐depth interviews from July to December 2015, until thematic saturation was reached. The Applied Thematic Analysis framework was used to guide data collection and analysis. Interview transcripts were reviewed and coded independently by two researchers. Matrix analysis and NVivo software were used for organization and further analysis.

Results

Eight key themes emerged to explain variation in AS monitoring: (i) physician comfort with AS; (ii) protocol selection; (iii) beliefs about the utility and quality of testing; (iv) years of experience and exposure to AS during training; (v) concerns about inflicting ‘harm’; (vi) patient characteristics; (vii) patient preferences; and (viii) financial incentives.

Conclusion

These qualitative data reveal which factors influence physicians who manage patients on AS. There is tension between providing standardized care while also considering individual patients’ needs and health status. Additional education on AS is needed during urology training and continuing medical education. Future research is needed to empirically understand whether any specific protocol is superior to tailored, individualized care.
Rectal tube drainage reduces major anastomotic leakage after minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Yang C.‐S. , Choi G.‐S. , Park J. S. , Park S. Y. , Kim H. J. , Choi J.‐I. , Han K. S.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Anastomotic leakage is the most serious complication following low anterior resection for rectal cancer and is a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The object of the present study was to investigate whether rectal tube drainage can reduce anastomotic leakage after minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery.

Method

Three hundred and seventy‐four patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic LAR for tumours located ≤ 15 cm above the anal verge between 1 April 2012 and 31 October 2014 were assessed retrospectively. Of these, 107 with intermediate risk of anastomotic leakage received transanal rectal tube drainage. The rectal tube group was matched by propensity score analysis with patients not having rectal tube drainage, giving 204 patients in the study. Covariates for propensity score analysis included age, sex, body mass index, tumour height from the anal verge and preoperative chemoradiation.

Results

Patient demographics, tumour location, preoperative chemoradiation and operative results were similar between the two groups. The overall leakage rate was 10.8% (22/204), with no significant difference between the rectal tube group (9.8%) and the nonrectal tube group (11.8%, P = 0.652). Of the patients with anastomotic leakage, major leakage requiring reoperation developed in 11.8% of those without and 3.9% of those with a rectal tube. On multivariate analysis, age over 65 years and nonuse of a rectal tube were found to be independent risk factors for major anastomotic leakage.

Conclusion

Rectal tube placement may be a safe and effective method of reducing the rate of major anastomotic leakage, alleviating the clinical course of leakage following minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery.
The Impact of Product Returns and Retailer's Service Investment on Manufacturer's Channel Strategies*
Authors: Xia Yusen , Xiao Tiaojun , Zhang G. Peter
Published: September 2016

We study the distribution channel decision of a manufacturer who considers whether to add an online channel (direct channel) to its brick‐and‐mortar retailer (indirect channel). The retailer faces the opportunity to invest in store assistance to help consumers choose products and thus reduce product returns. Special attention is given to the impact of product returns and retailer's store assistance investment on manufacturer's dual channel decision. We examine conditions under which the manufacturer uses dual channels and how various relevant factors affect its channel decision under two settings, depending on whether the retailer has its own online store or not. When the retailer does not have its online store, we find that (i) the addition of the direct channel raises the wholesale price; (ii) the direct channel addition hurts the retailer if the nonreplacement rate is low; (iii) the manufacturer has a lower incentive to add the direct channel when the retailer's service cost is lower or its returns reduction rate from service investment is higher; and (iv) the manufacturer should treat its own returns handling cost as a key factor in its channel structure decision. In addition, when the retailer operates an online store, we find that the manufacturer may have an incentive to add a direct channel such that both firms own direct channels.
Temperature‐driven changes in the diet preference of omnivorous copepods: no more meat when it's hot? A response to Winder et al.
Authors: Boersma Maarten , Mathew K. Avarachen , Niehoff Barbara , Schoo Katherina L. , Franco‐Santos Rita M. , Meunier Cédric L.
Published: September 2016

The study of environmental impact on feeding preferences of omnivores is a rapidly growing field. Here, we show that the criticism put forward in a comment on our original study is largely unfounded.
Investigating the Influence of Non‐Spectral Matrix Effects in the Determination of Twenty‐Two Trace Elements in Rock Samples by ICP‐QMS
Authors: Yokoyama Tetsuya , Nagai Yuichiro , Hinohara Yu , Mori Tomohiko
Published: September 2016

The influence of non‐spectral matrix effects on the determination of twenty‐two trace elements (Rb, Sr, Y, Cs, Ba, lanthanides, Pb, Th and U) in rock samples using ICP‐MS was investigated. Three types of multi‐element solutions were synthesised containing the twenty‐two trace elements, In, Tl and ten major rock‐forming elements with varying mass fractions mimicking the compositions of basalt, peridotite and dolomite. The synthetic solutions were conditioned to have dilution factors (DF) of 1000–10000. The extent of sensitivity suppression relative to the DF = 10000 solution became more significant for smaller DF solutions, which was not constant across different elements in a single solution but displayed general dependence on m/z. This indicates that at least two internal standards (e.g., In and Tl) are required for the correction of sensitivity variation. On the basis of the results, a new isotope dilution‐internal standardisation method for the determination of twenty‐two trace elements with ICP‐MS was developed, in which the sensitivity variation was corrected by monitoring two enriched isotopes, 113In and 203Tl. This method, coupled with the quantitative correction of interference from oxides and hydroxides, achieved precise determination of twenty‐two trace elements in some rock reference materials with reproducibilities of ±2% for basaltic to andesitic samples.
How does the Funding Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans Affect Investment Decisions of Firms in the United States?
Authors: Chaudhry Neeru , Au Yong Hue Hwa , Veld Chris
Published: September 2016

We investigate whether the flexibility in making contributions towards defined benefit pension plans sponsored by firms in the United States allows managers to save cash and increase investments. Firms invest more at higher levels of pension deficit, defined as pension benefit obligations less pension assets, and scaled by total assets. At the median level (90th percentile) of pension deficit, investments increase by 6.7 cents (9.4 cents) for every dollar increase in cash. As the pension deficit increases, firms deviate more from the predicted level of investment. These findings suggest that the incremental investments are more likely to represent overinvestment by managers. Our results are robust to alternative model specifications and endogeneity concerns that may arise if investments are jointly determined with the funding policy of pension plans and the firm's target cash level. We repeat our main analysis for the United Kingdom and also find for that country that, at a fixed cash level, total investment increases as pension deficit increases.