bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topographical mapping of α- and β-keratins on developing chicken skin integuments: Functional interaction and evolutionary perspectives
Authors: Wu Ping , Ng Chen Siang , Yan Jie , Lai Yung-Chih , Chen Chih-Kuan , Lai Yu-Ting , Wu Siao-Man , Chen Jiun-Jie , Luo Weiqi , Widelitz Randall B. , Li Wen-Hsiung , Chuong Cheng-Ming
Published: November 2015

Significance

Avian skin appendages include feathers, scales, claws, and beaks. They are mainly composed of α-keratins, found in all vertebrates, and β-keratins, found only in birds and reptiles. Scientists have wondered how keratins are interwoven to form different skin appendages. By studying keratin gene expression patterns in different chicken skin appendages, we found α- and β-keratin interactions crucial for appendage morphogenesis. Mutations in either α- or β-keratins can disrupt keratin expression and cause structural defects. Thus, different combinations of α- and β-keratins contribute to the structural diversity of feathers. The expansion of β-keratin genes during bird evolution might have greatly increased skin appendage diversity because it increased the possible interactions between α- and β-keratins.
Titration of mitochondrial fusion rescues Mff-deficient cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Hsiuchen , Ren Shuxun , Clish Clary , Jain Mohit , Mootha Vamsi , McCaffery J. Michael , Chan David C.
Published: November 2015

Defects in mitochondrial fusion or fission are associated with many pathologies, raising the hope that pharmacological manipulation of mitochondrial dynamics may have therapeutic benefit. This approach assumes that organ physiology can be restored by rebalancing mitochondrial dynamics, but this concept remains to be validated. We addressed this issue by analyzing mice deficient in Mff, a protein important for mitochondrial fission. Mff mutant mice die at 13 wk as a result of severe dilated cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure. Mutant tissue showed reduced mitochondrial density and respiratory chain activity along with increased mitophagy. Remarkably, concomitant deletion of the mitochondrial fusion gene Mfn1 completely rescued heart dysfunction, life span, and respiratory chain function. Our results show for the first time that retuning the balance of mitochondrial fusion and fission can restore tissue integrity and mitochondrial physiology at the whole-organ level. Examination of liver, testis, and cerebellum suggest, however, that the precise balance point of fusion and fission is cell type specific.
Cerebellar Degeneration as a Rare Paraneoplastic Syndrome in a Child With Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Avramova Boryana E. , Hristova Tanya , Yordanova Maya , Vlahova Irena , Muchinova Albena , Bojinova Veneta , Konstantinov Dobrin
Published: November 2015

We report a rare case of cerebellar degeneration as a paraneoplastic syndrome in an 8-year-old boy with Hodgkin lymphoma that presented during first-line treatment. Antibodies against Purkinje cells (anti-Tr antibodies) were detected in the serum of the patient. After successful treatment of the lymphoma, the cerebellar symptoms resolved partially. Childhood presentation of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration is extremely rare, with only a few reports in the literature. For this reason, the description of all such cases contributes to the enrichment of the medical knowledge and will improve the diagnosis and the treatment of this complication.
Before the Flood
Authors: Webber Emily C. , Bauer Benjamin D. , Marcum Chrissy K. , Nitu Mara E. , Walthall Jennifer D. , Saysana Michele S.
Published: November 2015

Background

Transfers of pediatric patients occur to access specialty and subspecialty care, but incur risk, and consume resources. Direct admissions to medical and surgical wards may improve patient experience and mitigate resource utilization.

Objective

We sought to identify common elements for direct admissions, as well as the pattern of disposition for patients referred to our emergency department (ED).

Design

A retrospective qualitative analysis of patients transferred to our pediatric hospital for 12 months was performed. Different physician groups were evaluated for use of direct admissions or evaluation in the ED. Patients referred to the ED were additionally tracked to evaluate their eventual disposition.

Results

A total of 3982 transfers occurred during the 12-month analysis period. Of those, 3463 resulted in admission, accounting for 32.55% of all admissions. Transfers accepted by nonsurgical services accounted for 82% of the transfers, whereas 18% were facilitated by one of the surgical services. Direct admissions accounted for 1707 (44.8%) of all referrals and were used more often by nonsurgical services. Of patients referred to the ED (2101 or 55.2% of all referrals), most patients were admitted and 343 (16% of those referred to the ED) were discharged home.

Conclusions

The direct admission process helped avoid ED assessments for some patients; however, some patients referred to the ED were able to be evaluated, treated, and discharged. Consistent triage of the patients being transferred as direct admissions may improve ED throughput and potentially improve the patient's experience, reduce redundant services, and expedite care.
Calculating value: a digital library’s social media campaign
Authors: Lamont Lisa , Nielsen Jordan
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss a social media campaign used to promote a digital library of archival resources.

Design/methodology/approach

– Librarians planned and executed a social media campaign using Tumblr and Pinterest and consulted Google Analytics and database reports to determine the impact.

Findings

– The campaign resulted in few conversions back to the digital library and little return on investment.

Research limitations/implications

– The campaign has been in effect for only five months, a longer testing period may be needed. Also, additional social media platforms will be added to the test.

Originality/value

– This is one of few examples of return on investment applied to social media and digital library promotion.
Mission creep and marketing myopia: lessons learned from the business world
Authors: McMullen Anthony
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide insights and commentary into issues encountered in providing library resources and services in a rapidly changing environment with varied user expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses examples and illustrations from the business world to demonstrate the importance of having a clear mission and a thorough understanding of the needs and expectations of the population being served.

Findings

– Disruptive technology has had major impacts on many business sectors. Libraries can learn from the choices many of these businesses entities made to improve services and achieve greater returns on investment.

Originality/value

– This paper examines several widely recognizable business entities and the manners in which they chose to address disruptions caused by changes in the marketplace and in consumer attitudes. Libraries can use these illustrations to better position themselves to deal effectively with the inevitable change in the future.
Donor funded Open Educational Resources: making the case
Authors: Valentino Maura L.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explain the concept of Open Educational Resources (OER) and how libraries can make a good case to donors to fund these types of projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– The literature reveals that donors have been willing to support projects that save students money on textbooks. Course reserves have traditionally been a popular model. More recently, libraries have found funding for OER initiatives. These types of initiatives are discussed and several case studies of donors currently funding OER projects are examined.

Findings

– Donors, internal and external to the library and to the university, have shown an interest in funding projects that reduce textbook costs for students. They have funded course reserves in the past and have begun to fund OER projects. There are both qualitative and quantitative methods to induce donors to fund these types of projects.

Practical implications

– Libraries have traditionally supported the mission of access to information and for academic libraries that has sometimes included access to textbooks. Course reserves are a limited solution, whereas when an OER replaces an expensive textbook, it is a viable solution for all students.

Social implications

– OERs have strong social implications. Any person, whether associated with an institution of higher learning, or not, can access the information in an OER and learn the associated content.

Originality/value

– There is some literature on specific OER projects. This paper aims to fill a gap in the literature, specifically on how to approach donors regarding OER initiatives.
The Danish SSP model – prevention through support and co-operation
Authors: Pedersen Jørgen , Stothard Blaine
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an outline of the origins, rationale and ways of working of the Danish schools, social services, police (SSP) system.

Design/methodology/approach

– Narrative account of origins and contexts and discussion of implications for other nations and contribution to knowledge of prevention work.

Findings

– The SSP system represents an involvement by Danish state institutions in the welfare and development of young people. Practice indicates its broad acceptance by parents, young people and professionals. Recent extension of SSP work is demonstrating some of the limitations of the approach in working with alienated young people.

Research limitations/implications

– The present SSP system relies on local evaluation and assessment. Wider national and longitudinal evaluation needs further consideration.

Practical implications

– The need for a career structure and continuing and nationally consistent professional development opportunities was identified in a previous evaluation.

Social implications

– SSP enjoys broad acceptance amongst parents, young people and professionals in that it provides a universal input into young people’s well-being and social integration. It is proving less successful in work in some urban areas with high levels of alienation amongst older young people. There is also a need for re-statement of confidentiality aspects.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an insight into and overview of a cross-disciplinary approach to young people’s development and well-being where the state plays a key and accepted role. The rationale is equally relevant to the UK and other countries.
The barriers to sustaining and scaling-up housing experiments in community-care: the Dutch experience
Authors: Cramer Hendrik , Voordijk Hans , Dewulf Geert
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into barriers to sustaining and scaling-up housing and community-care innovations related to changing the long-term care (LTC) system.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two housing and community-care experiments were studied. The 11 barriers and four core themes identified to the scaling-up of these experiments were analysed using the three theoretical concepts from the transitions literature: shielding, nurturing, and empowering innovations.

Findings

– The barriers included shielding through subsidies without having organizational or political commitment, nurturing networks that underestimated the size of the housing and community-care innovations, and a failed empowerment because of regulatory uncertainty – not knowing the rules of tomorrow and ignoring the reality that it takes time to spread the lessons learnt in experiments.

Research limitations/implications

– Housing and community-care innovations need to pay less attention to subsidies and focus more on learning from the experiments, spreading the ideas, and creating commitment from policymakers so that the innovations become empowered.

Originality/value

– Empirical insights into the barriers to sustaining and scaling-up housing and community-care innovations into the LTC system are provided and propositions for future transition programmes formulated.
History of abuse and the experience of homelessness: a framework for assisting women overcome housing instability
Authors: Osuji Joseph , Hirst Sandra
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of women without children experiencing housing instability and homelessness in Calgary, Canada; and narratives of what triggered their journeys were constructed according to the tenets of hermeneutic phenomenology, and suggest a framework for assisting these women.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design for this study is qualitative, approached through hermeneutic phenomenology rooted in Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics (Gadamer, 2004). Hermeneutic phenomenology, as a research method has provided insight into understanding phenomena and human experiences that are important to human science professionals.

Findings

– The experience of homelessness for women without children started while they still lived at home, but after they lost all sense of “being at home” as a consequence of identifiable negative home experiences, such as abuse. The effects or impacts of stable childhood or adult home experiences and the implications of such in contributing to the feelings of homelessness were pervasive in the stories told by these women.

Practical implications

– Access to housing does not mean getting out of the feeling of homelessness, because the trauma that triggers the experience for the clients often last for a life time. Long-term engagement with the client will be synonymous to increasing the possibility that they can be stabilized permanently. Resources dedicated to these clients must be tailored to each client’s needs, with strong agency collaboration with the mainstream systems.

Social implications

– Community health nurses and other support workers for individuals experiencing homelessness need to build bridges with inter-professional groups to close the gap created by societal attitudes toward women and domestic abuse survivors through advocacy and education, especially in countries where women are still treated as second class citizens.

Originality/value

– Although there has been a considerable amount of research conducted on the determinants of homelessness and housing instabilities in women or their pathways into homelessness, the plight of women without children and their experiences while homeless have received little attention in literature. This study explored the lived experiences of women without children experiencing homelessness and narratives of what triggered their journeys were constructed according to the tenets of hermeneutic phenomenology, and suggest a framework for assisting these women.
Who is left standing when the tide retreats? Negotiating hospital discharge and pathways of care for homeless people
Authors: Whiteford Martin , Simpson Glenn
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The critical potential of hospital discharge policies and practices to ameliorate the health and social care needs of homeless people has become the focus of considerable interest in England. Central to this rise in policy formation and practice development is an acute understanding of the multiple exclusions homeless people face in navigating public health and social care systems. In ways small and large this nascent landscape is serving to redefine and reshape hospital arrangements for homeless people, and opening-up new ways to deliver care across clinical, social and therapeutic boundaries. The purpose of this paper is to seek to add empirical vigour and theoretical rigour to this unfolding policy and practice terrain.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper draws on findings from a case study concerned with exploring and explaining how statutory and voluntary sector organisations use specialist hospital discharge policies and practices to coordinate pathways of care for homeless people.

Findings

– This paper illustrates how people affected by homelessness and ill-health are routinely denied access to statutory housing support, social work assessments and district nursing provision through acts of institutional gatekeeping and professional abrogation.

Originality/value

– This paper makes an important contribution to understandings of the connections between hospital discharge arrangements for homeless people and statutory housing, social work and district nursing provision.
Development and initial validation of a hospitality employees’ job satisfaction index
Authors: McPhail Ruth , Patiar Anoop , Herington Carmel , Creed Peter , Davidson Michael
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a self-reporting tool: the hospitality employee’ satisfaction index.

Design/methodology/approach

– The 15-item instrument presented in this study was developed through an examination of the extant literature and seven focus groups representing the hospitality industry. The instrument was piloted online with 1,000 hospitality employees, refined and then distributed online to 9,000 hospitality employees.

Findings

– Factor analysis extracted three factors (career advancement, control and variety and relationships), and reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha) indicated high internal consistency. A stepwise multiple regression revealed that the control and variety factor related most strongly to overall job satisfaction, followed by relationships and career advancement factors, confirming that in the context of the hospitality industry, these factors were important in the measurement of job satisfaction. Control and variety was significantly related to the intention to stay in the job, and career advancement and control and variety were related to the intention to stay in the hospitality industry.

Research limitations/implications

– The data were gathered in Australia and were tested nationally to support the robustness of the instrument. Therefore, the hospitality industry can use this instrument as a generic index to evaluate the job satisfaction levels of employees.

Originality/value

– This specifically designed hospitality job satisfaction instrument can be used to evaluate the job satisfaction of employees at all levels and can be used in the development of a benchmark. This index is the first of its kind to be tested in the broader hospitality context, including accommodation, restaurants, coffee shops, fast food, clubs, hotels, convention, sporting venues, catering and institutional catering.
Exploring backpackers’ perceptions of the hostel service quality
Authors: Brochado Ana , Rita Paulo , Gameiro Carlos
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of backpackers’s evaluation of service quality provided by hostels by developing a battery of items to assess perceptions of the overall hostel experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– Scale development took a mixed approach that combines qualitative and quantitative research. First, the authors performed a content analysis of reviews provided by guests in hostel booking web sites, in-depth interviews with hostel managers and focus groups with guests, to develop a battery of items to assess the hostel experience from the guests’ perspective. Then, a quantitative survey (n = 222) was conducted, to explore the dimensionality of service quality in this sector. Lisbon hostels are the target of this study, as they received several awards based on the online reviews of backpackers.

Findings

– The results revealed that service quality is a multidimensional concept and includes six dimensions, namely, social atmosphere, location and city connection, staff, cleanliness, security and facilities. Regression results revealed that the social atmosphere appears to be a core service dimension crucial to create a sense of hostel guest’s overall quality.

Originality/value

– The findings suggest that service quality scales should incorporate the specific characteristics of the hotel industry. The quality of the staff and the social atmosphere are of utmost importance to enhance the hostel backpacker experience.
Accounting for the visiting economist syndrome
Authors: Lepenies Philipp
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Economic experts play a decisive role in development aid. Yet their propensity to prescribe universal solutions to developmental challenges without an in-depth knowledge of local circumstances has been criticized time and again as the “visiting economist syndrome.” The purpose of this paper is to investigate the historic foundations of this oft-criticized behavioral pattern, adding a missing historical dimension to a contemporary discussion.

Design/methodology/approach

– The main method employed is historical analysis, or to be more precise, an examination of the history of ideas. The question to be answered with this method is: where and in what context did the idea of the know-it-all “development expert” emerge?

Findings

– The commonly observed behavioral pattern of development experts has its roots in a coherent development mindset invented by one particular thinker and expounded in one particular text in the late eighteenth century. As will be shown, the “visiting economist” is an integral part of the western notions of progress and civilization.

Practical implications

– The paper contributes to an ongoing discussion. By identifying the hitherto overlooked historical foundations of current expert behavior, it can suggest new directions based on a reassessment of the fundamental assumptions regarding the notions of progress and development.

Originality/value

– The paper will sensitize those interested in or working in the field of development to the fact that much of the current practice is influenced by mindsets that emerged several 100 years ago. Links to the past are seldom considered in a field focussed on improving the future. Nonetheless, such an approach is invaluable if genuine change in expert behavior is to be achieved.
Mediating role of opinion seeking in explaining the relationship between antecedents and organic food purchase intention
Authors: Pandey Shivendra Kumar , Khare Arpita
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of antecedents like environmental consciousness and cosmopolitanism (COS) on organic food purchase intention (OFPI) with the possible mediation of opinion seeking (OS) and opinion leadership (OL).

Design/methodology/approach

– A model drawn largely from environmental value–attitude–system model (Dembkowski and Hanmer-Lloyd, 1994) has been proposed and tested. Primary data from four cities across India were collected using a survey.

Findings

– COS was the primary factor determining purchase intention. A full mediation of OS behaviour was observed between environmental consciousness and OFPI. No effect of OL on OFPI could be established.

Research limitations/implications

– Because COS is positively affecting the organic food patronage and cosmopolitans are more likely to be socially responsible consumers, the organic food (OF) manufacturers should target brick and mortar stores in more cosmopolitan cities like Bangalore, Delhi, etc. The mediating role of OS has wider implications for marketers and advertisers both. In line with both theoretical underpinning (theory of planned behaviour), empirical studies (Chakrabarti and Baisya, 2009) and ours, it seems that the customer seeks credible information before purchasing organic food. The word-of-mouth and social media are recommended channels for similar reasons. The websites are a must for OF manufacturers because retailers may not provide adequate promotion/information of the products to the consumers.

Practical implications

– This study enables marketers in the field of OF domain to target the customers better. It also guides them to have a good integrated marketing communication to cater to the opinion-seeking phenomenon of consumers.

Originality/value

– The paper investigates the OFPI model better suited to urban cities in India. COS construct usage is a novelty of the paper as well as the mediation of opinion-seeking behaviour. Findings have value both for researchers and practitioners in the OF domain.
Wholesome learning about self and others through sensitivity training
Authors: Awasthy Richa , Jaisinghani Dinesh , Gupta Rajen K
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the present paper is to examine the role of sensitivity training (ST) methods at higher education institutions as a service provider for future managers’ qualifications.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative content analysis of the narratives logs of participants of a ST was carried out.

Findings

– The data collected reveal influential impact of ST on MBA students. It discusses the students’ journey from unknowing to knowing through self-discovery route. Specifically, there are five connecting points in ST: experience, trust, understand, learn and apply. At an abstraction level, overall this experience can be equated with feeling of being “self rejuvenated”.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is confined to the participants of MBA-HR course. More insights can be obtained by replicating the study for participants from different programmes.

Originality/value

– The original contribution of the study lies in revisiting the experiential learning (EL) process in ST. ST is a kind of EL, yet different in the process, as it mediates through trust building.
New York BitLicense regulations virtually certain to significantly impact transactions in virtual currencies
Authors: DeWaal Gary , Dempsey Guy
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– To analyze the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) final BitLicense regulations with respect to Bitcoin and other virtual currencies.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article discusses the specific requirements outlined in the NYDFS’s regulations. The article goes on to provide background information on Bitcoin and virtual currencies and examines previous regulatory approaches prior to these regulations.

Findings

– This article examines how the new regulations require all persons engaging in a virtual currency business to apply and obtain a BitLicense, and to maintain certain minimum standards and programs to help ensure customer protection, cyber-security and anti-money laundering compliance. Financial intermediaries that already are regulated by NYDFS under the New York Banking Law are not required to obtain a BitLicense if they are approved by NYDFS under their existing regulation to conduct virtual currency business activity.

Originality/value

– This article contains insight and analysis into recent NYDFS regulations on a new currency type from attorneys experienced in financial services and regulatory matters.
SEC issues proposed investment adviser reporting and disclosure rules
Authors: Greene Nathan J.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– To explain proposed rules and amendments recently issued by the USA Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that would impose more detailed reporting requirements for investment advisers that file Form ADV. A companion article describes the SEC’s proposed registered investment company reporting rules which were issued simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

– Describes the SEC’s reasoning for collecting more detailed data, introduces the proposed separate account reporting requirements for SEC-registered investment advisers, explains proposed amendments to Part 1A of Form ADV, describes a proposed codification of SEC staff positions that provide for so-called “umbrella registrations” by closely related advisory firms, and details two proposed amendments to Advisers Act Rule 204-2, the books and records rule, which would require investment advisers to maintain additional materials related to the calculation and distribution of performance information.

Findings

– Many questions still remain as to how the final rules will eventually take shape; however, it is evident that investment advisers will be subject to a wider array of reporting requirements. Investment advisors are likely to incur increased costs as a result of the proposed rules and amendments, and production of the reports could necessitate a revamp of their various internal procedures. Also, access to additional and enhanced information will have consequences for investment companies with respect to SEC examinations and enforcement activity.

Practical implications

– Investment advisers should understand that detailed new regulatory reporting is coming and, more specifically, separately managed account clients of investment advisers should be made aware of the proposed reporting requirements.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced investment funds lawyer.
SEC issues proposed investment company reporting rules
Authors: Greene Nathan J.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– To explain proposed rules recently issued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that would dramatically expand both public and non-public reporting of portfolios and other data by US registered investment companies. A companion article covers new reports proposed at the same time for investment advisers that file Form ADV with the SEC.

Design/methodology/approach

– Explains how the proposed rules intend to rescind Form N-Q and adopt a new portfolio holding form, Form N-PORT, which would require expansive monthly portfolio and risk reporting; describes amendments to Regulation S-X which would both enhance and standardize derivatives disclosures in fund financial statements; and details the reporting requirements for a new annual ‘census-style’ reporting form, Form N-CEN, which would replace an obsolete existing SEC form, Form N-SAR.

Findings

– While it still remains to be seen how the final rules will be written, it is clear that US registered investment companies will be subject to broader reporting requirements. Investment companies are likely to incur increased costs due to the detailed nature of the information being requested and the frequency with which they will be required to file. Access to additional and enhanced information will have consequences for investment companies with respect to SEC examinations and enforcement activity.

Practical implications

– Senior management and boards of investment companies should understand the basic framework of the proposed requirements. An operations and finance working group may need to be established by companies in order to coordinate the planning and preparation process for the requirements. Firms also should determine whether their service providers have the necessary resources to assist in complying with the proposed filing requirements.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced investment funds lawyer.
SEC approves NMS plan to implement Tick Size Pilot for small cap stocks
Authors: Newman Bruce H. , Weldon Cherie , Owens Andre
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– To explain a joint effort by the national securities exchanges to implement a Tick Size Pilot program. The pilot program would widen the minimum quoting and trading increments for certain small cap stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article reviews the Tick Size Pilot plan generally, discusses how the final plan differs from proposed plan, describes securities that will be affected by the plan, and the various test groups under the plan.

Findings

– Pilot program is designed to provide the SEC with empirical data regarding the impact that tick size may have on the trading of small cap stocks.

Practical implications

– Exchanges will be required to adopt rules to implement the pilot program. Broker-Dealers will be required to adopt written policies and procedures to comply with the pilot plan when quoting and for trading.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers. The article describes the operation of the new pilot program.
The experimental research on well-being since 2004
Authors: Caan Woody
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the claim by the Chief Medical Officer for England that “There is virtually no robust, peer-reviewed evidence to support a ‘well-being’ approach to mental health”.

Design/methodology/approach

– Secondary research using research literature from two widely available databases, Scopus and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts. Randomised controlled trials were sought that focused on “well-being” (including well-being or wellness), from 2004 to the present.

Findings

– With both clinical samples and non-clinical populations, a variety of experimental trials were found. Studies were identified with both positive benefits and no benefits from intervention. The most numerous type of paper reported positive benefits for clinical patients.

Research limitations/implications

– Only a single reader classified the studies in this investigation, so the inter-rater reliability may be limited. Only two databases were searched. However, future work (such as that in progress by the What Works Centre for Wellbeing) may find an abundance of evidence on mental well-being.

Practical implications

– In many settings, well-being can improve after intervention.

Social implications

– What is measured as “well-being” may need to take into account the perspective of the specific population being studied.

Originality/value

– This small-scale study was undertaken to inform policy in the new Public Mental Health Network.
Coproduction: a personal journey
Authors: Fairlie Susan
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer some personal reflections and experience of using coproduction in the NHS. The purpose is to demystify coproduction and it is hoped that sharing personal experience will encourage others who may be contemplating using this approach in their quality improvement work.

Design/methodology/approach

– Informed by underpinning literature, the approach is a combination of sharing case studies that span several decades at both the macro and micro level. Whilst several of the examples used are not mental health specific, they are equally applicable in this setting.

Findings

– Coproduction principles can be used at all levels of the health and care system and are generally empowering for those involved. By soliciting insights from those who would not normally have a voice, it can help to overcome blind spots and produce better products and services. There is a correlation between staff engagement and patient outcomes which provides compelling evidence for coproduction approaches to be incorporated into organisational practice. Furthermore, patients and service users should no longer be considered as passive recipients of care but as an integral component of quality improvement processes.

Originality/value

– The case studies offer examples of using coproduction at a national, organisational and individual level. In particular, the lessons learned from design science such as “thinking like an anthropologist” are shared. The distinction is made between patient satisfaction and patient experience and the impact that coproduction can have on organisational culture is discussed. By mobilising resources, knowledge and expertise across communities, coproduction capitalises on the “wisdom of the crowds” philosophy.
Effect of different fiber sources and tert-butylhydroquinone on the quality characteristics of chicken harrisa, a meat based product
Authors: Kumar Lokesh , Bhat Z. F. , Kumar Sunil
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate the effect of different fiber sources and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) on the quality characteristics of chicken harrisa.

Design/methodology/approach

– An attempt was made to develop fiber-enriched chicken harrisa, a meat-based product, by incorporating optimum level of different fiber sources, viz., oat bran (10 per cent) or wheat bran (10 per cent) or barley bran (5 per cent). The products developed with optimized level of fiber were further treated with TBHQ (200 ppm) and were aerobically packaged in low-density polyethylene pouches along with control and assessed for various storage quality parameters under refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) conditions. The products were evaluated for various physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters at regular intervals of 0, 7, 14 and 21 days.

Findings

– A significant (p
<
0.05) increase was observed in the fiber content of the products prepared with oat bran (10 per cent) or wheat bran (10 per cent) or barley bran (5 per cent). TBHQ showed a significant (p
<
0.05) effect on the lipid oxidative stability, as the treated products exhibited significantly (p
<
0.05) lower thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (mg malonaldehyde/kg) values for the entire period of storage. No significant (p
>
0.05) effect was observed on the microbiological characteristics of the products. Sensory parameters showed significant (p
<
0.05) decreasing trend for control as well as TBHQ-treated products throughout the period of storage; however, significantly (p
<
0.05) higher scores were observed for treated products in comparison to control.

Originality/value

– Fiber-enriched chicken harrisa was developed by incorporating oat bran (10 per cent) or wheat bran (10 per cent) or barley bran (5 per cent) in the formulation. TBHQ successfully improved the lipid oxidative stability and storage quality of fiber-enriched chicken harrisa during refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) storage and may be commercially exploited to improve the storage quality of the product.
Dietary intake and meal frequency of Brazilian girls attending a school-based randomized controlled trial
Authors: Philippi Sonia Tucunduva , Barco Leme Ana Carolina
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate the effects of a school-based obesity prevention program targeting Brazilian adolescent girls on dietary intake and meal frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

– It was a six-month school-based group randomized controlled trial with female adolescents. The intervention was based on the Social Cognitive Theory and focused on ten nutrition and physical activity key messages. Diet intake was measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and the food items were aggregate into the eight food groups of the Brazilian Food Guide Pyramid. The meals frequency assessed were breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack-in-between-meals, the frequency ranged from never to everyday. Linear mixed models were used to examine the dietary effects and chi-squared test to identify proportional differences among groups in meal frequency. All analyses followed intention-to-treat principles and alpha levels of p ≤ 0.05 were set.

Findings

– After six months from baseline, changes in the fruits (mean [SE] 12.48 kcal [7.86], p = 0.005), vegetables (8.80 kcal [7.11], p = 0.006) and sugar (−55.98 kcal [50.70], p = 0.036) groups were demonstrated. Proportional difference was shown for snack-in-between-meals (p = 0.001), and the frequency most cited was for “five to six days” per week.

Originality/value

– The “Healthy Habits, Healthy Girls-Brazil” showed promise in the adolescents’ dietary intake and could be used as framework for future interventions. Also, the methods used for dietary intake can be enhanced and implemented for future studies.
Citations in introduction and literature review sections should not count for quality
Authors: Adedayo Adeleke Victor
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest that citations made in the introduction and literature review sections of academic writings should not count in the analysis of citations to measure the quality of research papers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Elucidatory expositions are made on the purposes of the introduction and literature review sections.

Findings

– The nature of citations to knowledge to establish these purposes is identified and used to suggest that citations made in these sections should not count in citation analysis that are used to determine quality of publications. Introduction sections are written to identify the importance and justification for the subject of study, while literature reviews are written to identify gaps, opposing views, strengths and weaknesses in the status quo knowledge.

Originality/value

– This paper will provide insight and awareness to new methodologies to cull and curate appropriate citation count in the computation of quality of publications.
Using slowness and azimuth fluctuations as new observables for four‐dimensional reservoir seismic monitoring
Authors: de Cacqueray B. , Roux P. , Campillo M.
Published: November 2015

Four‐dimensional imaging using geophysical data is of increasing interest in the oil and gas industries. While travel‐time and amplitude variations are commonly used to monitor reservoir properties at depth, their interpretation can suffer from a lack of information to decipher the parts played by different parameters. In this context, this study focuses on the slowness and azimuth angle measured at the surface using source and receiver arrays as complementary observables. In the first step, array processing techniques are used to extract both azimuth and incidence angles at the source side (departure angles) and at the receiver side (arrival angles). In the second step, the slowness and angle variations are monitored in a laboratory environment. These new observables are compared with traditional arrival‐time variations when the propagation medium is subject to temperature fluctuations. Finally, field data from a heavy‐oil permanent reservoir monitoring system installed onshore and facing steam injection and temperature variations are investigated. The slowness variations are computed over a period of 152 days. In agreement with Fermat's principle, strong correlations between the slowness and arrival‐time variations are highlighted, as well as good consistency with other techniques and field pressure measurements. Although the temporal variations of slowness and arrival time show the same features, there are still differences that can be considered for further characterization of the physical changes at depth.
Chemical and Sensory Quality Preservation in Coated Almonds with the Addition of Antioxidants
Authors: Larrauri Mariana , Demaría María Gimena , Ryan Liliana C. , Asensio Claudia M. , Grosso Nelson R. , Nepote Valeria
Published: November 2015

Almonds provide many benefits such as preventing heart disease due to their high content of oleic fatty acid‐rich oil and other important nutrients. However, they are susceptible to oxidation reactions causing rancidity during storage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical and sensory quality preservation of almonds coated with carboxymethyl cellulose and with the addition of natural and synthetic antioxidants during storage. Four samples were prepared: almonds without coating (C), almonds coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), almonds coated with CMC supplemented with peanut skins extract (E), and almonds coated with CMC and supplemented with butylhydroxytoluene (BHT). Proximate composition and fatty acid profile were determined on raw almonds. Almond samples (C, CMC, E and BHT) were stored at 40 °C for 126 d. Lipid oxidation indicators: peroxide value (PV), conjugated dienes (CD), volatile compounds (hexanal and nonanal), and sensory attributes were determined for the stored samples. Samples showed small but significant increases in PV, CD, hexanal and nonanal contents, and intensity ratings of negative sensory attributes (oxidized and cardboard). C had the highest tendency to deterioration during storage. At the end of storage (126 d), C had the highest PV (3.90 meqO2/kg), and BHT had the lowest PV (2.00 meqO2/kg). CMC and E samples had similar intermediate PV values (2.69 and 2.57 meqO2/kg, respectively). CMC coating and the addition of natural (peanut skin extract) and synthetic (BHT) antioxidants provide protection to the roasted almond product.
Individual differences in orexin‐I receptor modulation of motivation for the opioid remifentanil
Authors: Porter‐Stransky Kirsten A. , Bentzley Brandon S. , Aston‐Jones Gary
Published: November 2015

Orexin‐1 receptors (Ox1Rs) have been implicated in the motivation for drugs of abuse. Here, we utilized a within‐session behavioral‐economics threshold procedure to screen for individual differences in economic demand for the ultra‐short‐acting opioid remifentanil and to test whether antagonism of Ox1Rs reduces remifentanil demand. The behavioral‐economics procedure revealed robust individual differences in free consumption of remifentanil (Q0 parameter; hedonic set point). Rats with low baseline Q0 (low takers) displayed high demand elasticity (α parameter; reduced responding as drug price increased indicating low motivation for drug), whereas subjects with a higher Q0 (high takers) exhibit low demand elasticity (low α) by continuing to self‐administer remifentanil despite increased cost (reflecting higher motivation for drug). In a punished responding paradigm utilizing footshock, subjects that were classified as high takers at baseline withstood twice as much shock as low takers to continue self‐administering remifentanil. Interestingly, Ox1R antagonism with SB‐334867 reduced Q0 and increased α in low takers but not in high takers. Similarly, the Ox1R antagonist attenuated cue‐induced, but not drug‐induced, reinstatement of remifentanil seeking in low takers but had no significant effect on reinstatement of drug seeking in high takers. Together, these data reveal a novel role of orexins in demand for remifentanil: Ox1Rs modulate demand in low takers but not in individuals that exhibit addictive‐like behaviors (high takers). Finally, the behavioral assays in this study can serve as a novel laboratory model for studying individual differences in opioid use disorders.
Efficacy and tolerability of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in adults with serious mental illness: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Roberts Emmert , Eden Evins A. , McNeill Ann , Robson Debbie
Published: November 2015

Background and Aims

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in adults with serious mental illness (SMI) by means of a systematic review and network meta‐analysis.

Method

We searched Embase, Medline, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception to 1 December 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English. We included all studies of smokers with SMI (including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, delusional disorder and depressive psychoses) who were motivated to quit smoking. Pharmacotherapies included nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion and varenicline delivered as monotherapy or in combination compared with each other or placebo. The efficacy outcome was self‐reported sustained smoking cessation, verified biochemically at the longest reported time‐point. The tolerability outcome was number of patients discontinuing the trial due to any adverse event.

Results

Seventeen study reports were included, which represented 14 individual RCTs. No trials were found in patients with depressive psychoses, delusional disorder or that compared NRT monotherapy with placebo. A total of 356 and 423 participants were included in the efficacy and tolerability analyses, respectively. From the network meta‐analysis, both bupropion and varenicline were more effective than placebo [odds ratio (OR) = 4.51, 95% credible interval (CrI) = 1.45–14.04 and OR = 5.17, 95% CrI = 1.78–15.06, respectively]. Data were insensitive to an assessment of varenicline versus bupropion (OR = 1.15, 95% CrI = 0.24–5.45). There were no significant differences in tolerability. All outcomes were rated by GRADE criteria as very low quality.

Conclusions

The limited evidence available to date suggests that bupropion and varenicline are effective and tolerable for smoking cessation in adults with serious mental illnesses.