bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value co-destruction between customers and frontline employees
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Zarkada Anna
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The incidents of customer abuse of frontline service employees during service encounters are increasing which has led to co-destructruction of value. The service strategists makers are struggling hard to frame a holistic picture of such incidents to be able to reduce the number of misbehaviour incidents but still are unable to achieve success. The purpose of this paper is to incorporate a social system perspective to study in detail customer misbehaviour incidents from the perspective of frontline banking employees and customers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data from 33 frontline banking employees and 22 customers, 55 in total was collected by structured interviews. The data collection focused a critical incident technique and for the purpose of analysis, thematic analysis was optioned.

Findings

– The employees and customers both blame each other to trigger a misbehaviour incident during banking transactions. The results reveal a clear communication gap between employees and customers as none of them understand the problems of the other party. The employees think that customers gain power through such incidents while customers believe employees to be ignorant, wasting the time, and lack complete information.

Practical implications

– The marketing policy makers need to pay respect and complete organisational support to frontline staff working in high contact service firms to cope with misbehaving customers.

Originality/value

– The study is pioneer in applying a social system perspective to explore employee and customer experiences of misbehaviour incidents during banking service encounters. Furthermore, the study has been first of its type to explore the phenomenon of misbehaviour from a developing country perspective.
Corporate social responsibility and service innovation on customer loyalty
Authors: Yeh Ying-Pin
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Customer loyalty is crucial for firms to generate positive returns. Creation of customer loyalty is a challenge for service firms because switching service firms can represent a risk. The purpose of this paper is to examine how wealth managers select and implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) and service innovation strategies to influence customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of the related literature indicated that scant studies have determined the meanings and outcomes of CSR and service innovation. Therefore, the roles of CSR and innovation were examined in this study to evaluate how these factors affect customer loyalty in a wealth management context. The authors evaluated customer advocacy, relationship quality, and relationship value as mediating variables, and formulated six hypotheses. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey distributed to wealth management customers in Taiwan. All the hypotheses were verified using a structural equation model and data collected from the respondents.

Findings

– The results indicated that relationship quality and value are positively related to customer loyalty, and customer advocacy is positively related to both relationship quality and value. In addition, CSR and service innovation are positively related to customer advocacy.

Research limitations/implications

– This research was limited to collecting data related to specific service providers, and therefore consumers in other countries should be examined to test the robustness of the theoretical model. The results of analyses conducted on other industries and in other countries might differ.

Practical implications

– In the wealth management service context, CSR and service innovation capabilities contribute to customer advocacy, which can achieve superior relationship quality, relationship value, and customer loyalty.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to investigations on the effect of CSR and service innovation on customer loyalty by adopting customer advocacy, relationship quality, and relationship value as mediators.
Online banking adoption
Authors: Sikdar Pallab , Makkad Munish
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The study considers a five-factor model toward online banking adoption in the context of banking customers in India and validates the proposed model. In addition, the authors consider the impact of validated factors on overall satisfaction of customers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A five-factor online banking adoption model has been tested for reliability and validity by confirmatory factor analysis. For determining contribution of factors toward overall satisfaction level of banking customers structural equation modeling has been adopted. Four explanatory variables have been used to assess the overall satisfaction level of online banking users. A structured questionnaire incorporating variables identified from literature has been used as survey instrument for the study. Final respondent sample was 280 banking customers.

Findings

– Trust, Usage Constraint, Ease of Use, Accessibility and Intention to Use as reliable and valid factors determining internet banking adoption among customers in India. Accessibility, Usage Constraints, Intention to Use portrayed strong and significant relationship with overall customer satisfaction. Trust and Ease of Use are relatively weaker and insignificant contributors toward overall customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

– The existing studies in the context of e-banking in general and online banking in particular have been majorly confined to proposing key drivers toward adoption of such alternate banking mediums. By providing an insight towards satisfaction level of customers adopting online banking the proposed model attempts to fill this gap. As the study relates to banking customers in India, findings will be of particular value to domestic and foreign banking entities looking to leverage technology as a tool to attain stronghold with an emerging economic set-up.
How to evaluate multichannel communication packages: a case study on mortgage information
Authors: Herijgers M.L.C. , Pander Maat Henk L.W.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Complex decision-making is often supported not by single messages but by multichannel communication packages that need to be evaluated in their own right. The purpose of this paper is to present a new analytic approach to this package evaluation task combining textual analysis, functional analysis (FA) and media synchronicity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors combine textual analysis, FA and media synchronicity and demonstrate this in a single case analysis of a multichannel communication package offering mortgage information.

Findings

– When applied to a mortgage communication package for consumers, the evaluation reveals significant problems concerning the contents and timing of mortgage information and the channels chosen to convey it.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper outlines a new direction for evaluating multichannel consumer information, in that it does not focus on user channel preferences but on channel requirements stemming from the communicative task to be performed.

Practical implications

– This paper enables designers to optimize the design of multichannel communication packages and its individual components to support customer’s decision-making processes with regards to complex products.

Social implications

– Improving information to guide complex decision-making processes leads to better informed consumers.

Originality/value

– Research into effective multichannel communication within marketing is in its infancy. This paper offers a new perspective by focusing on channel requirements stemming from the communicative task rather than consumers’ channel preferences.
Isn’t all loss consequential?
Authors: Connell Adam , Mason Jim
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demystify the meaning of the term “consequential loss” in relation to the practice of construction law. Parties may have different understandings of the term and typically an exclusion clause will not solely relate to consequential loss, but will also include other heads of losses for which the party will not be liable for, such as loss of profit, loss of revenue and loss of business.

Design/methodology/approach

– The question emerges as to whether the term consequential loss has a definitive legal meaning in its own right. This study seeks to ascertain the definition of the term consequential loss within the construction industry through a review of the legal position regarding liability for breach of contract and consequential loss through the consideration of the case law relating to this topic and the associated secondary sources of information.

Findings

– The study concludes by elucidating a clear interpretation of the term consequential loss and guidance of how it should be used in contract law.

Originality/value

– Recent cases and established authorities are considered together for the first time in this work which assists in the development of legal principles of direct and indirect losses and the determination of how they apply to the built environment.
The acceleration dilemma: can English law accommodate constructive acceleration?
Authors: Whaley Alan , McAdam Brodie , Crowe Paul
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to explore the hypothesis that a contractor is entitled to payment for “constructive” acceleration implemented to avoid liquidated damages when denied a warranted time extension request by the employer or certifier under an English law construction contract. This claim is recognised in the US legal system, but not elsewhere.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper adopts a “black letter” approach to reviewing the claim of constructive acceleration within the context of English and Commonwealth case law, from the perspective of a claimant contractor.

Findings

– The research presented in this paper concludes that whilst claims for constructive acceleration are unlikely to succeed in an English court on the basis of US law, a claim might be supportable on more orthodox common law grounds. These include implied instructions under the contract, breach of the contract based on the employer or certifier’s failure to operate the contract, mitigation of damages, unjust enrichment and tortious intimidation.

Research limitations/implications

– The focus of this paper is placed on English, Unites States, Canadian and Australasian case law.

Practical implications

– The range of potential legal grounds for constructive acceleration examined in this paper provides a toolkit for practitioners preparing to make or defend constructive acceleration claims. This paper also bring more clarity to a potential legal problem faced by practitioners in circumstances of significant tension and limited time.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a useful information source for practitioners faced with the prospect of advancing or defending constructive acceleration claims, and it provides a foundation for future related studies examining a wider scope of jurisdictions.
From compliance to a growth strategy
Authors: Goswami Saheli , Ha-Brookshire Jung
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore historical paths of successful companies’ sustainability commitment, discover internal and external forces that shaped today’s sustainability leaders and show how companies implemented efforts toward sustainability to respond to those circumstances. It offers an in-depth understanding of sustainability-related strategies implemented by highly sustainable companies and serves as encouraging cases for other companies willing to engage in sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research took a case-study approach to help build a new theory toward sustainability development and approaches. A content analysis and review of both companies’ annual financial reports and corporate sustainability reports, between 1995 and 2012, and relevant news articles was performed.

Findings

– Data analysis showed that companies initiated and executed various strategies sustainability in their business, which evolved into themes for their stages of growth. Findings showed that: different companies approached sustainability differently based on their varied experiences; companies’ past and present efforts help to understand their business strategies and commitments more as a holistic process. Companies were affected by external circumstances, such as rewarding partnerships, ranking indices and media criticism for their working conditions, in response to which both the companies designed and implemented their own sustainability approaches.

Originality/value

– This study explored a longitudinal analysis of leader companies’ historical sustainability practices. It focused on how two different companies approached sustainability differently based on their varied experiences, thus showing that sustainability can be a source of competitive advantage for companies.
Evaluating CSR accomplishments of founding certified B Corps
Authors: Wilburn Kathleen , Wilburn Ralph
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the value of the Certified B Corporation (B Corp) structure for a long-term commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) achievements. Organizations of all sizes are now focusing on commitment to achieving social purposes beyond philanthropy and on reporting their CSR performance as a means of accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors studied 45 Founding Certified B Corps to check how many had maintained their certification by filing B Impact Reports with B Lab, how many Impact Reports they had filed and if the reports showed progress toward CSR goals.

Findings

– The results showed that all Founding B Corps submitted multi-year B Impact Reports, made progress toward CSR goals, maintained their commitment to a social contribution and made profit from 2010 to 2015. The B Impact Reports identified their goals and progress in the five Impact areas that were then assessed by B Lab.

Practical implications

– The Certified B Corp structure can be confidently used by small companies that desire to do good and want an outside assessor to help establish CSR goals and provide a method for accountability. The reports are published on the B Lab Web site, providing an additional means of publishing CSR accomplishments.

Originality/value

– This research provides information for those businesses, particularly small ones, that wish to establish their commitment to CSR in a public way and are certified by a third-party assessor.
Social purpose in a social media world
Authors: Wilburn Kathleen , Wilburn Ralph
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the effects of social media on a company when stakeholders decide select companies are not living up to their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. As the number of CSR and sustainability reports on company Web sites increases, the more stakeholders, not just stockholders, know about a company’s commitment to CSR, and the more they can use social media to comment on those goals. It will describe three strategies for CSR initiatives that move beyond self-reporting of goals and progress: third party assessment, specialized certifications and partnerships to provide trustworthy data to stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The experiences of Nestlé, Unilever, PepsiCo/Frito Lay and P
&
G are described. Key third-party assessors and their processes are described, as well as organizations who certify in specific areas. The importance of third-party assessment for CSR achievement is reinforced by examining the results of two reports on CSR reporting trends and capital markets’ response, one of Fortune 500® companies and the other of S
&
P 500® companies by the Governance
&
Accountability Institute, Inc.

Findings

– All three strategies used to verify the data for CSR accomplishment help companies communicate their goals through social media.

Originality/value

– All three strategies used to verify the data for CSR accomplishment are shown to help companies communicate and validate their CSR goals through social media.
Responsible lobbying: the impact of the institutional context
Authors: Bauer Theresa
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the institutional context on the awareness and practice of responsible lobbying and to compare relevant factors in the USA and the EU. This paper aims at integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) and lobbying research.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual framework is presented and exemplified by the USA and the EU context. The research is informed by institutional theory that points to external factors creating profoundly different contexts in which firms operate.

Findings

– The degree of responsible lobbying is likely to vary across nations and regions, particularly due to factors that impact responsible lobbying by shaping the relation between the state and firms, i.e. type of government and lobbying system as well as degree of government intervention, and factors that have indirect effects by shaping the degree to which stakeholders such as employees, consumers and non-governmental organizations push responsible lobbying.

Originality/value

– The link between lobbying and CSR has been long neglected by scholars and practitioners, but is now gaining more attention. Research on this topic is valuable because it helps to ensure the credibility of CSR and alleviate public criticism of lobbying.
Students at the center in emerging academic models: embedded information literacy and distance services in the University of Wisconsin System Flex degree
Authors: Woodward Kristin M.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– As a model of competency-based education (CBE), the University of Wisconsin (UW) System Flex options present a unique case study of challenges and opportunities for embedding student-centered library services and information literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, we describe strategies for engaging with the evolving Flex curriculum, the needs of an unknown student body and the role of new student support staff. The author notes the relevance of examining the library’s role in Flex at this time, given the potential for growth nationally in CBE.

Findings

– The challenges the author faced initially were closely tied with opportunities that once examined, formed the basis of the embedded library model for competency-based education. Further, the author found opportunities to articulate their role in Flex on their campus and share with other institutions.

Originality/value

– This case study is based on the author’s experiences embedding Information Literacy and Distance Services in the Flex option at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Security threats, risks and open source cloud computing security solutions for libraries
Authors: Yuvaraj Mayank
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– In recent years, a large number of organizations have found that cloud computing has many advantages leading to a surge in its adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

– Cloud computing involves the usage of large servers for the access of data, its storage and manipulation as well as provisioning of other services.

Findings

– When infrastructure, applications, data and storage are hosted by cloud providers, there are huge security risks associated with each type of service offered.

Originality/value

– There are a number of considerations, apart from cost which must be evaluated before choosing any particular provider. Sometimes, the physical location of the servers may also be a factor to consider, if sensitive duty is involved.
“Through the looking glass: envisioning new library technologies” how inexpensive computers can transform information access and literacy
Authors: Fernandez Peter
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This column will explore how one aspect of Moore’s Law – price – can have a transformative effect on the utility of computers.

Design/methodology/approach

– As computers become increasingly inexpensive, they become more accessible to new audiences.

Findings

– Individuals, libraries and other institutions are using these new, inexpensive computers to interact with information, and the world, in new ways.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first articles to examine Moore’s Law in relation to library applications.
Getting acquainted with social networks and apps: Tumblin’ through the visual web
Authors: Anderson Katie Elson
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This article explores social networks and apps.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article provides a survey of the current trends.

Findings

– Platforms that are part of the visual Web use images, rather than text, as the primary content of a post. Text may appear, but it is secondary to the image, essentially the opposite of a long blog post where the primary content is text with optional pictures placed for emphasis or enhancement.

Originality/value

– Three social networks in particular – Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram – each gained more than 10 million visitors over the course of the year in part by catering to a desire for more visually appealing content.
On the horizon: the 2015 Canadian Library Association: last? But not lease
Authors: Kesselman Martin
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Conference report column.

Design/methodology/approach

– Report of a conference.

Findings

– Conference impressions.

Originality/value

– The only review of the 2015 Canadian Library Association conference.
Enzymatic profiling of cellulosomal enzymes from the human gut bacterium, Ruminococcus champanellensis, reveals a fine‐tuned system for cohesin‐dockerin recognition
Authors: Moraïs Sarah , David Yonit Ben , Bensoussan Lizi , Duncan Sylvia H. , Koropatkin Nicole M. , Martens Eric C. , Flint Harry J. , Bayer Edward A.
Published: September 2015

Ruminococcus champanellensis is considered a keystone species in the human gut that degrades microcrystalline cellulose efficiently and contains the genetic elements necessary for cellulosome production. The basic elements of its cellulosome architecture, mainly cohesin and dockerin modules from scaffoldins and enzyme‐borne dockerins, have been characterized recently. In this study, we cloned, expressed and characterized all of the glycoside hydrolases that contain a dockerin module. Among the 25 enzymes, 10 cellulases, 4 xylanases, 3 mannanases, 2 xyloglucanases, 2 arabinofuranosidases, 2 arabinanases and one β‐glucanase were assessed for their comparative enzymatic activity on their respective substrates. The dockerin specificities of the enzymes were examined by ELISA, and 80 positives out of 525 possible interactions were detected. Our analysis reveals a fine‐tuned system for cohesin–dockerin specificity and the importance of diversity among the cohesin–dockerin sequences. Our results imply that cohesin–dockerin pairs are not necessarily assembled at random among the same specificity types, as generally believed for other cellulosome‐producing bacteria, but reveal a more organized cellulosome architecture. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of the cellulosome paradigm for cellulose and hemicellulose degradation by R. champanellensis in the human gut.
A Case of Sudden Infant Death Due to Incomplete Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Yajima Daisuke , Shimizu Keiko , Oka Kumiko , Asari Masaru , Maseda Chikatoshi , Okuda Katsuhiro , Shiono Hiroshi , Ohtani Seiji , Ogawa Katsuhiro
Published: September 2015

Although Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self‐limiting disease, it may cause sudden cardiac death. Diagnosis of KD is principally based on clinical signs; however, some infant cases do not meet the criteria. Such cases are identified as incomplete KD. The sudden death risk in incomplete KD cases is similar to conventional KD. In our 5‐month‐old case, he had been admitted to a hospital for a fever and suppuration at the site of Bacille de Calmette et Guerin (BCG) vaccination. However, after discharge from the hospital, his C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels declined, he got indisposed and died suddenly. A medico‐legal autopsy revealed myocarditis, coronaritis, platelet‐aggregated emboli in coronary arteries, and myocardial degeneration, suggesting that the fatal myocardial infarction was due to thrombus emboli in the coronary arteries. Forensic pathologists therefore should pay attention to the cardiac pathology originated from incomplete KD as a potential cause in cases of sudden infant death.
Ultrasonography screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Ochi Marie , Matsuda Rie , Aibiki Toshihiko , Okudaira Tomonari , Kawamura Tomoe , Yamago Hiroka , Nakahara Hiromasa , Suga Yoshifumi , Azemoto Nobuaki , Miyata Hideki , Miyamoto Yasunao , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Michitaka Kojiro
Published: September 2015

Background

Effective surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in diabetes mellitus (DM) has not been established. We elucidated the risk factors for HCC in DM patients.

Methods

From 2000 to 2014, 80 patients diagnosed with HCC for the first time who had concomittant DM but no other etiology of liver disease were enrolled as the DM‐HCC group. From 2005 October to 2014, after introduction of the abdominal ultrasonography (US) report database, 2083 DM patients with no viral hepatitis, no known autoimmune hepatic diseases, and/or no evidence of alcohol abuse (>60 g/day) were enrolled as the DM‐US group. Findings from the first US screening were evaluated. “Elderly” patients were defined as those aged >65 years. Clinical features of DM‐HCC patients were evaluated and compared with those of DM‐US patients.

Results

In the DM‐HCC group (54 men, 26 women), the mean (± SD age was 74.1 ± 8.5 years, and mean HbA1c and fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index were 7.3 ± 1.3% and 4.50 ± 3.42, respectively. Mean tumor diameter was 5.7 ± 3.5 cm, there were 63/13/2/2 patients classified as Child–Pugh A/B/C/unknown, and 56/24 were single/multiple lesions. In the DM‐US group, HCC was detected in three patients (0.14%; 0.3% of those classified as elderly). The mean age and FIB‐4 index of these three patients (one man, two women) were 75.6 years (range 67–92 years) and 4.84 (range 2.87–6.98), respectively. Mean tumor diamter was 7.6 cm and there were one and two single and multiple lesions, respectively. In elderly DM‐US patients with a high FIB‐4 index (≥4), the rate of HCC detection was 5.0%.

Conclusions

Being elderly and having a high FIB‐4 index are characteristic features of DM‐HCC. Similar characteristics were noted for patients with HCC in the DM‐US group. HCC surveillance with US is recommended for DM patients, especially those who are elderly (≥65 years) and have a high FIB‐4 index.
Dose‐related antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of two novel thiazolidin‐4‐ones in a rodent model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Karot Sarine Sebastian , Surenahalli Vasantharaju Gowdra , Kishore Anoop , Mudgal Jayesh , Nandakumar Krishnadas , Chirayil Magith Thambi , Mathew Geetha , Nampurath Gopalan Kutty
Published: September 2015

Background

The replacement of the thiazolidinedione moiety with a thiazolidinone may yield antidiabetic compounds with similar pleiotropic effects. Hence, the aim of the present study was to explore the dose‐related antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of two synthesized novel thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives, one with a nicotinamide and the other with a p‐chlorophenoxyacetamide substitution at the N3 position of the thiazolidinone ring (NAT1 and PAT1, respectively), in a rodent model of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

Metabolic syndrome was induced in Wistar rats by neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (i.p.) on 4 consecutive days followed by high‐sucrose diet feeding for 6 months. The effects of NAT1 (33 and 66 mg/kg) and molar equivalent doses of PAT1 (40 and 80 mg/kg) on relevant biochemical parameters were evaluated. Because MetS is a state of chronic low‐grade inflammation, we also evaluated the effects of these compounds on proinflammatory markers, namely interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO).

Results

Both NAT1 and PAT1 attenuated hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, and glucose intolerance. PAT1 exhibited superior antihyperglycemic and antihypoalphalipoproteinemic effects than NAT1. However, NAT1 had a better triglyceride‐lowering effect. At the lower dose tested, both compounds significantly reduced elevated malondialdehyde levels. In addition, PAT1 (80 mg/kg) restored hepatic superoxide dismutase enzyme levels. There was a tendency for NAT1 and PAT1 to inhibit elevated hepatic IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. In addition, PAT1 exhibited in vitro anti‐inflammatory activity by reducing proinflammatory ROS and NO levels in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Conclusions

The novel thiazolidin‐4‐ones NAT1 and PAT1 could be potential pleiotropic drug candidates targeting MetS.
The structure of probabilistic networks
Authors: Poisot Timothée , Cirtwill Alyssa R. , Cazelles Kévin , Gravel Dominique , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: September 2015

There is a growing realization among community ecologists that interactions between species vary across space and time and that this variation needs to be quantified. Our current numerical framework to analyse the structure of species interactions, based on graph‐theoretical approaches, usually do not consider the variability of interactions. As this variability has been show to hold valuable ecological information, there is a need to adapt the current measures of network structure so that they can exploit it.

We present analytical expressions of key measures of network structured, adapted so that they account for the variability of ecological interactions. We do so by modelling each interaction as a Bernoulli event; using basic calculus allows expressing the expected value, and when mathematically tractable, its variance. When applied to non‐probabilistic data, the measures we present give the same results as their non‐probabilistic formulations, meaning that they can be generally applied.

We present three case studies that highlight how these measures can be used, in re‐analysing data that experimentally measured the variability of interactions, to alleviate the computational demands of permutation‐based approaches, and to use the frequency at which interactions are observed over several locations to infer the structure of local networks. We provide a free and open‐source implementation of these measures.

We discuss how both sampling and data representation of ecological networks can be adapted to allow the application of a fully probabilistic numerical network approach.
An asymmetric logistic regression model for ecological data
Authors: Komori Osamu , Eguchi Shinto , Ikeda Shiro , Okamura Hiroshi , Ichinokawa Momoko , Nakayama Shinichiro
Published: September 2015

Binary data are popular in ecological and environmental studies; however, due to various uncertainties and complexities present in data sets, the standard generalized linear model with a binomial error distribution often demonstrates insufficient predictive performance when analysing binary and proportional data.

To address this difficulty, we propose an asymmetric logistic regression model that uses a new parameter to account for data complexity. We observe that this parameter controls the model's asymmetry and is important for adjusting the weights associated with observed data in order to improve model fitting. This model includes the ordinary logistic regression model as a special case. It is easily implemented using a slight modification ofglmorglmerin statistical softwareR.

Simulation studies suggest that our new approach outperforms a traditional approach in terms of both predictive accuracy and variable selection. In a case study involving fisheries data, we found that the annual catch amount had a greater impact on stock status prediction, and improved predictive capability was supported with a smaller AIC compared to a generalized linear model.

In summary, our method can enhance the applicability of a generalized linear model to various ecological problems using a slight modification, and significantly improves model fitting and model selection.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for gastrointestinal surgery, part 1: pathophysiological considerations
Authors: Scott M. J. , Baldini G. , Fearon K. C. H. , Feldheiser A. , Feldman L. S. , Gan T. J. , Ljungqvist O. , Lobo D. N. , Rockall T. A. , Schricker T. , Carli F.
Published: September 2015

Background

The present article has been written to convey concepts of anaesthetic care within the context of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme, thus aligning the practice of anaesthesia with the care delivered by the surgical team before, during and after surgery.

Methods

The physiological principles supporting the implementation of the ERAS programmes in patients undergoing major abdominal procedures are reviewed using an updated literature search and discussed by a multidisciplinary group composed of anaesthesiologists and surgeons with the aim to improve perioperative care.

Results

The pathophysiology of some key perioperative elements disturbing the homoeostatic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, ileus and pain is here discussed.

Conclusions

Evidence‐based strategies aimed at controlling the disruption of homoeostasis need to be evaluated in the context of ERAS programmes. Anaesthesiologists could, therefore, play a crucial role in facilitating the recovery process.
The dimorphic queens of Polyrhachis australis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Downes Michael F
Published: September 2015

The formicine weaver ant Polyrhachis australis Mayr is one among many species of ants that have queens of two more or less distinct sizes, usually referred to as microgynes and macrogynes. The current consensus explains this phenomenon in terms of alternative strategies of dispersal and reproduction: microgynes typically walk to found new nests locally, macrogynes typically fly to found new nests farther afield. This study addressed four questions bearing on that interpretation: is the dimorphism complete (without intermediate sizes) or continuous in P. australis? Does the proportion of macrogynes correlate with the number of queens in the nest? Does the microgyne/macrogyne proportion vary over time? And are brachypterous individuals always microgynes? The implications of these questions concern the fitness status of the intermediate size individuals, the relative fitnesses of the two main morphs as the number of queens diminishes, the influence of habitat conditions on the production of the morphs, and the dispersal behaviour of microgynes. The size distribution of P. australis queens was incompletely bimodal, with some individuals of intermediate size. The proportion of macrogynes in nests increased with decreasing numbers of queens in nests, suggesting that macrogynes do better in whatever contests take place between queens during the ergonomic stage. Between 2009 and 2014, the proportion of macrogynes in nests fell from about 1 in 3 or 4, to less than 1 in 11, perhaps reflecting a differential production of queen morphs in saturated and unsaturated habitats: it profits a colony to produce more microgynes and fewer macrogynes when local conditions favour the easy founding of new nests by walking. Brachyptery was centred on the smallest microgynes, consistent with their assumed mode of dispersal for which wings are not needed.
A comparison of ventilator‐associated pneumonia rates determined by different scoring systems in four intensive care units in the North West of England
Authors: Wallace F. A. , Alexander P. D. G. , Spencer C. , Naisbitt J. , Moore J. A. , McGrath B. A.
Published: September 2015

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia is a common healthcare‐associated infection with significant mortality, morbidity and healthcare cost, and rates have been proposed as a potential quality indicator. We examined ventilator‐associated pneumonia rates as determined by different diagnostic scoring systems across four adult intensive care units in the North West of England. We also collected clinical opinions as to whether patients had ventilator‐associated pneumonia, and whether patients were receiving antibiotics as treatment. Pooled ventilator‐associated pneumonia rates were 36.3, 22.2, 15.2 and 1.1 per 1000 ventilator‐bed days depending on the scoring system used. There was significant within‐unit heterogeneity for ventilator‐associated pneumonia rates calculated by the various scoring systems (all p < 0.001). Clinical opinion and antibiotic use did not correlate well with the scoring systems (k = 0.23 and k = 0.17, respectively). We therefore question whether the ventilator‐associated pneumonia rate as measured by existing tools is either useful or desirable as a quality indicator.
Cardiovascular effects of hyperoxia during and after cardiac surgery
Authors: Spoelstra‐de Man A. M. E. , Smit B. , Oudemans‐van Straaten H. M. , Smulders Y. M.
Published: September 2015

During and after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, high concentrations of oxygen are routinely administered, with the intention of preventing cellular hypoxia. We systematically reviewed the literature addressing the effects of arterial hyperoxia. Extensive evidence from pre‐clinical experiments and clinical studies in other patient groups suggests predominant harm, caused by oxidative stress, vasoconstriction, perfusion heterogeneity and myocardial injury. Whether these alterations are temporary and benign, or actually affect clinical outcome, remains to be demonstrated. In nine clinical cardiac surgical studies in low‐risk patients, higher oxygen targets tended to compromise cardiovascular function, but did not affect clinical outcome. No data about potential beneficial effects of hyperoxia, such as reduction of gas micro‐emboli or post‐cardiac surgery infections, were reported. Current evidence is insufficient to specify optimal oxygen targets. Nevertheless, the safety of supraphysiological oxygen suppletion is unproven. Randomised studies with a variety of oxygen targets and inclusion of high‐risk patients are needed to identify optimal oxygen targets during and after cardiac surgery.
Some neonatal risk factors for adult pulmonary arterial hypertension remain unknown
Authors: Naumburg Estelle , Axelsson Inge , Huber Daniel , Söderström Lars
Published: September 2015

Aim

Pulmonary hypertension has been linked to premature birth, chronic lung disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and congenital heart disease. This national population‐based registry study assessed the risk of adult pulmonary hypertension following premature birth, adjusted for known risk factors.

Methods

We focused on adults in the Swedish Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Registry, who were born prematurely, and controls randomly selected from the Swedish medical birth register and matched to each case by birth year and delivery hospital. Information on perinatal factors was also retrieved from the medical birth register. Conditional multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between premature birth and adult pulmonary hypertension, taking into account the potential confounding factors.

Results

The study population comprised 427 adults born between 1973 and 1996, with 61 cases and 366 controls. Adult pulmonary hypertension was associated with premature birth, with an odds ratio of 3.08 and 95% confidence interval of 1.21–7.87. The association did not alter after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

By adjusting for factors linked to adult pulmonary hypertension, namely congenital heart defects, pulmonary diseases and premature birth, we were able to show that other unknown factors may influence the risk for pulmonary hypertension among adults who were born premature.
To clamp or not to clamp? Long‐term functional outcomes for elective off‐clamp laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Shah Paras H. , George Arvin K. , Moreira Daniel M. , Alom Manaf , Okhunov Zhamshid , Salami Simpa , Waingankar Nikhil , Schwartz Michael J. , Vira Manish A. , Richstone Lee , Kavoussi Louis R.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To evaluate whether elective off‐clamp laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) affords long‐term renal functional benefit compared with the on‐clamp approach.

Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent elective LPN between 2006 and 2011. Patients were followed longitudinally for up to 5 years. In all, 315 patients with radiographic evidence of a solitary renal mass and normal‐appearing contralateral kidney underwent elective LPN; 209 were performed on‐clamp vs 106 off‐clamp. One patient who required conversion from LPN to open PN was excluded from the study. Additionally, four patients in the on‐clamp cohort who underwent subsequent radical nephrectomy for local‐regional recurrence were excluded from longitudinal functional evaluation after their procedure. The primary objective was to evaluate differences in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between hilar clamping groups. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with clamp times >30 min and those with baseline renal insufficiency (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2). Risk of developing worsened or new‐onset renal insufficiency was also compared.

Results

The mean preoperative eGFR was similar between the on‐clamp and off‐clamp cohorts (80.7 vs 84.1 mL/min/1.73m2, P > 0.05). Univariable and multivariable analyses did not show significant differences in postoperative eGFR between both groups among all‐comers, those with clamp times >30 min, and patients with baseline renal insufficiency. Risk of chronic kidney disease was not diminished by the off‐clamp approach with up to 5 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Progressive recovery of renal function after hilar clamping in the elective setting eclipses short‐term functional benefit achieved with off‐clamp LPN by 6 months; there was no significant difference in eGFR or the percentage incidence of chronic kidney disease between the on‐clamp and off‐clamp cohorts with up to 5 years follow‐up. As such, eliminating transient ischaemia during elective LPN does not confer clinical benefit.
Institutional Complementarities and Gender Diversity on Boards: A Configurational Approach
Authors: Iannotta Michela , Gatti Mauro , Huse Morten
Published: September 2015

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

To address the lack of a complementarities‐based approach in studies of board diversity, this paper seeks to understand whether and how certain country‐level factors are causally and jointly related to women on boards and the nature of their complementarities (are they synergic or substitutes?). Moreover, we intend to learn more about the adoption/diffusion of board gender quotas, by taking into account their role in the existing national configurations (whether they are necessary and/or sufficient conditions).

Research Findings/Insights

Using fs/QCA, our findings reveal a particular configuration of country‐level conditions that supports the existence of a joint causal relation between given institutional arrangements. Furthermore, we find that board gender quota legislation is not a sufficient condition on its own to achieve a higher number of women on boards. Such evidence suggests that its diffusion across countries could be the result of institutional isomorphism or social legitimacy more than to rational reasons.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

For scholars, our paper refines and expands insights from the extant comparative corporate governance literature. By finding support for the “bundled” or jointly causal nature of given institutional factors, we open a window for further research that investigates board‐level phenomena in a complementarities‐based perspective.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

For policy makers, this study provides some insights that could better drive their choice about which mix of policies is necessary to improve female representation on boards, and especially in which institutional areas they should be implemented. It is particularly relevant, because once gender quotas are endorsed at board level, they could have ambiguous effects on firm performance and corporate governance.
Cutaneous metastasis from anaplastic thyroid carcinoma exhibiting exclusively a spindle cell morphology. A case report and review of literature
Authors: Danialan Richard , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Mays Stephen R. , Prieto Victor G. , Bell Diana , Curry Jonathan L.
Published: September 2015

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a highly aggressive cancer accounting for 1–2% of thyroid malignancies. Cutaneous metastases from anaplastic thyroid carcinoma are exceedingly rare. We report a 65‐year‐old woman with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (BRAF V600E mutation) who had lymph node metastases (pT4 N1b) treated by total thyroidectomy, postoperative radiotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy (paclitaxel and pazopanib) and targeted therapy (vemurafenib). Nine months after initial diagnosis, radiographic studies revealed multiple pulmonary metastases. A dermatologic examination showed a solitary 1.2‐cm chest nodule. Skin biopsy from this nodule revealed infiltrative dermal spindle cells arranged in poorly formed fascicles. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the tumor cells to be PAX‐8 (+), pancytokeratin (+, focally), TTF‐1 (−) and SOX‐10 (−). Comparison with the patient's primary anaplastic thyroid carcinoma revealed focal areas of poorly differentiated spindle cells morphologically similar to the malignant spindle cells in the skin biopsy. Together, these findings confirmed the diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma metastatic to skin. Cutaneous metastasis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma composed exclusively of spindle cells broadens the histologic differential diagnosis of cutaneous spindle cell malignancies and presents further diagnostic challenges. PAX‐8 may be useful in discerning the spindle cell component of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma from other spindle cell malignancies in the skin.
The many masks of cutaneous Lyme disease
Authors: Miraflor Allen P. , Seidel Gregory D. , Perry Ann E. , Castanedo‐Tardan Mari Paz , Guill Marshall A. , Yan Shaofeng
Published: September 2015

Early cutaneous Lyme disease, erythema migrans, may show different histopathologic patterns. The intent of this case series is to raise awareness of these findings to prevent misdiagnosis and keep this entity in the differential. Erythema migrans develops after a tick bite and subsequent infection with the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. It most commonly manifests as a solitary, annular lesion with a bull's‐eye appearance. Classic histopathologic findings include superficial and deep perivascular and interstitial lymphocytic infiltrates mixed with plasma cells and eosinophils. We identified and reviewed eight cases of early erythema migrans. Each patient had confirmed B. burgdorferi IgM seropositivity and IgG seronegativity. Histopathologic evaluation of these biopsies reveals a diversity of patterns. Seven of eight cases show sparse to mild perivascular and interstitial mixed infiltrate of variable amount of lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and plasma cells, with only one case showing a dense inflammatory infiltrate. Epidermal changes such as spongiosis and interface change are seen in some cases. Additionally, perineural lymphocytic infiltrate is seen in one case, periadnexal infiltrate in four cases and pigment incontinence in one case. Based on variable histopathologic findings, it is important to consider erythema migrans in the differential diagnosis for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
The challenge of predicting cerebral palsy
Authors: Haataja Leena
Published: September 2015

This commentary is on the review by Romeo et al. on pages 240–245 of
this issue.