bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between status judgments, identification, and counterproductive behavior
Authors: Ali Al-Atwi Amer , Bakir Ali
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among perceived external prestige (PEP), perceived internal respect (PIR), organizational and work-group identification (OID and WID), and counterproductive work behavior (CWB).

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were gathered from a cement firm's employees, using longitudinal research. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed.

Findings

– PEP and top management respect were positively related to organizational identification (OID), and the latter negatively related to organizational deviance; perceived co-workers and supervisor respect was positively related to WID, and the latter negatively related to interpersonal deviance; and identification foci mediated the relationship between status judgments and CWB.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample was based on one organization, limiting the results’ generalizability, and interactive relationships between WID and OID were not considered. The findings’ implications suggest that organizations need specific strategies for reducing deviant organizational behavior and deviant interpersonal behavior, and for fostering identification of their members.

Originality/value

– The study shows that employees’ evaluations of prestige and respect are important predictors of their identification with their organization and work group. It is the first study to investigate the relationship between social identification foci and deviant work behaviors as a negative outcome of identification. It developed a new scale to assess employees’ perception of internal respect; it supports operationalizing PIR as a multifoci construct. It has also answered the call for longitudinal research as opposed to cross-sectional research.
Who benefits from more tasks? Older versus younger workers
Authors: Zaniboni Sara , M. Truxillo Donald , Fraccaroli Franco , A. McCune Elizabeth , Bertolino Marilena
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Although a substantial body of research has examined the effects of job characteristics on job attitudes, there is a paucity of work on individual difference moderators of these relationships. Based in selective optimization with compensation theory and socio-emotional selectivity theory, the purpose of this paper is to show that age moderated the relationship between task variety and two key job attitudes, job satisfaction and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through self-report questionnaires (n=152), using a time-lagged design with two waves (two to three weeks betweenT1andT2).

Findings

– The authors found that task variety had a stronger relationship with job satisfaction and work engagement for younger workers compared to older workers.

Research limitations/implications

– Although there was good age variance in the sample, it had fewer late-career workers and more workers who are in their early and mid-career.

Practical implications

– To have workers of all ages satisfied and engaged at work, we need to understand which work characteristics are the best for them. For example, it may be a competitive gain for organizations to challenge younger workers with different tasks, and to challenge older workers in ways that utilize their experience.

Social implications

– The study addresses a societal issue related to profound demographic changes in the age composition of the workforce, gaining a better knowledge of differences between workers of different ages to promote effective interventions and policies.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to show that task variety differentially affects worker satisfaction and engagement depending on the age of the worker.
Audit partner specialization and audit fees
Authors: L. Nagy Albert
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine partner specialization effects on audit fees in the US audit market.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study exploits the unique environment created from the demise of Andersen to examine the effect of partner specialization on audit fees in the US audit market. An ordinary least squares regression was estimated from a sample of ex-Andersen clients that assumingly followed their ex-Andersen audit partner to the new audit firm.

Findings

– The results show significant positive relations for both audit partner- and office-level specialization and audit fees and suggest that auditor specialization at both the partner- and local office-level demand a fee premium in the US audit markets. Furthermore, the results do not show a significant difference between partner- and office-level specialization effects on audit fees.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the audit quality literature by examining the effects of auditor specialization at both the office and partner levels on audit fees within a developed market. The results of this study should be of interest to academics, investors and regulators and help them in their assessments of audit quality.
Does the balanced scorecard adoption enhance the levels of organizational climate, employees’ commitment, job satisfaction and job dedication?
Authors: Ángel Calderón Molina Miguel , Manuel Hurtado González José , Palacios Florencio Beatriz , Luis Galán González José
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the influence that balanced scorecard (BSC) adoption has on organizational climate, employees’ commitment, job satisfaction and job dedication.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected using a questionnaire sent to the employees working in a retail sector firm, at two different moments in time, between the years 2009 and 2010. A total of 494 questionnaires were correctly returned. The response rates were 55.6 and 60.2 percent respectively. Tests (ANOVA) were carried out related to the constructs which make up the model studied, before and after the BSC implementation.

Findings

– The results indicate a clear relationship with the satisfaction of employees within the organization; it shows that the BSC implementation is significantly related to positive employees’ affective reactions.

Originality/value

– The outcomes of the study are relevant both to the literature on strategic change and business management, since they determine that the correct implementation of the BSC causes a significant change in the employees’ behavior and attitudes toward the firm's strategic objectives.
Resource curse or destructive creation in transition
Authors: Hoang Vuong Quan , K. Napier Nancy
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the “resource curse” problem as a counter-example of creative performance and innovation by examining reliance on capital and physical resources, showing the gap between expectations and ex-post actual performance that became clearer under conditions of economic turmoil.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis uses logistic regressions with dichotomous response and predictor variables on structured tables of count data, representing firm performance as an outcome of capital resources, physical resources and innovation where appropriate.

Findings

– Key findings relevant to economic and business practice follow. First, a typical characteristic of successful Vietnamese firms in the transition period is their reliance on either capital resources or physical asset endowments. Second, poor performers exhibit evidence of over-reliance on both capital and physical assets. Third, firms that relied on both types of resources tended to downplay creative performance. Some evidence suggests that firms face more acute problem caused by the law of diminishing returns in troubled times. Fourth, the “innovation factor” has not been tapped as a source of economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has some limitations. The size of the survey sample is approximately 150 firms, while the potential sample of > 300 should be possible in the future. When the size increases, the research could be expanded to include further variables that will help investigate more deeply into the related issues and business implications. With regard to the implications of the study, the absence of innovations has made the notion of “resource curse” identical to “destructive creation” implemented by ex-ante resource-rich firms, and worsened the problem of resource misallocation in transition turmoil. The Vietnamese corporate sector's addiction to resources may contribute to economic deterioration, through a downward spiral of lower efficiency leading to consumption of more resources.

Practical implications

– Insights obtained from this study could save transition economies' resources which have almost always been considered sine qua non before any critical major policymaking, while this is not necessarily true, and in many cases, even counterproductive.

Originality/value

– Original data set on Vietnam stock market are collected, processed, prepared and used by the authors. Original design by the authors for regression equations with dichotomous predictor variables: dependence on endowed physical assets, reliance on capital resources and significant signs of creative performance/innovations. Original idea of viewing “resource curse” as absence of innovation and due to uncreative “destructive creation” of poor-performing commercial operations by resource-rich firms is used in the paper. We have searched the literature in business research and found that the empirical results have not been previously reported.
An integrated metadata access infrastructure for a network of federated curated data repositories
Authors: Adeleke Oluwalani , Otoo E.J.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to study integrated metadata access infrastructure for a network of federated curated data repositories. With the increase in collaborative initiatives among diverse scientific discipline, infrastructure should be in place to facilitate effective information sharing. Scientific data sharing involves provisioning, curation and dissemination of information about the various datasets for discovery and access by other peers, which is achieved using metadata services. The heterogeneous nature of various distributed dataset repositories has resulted in the use of heterogeneous metadata services. This poses some challenges in efficient dataset sharing and information retrieval. To allow for universal accessibility of these autonomous curated data repositories, it is important to establish cross-integration on these data repositories for information sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors address this problem through provisioning of a universal metadata interface design that can be integrated with some popular metadata services such as integrated rule-oriented data system (iRODS), OpenDap/THREDDS and MERCURY. Given a network of federated heterogeneous distributed metadata services over autonomous curated data repositories, the authors present an implementation of a universal interface system that can probe and query different metadata databases to access the essential information provided for data discovery and enable data migration.

Findings

– The authors present the architecture that integrates and allows communication between our interface and the various autonomous data repositories. The authors show how they can integrate their system with THREDDS and iRODS to accomplish data discovery and access operations without altering the implementations of the metadata services at their remote locations.

Originality/value

– Their system provides unique architecture for information discovery and metadata searches which employs the application programming interfaces for the respective metadata services and communicates using the Zero C Internet communication engine (ICE) protocol.
Selective laser melting of Ti6Al7Nb with hydroxyapatite addition
Authors: Marcu Teodora , Menapace Cinzia , Girardini Luca , Leordean Dan , Popa Catalin
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to obtain by means of selective laser melting and then characterize biocomposites of medical-grade Ti6Al7Nb with hydroxyapatite (2 and 5 vol.%) and without hydroxyapatite, as reference.

Design/methodology/approach

– Rectangular samples were manufactured with the same scanning strategy; the laser power was between 50 W and 200 W. Processed samples were analysed by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and microhardness.

Findings

– The results showed that despite the very short processing times, hydroxyapatite decomposed and interacted with the base Ti6Al7Nb material. The decomposition degree was found to depend on the applied laser power. From the porosity and bulk microstructure point of view, the most appropriate materials for the purposed medical applications were Ti6Al7Nb with hydroxyapatite processed with a laser power of 50 W.

Originality/value

– The originality of the present work consists in the study of the behaviour and interaction of hydroxyapatite additive with the Ti6Al7Nb base powder under selective laser melting conditions, as depending on the applied laser power.
Overcoming the barriers to information literacy programs
Authors: Bombaro Christine
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the process by which an information literacy laboratory became a graduation requirement of the English major at Dickinson College.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study with literature review, course description and assessment.

Findings

– The information literacy program described became compulsory for English majors despite all the common challenges cited in the library literature. It also determines that assessment is the most important factor in building successful information literacy programs.

Research limitations/implications

– The process by which the information literacy module became a graduation requirement for English majors demanded persistence and patience. Librarians should be prepared to spend several years imitating the model before similar results would emerge.

Practical implications

– Librarians will be able to model information literacy programs for English/writing programs after Critical Approaches and Literary Methods Lab, and the methodology is transferable to other disciplines. The process allows librarians to indirectly but effectively influence the college/university governance process.

Social implications

– This case study examines how librarians can have an influence over college/university curricula by forming strategic partnerships and designing practical assessments.

Originality/value

– Few reports exist in the library literature regarding information literacy programs that have passed through a college/university governance system to become a formal part of the curriculum.
Governance in South Korean social enterprises
Authors: Bertotti Marcello , Han Younghee , Netuveli Gopalakrishnan , Sheridan Kevin , Renton Adrian
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The aim of the present study is to identify the prevalent model of social enterprise governance in South Korea by empirically testing five conceptual models. Theoretical and empirical research on the governance of social enterprises have grown considerably in the past decade, centred primarily on the UK, Europe and the USA. Whilst some articles have discussed the role and growth of social enterprises in Asia, the empirical evidence remains scant, particularly in relation to empirical studies of social enterprise governance in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing upon established literature on social enterprise governance, we empirically tested five conceptual models on a sample of 69 South Korean social enterprises collected through an online survey to identify the prevalent model of governance. Such models were found unable to fully explain governance processes observed. Thus, the authors used an innovative statistical technique, latent class analysis, which identifies clusters of associations between key governance variables.

Findings

– This exercise revealed two opposite models, centralising and interdependent. The latter represent an interesting shift towards widening forms of participation in governance processes in South Korea.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample is small and only limited to some social enterprise types. More research needs to be done on larger samples including the growing South Korean co-operative sector.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published data available on the governance of South Korean social enterprises and the analysis used to identify governance models (i.e. latent class analysis) is novel.
Principles operationalize corporate values so they matter
Authors: T. Sheehan Norman , E. Isaac Grant
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The authors show how organizations can best ensure that employees act in accordance with the corporation’s values. The key action is to develop a set of principles that amplify and fully define the values so leaders can communicate them more effectively. Principles that supply operational guidance help employees internalize the corporation’s values.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article supports its conceptual approach with a case.

Findings

– The case shows how principles helped one organization explicate the it’s values and turn them into a set of positively worded, unambiguous statements that guide employees in their daily work. When employees routinely apply the principles in their work, senior management can confidently delegate decision-making authority to the lowest appropriate level in the organization, having confidence that the outcomes of employee actions will be consistent with the organization’s vision, mission and strategic goals.

Practical implications

– By describing the organization’s values in operational terms, the principles, taken together, provide each employee with a clear framework to use when making decisions.

Originality/value

– The article shows senior leaders and boards that a key benefit of devolving power and using principles to guide employees’ actions is that it not only improves corporate performance in the short term, it also makes the firm more attractive to talented candidates for employment in the longer term.
Surface consolidation of natural stone materials using microbial induced calcite precipitation
Authors: Richardson Alan , A. Coventry Kathryn , M. Forster Alan , Jamison Chris
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Deterioration in natural stone is associated with many decay mechanisms and often the inherent composition of the materials themselves. Sandstone varies considerably but they all require a cementing matrix to bind amongst others, the silica (SiO2) particles together (Reading, 1989). In calcareous sandstones and limestones this binding matrix is principally calcium carbonate based (Muir, 2006; Reading, 1989; McMillan et al., 1999) in the form of calcite (CaCO3). Friable sandstone substrates and stones suffering from “surface dissolution” or disaggregation (Muir, 2006; Smith et al., 1992) have been traditionally consolidated utilising a host of chemical compounds that had, in many cases negative effects on their long-term performance (Muir, 2006). A principle issue amongst many was moisture entrapment and irreversibility of the consolidants adopted. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper investigates the effect of microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) as a natural treatment for the conservation of historic natural stone substrates. Sporosarcina pasteurii has been proven as a bacterium that can perform MICP effectively in extreme conditions making it the preferred bacterium for the MICP process within this study. Surface treatment experiments were analysed by measuring the mass increase and surface changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings

– The surface treatments showed a noticeable mass increase and observable deposition when viewed using a SEM microscope. Bio cementation of loose sand particles was observed and the degree of cementation was determined using a Moh's hardness test.

Research limitations/implications

– Recommendations for further work to improve this study are: use an increased Sporosarcina pasteurii cell optical density which would provide a greater calcite output. Carry out a paired comparison initial surface absorption test (BS 1881: Part 208, 1996 or ASTM C 1585-04, 2004). To be carried out on untreated control and MICP samples which would determine the pore blocking effect and surface repair capability of the treated samples.

Practical implications

– A method for obtaining optimal results in terms of surface treatment would involve reducing the time between mixing and application, this would require having the two reaction constituents mixed only seconds before use. Using a late mix spray application system has the potential to allow the two mixtures to combine in the spray nozzle whilst exiting the apparatus.

Originality/value

– This paper investigates a safe, natural process for stone repair.
Learning from design reviews in low energy buildings
Authors: Guerra-Santin Olivia , Christopher Tweed Aidan , Gabriela Zapata-Lancaster Maria
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the usability of design reviews to inform designers about low carbon technologies and building performance. The design review of three domestic and two non-domestic case studies are evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data collection and analysis methods include interviews and meetings with design teams and contractors, design tools audit and revision of drawings and project documentation. In addition, building's envelope and systems, and in-use performance evaluations are used to inform design teams about the actual performance of the buildings.

Findings

– This study showed that targets and intentions defined in the design process are not always compatible or reality checked. These contradictions between targets within a project can undermine the performance of a building. The design review can identify unrealistic expectations to assess fairly the performance of buildings. The study showed that changes made during construction to the original design are related to lack of specifications or experience with low carbon technologies. Design reviews can help designers to identify the knowledge gaps within their practice. Furthermore, the results showed that building-related energy consumption was close to expectations, while user-related consumption was higher than expected due to occupancy assumptions made during the design. The design review showed that designers require more knowledge about buildings’ in-use performance in order to take informed-based design decisions.

Originality/value

– This paper showed the main stages of a design review, and their usability to assess building performance and to inform designers. The results of this study suggest that designs can benefit from design reviews by learning about low carbon technologies installation and building's operation.
Surveillance of diarrhea‐causing pathogens in dairy and beef cows in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan from 2002 to 2011
Authors: Mawatari Takahiro , Hirano Kaori , Ikeda Hidetoshi , Tsunemitsu Hiroshi , Suzuki Tohru
Published: July 2014

The economic consequences of bovine diarrhea are serious. Few long‐term epidemiological data are available concerning the causative pathogens of bovine diarrhea in Japan. From 2002 to 2011, surveillance of enteric pathogens was performed in cows of various breed and age from 302 farms in which diarrhea had occurred in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Differences between dairy and beef cows in the number of cases of diarrhea and rates of infection by Salmonella spp. and Eimeria spp. were found. Clinical symptoms (duration of epidemic, hematochezia and complications) caused by bovine rotavirus infection were milder than those caused by bovine coronavirus infection.
The importance of economic, social and cultural capital in understanding health inequalities: using a Bourdieu‐based approach in research on physical and mental health perceptions
Authors: Pinxten Wouter , Lievens John
Published: July 2014

In this article we adopt a Bourdieu‐based approach to study social inequalities in perceptions of mental and physical health. Most research takes into account the impact of economic or social capital on health inequalities. Bourdieu, however, distinguishes between three forms of capital that can determine peoples' social position: economic, social and cultural capital. Health research examining the effects of cultural capital is scarce. By simultaneously considering and modelling indicators of each of Bourdieu's forms of capital, we further the understanding of the dynamics of health inequalities. Using data from a large‐scale representative survey (N = 1825) in Flanders, Belgium, we find that each of the forms of capital has a net effect on perceptions of physical and mental health, which persists after controlling for the other forms of capital and for the effects of other correlates of perceived health. The only exception is that the cultural capital indicators are not related to mental health. These results confirm the value of a Bourdieu‐based approach and indicate the need to consider economic, social and cultural capital to obtain a better understanding of social inequality in health.
Gelsolin and Adipokines Are Associated With Protein‐Energy Wasting in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chiu Terry Ting‐Yu , Liao Shang‐Chih , Lee Wen‐Chin , Lee Po‐Shun , Ng Hwee‐Yeong , Chien Yu‐Su , Lee Chien‐Te
Published: July 2014

Protein‐energy wasting (PEW) contributes to mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Adipokines regulate energy homeostasis and body weight. Circulating gelsolin can modulate inflammation and is correlated with HD mortality. Whether adipokines and gelsolin play important roles in PEW remains unclear. Based on the criteria proposed by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism, we examined the associations between PEW and biomarkers (gelsolin, leptin, adiponectin, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF‐α]) in 188 stable HD patients. Patients with PEW had significantly lower serum leptin levels, and tended to have higher adiponectin, TNF‐α, and lower gelsolin levels. Logistic regression analysis revealed that gelsolin, leptin, adiponectin, and blood urea nitrogen were independently associated with PEW score. Serum creatinine, TNF‐α, gender, renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, and lipid‐lowering agents were not associated with PEW score. Patients on lipid‐lowering agents had lower PEW scores and those with RAS blockade had higher PEW scores. Our study confirms that gelsolin, adiponectin, and leptin are significant associates with PEW in HD patients. Further understanding of how these factors contribute to PEW may help design novel therapeutic strategies for PEW in chronic kidney disease.
Management and outcome of 35 cases with foetal/neonatal alloimmune neutropenia
Authors: van den Tooren‐de Groot Rita , Ottink Mark , Huiskes Elly , van Rossum André , van der Voorn Bibian , Slomp Jennichjen , de Haas Masja , Porcelijn Leendert
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of foetal/neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (FNAIN), together with advice on the clinical management.

Methods

Neutrophil serology in the Netherlands is centralised at Sanquin Diagnostic Services. We examined FNAIN cases between January 1, 1991, and July 1, 2013, to determine the number of cases diagnosed, the relationship with human neutrophil antigen (HNA) antibody, the clinical presentation and therapeutic interventions.

Results

We identified 35 FNAIN cases. The detected HNA antibodies were as follows: anti‐HNA‐1a (n = 7), anti‐HNA‐1b (n = 12), anti‐HNA‐1c (n = 2), anti‐HNA‐2 (n = 8), anti‐HNA‐3a (n = 1), anti‐HNA‐5a (n = 1) and anti‐FcγRIIIb (n = 4). No infections were diagnosed in 14 neonates, and the other 21 neonates suffered from omphalitis (n = 6), urinary tract infection (n = 1), candida mucositis (n = 1), fever of unknown origin (n = 6) and sepsis (n = 7, 20%). Parity, gestational age, birthweight, neutrophil counts and antibody specificity were not significantly different for cases with, and without, infections. All the infected children were treated with antibiotics. No children died.

Conclusion

More than half (21) of the 35 cases of FNAIN presented with infections and most implicated were HNA‐1a, HNA‐1b and HNA‐2. Treatment with antibiotics seemed adequate. A neonatal neutropenia workflow model for use in neonatal intensive care units is presented.
Genetic variability of Lizard canary breed inferred from pedigree analysis
Authors: Cecchi Francesca , Ciampolini Roberta , Giacalone Gianluca , Paci Gisella
Published: July 2014

The genealogical data of 471 (whole population: WP) Lizard canaries of an Italian breeder were analyzed to evaluate the genetic variability of the breed. The reference population (RP) comprised 346 living reproductive birds. Average generation interval was 1.61 ± 0.718 for males and 1.72 ± 0.863 for females. The average value of inbreeding (F) and relatedness (AR) in the RP were 15.83% and 22.63%, while the average increase in inbreeding was estimated to be 6.71% per generation (effective population size = 7.49). The results showed the need to reduce the level of inbreeding which would result in significant loss of genetic variation and in significant inbreeding depression.
Fibroblast growth factor‐21, body composition, and insulin resistance in pre‐pubertal and early pubertal males and females
Authors: Hanks Lynae J. , Casazza Krista , Ashraf Ambika P. , Wallace Stephenie , Gutiérrez Orlando M.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Accumulating evidence derived primarily from animal models suggests that fibroblast growth factor‐21 (FGF‐21) may affect the musculoskeletal system via effects on the capacity of tissues to respond to insulin. A proportion of musculoskeletal properties and underpinnings of promoting/preventing insulin resistance are established early in the pubertal transition. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that insulin resistance and/or obesity will promote greater FGF‐21 concentration which will be inversely associated with musculoskeletal parameters [lean mass and bone mineral content (BMC)] in pre‐/early pubertal children. Given the sexual dimorphic nature of musculoskeletal development of fat mass accrual, differences by obesity status and sex were also investigated.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Patients

Children ages 7–12 years (n = 69, 38% male, 48% non‐Hispanic black, 45% obese).

Measurements

Fasting FGF‐21, glucose and insulin measures were obtained. An estimate of insulin resistance was derived using the homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Body composition (BMC, lean mass and fat mass) was assessed by DXA. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of FGF‐21 on BMC, lean mass and HOMA‐IR as dependent variables. Obesity status was established based on BMI z‐score.

Results

FGF‐21 concentrations did not differ by obesity status or by sex. There was an inverse association between FGF‐21 and BMC among nonobese individuals (P = 0·01) and an inverse association between FGF‐21 and lean mass among females (P = 0·02), which were both independent of fat mass. FGF‐21 was inversely associated with HOMA‐IR in males, but not females (P = 0·04).

Conclusions

The existence of relationships of FGF‐21 with musculoskeletal parameters and insulin resistance raises the possibility of crosstalk between these systems. These findings suggest that circulating FGF‐21 may differ in its association with bone, lean mass and insulin resistance depending on sex and weight status.
Youth and parent perceptions of aftercare supports at discharge from residential care
Authors: Trout Alexandra L. , Hoffman Steven , Huscroft‐D'Angelo Jacqueline , Epstein Michael H. , Duppong Hurley Kristin , Stevens Amy L.
Published: July 2014

While much is known about youth struggles after reintegration into the home and community settings following stays in out‐of‐home care, little is known about appropriate supports for aftercare, or parent (see Note ) and youth perceptions during this critical transition period. This study seeks to begin to address these questions through surveys evaluating youth (n = 48) and parent (n = 48) perceptions of (i) transition planning, family preparedness and aftercare; (ii) youth preparedness for the transition period across major life domains (e.g. education, health care, relationships); and (iii) the importance of specific aftercare supports and services. Results indicate differences between youth and parents on perceptions of need for continued supports, likelihood of participation in aftercare programs; and youth preparedness for success in relationships, family and independent living domains. In contrast, similarities were found on youth and parent ratings regarding the importance of specific services and supports, with both groups indicating supports in education as most important and supports in mental health as least. Study limitations, future research and implications are provided.
Developments in pediatric liver transplantation since implementation of the new allocation rules in Eurotransplant
Authors: Herden Uta , Grabhorn Enke , Briem‐Richter Andrea , Ganschow Rainer , Nashan Björn , Fischer Lutz
Published: July 2014

Liver allocation in the Eurotransplant (ET) region has changed from a waiting time to an urgency‐based system using the model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score in 2006. To allow timely transplantation, pediatric recipients are allocated by an assigned pediatric MELD independent of severity of illness. Consequences for children listed at our center were evaluated by retrospective analysis of all primary pediatric liver transplantation (LTX) from deceased donors between 2002 and 2010 (110 LTX before/50 LTX after new allocation). Of 50 children transplanted in the MELD era, 17 (34%) underwent LTX with a high‐urgent status that was real in five patients (median lab MELD 22, waiting time five d) and assigned in 12 patients (lab MELD 7, waiting time 35 d). Thirty‐three children received a liver by their assigned pediatric MELD (lab MELD 15, waiting time 255 d). Waiting time in the two periods was similar, whereas the wait‐list mortality decreased (from about four children/yr to about one child/yr). One‐ and three‐yr patient survival showed no significant difference (94.5/97.7%; p = 0.385) as did one‐ and three‐yr graft survival (80.7/75.2%; and 86.5/82%; p = 0.436 before/after). Introduction of a MELD‐based allocation system in ET with assignment of a granted score for pediatric recipients has led to a clear priorization of children resulting in a low wait‐list mortality and good clinical outcome.
Outcomes of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischaemic stroke in HIV‐infected adults
Authors: Sweeney E. M. , Thakur K. T. , Lyons J. L. , Smith B. R. , Willey J. Z. , Cervantes‐Arslanian A. M. , Hickey M. K. , Uchino K. , Haussen D. C. , Koch S. , Schwamm L. H. , Elkind M. S. V. , Shinohara R. T. , Mateen F. J.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

To our knowledge there are no studies reporting the use and short‐term outcomes of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV‐TPA) for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) in people living with HIV.

Methods

The US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) (2006–2010) was searched for HIV‐infected AIS patients treated with IV‐TPA.

Results

In the NIS, 2.2% (62/2877) of HIV‐infected AIS cases were thrombolyzed with IV‐TPA (median age 52 years, range 27–78, 32% female, 22% Caucasian) vs. 2.1% (19 335/937 896) of HIV‐uninfected cases (median age 72 years, range 17–102 years, 50% female, 74% Caucasian; P = 0.77). There were more deaths in HIV‐infected versus uninfected patients with stroke (220/2877, 7.6% vs. 49 089/937 547, 5.2%, P < 0.001) but no difference in the proportion of deaths amongst IV‐TPA‐treated patients. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted odds ratio for death following IV‐TPA administration in HIV‐infected versus uninfected patients was 2.26 (95% CI 1.12, 4.58), but the interaction on mortality between HIV and IV‐TPA use was not statistically significant, indicating no difference in risk of in‐hospital death by HIV serostatus with IV‐TPA use. A higher number of HIV‐infected patients remained in hospital versus died or were discharged at both 10 and 30 days (P < 0.01 at 10 and 30 days). No difference in the proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage in the two groups was found (P = 0.362).

Conclusions

The in‐hospital mortality is higher amongst HIV‐infected AIS patients than HIV‐uninfected patients. However, the risk of death amongst HIV‐infected patients treated with IV‐TPA is similar to HIV‐uninfected groups.
The Anthropocene and Geography I: The Back Story
Authors: Castree Noel
Published: July 2014

This and two companion papers (Geography and the Anthropocene II: Current Contributions and The Anthropocene and Geography III: Future Directions) consider the relevance of ‘the Anthropocene’ to present and future research in Geography. Along with the concept of ‘planetary boundaries’, the idea that humanity has entered a new geological epoch of its own making is currently attracting considerable attention – both within and beyond the world of Earth surface science from whence both notions originate. This paper summarises the origins and evolution of the scientific discourse since the Anthropocene idea was first proposed in 2000. It ends by outlining the potential relevance of the Anthropocene and planetary boundaries ideas to Geography – potential because both concepts have only recently received serious attention in the discipline. The next paper, following on from this, then reviews these early geographical interpretations of the two scientific buzzwords. The subsequent paper looks ahead to future options should these terms really begin to catch‐on outside Geography. If they become societal keywords, then geographers should be participants in, rather than mere observers of, the unfolding discussion. As we will discover, some geographers are well‐placed to shape future discourse and practice, but there is considerable potential for many others to join the fray.
When Politics Matters: The Impact of Politicians' and Bureaucrats' Preferences on Salient and Nonsalient Policy Areas
Authors: Baekgaard Martin , Blom‐Hansen Jens , Serritzlew Søren
Published: July 2014

For three decades, the “politics matters” literature has found that political ideology is an important explanation of public policy. However, this literature systematically fails to include the influence of the bureaucracy. In fact, it is almost impossible to identify a single study in this literature that controls for the influence of the permanent bureaucracy. In this article, we investigate whether politics still matters when bureaucratic preferences are taken into account. We do this in a simultaneous test of political and bureaucratic influences on public budgets, a policy measure often studied in the “politics matters” literature. We find that political preferences trump bureaucratic ones in policy areas salient to the public but not in less salient areas. This might be comforting news from a democratic perspective. However, as public budgets represent an easy case for political influence, it is food for thought that political preferences do not always prevail.
Ideological discourses about learning Chinese in pro‐English Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Yoko
Published: July 2014

Identifying magazine articles whose titles, subtitles and texts contain ‘Chinese language’ the present study explores how Japanese business magazines talk about Chinese language study. The findings suggest that ideological discourses about Chinese study (1) position Chinese on par with English as the two global languages, (2) reassure that learning a language of Chinese characters would be less taxing than English for many businessmen with lackadaisical attitudes toward language study, and (3) are rather independent of the growing political Japan‐Sino tension. The study provides new insight into masculine ideological discourses about businessmen's studying not only English but also the dominant language of the world's second economy for merit‐based business purposes rather than school‐led intercultural understandings.
Competing Environmental Labels
Authors: Fischer Carolyn , Lyon Thomas P.
Published: July 2014

We study markets in which consumers prefer green products but cannot determine the environmental quality of any given firm's product on their own. A nongovernmental organization (NGO) can establish a voluntary standard and label products that comply with it. Alternatively, industry can create its own standard and label. We compare the stringency of these two types of labels, and study their strategic interaction when they coexist. We find that even with error‐free labels, environmental benefits may be smaller with two labels than with the NGO label alone, and we characterize when label competition is more likely to be environmentally beneficial.
Understanding Men's Attributions of Why They Ejaculate Before Desired: An Internet Study
Authors: Rowland David L. , Neal Cody J.
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Recent developments in the study of men's sexual response have raised significant issues related to the definition and diagnosis of premature ejaculation (PE).

Aim

We wanted to understand men's perceived reasons for “ejaculating before they wanted,” whether they selected attributions from the same broad category when allowed to endorse multiple reasons, and whether younger and older cohorts differed in their attributions.

Methods

A subsample of 376 men who indicated that they “ejaculated before they wanted” was drawn from a larger pool of 1,249 men participating in an online survey on men's sexual health. This subsample responded to a number of items regarding their ejaculatory patterns, including two questions listing 10 possible self-reported attributions/reasons for their quick ejaculation—one item allowed respondents to endorse multiple reasons, the other limited the response to the most important reason.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was men's attributions for ejaculating before desired, with choices from 10 possible pretested reasons. In addition, concordance across attributions was determined, that is, if a man responded to one category, was he also likely to select another category?

Results

Men who met the ejaculatory latency criterion for PE were generally no different from those who did not. Overall, when required to select the most important attribution, most men identified a specific issue with “lack of self-efficacy” (lack of control or aroused too quickly). Few respondents identified erection loss, partner issues, or medical/medication concerns as the reason—and these patterns were independent of age. Concordance was high across self-efficacy attributions but low across other attributions.

Conclusions

Most men who complain of ejaculating before desired attribute this response to problems with self-efficacy. Only a small percent of men identified other possible reasons for their quick ejaculation. Such findings have implications for both the diagnostic process and definitional language for PE.
Hormonal and Surgical Treatment in Trans-Women with BRCA1 Mutations: A Controversial Topic
Authors: Colebunders Britt , T'Sjoen Guy , Weyers Steven , Monstrey Stan
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Male-to-female transgender persons (trans-women) receive livelong cross-sex hormonal treatment in order to induce and maintain secondary female characteristics. One of the concerns of long-term estrogen treatment is the induction of carcinomas of estrogen-sensitive tissues such as the breast. BRCA1 mutations have been shown to account for a large proportion of inherited predispositions to breast cancer.

Aim

The aim of this case report is to discuss the hormonal and surgical options in the treatment of trans-women with a genetic predisposition for breast cancer.

Method

We describe a case of a trans-woman who was found to be a carrier of a BRCA1 mutation.

Results

The patient underwent a breast augmentation. She refused a prophylactic mastectomy followed by a primary breast reconstruction. She also underwent a vaginoplasty and a bilateral castration. Androgen blocking treatment was stopped after surgery; estradiol treatment however was continued.

Conclusions

This case points to the importance of routine investigation of family history in trans-women. Trans-women with BRCA mutations should be carefully monitored and if cancers develop, this should be reported. Follow-up should be according to the guidelines for breast cancer screening in biological women, and the guidelines for prostate cancer and colon cancer screening in men.
Correlation between Migraine Severity and Cholesterol Levels
Authors: Tana Claudio , Santilli Francesca , Martelletti Paolo , di Vincenzo Angelo , Cipollone Francesco , Davì Giovanni , Giamberardino Maria Adele
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Several studies have documented increased cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypercholesterolemia, in the migraine population with respect to controls. However, no studies have investigated the possible relationship between headache severity parameters and lipid serum levels.

Methods

This study evaluated the lipid asset in 52 migraine patients (17 with and 36 without aura) before and after treatment with drugs for migraine prophylaxis for 3 months.

Results

High frequency (HF, ≥ 8/month) and intensity (HI, ≥ 5 Numeric Rating Score) vs. low frequency (LF, < 8/month) and intensity (LI, < 5) of crises were associated with significantly higher cholesterol levels, both total (TC, HF vs. LF, P < 0.0001; HI vs. LI, P < 0.0001) and LDL (LDL‐c, HF vs. LF, P < 0.0001, and HI vs. LI, P < 0.0001). In treated patients, a significant decrease in number and intensity of crises was associated with a significant reduction of TC and LDL‐c (P < 0.001). A direct linear correlation was also found between frequency and intensity of crises and lipid levels (TC/frequency, P < 0.0001; TC/intensity, P < 0.0001; LDL‐c/frequency, P < 0.0001; LDL‐c/intensity, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was found in the evaluated parameters for the subgroups of patients with and without aura.

Discussion

This study shows a significant positive association between migraine frequency and intensity with total and LDL cholesterol, demonstrating for the first time a significant reduction of these lipid parameters after migraine prophylaxis. However, in view of the retrospective design of the study and the small population size, these results should be considered as preliminary, to be confirmed by future prospective controlled trials.
Approximate solution algorithm for multi-parametric non-convex programming problems with polyhedral constraints
Authors: Kassa Abay Molla , Kassa Semu Mitiku
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we developed a novel algorithmic approach for thesolution of multi-parametric non-convex programming problems withcontinuous decision variables. The basic idea of the proposedapproach is based on successive convex relaxation of each non-convexterms and sensitivity analysis theory. The proposed algorithm isimplemented using MATLAB software package and numericalexamples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness andapplicability of the proposed method on multi-parametric non-convexprogramming problems with polyhedral constraints.
A New Method to Find Fuzzy Nth Order Derivation and Applications to Fuzzy Nth Order Arithmetic Based on Generalized H-Derivation
Authors: Hooshangian Laleh , Allahviranloo Tofigh
Published: July 2014

In this paper, fuzzy nth-order derivative for n in N is introduced. To do this, nth-order derivation under generalized Hukuhara derivative here in discussed. Calculations on the fuzzy nth-order derivative on fuzzy functions and their relationships, in general, are introduced. Then, the fuzzy nth-order differential equations is solved, for n in N.