bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term dynamics of day-ahead and intraday electricity prices
Authors: Wolff Georg , Feuerriegel Stefan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Since the liberalization of electricity markets in the European Union, prices are subject to market dynamics. Hence, understanding the short-term drivers of electricity prices is of major interest to electricity companies and policymakers. Accordingly, this paper aims to study movements of prices in the combined German and Austrian electricity market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper estimates an autoregressive model with exogenous variables (ARX) in a two-step procedure. In the first step, both time series, which inherently feature seasonality, are de-seasonalized, and in the second step, the influence of all model variables on the two dependent variables, i.e. the day-ahead and intraday European Power Energy Exchange prices, is measured.

Findings

The results reveal that the short-term market is largely driven by seasonality, consumer demand and short-term feed-ins from renewable energy sources. As a contribution to the existing body of literature, this paper specifically compares the price movements in day-ahead and intraday markets. In intraday markets, the influences of renewable energies are much stronger than in day-ahead markets, i.e. by 24.12 per cent for wind and 116.82 per cent for solar infeeds.

Originality/value

Knowledge on the price setting mechanism in the intraday market is particularly scarce. This paper contributes to existing research on this topic by deriving drivers in the intraday market and then contrasting them to the day-ahead market. A more thorough understanding is especially crucial for all stakeholders, who can use this knowledge to optimize their bidding strategies. Furthermore, the findings suggest policy implications for a more stable and efficient electricity market.
Comparison of methods in estimating Weibull parameters for wind energy applications
Authors: Tizgui Ijjou , El Guezar Fatima , Bouzahir Hassane , Benaid Brahim
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to select the most accurate and the most efficient method in estimating Weibull parameters at Agadir region in Morocco.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Weibull distribution is used to model the wind speed in hourly time series format. Since several methods are used to adjust the Weibull distribution to the measured data, in reporting and analyzing the easiest and the most effective method, seven methods have been investigated, namely, the graphical method (GM), the maximum likelihood method (MLM), the empirical method of Justus (EMJ), the empirical method of Lysen (EML), the energy pattern factor method (EPFM), Mabchour’s method (MMab) and the method of moments (MM).

Findings

According to the statistical analysis tools (the coefficient of determination, root mean square error and chi-square test), it was found that for five months, the MLM presents more efficiency, and for four months, EMJ is ranked first and it is ranked second for February. To select only one method, the selected methods (MLM and EMJ) were compared by calculating the error in estimating the power density using Weibull distribution adjusted by those methods. The average error was found to be −0.51 and −4.56 per cent for MLM and EMJ, respectively.

Originality/value

This investigation is the first of its kind for the studied region. To estimate the available wind power at Agadir in Morocco, investors can directly use MLM to determine the Weibull parameters at this site.
Credit rating process
Authors: Wiener-Fererhofer Alexander
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze which key financial factors are appropriate for measuring a credit rating score for family firms. In the recent literature, there exists a vast number of studies which evaluates performance differences between family and non-family firms (NFF). However an analysis with regards to a distinction between credit rating scores of family-orientated businesses compared to their counterparts in Austria has not been examined so far.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to bridge this research gap, an empirical model based on Moody’s credit rating methodology is used to address these issues. Therefore, the relevant data were taken from the 600 largest, both listed and non-listed, companies of Austria. The statistical measurements refer to a comparison of the means resulting from quantitative rating categories (profitability, leverage structure, liquidity development and firm size).

Findings

The results of this empirical research show that family firms achieve better values in profitability, leverage structure and liquidity development based on credit rating scores. Only firm size represents no significant differences between family and NFF.

Originality/value

This study will contribute to the existing literature in the academic area of family business research and offers a framework for future empirical analysis in this field. Furthermore, this paper provides important information that will help both family and NFF accomplish their financial strategies related to credit rating transitions.
The financial decisions of family businesses
Authors: Motylska-Kuzma Anna
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the status, trends and potential future research areas in the field of financial decision-making process in family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The bibliometric indicators and methods are applied in order to describe the publication activity and to analyze the contents of the articles. The material examined are the journals included in the SCOPUS, SAGE and EBSCO database and the peer-reviewed article, which contain in their titles, keywords or abstracts with a combination of phrases “family firms,” “family business” or “family enterprise” with “financial decision” or one of the subcategories: capital structure, investment decision, capital budgeting, working capital management or dividend policy. The study covers the period from 2000 to 2016.

Findings

Although the interest in family business research is growing rapidly, the area of financial decision making is underestimated. Despite of the fact that the vast majority of the studies into financial decisions in family firms is are focused on the capital structure, they do not give clear answers to the question of how the family businesses behave in this scope and what their true financial logic is. Additionally, the area of the investment decisions and dividend policy is rather not better left uncovered.

Research limitations/implications

The analyses enable the identification of potential avenues for future research which could be vital to make an advancement in the consolidation of the discipline.

Practical implications

The analyses ought to have a potential meaning mainly for external institutions (especially financial institutions) in better understanding of the family businesses and their point of view.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills the need of a comprehensive review of financial decision making process in family firms. It provides a literature review and bibliography for the period between 2000 and 2016 for the use of both academicians and practitioners.
Exploring the impact of outsourcing on organizational performance
Authors: Nyameboame Joseph , Haddud Abubaker
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The need for businesses to gain profit through the provision of high-quality services has driven the organizations to outsource business activities and functions that are considered not integral to the core business. The purpose of this paper is to identify key outsourced activities and to explore their influence on the organizational performance of the targeted locally owned oil and gas companies in Ghana. Also, the study explores key benefits and challenges associated with adopting outsourcing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were collected using a survey from 80 participants working for different oil and gas companies in Ghana.

Findings

The study revealed that most of the outsourced activities include transport services, information technology (IT) consulting and business consulting services, system infrastructure provision and management and logistical services. Also, key outsourcing reasons were reducing operational costs, avoiding major investment costs in technology, providing consistent and improved service delivery, accessing current technology and expert knowledge and focusing more on core business activities. Outsourcing is significant to enhance the performance of an oil and gas company; however, outsourcing could also result in the conflict of firm culture with outsourced vendors, and inefficient management and loss of innovative capacity are possible negative effects of outsourcing.

Research limitations/implications

The study targeted mainly locally owned oil and gas companies operating in Greater Accra regions of Ghana and including other areas is recommended in the future. Also, the research sample size was 80 participants for this study, and a larger sample should be used in the future.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of research in management outsourcing in Ghana’s oil and gas industry. To the best knowledge of the authors, this study presents the first research of its kind and the findings will be valuable for the targeted companies. The results from this study can also be used by other companies operating in similar oil and gas business environments operating in other oil and gas producing countries particularly in Africa and Asia. Also, the result from this study can greatly benefit other companies already adopting, or considering adopting, outsourcing and operate in similar service-providing sectors within Ghana or in other countries with similar business environments.
Offshore-sourcing strategies and the puzzle of productivity: a micro-level analysis
Authors: Capolupo Rosa , Amendolagine Vito , Ferri Giovanni
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether offshoring strategies are able to substantially enhance firms’ international competitiveness in terms of productivity, innovativeness and skill composition for a panel of Italian manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of hypotheses derived from the extant literature is tested on data from balance sheets and qualitative surveys of about 4,000 Italian firms. The methodology used is a propensity score matching estimator and difference in differences method that allowed the authors to detect the causal effect of the offshoring status of the firms on some performance measures.

Findings

Results demonstrate that offshoring increases the propensity to innovate and the skill ratio of workers but does not show a significant association with productivity growth. The estimates are robust in all the specifications.

Research limitations/implications

The results are applicable to Italian firms. The magnitude and timing of the effects may vary across firms and countries.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the empirical literature on offshoring by exploring its impact on a variety of firms’ performance measures by using matching techniques that allow us to investigate more in depth the causality link of the relationship and to control for the self-selection effect (more productive firms self-select to offshore).
Leader pride and gratitude differentially impact follower trust
Authors: Ritzenhöfer Lisa , Brosi Prisca , Spörrle Matthias , Welpe Isabell M.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Current research suggests a positive link between followers’ perceptions of their leaders’ expression of positive emotions and followers’ trust in their leaders. Based on the theories about the social function of emotions, the authors aim to qualify this generalized assumption. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that followers’ perceptions of leaders’ expressions of specific positive emotions – namely, pride and gratitude – differentially influence follower ratings of leaders’ trustworthiness (benevolence, integrity, and ability), and, ultimately, trust in the leader.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested using a multimethod approach combining experimental evidence (n=271) with longitudinal field data (n=120).

Findings

Both when experimentally manipulating leaders’ emotion expressions and when measuring followers’ perceptions of leaders’ emotion expressions, this research found leaders’ expressions of pride to be consistently associated with lower perceived benevolence, while leaders’ expressions of gratitude were associated with higher perceptions of benevolence and integrity.

Originality/value

This paper theoretically and empirically establishes that leaders’ expressions of discrete positive emotions differentially influence followers’ trust in the leader via trustworthiness perceptions.
The impact of unilateral oophorectomy on ovarian reserve in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Younis JS , Naoum I , Salem N , Perlitz Y , Izhaki I
Published: September 2017

Background

Women following unilateral oophorectomy (UO) are occasionally encountered during assisted reproduction treatment.

Objective

To explore the impact of UO on ovarian reserve in assisted reproduction.

Search strategy

An electronic database search was performed using PubMed, EBSCO, ISI, Trip, ClinicalTrial.gov and the Cochrane library followed by a manual search to identify published research between January 1978 and December 2015.

Selection criteria

Controlled studies that compared infertile women following UO undergoing IVF‐ET treatment with women with two intact ovaries.

Data collection and analysis

Two reviewers independently extracted the data concerning the impact of UO on ovarian reserve tests, ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and clinical pregnancy rate. Meta‐analysis was performed using these measures.

Main results

Twenty‐one studies were eligible for quantitative analysis. They included 1045 and 18 172 IVF cycles in women with one and two intact ovaries, respectively. Basal FSH weighted mean difference (WMD) was significant (2.01 IU/l; 95% CI: 0.24–3.79, P = 0.026). Similarly, the WMD of serum E2 level on the day of hCG administration was significant (WMD: −431 pg/ml; 95% CI: −616 to −246, P < 0.001). However, the weighted overall odds ratio (OR) of clinical pregnancy between women with a single ovary and women with two ovaries was comparable (overall OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.57–1.00, P = 0.054). All eligible studies were retrospectively conducted and the heterogeneity among ovarian response measures was high.

Conclusions

Available pooled data supports an adverse effect of UO on ovarian reserve involving the quantity but not the quality of the ovarian pool.

Tweetable abstract

Review finds women with one ovary removed have less IVF capacity but the same pregnancy rate as women with two ovaries.
Contact High: The External Effects of Retail Marijuana Establishments on House Prices
Authors: Conklin James , Diop Moussa , Li Herman
Published: September 2017

Using publicly available data from the city of Denver and the state of Colorado, this study examines the effects of retail conversions (conversions from medical marijuana to retail marijuana stores) on neighboring house values in Denver, CO. The study period reflects a time before and after retail marijuana sales became legal in Colorado in 2014. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, we compare houses that were in close proximity to a conversion (within 0.1 miles) to those that are farther away from a conversion. We find that single‐family residences close to a retail conversion increased in value by approximately 8% relative to houses that are located slightly farther away. We perform a battery of robustness checks and falsification tests to provide additional support for this finding. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine at a microlevel the highly localized effect of retail marijuana establishments on house prices and hope that it can contribute to the debate on retail marijuana laws.
A Decision Instrument to Identify Isolated Traumatic Subdural Hematomas at Low Risk of Neurologic Deterioration, Surgical Intervention, or Radiographic Worsening
Authors: Pruitt Peter , Ornam Jonathan Van , Borczuk Pierre
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Subdural hematoma (SDH) is the most common form of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Severity of disease in patients with SDH varies widely. It was hypothesized that a decision rule could identify patients with SDH who are at very low risk for neurologic decline, neurosurgical intervention, or radiographic worsening.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients age ≥ 16 with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) ≥ 13 and computed tomography (CT)‐documented isolated SDH presenting to a university‐affiliated, urban, 100,000‐annual‐visit ED from 2009 to 2015. Demographic, historical, and physical examination variables were collected. Primary outcome was a composite of neurosurgical intervention, worsening repeat CT, and neurologic decline. Univariate analysis was performed and statistically important variables were utilized to create a logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 644 patients with isolated SDH were reviewed, 340 in the derivation group and 304 in the validation set. Mortality was 2.2%. A total 15.5% of patients required neurosurgery. A decision instrument was created: patients were low risk if they had none of the following factors—SDH thickness ≥ 5mm, warfarin use, clopidogrel use, GCS < 14, and presence of midline shift. This model had a sensitivity of 98.6% for the composite endpoint, specificity of 37.1%, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.037. In the validation cohort, sensitivity was 96.3%, specificity was 31.5%, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.127.

Conclusion

Subdural hematomas are amenable to risk stratification analysis. With prospective validation, this decision instrument may aid in triaging these patients, including reducing the need for transfer to tertiary centers.
Genome‐wide scans between two honeybee populations reveal putative signatures of human‐mediated selection
Authors: Parejo M. , Wragg D. , Henriques D. , Vignal A. , Neuditschko M.
Published: September 2017

Human‐mediated selection has left signatures in the genomes of many domesticated animals, including the European dark honeybee, Apis mellifera mellifera, which has been selected by apiculturists for centuries. Using whole‐genome sequence information, we investigated selection signatures in spatially separated honeybee subpopulations (Switzerland, n = 39 and France, n = 17). Three different test statistics were calculated in windows of 2 kb (fixation index, cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity and cross‐population composite likelihood ratio) and combined into a recently developed composite selection score. Applying a stringent false discovery rate of 0.01, we identified six significant selective sweeps distributed across five chromosomes covering eight genes. These genes are associated with multiple molecular and biological functions, including regulation of transcription, receptor binding and signal transduction. Of particular interest is a selection signature on chromosome 1, which corresponds to the WNT4 gene, the family of which is conserved across the animal kingdom with a variety of functions. In Drosophila melanogaster, WNT4 alleles have been associated with differential wing, cross vein and abdominal phenotypes. Defining phenotypic characteristics of different Apis mellifera ssp., which are typically used as selection criteria, include colour and wing venation pattern. This signal is therefore likely to be a good candidate for human mediated‐selection arising from different applied breeding practices in the two managed populations.
Current options in aerosolised drug therapy for children receiving respiratory support
Authors: Trend S. , von Ungern‐Sternberg B. S. , Devadason S. G. , Schultz A. , Everard M. L.
Published: September 2017

Inhalation of aerosolised medications are the mainstay of treatment for a number of chronic lung diseases and have several advantages over systemically‐administered medications. These include more rapid onset of action for drugs such as β‐adrenergic agonists when compared with oral medication, high luminal doses for inhaled antibiotics when used to treat endobronchial infection, and an improved therapeutic index compared with systemic delivery for these and other classes of drugs such as corticosteroids. The use of aerosolised drugs to treat patients whose tracheas are intubated is less well established, in part because systemic delivery via the intravenous route can be a simpler alternative for many drugs. Consequently, research in this area is largely limited to a number of in vitro studies and very few clinical trials. Unfortunately, a lack of focus in this area has resulted in a number of practices which at best are ineffective, and at worst dangerous for the patient. Although there have been some attempts to re‐invigorate research in order to improve delivery systems, current devices are, to a great extent, based on long‐standing technology developed more than 50 years ago. In this review, we explore current knowledge and provide guidance as to when and how the inhaled route may be of value when treating patients whose tracheas are intubated, and we set out the challenges facing those attempting to advance the topic. We conclude by reviewing current areas of interest that may lead to more effective and widespread use of aerosols in the treatment of intubated patients.
Implementing higher oxygen saturation targets reduced the impact of poor weight gain as a predictor for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Lundgren Pia , Hård Anna–Lena , Wilde Åsa , Löfqvist Chatarina , Smith Lois E. H. , Hellström Ann
Published: September 2017

Aim

This study evaluated poor weight gain as a risk factor for infants who required treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), by comparing those born before and after the implementation of higher oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets at the Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Methods

We compared infants born at less than 31 weeks, who were screened and, or, treated for ROP: 127 in 2011–2012 when SpO2 targets were 88–92% and 142 in 2015–2016 when they were 91–95%. The subjects were reviewed for birth characteristics, weekly weight and ROP treatment. Data were analysed using the weight, insulin‐like growth factor 1, neonatal, ROP (WINROP) prediction tool.

Results

The 2011–2012 infants who needed ROP treatment (12.6%) had significantly poorer postnatal weight gain than those who did not, but this was not seen in the treated (17.6%) and nontreated ROP groups in 2015–2016. WINROP sensitivity decreased from 87.5% in 2011–12 to 48% in 2015–2016.

Conclusion

After the SpO2 target range was increased from 88–92% to 91–95%, postnatal weight gain was no longer a significant risk factor and WINROP lost its ability to predict ROP requiring treatment. Risk factors clearly change as neonatal care develops.
A method for assessment of the dynamic response of the arterial baroreflex
Authors: Lund M. T. , Salomonsson M. , Jonassen T. E. N. , Holstein‐Rathlou N.‐H.
Published: September 2017

Aim

The baroreflex is a key mechanism in cardiovascular regulation, and alterations in baroreceptor function are seen in many diseases, including heart failure, obesity and hypertension. We propose a new method for analysing baroreceptor function from continuous blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in both health and disease.

Methods

Forty‐eight‐hour data series of BP and HR were collected with telemetry. Sprague Dawley rats on standard chow (n = 11) served as controls, while rats on a high‐fat, high‐fructose (HFHC) diet (n = 6) constituted the obese‐hypertensive model. A third group of rats underwent autonomic blockade (n = 6). An autoregressive–moving‐average with exogenous inputs (ARMAX) model was applied to the data and compared with the α‐coefficient.

Results

Autonomic blockade caused a significant reduction in the strength of the baroreflex as estimated by ARMAX [ARMAX‐ baroreflex sensitivity (BRS)] −0.03 ± 0.01 vs. −0.19 ± 0.04 bpm heartbeat−1). Both methods showed a ~50% reduction in BRS in the obese‐hypertensive group compared with control (body weight 531 ± 27 vs. 458 ± 19 g, P < 0.05; mean arterial pressure 119 ± 3 vs. 102 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.05; ARMAX‐BRS −0.08 ± 0.01 vs. −0.15 ± 0.01 bpm heartbeat−1, P < 0.05; α‐coefficient BRS 0.51 ± 0.07 vs. 0.89 ± 0.07 ms mmHg−1, P < 0.05). The ARMAX method additionally showed the open‐loop gain of the baroreflex to be reduced by ~50% in the obese‐hypertensive group (−2.3 ± 0.3 vs. −4.1 ± 0.3 bpm, P < 0.05), while the rate constant was similar between groups.

Conclusion

The ARMAX model represents an efficient method for estimating several aspects of the baroreflex. The open‐loop gain of the baroreflex was attenuated in obese‐hypertensive rats compared with control, while the time response was similar. The algorithm can be applied to other species including humans.
Revisiting the Corporate Social and Financial Performance Link: A Contingency Approach
Authors: O'Higgins Eleanor , Thevissen Thibault
Published: September 2017

This study draws on and extends contingency theory, in relation to stakeholder theory to understand the corporate social performance (CSP) and financial performance (CFP) link, by evaluating under what circumstances CSP influences CFP. Contingencies include stakeholder configurations/salience and crisis conditions. Using differentiated measures of CSP, this study examined financial effects of various specific stakeholder facing activities pre‐ and post‐crisis in the food/beverage and pharmaceutical industries, and in firms selling search versus experience goods. The results indicate that pre‐crisis CSP is related to post‐crisis financial effects, but the relationships are dependent on the interactions among the contingencies studied, so investments in certain social areas improve CFP, whereas others may hurt it. This confirms that a finer grained approach should be taken to the examination of CSP and CFP. On a practical basis, it shows that deep stakeholder knowledge and attention to complementary factors to CSP, such as advertising, must be understood, so CSP activities are of benefit to the firm.
WHO FAVOURS THE GAY COMMUNITY? EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE USING CHARITABLE DONATIONS
Authors: Sansani Shahar , Rozental Arik
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we conduct an experiment to determine the characteristics of individuals who are more likely to donate to a gay charity. After filling out a questionnaire that includes information on gender, ethnicity, and religiosity, as well as other factors, Israeli undergraduate students are asked to choose two out of four options: participation in a lottery, donation to a gay charity, donation to a religious charity, and donation to an education‐focused charity. Our most robust findings are that females and the less religiously observant are more likely to donate to the gay charity.
Vascular, inflammatory, and metabolic factors associated with cognition in aging persons with chronic epilepsy
Authors: Hermann Bruce P. , Sager Mark A. , Koscik Rebecca L. , Young Kate , Nakamura Keith
Published: September 2017

We examined cognition in aging persons with chronic epilepsy; characterized targeted vascular, inflammatory, and metabolic risk factors associated with abnormal cognitive aging in the general population; and examined associations between cognition and vascular, inflammatory, and metabolic health. Participants included 40 persons with chronic localization‐related epilepsy and 152 controls, aged 54.6 and 55.3, respectively. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessment, clinical examination, and fasting blood evaluation for quantification of vascular status (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, obesity/body mass index [BMI], total and high‐density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol level, and homocysteine), inflammatory markers (high sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP], and interleukin‐6 [IL‐6]), and metabolic status (insulin resistance [Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR)], glucose). Epilepsy participants exhibited impairment across all cognitive factor scores (all p's < 0.0001); abnormalities in BMI (p = 0.049), hs‐CRP (p = 0.046), HOMA‐IR (p = 0.0040), and fasting glucose (p = 0.03), with significant relationships between higher HOMA‐IR with poorer Immediate Memory (p = 0.03) and Visuospatial Ability (0.03); elevated hs‐CRP with poorer Visuospatial (p = 0.035) and Verbal Ability (p = 0.06); elevated BMI with poorer Speed/Flexibility (p = 0.04), Visuospatial (p = 0.001) and Verbal Ability (p = 0.02); and lower HDL with poorer Verbal Learning/Delayed Memory (p = 0.01), Speed/Flexibility (p = 0.043), and Working Memory (p = 0.008). Aging persons with chronic epilepsy exhibit multiple abnormalities in metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular health that are associated with poorer cognitive function.
Women and Drug Policies in Latin America: A Critical Review of the United Nations Resolution ‘Mainstreaming a Gender Perspective in Drug‐Related Policies and Programmes’
Authors: GIACOMELLO CORINA
Published: September 2017

Since the 2000s the impact of the international system of drug control has moved centre stage and with it the visibility of women involved in drug trafficking and drug use. International bodies and civil society organisations establish discursive consensus on women's realities in relation to drugs and the need for a gender perspective in drug policies. In March 2016, United Nations member states gathered at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs approved the resolution ‘Mainstreaming a gender perspective in drug‐related policies and programmes’. In this article, the contents of the resolution are discussed against the experiences of incarcerated women in Mexico City. In contrast to the image of women‐as‐victims sustained by the mainstream gender perspective, it is argued that agency and victimisation coexist and that such a relationship must set the basis for women‐centred drug policy.
Exploring provider and parental perceptions to influenza vaccination in the inpatient setting
Authors: Rao Suchitra , Fischman Victoria , Moss Angela , Ziniel Sonja I. , Torok Michelle R. , McNeely Heidi , Hyman Daniel , Wilson Karen M. , Dempsey Amanda F.
Published: September 2017

Background

Hospitalization provides an ideal opportunity for immunization, but few studies have explored provider and parental attitudes toward pediatric inpatient vaccination against influenza.

Objectives

The objectives were to determine provider and caregiver attitudes and explore potential barriers to inpatient influenza vaccination.

Methods

We developed and distributed two surveys to parents/caregivers as well as providers of general pediatric inpatients at Children's Hospital Colorado between October 2014 and March 2015 assessing attitudes toward influenza and inpatient influenza vaccination. We analyzed the Likert scale responses using univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression to assess associations between responses and vaccination status.

Results

The overall response rate was 95% and 58% for parents and providers, respectively. Parents of hospitalized children who agreed that flu vaccines are safe (adjusted OR 2.50 [95%CI 1.76‐3.58]), and that the influenza vaccine is needed every year had higher odds of having a vaccinated child (adjusted OR 3.30 [95%CI 2.30‐4.81]). Most providers (91%) agree that influenza vaccination is an important priority among inpatients, but believe that parental misconceptions and their reluctance for inpatient vaccination are the most important barriers to influenza vaccination. Providers forgetting to ask about vaccination status and order the vaccine are the next most commonly identified barriers. In contrast, most parents surveyed had favorable attitudes toward inpatient influenza vaccination and disagreed that their child was too sick to receive the vaccine during hospitalization.
Social determinants of influenza hospitalization in the United States
Authors: Chandrasekhar Rameela , Sloan Chantel , Mitchel Edward , Ndi Danielle , Alden Nisha , Thomas Ann , Bennett Nancy M. , Kirley Pam D. , Hill Mary , Anderson Evan J. , Lynfield Ruth , Yousey‐Hindes Kimberly , Bargsten Marisa , Zansky Shelley M. , Lung Krista , Schroeder Monica , Monroe Maya , Eckel Seth , Markus Tiffanie M. , Cummings Charisse N. , Garg Shikha , Schaffner William , Lindegren Mary Lou
Published: September 2017

Background

Influenza hospitalizations result in substantial morbidity and mortality each year. Little is known about the association between influenza hospitalization and census tract‐based socioeconomic determinants beyond the effect of individual factors.

Objective

To evaluate whether census tract‐based determinants such as poverty and household crowding would contribute significantly to the risk of influenza hospitalization above and beyond individual‐level determinants.

Methods

We analyzed 33 515 laboratory‐confirmed influenza‐associated hospitalizations that occurred during the 2009‐2010 through 2013‐2014 influenza seasons using a population‐based surveillance system at 14 sites across the United States.

Results

Using a multilevel regression model, we found that individual factors were associated with influenza hospitalization with the highest adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 9.20 (95% CI 8.72‐9.70) for those ≥65 vs 5‐17 years old. African Americans had an AOR of 1.67 (95% CI 1.60‐1.73) compared to Whites, and Hispanics had an AOR of 1.21 (95% CI 1.16‐1.26) compared to non‐Hispanics. Among census tract‐based determinants, those living in a tract with ≥20% vs <5% of persons living below poverty had an AOR of 1.31 (95% CI 1.16‐1.47), those living in a tract with ≥5% vs <5% of persons living in crowded conditions had an AOR of 1.17 (95% CI 1.11‐1.23), and those living in a tract with ≥40% vs <5% female heads of household had an AOR of 1.32 (95% CI 1.25‐1.40).

Conclusion

Census tract‐based determinants account for 11% of the variability in influenza hospitalization.
Clean Water, Clean Life: Promoting Healthier, Accessible Water in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Arcipowski Erin , Schwartz John , Davenport Lisa , Hayes Meghan , Nolan Tracy
Published: September 2017

In the rural Appalachian region of the United States, thousands of residents struggle with issues of water quality and accessibility. Vulnerabilities of poverty, isolation, and rough geographical terrain complicate life for Appalachians who need access to adequate water supply and septic systems. In 2013, an inter‐professional team of nursing, architecture, engineering, and law enforcement faculty and students developed a water‐focused collaboration with community members in southeastern Kentucky. Greater accessibility to clean drinking water is a critical need in the area. Collaborative community engagement yielded effective and sustainable interventions. Inter‐professional teams completed N=30 comprehensive home assessments examining factors such as water source utilization, septic system management, health status, and disaster preparedness. While the majority of homes evaluated had functional water supply and septic systems, the team observed straight piping as a means of waste disposal for several homes. Homeowners who did not have a residential water supply identified common gathering places where they typically obtain drinking water. To expand environmental assessment, the team collected water samples at 16 different sites where residents obtain drinking water or use it for recreational purposes. Testing of collected samples revealed 15 of 16 sites contained fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, or both. Because of the findings, the team and community key informants collaboratively developed interventions, such as relaying findings to community leaders, developing a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)‐related education program, and improving access to clean, safe water through the design and construction of a water kiosk. Outcome of interventions included greater awareness and knowledge of WASH related topics, improved access to clean water sources, and sustainable solutions to enhance overall quality of life, health and well‐being.
Changing Student Conceptions of Arid, Urban Watershed Management
Authors: Thomas Rachel A. , Svihla Vanessa
Published: September 2017

Despite the central importance of water, few students have the opportunity to study water resources management in secondary education. Even in tertiary education—unless they major in water resources or a closely related field—they are likely to receive only a week or two of instruction about water resources in introductory science courses. Typical instruction in such courses is textbook‐based, with the course instructor lecturing on a broad range of topics. Complicating this, little is known about student preconceptions, which may interfere with—or be used to support—learning. We sought to identify preconceptions in an introductory environmental science course at an urban, research (R1) university in the arid Southwest of the United States. We used a pre/post design to assess student preconceptions about their urban campus watershed and designed a brief, experiential learning exercise. While experiential learning is common in water resources management programs, it is less common in introductory courses. We developed a coding scheme to analyze the pre‐ and post‐test responses; results showed students held normative and non‐normative preconceptions. There was significant growth in students’ conceptual understanding between the pre‐test and post‐test, (t(33) = −2.25, p < .05), with a small to medium effect size, d = −0.393. This finding supports the use of experiential learning as a means to teach students about water resources, even in an introductory course. Understanding students’ preconceptions of arid, urban watersheds can assist in how to better design curriculum. Such improvements in curricular design can empower students to make better decisions about urban watersheds.
Synergistically optimizing electrical and thermal transport properties of Bi2O2Se ceramics by Te‐substitution
Authors: Tan Xing , Liu Yaochun , Hu Kerong , Ren Guangkun , Li Yueming , Liu Rui , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Lan Jin‐Le , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: September 2017

Bi2O2Se oxyselenides, characterized with intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity and large Seebeck coefficient, are potential n‐type thermoelectric material in the mediate temperature range. Given the low carrier concentration of ~1015 cm−3 at 300 K, the intrinsically low electrical conductivity actually hinders further enhancement of their thermoelectric performance. In this work, the isovalent Te‐substitution of Se plays an effective role in narrowing the band gap, which notably increases the carrier concentration to ~1018 cm−3 at 300 K and the electron conduction activation energy has been lowered significantly from 0.33 to 0.14 eV. As a consequence, the power factor has been improved from 104 μW·K−2·m−1 for pristine Bi2O2Se to 297 μW·K−2·m−1 for Bi2O2Se0.96Te0.04 at 823 K. Meanwhile, the suppressed lattice thermal conductivity derives from the introduced point defects by heavier Te atoms. The gradually decreased phonon mean free path reflects the increasingly intense phonon scattering. Ultimately, the ZT value attains 0.28 for Bi2O2Se0.96Te0.04 at 823 K, an enhancement by a factor of ~2 as compared to that of pristine Bi2O2Se. This study has demonstrated that Te‐substitution of Se could synergistically optimize the electrical and thermal properties thus effectively enhancing the thermoelectric performance of Bi2O2Se.
Synthesis of Eu3+‐doped BaBi2Ta2O9 based glass‐ceramic nanocomposites: Optical and dielectric properties
Authors: Chakrabarti Anirban , Tarafder Anal , Molla Atiar Rahaman
Published: September 2017

In this paper we report for the first time synthesis of Eu3+‐doped transparent glass‐ceramics (TGC) with BaBi2Ta2O9 (BBT) as the major crystal phase using the glass system SiO2–K2O–BaO–Bi2O3–Ta2O5 by melt quenching technique followed by controlled crystallization through ceramming heat treatment. DSC studies were conducted in order to determine a novel heat‐treatment protocol to attain transparent GCs by controlling crystal growth. The structural properties of the BBT GCs have been investigated using XRD, FE‐SEM, TEM and FTIR reflectance spectroscopy. Optical band gap energies of the glass‐ceramic samples were found to decrease with respect to the precursor glass. An increased intensity of emission along with increase in the average lifetime of Eu3+ was observed due to incorporation of Eu3+ ions into the low‐phonon energy BBT crystal site. The local field asymmetric ratios of all the samples were observed greater than unity. The dielectric constant (εr), dielectric loss, and dissipation factor values of both the base glass and ceramized samples were found to decrease with increase in frequency.
Demoicracy, Transnational Partisanship and the EU
Authors: Wolkenstein Fabio
Published: September 2017

Advocates of demoicracy dismiss the proposal to transform the EU into a supranational democracy on the grounds that there is no pan‐European demos. This article examines several arguments that have been advanced to that effect and, noting some problems left outstanding, goes on to suggest that demoicrats who endorse the no‐demos thesis fail to consider the possibility that citizens themselves may seek to europeanize the identities of Europeans. If we take this possibility seriously, it not only follows that the no‐demos thesis is not a knockdown objection to supranational democracy. We are also provided with an alternative normative vision for transforming the EU into a legitimate supranational democratic order, one that turns upon the transformative potential of citizens who associate across borders in pursuit of shared political goals. The article concludes by examining this vision under the heading of ‘transnational partisanship’.
Balancing National Security and Data Protection: The Role of EU and US Policy‐Makers and Courts before and after the NSA Affair
Authors: Dimitrova Anna , Brkan Maja
Published: September 2017

Based on the unparalleled number of recent data protection reforms triggered by Snowden's revelations on both sides of the Atlantic, this article aims to examine the interplay between the two main transatlantic actors striking the balance between national security and privacy, namely EU and US policy‐makers and courts. We argue, on the one hand, that the NSA affair has opened a window to policy‐makers to pursue reforms in order to attain a level of adequacy of their respective data protection legal regimes. On the other hand, although some data protection reforms have been adopted by legislators in response to courts acting as reformers in the post‐Snowden context, the EU and US courts' approaches to balancing national security and data protection remain diametrically opposite. Drawing upon recent case law, we demonstrate that US courts continue to tilt the balance in favour of national security while EU courts retain their pro‐privacy stance.
Optimal procedural sequence for same‐day bidirectional endoscopy with moderate sedation: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Chen Shuo‐Wei , Cheng Chi‐Liang , Liu Nai‐Jen , Tang Jui‐Hsiang , Kuo Yen‐Lin , Lin Cheng‐Hui , Tsui Yi‐Ning , Lee Bai‐Ping , Hung Hsiang‐Ling
Published: September 2017

Background and Aim

Same‐day bidirectional endoscopy (BDE) is a commonly performed procedure, but the optimal sequence for the procedure with moderate conscious sedation is not well established. This study investigated the optimal sequence for same‐day BDE under moderate conscious sedation and carbon dioxide insufflation in terms of sedation doses, patient discomfort, and colonoscopy performance.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled study of 120 patients who were scheduled for BDE examination was performed. Colonoscopy followed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) examination was performed in 60 patients (colonoscopy‐EGD group), and EGD followed by colonoscopy examination was performed in another 60 patients (EGD‐colonoscopy group). Endoscopists and patients completed a questionnaire to assess objective and subjective discomfort.

Results

Baseline demographics, procedure indications, bowel preparation quality, cecal intubation rate/time, colonoscopy withdrawal time, endoscopic interventions, BDE procedure time, colon polyp/adenoma detection rates, patient discomfort, and adverse events were similar between the two study groups. The total doses of fentanyl and midazolam were significantly higher for the colonoscopy‐EGD group than for the EGD‐colonoscopy group (83.4 ± 17.7 vs 68.7 ± 18.6 μg and 6.3 ± 1.4 vs 5.2 ± 1.3 mg, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The recovery time to discharge was significantly longer for the colonoscopy‐EGD group than for the EGD‐colonoscopy group (43.5 ± 16.2 vs 34.5 ± 8.9 min, P = 0.0003).

Conclusions

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy followed by colonoscopy is the optimal sequence for same‐day BDE under moderate conscious sedation and carbon dioxide insufflation. Following this order allows for a reduction of sedation doses and for shorter recovery times.
Getting Underneath Observed Frailty Transitions: Meaningful Change, Prevention, and Intervention
Authors: Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Espinoza Sara E.
Published: September 2017

This Editorial comments on the article by Lauren Pollack et al.
Treatment Effectiveness in Heart Failure with Comorbidity: Lung Disease and Kidney Disease
Authors: Gurwitz Jerry H. , Magid David J. , Smith David H. , Tabada Grace H. , Sung Sue Hee , Allen Larry A. , McManus David D. , Goldberg Robert J. , Tisminetzky Mayra , Go Alan S.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To assess the clinical effectiveness of beta‐blocker therapy in individuals with heart failure (HF) and chronic lung disease and of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in individuals with HF and chronic kidney disease.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Individuals with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods

We undertook separate new‐user cohort studies to assess the effectiveness of beta‐blocker therapy in treating HF and chronic lung disease and ACE‐Is and ARBs in treating HF and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Individuals with a chronic lung disease diagnosis were included in the group with HF and chronic lung disease (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes 490–496, 518). Individuals with an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 were included in the group with HF and CKD. The clinical outcomes of interest were death from any cause, hospitalization for HF, and hospitalization for any reason. We fitted pooled logistic marginal structural models using inverse probability weighting, stratified according to HF type.

Results

For individuals with HFrEF with chronic lung disease, beta‐blocker therapy was protective against death (relative risk (RR) = 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.44–0.77) and hospitalization for HF (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.60–1.00). For those with HFpEF, no statistically significant associations between beta‐blocker therapy use and any of the outcomes were observed. We found ACE‐I and ARB use to be protective against all three outcomes of interest in individuals with HFrEF (death from any cause: RR = 0.60, 95% 0.40–0.91; hospitalization for HF: RR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.28–0.67; hospitalization for any reason: RR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.45–0.89, respectively) and those with HFpEF (death from any cause: RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.33–0.81; hospitalization for HF: RR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.18–0.68; hospitalization for any reason: RR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.47–0.95).

Conclusion

Large observational studies may allow for identification of important subgroups of individuals with HF that might benefit from existing treatment approaches. Our findings may also better inform the design of more‐definitive future observational studies and randomized trials.