bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The crystal structure of dihydrodipicolinate reductase from the human-pathogenic bacteriumBartonella henselaestrain Houston-1 at 2.3 Å resolution
Authors: Cala Ali R. , Nadeau Maria T. , Abendroth Jan , Staker Bart L. , Reers Alexandra R. , Weatherhead Anthony W. , Dobson Renwick C. J. , Myler Peter J. , Hudson André O.
Published: November 2016

In bacteria, the second committed step in the diaminopimelate/lysine anabolic pathways is catalyzed by the enzyme dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB). DapB catalyzes the reduction of dihydrodipicolinate to yield tetrahydrodipicolinate. Here, the cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and X-ray diffraction analysis of DapB from the human-pathogenic bacteriumBartonella henselae, the causative bacterium of cat-scratch disease, are reported. Protein crystals were grown in conditions consisting of 5%(w/v) PEG 4000, 200 mMsodium acetate, 100 mMsodium citrate tribasic pH 5.5 and were shown to diffract to ∼2.3 Å resolution. They belonged to space groupP4322, with unit-cell parametersa= 109.38,b= 109.38,c= 176.95 Å.Rr.i.m.was 0.11,Rworkwas 0.177 andRfreewas 0.208. The three-dimensional structural features of the enzymes show that DapB fromB. henselaeis a tetramer consisting of four identical polypeptides. In addition, the substrate NADP+was found to be bound to one monomer, which resulted in a closed conformational change in the N-terminal domain.
6-Bromo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-8-carbonitrile
Authors: Çelik Ísmail , Ökten Salih , Ersanlı Cem Cüneyt , Akkurt Mehmet , Çakmak Osman
Published: November 2016

In the title compound, C10H9BrN2, one of the methylene groups of the piperidine ring is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.692 (8):0.308 (8) ratio, which leads to two envelope conformations. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds generateR22(12) loops.
Designing competitivity activity model through the strategic agility approach in a turbulent environment
Authors: Vagnoni Emidia , Khoddami Soheila
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce and test a model of shaping strategic agility based on dynamic capabilities such as information technology (IT) competencies, entrepreneurial alertness and acuity market to improve firms’ competitive activity.

Design/methodology/approach

A study based on a quantitative approach has been designed. Data have been collected through closed questionnaires from a sample of firms. The study has been conducted in the electronics industry in Italy based on the dynamism of the setting. Through SPSS-AMOS application, path analysis has been performed to conduct a first assessment of the theoretical model.

Findings

The dimensions of strategic agility are relevant capabilities for improving competitive activity. Furthermore, increasing strategic agility in the three dimensions (customer, operational and partnering) depends on the ability to improve other dynamic capabilities of the organization, including IT competency, systematic insight and strategic foresight. Finally, strategic agility results to be the only variable able to leverage the firm’s competitive activity.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents some limitations linked to the response rate and the ability to conduct further analysis. However, it highlights the main dimensions that managers and entrepreneurs should develop to improve the competitive activities of the firm.

Practical implications

The paper addresses practitioners’ need to identify the main variable to leverage in order to increase firms’ competitivity.

Social implications

The results of the study offer the opportunity for new reflections when designing business executives’ training programs and defining recruitment pathways.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates strategic agility building in a turbulent environment in the Italian setting.
Challenges to urban cultural heritage conservation and management in the historic centre of Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq
Authors: M. Amin Hanaw M. Taqi , Adu-Ampong Emmanuel Akwasi
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges to urban cultural heritage management conservation in the historical city of Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq. The paper focusses on the roles and interactions of stakeholders and the issues that confront the decision-making processes that underpin the management of historic city towns.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology is utilised for this research. It involves documentary analysis and interviews with stakeholders who are part of the management of the historic city centre of Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq. The findings from this case study are analysed in a systematic way before being discussed in the context of the literature on urban cultural heritage management.

Findings

The research shows that although there is a shared vision of the need to preserve and conserve urban cultural heritage, the management process is a contentious one. Stakeholders have different ideas as to how to achieve conservation goals which leads to increasing conflicts among stakeholders. This situation is compounded by the limited financial resources available to local government agencies, political interference in the work of implementation agencies and the lack of capacity in local government to enforce rules and carry out conservation projects. There are also significant power differentials among stakeholders in the decision-making process which often means that local residents are excluded from the process of conserving their built urban heritage.

Practical implications

This research can help practitioners who are in charge of urban cultural heritage management in dealing with stakeholder conflicts. The paper offers insight into a number of sources of stakeholder conflicts and on ways to overcome these in the planning process.

Originality/value

The originality of research lies in the novelty of the case study area. This research highlights the issues of built heritage conservation management and planning practices in an area – Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq – that is geographically less represented in the extant literature. The research also identifies some of the key sources of conflict in urban heritage conservation projects and provides an insight into the roles of stakeholders in the management of smaller locally-dependent historic city centres.
Architectural compatibility beyond the eye of the beholder
Authors: Khalaf Roha W.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper revisits the concept of compatibility between old and new architecture to clarify its meaning.

Design/methodology/approach

Document analysis is employed to critically review relevant literature, including Charters and UNESCO Recommendations.

Findings

Visual and/or tangible indicators such as forms and materials are often suggested in the literature to determine compatibility and to inform decision makers whether new architectural projects should reproduce, or reinterpret, or rather contrast with, historic buildings in situ. As a consequence, compatible design becomes confined to a visual, object-based, worldview. Yet, architecture transcends the sense of vision.

Research limitations/implications

Examples of architectural projects are given to explain each design option, but are not thoroughly described. Still, this paper provides a useful reference for future dialogue and research that aim at reducing the conservation vs development struggle in historic places, whether urban areas or entire cities, such as World Heritage Cities.

Practical implications

The lessons learned may stimulate reflection on the effectiveness of design criteria and other tools in guiding decision makers in their search for, and assessment of, compatibility.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that compatibility is an evolving concept, associated with human, man-made and natural indicators. Design options are not simply aesthetic categories. The author proposes that the selection of a design option for new architecture should follow the process that guides the selection of a conservation treatment for old architecture.
Engaging in design activism and communicating cultural significance through contemporary heritage storytelling
Authors: Wilson Kimberley , Desha Cheryl
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of contemporary storytelling in preserving built heritage, as a mechanism for extending the useful life of buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a qualitative action research approach to consider the role of storytelling. A creative, multi-method approach (i.e. a “Brisbane Art Deco” publication and associated marketing campaign) was used as a case study to explore the contours of such an approach and its efficacy in engaging the community.

Findings

This paper highlights the potential of contemporary approaches to heritage storytelling, including utilising digital technologies, to engage a diverse range of people that may not have otherwise participated. The authors propose the value of taking a creative and whole-of-society approach – such as that used in this case study – to heritage storytelling.

Research limitations/implications

The case study discussed provides a phenomenological insight into one version of “contemporary heritage storytelling”. The findings have immediate implications for prioritising research into storytelling for the preservation of built heritage.

Practical implications

The case study demonstrates opportunities for community engagement through storytelling and highlights potential strategies to effectively contribute to a greater societal value of cultural heritage.

Originality/value

This research contributes to theory and practice around the management of cultural heritage, and highlights the usefulness of employing such a strategy to reach and engage a broader audience.
Black money, “white” owners, and “blue” tenants in the Bangladesh housing market
Authors: Solaiman S.M.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to critically examine the impact of black money whitening opportunity on the Bangladesh housing market and its ramifications for honest taxpayers and criminal conduct of the people in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relies on both primary and secondary materials and carries out an archival analysis of the resources available in libraries and online databases.

Findings

It demonstrates that black money whitening opportunity has failed to create additional demands for housing property, rather it encourages money laundering, corruption and other criminal activities. Hence, a set of specific recommendations have been submitted to effectively deal with the prevention of generation of black money instead of allowing them to be invested in properties with impunity.

Research limitations/implications

The discussions are concentrated on the legality of offering amnesty to black money holders and the impact of such indemnities on the housing market in Bangladesh; hence, it does not consider impacts on other economic sectors. It is expected that the publication of this paper will stimulate the government of Bangladesh to discontinue the disputed amnesty in Bangladesh, and other nations having similar problems with black money will be encouraged to follow suit.

Practical implications

It is anticipated that the implementation of the recommendations furnished in this paper will contribute to significantly decreasing money laundering, corruption and other offences involving money in Bangladesh and in other countries.

Social implications

Prevention of corruption and other financial crimes.

Originality/value

This paper represents its originality in its critical analysis of frequent offerings of the opportunity for whitening black money and their unfair impacts on honest taxpayers and resultant stimulation for engaging in money laundering, corruption and other felonies. It evidently justifies the assumption that such amnesties to wrongdoers are contrary to the national constitution, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering legislation and they wound the sense of ethical behaviour of human beings. Moreover, it proves the hypothesis that such opportunities being offered to black money holders have no positive contribution towards creating additional demands in the country’s property markets.
Sustainability level, corruption and tax evasion: a cross-country analysis
Authors: Khlif Hichem , Guidara Achraf , Hussainey Khaled
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the level of sustainability and tax evasion and test whether the level of corruption moderates such a relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 65 developed and developing countries. Tax evasion is measured using a macro indirect approach used by Schneideret al.(2010). The sustainability level and corruption variables are collected from The Global Competitiveness Report for 2012-2013.

Findings

This study finds that the level of tax evasion is negatively associated with the level of sustainability (overall score and social and environmental score) and the quality of infrastructure. When we distinguish between low- and high-corruption countries, we find that this negative association is significant for low-corruption countries and insignificant for high-corruption countries. These results imply that the level of corruption may reduce the tendency of individuals in a given state to accept and trust their government in general and comply with the tax rules in particular.

Originality/value

Our empirical findings have policy implications for governments with high levels of tax evasion, as they highlight the importance of states’ engagements towards their citizens in reducing tax evasion.
Group of companies and inter-company fraud: a case from Turkey
Authors: Ilter Cenap
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present a real case of inter-company fraud where the Group’s Bank lent money to a Group company and was never repaid. The company generates its own cash, but instead of repaying its debt to the Bank, it funds other Group companies. Considering the Bank as being a public depository institution and its illiquid situation, the case presents a fraud within the Group. In this regard, the paper is considered to be an exemplary case for the accounting literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses one of the Group Company’s audit reports for the years 2003 and 2004 and explains the type of frauds committed by the Company’s management. The study approximates the total US dollar figures that were inappropriately transferred to the other Group’s companies in 2003.

Findings

The study examines the real case and discusses the reasons that led to the Group’s bankruptcy. Lack of governmental controls may lead to bankruptcy of banks that have been abused by its owners by transferring loans to other group companies exceeding the legal limits observable by the banks.

Practical implications

Auditors, accountants and accounting lecturers, as well as professors, talk about fraudulent accounting practices. The study explains a specific accounting fraud case in a group of companies. It explores the type of inter-company money transfers without a valid base. The author is of the opinion that readers with an accounting background will benefit from reading the case.

Social implications

Economics is the study of allocation of scarce resources to the best use. Public’s savings must be directed to the companies that produce the value added to the society. On the other hand fraudulent money transfers within the group companies involving bank(s) may distort this allocation. Public money-deposits might be wasted by dishonest business owners. The study is aimed to disseminate this information to public in general.

Originality/value

The case study has been built on a real audit report from Turkey. The names and the locations of the companies have been changed, and the figures have been approximated in US dollar terms. The events and findings on the audit reports have not been changed, and each fraudulent event has been individually discussed.
The efficacy of the model of goal directed behavior in explaining Islamic bank saving
Authors: Setyobudi Wahyu T. , Wiryono Sudarso Kaderi , Nasution Reza Ashari , Purwanegara Mustika Sufiati
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the efficacy of model of goal-directed behavior (MGB) to explain and predict savings at Islamic bank behavior. The importance of understanding consumer intention to develop good strategy to accelerate consumer saving at Islamic bank is inevitable. One of the most popular theories explaining behavioral intention was the MGB. Although it has been validated and tested in a variety of contexts, this theory has never been applied in behavior related to Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data obtained from 31 in-depth interviews were used to develop behavioral beliefs components and a control beliefs component, while quantitative data obtained from a survey of 316 respondents were used to test the model. Structural equation modeling was the main data analysis technique.

Findings

The result shows that MGB has good indicators of fit, which implies that it can be used to explain and predict intention to save at Islamic bank. This research also reveals several behavioral and control beliefs that positively contribute to intention.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to behavior prediction literature by exploring the possibility of the application of the MGB in the Islamic bank context. It also gives a deeper understanding of the Indonesian Islamic bank consumer market that has great potential for development in the future.
Emerging forms of inter-organizational and cross-sector collaborations in e-government initiatives
Authors: Pilemalm Sofie , Lindgren Ida , Ramsell Elina
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims to explore recent public sector trends, inter-organizational and cross-sector collaborations, and analyzes these in terms of implications for participative development of information systems (IS). These trends are understood as being part of emerging forms of e-government. Initial suggestions for how to develop IS in the new contexts are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

Three cases involving the trends described above, taking place in the Swedish emergency response system, are studied and used as basis for identified participative IS development challenges and suggested adaptation needs. Data collection involves semi-structured interviews, focus groups and future workshops.

Findings

The identified challenges concern balancing ideological versus practical needs, lack of resources, lack of know-how and design techniques and tool challenges. Some practical implications for participative IS development include more extensive focus on stakeholder and legal analysis, need for interdisciplinary design teams, merging of task and needs analysis for yet-undefined user tasks and using on-line alternatives for interacting with users.

Research implications/limitations

The study is exploratory where the three cases are in different, but at the same time interrelated, collaboration contexts. The identified implications and challenges provide proposals that in future research can be applied, formalized and integrated when developing practically feasible participative IS development approaches.

Originality/value

It is argued that the results point toward a current emerging form of e-government initiatives directed toward certain demarcated groups of citizens actually carrying out certain tasks for their co-citizens and society rather than the broad masses, having far-reaching practical implications and complicating the issue of IS development.
Finite‐offset common reflection surface stack using global optimisation for parameter estimation: a land data example
Authors: Garabito German , Cruz João Carlos Ribeiro , Söllner Walter
Published: November 2016

In recent years, several research works dealing with velocity model independent seismic imaging have been published. These methods are capable of simulating arbitrary offset seismic sections by stacking a set of measured prestack seismic data along paraxial travel‐time surfaces. Hyperbolic common‐reflection‐surface travel‐time approximation is one of the most robust descriptions, which simulates not only zero‐offset but also finite‐offset sections with high accuracy from noisy multi‐coverage seismic data. In order to reconstruct seismic reflection events in common‐offset sections, the common‐reflection‐surface travel‐time approximation depends on five kinematic attributes (or parameters) for each selected point of the common‐offset seismic section. The main challenge of this method is to provide a computationally efficient data‐driven strategy for accurately determining the best set of parameters. Here, we introduce an approach for simultaneously estimating the five parameters from prestack seismic data by a very fast simulated annealing optimisation algorithm. For each sample point of the common‐offset section to be simulated, we determine only one set of common reflection surface attributes corresponding to the global maximum or the event with highest coherency. We applied our method of simultaneous global optimisation on synthetic and real data examples and showed the potential of the proposed strategy to enhance the reflection events in noisy data, even with very low signal‐to‐noise ratio. Finally, we demonstrate the regularisation capability of our method in a land seismic data example with missing traces for near, middle, and far offsets. In order to better appreciate the field data results, we present the time‐migrated sections with and without application of the proposed regularisation strategy.
Increasing species richness but decreasing phylogenetic richness and divergence over a 320‐year period of urbanization
Authors: Knapp Sonja , Winter Marten , Klotz Stefan
Published: November 2016

Urbanization is increasing faster than ever, contributing to a global extinction crisis. Recently, scientists have debated whether species richness on local and regional scales is mostly declining, but long‐term changes in phylogenetic richness and divergence were largely disregarded. Space‐for‐time approaches revealed that plant phylogenetic divergence is lower in urban than in non‐urban areas. However, such approaches cannot fully disentangle the relative importance of the biotic processes that drive temporal changes in diversity.

Using a unique European urban flora covering 320 years in seven time steps, combined with a comprehensive plant phylogeny, we examined (i) how species richness changed with urbanization over time; (ii) whether trends in phylogenetic richness and divergence parallel trends in species richness; and (iii) whether species extirpation or immigration is driving these changes.

We found that over time urban species richness increased, but phylogenetic richness and divergence decreased. Extirpations of phylogenetically distinct native species and immigrations of phylogenetically common native and non‐native species caused a non‐random loss of phylogenetic diversity. Our analyses suggest that if future extirpations and immigrations continue to follow the patterns observed over history, this loss will continue.

Synthesis and applications. Measures to protect phylogenetic diversity should combine the protection of threatened habitats and their species with the maintenance of habitats that mitigate heat and safeguard evolutionary history. Urban planners should consider a phylogenetically diverse set of species when designing green spaces.
Genotypic diversity mitigates negative effects of density on plant performance: a field experiment and life cycle analysis of common evening primrose Oenothera biennis
Authors: Cook‐Patton Susan C. , Hastings Amy P. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: November 2016

Genotypic diversity in plant populations is known to enhance plant performance and ecosystem function. Nonetheless, the effect of genotypic diversity has rarely been examined across a population's lifecycle despite the expectation that changing conditions, such as population density, will alter the benefits of diversity.

We simultaneously manipulated a component of genotypic diversity (richness, the number of genotypes) and density of common evening primrose Oenothera biennis to address the consequences for herbivory and lifetime fitness in a 2‐year field experiment that spanned seed germination to lifetime fruit production. We genotyped >1100 seedlings with microsatellite DNA markers to determine realized diversity and density in plots sown with O. biennis seeds. Our design achieved quantitative variation in plant density and diversity, with one to 44 individuals established in field plots and two to eight genotypes per polyculture plot (based on microsatellite analysis of reproductive plants).

We found a strong interaction between seed density and genetic diversity, with germination and establishment being 24% higher in genetic polycultures than monocultures, but only at low seed density. At high seed density, the opposite pattern emerged, with polycultures having 12% fewer individuals established than monocultures. Initial effects of emergence on plot density persisted through to the fruiting stage.

Higher plant densities resulted in increased mortality, decreased probability of reproduction, decreased plant height and lower levels of lifetime fruit production per plant. Increasing genotypic diversity increased the probability of reproduction overall and showed a significant interaction with plant density mitigating the negative effects of high density on individual height and lifetime fruit production.

Synthesis. Plant density and genotypic diversity interacted from the very early stages of seed germination and establishment of Oenothera biennis. This effect persisted over the 2‐year life cycle of plants, and genotypic diversity buffered against the negative fitness consequences of high plant density. These results imply a dynamic interplay between the long‐held paradigm of density effects in plant ecology and the genetic structure of populations.
Barossa Night: cohesion in the British Army officer corps
Authors: Bury Patrick
Published: November 2016

Contrasting the classical explanation of military group cohesion as sustained by interpersonal bonds, recent scholars have highlighted the importance of ritualized communication, training and drills in explaining effective military performance in professional armies. While this has offered a welcome addition to the cohesion literature and a novel micro‐sociological method of examining cohesion, its primary evidential base has been combat groups. Indeed, despite their prominent role in directing operations over the past decade, the British Army's officer corps has received relatively little attention from sociologists during this period. No attempt has been made to explain cohesion in the officer corps. Using a similar method to recent cohesion scholars, this paper seeks to address this imbalance by undertaking a micro‐sociology of one ritual in particular: ‘Barossa Night’ in the Royal Irish Regiment. Firstly, it draws on the work of Durkheim to examine how cohesion amongst the officer corps is created and sustained through a dense array of practises during formal social rituals. It provides evidence that the use of rituals highlights that social solidarity is central to understanding officer cohesion. Secondly, following Hockey's work on how private soldiers negotiate order, the paper shows how this solidarity in the officer corps is based on a degree of negotiated order and the need to release organizational tensions inherent in a strictly hierarchical rank structure. It highlights how the awarding of gallantry medals can threaten this negotiated order and fuel deviancy. In examining this behaviour, the paper shows that even amongst an officer class traditionally viewed as the elite upholders of organizational discipline, the negotiation of rank and hierarchy can be fluid. How deviant behaviour is later accepted and normalized by senior officers indicates that negotiated order is as important to understanding cohesion in the British Army's officer corps as it is amongst private soldiers.
Single dose versus multiple dose of antibiotic prophylaxis in caesarean section: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pinto‐Lopes R , Sousa‐Pinto B , Azevedo LF
Published: November 2016

Background

Prophylactic antibiotics are traditionally given as a single dose for caesarean section. However, inconsistent application of recommendations and recent evidence prompted a literature review.

Objectives

To assess the optimal regimen for antibiotic prophylaxis in caesarean section by comparing single versus multiple doses of the same intervention.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, CENTRAL and ongoing trials databases were searched. Reference lists were reviewed and international groups contacted.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing single with multiple dose regimens of the same antibiotic prophylaxis. Quasi‐RCT and abstracts were suitable for inclusion.

Data collection and analysis

Reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality of evidence. A random‐effects model was used and results presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main results

Sixteen studies were included, involving 2695 women. Nonsignificant differences were observed between single dose and multiple dose antibiotic prophylaxis in the incidence of postpartum infectious morbidity (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.75–1.20, I2 = 25%), endometritis (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.74–1.42, I2 = 0%) and wound infection (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.72–2.08, I2 = 0%). A trend towards lower risk of urinary tract infection was seen with multiple dose (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.34–1.24, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

There was insufficient evidence to determine whether there is a difference between single and multiple dose regimens in reducing the incidence of infectious morbidity after caesarean section. The quality of evidence was very low and well‐designed RCTs are needed.

Tweetable abstract

Insufficient evidence of difference between dosage regimens of antibiotic prophylaxis in caesarean section.
Rural livelihoods and food security: long‐term insights from Sierra Leone's Eastern Province
Authors: Binns Tony , Bateman Jerram
Published: November 2016

Sierra Leone is one of the world's poorest countries, which in the last two decades has suffered from a devastating civil war and, more recently, an epidemic of the deadly Ebola disease. Both economy and livelihoods have suffered considerably, and the government and local communities are now working hard to rebuild these. Food insecurity has been a longstanding issue among Sierra Leone's rural households. This article considers some of the main parameters in the food security debate and then examines food security in the context of the country's rural development policies. Using data collected from field‐based research undertaken in two Eastern Province communities in the 1970s, and more recently in 2014, a valuable long‐term perspective is provided in relation to seasonal and intra‐household food insecurity and the impact of certain shocks in exacerbating the situation. The article concludes that further rural extension support, increasing cash crop production, and community education programmes could help to raise awareness of food insecurity issues and possibly lead to an improvement in nutritional levels in communities and within individual households.
Waffle Production: Influence of Baking Plate Material on Sticking of Waffles
Authors: Huber Regina , Kalss Georg , Schoenlechner Regine
Published: November 2016

Background of this study was to understand the factors that contribute to sticking of fresh egg waffles on baking plates. The aim of this study was to investigate the sticking (adhesion) behavior of waffles on 4 different baking plate materials (ductile iron, grey iron, low alloyed steel, and steel with titanium nitrite coating) at different baking parameters (temperature and time) and application of 3 different release agents (different fat compositions). Baking plates from ductile and grey iron showed lower release properties of waffles than the 2 steel baking plates. Baking parameters had to be high enough to allow rapid product crust formation but prevent burning, which again increases sticking behavior. Release agents based on short‐chain fatty acids with higher degree of saturation provided better release behavior of waffles than those based on long‐chain fatty acids or on emulsifier‐acid combinations. Baking plates with increased hardness, good heat storage capacity, and smooth surface seemed to be best suitable. Further research on appropriate coating material might be promising for future.
Extended dual antiplatelet therapy after acute coronary syndrome in Spain: Results from the EPICOR study
Authors: Bardají Alfredo , Leal Manuel , Arrarte Vicente , Garcia‐Moll Xavier , Pérez de Isla Leopoldo , Bueno Héctor
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Real‐world, country‐specific studies of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration among survivors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are important for improving long‐term prognosis.

Aims

To investigate DAPT duration after hospital discharge for ACS in Spain.

Results

Data from patients enrolled in the Spanish cohort of the EPICOR (long‐tErm follow‐up of antithrombotic management Patterns In acute CORonary syndrome patients) study (NCT01171404) were analyzed for changes to antithrombotic medication up to 2 years postdischarge according to index event diagnosis and patient characteristics. Deaths, coronary events, and bleeding events were analyzed over the same period. Overall, a high proportion of patients remained on DAPT at 2 years (53.1%). Among patients who experienced any on‐treatment bleeding event, almost two‐thirds remained on DAPT at the end of follow‐up. Patients >65 years, diabetic, or those that were medically managed were more likely to continue with DAPT until 2 years following discharge. At 2 years, the incidence of bleeding events requiring hospitalization was low compared with the incidence of coronary events (1.4% vs 6.6%). There was a numerical reduction in coronary events, but no increase in bleeding events, with DAPT continuation compared with single antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusions

More than half of patients in this unselected cohort study remained on DAPT at 2 years following discharge for ACS. Continuation with DAPT was greater among patients with additional cardiovascular risk factors, which suggests that treating physicians in Spain prioritizes ischemic risk reduction over bleeding risk in patients with ACS, according to patient's risk profile.
Neural mechanisms underlying visual attention to health warnings on branded and plain cigarette packs
Authors: Maynard Olivia M. , Brooks Jonathan C. W. , Munafò Marcus R. , Leonards Ute
Published: November 2016

Aims

To (1) test if activation in brain regions related to reward (nucleus accumbens) and emotion (amygdala) differ when branded and plain packs of cigarettes are viewed, (2) test whether these activation patterns differ by smoking status and (3) examine whether activation patterns differ as a function of visual attention to health warning labels on cigarette packs.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with eye‐tracking. Non‐smokers, weekly smokers and daily smokers performed a memory task on branded and plain cigarette packs with pictorial health warnings presented in an event‐related design.

Setting

Clinical Research and Imaging Centre, University of Bristol, UK.

Participants

Non‐smokers, weekly smokers and daily smokers (n = 72) were tested. After exclusions, data from 19 non‐smokers, 19 weekly smokers and 20 daily smokers were analysed.

Measurements

Brain activity was assessed in whole brain analyses and in pre‐specified masked analyses in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens. On‐line eye‐tracking during scanning recorded visual attention to health warnings.

Findings

There was no evidence for a main effect of pack type or smoking status in either the nucleus accumbens or amygdala, and this was unchanged when taking account of visual attention to health warnings. However, there was evidence for an interaction, such that we observed increased activation in the right amygdala when viewing branded as compared with plain packs among weekly smokers (P = 0.003). When taking into account visual attention to health warnings, we observed higher levels of activation in the visual cortex in response to plain packaging compared with branded packaging of cigarettes (P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Based on functional magnetic resonance imaging and eye‐tracking data, health warnings appear to be more salient on ‘plain’ cigarette packs than branded packs.
Identifying in‐patient costs attributable to the clinical sequelae and comorbidities of alcoholic liver disease in a national hospital database
Authors: Heslin Kevin C. , Elixhauser Anne , Steiner Claudia A.
Published: November 2016

Background and Aims

The clinical sequelae and comorbidities of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) often require hospitalization. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the average costs of hospitalizations with ALD and the costs of hospitalizations with other alcohol‐related diagnoses that do not involve the liver; and (2) estimate the percentage of the difference in costs between the ALD and non‐ALD hospitalizations that may be attributed to ascites, protein–calorie malnutrition and other conditions.

Design

The 2012 National Inpatient Sample is a population‐based cross‐sectional database representing more than 94% of all discharges from community hospitals in the United States.

Setting

Community hospitals in the United States.

Participants

The sample included 72 531 hospitalizations with ALD and 287 047 hospitalizations with other alcohol‐related diagnoses.

Measurements

The dependent variable was total in‐patient costs. We estimated the contribution of ascites, protein–calorie malnutrition and other conditions to the difference in costs between patients with ALD and patients with other diagnoses.

Findings

Average costs for ALD patients were $3188.4 higher than those for patients with other diagnoses ($13 543 versus $10 355; P < 0.001). Among all conditions in the analysis, protein–calorie malnutrition had the largest impact on costs [$6501; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5956, 7045; P < 0.001] accounting for 12% of the higher costs of ALD stays.

Conclusions

Costs of hospital care for patients with alcoholic liver disease are higher than those for patients with other alcohol‐related diagnoses. These increased costs are associated with specific clinical sequelae and comorbidities, with protein–calorie malnutrition—a largely preventable condition—making a substantial contribution.
Coping strategies, alexithymia and anxiety in young patients with food allergy
Authors: Polloni L. , DunnGalvin A. , Ferruzza E. , Bonaguro R. , Lazzarotto F. , Toniolo A. , Celegato N. , Muraro A.
Published: November 2016

Background

Food allergy is major public health concern affecting nearly 15 million Americans and 80 million Europeans. Risk of anaphylaxis and implications for social activities affect patients' quality of life and psychological well‐being. We previously found that young patients reported higher levels of alexithymia (difficulty in recognizing and expressing emotions) compared with healthy peers and may influence affect, management style and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to explore links between coping strategies, alexithymia and anxiety among food‐allergic adolescents and young adults.

Methods

Ninety‐two patients with IgE‐mediated food allergy (mean age 18.6 years) completed Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Trait Anxiety subscale of State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multivariate analyses of variance assessed differences and associations between subgroups on the scales.

Results

Significant differences found between alexithymia levels in coping style were explained by Avoidance strategies. ‘Avoidance’ had the highest contribution in explaining alexithymia, followed by trait anxiety, age, anaphylaxis and social support. Respondents with higher alexithymia use avoidance as coping strategy over and above other coping strategies such as problem‐solving and positive thinking, are younger, will have experienced anaphylaxis and will have lower social support.

Conclusions

Recognizing the specific role of affect regulation in health behaviours may constitute an important step in supporting patients to explore more adaptive strategies.
Estimate of the total costs of allergic rhinitis in specialized care based on real‐world data: the FERIN Study
Authors: Colás C. , Brosa M. , Antón E. , Montoro J. , Navarro A. , Dordal M. T. , Dávila I. , Fernández‐Parra B. , Ibáñez M. D. P. , Lluch‐Bernal M. , Matheu V. , Rondón C. , Sánchez M. C. , Valero A. ,   Rhinoconjunctivitis Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Published: November 2016

Background

Despite the socioeconomic importance of allergic rhinitis (AR), very few prospective studies have been performed under conditions of clinical practice and with a sufficiently long observation period outside the clinical trial scenario. We prospectively estimated the direct and indirect costs of AR in patients attending specialized clinics in Spain.

Methods

Patients were recruited at random from allergy outpatient clinics in 101 health centers throughout Spain over 12 months. We performed a multicenter, observational, prospective study under conditions of clinical practice. We analyzed direct costs from a funder perspective (healthcare costs) and from a societal perspective (healthcare and non–healthcare costs). Indirect costs (absenteeism and presenteeism [productivity lost in the workplace]) were also calculated. The cost of treating conjunctivitis was evaluated alongside that of AR.

Results

The total mean cost of AR per patient‐year (n = 498) was €2326.70 (direct, €553.80; indirect, €1772.90). Direct costs were significantly higher in women (€600.34 vs €484.46, P = 0.02). Total costs for intermittent AR were significantly lower than for persistent AR (€1484.98 vs €2655.86, P < 0.001). Total indirect costs reached €1772.90 (presenteeism, €1682.71; absenteeism, €90.19). The direct costs of AR in patients with intermittent asthma (€507.35) were lower than in patients with mild‐persistent asthma (€719.07) and moderate‐persistent asthma (€798.71) (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

The total cost of AR for society is considerable. Greater frequency of symptoms and more severe AR are associated with higher costs. Indirect costs are almost threefold direct costs, especially in presenteeism. A reduction in presenteeism would generate considerable savings for society.
“The Burden of Pregnancy”; heavier for the heaviest? The changes in Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) assessed by the 15D instrument during pregnancy and postpartum in different body mass index groups: a longitudinal survey
Authors: Sahrakorpi Niina , Koivusalo Saila B. , Stach‐Lempinen Beata , Eriksson Johan G. , Kautiainen Hannu , Roine Risto P.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Only little information is available on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and its changes during the course of a normal pregnancy. We studied changes in HRQoL in a pregnant population during pregnancy and until 1 year postpartum in different body mass index (BMI) groups.

Material and methods

Seven hundred and fifty pregnant women attending the first ultrasound examination before gestational week 14 were invited to participate in a longitudinal, communal‐based survey. The participants were divided into three groups according to their BMI; <25, 25–29.9, and ≥30 kg/m2. The women were asked to fill in questionnaires assessing HRQoL (15D), depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Depression Scale, EPDS), medical, obstetric and socioeconomic status at baseline. HRQoL and EPDS were re‐assessed at 30 weeks of gestation, and 6 weeks, 3 and 12 months postpartum.

Results

Of the invited 750 mothers, 325 (43%) returned the questionnaires and at least one follow‐up questionnaire. At baseline, mean 15D scores decreased with increasing BMI but the difference was not statistically significant when adjusted for age, educational attainment, parity or EPDS‐scores (0.929, 0.921 and 0.916, p = 0.16). During the course of pregnancy, the HRQoL of all women decreased but this decrease was significantly greater in the obese group (−0.088; 95% CI −0.110 to −0.065) than in the other groups [−0.054 (95% CI −0.062 to −0.045) and −0.051 (95% CI −0.068 to −0.033), p = 0.019]. Within 3 months postpartum the mean HRQoL recovered in all BMI groups to baseline levels, irrespective of the mode of delivery or pregnancy‐related complications.

Conclusion

The burden of pregnancy is heavier for the heaviest.
Survey of noninvasive respiratory support practices in Canadian neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Mukerji Amit , Shah Prakesh S. , Shivananda Sandesh , Yee Wendy , Read Brooke , Minski John , Alvaro Ruben , Fusch Christoph ,   the Canadian Neonatal Network Investigators
Published: November 2016

Aim

To evaluate practice variation with respect to noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) use across Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods

A web‐based survey was sent to all site investigators of the 30 level 3 NICUs participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network. The survey inquired about the use of five commonly described NRS modes. In addition, the presence and adherence to local guidelines were ascertained. Descriptive analyses were performed to identify variations in practice.

Results

In total, 28 (93%) of the 30 tertiary NICUs responded to the survey. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was employed universally (100%). High‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) was used in 89% of NICUs, biphasic CPAP in 79% and nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in 54%, and nasal high‐frequency ventilation was used in 18% of units. Only 61% of all NRS use was guided by local policies, with the lowest being for HFNC (36%). There was a wide range of settings employed and interfaces used for all NRS modes.

Conclusion

There are significant practice variations in NRS use across Canadian NICUs. Further research is needed to evaluate the significance in relation to pulmonary outcomes to determine optimal NRS strategies.