bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility and shareholder support for corporate governance changes
Authors: Cullinan Charles P. , Mahoney Lois S. , Roush Pamela
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper examines whether shareholders consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance when voting on corporate governance change proposals submitted by dissident shareholders. These proposals recommend changes to the corporate governance status quo and are made by dissident shareholders who are dissatisfied with the company’s existing governance practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 195 governance change proposals voted on during 2013, the paper examines the relationship between CSR performance (obtained from the MSCI database) and the level of voting support for these proposals.

Findings

This study finds that shareholder support for corporate governance change proposals submitted by dissident shareholders is positively related to firms’ CSR concerns, especially environmental concerns.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that shareholders may be concerned with the potentially adverse effects of weak CSR performance, especially poor environmental performance, and may support changes to corporate governance structures when a company’s CSR and environmental performance is weaker.

Originality/value

As the first research to examine the relationship between CSR and proposed changes to corporate governance, this study provides unique insights into shareholder perceptions of the value of CSR based on shareholders’ support (or lack thereof) for governance changes proposed by dissident shareholders.
Corporate social and financial performance in different industry contexts: the chicken or the egg?
Authors: Tuppura Anni , Arminen Heli , Pätäri Satu , Jantunen Ari
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine empirically Granger causality relationships between corporate social performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP) in four different industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the Granger causality test to analyse the causality relationships between CSP and CFP in clothing, energy, food and forest industries in the USA. The panel data used combined CSP and CFP measures over the years 1991-2009. CSP strengths and concerns are handled as distinct constructs.

Findings

There is some evidence of bidirectional causality between CSP and CFP in the clothing, energy and forest industries; but in the food industry, CSP appears not to Granger-cause CFP. The results encourage accounting for the industry in empirical analyses, as well as the use of more than one measure for CFP in the analyses.

Originality/value

The direction of causality between CSP and CFP has been specifically addressed in only a few studies. Because the causality relationship may, in addition, be concealed when multi-industry data are used, this paper contributes to the literature by examining the Granger causality between CSP and CFP in four different industry contexts using two different measures of CFP.
Booster juice – big shoes to fill
Authors: Fergus Andrew , Bell Tony
Published: September 2016

Synopsis

Ian Henson was about to take the biggest financial risk of his life. He had just agreed to purchase three Booster Juice franchise stores in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Henson knew that transitioning leadership at companies was a difficult task, and he was aware that he was replacing a popular leader: Natalie Peace. Compounding the challenge ahead of Henson were two major hurdles, the first was demographic in nature: Booster Juice’s employee group was young (on average below 20 years old) and many adored Peace, he was certain that whoever replaced her would have a difficult transition. The second challenge was managing change: Henson needed to cut costs. Peace had several generous policies that Henson needed to consider altering or removing, a potentially unpopular task. Initially, this case puts students in Henson’s shoes: How should he handle the specific aspects of this leadership transition? It allows professors to examine the broader issue of managing a change process.

Research methodology

Data for the case were collected from various sources. Public records, historical documents, and media reports were the main source for general background information and context. Primary data were collected through a series of interviews with the present and past owners of the Booster Juice franchises discussed.

Relevant courses and levels

This case was developed for use in an undergraduate management course or where change management and leadership are specific modules, an organization behavior class is a good example of where the case should fit. The objective of the case is to illustrate the challenges that resulted from a change in leadership and examine how to manage the change process. The thought-provoking element in this case is the leaders involved have very different leadership styles. The authors anticipate this case would be one used early in the course, as it is concise and straightforward to read, and clearly illustrates the issues to be examined. It provides an effective tool through which to introduce students to change management and styles of leadership. The added value is that the case is based on a company built by an undergraduate student and thus students tend to be very interested in the business itself.

Theoretical bases

The main theoretical base for the case is based on change management and exemplary leadership. To facilitate this the authors use Kurt Lewin’s models of change, Kotter’s eight step process, specifically referring to Kotter (1995). The authors then use Kouzes & Psoner five practices of exemplary leadership, referring to Kouzes, and Posner (2003). The authors specifically reference Northouse (2010).
Selling all good: how small new entrants can compete
Authors: Collins Eva , Kearins Kate , Tregidga Helen , Bowden Stephen
Published: September 2016

Synopsis

Chris Morrison and two partners introduced the first Fairtrade bananas in New Zealand in a bid to improve the social and environmental impacts of banana consumption. The trio started All Good Bananas in 2010. Using social media as a key marketing tool, the startup had grown to take a 5 percent market share in a fiercely competitive industry dominated by big players. In 2012, the entrepreneurs needed to decide the best way to increase sales of ethically sourced products under the All Good brand. Should they expand their share of the banana market or diversify into drinks?

Research methodology

The case is primarily based on tape-recorded interviews by the authors with the founding entrepreneur and three employees of All Good from May to July 2012 and an analysis of the company’s website and social media activities. Other publicly available information sources were drawn upon, and a discussion held with a New Zealand national grocery chain CEO.

Relevant courses and levels

This case has been written for use in classes in undergraduate and graduate level entrepreneurship, strategic management and sustainability. The case can be used to illustrate how very small resource-constrained startups can compete in an industry dominated by large multinational corporations, and how Fairtrade might provide a worthy differentiation focus. It is open to a consideration of judo economics. While several of the questions ask students to consider the New Zealand context in which this case is set, knowledge of New Zealand and the various industries beyond what is offered in the case is not necessary.

Theoretical bases

At a broad level the case illustrates how a small, resource-constrained startup can compete against much, much larger players through a niche Fairtrade product focus and the use of alternative marketing strategies such as guerrilla marketing and social media. In relation to the competitive dynamics within an industry, this case can be used to illustrate the concept of judo economics (also referred to as judo strategy). Both the utility and potential limits of judo economics can be demonstrated through the case by considering current activities and potential future dynamics.
Compact development minimizes the impacts of urban growth on native mammals
Authors: Villaseñor Nélida R. , Tulloch Ayesha I. T. , Driscoll Don A. , Gibbons Philip , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: September 2016

Unprecedented global human population growth and rapid urbanization of rural and natural lands highlight the urgent need to integrate biodiversity conservation into planning for urban growth. A challenging question for applied ecologists to answer is: What pattern of urban growth meets future housing demand whilst minimizing impacts on biodiversity?

We quantified the consequences for mammals of meeting future housing demand under different patterns of compact and dispersed urban growth in an urbanizing forested landscape in south‐eastern Australia. Using empirical data, we predicted impacts on mammals of urban growth scenarios that varied in housing density (compact versus dispersed) and location of development for four target numbers of new dwellings.

We predicted that compact developments (i.e. high‐density housing) reduced up to 6% of the area of occupancy or abundance of five of the six mammal species examined. In contrast, dispersed developments (i.e. low‐density housing) led to increased mammal abundance overall, although results varied between species: as dwellings increased, the abundance or occurrence of two species increased (up to ∼100%), one species showed no change, and three species declined (up to ∼39%).

Two ground‐dwelling mammal species (Antechinus stuartii and Rattus fuscipes) and a tree‐dwelling species (Petaurus australis) were predicted to decline considerably under dispersed rather than compact development. The strongest negative effect of dispersed development was for Petaurus australis (a species more abundant in forested interiors) which exhibited up to a 39% reduction in abundance due to forest loss and an extended negative edge effect from urban settlements into adjacent forests.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings demonstrate that, when aiming to meet demand for housing, any form of compact development (i.e. high‐density housing) has fewer detrimental impacts on forest‐dwelling mammals than dispersed development (i.e. low‐density housing). This is because compact development concentrates the negative effects of housing into a small area whilst at the same time preserving large expanses of forests and the fauna they sustain. Landscape planning and urban growth policies must consider the trade‐off between the intensity of the threat and area of sprawl when aiming to reduce urbanization impacts.
Puma predation subsidizes an obligate scavenger in the high Andes
Authors: Perrig Paula L. , Donadio Emiliano , Middleton Arthur D. , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: September 2016

The ungulate–carnivore–vulture complex is a key trophic module of many terrestrial ecosystems, but one that is globally under threat. Few have explored cross‐species dependencies in this module, and the degree to which vultures rely on trophic facilitation by apex carnivores is rarely known and almost never quantified.

We investigated the importance of pumaPuma concolorpredation on its native camelid prey, vicuñasVicugna vicugnaand guanacosLama guanicoe, in food provisioning for Andean condorsVultur gryphusin the high Andes of north‐western Argentina. We evaluated the origin of wild food sources through carcass surveys. We quantified condor feeding habits via foraging observations and through the analysis of pellet contents and stable isotopes from moulted feathers.

Of the 102 fresh camelid carcasses we monitored, nearly all (94%) resulted from puma predation, and the majority (85%) of camelid carcasses used by condors were killed by pumas. Camelids represented 88% of the prey items identified from 183 condor pellets, and isotopic analyses of moulted feathers from 86 individuals identified via multilocus genotyping revealed that camelids and Small livestock were the most important prey items, representing 45–58% and 28–38% of condor assimilated biomass, respectively.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that puma predation plays a key role in the foraging ecology of Andean condors, and highlight the importance of predatory processes that make carrion available to scavengers. We contend that targeting the conservation of ungulate–carnivore–vulture modules, rather than a species‐specific approach, will be a more effective strategy to ensure the long‐term persistence of Andean condors and other obligate scavengers.
Determinants of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Miller G. Edward , Sarpong Eric M. , Davidoff Amy J. , Yang Eunice Y. , Brandt Nicole J. , Fick Donna M.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To examine the determinants of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use.

Data Sources/Study Setting

U.S. nationally representative data on (n = 16,588) noninstitutionalized older adults (age ≥65) with drug use from the 2006–2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

Study Design

We operationalized the 2012 Beers Criteria to identify PIM use during the year, and we examined associations with individual‐level characteristics hypothesized to be quality enabling or related to need complexity.

Principal Findings

Almost one‐third (30.9 percent) of older adults used a PIM. Multivariate results suggest that poor health status and high‐PIM‐risk conditions were associated with increased PIM use, while increasing age and educational attainment were associated with lower PIM use. Contrary to expectations, lack of a usual care source of care or supplemental insurance was associated with lower PIM use. Medication intensity appears to be in the pathway between both quality‐enabling and need‐complexity characteristics and PIM use.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that physicians attempt to avoid PIM use in the oldest old but have inadequate focus on the high‐PIM‐risk conditions. Educational programs targeted to physician practice regarding high‐PIM‐risk conditions and patient literacy regarding medication use are potential responses.
Mass Transit Workers and Neoliberal Time Discipline in San Francisco
Authors: Fleming Mark D.
Published: September 2016

San Francisco's public transportation system is the slowest major urban transit system in the United States and has one of the worst on‐time performance rates. In this article, I examine how these problems with time—slowness and lateness—are blamed on “unproductive” workers and mobilized as part of neoliberal restructuring strategies in San Francisco. Demands for faster‐moving and more timely transit lead to the implementation and enforcement of impossible‐to‐meet schedules, putting transit drivers in the position of chronic lateness. City officials and civic organizations mobilize chronic lateness to represent the transit system's public sector workers as fundamentally inefficient and in need of labor reform. I here suggest that the enforcement of impossible time demands represents a new use of time discipline. While time discipline has traditionally been theorized as a central technique in the production of the social relations of waged labor, neoliberal time discipline works to delegitimize the wage labor contract itself and to fracture the social arrangements of long‐term, waged employment. [neoliberalism, labor, urban transportation, time discipline, United States]
Individualized follicle‐stimulating hormone dosing and in vitro fertilization outcome in agonist downregulated cycles: a systematic review
Authors: van Tilborg Theodora C. , Broekmans Frank J.M. , Dólleman Madeleine , Eijkemans Marinus J.C. , Mol Ben Willem , Laven Joop S.E. , Torrance Helen L.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

This systematic review examines whether individualized gonadotropin dosing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) leads to better outcomes with respect to safety, costs, and live birth rates compared with standard dosing.

Material and methods

Electronic databases searched were PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. The primary outcome was live birth rate. The secondary outcomes included pregnancy rate, costs, and safety. Papers were critically appraised by two reviewers.

Results

A total of 7022 articles were retrieved and assessed for eligibility, of which seven randomized controlled trials were selected. All studies used gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist co‐treatment. Clinical and methodological heterogeneity was present, so data could not be pooled for meta‐analysis. Only one study, that mainly included women with a good prognosis, revealed an increased chance of ongoing pregnancy in the individualized dosing group compared with standard treatment. With respect to safety, individualized dosing might reduce the occurrence of hyper‐response and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, without affecting the outcome of pregnancy. In predicted poor responders, higher than standard dosages do not reduce the incidence of poor response. A cost‐efficacy analysis was not performed in any of the studies included.

Conclusion

It is currently not possible to conclude whether individualized dosing leads to higher pregnancy or live birth rates compared with standard dosing, because evidence from well‐designed studies that are adequately powered for one of these outcomes is lacking. So, large well‐designed studies that evaluate the impact of individualized dosing on live birth rates are needed to assess whether individualized dosing should become the standard in IVF practice.
Intrauterine fetal death and risk of shoulder dystocia at delivery
Authors: Larsen Sandra , Dobbin Joanna , McCallion Oliver , Eskild Anne
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Vaginal delivery is recommended after intrauterine fetal death. However, little is known about the risk of shoulder dystocia in these deliveries. We studied whether intrauterine fetal death increases the risk of shoulder dystocia at delivery.

Material and methods

In this population‐based register study using the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, we included all singleton pregnancies with vaginal delivery of offspring in cephalic presentation in Norway during the period 1967–2012 (n = 2 266 118). Risk of shoulder dystocia was estimated as absolute risk (%) and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Adjustment was made for offspring birthweight (in grams). We performed sub‐analyses within categories of birthweight (<4000 and ≥4000 g) and in pregnancies with maternal diabetes.

Results

Shoulder dystocia occurred in 1.1% of pregnancies with intrauterine fetal death and in 0.8% of pregnancies without intrauterine fetal death (p < 0.0001) (crude odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2–4.9). After adjustment for birthweight, the odds ratio was 5.9 (95% confidence interval 4.7–7.4). In pregnancies with birthweight ≥4000 g, shoulder dystocia occurred in 14.6% of pregnancies with intrauterine fetal death and in 2.8% of pregnancies without intrauterine fetal death (p < 0.001) (crude odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval 4.5–7.9). In pregnancies with birthweight ≥4000 g and concurrent maternal diabetes, shoulder dystocia occurred in 57.1% of pregnancies with intrauterine fetal death and 9.6% of pregnancies without intrauterine fetal death (p < 0.001) (crude odds ratio 12.6, 95% confidence interval 5.9–26.9).

Conclusions

Intrauterine fetal death increased the risk of shoulder dystocia at delivery, and the absolute risk of shoulder dystocia was particularly high if offspring birthweight was high and the mother had diabetes.
Ketamine‐induced inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 contributes to the augmentation of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptor signaling
Authors: Beurel Eléonore , Grieco Steven F. , Amadei Celeste , Downey Kimberlee , Jope Richard S
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Sub‐anesthetic doses of ketamine have been found to provide rapid antidepressant actions, indicating that the cellular signaling systems targeted by ketamine are potential sites for therapeutic intervention. Ketamine acts as an antagonist of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and animal studies indicate that subsequent augmentation of signaling by α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptors is critical for the antidepressant outcome.

Methods

In this study, we tested if the inhibitory effect of ketamine on glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3) affected hippocampal cell‐surface AMPA receptors using immunoblotting of membrane and synaptosomal extracts from wild‐type and GSK3 knockin mice.

Results

Treatment with an antidepressant dose of ketamine increased the hippocampal membrane level of the AMPA glutamate receptor (GluA)1 subunit, but did not alter the localization of GluA2, GluA3, or GluA4. This effect of ketamine was abrogated in GSK3 knockin mice expressing mutant GSK3 that cannot be inhibited by ketamine, demonstrating that ketamine‐induced inhibition of GSK3 is necessary for up‐regulation of cell surface AMPA GluA1 subunits. AMPA receptor trafficking is regulated by post‐synaptic density‐95 (PSD‐95), a substrate for GSK3. Ketamine treatment decreased the hippocampal membrane level of phosphorylated PSD‐95 on Thr‐19, the target of GSK3 that promotes AMPA receptor internalization.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that ketamine‐induced inhibition of GSK3 causes reduced phosphorylation of PSD‐95, diminishing the internalization of AMPA GluA1 subunits to allow for augmented signaling through AMPA receptors following ketamine treatment.
Folliculitis in prurigo pigmentosa: a proposed pathogenesis based on clinical and pathological observation
Authors: Kafle Santosh U. , Swe Sai Myint , Hsiao Pa‐Fan , Tsai Yi‐Chiun , Wu Yu‐Hung
Published: September 2016

Background

Prurigo pigmentosa is a rare inflammatory dermatosis whose exact etiology is not understood yet. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of hair follicle involvement in the pathogenesis by analyzing its clinicopathologic features.

Methods

Patients who fulfilled both the clinical and histological diagnostic criteria of prurigo pigmentosa were recruited. Their histopathologic findings, clinical features and medical histories were analyzed.

Results

A total of 32 confirmed patients were enrolled from 2002 to 2013. Their ages ranged from 11 to 79 years with a female predominance. Patient lesions were primarily reddish‐brown and located on the back. A total of 25 patients (78%) had pathological involvement of hair follicles, either bacterial colonies in the hair follicles (21/32, 66%), folliculitis (8/32, 25%) or perifolliculitis (15/32, 47%). There was a significantly higher proportion of patients with hair follicle involvement compared with control groups with either noninflammatory (5/43, 12%, p < 0.001) or inflammatory skin diseases (12/32, 38%, p = 0.002) on the back. Minocycline was an effective antibiotic treatment either singly or in combination with steroids.

Conclusions

The frequent presence of bacterial colonies along with sequelae of inflammatory changes on biopsy provides new evidence to support the theory that prurigo pigmentosa is a reactive inflammation associated with bacterial folliculitis.
The strong influence of collection bias on biodiversity knowledge shortfalls ofBrazilian terrestrial biodiversity
Authors: Oliveira Ubirajara , Paglia Adriano Pereira , Brescovit Antonio D. , de Carvalho Claudio J. B. , Silva Daniel Paiva , Rezende Daniella T. , Leite Felipe Sá Fortes , Batista João Aguiar Nogueira , Barbosa João Paulo Peixoto Pena , Stehmann João Renato , Ascher John S. , de Vasconcelos Marcelo Ferreira , De Marco Paulo , Löwenberg‐Neto Peter , Dias Priscila Guimarães , Ferro Viviane Gianluppi , Santos Adalberto J.
Published: September 2016

Aim

The knowledge of biodiversity facets such as species composition, distribution and ecological niche is fundamental for the construction of biogeographic hypotheses and conservation strategies. However, the knowledge on these facets is affected by major shortfalls, which are even more pronounced in the tropics. This study aims to evaluate the effect of sampling bias and variation in collection effort on Linnean, Wallacean and Hutchinsonian shortfalls and diversity measures as species richness, endemism and beta‐diversity.

Location

Brazil.

Methods

We have built a database with over 1.5 million records of arthropods, vertebrates and angiosperms of Brazil, based on specimens deposited in scientific collections and on the taxonomic literature. We used null models to test the collection bias regarding the proximity to access routes. We also tested the influence of sampling effort on diversity measures by regression models. To investigate the Wallacean shortfall, we modelled the geographic distribution of over 4000 species and compared their observed distribution with models. To quantify the Hutchinsonian shortfall, we used environmental Euclidean distance of the records to identify regions with poorly sampled environmental conditions. To estimate the Linnean shortfall, we measured the similarity of species composition between regions close to and far from access routes.

Results

We demonstrated that despite the differences in sampling effort, the strong collection bias affects all taxonomic groups equally, generating a pattern of spatially biased sampling effort. This collection pattern contributes greatly to the biodiversity knowledge shortfalls, which directly affects the knowledge on the distribution patterns of diversity.

Main conclusions

The knowledge on species richness, species composition and endemism in the Brazilian biodiversity is strongly biased spatially. Despite differences in sampling effort for each taxonomic group, roadside bias affected them equally. Species composition similarity decreased with the distance from access routes, suggesting collection surveys at sites far from roads could increase the probability of sampling new geographic records or new species.
Chest pain in the emergency room—an interesting case presentation
Authors: Turner Michael C.
Published: September 2016

A 61‐year‐old woman presented to the emergency room with atypical chest pain, non‐diagnostic electrocardiogram, and an initial troponin level that was normal. A coronary computed tomography angio (CCTA) was performed, and on initial review, it appeared to be normal. Subsequent review including evaluation of functional data from the retrospective scan identified a distal left anterior descending occlusion and an apical wall‐motion abnormality with no other evidence of heart disease. This case illustrates the complementary contribution of anatomic and functional data and serves to remind us that on rare occasions, what looks “normal” is not always normal.
Right ventricular myxoma originating from a papillary muscle: a case report
Authors: Hajsadeghi Shokoufeh , Pazoki Mahboubeh , Moradians Vahan , Iranpour Aida , Jebeli Mohammad , Babaheidarian Pegah
Published: September 2016

Very few cases of ventricular myxoma originate from a papillary muscle. Patients with a cardiac myxoma and a history of colorectal carcinoma are also rare. Here, we present a case of an extremely large right ventricular myxoma that originated from the posteromedial papillary muscle in a patient with a history of colorectal carcinoma.
Unveiling the influence of the environment on the migration pattern of the Atlantic pomfret (Brama brama) in North‐eastern Atlantic waters
Authors: Quinzán M. , Castro J. , Marín M. , Costas G. , Monserrat S. , Amores A. , Massutí E. , Hidalgo M.
Published: September 2016

Hydroclimatic variability is one of the main factors that drives inter‐annual changes in fish migration patterns. This study analyses the relationship between climate‐oceanographic factors and migration of the Atlantic pomfret (Brama brama) in NE Atlantic waters. Geo‐referenced catch data from logbooks of longliners operating in European Atlantic waters from 2002 to 2013 were linked to environmental indices at different temporal and spatial scales. Our results point to a strong influence of temperature at 200 m depth as the key factor along with the upwelling in the Galician (NW Iberian) waters. However, sea surface temperature (SST) indirectly affects the geographical display of Atlantic pomfret migration, and large migrations are observed in scenarios of high SSTs in the migratory area (c. above 14.7°C). Migrations are constrained during years when temperatures are below this threshold. A longer time‐series of annual landings (1950–2013) supports this evidence and highlights the significant influence of temperature at 200‐m depth along with the landings of the previous year. Length frequency distributions suggest an increase in size between consecutive seasons supporting the hypothesis that migration is a feeding strategy and a return to tropical waters of origin for spawning. Our study shows that the temperature of intermediate waters is a key variable in determining the northward migration of the Atlantic pomfret whereas density‐dependence and surface climatic conditions trigger secondary effects on the migration pattern of this species.
Physician trust and depression influence adherence to factor replacement: a single‐centre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tran D. Q. , Barry V. , Antun A. , Ribeiro M. , Stein S. , Kempton C. L.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Poor adherence to factor replacement therapy among patients with haemophilia can lead to joint bleeding and eventual disability.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine patient‐related characteristics associated with adherence to factor replacement in adults with haemophilia.

Methods

Adults with haemophilia were recruited to participate in this cross‐sectional study. Adherence was measured using either the Validated Hemophilia Regimen Treatment Adherence Scale (VERITAS)‐Pro or the VERITAS‐PRN questionnaire. Simple and multiple regression analyses that controlled for confounding were performed to determine the association between patient‐related characteristics and adherence to factor replacement therapy.

Results

Of the 99 subjects enrolled, all were men; 91% had haemophilia A and 78% had severe disease. Age ranged from 18 to 62 years. Most (95%) had functional health literacy; but only 23% were numerate. Mean adherence scores were 45.6 (SD 18) and 51.0 (SD 15) for those on a prophylactic and those on an episodic regimen, respectively, with a lower score indicating better adherence. On multivariable analysis, being on any chronic medication, longer duration followed at our haemophilia treatment centre, higher physician trust and better quality of life were associated with higher adherence. A history of depression was associated with lower adherence.

Conclusion

Two potentially modifiable characteristics, physician trust and depression, were identified as motivator and barrier to adherence to factor replacement therapy. Promoting a high level of trust between the patient and the healthcare team as well as identifying and treating depression may impact adherence to factor replacement therapy and accordingly reduce joint destruction.
Illness perception in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review
Authors: Al‐Smadi Ahmed Mohammad , Ashour Ala , Hweidi Issa , Gharaibeh Besher , Fitzsimons Donna
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review that investigates the differences in illness perception with age and gender in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Previous studies show some discrepancies regarding the influence of age and gender on the specific dimensions of coronary artery disease patients' illness perception. A systematic review using a narrative synthesis process included preliminary synthesis, exploration of relationships and assessment of the robustness of the synthesis and findings was conducted. Search terms were used to identify research studies published between 1996 and December 2014 across four key databases: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria of the review. The review found that men had a stronger perception that their own behaviour had caused their illness than women. In addition, older patients had lower perceptions of the consequences and chronicity of their illness. This analysis concludes that some dimensions of illness perception vary according to age and gender of patients with coronary artery disease. These differences should be taken into consideration, particularly when providing health education and cardiac rehabilitation.
Preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin‐ and florfenicol‐loaded hydrogenated castor oil‐solid lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Ling Z. , Yonghong L. , Changqing S. , Junfeng L. , Li Z. , Chunyu J. , Xianqiang L.
Published: September 2016

To effectively control bovine mastitis, tilmicosin (TIL)‐ and florfenicol (FF)‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) with hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) were prepared by a hot homogenization and ultrasonication method.In vitroantibacterial activity, properties, and pharmacokinetics of theTIL‐FF‐SLNwere studied. The results demonstrated thatTILandFFhad a synergistic or additive antibacterial activity againstStreptococcus dysgalactiae,Streptococcus uberis,andStreptococcus agalactiae. The size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of nanoparticles were 289.1 ± 13.7 nm, 0.31 ± 0.05, and −26.7 ± 1.3mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiencies forTILandFFwere 62.3 ± 5.9% and 85.1 ± 5.2%, and the loading capacities forTILandFFwere 8.2 ± 0.6% and 3.3 ± 0.2%, respectively. TheTIL‐FF‐SLNshowed no irritation in the injection site and sustained releasein vitro. After medication,TILandFFcould maintain about 0.1 μg/mL for 122 and 6 h. Compared to the control solution, theSLNincreased the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0‐t), elimination half‐life (T½ke), and mean residence time (MRT) ofTILby 33.09‐, 23.29‐, and 37.53‐fold, and 1.69‐, 5.00‐, and 3.83‐fold forFF, respectively. These results of this exploratory study suggest that theHCO‐SLNcould be a useful system for the delivery ofTILandFFfor bovine mastitis therapy.
Nutritional status and complementary feeding among HIV‐exposed infants: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kamenju Pili , Liu Enju , Hertzmark Ellen , Spiegelman Donna , Kisenge Rodrick , Kupka Roland , Aboud Said , Manji Karim P. , Duggan Christopher , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: September 2016

Complementary feeding is crucial for improving child survival and promoting growth and development, particularly among HIV‐exposed children who have higher risk of morbidity and mortality than their un‐exposed peers. This prospective study employed an infant and child feeding index (ICFI) to measure complementary feeding and determine its association with nutritional status among 2092 HIV‐exposed infants followed from 6 to 24 months of age in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The ICFI measured both quality and quantity of complementary feeding, including current breastfeeding status, food consistency, dietary diversity scores (DDS), food group frequency score, and meal frequency. The ICFI score ranged from 0 to 9; the median score was 6 (Inter‐Quartile Range, IQR= 4–7). After adjusting for potential confounders, high ICFI scores were associated with reduced risk of stunting (high vs. low tertile hazard ratio, HR: 0.72; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.57, 0.91; P< 0.01) and underweight (high vs. low tertile HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.02; P= 0.07). Low DDS were associated with higher risk of stunting (low vs. high tertile HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.07; P< 0.01) and underweight (low vs. high tertile HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.96; P= 0.01). In this setting, high DDS and ICFI scores were protective of stunting and underweight. We recommend for nutrition programs in low‐income countries to emphasize educating HIV‐exposed children's caregivers on the importance of dietary diversity and optimal complementary feeding to improve nutritional status in this important subpopulation.
Candida vulvovaginitis: A store with a buttery and a show window
Authors: Donders Gilbert G. G. , Sobel Jack D.
Published: September 2016

Although being an utterly frequent, non‐mortal, yet distressing disease, and despite good knowledge of the pathogenesis and the availability of specific and safe treatment, vulvovaginal Candida (VVC) infection remains one of the most enigmatic problems for both physicians and patients. Good treatment requires a proper diagnosis. Too many caregivers (and patients treating themselves) react too simple‐minded on the symptoms of VVC and treat VVC where they see it on the vulva. In this opinion paper, we plea for a thorough examination of women with VVC, especially in those women who suffer from recurrent disease since a long time, sometimes decades, which necessitates intensive examination of the vaginal flora, as this is invariably the reservoir for relapses and recurrent vulvitis. Examination of such complicated cases requires experienced clinical judgement, expertise bedside phase contrast microscopy of fresh vaginal fluid, classical cultures on Sabouroud medium and, if still unresolved, repetitive cultures taken by the patient herself at moments of symptoms, and/or nuclear acid amplification techniques to detect Candida genes in the vaginal fluid. Even if only vulvitis is evident, thorough expert examination of vaginal fluid is obligatory to diagnose VVC.
First‐in‐man observation of Talaromyces marneffei‐transmission by organ transplantation
Authors: Hermans Frederik , Ombelet Sien , Degezelle Karlien , Testelmans Dries , Van Raemdonck Dirk E. , Verleden Geert M. , Verbeken Eric K. , Van Bleyenbergh Pascal , Lagrou Katrien , Vos Robin
Published: September 2016

A lung transplant recipient was diagnosed with penicilliosis due to Talaromyces marneffei, a fungus endemic in South‐East Asia, which was acquired by donor transmission. This first case of Talaromyces marneffei‐transmission by transplantation underscores that current globalisation of travelling necessitates increased vigilance for transmission of unusual pathogens in organ recipients.
Understanding the rise of Yinao in China: A commentary on the little known phenomenon of healthcare violence
Authors: Zhang Liuyi , Stone Teresa E. , Zhang Jingping
Published: September 2016

Yinao (healthcare disturbance) refers to violent incidents directed against healthcare staff and facilities for financial benefit. In China, incidences of Yinao are widespread and increasing, but little is known of this phenomenon in the wider global community. This commentary investigates the factors behind Yinao to achieve a deeper understanding. Causes include a lack of trust in medical staff, fueled by costly medical expenses; difficulties in accessing treatment; poor treatment outcomes; high patient expectations; a misunderstanding or rejection of medical ethics; misleading media reports; and a complex appeals process. Both doctors and nurses have been the targets of violent and distressing Yinao events, resulting in emotional pain, physical injury, and even death. In response, hospitals have established a series of preventative measures and and the government has increased the penalties for perpetrators of acts of Yinao. The situation is a salient reminder to policymakers worldwide of the importance of an accessible, affordable, and equitable health system.
Community Health Needs Assessments: Expanding the Boundaries of Nursing Education in Population Health
Authors: Evans‐Agnew Robin , Reyes David , Primomo Janet , Meyer Karen , Matlock‐Hightower Corrie
Published: September 2016

Background

Conducting federally mandated community health needs assessments through academic‐practice partnerships provides new opportunities for developing population health nursing competencies.

Objectives

The purpose of this article was to describe how a baccalaureate practicum experience within such an assessment process, involving health care system partners, re‐affirms the importance of community and population health assessment in the development of future nursing leaders.

Results

Student evaluations indicated an emerging appreciation for the social determinants of health, the power of partnerships, and the importance of diversity. Integrating health care and public health system perspectives on assessment meets both public health and nursing accreditation standards and extends student leadership experiences. Such integration also improves regional capacity for improving population health.

Conclusions

Federal mandates for community health needs assessments provide opportunities to advance leadership roles for nursing graduates throughout the health care system, and for confirming the importance of community assessment as an essential nursing competency.
Unique growth paths of heterospecific pollen tubes result in late entry into ovules in the gynoecium of Sagittaria (Alismataceae)
Authors: Lyu N. , Du W. , Wang X.‐F.
Published: September 2016

Pollen‐pistil interactions are a fundamental process in the reproductive biology of angiosperms and play a particularly important role in maintaining incipient species that exist in sympatry. However, the majority of previous studies have focused on species with syncarpous gynoecia (fused carpels) and not those with apocarpous gynoecia (unfused carpels).

In the present study, we investigated the growth of conspecific pollen tubes compared to heterospecific pollen tubes in Sagittaria species, which have apocarpous gynoecia. We conducted controlled pollinations between S. pygmaea and S. trifolia and observed the growth of conspecific and heterospecific pollen tubes under a fluorescence microscope.

Heterospecific and conspecific pollen tubes arrived at locules within the ovaries near simultaneously. However, conspecific pollen tubes entered into the ovules directly, whereas heterospecific tubes passed through the carpel base and adjacent receptacle tissue, to ultimately fertilize other unfertilized ovules. This longer route taken by heterospecific pollen tubes therefore caused a delay in the time required to enter into the ovules. Furthermore, heterospecific pollen tubes displayed similar growth patterns at early and peak pollination. The growth pattern of heterospecific pollen tubes at late pollination was similar to that of conspecific pollen tubes at peak pollination.

Heterospecific and conspecific pollen tubes took different routes to fertilize ovules. A delayed entry of heterospecific pollen into ovules may be a novel mechanism of conspecific pollen advantage (CPA) for apocarpous species.
Evidence for Tackling the Complexities of Water Governance
Authors: Heikkila Tanya
Published: September 2016

Water policy and management decisions are increasingly challenged by uncertainties associated with climate change, changing demographics, and social values. This article discusses how research by water governance scholars supports and complements Rob M. Skinner's arguments about the complexities of water planning and policy making and the importance of stakeholder engagement. Specifically, it focuses on how this decision‐making context shapes the ways in which evidence is used and understood in water governance. To conclude, this article draws lessons for practitioners about the limitations of using evidence in water governance.
Detecting reproductive system abnormalities of broiler breeder roosters at different ages
Authors: Lagares MA , Ecco R , Martins NRS , Lara LJC , Rocha JSR , Vilela DAR , Barbosa VM , Mantovani PF , Braga JFV , Preis IS , Gheller VA , Cardeal PC , Baião NC
Published: September 2016

Contents

The objective of this study was to detect the reasons of rooster's fertility decrease at 50 weeks of age. Therefore, the reproductive system of broiler breeder roosters was laparoscopic, macroscopic and histopathology evaluated, and a comparison of the anatomical aspect with the sperm analysis and birds’ age was realized. Cobb roosters (n = 59) were distributed into two groups (30 and 50 weeks). Evaluations were performed with laparoscopy, macroscopy and histopathology, and seminal quality, blood serum testosterone concentration and weight were also determined. The old roosters presented smaller testicle size, higher intensity epididymal lithiasis and lower testicle sperm production, compared to the young roosters. The use of the endoscope could easily distinguish a normal‐sized testicle than an atrophic one. Four old roosters with severe testicular atrophy did not show spermatogenesis, although three still had sperm in the ejaculate. This would falsely indicate a wrong diagnosis of normal fertility before the testicular atrophy took place. In conclusion, in addition to the weight increase with age, the testicular atrophy and impairment of sperm production seemed to be the main reason to the decrease in the rooster's fertility at 50 weeks of age. Therefore, the use of the laparoscopy as a way to detect the roosters with testicular atrophy before 50 weeks of age and their removal from them flock could be useful as a diagnostic tool to prevent the birds’ fertility loss.
Does the novel ecosystem concept provide a framework for practical applications and a path forward? A reply to Miller and Bestelmeyer
Authors: Kattan Gustavo H. , Aronson James , Murcia Carolina
Published: September 2016

The novel ecosystem (NE) concept has been presented as a new paradigm or framework for ecological restoration. However, NEs are imprecisely defined for any practical applications and are based on theory not evidence. Furthermore, the NE concept remains descriptive, rather than prescriptive, and offers no testable predictions for researchers or concrete management guidelines. Current restoration concepts and practice already admit various possibilities for dealing with ecosystems for which recovery to an historical trajectory or environmental variation range is not the best option. Nonanalog ecosystems are real, but we caution against overvaluation and the undesirable outcomes of a contagion phenomenon.
Growth Kinetics of Intermetallic Compounds Between Sn and Fe Liquid–Solid Reaction Couples
Authors: Hsu Shou-Jen , Lee Chin C.
Published: September 2016

Growth behavior of the intermetallic compound (IMC), FeSn2, was investigated in the liquid Sn/solid Fe reaction couple over the annealing temperatures from 250 °C to 400 °C. Low-carbon steel AISI 1018 was chosen to make Fe samples. The morphology and thickness of the IMC formed between Sn and Fe were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm that the IMC is FeSn2. The growth kinetics of FeSn2 was modeled by parabolic law and empirical power law. Based on the models, the growth constants, the activation energy, and the time exponents were established at different annealing temperatures. It was found that the time exponent values obtained by fitting with empirical power law deviate from 0.5, meaning that volume (bulk) diffusion is not the only rate-controlling process in the liquid Sn/solid Fe reaction couple. Also, a variation in the time exponent values is indicative that the growth behavior is correlated with grain size growth and irregular grain morphology at different annealing stages. The results of this research show that AISI 1018 steel can readily react with Sn to form IMC on the interface. This is an essential requirement of soldering action using Sn-rich solders.