bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement and management of competences by enterprise social networking
Authors: Sardi Alberto , Garengo Patrizia , Bititci Umit
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Literature describes the transformation process of employees’ individual competences into firm-specific competences as a great challenge in the performance management and management field. Recently, to favor the transformation of competences, some companies have adopted enterprise social networking (ESN). However, not enough studies support the understanding of its role in performance management and measurement and scant attention is given to the inclusion of competences in a holistic performance measurement and management system (PMMS). To help close this gap, the purpose of this paper is to develop knowledge on the role of ESN in measurement and management of competences to favor the development of a holistic PMMS.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a multiple case study methodology using a qualitative meta-analysis. It investigates 32 multinational companies by case studies available in the scientific literature.

Findings

The results highlight the use of ESN as a relevant support for the development of a holistic PMMS based on a high maturity in performance measurement and a democratic and participative approach in performance management. ESN provides real-time data collection, analysis and reports that encourage a democratic and participative performance management. It facilitates relationships, knowledge sharing and favors a high maturity performance measurement.

Originality/value

The paper provides implications for theory, practice and society. First, the paper rationalizes the impact of ESN usage on performance measurement and management. Second, it offers new knowledge supporting practitioners in the development of holistic PMMS. Third, it highlights that ESN favors people in self-expression of own capacity, sharing artwork and knowledge on specific topics.
Using system dynamics modeling to evaluate a community-based social marketing framework
Authors: Biroscak Brian Joseph , Bryant Carol , Khaliq Mahmooda , Schneider Tali , Panzera Anthony Dominic , Courtney Anita , Parvanta Claudia , Hovmand Peter
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Community coalitions are an important part of the public milieu and subject to similar external pressures as other publicly funded organizations – including changes in required strategic orientation. Many US government agencies that fund efforts such as community-based social marketing initiatives have shifted their funding agenda from program development to policy development. The Florida Prevention Research Center at the University of South Florida (Tampa, Florida, USA) created community-based prevention marketing (CBPM) for policy development framework to teach community coalitions how to apply social marketing to policy development. This paper aims to explicate the framework’s theory of change.

Design/methodology/approach

The research question was: “How does implementing the CBPM for Policy Development framework improve coalition performance over time?” The authors implemented a case study design, with the “case” being a normative community coalition. The study adhered to a well-developed series of steps for system dynamics modeling.

Findings

Results from computer model simulations show that gains in community coalition performance depend on a coalition’s initial culture and initial efficiency, and that only the most efficient coalitions’ performance might improve from implementing the CBPM framework.

Originality/value

Practical implications for CBPM’s developers and users are discussed, namely, the importance of managing the early expectations of academic-community partnerships seeking to shift their orientation from downstream (e.g. program development) to upstream social marketing strategies (e.g. policy change).
Conservative estimations of irradiation embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel steels for WWER-1000 lifetime prediction
Authors: Anosov Nikolai Petrovich , Skorobogatykh Vladimir Nikolaevich , Gordyuk Lyubov’ Yur’yevna , Mikheev Vasilii Anatol’evich , Pogorelov Egor Vasil’yevich , Shamardin Valentin Kuz’mich
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider a procedure of water-water energetic reactor (WWER) reactor pressure vessel (RPV) lifetime prediction at the stages of design and lifetime extension using the standard irradiation embrittlement parameters as defined in regulatory documents. A comparison is made of the brittle fracture resistance (BFR) values evaluated using two criteria: shift in the critical brittleness temperature ΔTc or shift in the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature ΔTp and without shifts (Tc and Tp).

Design/methodology/approach

The radiation resistance was determined using the following three approaches: calculation based on standard values ΔTc and Tc0 or ΔTp and Tp0 (a level of excessive conservatism); calculation based on standard value ΔTc and actual value Tc0 or actual values ΔTp and Tp0 (the level of realistic conservatism); or calculation based on actual values of Tc and Tc0 or Tp and Tp0 (the level of actual conservatism). The BFR was evaluated based on the results of testing the specimens subjected to irradiation in research reactors as well as surveillance specimens subjected to irradiation immediately under operating conditions.

Findings

The excessive conservatism in determining the actual lifetime of nuclear reactor vessel materials can be eliminated by using the immediate values of critical brittleness temperature and ductile-to-brittle transition temperature.

Originality/value

Obtained results can be applied to extend WWER vessel operating time at the stages of designing and operation due to substantiated decrease in conservatism. And it will allow carrying out a statistical substantiated assessment of the resistance to brittle fracture of the RPV steels.
Recent grazing reduces reptile richness but historic grazing filters reptiles based on their functional traits
Authors: Val James , Travers Samantha K. , Oliver Ian , Koen Terry B. , Eldridge David J.
Published: December 2018

Grazing by mammalian herbivores can alter vegetation structure and composition. It can therefore affect critical habitat features used by native wildlife for shelter, feeding, and breeding. This can have variable effects, which advantage or disadvantage particular species, depending on habitat requirements.

We tested the relative effects of recent and historic livestock grazing and recent rabbit and kangaroo grazing on all reptiles, and on specific groups of reptiles based on three functional traits: habitat preference (semi‐arboreal, terrestrial, fossorial), activity pattern (diurnal, nocturnal), and primary foraging habitat (tree, litter, open).

We used structural equation modelling to assess the direct and indirect impacts of mammalian herbivores (livestock, and free‐ranging kangaroos and rabbits) on reptile richness at 108 semi‐arid woodland sites in eastern Australia. We used a trait‐based approach to classify reptiles according to their: (a) habitat preference, (b) activity pattern, and (c) foraging preference.

We recorded 42 reptile species from 1,736 specimens caught over 13,824 trap nights. Sites grazed by rabbits were associated with greater richness of semi‐arboreal species. Kangaroo grazing had virtually no effects on total richness or richness within trait groups. The effects of recent and historic livestock grazing differed among reptile trait groups. Increasing intensity of recent livestock grazing reduced the richness of most reptile groups directly, and indirectly suppressed the positive effect of native plant richness on reptile richness. The effects of historic livestock grazing, however, filtered reptiles based on their traits, reducing the richness of tree‐shrub foraging reptiles only. Increasing woody cover had direct suppressive effects on all reptiles, but particularly open foragers and terrestrial species. Overall, the effects of recent livestock grazing were stronger than those of plant richness or woody cover.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate how grazing by all herbivores, both domestic and free‐ranging, needs to be managed according to seasonal conditions in order to meet the conservation needs of semi‐arid reptiles within landscapes dominated by livestock.
Bacteriophages that infect marine roseobacters: genomics and ecology
Authors: Zhan Yuanchao , Chen Feng
Published: December 2018

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities in seawater. They influence microbial population dynamics, genetic heterogeneity and biogeochemical cycles in marine ecosystems. The isolation and characterization of viruses that infect specific hosts have greatly advanced our knowledge of the biological and ecological interactions between viruses and their hosts. Marine Roseobacter are abundant, ubiquitous and diverse in the ocean and play active roles in global biogeochemical cycling, especially the sulfur cycle. Currently, 32 bacteriophages that infect multiple lineages of roseobacters have been isolated and sequenced. These roseophages exhibit diverse morphologies, nucleic acid types and genomic features. Here, we provide the most up‐to‐date overview of roseophages. Most roseophages are host specific and have a wide range of genome sizes and open reading frames. Based on a genome‐wide comparison, at least eight distinctly different types of roseophages were identified, indicating their diversity. Lysogenic‐related and gene transfer agent‐related genes are commonly found in roseophage genomes, implying the importance of genetic transfer within roseobacters. This feature could provide the versatility for roseobacters to quickly adapt to the changing environments. A wide distribution range of roseophages in the global ocean, especially in coastal environments, has been observed, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the Roseobacter lineage.
The Long‐run Effects of Political Regimes and Economic Openness on Energy Intensity
Authors: Adom Philip Kofi
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the effects of trade openness and political regimes on energy intensity, using the case of Ghana in sub‐Saharan Africa. The study adopts the Stock–Watson dynamic OLS to deal with the problems of endogeneity and serial correlation. The findings reveal that while openness reduces energy intensity, democracy increases it. The latter result can be attributed to the existence of pressure interest groups, rent‐seeking behaviour, high corruption, regulatory failures and the lack of coordination that characterize Ghana's democratic governance. Further results reveal a significant role for the price of energy in terms of reducing energy intensity.
Measurement and Determinants of Food Poverty: A Dynamic Analysis of Nigeria's First Panel Survey Data
Authors: Eigbiremolen Godstime Osekhebhen , Ogbuabor Jonathan Emenike
Published: December 2018

Using an improved food poverty line, this paper provides the first dynamic food poverty analysis for Nigeria, accounting for urban‐rural income and price differentials. Estimates from the General Household Survey (GHS) longitudinal data reveal that about half of the population was food‐poor in 2013. The proportion of the population that slipped into food poverty within the periods under study (2010–13) far outweighs those that moved out of food poverty. After controlling for households’ socio‐economic and demographic characteristics in a multivariate analysis, large initial household size, unemployment, and low levels of initial education are identified as key factors that keep households in food poverty over time. This, however, varies across rural and urban households.
Man about Town: Victorian Night Life and the Haymarket Saturnalia, 1840–1880
Authors: MCWILLIAM ROHAN
Published: December 2018

This article aims to establish night life and pleasure districts as historical problems. It examines as its case study the Haymarket in London's West End between 1840 and 1880 when the street was notorious for louche entertainments aimed at younger members of the nobility. A moral panic developed around the street, particularly concerned with the high level of prostitution. The article looks at the Argyll Rooms dance hall at the top of the Haymarket and the night houses (night clubs) in adjacent streets. The pleasures of these spaces are decoded in order to consider the role of night life in the making of the West End and of the Victorian imagination. A clean‐up campaign was driven by police and local rate payers who wanted to tame the Haymarket saturnalia which represented a threat to respectable society. Licentious behaviour clashed with systems of moral regulation. The article argues that the transformation of the Haymarket was part of larger changes that established the West End as a pleasure district open to a wider public.
Size classification of precipitated calcium phosphate using hydrocyclone technology for the recovery of minerals from deproteinised acid whey
Authors: Crowley Shane V , Molitor Michael S , Kalscheuer Rebecca , Lu Yanjie , Kelly Alan L , O'Mahony James A , Lucey John A
Published: December 2018

Acid whey is generated during the manufacture of acidified dairy products, such as soft cheeses, acid casein ingredients and strained yoghurts. Examples of these whey‐based by‐products include Cottage cheese acid whey and Greek yoghurt acid whey. Alkalisation of acid whey at elevated temperatures (60 °C) precipitates calcium phosphate, which can be recovered and used as an ingredient. The novel application of a liquid–solid hydrocyclone in the size classification of calcium phosphate from heated and neutralised acid whey was investigated in this study. Factors influencing hydrocyclone performance were tested, and the technology was integrated into a membrane filtration‐based process for the production of milk mineral powders.
Modification of the Dialysate Port of Plasma Separators for Safe Blood Purification in Japan
Authors: Tsukamoto Tatsuo , Miyata Makiko , Hirata Noriko , Hosoi Nobuyuki , Matsumura Yumi , Akiba Takashi
Published: December 2018

A fatal mix‐up of a hemofilter with a plasma separator occurred in 2011. The close resemblance between the two blood purification columns commonly used in Japan posed a fundamental risk for such mix‐ups. Both the in‐hospital case investigation committee and the relevant academic societies have independently proposed the modifications of the dialysate port (D port) of the plasma separator to avoid this type of misuse. To make these devices foolproof, medical professionals, including physicians and clinical engineers, and members of the Medical Technology Association of Japan discussed measures to prevent this type of recurrence. Since new standards were soon to be issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the modifications were temporarily postponed. In September 2016, the ISO released new standards for small‐bore connectors. The shape changes of the D port from the current slip‐in type (ISO8637) to the Luer lock type (ISO80369‐7) had been already approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan by the end of November 2018, including a temporal use of a converter to connect the current type of D port to the new type of blood circuit. We must address the next issue that the new standard and the older standard coexist in the clinical setting, which may create a new risk.
Characteristics of dietary intake among adult patients in hospitals in a lower middle‐income country in Southeast Asia
Authors: Tran Quoc C. , Banks Merrilyn , Do Thi N.D. , Gallegos Danielle , Hannan‐Jones Mary
Published: December 2018

Aim

Low‐dietary intake is a common problem and cause of malnutrition during hospitalisation. This study aims to determine the current dietary intake and food sources of hospitalised adults in Ho Chi Minh City.

Methods

Participants were adult patients from six general public hospitals in a multi‐site survey undertaken in 2016. Dietary intakes for all foods consumed in the previous day were collected via interview using the 24 hours recall method. Nutritional status was assessed using Subjective Global Assessment or BMI.

Results

Data were collected from 887 participants. Most food consumed in hospital was from non‐regulated foodservices. Food was self‐provided and home‐cooked (27.7%), bought from outside the hospital (13.6%), from the hospital canteen (16.8%) or a combination of these (39.4%). Only 1.3% of food was provided by the hospital. Energy intakes were very low with a median of 3550 kJ/day; and only 4.2% of participants met 100% of their energy requirements. Decreased appetite, fullness or restrictions due to medical indications were the most common reasons for low‐dietary intake. Malnourished participants were 2.2 times more likely to have low‐dietary intake compared to well‐nourished participants.

Conclusions

Non‐regulated foodservices in hospital were not able to meet the dietary requirements of patients leading to hospital malnutrition. Standardisation of food from on‐site canteens, covering meal costs from universal medical insurance, and developing guides for food provisioning for patients’ families are potential solutions to improve patient nutritional status.
Supplementation of Modified Mannitol‐Yolk‐Polymyxin B Agar with Cefuroxime for Quantitative Detection of Bacillus cereus in Food
Authors: Chon Jung‐Whan , Kim Young‐Ji , Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Song Kwang‐Young , Kim Hyunsook , Seo Kun‐Ho
Published: December 2018

The presence of unwanted competing flora has been the most common confounding factor in the enumeration of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) using selective media such as mannitol‐yolk‐polymyxin B agar (MYPA). The objective of this study was to improve MYPA selectivity for B. cereus by supplementation with a second‐generation cephalosporin, cefuroxime. The performance of cefuroxime‐supplemented MYPA (cefu‐MYPA) was evaluated by comparison with original MYPA in 60 food products with established microbiological standards for B. cereus contamination. Cefu‐MYPA demonstrated superior recoverability and selectivity for B. cereus compared with original MYPA in most tested foods. B. cereus numbers on MYPA and cefu‐MYPA were 363.5 and 462.0 CFU/g, respectively. Competing flora on cefu‐MYPA was detected in significantly less samples (70%) compared to original MYPA (93%). In addition, the detection and isolation of suspected colonies were significantly improved in cefu‐MYPA because of the reduction or elimination of competing flora in all tested foods except fruit juice, indicating superior selectivity of the modified medium. Our findings suggest that cefuroxime supplementation of MYPA would markedly improve the detection rate of B. cereus, particularly in foods with high levels of indigenous flora.
Formation of Clusters in Whiskies During the Maturation Process
Authors: Morishima Ken , Nakamura Noriko , Matsui Keisuke , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Mori Shoko , Iwashita Takashi , li Xiang , Shibayama Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2018

Maturation provides whisky with a mild and smooth texture by removing the irritating alcoholic flavor. However, the precise mechanism by which the whisky flavor is improved through the maturation process remains unknown. In this study, we performed mesoscopic structural measurements—dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS)—to elucidate the relationship between the liquid structure and flavor maturation of whiskies. Both techniques detected two scattering components corresponding to the clusters formed by the extractives from oak casks during maturation, which are not present in the new make (freshly distilled whisky). Analyzing the scattering profiles revealed that only the small clusters increase in concentration during maturation. It is concluded the small cluster component is crucial for obtaining flavorful whiskies, while the large cluster component, whose concentration is independent of the maturation time, is related to the alcoholic irritation of the whiskies, as demonstrated by the sonication test.
Microbial communities in swine lungs and their association with lung lesions
Authors: Huang Tao , Zhang Mingpeng , Tong Xinkai , Chen Jiaqi , Yan Guorong , Fang Shaoming , Guo Yuanmei , Yang Bin , Xiao Shijun , Chen Congying , Huang Lusheng , Ai Huashui
Published: December 2018

Under natural farming, environmental pathogenic microorganisms may invade and affect swine lungs, further resulting in lung lesions. However, few studies on swine lung microbiota and their potential relationship with lung lesions were reported. Here, we sampled 20 pigs from a hybrid herd raised under natural conditions; we recorded a lung‐lesion phenotype and investigated lung microbial communities by sequencing the V3‐V4 region of 16S rRNA gene for each individual. We found reduced microbial diversity but more biomass in the severe‐lesion lungs. Methylotenera, Prevotella, Sphingobium and Lactobacillus were the prominent bacteria in the healthy lungs, while Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Sphingobium, Haemophilus and Phyllobacterium were the most abundant microbes in the severe‐lesion lungs. Notably, we identified 64 lung‐lesion‐associated OTUs, of which two classified to Mycoplasma were positively associated with lung lesions and 62 showed negative association including thirteen classified to Prevotella and six to Ruminococcus. Cross‐validation analysis showed that lung microbiota explained 23.7% phenotypic variance of lung lesions, suggesting that lung microbiota had large effects on promoting lung healthy. Furthermore, 22 KEGG pathways correlated with lung lesions were predicted. Altogether, our findings improve the knowledge about swine lung microbial communities and give insights into the relationship between lung microbiota and lung lesions.
In Search of a Theory of Budgeting: A Literature Review
Authors: Kenno Staci A. , Lau Michelle C. , Sainty Barbara J.
Published: December 2018

Budgeting is used throughout all types of organizations and is a significant topic of accounting research. In order to advance the discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of budgeting, future budgeting research will benefit from a comprehensive review of the theories used by previous budgeting researchers. This literature review highlights the major theoretical perspectives and specific theories used in budgeting research as well as the common variables used and methodologies, among other observations of budgeting research in 249 articles. Although we find no cohesive theory of budgeting, we identify the importance of a unified thought process to budgeting research and provide insights for future work in the area.
All the eggs in one basket: Are island refuges securing an endangered passerine?
Authors: Webb Matthew , Alves Fernanda , Tulloch Ayesha , Shaw Justine , Bryant Sally , Stojanovic Dejan , Crates Ross , Heinsohn Robert
Published: December 2018

Refuges for threatened species are important to prevent species extinction. They provide protection from a range of environmental and biotic stressors, and ideally provide protection against all threatening processes. However, for some species it may not be clear why some areas are refuges and others are not. The forty‐spotted pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus) is an endangered, sedentary, cryptic and specialised bird endemic to the island of Tasmania, Australia. Having undergone an extreme range contraction over the past century the species is now mostly confined to a few small offshore island refuges. Key threatening processes to the species include habitat loss, wildfire, competition and predation. The ways in which these processes have molded the species’ contemporary range have not been clearly evaluated. Furthermore, the security of the remnant population within refuges is uncertain. To overcome this uncertainty we assessed key threats and established the population status in known refuges by developing a robust survey protocol within an occupancy modelling framework. We discuss our results in the context of planning trial reintroductions of this endangered species in suitable habitat across its former range. We found very high occupancy rates (0.75–0.96) at two refuges and in suitable conditions, the species was highly detectable (p, 0.43–0.77). At a third location our surveys indicated a local extinction, likely due to recent wildfire. We demonstrate that all refuges are at high risk of one or more threatening processes and the current distribution across island refuges is unlikely to secure the species from extinction. We identified large areas of potential habitat across the species’ former mainland range, but these are likely too distant from source populations for natural recolonisation. We propose that establishing new populations of forty‐spotted pardalotes via reintroduction is essential to secure the species and that this is best achieved while robust source populations still exist.
Dietary effect of lemon verbena extract on selected blood parameters and on plasma oxidative profile in Avelignese horses
Authors: Palazzo Marisa , Vizzarri Francesco , Cinone Mario , D'Alessandro Angela Gabriella , Martemucci Giovanni , Casamassima Donato
Published: December 2018

The effect of Lippia citriodora extract on selected blood parameters and on plasma oxidative markers in Avelignese horses was evaluated. Twenty‐four horses were divided into three groups, consisting of eight animals each. Results of two experimental groups, 0.5 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw0.75) in the low‐dose group (LVB) and 1.0 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw0.75) in the high‐dose group (HVB), were compared to the control group (CON). Groups fed L. citriodora extract (HVB and LVB) showed a significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p < .01), bilirubin, and transaminases (p < .05), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (p < .01) compared to the CON group. Oxidative status was improved due to significant decrease in plasma concentration of ROMs and TBARS (p < .01) and increase in levels of vitamin A and vitamin E (p < .01). Based on obtained results, it is assumed that dietary supplementation with L. citriodora extract might find a useful application in horse feeding, with positive impact observed in blood parameters and plasma oxidative markers, with beneficial effects on the physiological welfare of livestock animals.
Effect of posttransportation grazing on the physiological condition and meat quality traits of Black Bengal goats
Authors: Salahuddin Md. , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Das Shonkor Kumar , Hossain Mohammad Mujaffar , Hasan Md. Nazmul , Hiramatsu Kohzy
Published: December 2018

This study was designed to reveal the role of posttransportation grazing on the physiological condition and meat quality traits of Black Bengal goats. Twenty‐four castrated male Black Bengal goats were divided into a control (untransported) group and three treated groups: Walking and Transportation with Human Interference group (WTHI) (30 min walking before 6 hr transport and then 30 min walking with human interference), posttransportation grazing for 48 hr (PTG1), and posttransportation grazing for 72 hr (PTG2). The WTHI and PTG1 groups had a significant reduction in their blood concentrations of tri‐iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and a significantly higher neutrophil and lymphocyte (N:L) ratio compared with those of the control group. Blood concentrations of T3 and T4 and the N:L ratio of PTG2 returned to the control level after 72 hr of grazing. The final pH and water‐holding capacity values of meat were significantly higher in the WTHI group than in the control group, but those in the PTG2 group returned to the control level after 72 hr of grazing. These results demonstrate that posttransportation grazing for 72 hr is effective for recovering from damage induced by transportation stress.
Effects of isonitrogenous and isocaloric total mixed ration composed of forages with different quality on milk fatty acid composition and gene expression of mammary lipogenic enzymes in mid‐lactating dairy cows
Authors: Zhang Hang , Ao Changjin , Khas‐Erdene  , Dan Ni
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing different qualities of forages and concentrate content on milk fat composition and genes that encode mammary lipogenic enzymes in dairy cows. A total of 20 Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 2 treatment diets composed of either mixed forages (MF, starch : 21.50%) or corn stover forage (CS, starch : 25.39%). Mammary tissue biopsies were performed to analyze the mRNA expression of lipogenic enzymes. Dry matter intake, body weight, milk protein, and lactose were not affected by treatments. The milk yield, fat content and saturated fatty acid (SFA) and short‐ and medium‐chain fatty acid (SMFA) contents in milk were lower in the CS diet than in the MF diet, but the unsaturated FA and long‐chain FA contents were higher. Genes involved in de novo FA synthesis, FA uptake and transport, and Δ9‐desaturation were lower in the CS treatment than in the MF treatment. No effects on the nuclear transcription factors were observed between the two treatments. The data indicated that corn stover diet reduced the milk yield, fat content, SMFA, and SFA contents in milk, as well as the gene expression of mammary lipogenic enzymes in dairy cows.
Long‐term efficacy of Metacognitive Training for Depression (D‐MCT): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jelinek Lena , Faissner Mirjam , Moritz Steffen , Kriston Levente
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The availability of treatment for depression needs to be improved. Among the barriers are the dearth of group programmes and the high demand of many programmes with regard to staff expertise. The Metacognitive Training for Depression (D‐MCT) is a new, easy‐to‐administer, cognitive behaviour‐based group intervention. In a previous 6‐month trial, D‐MCT was highly accepted by patients and efficacious compared to a control treatment. The aim of the current study was to examine whether the effects of the D‐MCT can be sustained over 3.5 years.

Design

Long‐term follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 84 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of unipolar depressive disorder were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, assessor‐blind, parallel group trial comparing two interventions added to usual care: D‐MCT and general health training (HT). Patients were reassessed 3.5 years after the interventions were terminated. Primary outcome was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Self‐assessed depressive symptom severity (BDI), dysfunctional cognitive (DAS) and metacognitive (MCQ) beliefs, self‐esteem (RSE), and quality of life (WHOQOL‐BREF) served as secondary outcomes.

Results

Primary intention‐to‐treat analyses using analysis of covariance showed negative results, and only secondary post‐hoc analyses utilizing latent growth modelling demonstrated superiority of D‐MCT over HT with regard to the long‐term course of depressive symptom severity and cognitive and metacognitive outcomes as well as physical and psychological quality of life.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that D‐MCT may be a promising add‐on treatment for unipolar depression that should be investigated in large multi‐centre studies. Independent replications are needed.

Practitioner points

Clinical implications:

The current study shows tentative evidence that positive effects of the D‐MCT reported at the 6‐month follow‐up assessment were sustained over 3.5 years.

Potential positive effects regard severity of depression, dysfunctional cognitive, and metacognitive beliefs as well as quality of life.

If positive results are replicated with less trained therapists, D‐MCT offers the possibility of providing a simple and easy‐to‐administer CBT‐based group treatment for depression with long lasting effects.

Limitations:

Sample size was small; a large‐scale multi‐centre trial would be desirable to gain high statistical power with an adequate sample size and to allow the investigation of possible allegiance effects.

D‐MCT was delivered as an add‐on intervention and not as a stand‐alone intervention.
‘I Am Worthless and Kind’; the specificity of positive and negative self‐evaluation in adolescent depression
Authors: Orchard Faith , Pass Laura , Reynolds Shirley
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Adolescence represents a critical phase when the concept of self is developed and consolidated. Depressed adolescents globally endorse more negative and fewer positive self‐descriptive words compared with non‐depressed adolescents. Yet, the methods used have not allowed for more detailed exploration of the specific content of these self‐endorsements.

Methods

Adolescents, aged 12–18 years, were recruited from the community (n = 204) and from a child and adolescent mental health service in the UK (n = 87). Participants completed measures of depression and a self‐description questionnaire which included 12 positive and 12 negative self‐descriptive adjectives.

Results

As expected, we replicated previous findings that depressive symptoms are associated with global positive and negative self‐endorsements. The difference between mean scores was examined for each adjective. Depressed adolescents endorsed all negative adjectives more highly relative to community adolescents; ratings of ‘worthless’ and ‘useless’ had the biggest difference between community and depressed adolescents. Surprisingly, a group of positive prosocial self‐descriptors were endorsed equally by depressed and community adolescents and were not associated with severity of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Although depressed adolescents endorsed more negative descriptions of themselves than community adolescents, positive self‐endorsements related to their relationships with other people were not impaired.

Practitioner points

Most highly endorsed self‐descriptive negative words by depressed adolescents were ‘worthless’ and ‘useless’

Positive prosocial self‐descriptive adjectives (i.e., trustworthy, friendly, and kind) were highly endorsed by all young people and were not associated with depression

Assessment and treatment should consider the content of adolescent self‐evaluation

The present study is unable to identify whether young people would produce the same themes of positive and negative words in a free response measure

Diagnostic information was only available on the clinical group
Trust and Power Dynamics in Children's Lived Citizenship and Participation: The Case of Public Schools and Social Work in Denmark
Authors: Warming Hanne
Published: December 2018

Based on empirical data from two research projects, this article explores trust and power relations in the context of public schools and social work in Denmark and their consequences for children's lived citizenship. The analysis shows that as a group, children not only enjoy increasing recognition as citizens but they also face distrust and misrecognition due to increasing governmentalisation which threatens to overshadow the aforementioned tendencies towards inclusion and recognition, resulting in serious citizenship deficits for children in general, and for certain subgroups of children in particular, such as those positioned as ‘at risk’.
The Patient Patient: The Performance of Traditional versus Open‐Access Scheduling Policies
Authors: Cho David , Cattani Kyle
Published: December 2018

We compare traditional and open‐access scheduling policies for outpatient medical practices in terms of the number of patients served and financial performance. Under a traditional scheduling policy, a patient schedules an appointment in advance and there is a significant possibility of patient no‐shows. In response, doctors overbook patients to reduce the idle time created by no‐shows. Under an open‐access scheduling policy, all appointments are scheduled the day of the appointment, thereby eliminating patient no‐shows but creating more randomness in the daily number of appointments. In contrast to earlier works, we consider the optimal average number of patients served and find that the open‐access policy may lead doctors to serve a greater number of patients but that the traditional policy may be more profitable by providing doctors more control over their schedule and ability to limit overtime.
Auditory and speech function after cochlear implantation in prelingually deaf children with white matter lesions
Authors: Zhang Xueyuan , Weng Yinlun , Liang Maojin , Liu Jiahao , Chen Yuebo , Zheng Yiqing
Published: December 2018

Aim

To explore how auditory and speech function developed post‐cochlear implantation (pCI) in prelingually deaf children with white matter lesions (WML).

Method

Patients (41 males, 29 females; mean age at implantation 2y 11mo [SD 7.5mo], range 1y 8mo–5y) were divided into the following groups according to preoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging evaluation: mild WML, moderate WML, severe WML, and control. We assessed auditory and speech performance at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months pCI. As well as auditory event‐related potentials, topographic maps and electroencephalography source imaging were recorded and analysed at 24 months pCI.

Results

For children with WML (any level), postoperative auditory or speech performance at 6 months was significantly below that of control participants. After stratification, auditory and speech performance was highly related to WML grading. Auditory or speech performance in mild WML or control groups was comparatively better than the moderate WML and severe WML groups. The recovery rate of speech performance fell behind that of the auditory perception. With the increasing severity of WML, N1 amplitude was significantly smaller with a consistent presentation in the topographic map, which was similar in the mild WML and control group. The dominant auditory centre was activated in the control or mild WML groups, but not in the moderate WML and severe WML groups.

Interpretation

WML gradually affect auditory and speech development, and electrophysiological performance pCI in prelingually deaf children.

What this paper adds

Auditory and speech performance in prelingually deaf children with white matter lesions (WML) was significantly worse than those without WML.

Postoperative auditory and speech performance in children with WML was highly related to WML grading.

Grand N1 amplitude in auditory event‐related potentials was negatively related to the severity of WML.

Non‐dominant areas close to the auditory cortex were potentially activated in severe WML.
A new era in the management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Korinthenberg Rudolf
Published: December 2018

The management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has changed considerably over the last few decades. Standards of care have recently been updated, based on systematic reviews of the literature and structured, case‐based consensus discussions of experts. Besides addressing muscular function, these recommendations cover most areas of organ involvement and psychosocial issues. Studies employing animal models investigating basic disease mechanisms have increased considerably. Development of valid functional outcome measures enabled high‐evidence, clinical trials in males with DMD. Stop codon readthrough with ataluren has revealed some effect in patients with moderate disability and has been approved for males with suitable mutations who are still ambulant. Exon 51 skipping with eteplirsen demonstrated a structural and functional effect in a small group of patients and received restricted approval in the USA. Further trials investigating a broad range of mechanisms are underway. However, much more work is needed to develop more active treatments that stop disease progression. Likewise, the distribution of complex and expensive therapies to underprivileged patients and those in poorer regions must be improved.

What this paper adds

Updated standards of care covering most clinical aspects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are available.

Adequately controlled clinical trials have allowed initial approval of disease‐modifying drugs for small groups of patients.

Scientific, economic, and political efforts are needed to make effective therapies available more quickly.

Effective therapies should be made available more quickly to patients in low‐income regions.
Africa's clientelist budget policies revisited: public expenditure and employment in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, 1960–2010
Authors: Simson Rebecca
Published: December 2018

What can be learned about policy prioritization in Africa by examining long‐run trends in public expenditure and employment? Many have contended that Africa's post‐colonial leaders pursued economically unproductive budget policies that prioritized the growth of their patronage networks over socially beneficial spending, resulting in bloated payrolls, persistent deficits, and a large rent‐seeking public service. Using a purpose‐built dataset of annual public expenditure and employment series from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for 1960–2010 against which to test these assumptions, this article questions whether there was anything exceptional about the growth or composition of East Africa's post‐independence expenditure. All three states grew and contracted in roughly the same periods as other regions of the world, although their contraction after 1980 was particularly marked. Industrial policy and capital investments influenced budget priorities in the early independence era, while military expenditure and debt service payments escalated in the late 1970s. The government wage bill, meanwhile, fell as a proportion of total spending over the same period. To finance employment growth while the wage bill contracted, governments allowed real wages to plummet in the 1970s–90s. In light of these external constraints and legacies, this article questions whether a budget unencumbered by patronage would have looked very different.
Canadian response to need for transformation of youth mental health services: ACCESS Open Minds (Esprits ouverts)
Authors: Malla Ashok , Iyer Srividya , Shah Jai , Joober Ridha , Boksa Patricia , Lal Shalini , Fuhrer Rebecca , Andersson Neil , Abdel‐Baki Amal , Hutt‐MacLeod Daphne , Beaton Ann , Reaume‐Zimmer Paula , Chisholm‐Nelson Jessica , Rousseau Cécile , Chandrasena Ranjith , Bourque Jimmy , Aubin Diane , Levasseur Mary Anne , Winkelmann Ina , Etter Meghan , Kelland Jill , Tait Caroline , Torrie Jill , Vallianatos Helen ,   the ACCESS Open Minds Youth Mental Health Network
Published: December 2018

Aim

Youth mental health is of paramount significance to society globally. Given early onset of mental disorders and the inadequate access to appropriate services, a meaningful service transformation, based on globally recognized principles, is necessary. The aim of this paper is to describe a national Canadian project designed to achieve transformation of mental health services and to evaluate the impact of such transformation on individual and system related outcomes.

Method

We describe a model for transformation of services for youth with mental health and substance abuse problems across 14 geographically, linguistically and culturally diverse sites, including large and small urban, rural, First Nations and Inuit communities as well as homeless youth and a post‐secondary educational setting. The principles guiding service transformation and objectives are identical across all sites but the method to achieve them varies depending on prevailing resources, culture, geography and the population to be served and how each community can best utilize the extra resources for transformation.

Results

Each site is engaged in community mapping of services followed by training, active stakeholder engagement with youth and families, early case identification initiatives, providing rapid access (within 72 hours) to an assessment of the presenting problems, facilitating connection to an appropriate service within 30 days (if required) with no transition based on age within the 11 to 25 age group and a structured evaluation to track outcomes over the period of the study.

Conclusions

Service transformation that is likely to achieve substantial change involves very detailed and carefully orchestrated processes guided by a set of values, principles, clear objectives, training and evaluation. The evidence gathered from this project can form the basis for scaling up youth mental health services in Canada across a variety of environments.
No evidence of bovine papillomavirus type 1 or 2 infection in healthy equids
Authors: Pratscher B. , Hainisch E. K. , Sykora S. , Brandt S. , Jindra C.
Published: December 2018

Background

There is a large body of evidence supporting bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 (BPV1; BPV2) as aetiological agents of equine sarcoids. However, there is conflicting data regarding BPV1/2 infection in sarcoid‐free equids.

Objectives

Data obtained between 2007 and 2017 by BPV1/2 screening of sarcoids and nonsarcoid tumours vs. samples from healthy equids are presented to help clarify this issue.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Tumour material obtained from horses, donkeys and mules with confirmed sarcoids (n = 130), suspected sarcoids (n = 120), or nonsarcoid lesions (n = 70), skin biopsies from 102 tumour‐free horses and dandruff/hair roots from 35 tumour‐free donkeys and mules were screened for BPV1/2 infection. Sample DNA was extracted and validated by equine β‐actin PCR. BPV1/2 screening was performed by BPV1/2 E5‐specific PCR allowing for the detection of less than 10 viral DNA molecules. Twenty‐six amplicons were bidirectionally sequenced and compared to known E5 variants using BLAST program.

Results

BPV1/2 E5 PCR scored positive for 130/130 diagnosed sarcoids, 63/120 suspected sarcoids and 13/70 nonsarcoid lesions, whereas 137/137 DNA aliquots derived from tumour‐free equids tested negative. On predicted E5 protein level, six different BPV1 E5 variants were identified.

Main limitations

The diagnosis of equine sarcoid was not confirmed in 120 lesions.

Conclusions

Lack of BPV1/2 E5 DNA in tumour‐free equids and the prevalence of sarcoid disease in young adult individuals suggest that the time span between initial infection and sarcoid development is short. This contrasts with the long phase of virus latency characterising infection of humans by carcinogenic papillomaviruses. Presence of BPV1/2 DNA in several cases of poor wound healing/hypergranulation and dermatitis points to these skin disorders being possibly co‐induced by BPV1/2. PCR screening of tumour tissue/scrapings for BPV1/2 DNA represents a reliable tool for the rapid validation of a clinical diagnosis of equine sarcoid.