bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic estrangement and familicide: nothing is as it seems
Authors: de Ruiter Corine
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Mental health evaluation in criminal cases is a complex and challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the value of semi‐structured interviews for diagnosis, the use of literature review to increase understanding of a case, and the importance of looking “beyond” the criminal offence itself.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a forensic mental health assessment of a man who killed his wife and two young daughters. The case is presented in the order in which information reached the psychologist, so her clinical reasoning becomes apparent. Findings from the police file are integrated with psychological test results and a literature review on familicide and uxoricide.

Findings

The case analysis illustrates the perpetrator fits a personality profile found in empirical research on male spousal killers, who often suffer from dependent, avoidant and over‐controlled personality pathology. Four mental health experts who previously reported on this case had not agreed on a diagnosis. Using a more structured approach to assessment, the current analysis sheds new light on the relationship between mental disorder and offence.

Practical implications

The use of semi‐structured interviews for psychiatric diagnosis increases diagnostic reliability. Since there is so much at stake for the assessed in a criminal investigation, the importance of reliability and accuracy of diagnosis cannot be overestimated. Forensic mental health experts serve the court best by integrating findings from structured assessment instruments, file information and empirical research on comparable offender types.

Originality/value

This paper can be useful for teaching purposes and provides guidance to both novice and experienced forensic experts.
Acute aggression risk: an early warning signs methodology
Authors: Meaden Alan , Hacker David , Spencer Kerry
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Predicting the imminence of high risk behaviours in in‐patients with schizophrenia is an ongoing concern. The purpose of this paper is to explore the utility, validity and reliability of an adapted early warning signs methodology for dynamic risk assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Nursing staff were interviewed to identify operationally defined early warning signs of high risk behaviours. Frequency of occurrence of the early warning signs and the high risk behaviour were rated over a one week period to establish the predictive validity of the methodology.

Findings

Support was found for the reliability of staff ratings of the relevance of identified early warning signs and their occurrence within a specified time period. ROC analysis indicates some modest predictive validity in predicting aggressive risk behaviours but effect sizes were small, and there were high rates of false positive predictions.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size limits generalisability. A longitudinal prospective study to better establish the added predictive power of the method over the use of largely actuarial methods is needed.

Originality/value

A dynamic risk assessment methodology to assess changes in risk for inpatients would benefit both staff and inpatients. No such methodology has been assessed to date.
Motivating young people in prison to improve behaviour
Authors: Clare Kearney Susan , Liza Sellen Joselyn
Published: February 2013

Purpose

One of the greatest challenges facing forensic practitioners is motivating offenders to engage in treatment. Possibly one of the hardest groups to engage and comply with prison regimes are young people in prison (YPP) aged 15‐17 years. Whilst there has been research interest in adult offender treatment motivation, little attention has been paid to motivation in imprisoned juveniles. The purpose of this paper is to report the adaptation of the existing adult motivational enhancement tool – the Personal Aspiration and Concerns Inventory for Offenders (PACI‐O) – for use with a YPP population and to explore the motivational effect of the PACI‐O‐YPV (Young Person's Version) on YPP.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 18 YPP took part, with nine participants each in the control and experimental groups. All participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and their prison regime status was recorded. The experimental group completed the PACI‐O‐YPV.

Findings

Results showed YPP who completed the PACI‐O‐YPV displayed an improved prison regime status, indicating improved behaviour whilst in prison and increased SWLS, compared with those in the control group. These findings support previous results with adult offender samples.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample size necessitates caution in interpreting results. Further research is needed to assess the PACI‐O‐YPV's full potential.

Practical implications

Lack of motivation has been identified as a salient concern among both adult and young person offender populations. Comprehensive efforts are required to enhance motivation in forensic populations.

Originality/value

This research addresses motivation enhancement in an under‐researched offender population.
Enhanced thinking skills and the association between executive function and antisocial behaviour in children and adult offenders: scope for intervention?
Authors: Brunton Isabel , Hartley Tom
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the Enhanced Thinking Skills (ETS) programme, prepared for the Joint Prison Probation Service Accreditation Panel, might reduce antisocial behaviour if delivered to school‐aged children.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents two studies. In the first, adult offenders' executive function was measured before and after undertaking the ETS course, using a self report form. Change in behaviour following the course was assessed using behaviour checklists completed by prison staff. In the second study, schoolchildren's executive function was measured using a self report form and their behaviour was also assessed using a comparable behaviour checklist.

Findings

The results showed an association between antisocial behaviour and poor executive function in both offenders and schoolchildren. Offenders displayed less antisocial behaviour following the ETS course. Executive function and antisocial behaviour measured before the ETS course predicted reduction in antisocial behaviour following the course.

Research limitations/implications

The studies do not establish a causal role for the ETS programme in reducing antisocial behaviour, and it was not possible to investigate the effect of the programme in schoolchildren. However, the results indicate that further research may be fruitful.

Practical implications

The possibility that an adapted ETS programme might lead to a reduction in antisocial behaviour in schoolchildren should be investigated. Behavior checklists and measures of executive function should guide the selection of individuals joining the ETS programme.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that the ETS programme might be effective outside a criminal justice setting, as an early intervention with schoolchildren aimed at preventing later offending.
Municipal solid waste management in Dessie City, Ethiopia
Authors: Rai Sharma Hardeep , Destaw Bikes , Negash Tigabu , Negussie Leulesged , Endris Yemer , Meserte Gebrie , Fentaw Berhanu , Ibrahime Ahmed
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Purpose of this paper is to assess the municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system and resident practices towards municipal wastes in Dessie city of Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2008 and the data were generated by using self‐administered questionnaire and personnel observations using checklists. MSW generation and composition at household level was calculated by sorting and weighing the wastes from ten houses consecutively for seven days.

Findings

The study revealed that Dessie municipality is mainly responsible for collection, transport and disposal of the wastes. Solid wastes generation rate at household level was found to be 0.45 kg/capita/day, having a high percentage of ash and food products. In total, 97 percent of respondents had knowledge about wastes and its management; however, the majority of them (73 per cent) believed that females are responsible for wastes management at household level. About half of the respondents (48 per cent) disposed their wastes near roadsides and vacant areas, in open sewers, bank of rivers and around bushes. Most of the respondents were not satisfied with the present service and 79 per cent of them were willing to pay service charges if there is house‐to‐house (primary) collection initiation by the local authority.

Research limitations/implications

Due to unavailability of laboratory equipment, moisture content and chemical composition was not analyzed for the collected wastes.

Practical implications

Enforcement of existing laws, composting and sanitary land filing can be feasible, useful and effective in the present situation in dealing with MSW problem.

Originality/value

The work identifies the gaps in the present MSWM system of Dessie City.
Vermicompost: alternative to urea in basil seed production
Authors: Cabanillas Carmen , Tablada Margot , Ledesma Alicia
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of two vermicompost and urea on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) variety Catamarca INTA (wide leaf) seed production, observing the evolution of the inflorescence and seed coloration.

Design/methodology/approach

Treatments consisted of 50 per cent vermicompost from rumen content: 50 per cent soil (RCV); 50 per cent vermicompost from rabbit manure: 50 per cent soil (RMV); urea 100 kg/ha and soil as control. On three dates the authors determined the total number of inflorescences, harvested inflorescences and number of whorls with black seeds. In the final cycle the authors determined the weight of 1,000 seeds and the number of harvested seeds.

Findings

In general, vermicompost produced better results (p<0,0001): the total number inflorescences and whorls with black seeds and the number of seeds produced were significantly higher in vermicompost compared with those under the urea and control treatments. There were no significant differences in the weight of 1,000 seeds.

Social implications

The use of chemical fertilizers causes environmental pollution, produces negative effects on human health and contributes to the depletion of non‐renewable natural resources.

Originality/value

These renewable amendments (vermicompost) constitute a sustainable alternative to the use of urea for inflorescence production and mature basil seed production.
The inclusion of environmental performance in transport contracts
Authors: Björklund Maria , Forslund Helena
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inclusion of environmental performance in transport contracts, and to study whether differences in inclusion can be explained by managerial involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey of shippers and logistics service providers in Sweden. Regression and cluster analysis were used to link managerial involvement to inclusion of environmental performance.

Findings

Companies that include environmental performance in transport contracts do not necessarily consider how to measure the environmental performance and how to handle non‐compliance. The most common performance metrics to include are CO2 emissions and energy use. A higher degree of managerial involvement is related to larger inclusion of environmental performance. Findings also indicate that transportation managers play a very central role for inclusion of environmental performance in contracts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers a theoretical contribution to transport contract and performance management theory by expanding it to encompass environmental performance. The authors provide some descriptive and explanatory results in a Swedish context.

Practical implications

The managerial contribution is to show practices and provide an understanding of the use of contracts for environmental performance, which in analogy with previous research can lead to environmental performance improvements.

Originality/value

Few identified studies focus on regulating environmental performance in transport contracts.
Assessment of environmental management system performance in the Algerian companies certified ISO 14001
Authors: Hariz Samia , Bahmed Lylia
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an immediate image about the reality of the Environmental Management System (EMS), as experienced by Algerian companies certified to ISO 14001.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted approach focused on the evaluation of different elements concerning the requirement of the reference ISO 14001, by the audit which constitutes the appropriate tool for the evaluation of such a system of management.

Findings

The evaluation of different elements concerning the requirement of the reference ISO 14001 is highlighted by means of a statistical study supported by the use of software data.

Research limitations/implications

This research has limitations that the authors plan to study in perspective: assessment of human and social perception of the EMS at the Algerian companies.

Practical implications

The analysis of the obtained results allows putting forward the orientation that should be implemented by any Algerian companies, such as the selected ones in this study, for a real continued improvement of their environmental performances, with in the framework of a lasting protection of the environment.

Originality/value

Interestingly, the paper shows that the success of the different elements concerning the requirements of ISO 14001, reflect the same conditions needed for the success of the improvement of the EMS.
Carbonomics of the Bangladesh agricultural output: causality and long‐run equilibrium
Authors: Murad Wahid , Ratnatunga Janek
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The key purpose of this paper is to examine the causality and long‐run relationship between CO2 emission and agricultural output for an agriculture‐dependent developing country, namely Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to attain the objective, this study has used long‐time series data and employed advanced econometric techniques of unit root test, nonlinear least square estimation, Vector Error Correction estimation and Granger causality test.

Findings

The empirical results of the study reveal that Bangladesh agricultural output is not a Granger causal for Bangladesh CO2 emission, but the country's CO2 emission is a Granger causal for its agricultural output. The results also reveal for Bangladesh that any disequilibrium between CO2 emissions and agricultural output could take approximately 17 years to converge to the long‐run equilibrium. The results further reveal that the adjustment rate for Bangladesh agricultural output is positive and quite fast at the rate of 69 percent a year. So any disequilibrium will be corrected mostly by the adjustment in Bangladesh agricultural output.

Practical implications

The current CO2 emission in Bangladesh is still below the equilibrium level, which is considered to be an advantage for the country, particularly its agriculture sector which will reasonably not face any stricter CO2 emissions controlling policies and regulations in the near future.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies on the extent to which an agriculture‐dependent developing country such as Bangladesh does not have greater concern about the CO2 emission for now and the near future. The originality does also lie on the fact that no other study has yet examined this issue.
Determinants of students’ loyalty in the Ghanaian banking industry
Authors: Narteh Bedman
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of students’ loyalty in retail banks in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature identified four determinants of customer loyalty which were used to survey 624 students from five universities in Ghana. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression.

Findings

The study found satisfaction with bank services, image of the bank, availability of electronic bank services and perceived service quality as the determinants of students’ bank loyalty. Perceived service quality was, however, not significant in predicting students’ loyalty to their banks.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of understanding students’ behavior with regard to banking services. The three factors identified as significant predictors of students’ loyalty could be used by retail banks to design effective marketing strategies to attract and retain the student cohort in Ghana.

Originality/value

The study was the first of its kind that investigates students’ loyalty in retail banks in sub‐Saharan Africa. The study provides practical leverage to enable bank marketers to identify students’ financial needs in order to design an appropriate value proposition to satisfy them.
Root cause analysis, Lean Six Sigma and test of hypothesis
Authors: Ashok Sarkar Shri , Ranjan Mukhopadhyay Arup , Ghosh Sadhan Kumar
Published: February 2013

Purpose

In implementing Six Sigma and/or Lean Six Sigma, a practitioner often faces a dilemma of how to select the subset of root causes from a superset of all possible potential causes, popularly known as root cause analysis (RCA). Generally one resorts to the cause and effect diagram for this purpose. However, the practice adopted for identification of root causes is in many situations quite arbitrary and lacks a systematic, structured approach based on the rigorous data driven statistical analysis. This paper aims at developing a methodology for validation of potential causes to root causes to aid practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Discussion has been made on various methods for identification and validation of potential causes to root causes with the help of a few real life examples for effective Lean Six Sigma implementation.

Findings

The cause and effect diagram is the frequently adopted method for identifying potential causes out of a host of methods available for such identification. The method of validation depends on the practitioners’ knowledge on the relationship between cause and effect and controllability of the causes.

Originality/value

The roadmap thus evolved for the validation of root causes will be of great value to the practitioners as it is expected to help them understand the ground reality in an unambiguous manner resulting in a superior strategy for cause validation and corrective actions.
The interrelationship between service features, job satisfaction and customer satisfaction
Authors: Pantouvakis Angelos , Bouranta Nancy
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual framework which explores the links between the two service features (physical and interactive), job satisfaction and their impact on customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 168 first line employees of a major European port. Structural equation modelling and regression analysis were used to examine and test the relationships.

Findings

The empirical data verifies structural relationships between service quality, customer satisfaction and job satisfaction, treating job satisfaction as a consequence of physical features and as an antecedent of interactive features. The direct impact of employee job satisfaction on customer satisfaction, together with its indirect influence via service features, were tested and supported by the empirical data.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature by examining the distinct role that the interactive and physical features of services play in the formation of job satisfaction, which in turn influences customer satisfaction. This perspective could improve managerial understanding of the service quality‐job satisfaction relationship and lead to more focused decisions.
Decision quality by the loss cost of Type I and Type II errors
Authors: Chen Ying‐Chieh , Chen Shui‐Chuan , Chen Ying‐Hao
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the system requirements model. According to the concept of loss costs of Type I and Type II errors, it can define the optimal decision line, and reduce overall loss costs. Moreover, it can decrease the probability of Type I and Type II error by the systems thinking, and it can effectively reduce overall loss costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposed a system demand model and constructed a decision‐making system thinking model as well as a decision‐making performance management model using the principle of system demand. Types of decision‐making errors were analyzed to set judgments on the error risk and establish a model of improvement evaluation key factors, in order to reduce decision‐making error risk and enhance decision quality. It also constructed the improved decision‐making to assess the key factors, to reduce the risk of making errors in order to improve the quality of decision‐making.

Findings

Optimistic decision‐makers (risk takers) tend to make Type II errors, whereas pessimistic decision makers (conservatives) tend to make Type I errors. Financial depressions are the time for optimistic decision makers (risk takers) and boom periods are the time for pessimistic decision makers (conservatives).

Originality/value

The concept of the loss cost of two decision‐making errors and related cost function models were proposed. Decision makers could make decisions with a more stable model, taking into consideration false alarms and the cost function of errors in order to determine the position of the decision‐making line. It could effectively reduce decision‐making error costs and increase the precision of decision‐making.
The social embeddedness of business model enactment
Authors: Spector Bert
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the intra‐firm dynamics of business model enactment, paying particular attention to the social context in which that enactment occurs.

Design/methodology/approach

The article develops its hypotheses from qualitative case studies. In particular, the article presents two exploratory cases designed to generate questions and hypotheses.

Findings

The article generates two hypotheses: first, the social capital of a firm enhances its capacity to enact its intra‐firm business model; and second, when business model redesign alters the organizational location in which activities and transactions are performed, social capital will become especially salient.

Research limitations/implications

Exploratory research is both suggestive and limited. Additional descriptive and explanatory research will more fully explore the phenomenon of the role of social capital in enacted business model design, as well as present data bearing on cause‐effect relationships.

Practical implications

For the manager, the implication of the research relates especially to building an enactment capacity for the firm's business model; attention to social relationships and investment in social capital will enhance a firm's enactment capacity.

Originality/value

The article is the first to consider the intra‐firm dynamics of business model design and to integrate the concept of social capital into an understanding of design enactment.
Reducing vulnerability of rain‐fed agriculture to drought through indigenous knowledge systems in north‐eastern Ghana
Authors: Kanchebe Derbile Emmanuel
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how farmers are reducing vulnerability of rain‐fed agriculture to drought through indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in the Atankwidi basin, north‐eastern Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on combined qualitative and quantitative research methods and data. First, the paper draws on qualitative data generated from in‐depth interviews and focus group discussions from purposively sampled farmers in the Atankwidi basin. It also draws on a survey conducted on 131 systematically and randomly sampled households in three communities of the basin, namely Yua, Pungu and Mirigu.

Findings

The results show that farmers are planting multiple indigenous drought resilient crop varieties and employing different rounds of seeding and or staggering planting between multiple farms. They are also applying indigenous forms of organic manure, checking soil erosion through grass strips and stone terracing and adopting paddy farming for improving soil and water conservation towards enhancing plant adaptation to drought. The paper therefore, asserts that through conscientious effort, farmers are reducing vulnerability of rain‐fed agriculture to drought through indigenous knowledge systems of drought risk management.

Practical implications

The paper recommends that capacity for managing vulnerability to drought at the local level, including the Atankwidi basin, can be enhanced by incorporating IKS into District Development Planning (DDP) and giving priority to the strategic role of IKS in climate change adaptation planning.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a need for researching the relevance of IKS for reducing vulnerability of rain‐fed agriculture to drought in particular, and enhancing adaptation to climate change in general in the quest for promoting Endogenous Development (ED) in Africa.
A preliminary model of forensic practitioner resilience within a learning disabilities service
Authors: Harvey Joel , Quinn Brian
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the complexities involved in the role of forensic practitioners working with people with learning disabilities and to put forward a preliminary model of forensic practitioner resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a cross‐sectional qualitative design and samples ten professionals working within a forensic learning disabilities service.

Findings

Staff identified a number of complexities in their role which included the presentation of the client group, risk assessment and management, multi‐agency working, and the emotional complexity of the work. A preliminary model of resilience was developed which set out factors that would help staff manage these complexities and work towards meeting the needs of service users. This model includes individual, proximal and wider systemic factors. It is argued that building relationships and establishing trust with service users, staff, and wider agencies is the bedrock of forensic practitioner resilience. Moreover, it is argued that an integrative model of multi‐disciplinary team working helps facilitate trust between staff and is underpinned by trust in the first place.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution because it qualitatively examines how staff within a forensic learning disabilities service interpret their role and details the complexities involved in their jobs. It also puts forward a preliminary model of forensic practitioner resilience.
Preparing students to collaborate in the virtual work world
Authors: Long Lori K. , Meglich Patricia A.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The proliferation of inexpensive and accessible internet communication tools coupled with an increasingly geographically dispersed workforce has increased the use of virtual collaboration in the workplace. To prepare students for a virtual work environment, educators must provide classroom‐related opportunities to build students’ virtual collaboration skills. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of virtual collaboration in the workplace, the implications for today's college graduates, and the need to provide students with experience in virtual collaboration. Finally, the paper provides a case study example of a course assignment to build virtual collaboration skills.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores preparing students to collaborate virtually through a literature review that builds an understanding of the challenges of virtual collaboration in today's workplace and the skills students must develop in order to effectively collaborate virtually. The paper then provides a case study example of a course assignment to help students build these skills.

Findings

This paper finds that virtual collaboration skills are needed for today's college graduates. Further the case study presented provides evidence that authentic course‐based assignments can help build those skills.

Originality/value

While research has started to explore the effective use of virtual collaboration in the workplace, the current literature lacks direction for educators to help build the skills of future workers to prepare them for virtual collaboration.
Creating and evaluating an online and work‐based instructional model
Authors: Mardini Jane
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and provide an evaluative study of a new Instructional Design Model for online and work‐based Learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is both evaluative and pragmatic, focusing on clear practical out‐workings. First, the rational for the development of a new Instructional Design Model is discussed. Next, the pilot is evaluated in the context of the experience of those involved and relevant issues are highlighted. Subsequently, the implications are emphasized and areas meriting further research shown.

Findings

The results demonstrate the integrity of the model with this group of students.

Research limitations/implications

Although small scale and having limited potential for generalisation outside the original context, the research makes the ways forward clear. These include, using the model in different contexts and examining further the ways in which links between theory and practice may be enhanced. In addition, emerging implications include the importance of developing online learning directly in the workplace, of using a constructivist approach and of fully integrating social interaction and assessments.

Practical implications

Arguably, this research is of significant value in today's society where access to universities may be limited and effective online and work based learning may provide new options.

Originality/value

The paper is original, building on previous research and facilitating interconnections between the different fields. It has value in progressing research in the areas of constructivist instructional design models related to online and work‐based learning.
“Articles of faith”? Questioning the assumptions of disability welfare and benefits
Authors: Corlett Sophie
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The Policy Watch series reflects on recent and forthcoming developments in mental health policy across the UK. This paper aims to review the impact of welfare reforms on people with mental health problems. As well as focusing at specific problems with the current system, the paper criticises the general “direction of travel” in welfare policy and calls for a rethink of fundamental assumptions that underpin this.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews and summarizes recent and longer term developments in national welfare and benefits policy in England and Wales and their implications for people with mental health problems.

Findings

The paper describes how key components of the current disability benefits system are not working for people with mental health problems and also how the design of welfare reform over recent years has been ineffective for supporting the health and employment aspirations of people with mental health problems.

Originality/value

The paper updates and discusses knowledge on recent and forthcoming welfare reform and cites recent evidence from Government.
The linkage of social exclusion and poor mental health in minority Asian groups in Britain and America
Authors: Holttum Sue
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This Research Watch aims to summarise two recent research papers on social exclusion and mental health within minority Asian population groups in the UK and USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was carried out for research papers with a mental health and social inclusion focus published within the past 12 months.

Findings

The first paper summarises 12 recent research papers on the experience of British South Asians of accessing health care for long term physical conditions and depression. Gaining access to health care was a complex process of negotiation between those seeking it and health service representatives. This process was hampered by lack of fit between patients' and clinicians' cultural context and understandings. The second paper summarises 14 questionnaire‐based research studies of the relationship between discrimination experiences and mental and physical health in Asian Americans, finding significant links between discrimination and mental and physical health.

Originality/value

The first paper's authors used recently developed, rigorous methods of summarising findings from multiple interview and focus group studies, arriving at a new understanding of the processes experienced by British South Asians when accessing services for health conditions, including depression. The second paper extends existing knowledge about links between discrimination and poor physical and mental health in American minority groups to Asian Americans, a group relatively overlooked hitherto.
Andrew Voyce in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Voyce Andrew , Carson Jerome
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a profile of Andrew Voyce.

Design/methodology/approach

Andrew gives a short biography and is then interviewed by Jerome. Areas covered in the interview include the central role of Mrs Thatcher in closing down the old asylums, homelessness, education, benefits and digital art.

Findings

Andrew's recovery from long term mental health problems has seen him return to higher education. He failed to get his undergraduate degree, but decades later and with the encouragement of workers in the community, he completed both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He talks of the negative impact of asylum care, especially the terrible side effect of akathisia, which resulted from the depot neuroleptic medication.

Originality/value

This paper shows a remarkable journey of recovery, from a life of being a “revolving door” patient, to homelessness, to re‐establishing an ordinary life in the community. The inmate's perspective is one that has largely been absent from narratives of asylum care.
An approach of integrating force sensing and safety operation for manipulator
Authors: Xie Zongwu , Li Cao , Liu Hong
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to prove that the manipulator is able to contact the environment compliantly, and reduce the instantaneous collision impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Cartesian impedance control law is introduced to interrelate the external force with the Cartesian position.

Findings

When the estimated external force sensor feedback is the input of the on‐line trajectory regeneration, a novel online motion plan could be performed in a task‐consistent manner keeping the interaction force within the acceptable tolerance. The proposed approach also proves that the manipulator is able to contact the environment compliantly, and reduce the instantaneous collision impact. The virtual decomposition control, simplifying the Cartesian impedance control application of the manipulator and guaranteeing the asymptotical stability of the entire system, is implemented to actualize the approach. Furthermore, adaptive dynamics joint controller is extended to all the joints for complementing the biggish friction.

Originality/value

With the proposed adaptive Cartesian impedance control and the online path planner, the robot will be manipulation‐friendly in an unstructured environment.
Epiplakin modifies the motility of the HeLa cells and accumulates at the outer surfaces of 3‐D cell clusters
Authors: Shimada Hiromitsu , Nambu‐Niibori Akiko , Wilson‐Morifuji Masayo , Mizuguchi Souhei , Araki Norie , Sumiyoshi Hideaki , Sato Mitsuru , Mezaki Yoshihiro , Senoo Haruki , Ishikawa Kazushi , Hatano Yutaka , Okamoto Osamu , Fujiwara Sakuhei
Published: February 2013

Elimination of epiplakin (EPPK) by gene targeting in mice results in acceleration of keratinocyte migration during wound healing, suggesting that epithelial cellular EPPK may be important for the regulation of cellular motility. To study the function of EPPK, we developed EPPK knock‐down (KD) and EPPK‐overexpressing HeLa cells and analyzed cellular phenotypes and motility by fluorescence/differential interference contrast time‐lapse microscopy and immunolocalization of actin and vimentin. Cellular motility of EPPK‐KD cells was significantly elevated, but that of EPPK‐overexpressing cells was obviously depressed. Many spike‐like projections were observed on EPPK‐KD cells, with fewer such structures on overexpressing cells. By contrast, in EPPK‐KD cells, expression of E‐cadherin was unchanged but vimentin fibers were thinner and sparser than in controls, and they were more concentrated at the peri‐nucleus, as observed in migrating keratinocytes at wound edges in EPPK−/− mice. In Matrigel 3‐D cultures, EPPK co‐localized on the outer surface of cell clusters with zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), a marker of tight junctions. Our results suggest that EPPK is associated with the machinery for cellular motility and contributes to tissue architecture via the rearrangement of intermediate filaments.
NEMO gene rearrangement (exon 4–10 deletion) and genotype–phenotype relationship in Japanese patients with incontinentia pigmenti and review of published work in Japanese patients
Authors: Okita Mayuko , Nakanishi Gen , Fujimoto Noriki , Shiomi Mariko , Yamada Taku , Wataya‐Kaneda Mari , Takijiri Chincho , Yokoyama Yoko , Sunohara Akiyo , Tanaka Toshihiro
Published: February 2013

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X‐linked dominant genodermatosis caused by mutations of the NEMO gene, which is required for activation of the nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway. NEMO gene rearrangement, exon 4–10 deletion, is the most common mutation with a frequency of 60–80%. Only four case reports about NEMO rearrangement in Japanese IP cases have been published. In our study, NEMO gene rearrangement was examined in 10 Japanese IP patients and their mothers and was revealed in five of 10 patients and three of their mothers. Interestingly, NEMO gene rearrangement was confirmed in the mothers of two patients without clinical symptoms; thus, NEMO mutation analysis is helpful to detect subclinical IP patients. The clinical symptoms of recently diagnosed Japanese IP patients were summarized for examination of the phenotype–genotype relationship and for comparison between those with and without NEMO gene rearrangement. Results revealed no definite difference in extracutaneous manifestations between the patients with NEMO rearrangement in our study and in other Japanese IP patients previously reported in both Japanese and English‐language published work. However, there is higher frequency of ocular manifestation in our study than in other reports. Furthermore, evaluation of dental and nail abnormalities was difficult because most of our patients were observed for 1 year only. Long‐term observation is needed for proper evaluation of the clinical status and phenotype–genotype relationship in IP patients.
Beneficial microbes in a changing environment: are they always helping plants to deal with insects?
Authors: Pineda Ana , Dicke Marcel , Pieterse Corné M.J. , Pozo María J.
Published: February 2013

Plants have a complex immune system that defends them against attackers (e.g. herbivores and microbial pathogens) but that also regulates the interactions with mutualistic organisms (e.g. mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria). Plants have to respond to multiple environmental challenges, so they need to integrate both signals associated with biotic and abiotic stresses in the most appropriate response to survive.

Beneficial microbes such as rhizobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi can help plants to ‘deal’ with pathogens and herbivorous insects as well as to tolerate abiotic stress. Therefore, beneficial microbes may play an important role in a changing environment, where abiotic and biotic stresses on plants are expected to increase. The effects of beneficial microbes on herbivores are highly context‐dependent, but little is known on what is driving such dependency. Recent evidence shows that abiotic stresses such as changes in soil nutrients, drought and salt stress, as well as ozone can modify the outcome of plant–microbe–insect interactions.

Here, we review how abiotic stress can affect plant–microbe, plant–insect and plant–microbe–insect interactions, and the role of the network of plant signal‐transduction pathways in regulating such interactions.

Most of the studies on the effects of abiotic stress on plant–microbe–insect interactions show that the effects of microbes on herbivores (positive or negative) are strengthened under stressful conditions. We propose that, at least in part, this is due to the crosstalk of the different plant signalling pathways triggered by each stress individually. By understanding the cross‐regulation mechanisms we may be able to predict the possible outcomes of plant‐microbe–insect interactions under particular abiotic stress conditions. We also propose that microbes can help plants to deal with insects mainly under conditions that compromise efficient activation of plant defences.

In the context of global change, it is crucial to understand how abiotic stresses will affect species interactions, especially those interactions that are beneficial for plants. The final aim of this review is to stimulate studies unravelling when these ‘beneficial’ microbes really benefit a plant.
Herbivory mediated by coupling between biomechanical traits of plants and grasshoppers
Authors: Ibanez Sébastien , Lavorel Sandra , Puijalon Sara , Moretti Marco
Published: February 2013

Despite their potential to provide a mechanistic understanding of ecosystem processes, the functional traits that govern interaction networks remain poorly understood. We investigated the extent to which biomechanical traits are related to consumption in a plant–grasshopper herbivory network.

Using a choice experiment, we assessed the feeding patterns of 26 grasshopper species for 24 common plant species from subalpine grasslands. We quantified shear and punch toughness for each plant species, while grasshopper incisive and molar strengths were estimated by a lever mechanics model, following the measurement of mandibular traits.

Models incorporating co‐phylogenetic effects showed that the ratio between the grasshopper incisive strength and plant toughness, that reflects the cutting effort, is correlated with the mass of plant eaten. Moreover, a strong relationship between the incisive strength of the grasshoppers and the weighed mean toughness of the plants they eat was found.

Our results suggest that biomechanical constraints imposed by plants influence the evolution of grasshoppers' mandibular traits. Such scaling relationships offer promising avenues towards the understanding of trait – function links in interaction networks.
Breast milk and labour support: lactation consultants’ and doulas’ strategies for navigating the medical context of maternity care
Authors: Torres Jennifer M.C.
Published: February 2013

This article provides a comparison of two occupational groups working in maternity care: International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, who assist women with breastfeeding, and DONA International certified birth doulas, who provide physical, emotional and informational support to birthing women. Using interviews with 18 lactation consultants and 16 doulas working in the USA, I compare these two groups’ strategies for gaining entrance to the maternity care team and their abilities to create change in maternity care practices. Due to the organisation of occupational boundaries in maternity care and differences between the influence of the medicalisation of breastfeeding versus that of childbirth on those boundaries, lactation consultants are able to utilise a front‐door entrance to the medical maternity system, entering as lactation specialists and advocates, while doulas use a back‐door entrance, emphasising their care work and downplaying their advocacy. These different strategies result in different methods being available to each for effecting change. Lactation consultants create formal change, such as changing hospital policies and practices to be more pro‐breastfeeding. Doulas create change informally, ‘one birth at a time’, by creating space for natural birth to occur in the hospital, as well as exposing medical providers to non‐medical ways of giving birth.
Novel biomarkers for predicting intrauterine growth restriction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Conde‐Agudelo A , Papageorghiou AT , Kennedy SH , Villar J
Published: February 2013

Background

Several biomarkers for predicting intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have been proposed in recent years. However, the predictive performance of these biomarkers has not been systematically evaluated.

Objective

To determine the predictive accuracy of novel biomarkers for IUGR in women with singleton gestations.

Search strategy

Electronic databases, reference list checking and conference proceedings.

Selection criteria

Observational studies that evaluated the accuracy of novel biomarkers proposed for predicting IUGR.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted on characteristics, quality and predictive accuracy from each study to construct 2 × 2 tables. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivities, specificities and likelihood ratios (LRs) were generated.

Main results

A total of 53 studies, including 39 974 women and evaluating 37 novel biomarkers, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall, the predictive accuracy of angiogenic factors for IUGR was minimal (median pooled positive and negative LRs of 1.7, range 1.0–19.8; and 0.8, range 0.0–1.0, respectively). Two small case–control studies reported high predictive values for placental growth factor and angiopoietin‐2 only when IUGR was defined as birthweight centile with clinical or pathological evidence of fetal growth restriction. Biomarkers related to endothelial function/oxidative stress, placental protein/hormone, and others such as serum levels of vitamin D, urinary albumin : creatinine ratio, thyroid function tests and metabolomic profile had low predictive accuracy.

Conclusions

None of the novel biomarkers evaluated in this review are sufficiently accurate to recommend their use as predictors of IUGR in routine clinical practice. However, the use of biomarkers in combination with biophysical parameters and maternal characteristics could be more useful and merits further research.