bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating evaluation of new space deployable antenna
Authors: Zheng Fei , He Jie , Zhang Pan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a new deployable antenna with folded scissors ribs and to evaluate the reasonable characteristics of this new structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the TerrStar-1 satellite, virtual design and shapes forming are considered in this paper with the structure design of the new antenna. Considering the relaxation units in net surface, form-finding evaluation is used to build mathematical model and operate the optimization algorithm so that the design of the new antenna with folded scissors ribs is achieved. Simulations are carried out to verify the antenna proposed.

Findings

It is found that the antenna with folded scissors ribs can be developed smoothly in the space.

Practical implications

The proposed the antenna with folded scissors ribs can be considered as a fall-back alternative for large antenna, with a diameter of over 10 m in the space, or is seen as another option for the system with a simple rigid structure.

Originality/value

Different from traditional antenna, it provides a valuable reference for the further research of large deployable antenna in space. The antenna in this paper is able to develop more than 30 m of diameter. Meanwhile, the surface density and the natural frequency and the root-mean-square error in surface are superior to those of the traditional antenna.
Balancing food security and AMR
Authors: Wu Ziping
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on economics literature on antimicrobial and alternative uses in food animal production on its current state, its drivers, impacts and policy, and provides a general picture of the research for this special agricultural input and future directions for the research and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Reduction of antimicrobial uses in food animal production is relevant to both preventing antimicrobial resistance and ensuring global food security. This study focuses on reviewing antimicrobial impact on global food security, particularly in farm production by documenting the main drivers, functions and alternatives of antimicrobial animal uses, comparing different approaches used in evaluating its production effects and providing recommendations for future research and policy development.

Findings

Three main approaches, controlled animal experiments, comparisons between with and without using antimicrobials at the farm level and comparisons before and after antimicrobial ban as growth promoter, have been used in measuring food security effects of antimicrobial uses in food animal production. They are, however, answering different questions with different measuring conditions. The positive production impact of antimicrobial use is often associated to its functions as a growth promoter and in preventing and treating diseases. In this review the author question the technical legitimacy for antimicrobials as a growth promoter and argue that antimicrobials should be treated as a special class of conditional and supportive input in farm production instead of using it as a normal input in its impact evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

An approach of combining damage control function and disease epidemiological model instead of a simplified production function should be used in its impact evaluation including in evaluating those used as antimicrobial growth promoters.

Practical implications

In reducing antimicrobial uses in animal production, apart from more active adoption of the alternatives, we call for a better understanding for the decision makings of antimicrobial use in the production process including government-veterinarian-farm links.

Originality/value

This study examines the main issues in current economic research in antimicrobial food animal production, clarifies ambiguities in antimicrobial production functions and in different approaches used in impact evaluation, provides a roadmap for reduction of antimicrobial uses and a new approach for the policy evaluation.
Pushed out or pulled in? Participation in non-farm activities in rural China
Authors: Liu Yuanxiang
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of China’s rural households’ non-farm participation. The authors pay special attention to the effect of potential income differential on this participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this study come from a household survey conducted in Hubei Province. The authors estimate participation equation and income equation, respectively, then introduce potential income differential simulated in participation equation to examine its effect on non-farm participation.

Findings

Potential income differential serves as the major pull factor that favors non-farm participation. Education, proximity to a city and specialized commercial farming are crucial in helping rural households to participate in non-farm production; while the land shortage or the labor surplus act as the push factor in non-farm participation. Better quality of land reduces the household’s propensity to participate in non-farm activities. Moreover, the income gap between households that participate in non-farm activities and pure farmers is mainly determined by the differences in household characteristics.

Originality/value

The authors use the method of “switching regression and structural probit” to examine the impact of potential income differential on non-farm participation, and simulate the response of the participation probability to the change of potential income differential. The authors also analyze the sources of income gap between non-farm and farm households using Oaxaca decomposition.
Understanding the Internet of Things ecosystem: multi-level analysis of users, society, and ecology
Authors: Shin Dong-Hee , Jin Park Yong
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to conduct socio-technical analysis of the rapidly evolving Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem and industry, including such factors as market growth and user experiences, policy and the impact of IoT on various areas.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying a multi-level socio-technical framework to IoT in South Korea, this study seeks an ecological understanding of how IoT will evolve and stabilize in a smart environment.

Findings

The study shows the values influencing potential users’ adoption of IoT by integrating cognitive motivations and user values as primary determining factors. Along with user modeling, the findings reveal the challenges of designing, deploying and sustaining the diverse components of IoT, and provides a snapshot of Korea’s current approach to meeting these challenges.

Originality/value

The study’s findings offer a contextualized socio-technical analysis of IoT, providing insight into its challenges and opportunities. This insight helps to conceptualize how IoT can be designed and situated within human-centered contexts.
Why the networks can’t beat Netflix: speculations on the US OTT Services Market
Authors: Park Eun-A
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the dramatically different markets for over-the-top (OTT) TV services that have emerged in the USA, and other leading markets such as Japan and Korea. Whereas OTT TV services emerged as extensions of mainstream audiovisual providers in Korea and Japan, further entrenching their dominance, they emerged in the USA as market-disrupting newcomers such as Netflix. This paper seeks to explain why, putting forward four explanations: lower resistance to disruptive innovation in public TV dominant systems; higher production costs; lower penetration of broadband-capable devices; and more expensive mobile pricing plans.

Design/methodology/approach

This comparative case study examines news and trade press articles, industry surveys and government reports to identify the reasons behind these contrasting experiences of Japan, South Korea and the USA in the deployment of OTT TV services.

Findings

To explain why events in the three countries took such dramatically different paths, four explanations were put forward, all complementing one another: lower resistance to disruptive innovation in public TV dominant systems; higher audiovisual production costs in the USA making market-disruptive moves to new technological platforms more risky; lower penetration of broadband-capable devices reducing the profit potential of new OTT-based platforms; and more expensive mobile pricing plans, making it harder for users to access OTT content.

Originality/value

The global trend in the growth of OTT TV services masks significant differences in growth trends and business initiatives at the national level. This paper aims to examine and understand why OTT TV services have shown such different patterns across countries.
Maintaining employment and improving health
Authors: Woodall James , Southby Kris , Trigwell Joanne , Lendzionowski Vanessa , Rategh Rosana
Published: January 2017

Purpose

A proportion of the working age population in the UK experience mental health conditions, with this group often facing significant challenges to retain their employment. As part of a broader political commitment to health and well-being at work, the use of job retention services have become part of a suite of interventions designed to support both employers and employees. While rigorous assessment of job retention programmes are lacking, the purpose of this paper is to examine the success of, and distils learning from, a job retention service in England.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was adopted for this research with semi-structured interviews considered an appropriate method to illuminate key issues. In total, 28 individuals were interviewed, including current and former service users, referrers, employers and job retention staff.

Findings

Without the support of the job retention service, employees with mental health conditions were reported unlikely to have been maintained their employment status. Additional benefits were also reported, including improved mental health outcomes and impacts on individuals’ personal life. Employers also reported positive benefits in engaging with the job retention service, including feeling better while being able to offer appropriate solutions that were mutually acceptable to the employee and the organisation.

Originality/value

Job retention programmes are under researched and little is known about their effectiveness and the mechanisms that support individuals at work with mental health conditions. This study adds to the existing evidence and suggests that such interventions are promising in supporting employees and employers.
Workers’ experience with work-related musculoskeletal disorder and worker’s perception of organisational policies and practices
Authors: Oranye Nelson Ositadimma , Wallis Bernadine , Ahmad Nora , Aguilar Zaklina
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Different organisations have developed policies and programmes to prevent workplace injuries and facilitate return to work. Few multiple workplace studies have examined workers’ perceptions of these policies and programmes. The purpose of this paper is to compare workers’ perception and experience of workplace policies and practices on injury prevention, people-oriented work culture, and return to work.

Design/methodology/approach

This study recruited 118 workers from three healthcare facilities through an online and paper survey.

Findings

Work-related musculoskeletal injury was experienced by 46 per cent of the workers, with low back injuries being most prevalent. There were significant differences in perception of policies and practices for injury prevention among occupational groups, and between workers who have had previous workplace injury experience and those without past injury.

Research limitations/implications

Selection bias is possible because of voluntary participation. A larger sample could give stronger statistical power.

Practical implications

The perception of workplace policies can vary depending on workers’ occupational and injury status. Organisational managers need to pay attention to the diversity among workers when designing and implementing injury prevention and return to work policies.

Social implications

Risks for workplace injuries are related to multiple factors, including workplace policies and practices on health and safety. Workers’ understanding and response to the policies, programmes, and practices can determine injury outcomes.

Originality/value

No previous study has reported on workers’ perceptions of workplace policies and practices for injury prevention and return in Manitoba healthcare sector.
Effects of institutional support on innovation and performance: roles of dysfunctional competition
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhao Xiande , Zhang Min
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effects of institutional support on product and process innovation and firm performance and describe how dysfunctional competition influences relevant outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a research model based on institution-based view and tests it using structural equation modeling and empirical data collected from 300 manufacturers in China.

Findings

The results show that institutional support positively affects product and process innovation and firm performance. Both product and process innovation improve firm performance. The findings reveal that dysfunctional competition significantly reduces the positive effects of institutional support on product and process innovation but leaves the effects of institutional support and product and process innovation on firm performance unaffected.

Originality/value

This study contributes to innovation literature by providing insights into the impact of China’s institutional environment on manufacturing firms’ product and process innovation decisions. The findings also contribute to institution-based view literature by providing empirical evidence on the joint effects of institutional support and dysfunctional competition on product and process innovation and firm performance. This study can help manufacturers in China take advantage of institutional environment and adjust product and process innovation decisions accordingly.
Measuring the systemic importance of interconnected industries in the world economic system
Authors: Cheng Xian , Shaoyi Liao Stephen , Hua Zhongsheng
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the systemic importance of industry in the world economic system under the system-wide event – the crisis of 2008-2009, by viewing this system as a weighted directed network of interconnected industries.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors investigate this crisis at three different levels based on network-related indicators: the “macro” global level, the “meso” country level, and the “micro” industry level. This investigation not only provides evidence for the systemic influence, that is, systemic risk, of the crisis, but also reveals the contagion mechanism of the crisis, which supports the stress testing. Second, the authors use a network-related business intelligence algorithm, the combined hyperlink-induced topic search (HITS) algorithm, to measure the contribution of a given individual industry to the overall risk of the economic system or, in other words, the systemic importance of the individual industry.

Findings

The HITS algorithm considers both the market information and the interconnectedness of the industries. Based on the stress testing, the performance of the combined HITS is compared with the purely market-based systemic risk measurement. The results show that the combined HITS outperforms the baseline in finding the top N systemically important industries.

Practical implications

The combined HITS algorithm provides a novel network-based perspective of systemic risk measurement.

Originality/value

Measuring the systemic importance based on the combined HITS algorithm can help managers and regulators design effective risk management policies. In this respect, the work initiates a research direction of studying the systemic risk in a business system based on a network-related business intelligence algorithm because the business system can be viewed as an interconnected network.
Environment determinants in business adoption of Cloud Computing
Authors: Maqueira-Marín Juan Manuel , Bruque-Cámara Sebastián , Minguela-Rata Beatriz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of Technology Providers, Public Administrations and R&D Institutions on Cloud Computing adoption. This research also considers Killer Applications and Success Cases as other environmental factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Factorial analyses and structural equation models were used on a sample of high-technology firms located in technological parks in Southern Europe, with more than ten employees and sustained investments in R&D.

Findings

Results show that Technology Providers and Success Cases are determinant in Cloud Computing adoption. Moreover, Killer Applications are a forerunner for Success Cases.

Practical implications

An appropriate fit between the tools and resources provided by suppliers and the internal resources of the company is needed to create competitive advantages. Firms should evaluate Technology Providers, identify Success Cases to Cloud Computing adoption and implement technological benchmarking.

Originality/value

This study contributes to Cloud Computing adoption literature because it includes Technology Providers, Public Administrations and R&D Institutions simultaneously as well as other variables as Killer Applications and Success Cases. The importance of the external agents on information technology (IT) adoption, especially when the technologies to be adopted are new and in an emergent stage, together with the lack of prior investigations focusing on specific environmental factors affecting the adoption of these new, emerging IT, justify the value of this research.
The extent of compliance with FRS 101 standard: Malaysian evidence
Authors: Abdul Rahman Azhar , Hamdan Mohd Diah
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Malaysian companies’ compliance with mandatory accounting standards. Specifically, this study examines the efficacy of agency-related mechanisms on the degree of compliance with Financial Reporting Standards (FRS) 101, Presentation of Financial Statements. It so proceeds by focussing on corporate governance parameters (board characteristics and ownership structure) and other firm characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data drawn from a sample of 105 Malaysian companies listed on the ACE market in 2009, the authors employ multiple regression analysis models to establish whether selected corporate governance and company-specific characteristics (proxying for agency-related mechanisms) are related to the degree of disclosure compliance.

Findings

The results indicate that the overall disclosure compliance is high (92.5 per cent). Furthermore, only firm size is positively associated with the degree of compliance. The other variables, those consisting of board independence, audit committee independence, CEO duality, the extent of outside blockholders’ ownership and leverage, do not show any significant relationship with the degree of compliance.

Research limitations/implications

This study focusses on only one accounting standard (FRS 101) that is mandatory in Malaysia. FRS 101 is both structured and rigid, leaving no room for companies to conceal any particular information. The sample of Malaysian companies selected is restricted to those listed only on the ACE market. As such, the results cannot be generalised to every company in Malaysia.

Practical implications

These results have important implications for policy makers because they suggest that whilst agency-related mechanisms may motivate compliance with mandatory standards, full compliance may be unattainable without regulations.

Originality/value

This is the only study in Malaysia to investigate the impact of regulatory requirements on corporate compliance level by companies listed on the new ACE market, which was introduced by the Bursa Malaysia in August 2009. This study contributes to the literature by examining the effects of both company-specific characteristics (such as company size, company age, liquidity, etc.) and corporate governance parameters on the degree of corporate compliance with mandatory disclosure, simultaneously, in contrast with prior studies which have examined them in isolation.
The art of engagement: dialogic strategies on Twitter
Authors: Sundstrom Beth , Levenshus Abbey Blake
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the dialogic theory of public relations can help strategic communication practitioners support and enhance the relationship between individuals and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This inquiry applied the dialogic theory of public relations by investigating leading media companies’ context-based strategic use of Twitter. Researchers conducted a qualitative content analysis of 1,800 tweets from 18 top-performing media organizations.

Findings

This study identified strategies, rooted in dialogic theoretical principles that media organizations used to engage stakeholders. Media companies employed strategies based on dialogic principles, including promoting organizations as industry and thought leaders, integrating social media, and using an interactive, synergistic organizational voice.

Research limitations/implications

These strategies support the need to expand theoretical conceptualizations and use of dialogic principles to study online communication.

Practical implications

Findings offer practical strategies for practitioners managing organizations’ Twitter communication to foster engagement. In particular, practitioners should consider organizational context and subsequent content advantages.

Originality/value

Findings offer practical and theoretical contributions to the debate of interactivity.
The Democratic Duty to Oppose Brexit
Authors: Weale Albert
Published: January 2017

What should be the position of democrats in response to the Brexit referendum? Many urge a duty to accept the result. This article argues the contrary. If someone is a UK citizen, has a belief that leaving the European Union will be damaging to the common good of the UK and is a convinced democrat, then that person has a duty to oppose Brexit. Neither of the two principal reasons for accepting the result—a claim of popular sovereignty or of parliamentary sovereignty—imply a duty not to continue to oppose. Arguments from political equality for simple majority rule do not apply when the alternatives are ill defined. More generally, popular sovereignty presupposes and does not replace constitutional democracy, and in a parliamentary democracy there is always a continuing right to oppose.
The Proper Purpose Rule as a Constraint on Directors’ Autonomy – Eclairs Group Limited v JKX Oil & Gas plc
Authors: Langford Rosemary Teele , Ramsay Ian M.
Published: January 2017

The recent case of Eclairs Group Limited v JKX Oil & Gas plc highlights the pressures faced by company directors in change of control situations, in which they may be tempted to take action to prevent or discourage such change. The Supreme Court decision provides important clarity on the scope of the proper purpose rule in these (and other) situations. We explore the implications of different judicial interpretations of the proper purpose rule for the autonomy of directors in their decision‐making. We do this by focusing on the scope of the proper purpose rule, whether a subjective or objective test is employed in the application of the rule and the test for causation where a director is motivated by mixed purposes.
Long‐term prevalence of the protists Crithidia bombi and Apicystis bombi and detection of the microsporidium Nosema bombi in invasive bumble bees
Authors: Plischuk Santiago , Antúnez Karina , Haramboure Marina , Minardi Graciela M. , Lange Carlos E.
Published: January 2017

An initial survey in 2009 carried out at a site in northwestern Patagonia region, Argentina, revealed for the first time in South America the presence of the flagellate Crithidia bombi and the neogregarine Apicystis bombi, two pathogens associated with the Palaearctic invasive bumble bee Bombus terrestris. In order to determine the long‐term persistence and dynamics of this microparasite complex, four additional collections at the same site (San Carlos de Bariloche) were conducted along the following seven years. Both protists were detected in all collections: prevalence was 2%–21.6% for C. bombi and 1.2%–14% for A. bombi. In addition, the microsporidium Nosema bombi was recorded for the first time in the country in the last two collections, at prevalences of 12.4% and 2.4% and unusually high infection intensities (Average = 6.56 × 107 spores per individual). Due to the exceptional dispersal ability of the exotic B. terrestris, these three multihost pathogens should be considered as potential threats to South American native bumble bees.
Computed Tomography Use for Adults With Head Injury: Describing Likely Avoidable Emergency Department Imaging Based on the Canadian CT Head Rule
Authors: Sharp Adam L. , Nagaraj Ganesh , Rippberger Ellen J. , Shen Ernest , Swap Clifford J. , Silver Matthew A. , McCormick Taylor , Vinson David R. , Hoffman Jerome R.
Published: January 2017

Background

Millions of head computed tomography (CT) scans are ordered annually, but the extent of avoidable imaging is poorly defined.

Objectives

The objective was to determine the prevalence of likely avoidable CT imaging among adults evaluated for head injury in 14 community emergency departments (EDs) in Southern California.

Methods

We conducted an electronic health record (EHR) database and chart review of adult ED trauma encounters receiving a head CT from 2008 to 2013. The primary outcome was discordance with the Canadian CT Head Rule (CCHR) high‐risk criteria; the secondary outcome was use of a neurosurgical intervention in the discordant cohort. We queried systemwide EHRs to identify CCHR discordance using criteria identifiable in discrete data fields. Explicit chart review of a subset of discordant CTs provided estimates of misclassification bias and assessed the low‐risk cases who actually received an intervention.

Results

Among 27,240 adult trauma head CTs, EHR data classified 11,432 (42.0%) discordant with CCHR recommendation. Subsequent chart review showed that the designation of discordance based on the EHR was inaccurate in 12.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.6% to 18.8%). Inter‐rater reliability for attributing CCHR concordance was 95% (κ = 0.86). Thus, we estimate that 36.8% of trauma head CTs were truly likely avoidable (95% CI = 34.1% to 39.6%). Among the likely avoidable CT group identified by EHR, only 0.1% (n = 13) received a neurosurgical intervention. Chart review showed none of these were actually “missed” by the CCHR, as all 13 were misclassified.

Conclusion

About one‐third of head CTs currently performed on adults with head injury may be avoidable by applying the CCHR. Avoidance of CT in such patients is unlikely to miss any important injuries.
Sustaining SBIRT in the wild: simulating revenues and costs for Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs
Authors: Cowell Alexander J. , Dowd William N. , Mills Michael J. , Hinde Jesse M. , Bray Jeremy W.
Published: January 2017

Aims

To examine the conditions under which Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs can be sustained by health insurance payments.

Design

A mathematical model was used to estimate the number of patients needed for revenues to exceed costs.

Setting

Three medical settings in the United States were examined: in‐patient, out‐patient and emergency department. Components of SBIRT were delivered by combinations of health‐care practitioners (generalists) and behavioral health specialists.

Participants

Practitioners in seven SBIRT programs who received grants from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Measurements

Program costs and revenues were measured using data from grantees. Patient flows were measured from administrative data and adjusted with prevalence and screening estimates from the literature.

Findings

SBIRT can be sustained through health insurance reimbursement in out‐patient and emergency department settings in most staffing mixes. To sustain SBIRT in in‐patient programs, a patient flow larger than the national average may be needed; if that flow is achieved, the range of screens required to maintain a surplus is narrow. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the results are very sensitive to changes in the proportion of insured patients.

Conclusions

Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs in the United States can be sustained by health insurance payments under a variety of staffing models. Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs can be sustained only in an in‐patient setting with above‐average patient flow (more than 2500 screens). Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs in out‐patient and emergency department settings can be sustained with below‐average patient flows (fewer than 125 000 out‐patient visits and fewer than 27 000 emergency department visits).
Development of the SBIRT checklist for observation in real‐time (SCORe)
Authors: Vendetti Janice A. , McRee Bonnie G. , Del Boca Frances K.
Published: January 2017

Background and aims

Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs have been implemented widely in medical settings, with little attention focused on how well providers adhere to evidence‐based service delivery in everyday practice. The purposes of this paper were to: (1) introduce a flexible, relatively simple methodology, the SBIRT Checklist for Observation in Real‐time (SCORe), to assess adherence to evidence‐based practice and provide preliminary evidence supporting its criterion validity; and (2) illustrate the feasibility and potential utility of the SCORe by analyzing observations of providers within four large‐scale SBIRT programs in the United States.

Methods

Eighteen potential adherence judges were trained to recognize SBIRT service elements presented in realistic taped portrayals constructed to serve as criterion coding standards. Across the four SBIRT programs, 76 providers were observed performing 388 services in three types of medical settings; emergency departments (n = 10), hospital out‐patient/ambulatory clinics (n = 16) and hospital in‐patient settings (n = 5).

Results

Across two exercises, trainees identified 81% of screening and 75% of brief intervention (BI) elements correctly; for the six FRAMES components (Feedback, Responsibility, Advice, Menu of options, Empathy, Self‐efficacy), agreement ranged from 69% to 91%. Across programs, 56% of screening, 54% of brief intervention (BI) (81% of FRAMES) and 53% of referral to treatment elements were observed. Programs differed significantly in adherence [screening, P = 0.024; BI, P < 0.001; FRAMES, P < 0.001; referral to treatment (RT), P < 0.001]; medical setting differences were minimal.

Conclusions

The Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Checklist for Observation in Real‐time provides a flexible method for assessing adherence to evidence‐based Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment service protocols. Preliminary evidence supports the criterion validity, feasibility and potential utility of the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Checklist for Observation in Real‐time protocol.
The cost‐effectiveness of brief intervention versus brief treatment of Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in the United States
Authors: Barbosa Carolina , Cowell Alexander , Dowd William , Landwehr Justin , Aldridge Arnie , Bray Jeremy
Published: January 2017

Aims

To conduct a cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) comparing the delivery of brief intervention (BI) with brief treatment (BT) within Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs.

Design

Quasi‐experimental differences in observed baseline characteristics between BI and BT patients were adjusted using propensity score techniques. Incremental comparison of costs and health outcomes associated with BI and BT.

Setting

Health‐care settings in four US states participating in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SBIRT grant programs.

Participants

Ninety patients who received BT and 878 who received BI.

Measurements

Per‐patient cost of SBIRT, patient demographics and six measures of substance use: proportion using alcohol, proportion using alcohol to intoxication, days of alcohol use, days of alcohol use to intoxication, proportion using drugs and days using drugs.

Findings

BI and BT were associated with better outcomes. The cost of SBIRT was significantly higher for BT patients ($75.54 versus 16.32, 95% confidence interval,P < 0.01). BT would be cost‐effective if the decision‐maker had a willingness to pay of $8.90 for a 1 percentage point reduction in the probability of using any alcohol. For the other five outcomes, BT was less effective and more costly, and BI would be a better use of resources.

Conclusions

It might be cost‐effective to offer brief treatment if the goal is to abstain from alcohol. However, the higher effectiveness of brief treatment for this outcome is associated with considerable uncertainty and, because both brief intervention and brief treatment improve all outcomes, brief treatment does not appear to be a good use of resources.
A time and motion study of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment implementation in health‐care settings
Authors: Cowell Alexander J. , Dowd William N. , Landwehr Justin , Barbosa Carolina , Bray Jeremy W.
Published: January 2017

Aims

Screening and brief intervention for harmful substance use in medical settings is being promoted heavily in the United States. To justify service provision fiscally, the field needs accurate estimates of the number and type of staff required to provide services, and thus the time taken to perform activities used to deliver services. This study analyzed the time spent in activities for the component services of the substance misuse Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program implemented in emergency departments, in‐patient units and ambulatory clinics.

Design

Observers timed activities according to 18 distinct codes among SBIRT practitioners.

Setting

Twenty‐six US sites within four grantees.

Participants

Five hundred and one practitioner–patient interactions; 63 SBIRT practitioners.

Measurements

Timing of practitioner activities.

Interventions

Delivery of component services of SBIRT.

Findings

The mean (standard error) time to deliver services was 1:19 (0:06) for a pre‐screen (n = 210), 4:28 (0:24) for a screen (n = 97) and 6:51 (0:38) for a brief intervention (n = 66). Estimates of service duration varied by setting. Overall, practitioners spent 40% of their time supporting SBIRT delivery to patients and 13% of their time delivering services.

Conclusions

In the United States, support activities (e.g. reviewing the patient's chart, locating the patient, writing case‐notes) for substance abuse Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment require more staff time than delivery of services. Support time for screens and brief interventions in the emergency department/trauma setting was high compared with the out‐patient setting.
“Resistance is futile”: estimating the costs of managing herbicide resistance as a first‐order Markov process and the case of U.S. upland cotton producers
Authors: Lambert Dayton M. , Larson James A. , Roberts Roland K. , English Burton C. , Zhou Xia “Vivian” , Falconer Lawrence L. , Hogan Robert J. , Johnson Jason L. , Reeves Jeanne M.
Published: January 2017

A 2012 survey of upland U.S. cotton producers was analyzed to determine the factors contributing to changes in weed management costs (WMCs) after the identification of herbicide‐resistant weeds. An ordered probit regression estimated changes in WMC as a first‐order Markov process. The most important determinants of post‐resistance cost increases were initial WMCs, adoption of labor‐intensive remedial practices, and wick application of herbicides. Cultivation and mechanical/chemical‐intensive practices did not increase WMCs. Post‐resistance changes in WMC ranged between $85 and $138 ha−1, depending on the practices adopted. WMCs increased by $88 ha−1 when cost‐neutral practices were adopted. The in‐sample aggregate costs of managing herbicide resistance ranged between $25 and $53 million, depending on the types of adopted practices.
Canaloplasty with Stegmann Canal Expander for primary open‐angle glaucoma: two‐year clinical results
Authors: Grieshaber Matthias C. , Schoetzau Andreas , Grieshaber Hans R. , Stegmann Robert
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To examine longer‐term postsurgical safety and efficacy of a new expander for Schlemm's canal.

Methods

In a non‐comparative, prospective study, 42 White patients with medically uncontrolled primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) underwent primary canaloplasty with >2‐year follow‐up. The bleb‐independent procedure comprised catheter‐assisted canaloplasty and implantation of two Stegmann Canal Expanders to maintain trabecular distension and canal patency over 180°. Intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication use and complications were assessed.

Results

Mean IOP was 26.8 ± 5.6 mmHg presurgery, 12.8 ± 1.5 mmHg at 6 months, 13.2 ± 1.2 mmHg at 12 months and 13.3 ± 2.5 mmHg at 24 months (p < 0.001). Rate of complete success, defined as IOP ≤21, ≤18 and ≤16 mmHg and a ≥ 30% IOP reduction, was 85% (95% CI: 0.76–0.95), 85% (0.76–0.95) and 82% (0.70–0.96) at 12 months and 83% (0.73–0.94), 80% (0.70–0.92) and 80% (0.70–0.92) at 24 months. Preoperative factors were not significant predictors of ≤16 mmHg IOP reduction: IOP (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.44–1.04; p = 0.08), mean visual defect (1.06; 0.90–1.20; p = 0.47), number of medications (0.59; 0.17–2.14; p = 0.42) and age (0.96; 0.87–1.13; p = 0.41). Number of medications dropped from 2.8 ± 0.4 presurgery to 0.2 ± 0.5 postsurgery (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative best‐corrected visual acuity was 0.19 ± SD 0.21 (range: 0–1.6), and logMAR was similar to 0.23 ± 0.16 (range: 0–1.6; p = 0.42) after a mean follow‐up of 27.4 months. Complications included peripheral Descemet's membrane detachment (7.2%) and trimming of the expander (4.7%) during surgery, and transient microhyphaema (23.8%) and IOP elevation (7.2%) postsurgery.

Conclusion

Canaloplasty with the Stegmann Canal Expander was a safe and effective procedure to reduce IOP in White patients with moderate to advanced POAG.
CONFLICT HANDLING IN RENEWABLE ENERGY COOPERATIVES (RECs): ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTS AND MEMBER WELL‐BEING
Authors: BRUMMER Vasco , HERBES Carsten , GERICKE Naomi
Published: January 2017

We investigate conflict handling in Renewable Energy Cooperatives (RECs) in Germany. Conflict handling in this context shows to be unique due to RECs’ business model and the relationship between members and their organization. Unlike in other cooperative firms, most REC members in Germany neither work for their cooperative nor do they receive goods or services from it. We document frequent controversial topics of discussion in annual meetings and how the organizational frame conditions influence modes of conflict handling by the involved parties. Using data gathered by participant observation of the annual meetings of 15 different RECs in southern Germany, we show by a qualitative approach that conflict handling by members of the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board and the rank‐and‐file during the process of decision‐making ranges from highly cooperative to fully Competitive, but these styles tend to converge to collaborative outcomes, reflecting the members’ shared commitment to the cooperative principles of the enterprise.
The risk predictive values of UK‐PBC and GLOBE scoring system in Chinese patients with primary biliary cholangitis: the additional effect of anti‐gp210
Authors: Yang F. , Yang Y. , Wang Q. , Wang Z. , Miao Q. , Xiao X. , Wei Y. , Bian Z. , Sheng L. , Chen X. , Qiu D. , Fang J. , Tang R. , Gershwin M. E. , Ma X.
Published: January 2017

Background

Adequate risk stratification is critical for the management of the patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The UK‐PBC and GLOBE scoring systems for prognosis of PBC have been proposed recently, but have not been validated in Asian population.

Aim

To validate the UK‐PBC and GLOBE scoring systems in Chinese patients for prognosis of PBC. To clarify the role of anti‐gp210 as a biomarker, and to investigate whether anti‐gp210 could affect the prognostic values of UK‐PBC and GLOBE scoring systems.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 276 patients with PBC evaluated between September 2004 and May 2016, including 133 anti‐gp210+ and 143 anti‐gp210− patients.

Results

The 5‐year adverse outcome‐free survivals of anti‐gp210+ vs. anti‐gp210− patients were 70% and 85%, respectively (P = 0.005). Cirrhosis (P = 0.001), albumin level ≤40 g/L (P = 0.011) and platelet count ≤153 × 109 (P < 0.001) had a superimposition effect on anti‐gp210 antibody as a risk factor. Furthermore, long‐term prognoses were evaluated using the UK‐PBC and GLOBE scores. For UK‐PBC scoring system, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.924 for all patients with PBC (n = 223), 0.940 for anti‐gp210+ patients (n = 110) and 0.888 for anti‐gp210− patients (n = 113). For GLOBE scoring system, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.901 for all patients with PBC (n = 223), 0.924 for anti‐gp210+ patients (n = 110) and 0.848 for anti‐gp210− patients (n = 113). UK‐PBC score >0.0578 (P < 0.001, HR: 32.736, 95% CI: 11.368–94.267) and GLOBE score <0.850 (P < 0.001, HR: 18.763, 95% CI: 7.968–44.180) were associated with poorer outcomes in the whole cohort.

Conclusions

The UK‐PBC and GLOBE scoring systems were good 5‐year prognostic predictors in Chinese patients with PBC, especially in anti‐gp210+ patients. As a biomarker, anti‐gp210 antibody was associated with a more severe cholestatic manifestation and a worse long‐term prognosis. The anti‐gp210 antibody could be added to further optimise the UK‐PBC and GLOBE scoring systems.
Characterization of the cathelicidin cluster in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Ishige Taichiro , Hara Hiromi , Hirano Takashi , Kono Tomohiro , Hanzawa Kei
Published: January 2017

The Japanese quail has several advantages as a low‐fat meat bird with high immunity against diseases. Cathelicidins (CATHs) are antimicrobial peptides that play an important role in innate immunity. The aim of this study was to characterize the CATH cluster in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The Japanese quail CATH (CjCATH) cluster, contains four CATH genes, as in the chicken. The coding sequences of CjCATHs exhibited >85.3% identity to chicken CATHs. The predicted amino acid sequences of the four CjCATH genes contained the cathelin‐like domain characteristic of CATH proteins. Polymorphisms were detected in the open reading frames (ORFs) of all CjCATH sequences. Two amino acid substitutions were observed in the antimicrobial region of the mature peptide of CjCATH2, and predicted to influence peptide function. CjCATH1 is expressed in lung, heart, bone marrow and bursa of Fabricius (BF). CjCATH2 is expressed in bone marrow. CjCATH3 is expressed in lung, heart, bone marrow, BF, tongue and duodenum. CjCATHB1 is expressed in bone marrow and BF. This study is the first to characterize CATH genes in the Japanese quail, and identifies novel antimicrobial peptide sequences belonging to the cathelicidin family, which may play a role in immunity in this species.
Dose evaluation of lamivudine in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected children aged 5 months to 18 years based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis
Authors: Janssen Esther J. H. , Bastiaans Diane E. T. , Välitalo Pyry A. J. , van Rossum Annemarie M. C. , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne , Lyall Hermione , Knibbe Catherijne A. J. , Burger David M.
Published: January 2017

Aim

The objectives of this study were to characterize age‐related changes in lamivudine pharmacokinetics in children and evaluate lamivudine exposure, followed by dose recommendations for subgroups in which target steady state area under the daily plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0–24h) is not reached.

Methods

Population pharmacokinetic modelling was performed in NONMEM using data from two model‐building datasets and two external datasets [n = 180 (age 0.4–18 years, body weight 3.4–60.5 kg); 2061 samples (median 12 per child); daily oral dose 60–300 mg (3.9–17.6 mg kg–1)]. Steady state AUC0–24h was calculated per individual (adult target 8.9 mg·h l–1).

Results

A two‐compartment model with sequential zero order and first order absorption best described the data. Apparent clearance and central volume of distribution (% RSE) were 13.2 l h–1 (4.2%) and 38.9 l (7.0%) for a median individual of 16.6 kg, respectively. Bodyweight was identified as covariate on apparent clearance and volume of distribution using power functions (exponents 0.506 (20.2%) and 0.489 (32.3%), respectively). The external evaluation supported the predictive ability of the final model. In 94.5% and 35.8% of the children with a body weight >14 kg and <14 kg, respectively, the target AUC0–24h was reached.

Conclusion

Bodyweight best predicted the developmental changes in apparent lamivudine clearance and volume of distribution. For children aged 5 months–18 years with a body weight <14 kg, the dose should be increased from 8 to 10 mg kg–1 day–1 if the adult target for AUC0–24h is aimed for. In order to identify whether bodyweight influences bioavailability, clearance and/or volume of distribution, future analysis including data on intravenously administered lamivudine is needed.
Participatory Bioethics Research and its Social Impact: The Case of Coercion Reduction in Psychiatry
Authors: Abma Tineke A. , Voskes Yolande , Widdershoven Guy
Published: January 2017

In this article we address the social value of bioethics research and show how a participatory approach can achieve social impact for a wide audience of stakeholders, involving them in a process of joint moral learning. Participatory bioethics recognizes that research co‐produced with stakeholders is more likely to have impact on healthcare practice. These approaches aim to engage multiple stakeholders and interested partners throughout the whole research process, including the framing of ideas and research questions, so that outcomes are tailored to the interests and context, and the type of impact stakeholders envisage. There is an emphasis on realizing social change through the conduct (not merely the results) of the research, and it is believed that the engagement of stakeholders in the research process will promote their intrinsic motivation to change their practice. Another distinctive feature of participatory bioethics research is that its central normative commitment is to reflection and dialogue, not to a particular substantive ethical approach. In reflection and dialogue there is an emphasis on inclusion and the co‐production of knowledge. Furthermore, empirical and normative research are combined, and there is a deliberate attempt to give voice to otherwise marginalized positions. This provides a model of social impact which is relevant not only for bioethics research, but also for other areas of health care research. We will show the merits of a participatory approach to bioethics research with a case example. It concerns the reduction of coercion and in particular seclusion in Dutch mental healthcare.