bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Enhanced External Counterpulsation Treatment on Symptom Burden, Medication Profile, Physical Capacity, Cardiac Anxiety, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Refractory Angina Pectoris
Authors: Wu Eline , Desta Liyew , Broström Anders , Mårtensson Jan
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients with refractory angina pectoris experience recurrent symptoms that limit their functional capacity, including psychological distress and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL), despite optimized medical therapy. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is an evidence-based alternative noninvasive treatment. Although physical well-being and mental well-being are equally important components of health, few studies have investigated the psychological effects of EECP in patients with refractory angina pectoris.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EECP treatment in patients with refractory angina pectoris regarding medication profile, physical capacity, cardiac anxiety, and HRQoL.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study with 1-group pretest-posttest design includes a 6-month follow-up of 50 patients (men, n = 37; mean age, 65.8 years) who had undergone 1 EECP course. The following pretreatment and posttreatment data were collected: medication use, 6-minute walk test results, functional class according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, and self-reported (ie, questionnaire data) cardiac anxiety and HRQoL. In addition, the questionnaires were also completed at a 6-month follow-up.

Results

After EECP treatment, patients used significantly less nitrates (P < .001), walking distance increased on average by 46 m (P < .001), and Canadian Cardiovascular Society class improved (P < .001). In addition, all but 1 subscale of cardiac anxiety and all HRQoL components improved significantly (P < .05). The positive effects for cardiac anxiety and HRQoL were maintained at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Enhanced external counterpulsation treatment resulted in reduced symptom burden, improved physical capacity, and less cardiac anxiety, leading to increased physical activity and enhanced life satisfaction for patients with refractory angina pectoris. Enhanced external counterpulsation treatment should be considered to improve the life situation for these patients.
Leiomyosarcoma in Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome
Authors: Bird Lynne M. , Kuo Dennis J. , Masser-Frye Diane , Mo Jun Q. , Elster Jennifer D.
Published: January 2020

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by benign cutaneous tumors (fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordons), basal lung cysts, pneumothoraces, and a 20% to 30% lifetime risk for renal cancer. There are isolated cases of other cancers in BHDS reported in the literature, including oncocytoma, rhabdomyoma, melanoma, thyroid cancer, meningioma, colon cancer, and breast cancer, but only the increased renal cancer risk has been substantiated. This is the case of a 9-year-old girl who presented with a leiomyosarcoma whose tumor genetic analysis showed FLCN c.365_372del, p.Arg122Leufs*8. She was diagnosed with BHDS when the same mutation was confirmed in her germline lymphocytes. This is the second known reported case of leiomyosarcoma in BHDS.
Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated With Speech and Language Delay and Disorders
Authors: Uzun Çiçek Ayla , Akdag Emrah , Celebi Erdivanli Ozlem
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to identify major risk factors and sociodemographic characteristics responsible for speech and language delay/disorders. Two hundred twenty-eight children (aged 24–72 months) with speech and language delay/disorders participated in this study. The Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory and The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test were used to assess language profiles and developmental stages of children. Low income, nonattendance in preschool education, low maternal education, having two or more siblings, later birth order (order of siblings), family history of speech and language delay/disorders, preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth complications or the need for intensive care support during neonatal period were identified as risk factors (all p < 0.005). Both sociodemographic and biologic factors were associated with speech and language delay/disorders. Awareness of these factors may provide a chance for earlier diagnosis and intervention. Identification of risk factors of these children would contribute to our knowledge in this field.
Reversible Cortical Blindness in Pediatric Native Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Sahai Archit , Suarez William A.
Published: January 2020

Native valve endocarditis, a rare phenomenon in children, can present with septic embolization and devastating consequences. We present a healthy child with bilateral cortical blindness due to native mitral valve endocarditis. After prompt medical and surgical therapy, he regained complete vision. Early surgical intervention resulted in the best outcome.
Underdiagnosis of Nasoorbitoethmoid Fractures in Patients with Zygoma Injury
Authors: Nissen Nicholas J. , Okhah Zachary I. , Basta Marten N. , Hsieh Sun , Crozier Joseph W. , Jehle Charles C. , Rao Vinay , Woo Albert S.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Nasoorbitoethmoid fractures commonly accompany midface fractures and may be underdiagnosed, resulting in incomplete reconstruction or inadequate treatment following facial trauma. To better understand the nasoorbitoethmoid fracture diagnosis and treatment tendencies, the authors analyzed concomitant nasoorbitoethmoid injuries in the setting of zygoma fractures.

Methods:

The facial trauma database at a level I trauma center was evaluated. All patients with diagnosed zygoma fractures from June of 2011 to March of 2016 were assessed for a concomitant nasoorbitoethmoid injury. Documentation of these fractures in radiology, plastic surgery, and operative notes was recorded, as was the rate of nasoorbitoethmoid fracture surgical repair.

Results:

The authors identified 339 eligible patients and completed retrospective analysis of computed tomographic images for their 356 zygoma fractures. The incidence of concomitant nasoorbitoethmoid fractures was 30.6 percent (109 of 356). Documentation rates of nasoorbitoethmoid fractures were 0 percent, 3.7 percent, and 8.3 percent in radiology, plastic surgery, and operative notes, respectively. The rate of surgical correction of nasoorbitoethmoid injuries was 22.9 percent (25 of 109). Of those fractures identified, 44.9 percent (49 of 109) were minimally displaced or nondisplaced. Subset analysis of only significantly displaced fractures yielded an incidence of 16.8 percent (60 of 356). Of significantly displaced fractures, documentation rates were 0 percent, 6.7 percent, and 16.8 percent in radiology, plastic surgery, and operative notes, respectively. The surgical repair rate of significantly displaced fractures was 31.7 percent (19 of 60).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest a high concomitance rate of nasoorbitoethmoid fractures with zygoma fractures and identify a tendency to underdocument and undertreat this injury pattern. Clinicians managing patients with midface trauma should have a high suspicion for nasoorbitoethmoid trauma. Plastic surgeons and radiologists should be better trained in identifying the nasoorbitoethmoid fracture pattern.
Neurotized Free Platysma Flap for Functional Eyelid Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study of Anatomical Feasibility
Authors: Vaca Elbert E. , Surek Christopher , Klosowiak Julian , Dumanian Gregory A. , Alghoul Mohammed S.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Conventional reconstructive options for large full-thickness eyelid defects are limited to static local flaps without replacing the missing orbicularis. The authors’ aim is to delineate the platysma neurovascular anatomy for innervated functional eyelid reconstruction.

Methods:

Fourteen fresh latex-injected heminecks were dissected. The locations where neurovascular structures entered the platysma muscles were expressed as the percentage distance ± SD from the sternocleidomastoid muscle mastoid insertion to manubrium origin.

Results:

The superior thyroid, facial, and lingual vessels were the major pedicles in eight of 14 (57.1 percent), four of 14 (28.6 percent), and one of 14 specimens (7.1 percent), respectively. In one specimen (7.1 percent), both the superior thyroid and facial vessels supplied a major pedicle. Venous drainage generally mirrored arterial inflow but was redundant, with 43 percent and 14 percent of flaps also with major contributions from the external jugular and anterior jugular veins, respectively. Neurovascular pedicles entered the platysma 28 to 57 percent caudal to the sternocleidomastoid muscle mastoid insertion, between 0.5 and 4.8 cm anterior to the medial sternocleidomastoid muscle border.

Conclusion:

Although variability exists, platysma neurovascular pedicles enter at predictable locations between 28 and 57 percent of the distance from the mastoid insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, therefore making free platysma transfer a feasible option for eyelid reconstruction.
Brief Report: Sexual Mixing Patterns by HIV Status and PrEP Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Partnerships in Melbourne, 2011–2018
Authors: Chow Eric P. F. , Phillips Tiffany R. , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Chen Marcus Y. , Fairley Christopher K.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Sexual mixing between HIV-positive, HIV-negative, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users among men who have sex with men (MSM) is an important determinant of the incidence of infection. There have been very limited studies examining the patterns of sexual mixing in relation to HIV status and PrEP use in the era of PrEP.

Setting:

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), Australia.

Methods:

We included all MSM partnerships attending MSHC on the same day between 2011 and 2018. A chi-square trend test was used to examine the changes in the annual proportion of partnerships by HIV serostatus in 2011–2018 and by PrEP use in 2016–2018.

Results:

Of the 1765 MSM partnerships who attended MSHC between 2011 and 2018, 1.3% of the partnerships were concordant HIV-positive, 91.0% were concordant HIV-negative, and 7.6% were HIV-discordant. The proportion of HIV-discordant partnerships increased from 0% in 2011 to 12.5% in 2018 (p
trend < 0.001). In 2016–2018, only a small proportion (1.2%) of concordant HIV-negative partnerships involved both men taking PrEP, whereas 6.0% involved at least one man taking PrEP. Overall, 79.1% of concordant HIV-negative partnerships were not protected against HIV (ie, neither man taking PrEP), and this proportion declined significantly from 84.3% in 2016 to 74.0% in 2018 (p
trend = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The pattern of sexual mixing by HIV status and PrEP use among MSM partnerships has changed over time. PrEP use in both men within MSM partnerships is not common. About 79% of concordant HIV-negative partnerships were not protected against HIV as neither man taking PrEP.
Brief Report: Phase IIa Safety Study of a Vaginal Ring Containing Dapivirine in Adolescent Young Women
Authors: Bunge Katherine E. , Levy Lisa , Szydlo Daniel W. , Zhang Jingyang , Gaur Aditya H. , Reirden Daniel , Mayer Kenneth H. , Futterman Donna , Hoesley Craig , Hillier Sharon L. , Marzinke Mark A. , Hendrix Craig W. , Gorbach Pamina M. , Wilson Craig M. , Soto-Torres Lydia , Kapogiannis Bill , Nel Annalene , Squires Kathleen E. ,   for the MTN-023/IPM 030 Study Team
Published: January 2020

Background:

Young women aged 15–24 years are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Two phase III trials of a vaginal ring containing 25-mg dapivirine demonstrated HIV-1 risk reduction in adult women older than 21 years but not in those aged 18–21 years. Lack of protection was correlated with low adherence.

Methods:

In this phase-IIa, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, US, multicenter trial of the dapivirine ring in sexually active females, aged 15–17 years, participants were randomized 3:1 to a dapivirine or placebo ring to be inserted monthly for 6 months (NCT02028338). Primary safety end points included grade 2 product related adverse events and any grade 3 and higher adverse events. Adherence to ring use was assessed by plasma dapivirine concentrations, residual levels in used rings, and self-report. A plasma dapivirine concentration of >95 pg/mL was used to define short-term adherence; a residual ring level of <23.5 mg was used to define long-term adherence. Acceptability was assessed through computer-assisted self-interviews.

Results:

Ninety-six participants were enrolled across 6 US sites. The median age was 16.0 years. There were no differences in safety outcomes between treatment arms. Adherence to the dapivirine ring was demonstrated by both plasma measurements (87%) and residual drug levels in rings (95%). Forty-two percent (95% confidence interval: 32 to 52) of participants reported that they never removed the ring. Participants noted no discomfort due to the ring at 87% of visits and “liking” the ring at 93% of visits.

Conclusion:

The dapivirine vaginal ring, a promising topical microbicide, was well tolerated and acceptable in young US adolescents.
Carbon Dioxide Cryotherapy for Treatment of Nasal and Perinasal Congenital Melanocytic Nevi
Authors: Elmelegy Nader , Elghamry Sameh
Published: January 2020

Congenital melanocytic nevi, reported in 1% to 6% of newborns. There are many complications the most dangerous is the malignant transformation, but the most depressive is the cosmetic one specially for facial lesions. There is a wide range of treatment modalities none of them provide an acceptable solution for facial lesions. In this study we provide a simple, cheap and effective treatment modality for nasal and perinasal congenital melanocytic nevi. In our study, significant improvement was observed with no repigmentation throughout the follow-up period. We conclude that carbon dioxide cryotherapy is an effective treatment modality for nasal and perinasal congenital melanocytic nevi that should be used by others to stand on its long-term persistence and possible complications.
Improvement of Constipation Symptoms in an Older Adult Patient by Defecation Care Based on Using a Handheld Ultrasound Device in Home Care Settings
Authors: Matsumoto Masaru , Yabunaka Koichi , Yoshida Mikako , Nakagami Gojiro , Miura Yuka , Okawa Yohei , Sugama Junko , Okada Shingo , Ohta Hideki , Sanada Hiromi
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND:

Although previous studies have demonstrated the ability of ultrasound to detect stool in the colon and rectum, the clinical utility of evaluating constipation via ultrasonic imaging by nurses has not been determined. In this case report, we observed fecal retention, assessed the presence of constipation, and performed defecation care in an older adult patient in a home care setting in a city near the metropolitan area in Japan.

CASE:

An 85-year-old male with advanced stage prostate cancer and multiple metastases was diagnosed with fecal impaction via digital rectal examination and evaluation of stool consistency. He was managed by regular digital evacuation of stool, but ultrasonic imaging indicated constipation with fecal retention in both the rectum and the colon despite this bowel evacuation program. When faced with this situation, we advocate a bowel management program that considers both intestinal elimination dysfunction and fecal transport dysfunction. Based on ultrasonic imaging, stool consistency was altered by promoting water intake, and we promoted self-defecation by asking the patient to attempt to move his bowels (regardless of cues to defecation) by sitting on the toilet every morning. As a result, the number of weekly enemas and digital dis-impaction episodes decreased while the number of spontaneous defecations increased.

CONCLUSION:

This case report demonstrated that ultrasonography improved bowel management in this patient with clinically severe chronic constipation.
Management of Complicated Ostomy Dehiscence
Authors: Bilgin Ismail Ahmet , Bas Mustafa , Demir Sehri , Esen Eren , Kirbiyik Ebru , Aghayeva Afag , Ozben Volkan , Aytac Erman , Baca Bilgi , Hamzaoglu Ismail , Karahasanoglu Tayfun
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND:

Stoma creation is a common procedure in colorectal surgery. Despite improved surgical techniques, ostomy-related wound complications may prolong the recovery period and impair health-related quality of life. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), autolytic debridement agents, and silver dressings are often used for managing complex wound infection and dehiscence. These applications have the potential to increase patient comfort and accelerate recovery.

CASE:

We report our experience in a 66 year old female who had a wound dehiscence involving the ostomy after robotic abdominoperineal resection. Her medical history was significant for a rectovaginal fistula which occurred after a low anterior resection for rectal cancer 5 years ago. Interventions for treatment of the dehiscence were use of NPWT, autolytic debriding agent, and silver dressing.

CONCLUSION:

Combined use of these interventions for dehiscence of an ostomy can minimize patient discomfort and accelerate wound healing.
The evolution of dermal shield vascularization in Testudinata and Pseudosuchia: phylogenetic constraints versus ecophysiological adaptations
Authors: Clarac François , Scheyer Torsten M. , Desojo Julia B. , Cerda Ignacio A. , Sanchez Sophie
Published: January 2020

Studies on living turtles have demonstrated that shells are involved in the resistance to hypoxia during apnea via bone acidosis buffering; a process which is complemented with cutaneous respiration, transpharyngeal and cloacal gas exchanges in the soft-shell turtles. Bone acidosis buffering during apnea has also been identified in crocodylian osteoderms, which are also known to employ heat transfer when basking. Although diverse, many of these functions rely on one common trait: the vascularization of the dermal shield. Here, we test whether the above ecophysiological functions played an adaptive role in the evolutionary transitions between land and aquatic environments in both Pseudosuchia and Testudinata. To do so, we measured the bone porosity as a proxy for vascular density in a set of dermal plates before performing phylogenetic comparative analyses. For both lineages, the dermal plate porosity obviously varies depending on the animal lifestyle, but these variations prove to be highly driven by phylogenetic relationships. We argue that the complexity of multi-functional roles of the post-cranial dermal skeleton in both Pseudosuchia and Testudinata probably is the reason for a lack of obvious physiological signal, and we discuss the role of the dermal shield vascularization in the evolution of these groups.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vertebrate palaeophysiology’.
Were the synapsids primitively endotherms? A palaeohistological approach using phylogenetic eigenvector maps
Authors: Faure-Brac Mathieu G. , Cubo Jorge
Published: January 2020

The acquisition of mammalian endothermy is poorly constrained both phylogenetically and temporally. Here, we inferred the resting metabolic rates (RMRs) and the thermometabolic regimes (endothermy or ectothermy) of a sample of eight extinct synapsids using palaeohistology, phylogenetic eigenvector maps (PEMs), and a sample of 17 extant tetrapods of known RMR (quantified using respirometry). We inferred high RMR values and an endothermic metabolism for the anomodonts (Lystrosaurussp.,Oudenodon bainii) and low RMR values and an ectothermic metabolism forClepsydrops collettii, Dimetrodonsp.,Edaphosaurus boanerges, Mycterosaurussp.,Ophiacodon uniformisandSphenacodonsp. A maximum-likelihood ancestral states reconstruction of RMRs performed using the values inferred for extinct synapsids, and the values measured using respirometry in extant tetrapods, shows that the nodes Anomodontia and Mammalia were primitively endotherms. Finally, we performed a parsimony optimization of the presence of endothermy using the results obtained in the present study and those obtained in previous studies that used PEMs. For this, we assigned to each extinct taxon a thermometabolic regime (ectothermy or endothermy) depending on whether the inferred values were significantly higher, lower or not significantly different from the RMR value separating ectotherms from endotherms (1.5 ml O2h−1g−0.67). According to this optimization, endothermy arose independently in Archosauromorpha, Sauropterygia and Therapsida.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vertebrate palaeophysiology’.
Respiratory evolution in archosaurs
Authors: Brocklehurst Robert J. , Schachner Emma R. , Codd Jonathan R. , Sellers William I.
Published: January 2020

The Archosauria are a highly successful group of vertebrates, and their evolution is marked by the appearance of diverse respiratory and metabolic strategies. This review examines respiratory function in living and fossil archosaurs, focusing on the anatomy and biomechanics of the respiratory system, and their physiological consequences. The first archosaurs shared a heterogeneously partitioned parabronchial lung with unidirectional air flow; from this common ancestral lung morphology, we trace the diverging respiratory designs of bird- and crocodilian-line archosaurs. We review the latest evidence of osteological correlates for lung structure and the presence and distribution of accessory air sacs, with a focus on the evolution of the avian lung-air sac system and the functional separation of gas exchange and ventilation. In addition, we discuss the evolution of ventilation mechanics across archosaurs, citing new biomechanical data from extant taxa and how this informs our reconstructions of fossils. This improved understanding of respiratory form and function should help to reconstruct key physiological parameters in fossil taxa. We highlight key events in archosaur evolution where respiratory physiology likely played a major role, such as their radiation at a time of relative hypoxia following the Permo-Triassic mass extinction, and their evolution of elevated metabolic rates.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vertebrate palaeophysiology’.
Comparison of CRISPR and marker based methods for the engineering of phage T7
Authors: Grigonyte Aurelija M. , Harrison Christian , MacDonald Paul R. , Montero-Blay Ariadna , Tridgett Matthew , Duncan John , Sagona Antonia P. , Constantinidou Chrystala , Jaramillo Alfonso , Millard Andrew
Published: January 2020

With the recent rise in interest in using lytic bacteriophages as therapeutic agents, there is an urgent requirement to understand their fundamental biology to enable the engineering of their genomes. Current methods of phage engineering rely on homologous recombination, followed by a system of selection to identify recombinant phages. For bacteriophage T7, the host genescmkortrxhave been used as a selection mechanism along with both type I and II CRISPR systems to select against wild-type phage and enrich for the desired mutant. Here we systematically compare all three systems; we show that the use of marker-based selection is the most efficient method and we use this to generate multiple T7 tail fiber mutants. Furthermore, we found the type II CRISPR-Cas system is easier to use and generally more efficient than a type I system in the engineering of phage T7. These results provide a foundation for the future, more efficient engineering of bacteriophage T7.
NRC particle detection probe: test cell to flight
Authors: Davison Craig , Fuleki Dan , Chalmers Jennifer Lynne Young , Galeote Brian
Published: January 2020

Purpose

High-altitude ice crystals (HAICs) are causing one in-flight event or more per month for commercial aircraft. The effects include preventing air data probes (pitot pressure and total air temperature in particular) from functioning correctly and causing engines to roll back and shut down. The purpose of this study is to describe the process used by the National Research Council Canada (NRC) to develop and test a particle detection probe (PDP). The probe mounts on the fuselage of aircraft to sense and quantify the ice crystals in the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The probe was demonstrated on the NRC Convair and Airbus A340 research aircraft as part of the European Union HAIC programme. The probe was ruggedised, adapted for easy installation in standard aircraft fittings and tested in a variety of conditions for longevity and endurance.

Findings

Efforts to achieve the safety requirements for flight on aircraft are discussed. The challenges, surprises and opportunities for testing on which the development group is capitalised are also presented.

Practical implications

It was demonstrated that the detectors gave signals proportional to the ice crystal content of clouds, and results demonstrating the functionality of the probe are presented.

Originality/value

This paper describes the multi-year process of developing the NRC PDP from a test cell sensor for detecting engine exhaust contaminants on an aircraft ice crystal detection probe. The work included over 20 flight tests on NRC aircraft and the Airbus HAIC test programme.
Franchise model schools: rethinking educational practices and structures
Authors: Gonzales Miguel , Roberts Maria
Published: January 2020

Purpose

How will schools reinvent themselves to respond to the technological and economic demands of the mid-21st century? In response to the demands, a school district in the western region of the United States implemented a model patterned after the franchise business model. Two effective principals were tasked to simultaneously lead multiple high-risk elementary schools and to replicate the success they achieved from their flagship school. This paper aims to introduce the concept of franchise model schools. It also examines the innovative impact of the model as it relates to student achievement and leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology for this research was a case study approach. This case study sought to examine teacher and school leaders' perceptions of the implementation of the franchise model school framework. The setting of this case study was five franchise model elementary schools in the western region of the United States. Participants of this study included 37 grade-level teacher leaders and 133 teacher respondents to an online questionnaire. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with grade-level teacher leaders at each participating school. State and site-based academic assessments were also collected and analyzed.

Findings

Due to the novelty of the franchise model schools, the long-term effects on student outcomes are not yet discernable. Interviews with the teachers and school leaders revealed that staff morale was low after the initial implementation of the model and student assessment scores also decreased after the first year of implementation. The current pattern of student assessment revealed a decrease after the first year of implementation and a small increase after the second year. Findings revealed assistant principals within the model increased their leadership capacity and efficacy. Assistant principals felt confident in their ability to lead a school as principals.

Originality/value

The implementation of franchise model schools is unique to the United States education system. Minimal research exists which examines the novelty and impact of franchise model schools. This case study has the potential to inform school systems, policy-makers and educator preparation programs of new practices and innovative structures that can help meet the demands of obtaining a mid-21st-century education. For educational leadership preparation programs, the use of this model provides new practicum and internship opportunities for aspiring school administrators.
Auditor monitoring and restatement dark period
Authors: BenYoussef Nourhene , Drira Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Prior research has examined the impact of corporate governance mechanisms, including external auditing, on accounting restatements likelihood. However, little is known about auditor’s monitoring role in restatement disclosure practices. The purpose of this study is to address this gap by investigating the impact of auditor’s oversight on the timeliness of accounting restatement disclosures as measured by the length of the restatement dark period.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines panel data from a sample of restating publicly traded US firms. Negative binomial regression is used to analyze the data because the dependent variable is a count variable and is over-dispersed.

Findings

The main study’s results indicate that longer auditor tenure and non-audit services provision improve restatement disclosure timeliness. Conversely, companies whose auditors exerted abnormally high levels of audit effort have longer restatement dark periods.

Originality/value

This study is the first archival research that focuses on auditor’s monitoring role and its impact on the timeliness of restatement disclosures. By doing so, this study contributes to the auditing academic research, professional practice and regulation by providing empirical evidence on an exasperating issue for all participants in the financial markets. In addition, it provides a better understanding of auditor’s monitoring role in the accounting restatement process and offers insights to policymakers, practitioners and investors interested in corporate financial transparency and corporate governance.
Fatigue behavior of precipitation strengthened Cu–Ni–Si alloy modified by Cr and Zr addition
Authors: Atapek Ş. Hakan , Pantelakis Spiros , Polat Şeyda , Chamos Apostolos , Aktaş Çelik Gülşah
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fatigue behavior of precipitation-strengthened Cu‒2.55Ni‒0.55Si alloy, modified by the addition of 0.25 Cr and 0.25 Zr (wt%), using mechanical and fractographical studies to reveal the effect of microstructural features on the fracture.

Design/methodology/approach

For strengthening, cast and hot forged alloy was subjected to solution annealing at 900°C for 60 min, followed by quenching in water and then aging at 490°C for 180 min. Precipitation-hardened alloy was exposed to fatigue tests atR=−1 and different stress levels. All fracture surfaces were examined within the frame of fractographical analysis.

Findings

Fine Ni-rich silicides responsible for the precipitation strengthening were observed within the matrix and their interactions with the dislocations at lower stress level resulted in localized shearing and fine striations. Although, by the addition of Cr and Zr, the matrix consisted of hard Ni, Zr-rich and Cr-rich silicides, these precipitates adversely affected the fatigue behavior acting as nucleation sites for cracks.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the present knowledge by revealing the effect of microstructural features on the mechanical behavior of precipitation-hardened Cu‒Ni‒Si alloy modified by Cr and Zr addition.
Smart contracts: will Fintech be the catalyst for the next global financial crisis?
Authors: Duran Randall E. , Griffin Paul
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the risks associated with smart contracts, a disruptive financial technology (FinTech) innovation, and assesses how in the future they could threaten the integrity of the global financial system.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is used to identify risk factors related to the use of new financial innovations, by examining how over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives contributed to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) which occurred during 2007 and 2008. Based on this analysis, the potential for similar concerns with smart contracts are evaluated, drawing on the failure of The DAO on the Ethereum blockchain, which involved the loss of over $60m of digital currency.

Findings

Extensive use of bilateral agreements, complexity and lack of standardization, lack of transparency, misuse and speed of contagion were factors that contributed to the GFC that could also become material concerns for smart contract technology as its adoption grows. These concerns, combined with other contextual factors, such as the risk of defects in smart contracts and cyberattacks, could lead to potential destabilization of the broader financial system.

Practical implications

The paper’s findings provide insights to help make the design, management and monitoring of smart contract technology more robust. They also provide guidance for key stakeholders on proactive steps that can be taken with smart contract technology to avoid repeating the types of oversights that contributed to the GFC.

Originality/value

This paper draws attention to the risks associated with the adoption of disruptive FinTech. It also suggests steps that regulators and other key stakeholders can take to help mitigate those risks.
Organizational culture, innovation and performance: a study from a non-western context
Authors: Aboramadan Mohammed , Albashiti Belal , Alharazin Hatem , Zaidoune Souhaila
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the links between organizational culture, innovation and banks’ performance in Palestine.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 186 employees working in the Palestinian banking sector. The data gathered were analyzed using the PLS-SEM approach.

Findings

The findings of the study show that organizational culture and marketing innovation have a positive impact on banks’ performance. Moreover, it was found that marketing performance partially mediates the relationship between organizational culture and banks’ performance.

Practical implications

The paper may be of use for banks managers to create an organizational culture, which fosters both innovation and performance.

Originality/value

The paper is unique as it examines organizational culture, innovation and performance links in a non-western context.
Exploring the work and competence of interactive researchers
Authors: Johansson Peter E. , Wallo Andreas
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the competence in use when working with interactive research, which is a continuation and elaboration of action research.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. The main body of empirical material in this paper is based on two sources of data – a survey comprising open-ended questions, followed by a series of focus group interviews. The respondents were researchers with varying degrees of experience in using interactive research.

Findings

The findings provide illustrations of what characterises interactive research as work and identify an additional set of activities that go beyond traditional research activities. Some activities are relatively easy to describe, while others exist in the gaps between other activities – e.g. boundary spanning – and are harder to explicitly define in terms of implications for the involved researchers’ competence. The work activities reaching beyond the traditional research boundaries are implicit and are not a common shared practice. From a competence point of view, this implies that the competence in use for these implicit tasks of interactive research becomes individually carried. Based on these findings, a number of individual aspects of what constitutes competence in use are suggested.

Research limitations/implications

In future studies, it would be valuable to use a mixed-method approach that also includes longitudinal observations of the actual work of conducting interactive research.

Practical implications

The findings and suggestions for how to understand the competence of interactive researchers can be used as guidance for training in research education.

Originality/value

This study contributes to previous research by describing important requirements and critical elements of competence in use when conducting interactive research.
Research on dynamic characteristics of compensation mechanism for large-power wind turbine disc brake
Authors: Liu Yu , Hao Jie , Kang Panli , Sha Zhihua , Ma Fujian , Yang Dapeng , Zhang Shengfang
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a rigid–flexible coupling model of wind turbine disc brake to simulate the actual working condition of the wind turbine brake and to study the dynamic characteristics of the compensation mechanism under different friction coefficients and braking force. It provides reference for the structure design and optimization of the compensation mechanism (compensation brake wear) in the wind turbine brake.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on multi-body contact dynamics theory, the rigid‒flexible coupling dynamic model of wind turbine brakes with compensation mechanism is established, in which the contact process of the components in the compensation mechanism and the phenomenon of rotation and return are described dynamically, and the rotation angle of the compensation nut and the axial displacement response of the compensation screw are calculated under different parameters.

Findings

The analysis results show that the braking reliability of the brake compensation mechanism can be effectively improved by increasing the friction coefficient of threads or increasing the friction of push rod contact surface; increasing the braking force can also improve the reliability of brake compensation mechanism, but when the braking force comes over a critical value, the effect of braking force on the reliability of the brake is very small. The braking test verifies the effectiveness of the simulation results.

Originality/value

Analyzing the influence of compensation mechanism on braking reliability in the braking process is of great practical significance for improving the braking efficiency and process safety of wind turbine brake.
Moderating effect of environmental dynamism on leadership practices and employees’ response to change in South Africa
Authors: Surty Sumayya , Scheepers Caren Brenda
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The environment has become increasingly dynamic, characterised by hyper turbulence and high-velocity. While research has confirmed the influence of leadership on the effectiveness of change, the author knows less about how increased environmental dynamism influences the relationship. This study aims to investigate how this relationship is impacted under highly uncertain and dynamic external conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the moderating effect of environmental dynamism on leadership practices and employees’ response to change, 1,536 employees’ survey responses were analysed from various organisations in South Africa. Moderator regression models were used to examine relationships.

Findings

Environmental dynamism has a slight significant strengthening effect on the relationship between leadership practices and response to change, with regard to commitment to the change; efficacy, that is, the belief in whether the change will lead to the efficacy of the organisation; and valence or attractiveness of the change. However, no significant positive moderator effect on the impact of leadership practices on active support for change. Tenure as control variable also did not have a significant influence on the model.

Practical implications

Organisations must take note that under dynamic conditions: employees’ belief about the efficacy of change is influenced by leadership practices, but not the active support for the change. Leadership must, thus, check whether employees’ positive responses are indeed going over in action to implement change.

Originality/value

This study contributes an important moderator effect: the more dynamic the environment, the greater the impact leadership practices have on employee response to change.
A closing call’s impact on market quality: evidence from Abu Dhabi stock exchange
Authors: Orhun Eda
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to look at the effects of the closing call auction on market quality and behavior by using the natural experiment of its introduction at the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

Current paper studies the effect of closing call auction on various market quality factors such as liquidity, bid-ask spreads, volatility and market efficiency. Liquidity is proxied by trading volume. Bid-ask spreads provide a measure for the cost of trading in the market. Volatility is measured by using Parkinson’s (1980) volatility as in Huang and Tsai (2008). Last but not least, efficiency will be obtained by estimating a relative return dispersion measure as in Huang and Tsai (2008).

Findings

The introduction of the closing call auction leads to a significant decrease in the trading volume toward the end of the continuous trading. At the same time, trading activity taking place during the call auction significantly increases. This implies a redistribution of liquidity. The implementation of the closing call auction also improves market quality by reducing market inefficiency in terms of firm-specific noise. The study also documents that there exists no significant change in the cost of trading and intraday volatility in the post-period following the adoption of closing call auction.

Originality/value

This current study is the first one looking at this topic for the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange. Specifically, this paper looks at the changes in trading volume, bid-ask spreads, intraday return volatility and market efficiency after the implementation of the closing call mechanism.
Cultural tourism market: a perspective paper
Authors: McKercher Bob
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the evolution of the cultural tourism market and what its future may be.

Design/methodology/approach

Instead of seeing the cultural tourism market as homogeneous, a segmentation model was developed based on the centrality of culture in the overall decision to travel and the depth of experience sought.

Findings

The model verified five segments, including: the purposeful cultural tourist, the sightseeing cultural tourist, the serendipitous cultural tourist, the casual cultural tourist and the incidental cultural tourist.

Originality/value

This framework has transformed how we think about cultural tourists, as it provides a better understanding of the differences in behavior and preferences for certain types of experiences. It is also a tool to develop more effective marketing communication strategies and serves as the basis to evaluate the market significance of this activity.
Soil abiotic and biotic properties constrain the establishment of a dominant temperate tree into boreal forests
Authors: Carteron Alexis , Parasquive Vlad , Blanchard Florence , Guilbeault‐Mayers Xavier , Turner Benjamin L. , Vellend Mark , Laliberté Etienne
Published: January 2020

Climate warming is expected to cause the poleward and upward elevational expansion of temperate plant species, but non‐climatic factors such as soils could constrain this range expansion. However, the extent to which edaphic constraints on range expansion have an abiotic (e.g. soil chemistry) or biotic (e.g. micro‐organisms) origin remains undetermined.

We conducted greenhouse experiments to test if the survival and growth of a major North American temperate tree species, Acer saccharum (sugar maple), is independently or jointly constrained by abiotic and biotic properties of field‐collected soils from within and beyond the species' elevational range.

Abiotic factors, particularly low base cation concentrations, were major constraints to seedling establishment in boreal forest soils (beyond the range edge), but insufficient arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculum (biotic factor) also strongly reduced seedling performance in these soils.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that forecasting future changes in forest composition under climate warming requires consideration of soil properties as well as the mycorrhizal status of tree species.
Paradoxes of late‐modern autonomy imperatives: Reconciling individual claims and institutional demands in everyday practice
Authors: Börner Stefanie , Petersen Niklas , Rosa Hartmut , Stiegler André
Published: January 2020

Governmentality studies and social theories agree that in contemporary societies the idea of autonomy is no longer simply an ideal or an individual aspiration but a social obligation. In an attempt to clarify the meaning of autonomy in this day and age, this paper asks how individuals perceive and negotiate the various dimensions of autonomy and how this affects the functioning of late‐modern institutions. The empirical insights derived from a qualitative study provide a differentiated picture of how individuals pursue their claims to autonomy and comply with institutional demands for autonomy in everyday practice. By presenting seven types of late‐modern “autonomy managers,” the analysis evinces a usurpation of autonomous agency that renders individuals the institutional editors of the contemporary contradictions, deficits, and tensions that occur in their everyday interactions. This comes at the price of notionally free but exhausted actors running short of all kinds of resources.
Trends in smoking documentation rates in safety net clinics
Authors: Fortmann Stephen P. , Bailey Steffani R. , Brooks Neon B. , Hitsman Brian , Rittner Sarah Stuart , Gillespie Suzanne E. , Hill Christian Nissen , Leo Michael C. , Crawford Phillip M. , Hu Weiming , King Dana S. , O'Cleirigh Conall , Puro Jon , Ann McBurnie Mary
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the impact of provider incentive policy on smoking status documentation.

Data Sources

Primary data were extracted from structured electronic medical records (EMRs) from 15 community health centers (CHCs).

Study Design

This was an observational study of data from 2006 to 2013, assessing changes in documentation of smoking status over time.

Data Extraction Methods

We extracted structured EMR data for patients age 18 and older with at least one primary care visit.

Principal Findings

Rates of documented smoking status rose from 30 percent in 2006 to 90 percent in 2013; the largest increase occurred from 2011 to 2012 following policy changes (21.3% [95% CI, 8.2%, 34.4%] from the overall trend). Rates varied by clinic and across patient subgroups.

Conclusions

Documentation of smoking status improved markedly after introduction of new federal standards. Further improvement in documentation is still needed, especially for males, nonwhite patients, those using opioids, and HIV + patients. More research is needed to study whether changes in documentation lead to improvements in counseling, cessation, and patient outcomes.