bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can your Small Company Acquire Resources as Favorably as the Large Company?
Authors: Finley Lawrence
Published: December 2017

Ultimately an organization's survival depends upon access to resources. This access is reflected in prices and other terms of purchase and sale and in costs of borrowing or using equity funds. High levels of transactions often give a critical advantage, manifestations of which are herein identified, drawing on marketing, economics, purchasing, and finance research. Suggestions for managers of small businesses are offered.
Employment-At-Will: A Legal Area that Merits Attention for the Small Business Person
Authors: Holoviak Stephen J. , Weigle Jerry , Bright Thomas
Published: December 2017

This article acquaints the small business owner/manager with an area showing signs of being an emerging issue in the 1980s. Traditional common law interpretation held that an employer has the right to discharge workers “at-will.”

However, recent court decisions and legislation have begun to change this long-held right. The results of successful employee suits can mean large cash awards to a former discharged worker. This article discusses the topics of “just-cause” for discharge, selected court decisions in the area, and what small business persons can do to protect themselves.
Boards of Directors in Small Corporations: An Untapped Resource
Authors: Castaldi Richard , Wortman Max S.
Published: December 2017

Small business corporations face many problems. Some are inherent because of their size alone while others are due to government regulations and practices. To cope successfully with such problems, it is imperative that small corporations attempt to maximize their available resources.

The board of directors is a resource largely ignored as a positive input in managing small firms. This article proposes a departure from traditional use of boards and recommends one conceptual scheme. A typical board structure is presented with applications showing how it can alleviate many of the problems facing small corporations.
Consumer Perceptions of Warranty Service Performance
Authors: Beltramini Richard F. , Evans Kenneth R.
Published: December 2017

In a national study, consumers revealed significant differences between what they feel they should ideally be able to expect in the way of warranty service performance on major durables and what they have actually experienced. Further, results indicate the largest discrepancy between these ideal versus actual perceptions exists with salesperson involvement. Managerial implications for small businesses are discussed.
Small Business Social Responsibility: Some Perceptions and Insights
Authors: Chrisman James J. , Archer Richard W.
Published: December 2017

The results of a survey conducted in the Atlanta and Athens, Georgia area suggest that small business managers and non-business individuals have similar perceptions of small business's social responsibility.

Customer responsibilities are viewed as the chief concern of both groups. Low rankings given on the small firm's contribution to employment and innovation suggest a need for greater public awareness of the societal role of small business. 1

1 This research was partially funded by the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. An earlier version of this manuscript was presented at the 29th World Conference of the International Council for Small Business, Chicago, IL, June 1984.
Small Exporters and Stages of Development: An Empirical Study
Authors: Vozikis George S. , Mescon Timothy S.
Published: December 2017

Empirically-based research and theory on currant internal problems of small business Is lacking since most research has dealt ex post facto with causes of small business failure and success. In addition, small business problems have not been correlated with the different stages of the overall development of the firm or different stages of the exporting process. This study attempts to fill a portion of this gap by empirically examining the differences between overall and exporting problems of small exporters at different stages of overall and exporting development.
Human Resource Compensation and Maintenance Practices
Authors: Amba-Rao Sita C. , Pendse Dilip
Published: December 2017

A survey of small business firms In North-Central Indiana Indicated that, while these firms provided a work place and an Income to employees, most of their practices on compensation and maintenance of human resources lacked a systematic and rational approach. Their emphasis appeared to be more on the short run rather than on the long run. Further, small businesses seemed to lack an understanding of the relationship between productivity and generally accepted human resource management practices. In the absence of clear, written policies on human resource maintenance and compensation, small firms will continue to have personnel-related problems. Further research needs In this area are suggested.
Entrepreneurship and Black Capitalism
Authors: Van Fleet Ella W. , Van Fleet David D.
Published: December 2017

The literature presents a confusing picture regarding the performance of black entrepreneurs. One reason for the relatively higher failure rate for black entrepreneurs may be the environment in which they begin operations–-the inner city. A study was conducted of black-owned and white-owned Inner city firms to examine this issue. The findings suggest that the race of the owner is not a very Important factor for distinguishing between relatively successful and unsuccessful firms in this Inner city area.
The Human Resource Factor in Small Business Decision Making
Authors: Rocha Joseph R. , Khan M. Riaz
Published: December 2017

Activities of a group of small firms were studied over a six-year period to determine the manner In which their performance reflected the results of a counseling program. The effects of counseling In a number of functional areas were explored. Findings of the Investigation suggest that while adequate attention to marketing, financial, and technological matters Is essential, firms that Ignore the requirements of sound human resource management may fall to remain competitive.
Strategy, Structure, CEO Personality and Performance in Small Firms
Authors: Miller Danny , Toulouse Jean-Marie
Published: December 2017

A study of 97 small firms was conducted to establish the impact of strategy, structure, decision making style, and chief executive personality on performance. Good growth and profit performance relative to the competition seemed to be associated with Innovative product-market strategies; more proactive, analytic, and future-oriented decision making style; more extensive delegation of authority and professional management; and greater CEO flexibility. Findings varied systematically in comparing groups of small versus medium sized firms, those in dynamic versus stable environments, and those that delegated much authority to lower levels versus those that did not.
A Marketing Strategy Analysis of Small Retailers
Authors: Fiorito Susan S. , LaForge Raymond W.
Published: December 2017

Although the need for small firm marketing strategy research is widely acknowledged, few empirical studies have been conducted to date. The present study investigates the marketing strategies of a group of small retailers. Two levels of marketing strategy are identified and tested. The findings suggest the importance of developing an integrated marketing strategy which will effectively position the retailer against other store types, yet also provide a differential advantage for competing against stores of the same type. The article concludes with several suggestions for future strategy research.
Bank Involvement with Export Trading Companies
Authors: De Noble Alex F. , Belch Michael A.
Published: December 2017

The Federal Export Trading Act of 1982 was designed to facilitate small business involvement in the international trade arena. Specifically, bank affiliated export trading companies (ETCs) represent a potent vehicle for internationally minded smaller firms to gain entree to world markets. This paper identifies and prioritizes the major reasons why banks would consider getting involved in such ventures.
The Theory and Practice of Strategic Management in Smaller Rapid Growth Firms
Authors: Shuman Jeffrey C. , Seeger John A.
Published: December 2017

This article contrasts the theory of strategic planning with actual practice in smaller rapid growth companies. The literature on strategic planning in general and smaller organizations in particular is synthesized into a normative planning structure and framework. The resulting model is then contrasted with actual planning practice within the 500 fastest growing privately held companies (ranked according to percentage of sales increases) in the United States.
Small Business Acceptance of Foreign Sales Corporation Incentives
Authors: O'Keefe W. Timothy
Published: December 2017

This is the second year in which companies with export sales may elect to participate in the new tax incentives offered by the Foreign Sales Corporation legislation. Although Congress specifically included incentives aimed at the small and medium exporter in the legislation, smaller exporters are less likely to participate than larger exporters. This study examines the comparative perceptions of smaller and larger exporters regarding the export incentive legislation and offers some alternatives that may make participation by smaller exporters more attractive.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research: An Historical Typology and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Ireland R. Duane , Van Auken Philip M.
Published: December 2017

Small business literature for the past ten years was examined and each piece categorized according to five dimensions. The results indicate some interesting trends and provide the basis for formulating research questions.
Tax Rates in Small and Large Firms
Authors: Singh Davinder , Wilder Ronald P. , Chan Kok Poh
Published: December 2017

This study examines the relationship between firm size and tax rates. Contrary to other recent studies, these findings demonstrate that corporations in the smallest size group pay the highest effective corporate tax rates. 1 It is suggested that the higher tax rates of small firms can be explained in terms of selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a ratio to sales are more than 50% higher for small corporations than for the largest firms in the non-durable manufacturing industry group.
Power, Conflict and Satisfaction: Perceptions of Shopping Center Based Small Retailers
Authors: Dart Jack
Published: December 2017

With shopping centers capturing an increasing share of the consumer dollar, many small retailers have located in these complexes. In so doing, they agree to operate within a elaborate set of regulations which prescribe many merchandising practices and which are enforced by the shopping center manager. This paper deals with the satisfaction of small retailers with these arrangements and the extent of conflict they experience with the center manager. Several variables are examined to determine their ability to predict these conflict and satisfaction levels.
Using Subjective Evaluations of Organizational Performance in Small Business Research
Authors: Sapienza Harry J. , Smith Ken G. , Gannon Martin J.
Published: December 2017

Frequently small business researchers cannot obtain accurate objective information on organizational performance. However, an important research study of 26 large firms completed by Dess and Robinson (1984) has suggested that researchers can, in certain instances, use subjective evaluations of organizational performance when accurate objective measures are unavailable. The present study of 34 small firms was designed to partially replicate and to extend the Dess and Robinson study. However, none of the significant correlations in the Dess and Robinson study were replicated in the present study. Reasons for these discrepancies are discussed within the context of developing a set of guidelines for using subjective evaluations in small business research.
Toward a Theory of Small Firm Performance: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Keats Barbara W. , Bracker Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2017

A conceptual model of small firm performance is developed based on extant theory in strategy, entrepreneurship and organization theory. It provides a framework for the study of the interrelationships among entrepreneurial characteristics, contextual factors and performance outcomes. It is considered a first step toward a limited domain theory of small firm performance.
“This Group Is Vital”: Adult Peers in Community for Support and Learning
Authors: Cherrstrom Catherine A. , Zarestky Jill , Deer Shannon
Published: December 2017

Adult learners often experience uncertainty, isolation, and, in graduate school, angst about meeting program requirements. Therefore, graduate students created and facilitated a seminar series and preliminary examination study group. The experience, however, transcended seminars and study meetings to build relevant and meaningful community. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine adult peers in community for support and learning. Major findings included participants built community for support and learning, using programming as foundation for building a community of practice (CoP), with peer mentoring playing a major role. The findings also feature participant voices and share programming ideas for adult learners and educators.
Unspoken Playground Rules Discourage Adolescent Physical Activity in School: A Focus Group Study of Constructs in the Prototype Willingness Model
Authors: Wheatley Catherine M. , Davies Emma L. , Dawes Helen
Published: December 2017

The health benefits of exercise in school are recognized, yet physical activity continues to decline during early adolescence despite numerous interventions. In this study, we investigated whether the prototype willingness model, an account of adolescent decision making that includes both reasoned behavioral choices and unplanned responses to social environments, might improve understanding of physical activity in school. We conducted focus groups with British pupils aged 12 to 13 years and used deductive thematic analysis to search for themes relating to the model. Participants described reasoned decisions about physical activity outside school and unplanned choices to be inactive during break, in response to social contexts described as more “judgmental” than in primary school. Social contexts appeared characterized by anxiety about competence, negative peer evaluation, and inactive playground norms. The prototype willingness model might more fully explain physical activity in school than reasoned behavioral models alone, indicating potential for interventions targeting anxieties about playground social environments.
Mixed Ovarian Tumor Composed of Brenner Tumor and Adult-Type Granulosa Cell Tumor: A Case Report of a Very Rare Mixed Ovarian Tumor and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Tamás Judit , Vereczkey Ildikó , Tóth Erika , Csernák Erzsébet , Purcsi Katalin , Pete Imre
Published: December 2017

A combination of ovarian tumors with the same histogenetic origin but different histologic subtype is relatively common, whereas a co-occurrence of tumors with different histogenetic origin is rare. We report a case of mixed ovarian tumor composed of Brenner tumor and adult-type granulosa cell tumor, a combination that to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in the literature until now.
Association Between Plantar Fasciitis and Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness
Authors: Nakale Ngenomeulu T. , Strydom Andrew , Saragas Nick P. , Ferrao Paulo N. F.
Published: December 2017

Background:

An association between plantar fasciitis and isolated gastrocnemius tightness (IGT) has been postulated in the literature; however, there have been few studies to prove this relationship. This prospective cross-sectional cohort study was aimed at determining the association between plantar fasciitis and IGT.

Methods:

Three groups comprising 45 patients with plantar fasciitis (group 1), 117 patients with foot and ankle pathology other than plantar fasciitis (group 2), and 61 patients without foot and ankle pathology (group 3) were examined for the presence of IGT using the Silfverskiöld test. Statistical tests included chi-square test, Student t test, and analysis of variance.

Results:

Of the patients, 101 (45.3%) had IGT: 36 (80%) in group 1, 53 (45.3%) in group 2, and 12 (19.7%) in group 3. The difference in IGT prevalence between the groups was statistically significant at P < .001. The prevalence of IGT was similar between acute and chronic plantar fasciitis at 78.9% and 80.6%, respectively.

Conclusion:

There was a very strong association between plantar fasciitis and IGT using group 3 as a reference. This study suggests that IGT should be actively sought out and managed in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, cross-sectional cohort prospective study.
Translating Knowledge From a Family Systems Approach to Clinical Practice: Insights From Knowledge Translation Research Experiences
Authors: Duhamel Fabie
Published: December 2017

While there has been continued growth in family nursing knowledge, the complex process of implementing and sustaining family nursing in health care settings continues to be a challenge for family nursing researchers and clinicians alike. Developing knowledge and skills about how to translate family nursing theory to practice settings is a global priority to make family nursing more visible. There is a critical need for more research methods and research evidence about how to best move family nursing knowledge into action. Enhancing health care practice is a multifactorial process that calls for a systemic perspective to ensure its efficacy and sustainability. This article presents insights derived from lessons learned through recent research experiences of using a knowledge translation model to promote practice changes in health care settings. These insights aim to optimize (a) knowledge translation of a Family Systems Approach (FSA) in practice settings; (b) knowledge translation research processes; and (c) sustainability of desired changes in practice with families in health care settings.
Tips for Developing a Successful Family Research Proposal
Authors: Knafl Kathleen , Van Riper Marcia
Published: December 2017

Based on the authors’ experiences conducting family research using varied methodological and conceptual approaches, the intent of this article is to offer practical advice for developing a successful research proposal that builds on existing work and makes a compelling case for the investigator’s family focus, study design, and analytic approach. The article highlights key challenges unique to family research and offers suggestions and strategies for addressing the challenges.
Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program: Intended and Unintended Effects
Authors: Chen Min , Grabowski David C.
Published: December 2017

This study examines whether the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), which penalizes hospitals with excess readmissions for certain conditions, has reduced hospital readmissions and led to unintended consequences. Our analyses of Florida hospital administrative data between 2008 and 2014 find that the HRRP resulted in a reduction in the likelihood of readmissions by 1% to 2% for traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries with heart failure, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Readmission rates for Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries and privately insured patients with heart attack and heart failure decreased even more than TM patients with the same target condition (e.g., for heart attack, the likelihood for TM beneficiaries to be remitted is 2.2% higher than MA beneficiaries and 2.3% higher than privately insured patients). We do not find any evidence of cost-shifting, delayed readmission, or selection on discharge disposition or patient income. However, the HRRP reduced the likelihood of Hispanic patients with target conditions being admitted by 2% to 4%.
Using Others in the Nicest Way Possible: On Colonial and Academic Practice(s), and an Ethic of Humility
Authors: Limes-Taylor Henderson Kelly , Esposito Jennifer
Published: December 2017

In this article, we draw from two independent, completed projects that forced us to struggle with our ethics and how we understood the nature of the researcher–participant relationship. We move past the presumption that we social justice–minded qualitative researchers are “needed” to discuss how we understand ourselves to be meeting that need. Here, our intent is to trouble qualitative researchers’ underlying assumptions about help and harm when we are working against oppression and inequity and/or toward justice and equity, both for our subjects/participants and for society.
Inadequate response to imatinib treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia due to a drug interaction with phenytoin
Authors: Osorio S , Escudero-Vilaplana V , Gómez-Centurión I , González-Arias E , García-González X , Díez JL
Published: December 2017

Imatinib mesylate and the newer BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the standard therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia. Although these are remarkably effective drugs, some mechanisms of resistance have been identified including drug-to-drug interactions. Here we present the case of a chronic myeloid leukemia patient with an inadequate response to imatinib due to concurrent phenytoin administration. Conspicuously low imatinib plasma trough levels were documented. Imatinib dose was increased from 400 to 800 mg with good response. In conclusion, drug-to-drug interactions should be ruled out in cases of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Potent inducers of cytochrome P450 isoenzyme CYP3A4, as phenytoin, could induce inadequate responses due to increased imatinib clearance and low imatinib trough plasma levels. Thus, this interaction should be avoided. When this is not possible, dose escalation of imatinib and measurement of plasma levels, if available, is recommended.
The Trauma Resiliency Model: A “Bottom-Up” Intervention for Trauma Psychotherapy
Authors: Grabbe Linda , Miller-Karas Elaine
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND: The Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) is an innovative therapeutic approach for trauma. This “bottom-up” somatic approach comprises nine skills that use sensory awareness for emotion regulation and integration. Body-based therapies may be more effective for trauma than currently used cognitive (‘top-down”) and exposure therapies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to present TRM and current literature on the neuroscience of trauma and resiliency, and the rationale for body-based therapy. Two case examples illustrate the practical use of TRM therapy. DESIGN: The literature on the neuroscience of trauma, resiliency, and somatic approaches in therapy is reviewed. RESULTS: TRM teaches the biology of trauma responses and the practice of emotion regulation through biologically based skills. Neuroscience theory supports somatic awareness models; however, research on somatic therapies is limited. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic distress from trauma derails the ability to live life resiliently. TRM addresses trauma processing in a gentle and invitational manner and is a novel departure from existing therapies. Despite a paucity of research on body-based therapy, these therapies have strong neurophysiologic underpinnings.
ADHD Among Offenders: Prevalence and Relationship With Psychopathic Traits
Authors: Machado Ana , Rafaela Diana , Silva Tânia , Veigas Tânia , Cerejeira Joaquim
Published: December 2017

Objective: Longitudinal studies have shown a strong association between ADHD and criminal behavior. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of adult ADHD in a high-security facility and to investigate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and psychopathic traits in criminal offenders. Material and Methods: Participants were recruited between October 2015 and January 2016 among the inmates from a high-security all-male correctional facility in Portugal. Self-report scales were used to measure ADHD symptoms, current psychopathology, and psychopathic traits. An interview was conducted to collect sociodemographic data, along with information about adverse childhood experiences, substance use, and criminal record. The statistical analysis was conducted using STATA 13 with the significance level set at .05. Results: From the final sample of 101 male prisoners, 17 participants (16.8%) screened positive for ADHD. Participants positive for ADHD had higher levels of general psychopathology and psychopathic traits. Psychopathic traits remained significantly higher in ADHD offenders after controlling for age, substance abuse, and early childhood adversities (OR = 1.07, p = .002) and this was explained by differences in the Meanness subscale (OR = 1.11, p = .013). Discussion/conclusions: The present study shows that ADHD symptoms are highly prevalent among offenders and might have a modulating effect on the course of delinquent behavior. The cross-sectional association between ADHD symptoms and psychopathic traits reinforces the previously documented correlation between these disorders and can lead to a better understanding of the prevalent criminal behavior in ADHD patients.
Contradiction, circumvention and instrumentalization of noble values: How competition undermines the potential of alternatives
Authors: Bousalham Youcef , Vidaillet Bénédicte
Published: December 2017

Recent studies have shown that alternative organizations are particularly exposed to the risk of losing ‘their soul’ or their capacity to put into practice their original ends when they compete with capitalist companies. But what happens when an alternative organization competes exclusively with another alternative organization? This article addresses this question using a unique and ‘revealing’ case, in which two mutual insurance organizations compete structurally and directly with each other and propose the same products to the same target population, at the same time and same place. The case shows in concrete terms how competition can undermine the integrity of alternative organizations and expose them to a dissociation between ends and means by leading them to: (1) adopt ‘dirty’ practices that are incoherent with their founding purpose, (2) circumvent the coherent practices that have been specifically designed to reach their alternative ends, and (3) instrumentalize their alternative ends and turn them into means of coping with competition. Furthermore, the case shows how the dynamic of structural and direct competition, because of its ‘captivating’ nature, may prevent local actors from ‘denaturalizing’ or questioning these incoherent practices. This study suggests that any action aimed at promoting alternative organizations requires taking due account of the competitive environment in which local actors of alternatives are placed and which can seriously undermine their emancipatory potential.
Narrating success and failure: Congressional debates on the ‘Iran nuclear deal’
Authors: Oppermann Kai , Spencer Alexander
Published: December 2017

This article applies a method of narrative analysis to investigate the discursive contestation over the ‘Iran nuclear deal’ in the US. Specifically, it explores the struggle in the US Congress between narratives constituting the deal as a US foreign policy success or failure. The article argues that foreign policy successes and failures are socially constructed through narratives and suggests how narrative analysis as a discourse-analytical method can be employed to trace discursive contests about such constructions. Based on insights from literary studies and narratology, it shows that stories of failures and successes follow similar structures and include a number of key elements, including: a particular setting; a negative/positive characterization of individual and collective decision-makers; and an emplotment of success or failure through the attribution of credit/blame and responsibility. The article foregrounds the importance of how stories are told as an explanation for the dominance or marginality of narratives in political discourse.
The efficacy of a telemedicine-based weight loss program with video conference health coaching support
Authors: Alencar Michelle K , Johnson Kelly , Mullur Rashmi , Gray Virginia , Gutierrez Elizabeth , Korosteleva Olga
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Clinically significant weight loss is defined as a ≥5% of initial body weight loss within a 6-month period. The purpose of this study was to assess body weight change from a 12-week telehealth-based weight loss program that integrated health coaching via video conferencing.

Methods

A total of 25 obese participants (12 males, 13 females) were recruited for this fully online 12-week weight loss program. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or control group ( n = 13 intervention, body mass index (BMI) = 34.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2; n = 12 control, BMI = 34.4 ± 4.43 kg/m2). All participants were given access to a secure platform for data tracking and video conferencing with the research team. The intervention group met with the medical doctor once per month and with a registered dietitian, weekly. Control participants met with the research team at baseline and at 12 weeks. Independent samples t-tests and Chi-square tests were used via SPSS version 24 with significance set to p < 0.05.

Results

There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups for body weight loss (7.3 ± 5.2 versus 1.2 ± 3.9 kg, respectively, p < 0.05) as well as for percent body weight loss (7.16 ± 4.4 versus 1.5 ± 4.1%, respectively, p < 0.05). Clinically significant weight loss was achieved in 9 out of 13 (69.2%) in the intervention group versus 1 out of 12 (8%) in the control group.

Discussion

Mobile phone-based health coaching may promote weight loss. Weekly video conferencing with education may be an applicable tool for inducing significant body weight loss in obese individuals.
How do men’s magazines talk about penises?
Authors: Owen Craig , Campbell Christine
Published: December 2017

Constructions of masculinity have shifted and changed but the central role of the penis has remained firm. Yet, despite the implications for sexual health, there has been very little research on discourses around penises. The messages men receive about their manhood is apparent in articles in men’s magazines. We conducted a discursive analysis of the ways in which penises were discussed in four market leading UK titles: Loaded, Men’s Health, GQ and Attitude. Two broad discourses were identified, termed Laddish and Medicalised, both of which create fear-ridden spaces where men are bombarded with unachievable masculine ideals and traumatic examples of mutilated members. We discuss how health psychologists could use the findings to communicate with men about their sexual health needs using this channel.
Extent and quality of drug use in community-dwelling people aged ≥75 years: A Swedish nationwide register-based study
Authors: Lagerin Annica , Törnkvist Lena , Nilsson Gunnar , Johnell Kristina , Fastbom Johan
Published: December 2017

Aims: It is important for district nurses and other health professionals in primary care to gain more insight into the patterns and quality of drug use in community-dwelling older people, particularly in 75-year-olds, who have been the target of preventive home visits. This study aimed to examine the extent and quality of drug use in community-dwelling older people and to compare drug use in 75-year-olds with that of older age groups. Methods: Data from 2013 on people aged ≥75 years were obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Those living in the community (671,940/739,734 people aged ≥75 years) were included in the study. Quality of drug use was assessed by using a selection of indicators issued by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Results: The prevalence of polypharmacy and of many drug groups increased with age, as did several indicators of inappropriate drug use. However some drug groups, as well as inappropriate drugs, were prevalent in 75-year-olds and declined with age, for example diabetes drugs, drugs with major anticholinergic effects and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusions: The substantial use of some drugs as early as 75 years of age confirms the value of including drug use as a topic in preventive home visits to 75-year-olds. The finding that polypharmacy and many measures of inappropriate drug use increased with age in community-dwelling older people also underscores the importance of district nurses’ role in continuing to promote safe medication management at higher ages.
What does the crowd think? How online comments and popularity metrics affect news credibility and issue importance
Authors: Waddell T Franklin
Published: December 2017

Online comments hold the potential to promote positive deliberative outcomes, although past work has also shown that comments can have undesired effects when the sentiment of the crowd turns negative. Does the presence of comments possibly bolster or interfere with the reception and traditional functions of news media? Informed by the Modality-Agency-Interactivity-Navigability (MAIN) model, an online experiment tested the effect of reader comments (positive vs negative), number of “re-tweets” and “likes” (low vs high), and coverage frequency (infrequent vs frequent) on news credibility and issue importance. Negative reader comments (relative to positive comments) decreased message credibility and issue importance through the sequential indirect pathway of bandwagon perceptions, attention, and construct accessibility. Study results suggest that the traditional functions of news media may be hindered by audience incivility.
Political belonging through elderly care: Temporalities, representations and mutuality
Authors: Thelen Tatjana , Coe Cati
Published: December 2017

In this article, we examine the ways that elderly care generates political belonging. Our approach builds on studies which argue that nurture and care create kinship, but takes that argument further by suggesting that care generates membership in numerous social formations, across scales. We suggest that elderly care helps illuminate key aspects of political belonging, particularly the temporality of political membership, because elderly care entails mutuality and reciprocity over a long period of time. In addition, elderly care is an interactive process in which older persons, their caregivers, the state and other actors negotiate modes of political belonging that entail affect as well as rights. Furthermore, elderly care has been used to construct representations of ‘modern’ and ‘traditional’ families which are ideologically connected to particular political formations. These representations generate difference and ‘Othering’ of internal and external populations. Ultimately, we argue that a focus on elderly care collapses domains that are usually kept artificially separated, like kinship and the state, and private and public, in ways that are productive for social analysis as a whole.
Keeping pace with journalism training in the age of social media and convergence: How worthwhile is it to teach online skills?
Authors: Larrondo Ureta Ainara , Peña Fernández Simón
Published: December 2017

Media organizations are immersed in a significant process of technological, professional and business restructuring driven by multimedia convergence and the impact of social media. Regardless of their size and scope, they are becoming increasingly aware of the need to enhance their multiplatform delivery strategies and respond more closely to their audiences’ needs and interests. Professionals working for these organizations therefore must cope with, and learn to thrive in, convergent media environments that call for a high level of cooperative effort and multitasking. These requirements seem to be even higher with regard to online journalism, a sector exposed to continual technological change and oriented towards the development of content in a variety of formats. In the light of this scenario and the recent debates regarding the best way to keep journalism training up to date, this article offers a subject-based case study to examine the challenges involved in incorporating convergence and social media into journalism university curricula. By means of a mix of data methods, the study focuses on the planning, practices and ramifications of a specific course on online journalism newswriting and reporting. The conclusions provide a critical discussion of the objectives and tools used by educators in the classroom and discuss the appropriateness of courses devoted to online journalism for preparing future journalists to cope with daily newsroom challenges resulting from media convergence and social media content production.
When evidence isn’t enough: Ideological, institutional, and interest-based constraints on achieving trade and health policy coherence
Authors: Schram Ashley
Published: December 2017

Trade and investment policy has the capacity to support or undermine global action on rising noncommunicable disease (NCD) rates. This article will employ a political science approach to explore how ideology, institutions and interests within the trade and investment policy space may constrain policy recommendations made in the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan (GAP) on NCDs. Specifically, it details how neoliberal ideology may constrain public health values, how the new constitutionalism may constrain public health legitimacy and how disparities in money, power and resources between elite economic actors and public policy actors may constrain the capacity of public health to influence trade and investment agreement negotiations. The implications of these constraints on the implementation of the GAP-NCDs are discussed.
Clothing and meaning making: a multimodal approach to women’s abayas
Authors: Bouvier Gwen
Published: December 2017

This article takes a multimodal discourse approach to women’s fashion in the Middle East. It places the Islamic abaya in the UAE in the context of the wider literature on fashion and identity, exploring the way in which clothing features and forms can prescribe ideas, values and attitudes, and framing this discussion within newer ideas on globalization. As Roland Barthes argued, it is not so much personal choice or diversity in fashion that is of interest, but the kinds of values and expected behaviours that they imply. The abaya, on the one hand, represents a more newly arrived idea of traditional, local and religious identity, linking to some extent to an imagined sense of a monolithic notion of Islamic clothing. But, on the other hand, this is itself reformulated locally through international representations, ideas and values, and integrated with newer ideas of taste.
Rail crack monitoring based on Tsallis synchrosqueezed wavelet entropy of acoustic emission signals: A field study
Authors: Li Dan , Kuang Kevin Sze Chiang , Koh Chan Ghee
Published: December 2017

This article focuses on the rail crack monitoring using acoustic emission technique in the field typically with complex cracking conditions and high operational noise. A novel crack monitoring strategy based on Tsallis synchrosqueezed wavelet entropy was developed, where synchrosqueezed wavelet transform was introduced to explore the time–frequency characteristics of acoustic emission signals and Tsallis entropy was adopted to quantify the local variation of acoustic emission wavelet coefficients more accurately. The mother wavelet of synchrosqueezed wavelet transform and three key parameters of time-Tsallis synchrosqueezed wavelet entropy, including characteristic frequency band, non-extensive parameter, and time window length, were appropriately determined. The performance of the strategy was validated through field tests with an incipient rail crack and trains running at operating speeds. Time-Tsallis synchrosqueezed wavelet entropy efficiently detected and located the crack by extracting the crack-related transients in acoustic emission signals that were easily submerged in the operational noise. Synchrosqueezed wavelet transform further helped to analyze the mechanisms of these crack-related transients, which were distinguished to be either crack propagation or impact. The experimental results demonstrated that the crack monitoring strategy proposed is able to detect both surface and internal rail cracks even in the noisy environment, highlighting its potential for field applications.
SMART Arm Training With Outcome-Triggered Electrical Stimulation in Subacute Stroke Survivors With Severe Arm Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barker Ruth N. , Hayward Kathryn S. , Carson Richard G. , Lloyd David , Brauer Sandra G.
Published: December 2017

Background. Stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability need opportunities to engage in task-oriented practice to achieve meaningful recovery. Objective. To compare the effect of SMART Arm training, with or without outcome-triggered electrical stimulation to usual therapy, on arm function for stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Methods. A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 3 parallel groups, concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Fifty inpatients within 4 months of stroke with severe upper limb disability were randomly allocated to 60 min/d, 5 days a week for 4 weeks of (1) SMART Arm with outcome-triggered electrical stimulation and usual therapy, (2) SMART Arm alone and usual therapy, or (3) usual therapy. Assessment occurred at baseline (0 weeks), posttraining (4 weeks), and follow-up (26 and 52 weeks). The primary outcome measure was Motor Assessment Scale item 6 (MAS6) at posttraining. Results. All groups demonstrated a statistically ( P < .001) and clinically significant improvement in arm function at posttraining (MAS6 change ≥1 point) and at 52 weeks (MAS6 change ≥2 points). There were no differences in improvement in arm function between groups (P = .367). There were greater odds of a higher MAS6 score in SMART Arm groups as compared with usual therapy alone posttraining (SMART Arm stimulation generalized odds ratio [GenOR] = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.23-1.71) and at 26 weeks (SMART Arm alone GenOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.05-1.57). Conclusion. SMART Arm training supported a clinically significant improvement in arm function, which was similar to usual therapy. All groups maintained gains at 12 months.
The Case of Teacher Tracking at Leon Middle School
Authors: Stanley Darrius A. , Venzant Chambers Terah T.
Published: December 2017

Derrick Lindsey, a Black teacher at Leon Middle School, has high aspirations for his career in education and hopes to become an outstanding teacher and transformative educator. He is enthusiastic about his job and passionate about his students; however, he cannot help but notice that there are some serious inequities occurring at Leon. Of primary concern is the long-standing, disproportionate assignment of Black faculty to less prestigious courses and White faculty to better-resourced classrooms in Leon’s International Baccalaureate program. The root of Leon’s issues begins to unravel as Derrick voices his concerns about the mistreatment of Black faculty to Principal Anderson. This case study explores the damaging effects of teacher tracking and asks readers to consider the consequences of these decisions on school climate and the retention of diverse faculty.
The effects of FK506 combined with natamycin in the treatment of experimental fungal keratitis by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Liang Li , Shi Wei-Yun
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of combination treatment with FK506 and natamycin on alleviating damage of the cornea in mouse model of fungal keratitis.

In this study, the mouse model of fungal keratitis was created by intrastromal injection with Fusarium solani or Aspergillus flavus. The mice received 5% natamycin eye drops 6–8 times a day, or the mice received 0.05% FK506 eye drops 2 times per day for 21 consecutive days. Corneal damage was evaluated by H&E staining. The protein expression levels of NLRP3 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the markers of inflammasome activation including NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were detected by western blot.

Histopathological results showed increased corneal thickening, dense inflammatory cell infiltration, and loss of epithelial continuity in the corneas after fungal infection. In addition, NLRP3 positive signals were observed to be obviously increased in the corneas after A. flavus or F. solani infection compared to the control group. Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome is induced by fungal infection, as evidenced by increased protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and downstream cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. However, the corneal damage was alleviated and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly inhibited by drug treatment. Besides, the treatment outcomes were better in combined treatment group than that in single-agent treatment group.

In conclusion, FK506 combined with natamycin alleviate fungi-induced corneal damage by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Sample size adjustment designs with time-to-event outcomes: A caution
Authors: Freidlin Boris , Korn Edward L
Published: December 2017

Background:

Sample size adjustment designs, which allow increasing the study sample size based on interim analysis of outcome data from a randomized clinical trial, have been increasingly promoted in the biostatistical literature. Although it is recognized that group sequential designs can be at least as efficient as sample size adjustment designs, many authors argue that a key advantage of these designs is their flexibility; interim sample size adjustment decisions can incorporate information and business interests external to the trial. Recently, Chen et al. (Clinical Trials 2015) considered sample size adjustment applications in the time-to-event setting using a design (CDL) that limits adjustments to situations where the interim results are promising. The authors demonstrated that while CDL provides little gain in unconditional power (versus fixed-sample-size designs), there is a considerable increase in conditional power for trials in which the sample size is adjusted.

Methods:

In time-to-event settings, sample size adjustment allows an increase in the number of events required for the final analysis. This can be achieved by either (a) following the original study population until the additional events are observed thus focusing on the tail of the survival curves or (b) enrolling a potentially large number of additional patients thus focusing on the early differences in survival curves. We use the CDL approach to investigate performance of sample size adjustment designs in time-to-event trials.

Results:

Through simulations, we demonstrate that when the magnitude of the true treatment effect changes over time, interim information on the shape of the survival curves can be used to enrich the final analysis with events from the time period with the strongest treatment effect. In particular, interested parties have the ability to make the end-of-trial treatment effect larger (on average) based on decisions using interim outcome data. Furthermore, in “clinical null” cases where there is no benefit due to crossing survival curves, the sample size adjustment design is shown to increase the probability of recommending an ineffective therapy.

Conclusion:

Access to interim information on the shape of the survival curves may jeopardize the perceived integrity of trials using sample size adjustment designs. Therefore, given the lack of efficiency advantage over group sequential designs, sample size adjustment designs in time-to-event settings remain unjustified.