bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance and political skill in personal reputation assessments
Authors: Dana Laird Mary , Zboja James J. , Martinez Arthur D. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Reputation has many positive outcomes, but little is known about how individuals manage their personal reputation at work. This study aims to investigate the relationships between job performance and political skill on personal reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

Ninety‐eight triads from a Midwestern manufacturer provided data. Employees rated their political skill, supervisors rated the employees' job performance, and coworkers rated the employees' personal reputation. The white‐collar respondents were mostly Caucasian, female, middle aged, and moderately tenured in their position. The data were analyzed with regression analysis.

Findings

The results illustrated positive political skill‐personal reputation and job performance ‐personal reputation relationships. Job performance was positively associated with personal reputation for politically skilled employees, but not for individuals low in political skill.

Research limitations/implications

Job performance was evaluated by employees' supervisors, but less subjective, quantitative measures of job performance would be helpful.

Practical implications

Political skill training and/or mentoring relationships may help individuals manage their personal reputation at work.

Social implications

This study focused on personal reputation in a work environment. However, the results also may be useful to individuals in a variety of organizations (e.g. schools, clubs, churches).

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to investigate how individuals manage their personal reputation in a work setting. Unlike previous research that used self‐evaluations of personal reputation, this study uses peer evaluations, which is more appropriate for the construct.
Geographical media reputation and technology entrepreneurship
Authors: Banerjee Preeta M.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Geographical location has been of noted importance for technology entrepreneurship, i.e. technology clusters. While social resources have been investigated as strategic in management literature, media reputation appears to be an overlooked reason why technological entrepreneurship has been less prevalent in some geographical locations, despite there being fertile economic parameters. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing methodology developed by Rindova et al. to explore how media (local and foreign) describes technological entrepreneurship (local and foreign), the paper compares Boston, MA and Kolkata, India in terms of positive or negative valenced recognition and explores their relation to technology entrepreneurship location.

Findings

Geographical media reputation is contextualized and does not transfer readily. Unlike the absolute positives of economic reasoning, positive media reputation in the local context does not scale globally. Also, negative reputation is very hard to overturn at the global level. Social resources often have their own social dynamics that are localized in culture and environment.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is an exploratory, illustrative analysis of the relation between geographical reputation at local and global levels and the location choice of technology entrepreneurship. Other factors do exist that the paper does not examine specifically but tries to match through sample selection, realizing no two geographical locations can ever be exact matches and in this case are rough equivalents.

Originality/value

Geographical location imputes social resources – namely media reputation – that can affect the location choice of technology entrepreneurship beyond economic considerations.
Limits‐to‐arbitrage and asset growth anomaly in Chinese stock market
Authors: Ye Jianhua , Li WenFang
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper makes attempt to test the firm‐level long‐term asset growth (LAG) effects in returns by examining the cross‐sectional relation between firm‐level LAG and subsequent abnormal stock returns. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether limits‐to‐arbitrage can explain this asset growth anomaly in Chinese stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research was carried out.

Findings

The empirical results show that asset growth anomaly in A‐share stock market is significant and robust. The conclusion provides more evidence for the existence of asset growth anomaly. Additionally, arbitrage risk indicated by idiosyncratic risk cannot explain the anomaly, arbitrage risk indicated by accounting information transparency can partly explain the anomaly, and arbitrage cost proxied by Amihud's measure of illiquidity indicator can completely explain the asset growth anomaly in A‐share stock market.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this paper imply that strengthening the disclosure of firm information and improving the liquidity of the market are important to improve the efficiency of the A‐share stock market.

Originality/value

The paper selects the sample of non‐financial listed companies in A‐share stock market to research the asset growth anomaly and investigates whether limits‐to‐arbitrage can explain this anomaly. This paper proves the existence of asset growth anomaly in A‐share stock market and is a good reference for further researches.
Alternative scenarios for BRAC University
Authors: Tahir Inayatullah Sohail , Ahmed Shakil , Alam Pushpita , Davis Susan , Hashemi Syed
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This article aims to present the scenarios, visions and strategies that resulted from a three day foresight workshop for BRAC University in Rajendrapur, Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The workshops used the “six pillars” approach to foresight. The methods used included: The futures triangle, emerging issues analysis, the futures wheel, The Sarkar game and macrohistory, causal layered analysis, the integrated scenario method, visioning and backcasting. The workshop was held over three days in Rajendrapur, Bangladesh.

Findings

Three visions were developed: “Advancing knowledge with a human face” – a future that integrates liberal arts and real world specialization; “BRAC to the future – an eco‐system of leaders” – a future where the university becomes a social laboratory of innovation; and, “BUG – BRAC University Global,” – a global future where the university leverages BRAC's mission to save and serve the world.

Research limitations/implications

The visions are considered complementary and are being used to develop the university's strategic plan and new campus design.

Practical implications

This model of foresight provides a practical model for engaging in planning the long‐term future especially when there are a diversity of interests and stakeholders. The workshop has led to real world changes in strategy and funding.

Social implications

This model of foresight provides a practical model for engaging in planning the long‐term future especially when there is a diversity of interests and stakeholders. The workshop has led to real world changes in strategy and funding.

Originality/value

This was the first foresight project/workshop held for BRAC University.
“Parlez‐vous français?” Issues in publishing for French academics
Authors: Lauby Fanny
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to look at the choices made by academics in terms of publishing, with an emphasis on French scholars. As “publish or perish” has become the norm in many countries, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between publishing and scholars' actual connection with the public, and how it relates to expectations of their influence on society at large.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on a case study of French academics, whose job description has recently been redefined by new regulations. University professors, who used to answer to the title of “enseignant‐chercheur” or teacher‐researcher, are now labeled “chercheur produisant” or productive researcher, with a new emphasis on quantifiable and measurable work progress.

Findings

New evaluation systems, along with the internationalization of the academic market, are forcing scholars to make difficult language and audience choices, in spite of their dependence on the government. This can jeopardize the relationship between academics and the national public by increasing the distance between the two.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on some of the difficulties for academics to maintain a strong connection with a general audience and to remain accountable to the public.
Influence of scuba divers' specialization on their underwater behavior
Authors: Salim Nurbaidura , Bahauddin Azizi , Mohamed Badaruddin
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between recreation specialization and diver's underwater behavior in Perhentian Island.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a pilot survey on 50 divers in Perhentian Island. In‐depth interviews with several dive operators were also conducted to support the findings.

Findings

Specialized divers tend to recognize unacceptable behavior rather than less specialized divers. Skilled specialized divers tend not to touch the reefs and not to collect dead pieces of the corals compared to less skilled divers.

Practical implications

Specialization and skills of divers can be used as an input to study diver underwater behavior while simultaneously providing insights on coral preservation.

Originality/value

It is important to manage diver behavior as there are now several diving operators who offer unlimited diving packages catering to day and night diving from shore. Divers can minimize their impacts by practicing responsible diving behavior. Measures emanating from this study on diver underwater behavior may be implemented to encourage responsible scuba diving activity among divers and ensure longevity of the coral reefs.
Broadcasting and socially responsible rural tourism in Labuan, Malaysia
Authors: Ponnan Ramachandran
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This article aims to provide a case study of rural tourism in the island of Labuan, Malaysia from the broadcasting and business perspectives. It explores the collective social responsibilities of the local stakeholders and the related local authorities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed mode of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and a framework of the five dimensions of sustainable rural tourism and corporate social responsibility to explain how radio broadcasting and the business communities' initiatives are socially responsible towards tourism.

Findings

The research reveals that locals and stakeholders receive sufficient information from the media, especially Labuanfm, but stakeholders could be more responsible and efficient in channeling the required information for the continued sustenance of rural homestay tourism as a viable economic activity.

Practical implications

The study recommends that stakeholders offer additional commitment as formal assistance for homestay entrepreneurs is not a healthy option in the face of competitive development of modern hotel accommodation.

Originality/value

For the first time, an evaluation of stakeholders' CSR has been undertaken. This study should raise government awareness of Labuan's rural livelihood and the need for a communication strategy that disseminates an actionable communication plan.
Gender Jenga: the role of advertising in gender stereotypes within educational and non‐educational games
Authors: Bush Bianca , Furnham Adrian
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The study which this paper documents aimed to test nine hypotheses through the use of content analysis of gender stereotypes within the advertising of educational/non‐educational children's games.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 130 UK adverts, fitting the time period of 1970‐2011, were used. Then 17 dimensions of each advertisement were coded and chi‐squared analyses were carried out. Additional comparisons were carried out examining differences in pre‐1990 and post‐1990 adverts, age and game categories.

Findings

Nine hypotheses were tested and most were supported, including: males being shown as the main characters in educational adverts compared to non‐educational adverts; gender stereotypes occurring within advertising ‐ adverts aimed at males consisted of males being the main characters, female‐orientated adverts consisted of females presenting the majority of adverts; and young males were displayed alone whereas females were either alone or supervised by another female.

Originality/value

This study is possibly the first to conduct a thorough content analysis of television advertisements for games aimed at children. It reveals the amount of stereotyping found in general advertisements aimed at adults in many western countries.
The Relation Between Bank Resolutions and Information Environment: Evidence from the Auctions for Failed Banks
Authors: GRANJA JOÃO
Published: September 2013

This study examines the impact of disclosure requirements on the resolution costs of failed banks. Consistent with the hypothesis that disclosure requirements mitigate information asymmetries in the auctions for failed banks, I find that, when failed banks are subject to more comprehensive disclosure requirements, regulators incur lower costs of closing a bank and retain a lower portion of the failed bank's assets, while bidders that are geographically more distant are more likely to participate in the bidding for the failed bank. The paper provides new insights into the relation between disclosure and the reorganization of a banking system when the regulators' preferred plan of action is to promote the acquisition of undercapitalized banks by healthy ones. The results suggest that disclosure regulation policy influences the cost of resolution of a bank and, as a result, could be an important factor in the definition of the optimal resolution strategy during a banking crisis event.
Retrograde exchange of heavily encrusted ureteric stents via the ileal conduit: A technical report
Authors: Tapping Charles Ross , Boardman Phil
Published: September 2013

We describe two cases of retrograde ureteric stent exchange of heavily encrusted ureteric stents (JJ) via tortuous ileal conduits. The blocked ureteric stents were snared from inside the conduit so they could be accessed and a wire inserted. The lumens of the stents were unblocked with a wire but the stents could not be withdrawn due to heavy encrustation of the ureteric stent in the renal pelvis. A stiff wire was inserted to provide support and a 9 French peel away sheath was used to remove the encrustations allowing the stents to be withdrawn and exchanged. This is a safe and successful technique allowing ureteric stents to be removed when heavily encrusted.
Perfect storm: Demographic responses of an irruptive desert mammal to prescribed burns following flooding rain
Authors: D'Souza Joel B. , Whittington Alicia , Dickman Chris R. , Leung Luke K.‐P.
Published: September 2013

Extreme climatic events are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude in future and to have powerful effects on the organisms and ecological communities that experience them. In arid Australia flooding rains trigger flushes in primary productivity that allow ephemeral irruptions of consumer organisms, but they also provide conditions for ‘perfect storms’: wildfires that are carried by flood‐stimulated increases in fuel load. Here we describe demographic responses of the long‐haired rat Rattus villosissimus to flood rains and prescribed burns in the Mitchell grass downs of central Queensland, Australia, during a broad‐scale irruption of this species in 2011. Populations were sampled on three trapping grids on two occasions before and two occasions after control burns in April 2011, and compared with populations sampled at the same times on three further grids that remained unburnt. Rat populations declined temporarily just after the fires, but survival, sex ratio, body condition, reproduction and other demographic parameters remained unaffected by the burn treatment. The temporary declines in rat numbers on the burnt grids were probably caused by resource shortages, but subsequent increases in rat numbers suggest that these impacts were not severe. If small‐scale prescribed burns reduce the chance of landscape‐wide wildfires taking hold, we suggest that they should effectively allow long‐haired rats to weather perfect storms in future.
Substituting the End for the Whole: Why Voters Respond Primarily to the Election‐Year Economy
Authors: Healy Andrew , Lenz Gabriel S.
Published: September 2013

According to numerous studies, the election‐year economy influences presidential election results far more than cumulative growth throughout the term. Here we describe a series of surveys and experiments that point to an intriguing explanation for this pattern that runs contrary to standard political science explanations, but one that accords with a large psychological literature. Voters, we find, actually intend to judge presidents on cumulative growth. However, since that characteristic is not readily available to them, voters inadvertently substitute election‐year performance because it is more easily accessible. This “end‐heuristic” explanation for voters’ election‐year emphasis reflects a general tendency for people to simplify retrospective assessments by substituting conditions at the end for the whole. The end‐heuristic explanation also suggests a remedy, a way to align voters’ actions with their intentions. Providing people with the attribute they are seeking—cumulative growth—eliminates the election‐year emphasis.
Election Laws, Mobilization, and Turnout: The Unanticipated Consequences of Election Reform
Authors: Burden Barry C. , Canon David T. , Mayer Kenneth R. , Moynihan Donald P.
Published: September 2013

State governments have experimented with a variety of election laws to make voting more convenient and increase turnout. The impacts of these reforms vary in surprising ways, providing insight into the mechanisms by which states can encourage or reduce turnout. Our theory focuses on mobilization and distinguishes between the direct and indirect effects of election laws. We conduct both aggregate and individual‐level statistical analyses of voter turnout in the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections. The results show that Election Day registration has a consistently positive effect on turnout, whereas the most popular reform—early voting—is actually associated with lower turnout when it is implemented by itself. We propose that early voting has created negative unanticipated consequences by reducing the civic significance of elections for individuals and altering the incentives for political campaigns to invest in mobilization.
Medication safety and knowledge‐based functions: a stepwise approach against information overload
Authors: Patapovas Andrius , Dormann Harald , Sedlmayr Brita , Kirchner Melanie , Sonst Anja , Müller Fabian , Pfistermeister Barbara , Plank‐Kiegele Bettina , Vogler Renate , Maas Renke , Criegee‐Rieck Manfred , Prokosch Hans‐Ulrich , Bürkle Thomas
Published: September 2013

Aims

The aim was to improve medication safety in an emergency department (ED) by enhancing the integration and presentation of safety information for drug therapy.

Methods

Based on an evaluation of safety of drug therapy issues in the ED and a review of computer‐assisted intervention technologies we redesigned an electronic case sheet and implemented computer‐assisted interventions into the routine work flow. We devised a four step system of alerts, and facilitated access to different levels of drug information. System use was analyzed over a period of 6 months. In addition, physicians answered a survey based on the technology acceptance model TAM2.

Results

The new application was implemented in an informal manner to avoid work flow disruption. Log files demonstrated that step I, ‘valid indication’ was utilized for 3% of the recorded drugs and step II ‘tooltip for well‐known drug risks’ for 48% of the drugs. In the questionnaire, the computer‐assisted interventions were rated better than previous paper based measures (checklists, posters) with regard to usefulness, support of work and information quality.

Conclusion

A stepwise assisting intervention received positive user acceptance. Some intervention steps have been seldom used, others quite often. We think that we were able to avoid over‐alerting and work flow intrusion in a critical ED environment.
Safeguarding the process of drug administration with an emphasis on electronic support tools
Authors: Seidling Hanna M. , Lampert Anette , Lohmann Kristina , Schiele Julia T. , Send Alexander J. F. , Witticke Diana , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: September 2013

Aims

The aim of this work is to understand the process of drug administration and identify points in the workflow that resulted in interventions by clinical information systems in order to improve patient safety.

Methods

To identify a generic way to structure the drug administration process we performed peer‐group discussions and supplemented these discussions with a literature search for studies reporting errors in drug administration and strategies for their prevention.

Results

We concluded that the drug administration process might consist of up to 11 sub‐steps, which can be grouped into the four sub‐processes of preparation, personalization, application and follow‐up. Errors in drug handling and administration are diverse and frequent and in many cases not caused by the patient him/herself, but by family members or nurses. Accordingly, different prevention strategies have been set in place with relatively few approaches involving e‐health technology.

Conclusions

A generic structuring of the administration process and particular error‐prone sub‐steps may facilitate the allocation of prevention strategies and help to identify research gaps.
Mechanisms governing the health and performance benefits of exercise
Authors: Bishop‐Bailey D
Published: September 2013

Humans are considered among the greatest if not the greatest endurance land animals. Over the last 50 years, as the population has become more sedentary, rates of cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension have all increased. Aerobic fitness is considered protective for all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, a variety of cancers, joint disease and depression. Here, I will review the emerging mechanisms that underlie the response to exercise, focusing on the major target organ the skeletal muscle system. Understanding the mechanisms of action of exercise will allow us to develop new therapies that mimic the protective actions of exercise.
High prevalence of BRCA1 founder mutations in Greek breast/ovarian families
Authors: Konstantopoulou I , Tsitlaidou M , Fostira F , Pertesi M , Stavropoulou A‐V , Triantafyllidou O , Tsotra E , Tsiftsoglou AP , Tsionou C , Droufakou S , Dimitrakakis C , Fountzilas G , Yannoukakos D
Published: September 2013

We have screened 473 breast/ovarian cancer patients with family history, aiming to define the prevalence and enrich the spectrum of BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutations occurring in the Greek population. An overall mutation prevalence of 32% was observed. Six BRCA1 recurrent/founder mutations dominate the observed spectrum (58.5% of all mutations found). These include three mutations in exon 20 and three large genomic deletions. Of the 44 different deleterious mutations found in both genes, 16 are novel and reported here for the first time. Correlation with available histopathology data showed that 80% of BRCA1 carriers presented a triple‐negative breast cancer phenotype while 82% of BRCA2 carriers had oestrogen receptor positive tumours. This study provides a comprehensive view of the frequency, type and distribution of BRCA1/2 mutations in the Greek population as well as an insight of the screening strategy of choice for patients of Greek origin. We conclude that the Greek population has a diverse mutation spectrum influenced by strong founder effects.
Molecular phylogeny ofHarpactorini (Insecta:Reduviidae): correlation of novel predation strategy with accelerated evolution of predatory leg morphology
Authors: Zhang Guanyang , Weirauch Christiane
Published: September 2013

Much research and discussion have focused on the effects of key innovations on lineage diversification, whereas little has been done to investigate their role in morphological evolution using phylogenetic approaches. Here we present the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of theHarpactorini (Insecta:Reduviidae), the largest assassin bug tribe, sampling 229 terminal taxa and using five gene segments (28S D2,D3–D5, 16S,COI, andDeformed). Employing comparative phylogenetic methods, we demonstrate the correlation of a putative key innovation, the sticky trap predation strategy, with accelerated rates of morphological evolution of the predatory fore leg in assassin bugs. We show that bugs exhibiting sticky trap predation have evolved more slender and longer fore femora than non‐sticky bugs. Using phylogenetically independent contrast analyses, we document correlated evolution between femoral thickness and length. We argue that the novel sticky trap predation strategy may allow sticky bugs to alleviate functional constraints on the fore femur and thus to attain a higher rate of evolution than otherHarpactorini orReduviidae. We discuss the possibility that sticky bugs represent a case of adaptive radiation. We also test historical supra‐generic groups within theHarpactorini, and show that most of them are not monophyletic. We confirm the paraphyly ofHarpactorini with respect toRhaphidosomini.
Nitric oxide and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity after a 1‐h oxygen dive to 9 m of sea water
Authors: van Ooij P. J. A. M. , van Hulst R. A. , Houtkooper A. , Sterk P. J.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

To prevent extensive pulmonary lesions in submerged oxygen divers lung function like the forced vital capacity (FVC) or the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL,co) are used to monitor pulmonary oxygen toxicity (POT). As the diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DL,no) measures more accurately the membrane diffusing capacity compared to DL,co we hypothesized that DL,no is superior in monitoring the onset of physiological changes indicative of POT as compared to DL,co or FVC.

Method

26 healthy divers (mean age 30.7 ± 6.2 years) made two submerged dives to 190 kPa for 1 h on two randomized separate days, whilst breathing 100% oxygen or compressed air. FVC, DL,no, DL,co and alveolar volume (VA) were measured 6 times during a 26‐h period.

Results

Up to 8 h no significant differences in outcomes were found between the oxygen and air dives. However, at 8 h after the oxygen dives there was a significant reduction in DL,no, DL,co and VA as compared with air dives. In contrast, the reduction in FVC was significantly greater after the air dive. At 22 h there were no longer differences in outcomes between the dives.

Conclusions

These data show that DL,no and DL,co are significantly reduced 8 h after submerged oxygen dives as compared to similar air dives. Together with the reduction in VA this may be indicative of interstitial edema as an early sign of POT. Our data warrant validation of the superiority of DL,no and DL,co over FVC in the practical monitoring of divers.
Low molecular weight heparin dosing and monitoring in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Moten Misbah A. , Gaber A. Osama , Putney David , Patel Samir J.
Published: September 2013

Anti‐Xa monitoring for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is currently recommended in obese, renally impaired, and pregnant patients. Substantial evidence indicates that solid organ transplant (SOT) patients are at an increased risk of renal impairment, thus representing a population at risk of LMWH accumulation. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with LMWH dosing and monitoring in a cohort of transplant recipients. This was a retrospective, single‐center review of 96 SOT patients receiving enoxaparin treatment and anti‐Xa monitoring. The percent of patients with supratherapeutic anti‐Xas (>1 IU/mL) was determined, as was the relationship between enoxaparin dosages and anti‐Xa levels and bleeding. The cohort had a mean age of 62 yr and creatinine clearance of 59 mL/min and was primarily lung transplant recipients (73%). The mean enoxaparin dose was 0.82 mg/kg, which resulted in a mean anti‐Xa level of 0.98 IU/mL. Despite the reduced enoxaparin dose, 44% of patients experienced a supratherapeutic anti‐Xa level. Patients with supratherapeutic anti‐Xas had higher doses than those within the therapeutic range (0.89 mg/kg vs. 0.77 mg/kg; p = 0.002). No major bleeds occurred. Supratherapeutic anti‐Xa levels are common in transplant patients receiving enoxaparin therapy. Empirically reduced dosing of enoxaparin and monitoring may warrant consideration in this population.
Novel ecosystems support substantial avian assemblages: the case of invasive alienAcaciathickets
Authors: Rogers Andrew M. , Chown Steven L.
Published: September 2013

Aim

Altered habitats may form entirely novel ecosystems that support new combinations of species. How indigenous species use invaded areas is, however, not well understood. Here, we investigate the value ofAustralianAcaciathickets as novel ecosystems in theWesternCape ofSouthAfrica by surveying bird assemblages within them.

Location

WesternCapeProvince ofSouthAfrica.

Methods

Birds were surveyed quantitatively in a variety ofAcaciathickets in the south‐westernWesternCape in three seasons to examine species richness, abundance and functional diversity. We also examined the extent to which avian diversity was related to differences in patch‐level vegetation structure.

Results

Significant variation was observed in assemblage richness, density and biomass across sites. Diversity increased with productivity, but declined with stem density and canopy cover. On average,Acaciathicket patches were used byc. 20 species (with a regional richness of 76 species), had a mean density of 7.78 birds ha−1and a mean biomass of 0.224 kg ha−1. The most abundant feeding guilds were the mixed feeders and insectivores.

Main conclusion

Acaciathickets in theWesternCape support a large subset of the region's birds with the most abundant species being small mixed feeders. Compared with other habitat types,Acaciathickets support avian assemblages with species richness and density similar to some natural sites in the region, but lacking typical nectarivores. Extrapolation to the area transformed by invasive acacias in theCapeFloristicRegion suggests that these novel ecosystems supportc. 22 million individual birds or 621 tonnes of avian biomass.
Mandated to fail? Humanitarian agencies and the protection of Palestinian children
Authors: Hart Jason , Forte Claudia Lo
Published: September 2013

This paper considers the efforts of United Nations and international agencies to address the threats to Palestinian children arising from Israeli occupation. It contains an account of the reasons why agencies have failed, over many years, to prevent systematic violations by the Israeli authorities and settlers. The discussion is organised around two inter‐related domains: institutional and political. The paper argues that, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), limitations to the ways in which child protection has been conceptualised and pursued in practice are abundantly evident. Nevertheless, political pressure by Western donor governments serves to constrain an approach to child protection that is more preventative in nature, that addresses more explicitly Israeli violations of international law, and that reflects the experience and aspirations of Palestinian children themselves. Ultimately, therefore, the failure to protect Palestinian children must be seen not only as a result of humanitarian miscalculation but also as a consequence of political strategy.
The rise of politics and the decline of vulnerability as criteria in disaster decisions of the United States, 1953–2009
Authors: Daniels R. Steven
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the shift from vulnerability to political responsiveness in presidential and gubernatorial disaster decisions in the United States from 1953–2009 (President Dwight D. Eisenhower to President Barack Obama) using annual request, declaration, and approval data from multiple sources. It makes three key conclusions: first, the 1988 Stafford Act expanded federal coverage to all categories of disasters, added a significant range of individual types of assistance, and provided extensive funding for recovery planning. Second, the election effects on disaster decisions increased over time whereas the impact of social and economic vulnerability (measured by scope of disaster) declined. Third, the changes affected governors more than presidents, and the choices of governors drove those of presidents. The analysis underscores the increasingly political nature of the disaster decision‐making process, as well as the difficulty in emphasising mitigation and preparedness as intensively as response and recovery. Proactive intervention yields fewer political rewards than responsiveness.
Rupture of a Noncoronary Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm into the Left Atrium: A Rare Cause of Acute Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Ghaffari Rahman , Ghaemian Ali
Published: September 2013

A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a dilatation of the aortic wall caused by the lack of continuity between the middle layer of the aortic wall and the aortic valve. It has an incidence of <0.1%. The most common cause of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysms is congenital, although they may also be acquired. The most common complication is rupture into the right atrium or ventricle, with rupture into the left chambers occurring very rarely. We present a 40‐year‐old man admitted to the hospital with an acute onset of respiratory distress and pleuritic chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography followed by transesophageal echocardiography showed rupture of a noncoronary aneurysm of Valsalva sinus into the left atrium. The jet from the fistula caused retrograde flow into the pulmonary veins.
Prevention of bone loss and vertebral fractures in patients with chronic epilepsy—Antiepileptic drug and osteoporosis prevention trial
Authors: Lazzari Antonio A. , Dussault Philip M. , Thakore‐James Manisha , Gagnon David , Baker Errol , Davis Samuel A. , Houranieh Antoun M.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To evaluate whether use of a bisphosphonate (risedronate) in addition to calcium and vitamin D in male veterans with epilepsy who were taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) long term can prevent the loss of bone mass (BMD, bone mineral density) associated with AED use compared to patients who were treated with a placebo plus calcium and vitamin D. As a secondary end point we studied the incidence of new morphometric vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.

Methods

Antiepileptic drug and osteoporosis prevention trial (ADOPT) was designed as a prospective 2‐year double‐blind, randomized placebo controlled study involving 80 male veterans with epilepsy who were being treated with AEDs such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, sodium valproate, or carbamazepine for a minimum of 2 years. All enrolled participants received calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and were randomized to risedronate or matching placebo. Total body, bilateral proximal femora, and anteroposterior (AP) lumbar spine BMDs in addition to morphometric lateral vertebral assessments (LVAs) were evaluated by a dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) instrument. Comparisons of BMDs were made between baseline, 1 year, and after 2 years of enrollment in the study. The incidence of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures was secondary end point.

Key Findings

Of the 80 patients initially enrolled in the study, 53 patients completed the study. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. At the end of the study, in the placebo plus calcium and vitamin D group, we observed a significant improvement in BMD at any of the evaluated sites when compared to their baseline scans in 69% (18/26) of the participants. In the risedronate plus calcium and vitamin D group, we observed significant improvement of BMDs in 70% (19/27) of the participants. At the end of the study, the risedronate group experienced a significant increase of BMD at the lumbar spine L1‐4 (1.267–1.332 g/cm2), which was significantly larger than that seen in the placebo group) (1.229 g/cm2 vs. 1.245 g/cm2; p = 0.0066).There were nonsignificant differences between the two groups regarding changes of total body BMD or at the proximal bilateral femora. Five new vertebral fractures and one nonvertebral fracture were observed only in the placebo group.

Significance

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation or calcium and vitamin D supplementation in addition to risedronate improved BMD in more than 69% of male veterans with epilepsy who were taking AEDs. In the group receiving risedronate plus calcium and vitamin D there was a significant improvement of BMD at the lumbar spine as compared to the placebo group, which also received calcium and vitamin D. The use of risedronate plus calcium and vitamin D prevented the incidence of new vertebral fractures and one nonvertebral fracture in this cohort.
Tears of the Accessory Ligament of the Superficial Digital Flexor and Their Relationship to the Carpal Sheath
Authors: Minshall G.J.
Published: September 2013

Aims

The study aimed to describe an ultrasonographic technique for evaluation of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor (ALSDF) and to report the presentation, clinical, ultrasonographic and endoscopic features associated with intrathecal tears of the ligament.

Methods

The case records of 83 horses that underwent ultrasonography of the carpal sheath by the author between 2008 and 2012 were evaluated. Injuries of the ALSDF were identified and reviewed.

Results

Ten horses had injuries to the ALSDF. All cases were assessed using linear and curved array transducers in caudomedial to craniolateral orientations. The former was used in transverse and longitudinal orientations and with colour Doppler to assess intra‐ and periligamentous vasculature. The curved array transducer was used for transverse studies both with the limb weightbearing and with slight carpal flexion. This combination of imaging studies detected tearing of the ALSDF which communicated with the carpal sheath in all 10 cases. Seven of the 10 cases underwent tenoscopic examination which confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. The areas of torn ALSDF were in consistent locations and with similar lesion morphology.

Conclusions

Disruption of the ALSDF can communicate with the carpal sheath resulting in lameness and intrathecal haemorrhage. The latter appears to result from vessels which are primary branches of the median artery and tears in the ALSDF can extend to this. The injuries are reliably predicted by ultrasonography. This also allows assessment of the proximity of the tear to the median artery which in turn is an important guide for subsequent tenoscopic surgery.

Practical significance

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the ALSDF can identify tears which communicate with the carpal sheath. Tenoscopy should then be considered as a treatment option.

Ethical animal research

Not required by this Congress: retrospective clinical study. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Musculoskeletal Injury in Arabian Racehorses: A Study of Injury Distribution and Prevalence in One Training Yard in the United Kingdom (2005–2012)
Authors: Dallas R.S.
Published: September 2013

Aims

There has been limited information regarding musculoskeletal injury in Arabian racehorses. This study aims to document the distribution of musculoskeletal injuries and their prevalence in a population of Arabians in flat training in one Newmarket yard.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of individual veterinary records for all horses in training in one Arabian racing yard during the period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2012 was performed. Information including injury type, sex, age and limb affected were recorded. Injury categories included in the study were: 1) fractures involving the carpus, tarsus, proximal sesamoid bones and metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints; 2) stress fractures (pelvis, tibia, scapula, humerus, radius, metacarpus, metatarsus); 3) suspensory ligament branch desmitis; 4) superficial digital flexor (SDFT) tendonitis. Injuries which occurred as a result of trauma and those which may be associated with variable clinical signs were excluded.

Results

In 144 horses, 42 individual injuries occurring in 34 horses were recorded. Overall prevalence of horses sustaining musculoskeletal injury was 23.6%. Eight horses sustained more than one injury and 3 horses suffered re‐injury (same site, same limb). Fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) were the most common injury type (25/42, 59.5%), followed by SDFT tendonitis (8/42, 19.0%) and suspensory ligament branch desmitis (3/42, 7.1%). Musculoskeletal injury was most common in 4‐year‐olds. Gender was not significantly associated with overall musculoskeletal injury.

Conclusions and practical significance

A better knowledge of the distribution and prevalence of musculoskeletal injury in racing Arabians may allow earlier intervention and focus veterinary diagnostic efforts for injury detection.

Acknowledgements

The author is grateful for the co‐operation of Mrs. G. Duffield and Shadwell Estate Management, Newmarket, UK.

Ethical animal research

This study, using client‐owned animals, involves informed client consent. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Radiological Characterisation of Ossified Ungular Cartilages of the Foot
Authors: Jones L.E. , Dyson S.J.
Published: September 2013

Aims

Ossified ungular cartilages may be associated with foot pain. There are no detailed descriptions of their radiological appearance. Dorsopalmar images are considered best for evaluation of ossification; the usefulness of oblique images has not been assessed. The aims were to describe the radiological appearance of ossified cartilages and to determine the usefulness of oblique images.

Methods

Radiographs of all feet (n = 169, 2005–2012) with ≥ Grade 2 ossification (Dyson et al. ) of one/both ungular cartilages were assessed subjectively using a purpose‐designed grading system, after a repeatability study in which 10 sets of radiographs were examined 10 times. Detection of abnormalities was compared among conventional and oblique images.

Results

Radiological abnormalities including focal/diffuse increase in trabecular bone opacity, loss of trabecular architecture, and loss of definition between the trabecular bone and the cortices were more frequent in lateral cartilages (72, 59 and 60, respectively) than medial (41, 36 and 33, respectively). Cartilage shape varied in dorsopalmar images, being straight (270), curving axially (19) or abaxially (10). There was modelling of the cortices in 52 lateral (33 mild, 19 moderate) and 23 medial (17 mild, 6 moderate) cartilages. There were separate centres of ossification (SCsO) in 30 lateral and 14 medial cartilages. Fractures were present in 18 medial and 13 lateral cartilages, 20 at the base. Accurately distinguishing between fractures and osseous reaction around junctions between ossification centres was impossible in 8 cartilages. In total SCsO or fractures were seen in 59 dorsopalmar and 81 oblique images. Fracture sites and junctions between ossification centres were consistently best seen in oblique images. Palmar curvature of the cartilages could only be accurately detected in oblique images and was present in 31 cartilages.

Conclusions and practical significance

Lateral cartilages had a greater variation in radiological appearance than medial cartilages. Oblique images can provide information not available from other images.

Ethical animal research

Not required by this Congress: retrospective analysis of archived radiographs. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Vaccination Against Equine Grass Sickness: Piloting a Clinical Field Trial of a Clostridium botulinum Type‐C Toxoid in Scotland in 2012–13
Authors: Ireland J.L. , Newton J.R. , Proudman C.J. , Thomson K. , McGorum B.C.
Published: September 2013

Aims

To conduct a pilot study to inform sample size and trial methodology for a proposed triple‐blinded randomised placebo‐controlled field trial for a Clostridium botulinum type C toxoid vaccine in the prevention of equine grass sickness (EGS).

Methods

Only healthy horses/ponies residing on premises previously affected by a high incidence and frequency of EGS were included. Enrolled horses/ponies were randomly allocated, at premises‐level, stratified by age, to vaccine or placebo treatment groups at a 1:1 ratio. Baseline and follow‐up premises and horse data were obtained via telephone questionnaires. Veterinary surgeons responsible for the primary care of enrolled animals administered the primary course of vaccine/placebo on Days 0, 21, 42. Following appropriate training, owners completed post treatment daily observations for 7 days following each treatment.

Results

There were 5 participating practices, recruiting 10 EGS‐affected premises in eastern Scotland. A total of 109 horses/ponies were enrolled: 13 were excluded prior to randomisation, and one was excluded following randomisation due to absence of a valid passport. Median age at enrolment was 5.5 years. Age (P = 0.34), gender (P = 0.19) and breed (P = 0.94) distributions did not differ significantly between vaccine and placebo groups. Ninety‐five horses/ponies completed the primary treatment course. No significant adverse events were reported and overall prevalence of minor injection site reactions was 1.4% (n = 4/285; 95% CI 0.4–2.8%).

Conclusions and practical significance

Participant compliance has been excellent, and findings of this pilot study will be used to refine sample size calculations and inform modifications to trial methodology for a proposed future full‐scale vaccine trial.

Ethical animal research

This study was conducted under an Animal Test Certificate and granted institutional ethical approval. Informed written owner consent was obtained for each animal, and procedures were in line with recognised veterinary practice as defined in The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Sources of funding: This study was generously funded by Neogen Corporation. Competing interests: None.