bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Challenge of Integration: A Review of the M&A Integration Literature
Authors: Steigenberger Norbert 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe integration of acquired or merging firms is a key driver of the success or failure of mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Over the last 30 years, a substantial body of research has addressed M&A integration, offering rich but widely dispersed insights into this phenomenon. This paper takes stock of the current knowledge, based on a review of articles published in scholarly journals. The review advances the conceptual understanding of the phenomenon by inductively developing an overarching framework for the M&A integration literature, where integration success is a function of context, structural and communication‐based interventions, which interact with collective sensemaking processes and negotiations among integration stakeholders. Based on this framework, a research agenda is suggested. I proposes that, in particular, the interaction between structural interventions and leadership warrants further study. Also, little is known about integration project management and integration team composition or the interaction between integration context and collective sensemaking processes. Finally, there is a shortage of research on temporal dynamics within integration projects. The review demonstrates that M&A scholars made substantial progress regarding our understanding of the M&A integration process, yet much remains to be done.
Quality of warfarin control in atrial fibrillation patients in South East Queensland, Australia
Authors: Bernaitis N. , Badrick T. , Davey A. K. , Anoopkumar‐Dukie S. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundWarfarin is widely prescribed to decrease the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Due to patient variability in response, regular monitoring is required, and time in therapeutic range (TTR) used to indicate quality of warfarin control with a TTR>60% is recommended. Recently, an Australian Government review of anticoagulants identified the need to establish current warfarin control and determine the potential place of the newer oral anticoagulants.AimTo determine warfarin control by a pathology practice in Queensland, Australia and identify factors influencing TTR.MethodsRetrospective data were collected from Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, a major pathology practice offering a warfarin care programme in Australia. Patients enrolled in their programme as of September 2014 were included in the study. TTR was calculated using INR test results, and test dates using the Rosendaal method with mean patient TTR were used for analysis and comparison. Exclusions were target therapeutic range outside 2.0–3.0, less than two INR tests and programme treatment time of less than 30 days.ResultsThe eligible 3692 AF patients had 73.6% of INR tests within the therapeutic range. The mean TTR was 81%, with 97% of patients above a TTR of 60%. TTR was not significantly influenced by age, gender or socioeconomic factors.ConclusionsThe observed mean TTR of over 80% is superior to the minimum recommended threshold of 60%. The TTR achieved by the Queensland pathology practice demonstrates that dedicated warfarin programmes can produce high‐quality warfarin care, ensuring the full benefit of warfarin for Australian patients.
Adoption of direct oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Baker D. , Wilsmore B. , Narasimhan S. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundDirect oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are being increasingly utilised for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter.AimsTo analyse the adoption and application of these drugs in a regional hospital inpatient cohort and compare with national prescribing data.MethodsDigital medical records identified prescribed anticoagulants for patients admitted with AF and atrial flutter during 2013–2014. Analysis of patient demographics and stroke risk identified trends in prescribing DOAC versus warfarin. For broader comparison, data from the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme were sourced to determine the nation‐wide adoption of DOAC.ResultOf the 615 patients identified, 505 (255 in 2013, 250 in 2014) had sufficient records to include in the study. From 2013 to 2014, DOAC prescriptions increased from 9 to 28% (P < 0.001), warfarin and aspirin remained comparatively stable (38–34%, 22–20%), and those prescribed no medication declined (17–8%, P < 0.001). DOAC were prescribed to patients with lower CHA2DS2VASc scores than warfarin (3.6 vs 4.4; P = 0.005), lower HAS‐BLED scores (1.7 vs 2.3; P < 0.01), higher glomerular filtration rates; 70 vs 63 ml/min; P = 0.002) and younger age (74 vs 77 years; P = 0.006). Nationally, warfarin prescriptions are higher in total numbers but increasing at a slower rate than DOAC, which increased 10‐fold (101 158 in 2013, 1 095 985 in 2014).Conclusion
DOAC prescribing grew rapidly from 2013 to 2014, regionally and nationally. Warfarin prescriptions have remained stable, indicating that more patients are being appropriately anticoagulated for AF who previously were not. DOAC were found to be prescribed to patients with lower CHA2DS2VASc and HAS‐BLED scores, younger age and higher glomerular filtration rates. Aspirin therapy remains over utilised in AF.
A Comparative Analysis of Real and Accrual Earnings Management around Initial Public Offerings under Different Regulatory Environments
Authors: Alhadab M. , Clacher I. , Keasey K. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWhile earnings management around IPOs has been researched in a number of settings, there has been a relative absence of work that analyses the impact of the regulatory environment on such activities. We find that the regulatory environment does impact the real and accrual earnings management activities of IPO firms. Our results show that IPO firms listing on the lightly regulated UK Alternative Investment Market (AIM) have higher (lower) levels of accrual‐based and sales‐based (discretionary expenses‐based) earnings management around the IPO than firms listing on the more heavily regulated Main market in the UK.
CFD Simulation of Airflow and Heat Transfer During Forced‐Air Precooling of Apples
Authors: Han Jia‐wei , BadÍa‐melis R. , Yang Xin‐ting , Ruiz‐garcia L. , Qian Jian‐ping , Zhao Chun‐jiang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this work, we study how different air‐inflow velocities affect the apple‐temperature distribution during forced‐convection cooling of individual apples by simultaneously modeling airflow and heat transfer. In general, an increase in airflow velocity increases the cooling rate and heat transfer fluxes across the apple surface and decreases cooling time. The results show that a reasonable increase in cooling rate is obtained with an increase in airflow velocity to 2.5 m/s; any further increase in airflow velocity simply wastes energy because it leads to a relatively low increase in cooling and heat transfer fluxes across the apple surface. By comparing the temperature simulated with and without accounting for respiratory heat, the maximum temperature difference is ∼0.033 K during cooling. Therefore, respiratory heat has a negligible effect on the temperature variations of fruit. The model was verified by comparing its results with those of experiments. The predicted results are consistent with the measured results.Practical ApplicationsTo ensure the quality and safety of horticultural products and extend their storage and shelf life across the entire cold chain, a critical step in the postharvest cold chain is the rapid precooling after harvest to remove field heat. In this work, we investigate how to improve the cooling rate and minimize the cooling time during forced‐convection cooling of apples. In addition, the effect of respiratory heat on temperature variations of fruit is also studied. This research provides not only a more detailed understanding of flow distribution and temperature variations of fruit during cooling, but also a reliable theoretical basis for minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during forced‐convection cooling of produce.
Microbial Quality and Histamine Producing Microflora Analysis of the Ice Used for Fish Preservation
Authors: Economou Vangelis , Gousia Panagiota , Kemenetzi Despoina , Sakkas Hercules , Papadopoulou Chrissanthy 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe aim of the present study was the estimation of the microbiological quality of ice used for fish preservation. Samples of flake ice, produced either from potable or seawater were collected monthly during a 12 month period and were examined for total heterotrophic count (THC) at 37°C and 5°C, total and fecal coliforms, enterococci, Pseudomonas spp., staphylococci, fungi, Vibrio spp., and histamine producing bacteria (HPB). THC at 37°C was higher than the IPIA limit in 15% of the samples (9/60). In 91.67% of the samples (55/60) at least one fecal coliform colony was counted, with three of them (5%) exhibiting counts larger than 100 CFU/100g. All samples tested positive for enterococci, with 6 samples (10%) exhibiting counts greater than 100 CFU/100g. From the 282 isolates characterized as HPB, 24.10% were Pseudomonas spp. (n = 67), 20.86% belonged to Enterobacteriaceae (n = 58) and 19.42% were Staphylococcus spp. (n = 54). Therefore, the ice used for fish preservation can be a potential source of microbial contamination, particularly of HPB; ice production from safe potable water should be practiced in order to safeguard public health.Practical ApplicationsIce is used extensively for fish preservation, providing an easy and cost effective way to control temperature of stored fish. Ice is a possible vehicle of pathogens contaminating the fish. The present research provides insight in the potential microbial contamination of fish by ice. Factors such as the nature of the water (potable water, seawater) used for ice production and the ice production process (small scale production at the retail store, production in an ice facility) were examined. Also, the involvement of ice as source of histamine producing bacteria was assessed based on the isolation, identification and enumeration of histamine producing bacteria in the examined ice samples. Therefore the results of this study provide useful data that can be applied to minimize the microbial burden of fish due to contaminated ice, to lengthen fish storage life and to avoid pathogen transmission to the consumers.
Development and Application of the Quality Index Method (QIM) for Farmed Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) Stored Under Refrigeration
Authors: Araújo Wanessa Shuelen Costa , De Lima Consuelo Lúcia Sousa , Peixoto Joele Maria Regina S. , Lourenço Lúcia De Fátima Henriques 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis research aimed to assess the freshness of farmed tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) eviscerated and stored in ice for 30 days. The changes observed in the fish over storage were monitored through sensory evaluation Quality Index Method (QIM), pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and microbiological analyses (coagulase‐positive staphylococcus, Salmonella spp., coliforms at 45C, and mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria counts). The Quality Index (QI) showed a linear increase, ranging from 0 (maximum freshness) to 34 (total loss of freshness), with a strong correlation (R2 = 0.988) with storage time. The microbiological analyses showed that the psychrotrophic bacteria count went over the recommended limit after the 26th day. TVB‐N ranged from 4.01 to 15.92 mg/100 g; pH, from 6.01 to 6.57; and TBARS, from 0.01 to 0.14 mg MDA/kg between the 1st and 30th days of storage. The sensory, physicochemical, and microbiological analyses established that eviscerated tambaqui stored in ice is appropriate for consumption up until the 22nd day.Practical ApplicationsThe QIM takes into account the diversity among species and defines the sensory quality parameters for fish freshness. Sensory analysis has been shown to be an important tool to assess sensory quality of fresh fish and is largely used by sanitary inspection agencies. The QIM established that eviscerated tambaqui (C. macropomum) stored in ice at 0C remained proper for consumption until the 22nd day. The results of the application of QIM to marketed fish species can establish the product's shelf life which is a very important for the industry and for consumers. QIM: Development and Application of a Sensory Protocol for Farmed Tambaqui (C. macropomum).
Statin use and the risk of colorectal adenoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Park Chan Hyuk , Eun Chang Soo , Park Dong Il , Han Dong Soo 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlthough statin use has been reported to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer beyond its cholesterol‐lowering effects, the benefit of statins against colorectal adenoma has not been fully clarified. We aimed to investigate the association between statin use and the risk of colorectal adenoma.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library using the primary keywords “adenoma,” “polyp,” “colorectal,” “colon,” “rectal,” “rectum,” “neoplasia,” “neoplasm,” “statin,” “3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A,” and “HMG‐CoA.” Studies were included if they evaluated the association between statin use and adenoma and reported relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios or provided data for estimation. Pooled estimates were calculated using the random‐effects model.ResultsSix studies including 13 239 patients were analyzed. The median proportion of patients with any adenoma was 29.7% (range, 20.9–38.4%) in patients taking statins and 31.2% (range, 19.6–63.4%) in patients not taking statins across included studies. The median proportion of patients with advanced adenoma in those taking statins was 7.7% (range, 3.1–27.2%), whereas that in patients not taking statins was 11.3% (range, 3.5–32.4%). On meta‐analysis, statin use did not significantly affect the risk of any adenoma (pooled RR = 0.901; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.735–1.104); however, it was associated with a lower risk of advanced adenoma (pooled RR = 0.833; 95% CI, 0.750–0.925).ConclusionsStatin use seems to be associated with a reduced risk of advanced adenoma, but not any adenoma. Statins may prevent neoplastic progression of adenomas rather than the development of adenomas.
Asian consensus statements on endoscopic management of walled‐off necrosis. Part 2: Endoscopic management
Authors: Isayama Hiroyuki , Nakai Yousuke , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Khor Christopher , Lau James , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Seo Dong Wan , Ratanachu‐ek Thawee , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Ang Tiing Leong , Ryozawa Shomei , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Kawakami Hiroshi , Yamamoto Natusyo , Iwashita Takuji , Itokawa Fumihide , Kuwatani Masaki , Kitano Masayuki , Hanada Keiji , Kogure Hirofumi , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Ponnudurai Ryan , Moon Jong Ho , Itoi Takao , Yasuda Ichiro , Irisawa Atsushi , Maetani Iruru 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWalled‐off necrosis (WON) is a new term for encapsulated necrotic tissue after severe acute pancreatitis. Various terminologies such as pseudocyst, necroma, pancreatic abscess, and infected necrosis were previously used in the literature, resulting in confusion. The current and past terminologies must be reconciled to meaningfully interpret past data. Recently, endoscopic necrosectomy was introduced as a treatment option and is now preferred over surgical necrosectomy when the expertise is available. However, high‐quality evidence is still lacking, and there is no standard management strategy for WON. The consensus meeting aimed to clarify the diagnostic criteria for WON and the role of endoscopic interventions in its management. In the Consensus Conference, 27 experts from eight Asian countries took an active role and examined key clinical aspects of WON diagnosis and endoscopic management. Statements were crafted based on literature review and expert opinion, employing the modified Delphi method. All statements were substantiated by the level of evidence and the strength of the recommendation. We created 27 consensus statements for WON diagnosis and management, including details of endoscopic procedures. When there was not enough solid evidence to support the statements, this was clearly acknowledged to facilitate future research. Proposed management strategies were formulated and are illustrated using flow charts. These recommendations, which are based on the best current scientific evidence and expert opinion, will be useful for guiding endoscopic management of WON. Part 2 of this statement focused on the endoscopic management of WON.
Tracking Water Footprints at the Micro and Meso Scale: An Application to Spanish Tourism by Regions and Municipalities
Authors: Cazcarro Ignacio , Duarte Rosa , Sánchez Chóliz Julio 
Published: April 2016

SummaryMaking the link between the different economic scales—local, regional, and global—and the impacts associated with more global behavior is a natural extension of traditional environmentally extended input‐output (I‐O) modeling. In this article, we highlight the capabilities of combining the meso level (i.e., regional) I‐O models with geographical information systems (GIS) and micro data to lower the spatial scale. This methodology lets us provide information to municipalities (what we call the micro scale) on their water footprints (WFs) at a lower spatial level than that of Spanish regions (what we call meso scale), at which economic I‐O data are available. Based on a multiregional I‐O model for the Spanish regions, we analyze the local water impacts of tourism activity in Spain. We focus on the explicit spatial identification of areas of strong final demand (normally the most populated) tracking back the associated footprints to the original hotspots or vulnerable areas (micro scale), where most water withdrawal had taken place. The spatial divergence between the production and the consumption responsibilities arise because consumers and producers usually have very different characteristics, particularly with respect to tourism. We find highest geographic dispersion of WFs of consumption arising from domestic tourism, followed by domestic household consumption, and finally foreign tourism WF. Foreign tourism WF is more concentrated in time and space. Foreign tourism in Andalusia requires directly and indirectly (WF) 617 cubic hectometers (hm3) and in Madrid 440 hm3, indicating that such tourism in both regions accounts for some of the highest water intensities per euro (€) spent by a foreign tourist, around 0.1 cubic meters/€.
Efficacy of cocoa pod extract as antiwrinkle gel on human skin surface
Authors: Abdul Karim Azila , Azlan Azrina , Ismail Amin , Hashim Puziah , Abd Gani Siti Salwa , Zainudin Badrul Hisyam , Abdullah Nur Azilah 
Published: April 2016

SummaryObjectiveCocoa pods are abundant waste materials of cocoa plantation, which are usually discarded onto plantation floors. However, due to poor plantation management, the discarded cocoa pods can create suitable breeding ground for Phytophthora palmivora, which is regarded as the causal agent of the black pod disease. On the other hand, cocoa pods potentially contain antioxidant compounds. Antioxidant compounds are related to the protection of skin from wrinkles and can be used as functional cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, in this study, cocoa pods were extracted and to be used as active ingredients for antiwrinkles.MethodsThe active compounds in cocoa pod extracts (CPE) were screened using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Fibroblast cells were used to determine the effective concentration of CPE to maintain the viability for at least 50% of the cells (EC50). The gel was tested by 12 panelists to determine the efficacy of CPE in gel form using Visioscan to reduce skin wrinkles and improve skin condition.ResultsCPE was detected to contain malic acid, procyanidin B1, rosmarinic acid, procyanidin C1, apigenin, and ellagic acid, all of which may contribute to functional cosmetic properties of CPE. The EC50 value of cocoa pod extracts was used to calculate the amount of CPE to be incorporated into gel so that the formulated product could reach an effective concentration of extract while being nonintoxicant to the skin cell. The results showed that CPE is potential ingredient to reduce wrinkles. Skin wrinkles reduced at 6.38 ± 1.23% with the application of the CPE gel within 3 weeks and significantly improved further (12.39 ± 1.59%) after 5 weeks. The skin hydration increased (3.181 ± 1.06%) after 3 weeks of the CPE gel application.ConclusionFlavonoid compounds in CPE contributed to the functional cosmetic properties of CPE. The CPE which is nontoxic to skin cells help to reduce wrinkles on skin after 3 weeks of application. CPE can be used as the active ingredients in antiwrinkle products, and prolonged application may result in significant visual changes to the naked eyes.
The Role of Gender in Adolescents' Social Networks and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jacobs Wura , Goodson Patricia , Barry Adam E. , McLeroy Kenneth R. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDDespite previous research indicating an adolescents' alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use is dependent upon their sex and the sex composition of their social network, few social network studies consider sex differences and network sex composition as a determinant of adolescents' ATOD use behavior.METHODSThis systematic literature review examining how social network analytic studies examine adolescent ATOD use behavior is guided by the following research questions: (1) How do studies conceptualize sex and network sex composition? (2) What types of network affiliations are employed to characterize adolescent networks? (3) What is the methodological quality of included studies? After searching several electronic databases (PsycINFO, EBSCO, and Communication Abstract) and applying our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 48 studies were included in the review.RESULTSOverall, few studies considered sex composition of networks in which adolescents are embedded as a determinant that influences adolescent ATOD use. Although included studies all exhibited high methodological quality, the majority only used friendship networks to characterize adolescent social networks and subsequently failed to capture the influence of other network types, such as romantic networks.CONCLUSIONSSchool‐based prevention programs could be strengthened by (1) selecting and targeting peer leaders based on sex, and (2) leveraging other types of social networks beyond simply friendships.
Overcoming Medicaid Reimbursement Barriers to Funding School Nursing Services for Low‐Income Children With Asthma
Authors: Malcarney Mary‐Beth , Horton Katherine , Seiler Naomi 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool nurses can provide direct services for children with asthma, educate, and reinforce treatment recommendations to children and their families, and coordinate the school‐wide response to students' asthma emergencies. Unfortunately, school‐based health services today depend on an unreliable patchwork of funding. Limited state and local funds lead to extremely low nurse‐to‐student ratios, resulting in missed opportunities for prevention and care of asthma and other health conditions.METHODSWe carried out a nonsystematic review of legal, government, private health foundation, and medical literature.RESULTSMany health services for asthma and other conditions provided in school settings are services typically covered by Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) when offered in other settings. However, complex reimbursement rules, questionable policy guidance establishing a “free care rule,” and other barriers have limited the ability of schools to seek Medicaid/CHIP reimbursement for these services. Recent legal developments may help overcome some of these barriers, and new flexibilities in Medicaid law bring opportunities for increased reimbursement of school‐based health services.CONCLUSIONSPolicymakers should call on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to abandon the “free care rule” and issue other guidance that would enable schools to appropriately obtain Medicaid reimbursement for nursing services.