bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Executive Compensation, Ownership Structure and Loan Quality of Banks in Ghana
Authors: Adjei‐Mensah Gifty , Amidu Mohammed , Abor Joshua Yindenaba 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper analyses the effects of executive compensation and ownership structure on loan quality of banks. The study uses a panel data on 26 Ghanaian banks over the period, 2003–2011. Using a dynamic panel model, estimations are made using the Generalized Method of Moments. The results show that management is efficient when director shareholding is very prominent in banks. Institutional ownership and public listing of banks also have a significantly negative relationship with non‐performing loans, while lag of non‐performing loans, equity ratio, exchange rate depreciation and increases in net interest margins are seen to have a negative effect on loan quality. Executive compensation had no significant effect on loan monitoring.
Anti‐Communism, The Growth Machine and the Remaking of Cold‐War‐Era Pittsburgh
Authors: Vitale Patrick S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article develops a new perspective on urban growth machines through an analysis of the relationship between Pittsburgh's Renaissance and cold‐war‐era anti‐communism. In order to facilitate urban (re)development, growth machines foster a shared sense of metropolitan citizenship and a corresponding ideological belief that coalitions of business, government and other elite actors can renew regions for the collective good of their residents. During the early years of the cold war, anti‐communism was a key means by which growth machines could create this shared sense of metropolitan belonging. The members of Pittsburgh's widely celebrated growth coalition used anti‐communism to advance their interests in four key ways: (1) by encouraging residents to see the Renaissance as part of the larger struggle against communism; (2) by eliminating a deeply rooted radical political culture; (3) by, in the process, curtailing opposition to their effort to remake the region into a post‐industrial economy based on free capital mobility; and (4) by having it serve as a shared tactic and ideology that stitched together and legitimated capitalist development at all scales from the factory to the globe. Pittsburgh's Renaissance provides an important example of how growth machines not only produce space, but also citizenship and the conditions of political possibility.
Defining the role of proton therapy in the optimal management of paediatric patients in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Dwyer Mary 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionOptimal management of paediatric patients with tumours may include radiation therapy. Proton therapy, in theory, should achieve superior outcomes. For children referred overseas, multiple factors are taken into consideration.Aim and MethodsThe purpose of this article is to provide context to current decision making. The MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature.Results and DiscussionThe delivery of proton therapy is in evolution. Tissue homogeneity, movement and anatomical changes all present a greater challenge for proton therapy compared with photon therapy. Many dosimetry studies are relying on historical data for cost–benefit analyses that do not accurately reflect contemporary photon therapy. The low dose regions generally do not create significant toxicity, whereas moderate dose regions can be reduced by different techniques such as stereotactic radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Neuro‐cognitive and neuro‐endocrine toxicities are associated with the greatest health cost, so the greatest gain is for tumours within or abutting the central nervous system. Proton therapy does not eliminate the risk of second malignancy.ConclusionsThe benefits of proton therapy must be weighed against not just the estimated impact of low and moderate radiation doses on the developing child but the disruptions to the child, and family life. Relative contraindications to proton therapy include when the relevant late toxicities relate to the high radiation dose region, when the tumour volumes encompass whole body sections and when the target is imprecise. Children with base of skull tumours or an inherited risk of cancer (e.g. those with p53 or Rb1 genes) should be considered for proton therapy.
Feasibility and strategy for left tracheobronchial lymph node dissection in thoracolaparoscopic esophageal cancer surgery
Authors: Lin Jiangbo , Kang Mingqiang , Chen Shuchen , Deng Fan , Han Zhiyang , Lin Jihong 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluates the feasibility and strategy of left tracheobronchial lymph node (LN) dissection in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, and its impact on surgical outcomes following thoracoscopic esophagectomy.MethodsData of 265 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy was retrospectively reviewed. In 80 cases, thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed without left tracheobronchialLNdissection (group non‐4L), while 185 cases underwent thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization with routine left tracheobronchial node dissection (group 4L). We introduced a “mesoesophageal suspension” method in order to facilitate complete dissection of the left tracheobronchial nodes, along with left recurrent laryngeal nerve nodes. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors correlated to left tracheobronchial node metastasis.ResultsThe non‐4Lgroup experienced less blood loss than the 4Lgroup (P= 0.009). More mediastinalLNswere dissected in the 4Lgroup (P< 0.001). There was no significant difference with regard to the incidence of major postoperative complications between the two groups. Compared with otherLNmetastases, the metastatic rate of the left tracheobronchialLNswas relatively lower. Based on multivariate analysis of six factors, lymphatic invasion and subcarinal node metastasis were shown to be strong independent predictors of left tracheobronchial metastasis.ConclusionRoutine thoracoscopic extensive lymphadenectomy, including the left tracheobronchialLN, was technically feasible and safe in patients with esophageal cancer. Using a mesoesophagus suspension technique, we performed a meticulousLNdissection in the upper mediastinal space.
Beyond Tragedy: Differential Commoning in a Manufactured Housing Cooperative
Authors: Noterman Elsa 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCaught between the dual crises of declining economic opportunity and diminishing public assistance, people on the economic margins resist threats to their livelihoods by opting to share resources. The processes involved in managing these “commons” are often messy and paradoxical amid differing livelihood concerns and subject positions. Unevenness tends to emerge along new and existing lines of power. Rather than reducing such tendencies to a “tragedy” to be eliminated, I argue that grappling with uneven relations offers a more dynamic account of commoning: “differential commoning”. This paper takes as its example the residents of a “manufactured housing” community who organized as a cooperative in response to the threat of eviction. Their struggle to collectivize, I suggest, illustrates the need for a more situated conceptualization of commoning, rather than a concept defined within the rigidity of economic rationality or the homogeneity of some imagined community.
Development of a Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Prosthesis Through Steps of Iterative Optimization and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Pott Desiree , Kütting Maximilian , Zhong Zhaoyang , Amerini Andrea , Spillner Jan , Autschbach Rüdiger , Steinseifer Ulrich 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe development of a transcatheter tricuspid valve prosthesis for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is presented. The design process involves an iterative development method based on computed tomography data and different steps of finite element analysis (FEA). The enhanced design consists of two self‐expandable stents, one is placed inside the superior vena cava (SVC) for primary device anchoring, the second lies inside the tricuspid valve annulus (TVA). Both stents are connected by flexible connecting struts (CS) to anchor the TVA‐stent in the orthotopic position. The iterative development method includes the expansion and crimping of the stents and CS with FEA. Leaflet performance and leaflet–stent interaction were studied by applying the physiologic pressure cycle of the right heart onto the leaflet surfaces. A previously implemented nitinol material model and a new porcine pericardium material model derived from uniaxial tensile tests were used. Maximum strains/stresses were approx. 6.8% for the nitinol parts and 2.9 MPa for the leaflets. Stent displacement because of leaflet movement was ≤1.8 mm at the commissures and the coaptation height was 1.6–3 mm. This led to an overall good performance of the prosthesis. An anatomic study showed a good anatomic fit of the device inside the human right heart.
Corporate Disclosure in Relation to Combating Corporate Bribery: A Case Study of Two Chinese Telecommunications Companies
Authors: Islam Muhammad Azizul , Haque Shamima , Dissanayake Thusitha , Leung Philomena , Handley Karen 
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the association between global community concerns about bribery activities and anti‐bribery disclosure practices by two Chinese telecommunication companies operating internationally, namely China Mobile and ZTE. Based on content analysis of annual reports and global news media articles over a period of 16 years from 1995–2010, the findings suggest that the changes in the level of disclosures by the two major Chinese telecommunications companies were closely associated with the level of international concerns over bribery practices within the Chinese telecommunications industry. This finding indicates that the companies adopt anti‐bribery disclosure practices in order to minimise the gap of trust (social capital) between companies themselves and global stakeholders. In this paper we argue that, for domestic companies in China, culturally constructed social capital, such as guanxi, creates a level of trust between managers and their stakeholders, which obviates the need for managers to disclose anti‐bribery performance information. However, for companies operating internationally, as social capital is inadequate to bridge the gap of trust between managers and global stakeholders, managers use disclosures of anti‐bribery performance information as a way to minimise such a gap.
The Importance of Understanding Student Learning Styles in Accounting Degree Programs
Authors: Cameron Robyn , Clark Pat , De Zwaan Laura , English Diane , Lamminmaki Dawne , O'Leary Conor , Rae Kirsty , Sands John 
Published: September 2015

Improvements in the tertiary education of accounting students benefit the profession. Analysis of the interaction of learning styles and teaching methodologies in accounting degree programs revealed that when learning styles matched teaching methods used, usefulness was assessed as high. When they differed, usefulness deteriorated. To maximise educational benefit this interaction should be considered, but this has resource implications.Accounting education is critical and any improvements in the tertiary education of accounting students should result in better prepared graduates entering the profession. This study evaluates accounting students’ learning styles and the interaction of learning styles and teaching methodologies in degree programs. Nine classes of accounting students (648 students) spread across four years and two degree programs were evaluated. Students self‐evaluated their learning styles, pre‐instruction. They were then subject to two separate teaching techniques (one active and one passive) in each course. Learning styles were then re‐assessed and teaching techniques evaluated. Accounting students displayed a preference for passive learning, even those far advanced in their degrees. Furthermore, when learning styles matched teaching methods used, usefulness was assessed as high but when learning styles and teaching methods differed, usefulness deteriorated. Overall, active learners rather than passive learners deemed the teaching methods to be more effective. The implications are significant. To maximise educational benefit for the accounting profession, student learning styles should be assessed before designing appropriate teaching methodologies. This has resource implications, which would have to be considered.
Osseointegration of Zirconia in the Presence of Multinucleated Giant Cells
Authors: Chappuis Vivianne , Cavusoglu Yeliz , Gruber Reinhard , Kuchler Ulrike , Buser Daniel , Bosshardt Dieter D 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundCurrent strategies to reduce medical device‐associated infections propose zirconia as a potential implant material which may limit bacterial adhesion. Because multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) have been detected on these implant surfaces, concerns have been raised regarding tissue integration.PurposeThe present study examined the presence of MNGCs and their subsequent effect upon tissue integration. Surface‐modified implants made of yttria‐stabilized (TZP) and alumina‐toughened zirconia (ATZ) were compared with commercially pure titanium (Ti).Materials and MethodsSeven miniature pigs received three implants on either side of the maxilla. After healing periods of 4 and 8 weeks, the tissue response at the implant surfaces was characterized according to three specific parameters: bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC), MNGC‐to‐implant contact (MIC), and the peri‐implant bone density (BD).ResultsDespite being present on all tested implant surfaces, MNGCs were not associated with an inflammatory cell infiltrate or with fibrous encapsulation. MNGCs were less numerous on the Ti implants (range: 3.9–5.2%) compared with the ceramic implants (range: 17.6–30.3%, p < .0001). Even though the values of newly formed bone and pristine bone in direct contact with the implant surfaces were high at 4 weeks (tBIC: Ti = 82.3%, TZP = 64.3%, ATZ = 70%), a negative correlation was observed between the presence of MNGCs and newly formed bone at the implant surface (p < .001). Interestingly, the newly formed peri‐implant bone density, defined as the percentage of new bone area inside the screw threads (nBD), was not diminished by the presence of MNGCs.ConclusionsDifferences in the presence of MNGCs and the BIC parameters between Ti and the ceramic implants appear to be a local cellular phenomenon which is restricted to the implant‐bone marrow interface and do not affect the peri‐implant bone formation. Factors triggering MNGC differentiation and their persistence in response to biomaterial surface need to be investigated in future studies.
Understanding public perceptions of risk regarding outdoor pet cats to inform conservation action
Authors: Gramza Ashley , Teel Tara , VandeWoude Susan , Crooks Kevin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractFree‐ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) incur and impose risks on ecosystems and represent a complex issue of critical importance to biodiversity conservation and cat and human health globally. Prior social science research on this topic is limited and has emphasized feral cats even though owned cats often comprise a large proportion of the outdoor cat population, particularly in urban areas. To address this gap, we examined public risk perceptions and attitudes toward outdoor pet cats across varying levels of urbanization, including along the wildland–urban interface, in Colorado (U.S.A.), through a mail survey of 1397 residents. Residents did not view all types of risks uniformly. They viewed risks of cat predation on wildlife and carnivore predation on cats as more likely than disease‐related risks. Additionally, risk perceptions were related to attitudes, prior experiences with cats and cat–wildlife interactions, and cat‐owner behavior. Our findings suggest that changes in risk perceptions may result in behavior change. Therefore, knowledge of cat‐related risk perceptions and attitudes could be used to develop communication programs aimed at promoting risk‐aversive behaviors among cat owners and cat‐management strategies that are acceptable to the public and that directly advance the conservation of native species.
Correlations between self‐rating and observer‐rating of psychopathology in at‐risk mental state and first‐episode psychosis patients: influence of disease stage and gender
Authors: Spitz Andrea , Studerus Erich , Koranyi Susan , Rapp Charlotte , Ramyead Avinash , Ittig Sarah , Heitz Ulrike , Uttinger Martina , Riecher‐Rössler Anita 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimResearch findings on the correlations between self‐rating and observer‐rating of schizophrenic psychopathology are inconsistent and have rarely considered first‐episode psychosis (FEP) and at‐risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis patients. This study investigates these correlations inARMSandFEPpatients and how they are moderated by disease stage and gender.MethodsIn theBaselFrüherkennung vonPsychosen (FePsy) study, positive and negative psychotic and affective symptoms were rated in 126ARMSand 94FEPpatients using two observer‐ and three self‐rating scales. The agreement between self‐rating and observer‐rating and the moderating influence of disease stage and gender was quantified using Pearson correlation and multiple regression models.ResultsCorrelations between self‐ and observer‐rated subscales covering the same symptom dimension were low and mostly non‐significant except for one correlation of positive and one of negative symptoms. There was no moderating influence of disease stage and gender on the correlations between self‐rating and observer‐rating except for one higher association in positive symptoms inFEPcompared toARMSand in women compared to men. However, these significant interaction effects did not withstand correction for multiple testing.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the agreement between self‐rating and observer‐rating inFEPandARMSpatients is rather low, similar across symptom dimensions, and only partially dependent on disease stage and gender. However, low correlations between self‐rating and observer‐rating do not necessarily indicate that these patients have difficulties reporting their symptoms. They could also have occurred because the scales did not exactly cover the same symptom dimensions.
Cold tolerance of invasive freshwater snails, Pomacea canaliculata, P. maculata, and their hybrids helps explain their different distributions
Authors: Matsukura Keiichiro , Izumi Yohei , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Wada Takashi 
Published: September 2015

Summary

Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata are invasive freshwater snails originating from South America. The limits of the distributions of the two snails in East and South‐East Asia differ. This study verified a role of cold tolerance in range expansion of the snails and the significance of hybridisation between the two species by comparing overwintering ability and cold tolerance among P. canaliculata, P. maculata and their hybrids.

Field observations, laboratory tests and chemical analyses of glucose and glycerol contents in the snails’ organs demonstrated that P. maculata cannot colonise temperate regions because it lacks adequate cold tolerance.

The hybrids between P. maculata and P. canaliculata exhibited intermediate cold tolerance that is reflected in their current intermediate distribution between the two species in the invaded areas. This indicates a risk of further spread of the hybrid snails into the temperate regions of the invaded area.
Effect of helicopter transport on neurological outcomes in a mouse model of embolic stroke with reperfusion: AIR-MICE pilot study
Authors: Leira Enrique C. , Zaheer Asgar , Schnell Thomas , Torner James C. , Olalde Heena M. , Pieper Andrew A. , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Nagaraja Nandakumar , Marks Nancy L. , Adams Harold P. 
Published: September 2015

Background Patients often suffer a stroke at a significant distance from a center capable of delivering endovascular therapy, thus requiring rapid transport by helicopter emergency medical services while receiving a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator infusion that was initiated locally. But little is known about how a helicopter flight may impact the safety and efficacy of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-induced reperfusion and patient outcomes. Aim To establish a new animal method to address with fidelity the safety and overall effect of helicopter emergency medical services during thrombolysis. Methods Prospective randomized open blinded end-point study of an actual helicopter flight exposure. Adult C57BL/6 male mice were treated with a 10 mg/kg recombinant tissue plasminogen activator infusion two-hours after an embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion. Mice were randomized in pairs to simultaneously receive the infusion during a local helicopter flight or in a ground hangar. Results Eighteen mice (nine pairs) were analyzed. The paired t-test analysis showed nonsignificant smaller infarction volumes in the helicopter-assigned animals (mean pair difference 33 mm3, P = 0.33). The amount of hemorrhagic transformation between the helicopter and ground groups was 4.08 vs. 4.56 μl, respectively (paired t-test, P = 0.45). Conclusions This study shows that helicopter emergency medical services do not have an inherent adverse effect on outcome in a mouse model of ischemic stroke with reperfusion. These results endorse the safety of the practice of using helicopter emergency medical services in stroke patients. The observed potential synergistic effect of helicopter-induced factors, such as vibration and changes in altitude, with reperfusion merits further exploration in animal experimental models and in stroke patients.
Promoting patient‐centred care in psoriatic arthritis: a multidisciplinary European perspective on improving the patient experience
Authors: Betteridge N. , Boehncke W.‐H. , Bundy C. , Gossec L. , Gratacós J. , Augustin M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPatients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may not be optimally treated. The impact of the disease extends beyond skin and joint symptoms, impairing quality of life. This indicates that the adoption of a patient‐focused approach to PsA management is necessary. An expert multidisciplinary working group was convened, with the objective of developing an informed perspective on current best practice and needs for the future management of PsA. Topics of discussion included the barriers to current best practice and calls to action for the improvement of three areas in PsA management: early and accurate diagnosis of PsA, management of disease progression and management of the impact of the condition on the patient. The working group agreed that, to make best use of the available of diagnostic tools, clinical care recommendations and effective treatments, there is a clear need for healthcare professionals from different disciplines to collaborate in the management of PsA. By facilitating appropriate and rapid referral, providing high quality information about PsA and its treatment to patients, and actively involving patients when choosing management plans and setting treatment goals, management of PsA can be improved. The perspective of the working group is presented here, with recommendations for the adoption of a multidisciplinary, patient‐focused approach to the management of PsA.