bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interrelationships among organizational culture and service quality under different levels of competitive intensity
Authors: Karakasnaki Maria , Psomas Evangelos , Bouranta Nancy
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interrelationships among organizational culture and service quality by applying the SERVQUAL instrument under different levels of competitive intensity in the shipping industry context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the questionnaire investigation method to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The authors utilized widely accepted and validated instruments as identified in the literature to measure the constructs under examination. The sample consisted of 684 shipping organizations located in Greece. The factorial structures of the constructs were identified through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, while the examined relationships were established through regression analyses.

Findings

The findings argue in favor of a parsimonious three-dimensional structure of the SERVQUAL instrument in the shipping industry context, illustrate the associations among the different types of organizational culture and the dimensions of service quality and explicate how the former impacts the latter. Moreover, the findings showed that the above-mentioned interrelationships are conditioned by the varying levels of competitive intensity.

Originality/value

Although much research and writing has occurred on the topics of service quality and organizational culture, relatively less is known about their interrelationships, that is how a company’s culture relates to the service quality offered especially under different levels of competitive intensity. Thus, the current study aims to fill in this gap in the literature and empirically address the need to look at the interrelationships among the theoretical constructs under examination.
A complete modeling for fish robots with actuators
Authors: Chen Yung-Hsiang , Chen Yung-Yue , Chen Qi-Xian , Tsai Yi-Lin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

For precisely presenting the swimming behavior of fish robots underwater and the practical implementation purpose, this paper aims to investigate a well-formulated fish robot model which integrates the nonlinear rigid body dynamics, kinematics and models of actuators.

Design/methodology/approach

This fish robot model is mainly built up by three basic parts: a balance mechanism, a four-links vibrator and a caudal fin. In the fish robot’s head, there is a balance mechanism used to control the rotations in pitch and roll directions of the fish robot by moving two movable masses. The four-links vibrator with three active joints actuated by DC motors is designed to vibrate the fish’s body. In the end of the fish robot body, a caudal fin which connects with the passive joint is developed to generate hydrodynamic thrust forces to propel the fish robot.

Findings

From the real stability tests and control verification, it is obvious that this proposed model can precisely present the swimming behavior of fish robots and possesses the potential to develop a fish-like robotic prototype.

Originality/value

A well-formulated model with dynamics of actuators is integrated for presenting the swimming behavior of carangiform locomotion type fish robots in this investigation. From the simulation results and the practical test of a real fish robot, the feasibility of this proposed model for building up real fish robots can be proven, and this proposed model is accurate enough to effectively present the swimming behavior of fish robots.
Diversity-focused HR practices and perceived firm performance: mediating role of procedural justice
Authors: Kundu Subhash C. , Mor Archana , Bansal Jahanvi , Kumar Sandeep
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between diversity management (i.e. diversity-focused human resource (HR) practices related to recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal and compensation) and perceived firm performance, and the mediating effect of procedural justice.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data based on 400 respondents of 162 organizations operating in India were analysed using statistical tools such as factor analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

Multiple regression analysis indicated that diversity-focused HR practices had a positive association with perceived firm performance. Further, it was found that procedural justice played a partially mediating in the relationship between diversity-focused HR practices and perceived firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper relied on self-report surveys for data collection, and there laid a possibility of common method variance in the result findings. Hence, future studies should collect data from multiple sources by using multiple methods (e.g. interviews, surveys, peer reports, etc.).

Practical implications

The first implication highlights that senior management’s support is a prerequisite to execute justice-based diversity management processes, which in turn aid in harvesting the true potentials of diversity. Second, organizations should adopt an egalitarian approach while formulating and implementing diversity management initiatives to accentuate the fair and just perceptibility of procedures among employees.

Originality/value

This study sheds new light on the effects of diversity-focused HR practices on firm performance (perceived) in Indian context.
Performance improvement: when do employees learn from others’ success stories?
Authors: Quinn Ryan W. , Cumberland Denise M. , Kerrick Sharon A.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Employees often improve at work by learning from others who have been successful. They learn by hearing their stories. However, the number of stories, task type and context all affect learning. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the number of stories they hear, the type of task they are learning to perform and their performance in the task to date all affect performance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine how task complexity and recent performance relative to others influence the relationship between the number of success stories a person reads and their subsequent performance. The authors used a sample of order processing employees from a label manufacturing company to test our hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that in complex tasks, subsequent performance is highest when people read a small number of stories, and lowest when people read no stories or too many stories. In simple tasks, the authors find that when people have average recent performance, more stories leads to lower performance, but when recent performance is high or low, more stories increases subsequent performance.

Research limitations/implications

The authors move beyond research that shows that people do not learn as much from success as they could and that success primarily promotes reinforcement to examine contingencies that enhance or detract from learning from success stories. This adds nuance to existing theory.

Practical implications

This study suggests access to others’ success stories is an alternative that can provide employees with ideas for how to improve their own performance. But care and consideration must be taken to limit the number of success stories based on the complexity of the task.

Originality/value

There is little research on either the vicarious learning of simple tasks in organizations or on how employees learn from others’ success stories. This matters because vicarious learning can enable employees to avoid missteps and create opportunities that would likely not happen if they only learn from their own experiences.
The impact of switching costs and brand communities on new product adoption: served-market tyranny or friendship with benefits
Authors: Thompson Scott A. , Loveland James M. , Loveland Katherine E.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the competing effects of brand community participation, which should enhance loyalty to both the brand and to already-owned products, against switching costs, which should make consumers sensitive about the financial costs associated with new products.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the participation and weekly adoption data from 7,411 members in two brand communities and one product category forum over a six-month period, switching costs were computed for each member using 10 years of product release and pricing data.

Findings

Consistent with prior research, switching costs had a significant effect on reducing product adoption. Brand community participation also had a significant effect on overcoming switching costs. However, these main effects were qualified by an interaction, such that the most active participants were more likely to buy the new product when switching costs were higher.

Originality/value

Most importantly, these findings provide unique insights into financial switching costs and demonstrate ways in which brand community participation provides a way to mitigate switching costs for consumers who would most be affected by them.
The PhD system under pressure: an examiner’s viewpoint
Authors: Alexander David E. , Davis Ian R.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the issues and challenges associated with examining PhD theses in the modern, rapidly changing academic world. The PhD degree has been described as the “pinnacle of academic qualifications”, but it is under threat in terms of the quality of supervision and the outcome of examinations. By bringing the issues into the open and discussing them, more can be done to safeguard the health of the modern doctorate.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the mainstream academic literature on doctoral degrees from the point of view of the origin and development of the contemporary PhD. Then it offers some reflections on supervision, examination, standards of judgement, benchmarking of results and different routes to the doctorate. The pressures upon the modern university are related to issues encountered in examining doctoral theses.

Findings

In modern neo-liberal environments, the PhD degree is under pressure in terms of its quality and rigour. This paper offers a simple conceptual model of the challenges involved in ensuring the quality of PhD examinations and their outcomes. Priorities for the various stakeholders are suggested to ensure that PhD research continues to set the “gold standard” for excellence.

Practical implications

Recognising and confronting the problems with the modern PhD and how it is examined will help guarantee the quality of the degree. A more open debate on the pressures under which supervision and examinations are conducted will help establish rules or guidelines for conduct.

Originality/value

There are remarkably few evaluations of the PhD examination process, which in recent years has become increasingly problematic. The authors adopt a comprehensive approach to the issues and relate them to the societal context in which universities are developing.
CSR and legitimacy in higher education accreditation programs, an isomorphic approach of Lebanese business schools
Authors: Chedrawi Charbel , Howayeck Pierrette , Tarhini Abbas
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the accreditation path toward legitimacy in business schools from an isomorphic and a social responsibility perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method is used to analyze the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation process in three Lebanese business schools aiming at revealing a new role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in this process.

Findings

Accreditation in business schools is a “temporary isomorphic legitimacy tool” enhanced by CSR in a continuum that may lead to sustain legitimacy in higher education once accreditation is attained.

Research limitations/implications

This research has its limitations around the external validity of the qualitative methods. In fact, the authors’ results depend on the context of the three studied business schools, and the generalization of the results was never the authors’ primary objective. Further research must be done to build and elaborate on the authors’ findings, either within the authors’ sample or within other business schools in Lebanon.

Practical implications

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can play a major role in guaranteeing and sustaining legitimacy in the phase after accreditation. May be this was the philosophy behind the proposition of the AACSB of the new standard regarding CSR in 2013 highlighting the importance of ethics, CSR, and sustainability education in business schools.

Originality/value

Accreditation in business schools is a “temporary isomorphic legitimacy tool” enhanced by CSR in a continuum that may lead to sustain legitimacy in higher education once accreditation is attained.
Lean in higher education
Authors: Kazancoglu Yigit , Ozkan-Ozen Yesim Deniz
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This research aims to investigate and define the eight wastes of lean philosophy in higher education institutions (HEIs) by proposing a multi-stage model.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used a specific multi-criteria decision-making method, fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, to investigate the cause–effect relationships and importance order between criteria for wastes in HEIs. In total, 22 criteria were categorized under eight wastes of lean. The study was implemented in a business school with the participation of faculty members from different departments.

Findings

The results showed that the most important wastes in the business school selected were repeated tasks, unnecessary bureaucracy, errors because of misunderstanding/communication problems, excessive number of academic units and creation of an excessive amount of information. Another important result was that all the sub-wastes of talent were in the causes group, while motion and transportation wastes were in the effect group.

Practical implications

A road map to guide lean transformation for HEIs is proposed with a multi-stage model and potential areas for improvement in HEIs were presented.

Originality/value

This study proposes a multi-stage structure by applying multi-criteria decision-making to HEIs, focussing on wastes from a lean perspective.
Experimenting with creativity, immigration, language, power, and technology: a research agencement
Authors: Bangou Francis
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper is the actualization of a researcher’s attempt to engage, both conceptually and methodologically, with the dynamic and ever-creative connections and forces associated with the schooling experiences of immigrant students. The research reported that in this paper comprises part of a three-year research project funded by Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and focuses on the interrelationships between immigration, technology and pop culture in a Canadian French-language secondary school. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from new materialist thought, the experience of one immigrant student is put to work with(in) the Deleuzo–Guattarian concepts of agencement, machines, language and power (pouvoir,puissance) with(in) the rhizoanalysis of a short video clip provided by the student.

Findings

With(in) the rhizoanalysis, the publication machine emerges as a force that could potentially affect the expression of one’s becoming citizen, and hacking emerges as a force that could contribute to the destabilization of the publication machine’s power (pouvoir).

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is that readers are also invited to contribute to this experimentation in contact with the real.
Is telomere length a molecular marker of individual quality? Insights from a long‐lived bird
Authors: Angelier Frédéric , Weimerskirch Henri , Barbraud Christophe , Chastel Olivier
Published: February 2019

In wild vertebrates, some individuals survive and reproduce better than others and this has led to the concept of individual quality. Despite its importance when studying ecological processes and life‐history trade‐offs, measuring individual quality is complex because individuals must be followed during a large part of their life.

Recently, telomere biology has been successfully brought into ecology and telomere length has been suggested to be a promising molecular tool to evaluate individual quality in wild vertebrates (“the telomere–individual quality hypothesis”).

In this study, we tested this hypothesis in a long‐lived species, the black‐browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys) by simultaneously measuring telomere length and several potential complementary phenotypic proxies of individual quality in a single year. In addition, we followed the return rate and the reproductive performance of these same albatrosses for a decade.

We found that long telomeres were associated with several markers of high individual quality (foraging behaviour, body size and stress hormone levels). Furthermore, we found that a single measure of telomere length could predict future offspring productivity, for at least several years following telomere measurement (better productivity being associated with longer telomeres).

Altogether, these results support the “telomere–individual quality hypothesis” and suggest that telomere length can be useful to estimate individual quality in long‐lived seabirds.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Curvelet reconstruction of non‐uniformly sampled seismic data using the linearized Bregman method
Authors: Zhang Hua , Diao Su , Chen Wei , Huang Guangnan , Li Hongxing , Bai Min
Published: February 2019

Seismic data reconstruction, as a preconditioning process, is critical to the performance of subsequent data and imaging processing tasks. Often, seismic data are sparsely and non‐uniformly sampled due to limitations of economic costs and field conditions. However, most reconstruction processing algorithms are designed for the ideal case of uniformly sampled data. In this paper, we propose the non‐equispaced fast discrete curvelet transform‐based three‐dimensional reconstruction method that can handle and interpolate non‐uniformly sampled data effectively along two spatial coordinates. In the procedure, the three‐dimensional seismic data sets are organized in a sequence of two‐dimensional time slices along the source–receiver domain. By introducing the two‐dimensional non‐equispaced fast Fourier transform in the conventional fast discrete curvelet transform, we formulate an L1 sparsity regularized problem to invert for the uniformly sampled curvelet coefficients from the non‐uniformly sampled data. In order to improve the inversion algorithm efficiency, we employ the linearized Bregman method to solve the L1‐norm minimization problem. Once the uniform curvelet coefficients are obtained, uniformly sampled three‐dimensional seismic data can be reconstructed via the conventional inverse curvelet transform. The reconstructed results using both synthetic and real data demonstrate that the proposed method can reconstruct not only non‐uniformly sampled and aliased data with missing traces, but also the subset of observed data on a non‐uniform grid to a specified uniform grid along two spatial coordinates. Also, the results show that the simple linearized Bregman method is superior to the complex spectral projected gradient for L1 norm method in terms of reconstruction accuracy.
Depth‐to‐water mediates bryophyte response to harvesting in boreal forests
Authors: Bartels Samuel F. , James Ryan S. , Caners Richard T. , Macdonald S. Ellen
Published: February 2019

Site moisture is an important component of the forest landscape for maintaining biodiversity, including forest‐floor bryophytes. However, little is known about its role in shaping understorey responses to harvesting.

We investigated the influence of site wetness, determined using a remotely sensed, topographic depth‐to‐water (DTW) index, on responses of bryophyte cover, richness, diversity and composition to variable retention harvesting (comparing: 2% [clear‐cut], 20% and 50% dispersed green tree retention and uncut controls [100% retention]) in three boreal forest cover‐types (broadleaf, mixed and conifer forests) in western Canada. The DTW index provides an approximation of DTW at or below the soil surface and was derived from wet‐areas mapping based on discrete Airborne Laser Scanning data acquired over an experimentally harvested landscape located in north‐western Alberta, Canada.

The effectiveness of leaving retention (vs. clear‐cutting) for conserving bryophyte communities depended on site wetness, as indicated by DTW, with the specifics varying among forest types. In broadleaf forests, bryophyte cover and richness were generally low and not much affected by harvesting but drier sites had higher richness and a few more unique species. In mixed and conifer forests, leaving retention (vs. clear‐cutting) on wetter (vs. drier) sites was more effective for conserving bryophyte cover, wetter sites had higher total species richness and more species were exclusive to wetter sites.

Synthesis and applications. Site wetness, as indicated using the remotely sensed topographic site wetness index “depth‐to‐water” mediates bryophyte responses to variable‐retention harvests. Specifically, our results suggested that in conifer and mixed forests it would be more beneficial to target wetter sites for retention patches or dispersed retention whereas in broadleaf forests there might be a slight advantage to targeting drier sites. Our study demonstrates that this tool could be used to inform management decisions around leaving dispersed or patch retention.
Furan and Methylfurans in Foods: An Update on Occurrence, Mitigation, and Risk Assessment
Authors: Kettlitz Beate , Scholz Gabriele , Theurillat Viviane , Cselovszky Jörg , Buck Neil R. , O’ Hagan Sue , Mavromichali Eva , Ahrens Katja , Kraehenbuehl Karin , Scozzi Gabriella , Weck Markus , Vinci Claudia , Sobieraj Marta , Stadler Richard H.
Published: February 2019

The acceptance of many foods is related to traditional cooking practices, which create taste and texture and are important to digestibility, preservation, and the reduction of foodborne illnesses. A wide range of compounds are formed during the cooking of foods, a number of these have been shown to lead to adverse effects in classical toxicological models and are known as food processing contaminants (FPC). It is essential that the presence and effects of such compounds alone and in combination within the diet are understood such that proportionate risk management measures can be developed, while taking a holistic view across the whole value chain. Furan and alkylfurans (principally 2‐ and 3‐methylfuran) are highly volatile FPC, which are formed in a wide range of foods at low amounts. The focus of research to‐date has been on those foods, which have been identified to be most consequential in terms of being sources of exposure, namely jarred and canned foods for infants and young children (meals and drinks) and coffee (roast and ground, soluble). This report presents (i) new industry data on the occurrence of furan and methylfurans in selected food categories following previous coffee studies, (ii) the most salient parameters that impact furan formation, and (iii) aspects of importance for the risk assessment.
CD49a regulates the function of human decidual natural killer cells
Authors: Li Huirong , Hou Yuanyuan , Zhang Shitong , Zhou Yuanqin , Wang Dezheng , Tao Siyue , Ni Fang
Published: February 2019

Problem

The function of CD49a on human decidual natural killer (dNK) cells is unknown.

Method of study

The expression of CD49a on dNK cells from human patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions or age‐matched healthy controls was analyzed by flow cytometry. DNK cells were treated with CD49a neutralizing antibody and analyzed for function (cytokines production and cytotoxic activity). Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) microarray analysis was used to identify a potential regulator of CD49a.

Results

DNK cells from human patients who underwent recurrent spontaneous abortions had lower levels of CD49a and increased perforin, granzyme B, and IFN‐r expression, when compared to dNK cells from age‐matched healthy controls. Perforin, granzyme B, and IFN‐r expression levels in dNK cells were upregulated, while the migration and adhesion of dNK cells were downregulated by CD49a‐neutralizing antibody. By the 51Cr release assay, the killing activity of dNK cells also increased with CD49a neutralizing antibody. Further, lnc‐49a, a newly identified lncRNA, was shown to be a positive regulator of CD49a in primary human NK cells.

Conclusion

CD49a is involved in the regulation of dNK cells functions, including cytotoxic activity, migration, and adhesion. Further, lnc‐49a is a positive regulator of CD49a in human primary dNK cells.
External fixation of unstable pelvic fractures: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Stewart Rebecca G. , Hammer Niels , Kieser David C.
Published: February 2019

Background

Unstable pelvic fractures are typically caused by high‐impact trauma. Early stabilization is required to prevent further neurological or visceral injury, haemorrhage, reduce pain, infection and long‐term deformity and disability. The aim was to review the optimal external fixation techniques and management for unstable pelvic fractures.

Methods

A total of 28 studies were identified from the initial database search. Seventeen studies met our inclusion criteria – eight prospective cohorts, four retrospective cohorts and five in vitro studies. This equated to 539 patients and 38 cadaveric (in vitro) models.

Results

Type B and double vertical fractures have less re‐displacement (43.7% and 68.2% <5 mm, respectively) than Type C fractures (55.7% >15 mm) regardless of pin placement. Greater than 50% experience a complication with the most common being pin site infection (36%) and a trend towards increased infection with increasing pins was seen. Most can be managed with antibiotics alone (93%). A minimum time of 6–8 weeks in frame was required for definitive management of all fractures.

Conclusion

This review supports the use of supra‐acetabular pins over iliac crest pins to decrease re‐displacement, the least number of pins for the shortest amount of time and the largest size pin where possible. Type B fractures will generally have a better outcome than Type C fractures. Definitive management in a frame should be at least 8 weeks. Further studies directly comparing iliac crest and supra‐acetabular pin placement are recommended.
Extracellular vesicles, news about their role in immune cells: physiology, pathology and diseases
Authors: Meldolesi J
Published: February 2019

Two types of extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosomes and ectosomes, are generated and released by all cells, including immune cells. The two EVs appear different in many properties: size, mechanism and site of assembly, composition of their membranes and luminal cargoes, sites and processes of release. In functional terms, however, these differences are minor. Moreover, their binding to and effects on target cells appear similar, thus the two types are considered distinct only in a few cases, otherwise they are presented together as EVs. The EV physiology of the various immune cells differs as expected from their differential properties. Some properties, however, are common: EV release, taking place already at rest, is greatly increased upon cell stimulation; extracellular navigation occurs adjacent and at distance from the releasing cells; binding to and uptake by target cells are specific. EVs received from other immune or distinct cells govern many functions in target cells. Immune diseases in which EVs play multiple, often opposite (aggression and protection) effects, are numerous; inflammatory diseases; pathologies of various tissues; and brain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. EVs also have effects on interactive immune and cancer cells. These effects are often distinct, promoting cytotoxicity or proliferation, the latter together with metastasis and angiogenesis. Diagnoses depend on the identification of EV biomarkers; therapies on various mechanisms such as (1) removal of aggression-inducing EVs; (2) EV manipulations specific for single targets, with insertion of surface peptides or luminal miRNAs; and (3) removal or re-expression of molecules from target cells.
Antibody responses to Bordetella pertussis and other childhood vaccines in infants born to mothers who received pertussis vaccine in pregnancy – a prospective, observational cohort study from the United Kingdom
Authors: Rice T F , Diavatopoulos D A , Smits G P , van Gageldonk P G M , Berbers G A M , van der Klis F R , Vamvakas G , Donaldson B , Bouqueau M , Holder B , Kampmann B
Published: February 2019

The maternal Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) vaccination programme in the United Kingdom has successfully reduced cases of pertussis in young infants. In addition to prevention of pertussis cases, it is also important to investigate the persistence of maternal antibodies during infancy and the possible interference of maternal antibodies with infant responses to vaccines. We recruited mother–infant pairs from vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnancies and measured concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig)G against pertussis toxin (PTx), filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (Prn), diphtheria toxin (DTx), tetanus toxoid (TTx) Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae in mothers and infants at birth, and in infants at 7 weeks and at 5 months. Thirty-one mother–infant pairs were tested. Tdap-vaccinated women had significantly higher antibody against Tdap antigens, compared to unvaccinated women (DTx, P = 0·01; PTx, FHA, Prn and TTx, P < 0·001). All antibodies were actively transferred to the infants (transfer ratio > 1) with higher transfer of DTx (P = 0·04) and TTx (P = 0·02) antibody in Tdap-vaccinated pregnancies compared to unvaccinated pregnancies. Infants from Tdap-vaccinated pregnancies had significantly elevated antibodies to all antigens at birth (P < 0.001) and at 7 weeks (FHA, Prn, TTx, P < 0·001; DTx, P = 0.01; PTx, P = 0·004) compared to infants from unvaccinated pregnancies. Infants from Tdap-vaccinated and -unvaccinated pregnancies had comparable antibody concentrations following primary pertussis immunization (PTx, P = 0·77; FHA, P = 0·58; Prn, P = 0·60; DTx, P = 0·09; TTx, P = 0·88). These results support maternal immunization as a method of protecting vulnerable infants during their first weeks of life.
Reflections on 40 years of Disasters, 1977–2017
Authors: Davis Ian
Published: February 2019

This reflection, based on a keynote address to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Disasters on 14 September 2017, begins by considering some of the prevailing assumptions that existed at the time of the journal's creation. Next is a summary of significant milestones during the past 40 years, covering major global trends, changing disaster impacts, and key developments in disaster risk management. Contrasting approaches in the first and fourth decade of the journal's history are then followed by examples of changes in terminology in the disaster field as an indication of shifting values. The paper goes on to explore the context of 2017, with observations of problem areas such as the loss of knowledge, failures to tackle the root causes of disasters, shortfalls in international assistance, and some negative attitudes. It closes by evaluating some current positive occurrences, including a reduction in casualties, sharing of experience, technological advances, and dramatic improvements in disaster warning.
Ventilatory response to CO2 in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Sainju Rup K. , Dragon Deidre N. , Winnike Harold B. , Nashelsky Marcus B. , Granner Mark A. , Gehlbach Brian K. , Richerson George B.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Severe periictal respiratory depression is thought to be linked to risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) but its determinants are largely unknown. Interindividual differences in the interictal ventilatory response to CO2 (hypercapnic ventilatory response [HCVR] or central respiratory CO2 chemosensitivity) may identify patients who are at increased risk for severe periictal hypoventilation. HCVR has not been studied previously in patients with epilepsy; therefore we evaluated a method to measure it at bedside in an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) and examined its relationship to postictal hypercapnia following generalized convulsive seizures (GCSs).

Methods

Interictal HCVR was measured by a respiratory gas analyzer using a modified rebreathing technique. Minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume, respiratory rate, end tidal (ET) CO2 and O2 were recorded continuously. Dyspnea during the test was assessed using a validated scale. The HCVR slope (ΔVE/ΔETCO2) for each subject was determined by linear regression. During the video–electroencephalography (EEG) study, subjects underwent continuous respiratory monitoring, including measurement of chest and abdominal movement, oronasal airflow, transcutaneous (tc) CO2, and capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2).

Results

Sixty‐eight subjects completed HCVR testing in 151 ± (standard deviation) 58 seconds, without any serious adverse events. HCVR slope ranged from −0.94 to 5.39 (median 1.71) L/min/mm Hg. HCVR slope correlated with the degree of unpleasantness and intensity of dyspnea and was inversely related to baseline ETCO2. Both the duration and magnitude of postictal tcCO2 rise following GCSs were inversely correlated with HCVR slope.

Significance

Measurement of the HCVR is well tolerated and can be performed rapidly and safely at the bedside in the EMU. A subset of individuals has a very low sensitivity to CO2, and this group is more likely to have a prolonged increase in postictal CO2 after GCS. Low interictal HCVR may increase the risk of severe respiratory depression and SUDEP after GCS and warrants further study.
2D and 3D radiographic outcome assessment of the effect of guided tissue regeneration using resorbable collagen membrane in the healing of through‐and‐through periapical lesions – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Parmar P. D. , Dhamija R. , Tewari S. , Sangwan P. , Gupta A. , Duhan J. , Mittal S.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To evaluate the effect of collagen membrane on the healing of through‐and‐through periapical lesions using 2‐dimensional (2D) and 3‐dimensional (3D) imaging techniques.

Methodology

Thirty‐two patients with periapical radiolucencies measuring at least 10 mm and with confirmed loss of buccal and lingual cortical plates were randomly divided into GTR and control groups. Periapical surgery was performed in both groups, using a resorbable collagen membrane in the GTR group only. 2D healing was evaluated according to Molven's criteria, while 3D healing was assessed using modified PENN 3D criteria, RAC indices and the B index, 12 months after surgery. Data were analysed using Chi‐square, Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results

Thirty patients were analysed at the 12 months follow‐up. Both groups had a significant reduction in the size of lesions [92 ± 12% (control) and 86 ± 14% (GTR) in 2D and 85 ± 19% (Control) and 82 ± 13% (GTR) in 3D], with no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). A total of 29(14 control, 15 GTR) teeth and 26(13 control, 13 GTR) teeth were classified as success according to Molven's (2D) and modified PENN 3D criteria, respectively, with no significant difference in success between 2D and 3D assessments. RAC indices of 3D images revealed the greatest percentage of complete healing in R scores (55% for Control, 41% for GTR), whereas cortical plate had the lowest percentage of healing (30% for Control, 27% for GTR) (P > 0.05). Only 2 (13%) patients in each group had complete healing using the B index.

Conclusion

Periapical surgery with or without GTR was a predictable and viable solution for through‐and‐through lesions. There was no benefit in using a collagen membrane with regard to the outcome of periapical surgery in through‐and‐through lesions. Both cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and periapical radiographs (PA) allowed similar assessment of healing after periapical surgery.
Consumers’ attitudes towards alternative grains: a conjoint analysis study
Authors: Gosine Laura , McSweeney Matthew B.
Published: February 2019

Recently, alternative grains (millet, quinoa, sorghum) have been used to produce several food products common to North Americans. The objective of this study was to identify the attributes that drive consumers liking of alternative grains. A literature review and two focus groups were conducted. Four attributes were identified as being important to consumers when purchasing alternative grains. These attributes included grains, product type, flavour and claims. A choice‐ based conjoint analysis survey was created and administered to 346 individuals who live in Atlantic Canada. Product type and flavour were the most important attributes to consumers. Sweet and nutty flavours, products made from quinoa, or products with claims indicating they were a source of fibre, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes or reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, had a positive effect on consumer liking.
Low serum creatinine and risk of diabetes: The Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study
Authors: Hu Huanhuan , Nakagawa Tohru , Honda Toru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Okazaki Hiroko , Yamamoto Makoto , Miyamoto Toshiaki , Eguchi Masafumi , Kochi Takeshi , Shimizu Makiko , Murakami Taizo , Tomita Kentaro , Ogasawara Takayuki , Sasaki Naoko , Uehara Akihiko , Kuwahara Keisuke , Kabe Isamu , Mizoue Tetsuya , Sone Tomofumi , Dohi Seitaro ,   the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study Group
Published: February 2019

Aims/Introduction

We examined a prospective association between serum creatinine levels and diabetes.

Materials and Methods

The present study included 31,343 male workers without diabetes, and aged between 20 and 64 years at baseline. We calculated the cumulative average of their serum creatinine over the study period. We defined diabetes as either glycated hemoglobin levels ≥6.5%, random glucose levels ≥200 mg/dL, fasting glucose levels ≥126 mg/dL or receiving antidiabetic treatment. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was carried out to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

With a median observation of 7.7 years, 2,509 participants developed diabetes. After adjusting for age, smoking, body mass index, hypertension and dyslipidemia, lower cumulative average serum creatinine levels were related to a greater diabetes risk: HRs were 1.56 (95% CI 1.35–1.82), 1.22 (1.09–1.35) and 1.06 (0.96–1.17) for the participants with serum creatinine <0.70, 0.70–0.79 and 0.80–0.89 mg/dL, respectively, compared with those with 0.90–1.20 mg/dL (P for trend <0.001). The serum creatinine‐diabetes association was more pronounced among older adults (serum creatinine <0.70 vs 0.90–1.20 mg/dL, HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.37–2.00) than younger adults (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02–1.71; P for interaction by age group = 0.001).

Conclusions

Low serum creatinine is associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Screening serum creatinine levels can be used to identify those who are at high risk of diabetes.
Time course and prognostic value of serum GFAP, pNFH, and S100β concentrations in dogs with complete spinal cord injury because of intervertebral disc extrusion
Authors: Olby Natasha J. , Lim Ji‐Hey , Wagner Nikki , Zidan Natalia , Early Peter J. , Mariani Christopher L. , Muñana Karen R. , Laber Eric
Published: February 2019

Background

A noninvasive biomarker is needed to predict recovery from severe spinal cord injury (SCI) because of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL‐IVDE). Proteins released from neural and glial cells can be detected in the blood and show promise as prognostic tools, but their concentration is influenced by time after injury.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Serum concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH), and S100β will follow different time courses; measurement of combinations of these proteins will predict outcome.

Animals

Thirty‐one dogs with TL‐IVDE causing paralysis with no pain perception.

Methods

Prospective study. Serum samples were taken at presentation and intervals over 56 days and banked at −80°C. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, pNFH, and S100β concentrations were measured using ELISA tests and plotted against time from onset of nonambulatory status. Outcome was established at 6 months. The association between biomarker concentration and outcome was examined using logistic regression, receiver operator characteristics curve analysis, and model development.

Results

Thirty‐one dogs participated, 3/31 (10%) developed progressive myelomalacia and 19/31 (62%) recovered ambulation. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100β concentrations rose for the first 1 to 3 days, and were undetectable by 14 and 28 days, respectively. Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain concentrations peaked at 14 days and were detectable at 56 days. Glial fibrillary acidic protein concentrations in the first 72 hours after onset of nonambulatory status predicted recovery with an accuracy of 76.7%‐89% depending on sample timing.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum GFAP concentrations can be used to predict outcome in clinically complete SCI. A rapid inexpensive bedside test is needed.
Changes in thyroid and renal function after bilateral thyroidectomy in cats
Authors: Covey Heather L. , Chang Yu‐mei , Elliott Jonathan , Syme Harriet M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Iatrogenic hypothyroidism might worsen the prognosis of cats with azotemic CKD after thyroidectomy. Varying thyroxine concentrations influence utility of creatinine in assessing renal function. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) has limited studies in cats with changing thyroid status.

Objectives

Thyroid status is stable 6 months post‐thyroidectomy. Symmetric dimethylarginine and creatinine are linearly associated without influence from total thyroxine concentration (tT4).

Animals

Electronic records of 2 first opinion practices were searched using the term “thyroidectomy” to include 81 client‐owned cats that had undergone bilateral thyroidectomy.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study assessing thyroid hormone concentrations of 68 cats within 6 months of surgery. A longitudinal study of thyroid status in 23 cats with >18 months follow‐up post‐thyroidectomy. A generalized estimating equation assessed the associations of bodyweight, tT4 and creatinine concentrations on SDMA concentration.

Results

Sixty‐eight cats had follow‐up within 6 months. Fifteen cats (22%) had persistent, or recurrent, hyperthyroidism and 33 cats (49%) were hypothyroid. Twenty‐three of the euthyroid/hypothyroid cats had long‐term follow‐up (595‐1955 days); 4 cats (17%) remained hypothyroid, 19 cats (83%) were euthyroid (often transiently), and 9 of 23 cats (44%) developed recurrent hyperthyroidism. Symmetric dimethylarginine and creatinine were linearly associated, but hyperthyroid cats had higher SDMA concentrations, relative to creatinine (P = .003).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cats have changes in thyroid function for years after bilateral thyroidectomy, with a high incidence of recurrent hyperthyroidism. Both SDMA and creatinine are affected by thyroxine concentrations, and the effect is greater in hyperthyroid cats.
Influence of environmental disturbances and reproductive strategy on genetic diversity and differentiation of Zostera marina populations on the southern coast of Korea
Authors: Kim Young Kyun , Kim Seung Hyeon , Yi Joo Mi , Park Sang Rul , Lee Kun‐Seop
Published: February 2019

The genetic diversity and differentiation of four Zostera marina populations along the southern coast of Korea were estimated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to determine the effects of natural and anthropogenic stresses and reproductive strategy on within‐population genetic diversity. The mean number of alleles and gene diversities, indicating population genetic diversity, was highest in the Z. marina population that was exposed to repeated environmental disturbances, and lowest in the most undisturbed population. The higher genetic diversity in the disturbed population was associated with a higher contribution of sexual reproduction to population persistence. This suggests that both the level of disturbances and the reproductive strategy for population persistence contributed significantly to population genetic diversity at the study sites. According to the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), 76% genetic variation was attributable to differences among individuals within populations. The observed genetic differentiation (FST = 0.241) among Z. marina populations at the study sites appeared to result from reduced meadow size, increased genetic drift, and a high incidence of asexual reproduction. Increased population genetic diversity can enhance resistance and resilience to environmental disturbances; thus, this investigation of seagrass population genetics provides valuable new insights for the conservation, management, and restoration of seagrass habitats.
Effects of two frequencies of vibration on the maxillary canine distalization rate and RANKL and OPG secretion: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siriphan Natchanon , Leethanakul Chidchanok , Thongudomporn Udom
Published: February 2019

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the effects of 30 and 60 Hz vibratory stimulus on canine distalization and RANKL and OPG secretion.

Setting and Sample Population

Sixty patients requiring canine distalization at the Orthodontic Clinic, Prince of Songkla University.

Materials and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to 30 Hz vibration (n = 20), 60 Hz vibration (n = 20), or the control group (n = 20). Modified electric toothbrushes were used to apply vibration to the randomly selected canine for 20 min/day by the investigator combined with 60 cN continuous distalization force from day 1 to day 7. RANKL and OPG were analysed before (T1) and 24 hours (T2), 48 hours (T3) and 7 days (T4) after initiation of distalization. From day 8, vibratory devices were used by the subjects at home. Rate of canine distalization (T1 to 3 months after initiation [T5]) was calculated. Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used for multiple comparisons (significance level, 0.05).

Results

Canine distalization rate was not different between groups (median; 0.82, 0.87, and 0.83 mm/month for 30, 60 Hz, and control group, respectively; P > 0.05). No within‐ or between‐group differences in RANKL and OPG were observed (P > 0.05), except RANKL on the compression side of the control group was significantly higher at T2, T3 and T4 than T1 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In the clinic, 30 and 60 Hz vibratory stimulus have no additive effect on rate of canine distalization rate, RANKL and OPG secretion or RANKL/OPG ratio.