bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Therapists' Pursuit of an Academic Doctoral Degree: Strategies for Success
Authors: Santasier Anita M. , Wainwright Susan Flannery
Published: May 2018

Introduction.

Physical therapy programs are challenged to meet the expectations of a blend of academic and clinical doctorally prepared faculty. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to reveal the specific knowledge and behaviors of physical therapists pursuing an academic doctoral degree that will lead to a successful journey.

Methods.

An inductive content approach guided data collection and data analysis allowing in-depth exploration of this phenomenon from the participant's perspective. A purposive sampling method was used involving physical therapists with varied experiences with respect to time to completion, program, and institution type in their pursuit of an academic doctoral degree.

Results.

The doctoral journey is described as facilitated by the individual's ability to (theme 1) create a “good fit” between themselves and the program that they select and (theme 2) use effective strategies to sustain pursuit to completion.

Discussion and Conclusion.

The lived experience of these participants is consistent with the metaphor of doctoral education being represented as a quest to “become a PhD” rather than a journey to “get a PhD.” Recommendations emerging from the themes were developed to positively influence the number of physical therapists (PTs) who reach completion, the time to completion, and the quality of the experience.

Increasing the number of PhD PTs will help combat the growing physical therapy faculty shortage, as well as increase the potential for the production of physical therapy research.
Leadership, Longevity, and Leaning In
Authors: Prestia Angela S.
Published: May 2018

This column profiles Mary Jo Bulfin, MBA, RN, CENP, chief executive officer of St. Mary's Medical Center, West Palm Beach, Florida. Ms Bulfin began her career as a staff nurse in the organization where she is now the CEO and discusses her career path and lessons learned.
A Hospital-Based Neuroscience Nursing Course Designed to Improve Competence and Confidence
Authors: Shields Lisa B.E. , Perkins Lewis , Clark Lisa , Shields Christopher B.
Published: May 2018

After experiencing growth in a neuroscience service line, nurse leaders identified a need for increased competencies among clinical staff. This hospital met the need by developing a unique multidisciplinary neuroscience nursing course to improve the clinical competence, confidence, and professional development of bedside nurses.
Clinical Trials in Gynecologic Oncology: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Annunziata Christina M. , Kohn Elise C.
Published: May 2018

(Abstracted from Gynecol Oncol 2018;148(2):393–402)

Groundbreaking, practice-changing clinical trials in women's cancers have historically been run through the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). Clinical trials completed within the GOG group structure have determined the current standard of care for initial treatment of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and trophoblastic cancers.
Association of Pharmacologic Treatment of Urgency Urinary Incontinence With Sleep Quality and Daytime Sleepiness
Authors: Warsi Qurratul A. , Huang Alison J. , Hess Rachel , Arya Lily A. , Richter Holly E. , Bradley Catherine S. , Rogers Rebecca G. , Myers Deborah L. , Johnson Karen C. , Winkelman William D. , Gregory W. Thomas , Kraus Stephen R. , Schembri Michael , Brown Jeanette S. , Stone Katie L. , Subak Leslee L.
Published: May 2018

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2018;131:204–211)

Both incontinence and sleep disturbance are common and bothersome conditions in middle-aged and older women. Any treatment that improves both conditions may provide clinical value.
Vaginal Rejuvenation: A Review of Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
Authors: Wilkie Gianna , Bartz Deborah
Published: May 2018

Importance

Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) is a growing area within the field of gynecology with an increasing number of patients asking providers about these services.

Objective

This review aims to increase the knowledge surrounding the types of FGCS performed, the outcomes and complications of these procedures, and the controversy surrounding FCGS.

Evidence Acquisition

This study is a review of the most recent peer-reviewed articles and review articles as well as guidelines and recommendations of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Results

Female genital cosmetic surgery is a broad term that encompasses multiple procedures including labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, clitoral hoodectomy, hymenectomy, labia majora augmentation, and G-spot amplification. Minimal data exist regarding the long-term outcomes and complications associated with these procedures. There is also a paucity of literature comparing FGCS to less invasive alternatives. Significant controversy exists regarding FGCS, given the known variation in female genitalia, lack of safety data, and concern for proprietary conflict with these procedures.

Conclusions and Relevance

Cosmetic gynecology surgery has become more popular in recent years, with few studies assessing the long-term benefits and harms of these treatments. Gynecologists should be aware of the lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of FGCS in light of the growing marketing efforts and patient demand for these procedures.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to compare the various types of female genital cosmetic surgery that are available, assess the outcomes associated with female genital cosmetic surgery, and examine the controversies that surround female genital cosmetic surgery.
ALK-rearranged Tumors Are Highly Enriched in the STUMP Subcategory of Uterine Tumors
Authors: Devereaux Kelly A. , Kunder Christian A. , Longacre Teri A.
Published: May 2018

Smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) is a rare diagnosis rendered when there is uncertainty concerning the biological potential of a smooth muscle tumor. The initial differential diagnosis is often broad, as tumors in this subgroup are morphologically heterogenous. Recent data suggest uterine inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement may be misclassified as STUMPs, but the extent to which this occurs has not been examined. We identified 60 female patients with tumors previously diagnosed as STUMP (48 cases) or prospectively considered for the diagnosis of STUMP (12 cases). Each case underwent histologic review, ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC) and confirmatory break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for ALK if immunoreactive. Six of the 43 (14%) uterine and cervical tumors were ALK IHC positive, whereas tumors at all other sites were ALK IHC negative. Myxoid features, although limited in some cases, were present in all 6 ALK IHC positive tumors, representing 35% (6/17) of tumors displaying myxoid features at uterine and cervical sites. All ALK immunoreactive tumors were confirmed to have ALK rearrangements by FISH with 1 tumor showing numerous (3 to 8) 3' ALK signals, an unusual FISH pattern not previously described in uterine IMTs. Two patients developed recurrent disease and were treated with ALK-targeted therapy with initial response. Our data demonstrate that a significant proportion of uterine and cervical tumors considered to be STUMPs are ALK—positive by IHC and FISH. Future screening of all uterine and cervical mesenchymal tumors under consideration for the diagnosis of STUMP, particularly those with myxoid features, is recommended to identify ALK-rearranged IMTs that could potentially be treated with targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Puss Caterpillar Envenomation
Authors: Greene Spencer Corey , Carey John Morgan
Published: May 2018

A 4-year-old female presented to the emergency department with 2 days of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She was tachycardic and had abdominal tenderness. Laboratory studies revealed a leukocytosis, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. Her Pediatric Appendicitis Score (MDCalc) was calculated as 6, indicating that appendicitis could not be excluded. She was transferred to our pediatric hospital for further evaluation. Her ultrasound at our facility was normal. Upon reexamination, the patient was noted to have a red mark on her left index finger, and the family reported that the patient may have been stung by a puss caterpillar before the onset of her symptoms. The patient was treated with ondansetron, morphine, and intravenous fluids, and her symptoms resolved. Erucism frequently develops after stings from the puss caterpillar, which can be found through the southern United States. The most consistent clinical feature is pain. Numbness, muscle cramping, paresthesias, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain have also been described. Severe abdominal pain is reported rarely and may be mistaken for peritonitis. Analgesia is the mainstay of treatment. Topical icepacks have demonstrated inconsistent benefit in relieving pain. Oral medications, including acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and, rarely, opioids, typically suffice. Severe envenomations may require parenteral narcotics.
Resident Performance of the Rapid Cardiopulmonary Assessment in the Emergency Department
Authors: Sobolewski Brad , Taylor Regina G. , Geis Gary L. , Kerrey Benjamin T.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The rapid cardiopulmonary assessment (RCPA) is an essential first step in effective resuscitation of critically ill children. Pediatric residents may not be achieving competency with resuscitative skills, including RCPA. Our objective was to determine how often pediatric residents complete the RCPA for actual patients.

Methods

This was an observational, cross-sectional study of senior residents (≥postgraduate year 2) performing the RCPA in the resuscitation area of a high-volume pediatric emergency department (PED), where pediatric residents are expected to perform the bedside examination and assessment for all medical (nontrauma) patients. Data were collected primarily by video review on a standard form. The primary outcome was completion of the RCPA, defined as both examination and verbalized assessment of the airway, breathing, and circulation. We explored the association between RCPA completion and both residency year and number of previous PED rotations.

Results

Complete data were collected from one randomly selected patient for 71 (95%) of 75 of eligible senior residents who rotated in the PED between January and June 2013. Two residents (3%) performed a complete RCPA. Verbalized assessment of circulation was especially rare (7/71; 10%). There was no association between RCPA completion and year of training or previous PED experience (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Senior pediatric resident performance of the RCPA in the resuscitation area of a high-volume PED was poor. There was no association between RCPA completion and greater resident experience, including in the PED. These findings add to a growing body of literature suggesting that pediatric residents are not achieving competency with the RCPA and resuscitation skills.
Considerations of trial design and conduct in behavioral interventions for the management of chronic pain in adults
Authors: Edmond Sara N. , Turk Dennis C. , Williams David A. , Kerns Robert D.
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

A growing number and type of nonpharmacological approaches for the management of chronic pain have demonstrated at least modest evidence of efficacy, and for some, there is emerging evidence of their effectiveness in relatively large scale trials. Behavioral approaches are those that generally seek to promote adaptive behavioral change in the service of reducing pain and improving physical and emotional functioning and quality of life. Despite a substantial empirical literature supporting the clinical utility of these approaches, a large number of unanswered questions remain and clinical trials to answer some of these questions are needed. Although considerations for development and enactment of data-analytic plans are generally similar to those in pharmacological trials (eg, intent-to-treat, prespecifying outcomes and time points, and handling of missing data), there may be some important differences to consider when planning and conducting clinical trials examining these behavioral approaches.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this article is to describe some aspects of clinical trials for behavioral approaches for the management of chronic pain that requires special consideration.

Methods:

Important topics discussed include: (1) intervention development, (2) research design considerations (adequate and appropriate control and comparison conditions), (3) appropriate outcomes, (4) recruitment and sampling biases and blinding, (5) intervention fidelity and adherence, and (6) demographic and cultural considerations.

Results and Conclusions:

A number of methodological recommendations are made in the service of encouraging the conduct of high-quality research comparable with that performed for pharmacological and other medical interventions.
External Port Tissue Expansion in the Pediatric Population: Confirming Its Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Azadgoli Beina , Fahradyan Artur , Wolfswinkel Erik M. , Tsuha Michaela , Magee William , Hammoudeh Jeffrey A. , Urata Mark M. , Howell Lori K.
Published: May 2018

Background:

External filling ports in tissue expander–based reconstruction have the advantages of being associated with less pain and emotional distress. However, among practicing surgeons using tissue expansion, a theoretical concern remains regarding higher risk of infection. The authors’ goal was to evaluate external port safety in the pediatric population by looking at the complications and overall success rate of reconstruction.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing tissue expansion using external ports at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles between January of 2008 and June of 2016 was conducted. Patient demographic and perioperative data were collected and analyzed.

Results:

Two hundred forty-one expanders were placed in 100 pediatric patients, resulting in 123 procedures for congenital and acquired conditions, with an average age at the time of surgery of 7.1 years (range, 1 month to 19.9 years) and average follow-up length of 2.5 years (range, 2.8 months to 8.8 years). The overall complication rate was 29.9 percent, and the infection rate was 17 percent. The majority of these cases were treated conservatively without additional need for surgery. Of 123 cases, 25 required premature expander removal because of complications. Despite early intervention, 21 of these cases underwent successful completion of their reconstruction according to the preoperative plan, resulting in an overall 96.7 percent success rate of tissue expander reconstruction.

Conclusions:

In children, who are often less tolerant of the pain and distress associated with internal port expansion, the authors encourage the use of external ports. This study found a high success rate in terms of successful reconstruction, with the majority of complications being treated conservatively.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Gender Inequality for Women in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Bucknor Alexandra , Kamali Parisa , Phillips Nicole , Mathijssen Irene , Rakhorst Hinne , Lin Samuel J. , Furnas Heather
Published: May 2018

Background:

Previous research has highlighted the gender-based disparities present throughout the field of surgery. This study aims to evaluate the breadth of the issues facing women in plastic surgery, worldwide.

Methods:

A systematic scoping review was undertaken from October of 2016 to January of 2017, with no restrictions on date or language. A narrative synthesis of the literature according to themed issues was developed, together with a summary of relevant numeric data.

Results:

From the 2247 articles identified, 55 articles were included in the analysis. The majority of articles were published from the United States. Eight themes were identified, as follows: (1) workforce figures; (2) gender bias and discrimination; (3) leadership and academia; (4) mentorship and role models; (5) pregnancy, parenting, and childcare; (6) relationships, work-life balance, and professional satisfaction; (7) patient/public preference; and (8) retirement and financial planning. Despite improvement in numbers over time, women plastic surgeons continue to be underrepresented in the United States, Canada, and Europe, with prevalence ranging from 14 to 25.7 percent. Academic plastic surgeons are less frequently female than male, and women academic plastic surgeons score less favorably when outcomes of academic success are evaluated. Finally, there has been a shift away from overt discrimination toward a more ingrained, implicit bias, and most published cases of bias and discrimination are in association with pregnancy.

Conclusions:

The first step toward addressing the issues facing women plastic surgeons is recognition and articulation of the issues. Further research may focus on analyzing geographic variation in the issues and developing appropriate interventions.
Three-Dimensional Printing in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Suszynski Thomas M. , Serra Jose Maria , Weissler Jason M. , Amirlak Bardia
Published: May 2018

Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery. The authors introduce a novel concept of translating three-dimensional photographic images into three-dimensionally–printed, patient-specific, life-size models that can be used in preoperative counseling or as an intraoperative reference during rhinoplasty. This article describes the authors’ experience with this new application for three-dimensional printing, a technology that is overall garnering more widespread use and has prospective clinical and research applications in aesthetic surgery.
Semen Quality in Chinese College Students: Associations With Depression and Physical Activity in a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zou Peng , Wang Xiaogang , Sun Lei , Chen Qing , Yang Huan , Zhou Niya , Chen Hongqiang , Zhang Guowei , Ling Xi , Wang Zhi , Gao Jianfang , Mo Min , Huang Linping , Peng Kaige , Chen Sheng , Cui Zhihong , Liu Jinyi , Ao Lin , Cao Jia
Published: May 2018

Objective

Behavioral and psychosocial factors have been associated with a decline of the quality of semen. However, the relationship of depression and physical activity (PA) with semen quality remains unclear.

Methods

Data were obtained from 587 young male Chinese college students in June 2013. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing life-style factors, the Zung self-rated depression scale, and three items related to PA. They underwent a physical examination and provided a semen sample and a blood sample for reproductive hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin).

Results

Men with high depression scores (n= 63, 10.7%) had lower sperm concentration (M (SD) = 66.9 (74.5) versus 72.6 (56.9) [106/ml],p= .043) and total sperm count (M (SD) = 241.6 (299.7) versus 257.0 (204.0) [106],p= .024) than nondepressed men. Participants with low PA levels (n= 99, 16.9%) had lower total sperm count (M (SD) = 204.4 (153.7) versus 265.8 (225.8) [106/ml],p= .017) than participants with higher activity levels. After adjusting for potential confounders, depressed men had 18.90% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14%–33.47%) lower sperm concentration and 21.84% (95% CI = 3.39%–36.90%) lower total sperm count than nondepressed men. Men with low PA levels had 23.03% (95% CI = 2.80%–46.89%) lower total sperm count than physically active participants. An interaction effect between depression and PA on sperm concentration was detected (p= .033). There were no significant associations of depression and PA with reproductive hormones (p> .05).

Conclusions

Depression and low levels of PA are associated with lower levels of semen quality, which may have implications for reproductive health.
Factors Associated With Long Wait Times for Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Alvarez Rafael , Bonham Aaron J. , Buda Colleen M. , Carlin Arthur M. , Ghaferi Amir A. , Varban Oliver A.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Despite its proven safety and efficacy, bariatric surgery is an underutilized therapy for severe obesity. Wait times for surgery are largely unexplored in the United States and may impact access to care.

Objective:

To determine the amount of time between initial bariatric surgery clinic visit and operative date and identify factors associated with longer wait times.

Methods:

A statewide clinical data registry was queried from 2006 to 2016 and 60,791 patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery were identified. Demographics, comorbidities, 30-day complications, and 1-year patient-reported outcomes were compared between shortest and longest wait time quartiles. Analyses were performed using Chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression.

Results:

Median wait times for bariatric surgery increased from 86 to 159 days during the study period. Median wait times were ≤67 days for the shortest wait time quartile and ≥204 days for the longest wait time quartile. Factors independently associated with longer wait times included Medicaid insurance [odds ratio (OR) 3.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.58–3.53], sleep apnea (OR 1.49; 95% CI: 1.41–1.58), psychological disorder (OR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.18–1.32), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.14–1.28), smoking history (OR 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05–1.17), and white race (OR 0.665; 95% CI: 0.614–0.720). Preoperative weight loss, risk adjusted complication rates, postoperative self-reported weight loss, and comorbidity remission were similar between groups.

Conclusions:

Over the past decade, eligible patients are experiencing longer wait times when pursuing bariatric surgery. Complex patients with Medicaid insurance are experiencing the longest delay despite similar outcomes and preoperative weight loss. Policies that delay surgery should be re-examined.
Cortical states control visual spatial perception
Authors: Speed Anderson , Rosario Joseph Del , Burgess Christopher P. , Haider Bilal
Published: May 2018

Many factors modulate the state of cortical activity, but the importance of cortical states for sensory perception remains debated. We trained mice to detect spatially localized visual stimuli, and simultaneously measured local field potentials and excitatory and inhibitory neuron populations across layers of primary visual cortex (V1). Cortical states with low firing rates and correlations between excitatory neurons, and reduced oscillatory activity in Layer 4, accurately predicted single trials of visual spatial detection behavior. Our results show that cortical states exert strong effects at the initial stage of cortical processing in V1, and play a decisive role for visual spatial behavior in mice.
Molecular definition of group 1 innate lymphoid cells in the mouse uterus
Authors: Filipovic Iva , Chiossone Laura , Vacca Paola , Hamilton Russell S , Ingegnere Tiziano , Doisne Jean-Marc , Hawkes Delia A , Mingari Maria Cristina , Sharkey Andrew , Moretta Lorenzo , Colucci Francesco
Published: May 2018

Determining the function of uterine lymphocytes is challenging because of the rapidly changing nature of the organ in response to sex hormones and, during pregnancy, to the invading fetal trophoblast cells. Here we provide the first genome-wide transcriptome atlas of mouse uterine group 1 innate lymphoid cells (g1 ILCs) at mid-gestation. The composition of g1 ILCs fluctuates throughout reproductive life, with Eomes-veCD49a+ILC1s dominating before puberty and specifically expanding in second pregnancies, when the expression of CXCR6, a marker of memory cells, is upregulated. Tissue-resident Eomes+CD49a+NK cells (trNK), which resemble human uterine NK cells, are most abundant during early pregnancy, and showcase gene signatures of responsiveness to TGF-β, connections with trophoblast, epithelial, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, leucocytes, as well as extracellular matrix. Unexpectedly, trNK cells express genes involved in anaerobic glycolysis, lipid metabolism, iron transport, protein ubiquitination, and recognition of microbial molecular patterns. Conventional NK cells expand late in gestation and may engage in crosstalk with trNK cells involving IL-18 and IFN-γ. These results identify trNK cells as the cellular hub of uterine g1 ILCs at mid-gestation and mark CXCR6+ILC1s as potential memory cells of pregnancy.
Numeric Analysis of Temperature Distribution in Man using a 3D Human Model
Authors: Mfolozi Sipho , Malan Arnaud , Bello-Ochende Tunde , Martin Lorna J.
Published: May 2018

Premortem three-dimensional body temperature is the basis on which post-mortem cooling commences. Thermo-numeric analysis of post-mortem cooling for death-time calculation applies pre-mortem three-dimensional body temperature as initial conditions; therefore, an accurate determination of this distribution is important. To date, such prediction is not performed. This paper presents a thermo-numeric analysis method of predicting premortem three-dimensional body temperature in man, to be applied in thermo-numeric analysis of the post-mortem interval using the finite-difference time-domain method. The method applied a Pennes BioHeat Equation modified to linearize organ metabolic and blood flow rates with temperature in a transient thermo-numeric analysis scheme to predict naked three-dimensional temperatures of an MRI-built, 3D human model having 247 segmented organs and 58 categories of material properties under chosen boundary conditions. Organ metabolic heat and blood perfusion rates appropriate for a chosen pre-mortem physical activity, and known organ physical and thermal properties, were assigned to each organ. A steady-state temperature equilibration occurred after 8400 seconds. Predicted organ temperatures were topographically inhomogeneous. Skin temperatures varied between 20.5°C and 42.5°C, liver capsule temperatures were lower than parenchymal, and rectal luminal temperature were uniform.
Chromatin at X-linked repeats that guide dosage compensation inDrosophila melanogasteris modulated by the siRNA pathway
Authors: Deshpande Nikita , Meller Victoria H.
Published: May 2018

Many heterogametic organisms adjust sex chromosome expression to accommodate differences in gene dosage. This requires selective recruitment of regulatory factors to the modulated chromosome. How these factors are localized to a chromosome with requisite accuracy is poorly understood.Drosophila melanogastermales increase expression from their single X chromosome. Identification of this chromosome involves cooperation between different classes of X-identity elements. The Chromatin Entry Sites (CES) recruit a chromatin-modifying complex that spreads into nearby genes and increases expression. In addition, a family of satellite repeats that is enriched on the X chromosome, the 1.688Xrepeats, promotes recruitment of the complex to nearby genes. The 1.688Xrepeats and CES are dissimilar, and appear to operate through different mechanisms. Interestingly, the siRNA pathway and siRNA from a 1.688Xrepeat also promote X recognition. We postulate that siRNA-dependent modification of 1.688Xchromatin contributes to recognition of nearby genes. In accord with this, we found enrichment of the siRNA effector Argonaute2 (Ago2) at some 1.688Xrepeats.Mutations in several proteins that physically interact with Ago2, including the histone methyltransferase Su(var)3-9, enhance the lethality of males with defective X recognition. Su(var)3-9 deposits H3K9me2 on some 1.688Xrepeats, and this mark is disrupted upon ectopic expression of 1.688XsiRNA. Furthermore, integration of 1.688XDNA on an autosome induces local H3K9me2 deposition, but enhances expression of nearby genes in a siRNA-dependent manner. Our findings are consistent with a model in which siRNA-directed modification of 1.688Xchromatin contributes to recognition of the fly X chromosome by the MSL complex.
Examining consumer responses to cross-border brand acquisitions
Authors: Fang Xiang , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cross-border acquisitions on brand image dimensions (functional, symbolic and global image) of the acquirer brand from a consumer’s perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors measured Chinese consumers’ perceptions of eight fictitious cross-border acquisition scenarios and tested the hypotheses by using multiple hierarchical regression.

Findings

First, the acquisition significantly improves functional, symbolic and global image of the acquirer brand. Second, both image perceptions of the acquirer and the acquired brands before acquisition significantly impact post-image of the acquirer. The effect is greater for pre-image of the acquirer (dominance effect). Finally, brand fit, product fit and country-of-origin fit influence attitude toward the acquisition significantly.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations in the generalizations of the findings due to its reliance on a single country (China) and one industry (home appliances).

Practical implications

First, engaging in cross-border acquisitions significantly enhances the brand image of the acquirer brand. The global image has the largest improvement. Second, practitioners should carefully consider different levels of fit before the acquisition.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature by investigating brand acquisitions from the perspective of home country consumers (acquirer) and integrating multiple brand image dimensions and various levels of fit simultaneously.
The smart library project
Authors: Baryshev Ruslan Aleksandrovich , Verkhovets Sergey Vladimirovich , Babina Olga Ivanovna
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the phenomenon of smart libraries, which began in the 2000s, alongside the development of computer technology, digital storage the internet and human–computer interactions. The smart library is a system of library and information services developed to support research and training activity. This paper describes the need to introduce innovative library and information services at universities through users’ personal accounts.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of more than 200 publications mainly written by foreign scientists was conducted, given the dearth of Russian literature on the smart library and its services. The analysis revealed that in Western countries, the term smart library represents a wide range of meanings – from the understanding that it is a typical type of networking to assumptions about the total services provided by libraries in an urban environment.

Findings

The paper presents a review of both classical library services and those that are focused on the needs of modern education and science.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may be the best limited to university libraries.

Practical implications

The research results have practical use in the Library and Publishing Complex of the Siberian Federal University. Consequently, a new library information environment has been developed and integrated into the university’s information space.

Social implications

The research results have social use in Siberian Federal University. The personal account can be regarded as a functioning system of interaction and information exchange among the automated systems of the Library and Publishing Complex, automated learning management system and integrated educational environment.

Originality/value

This paper presents a certain set of technical solutions and some services available through personal accounts.
Semi-automatic extraction of multiword terms from domain-specific corpora
Authors: Pajić Vesna , Vujičić Stanković Staša , Stanković Ranka , Pajić Miloš
Published: May 2018

Purpose

A hybrid approach is presented, which combines linguistic and statistical information to semi-automatically extract multiword term candidates from texts.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is designed to be domain and language independent, focusing on languages with rich morphology. Here, it is used for extracting multiword terms from texts in Serbian, belonging to the agricultural engineering domain, as a use case. Predefined syntactic structures were used for multiword terms. For each structure, a finite state transducer was developed, which recognizes text sequences having that structure and outputs the sequence in a normalized form, so that different inflectional forms of the same multiword term can be counted properly. Term candidates were further filtered by their frequencies and evaluated by two domain experts.

Findings

By using language resources, such as electronic dictionaries and grammars, 928 multiword terms were extracted out of 1,523 multiword terms that were recognized as candidates from a corpus having 42,260 different simple word forms; 870 of these were new, not already contained in the existing electronic dictionary of compounds for Serbian, and they were used to enrich the dictionary.

Originality/value

The paper presents methodology that can significantly contribute to the development of terminology lexicons in different areas. In this particular use case, some important agricultural engineering concepts were extracted from the text, but this approach could be used for other domains and languages as well.
SEO for an open access scholarly information system to improve user experience
Authors: Park Minsoo
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a case of search engine optimization (SEO), especially designed for a national scholarly open access information website in the field of STEM.

Design/methodology/approach

Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) collaborated with the Google Scholar team to open and share the research outcomes of STEM in Korea worldwide. KoreaScience is a reference-linking platform for open access scientific and technical journals in Korea, operated by KISTI. KISTI worked with the Google Scholar team to embed machine-readable bibliographic metadata into its journal pages and to create an XML Sitemap to help Google find pages on KoreaScience.

Findings

As a result of implementation of metadata and creation of an XML Sitemap, the KoreaScience Web pages have noticeably increased the relevance of a search results’ list on Google and Google Scholar. In addition to this, the KoreaScience platform has received an increasing amount of its traffic from around the world.

Originality/value

Not much research has sought to understand SEO in the aspect of users and how it may be facilitated in “visible” academic Web environments such as search systems and open access information systems. For this project, the motivation for investigating SEO comes from its association with positive outcomes that range from personal benefits to global rewards, e.g. increased satisfaction in search user experience and, further, academic progress and scientific development by sharing and accessing scientific knowledge in the fast-growing field of STEM.
Implementing knowledge management in university libraries of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Shamshad , Sheikh Arslan , Akram Muhammad
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) is an emerging method of management. This study aims to explore the various aspects of implementing KM in university libraries of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire, and data were collected from 75 chief librarians and reference librarians of 48 university libraries of Pakistan. A total of 60 valid responses received and analyzed using SPSS version-21.

Findings

The results disclose that a majority of respondents are familiar with KM, and literature reading is the major source of their awareness. The Pakistani academic librarians believe that KM can be applied, in the reference services, resources sharing, networking and information literacy programs of libraries. While, need for professional training and KM education are also reported. KM can be implemented in libraries through, use of ICT, developing knowledge sharing culture and developing mentorship in organizations. A lack of staff training, lack of expertise in KM, lack of knowledge gaining and sharing culture, lack of understanding of KM concept and its benefits and a lack of IT infrastructure are the major challenges faced by library and information science (LIS) professionals. Communication skills, information management skills, IT skills, leadership skills, human resource management skills are identified as key skills for the implementation of KM.

Practical implications

This study provides a base to develop a KM strategy and implementation plan for academic libraries in Pakistan. It will facilitate to constitute an important step toward the management of intangible assets in Pakistani libraries.

Originality/value

The results of the study will unveil the perceptions of academic librarians toward KM. It will help to understand the relationship between KM and LIS. The study will also identify the challenges faced by librarians and skills required for the implementation of KM in libraries.
Usage based upon reasons: the case of electronic banking services in India
Authors: Arora Sangeeta , Sandhu Supreet
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine factors influencing customers’ usage of electronic banking (e-banking) services.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to collect information from bank customers regarding their perceptions about e-banking services and their demographics. Multiple regression analysis is used to test the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

E-banking usage is found to be high for female, more educated, younger, and middle income customers. Among the 11 perceptual variables studied, only six variables, namely: information, performance, self-interest, service quality, satisfaction, and experience are found to be significantly and positively associated with e-banking usage.

Practical implications

This study identifies factors which may be focussed on by bankers during the formulation of their operations and marketing strategies to provide the best e-banking experience to their customers, enabling bankers to augment bank profitability through the strategic use of technologies.

Originality/value

Past studies have seldom examined the combined influence of demographics and other factors on e-banking services usage in the context of developing countries. Most of the earlier studies have considered single service or examined the adoption as only a binary variable.
An internet utopia? Government use of web technologies to engage citizens in the US
Authors: Brainard Lori A.
Published: May 2018

In recent decades, scholars and politicians have concerned themselves with how to more robustly engage people in public life. “Internet Utopians” have looked to various web technologies, including social media, to be helpful; even transformative. This article looks at extant research on which technologies governments in the US use, whether their use of technologies facilitates offline and online civic engagement, and the extent to which the government-citizen relationship has changed or may be changing. For Internet Utopians the picture is dismal, though not without some bright spots. This article ends with areas for future research.
Dynamics and drivers of customer engagement: within the dyad and beyond
Authors: Fehrer Julia A. , Woratschek Herbert , Germelmann Claas Christian , Brodie Roderick J.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend existing engagement research in two directions: first, it operationalizes the dynamic nature of the engagement process within a customer-brand dyad and, second, it tests the interrelationships with other network actors in a triadic network setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2×2 experimental design models the iterative nature of the engagement process based on repeated measures at three points in time, considering the contextual effects of connections with other customers and crowding-in effects based on monetary incentives.

Findings

This research demonstrates that in a utilitarian service setting, customer engagement does not emerge per se in the dyadic interaction between the customer and the brand. For high levels of engagement behavior to occur, incentives and ties to other network actors are essential. Further, the findings suggest a non-linear relationship between engagement behavior and its antecedents and consequences: engagement behavior must overcome a certain intensity threshold to unfold its effect.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to explore the dynamic nature of the engagement process in experiential and interactive service settings, and more complex network settings that may involve more actors and more complex relationships.

Practical implications

By facilitating connections between customers and compensating for low intrinsic interest, managers can facilitate actual engagement behavior even in utilitarian service contexts. Once engagement behavior has been triggered, an increased engagement disposition, higher satisfaction, higher involvement and higher loyalty follow.

Originality/value

This study empirically tests the dynamic nature of the engagement process within and beyond the dyad, and has revealed a non-linear pattern of customer engagement behavior within its nomological network.
Perceived deviance tolerance
Authors: Kong Ming , Yuan Yue
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Based on the emerging stream of research in moral psychology and behavioral ethics which shows that accessibility of moral constructs influences ethical decisions, judgments, and behaviors, perceived deviance tolerance (PDT) is defined as “leaders’ tolerance of deviance perceived by employees.” The purpose of this paper is to propose and empirically test a theoretical model that explains how and why PDT influences employees’ moral psychology and behaviors in interpersonal contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes 298 leaders and 429 employees from 16 large Chinese enterprises as samples.

Findings

Results across two studies provide consistent support for the proposed model and advance our understanding about how employees’ perception of leaders’ deviance tolerance influences their negative and positive behaviors.

Originality/value

Thus, findings of this research contribute to knowledge on the interpersonal effects of cognition in employees’ behaviors and enrich the application of social control theory.
Media literacy and newspapers of record
Authors: Kapel Scottie , Schmidt Krista D.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges associated with identifying newspapers of record for local, regional and national newspapers, specifically as those challenges pertain to students’ news media literacy. Visual literacy and information literacy intersections are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Newspapers of record for province/territory and state areas of Canada and the United States of America were identified for student project purposes. Criteria for newspaper of record qualification were investigated, refined, and applied to all newspapers reviewed.

Findings

Distinguishing newspapers of record based on traditional criteria is inadequate in an online environment. Criteria must be more flexible and address both the visual as well as the content aspects of newspapers. Neither database access nor native website access alone is sufficient for identifying these newspapers. Straightforward and definitive identification of these newspapers will no longer be possible.

Practical implications

Librarians will be faced with focusing on content or visual literacy, addressing both in a meaningful way during a single instruction session will be difficult. More strategic instruction within and across disciplines is necessary to produce news media-literate and savvy students.

Originality/value

News media literacy for students in all disciplines is an urgent need and must incorporate both visual and content literacies. In a time of proliferation of news sources, understanding the challenges associated with identifying newspapers of record for both librarians and students is a necessary step in this area of information literacy.
An exploration of the lived experience of professional grief among occupational therapists working in palliative care settings
Authors: Treggalles Kelly , Lowrie Daniel
Published: May 2018

Background/aim

Occupational therapists who work in palliative care are frequently exposed to the experience of death and dying. Previous occupational therapy research has offered insight into factors that influence feelings relating to death and dying and associated coping strategies. However, existing literature is dated and has not specifically examined the concept of grief. This study addresses this gap in knowledge by exploring the lived experience of professional grief among occupational therapists working in palliative care settings.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with six Australian palliative care occupational therapists. The data were collected and analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach.

Results

Four interrelated themes were identified as core to the lived experience of professional grief among participants. These included; ‘knowledge of self’, ‘giving permission for connections and feelings’, ‘filtering experience’ and ‘being present at work and at home’.

Conclusion

Considered in combination, these themes offer a guide for therapists to explore their own experience of and responses to professional grief and, in doing so, foster the development of personalised management strategies.
An Exceptional Case of Acute Respiratory Failure Caused by Intra‐Thoracic Gastric Perforation Secondary to Overeating
Authors: di Luca Alessandro , Ricci Eleonora , Grassi Vincenzo M. , Arena Vincenzo , Oliva Antonio
Published: May 2018

An 18‐year‐old female patient arrived at the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain and fullness after a heavy meal. Physical examination revealed she was filthy and cover in feces, and she experienced severe abdominal distension. She died in ED and a diagnostic autopsy examination was requested. At external examination, the pathologist observed a significant dilation of the anal sphincter and suspected sexual assault, thus alerting the Judicial Authority who assigned the case to our department for a forensic autopsy. During the autopsy, we observed anal orifice expansion without signs of violence; food was found in the pleural cavity. The stomach was hyper‐distended and perforated at three different points as well as the diaphragm. The patient was suffering from anorexia nervosa with episodes of overeating followed by manual voiding of her feces from the anal cavity (thus explaining the anal dilatation). The forensic pathologists closed the case as an accidental death.
Sperm nuclear protamines: A checkpoint to control sperm chromatin quality
Authors: Steger Klaus , Balhorn Rod
Published: May 2018

Protamines are nuclear proteins which are specifically expressed in haploid male germ cells. Their replacement of histones and binding to DNA is followed by chromatin hypercondensation that protects DNA from negative influences by environmental factors. Mammalian sperm contain two types of protamines: PRM1 and PRM2. While the proportion of the two protamines is highly variable between different species, abnormal ratios within a species are known to be associated with male subfertility. Therefore, it is more than likely that correct protamine expression represents a kind of chromatin checkpoint during sperm development rendering protamines as suitable biomarkers for the estimation of sperm quality. This review presents an overview of our current knowledge on protamines comparing gene and protein structures between different mammalian species with particular consideration given to man, mouse and stallion. At last, recent insights into the possible role of inherited sperm histones for early embryo development are provided.