bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping eQTL by leveraging multiple tissues and DNA methylation
Authors: Acharya Chaitanya R. , Owzar Kouros , Allen Andrew S.
Published: August 2016

Background

DNA methylation is an important tissue-specific epigenetic event that influences transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Differentially methylated CpG sites may act as mediators between genetic variation and gene expression, and this relationship can be exploited while mapping multi-tissue expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). Current multi-tissue eQTL mapping techniques are limited to only exploiting gene expression patterns across multiple tissues either in a joint tissue or tissue-by-tissue frameworks. We present a new statistical approach that enables us to model the effect of germ-line variation on tissue-specific gene expression in the presence of effects due to DNA methylation.

Results

Our method efficiently models genetic and epigenetic variation to identify genomic regions of interest containing combinations of mRNA transcripts, CpG sites, and SNPs by jointly testing for genotypic effect and higher order interaction effects between genotype, methylation and tissues. We demonstrate using Monte Carlo simulations that our approach, in the presence of both genetic and DNA methylation effects, gives an improved performance (in terms of statistical power) to detect eQTLs over the current eQTL mapping approaches. When applied to an array-based dataset from 150 neuropathologically normal adult human brains, our method identifies eQTLs that were undetected using standard tissue-by-tissue or joint tissue eQTL mapping techniques. As an example, our method identifies eQTLs in a BAX inhibiting gene (TMBIM1), which may have a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease.

Conclusions

Our score test-based approach does not need parameter estimation under the alternative hypothesis. As a result, our model parameters are estimated only once for each mRNA - CpG pair. Our model specifically studies the effects of non-coding regions of DNA (in this case, CpG sites) on mapping eQTLs. However, we can easily model micro-RNAs instead of CpG sites to study the effects of post-transcriptional events in mapping eQTL. Our model’s flexible framework also allows us to investigate other genomic events such as alternative gene splicing by extending our model to include gene isoform-specific data.
A new method for quantitative phase analysis using X-ray powder diffraction: direct derivation of weight fractions from observed integrated intensities and chemical compositions of individual phases
Authors: Toraya Hideo
Published: August 2016

A new method for the quantitative phase analysis of multi-component polycrystalline materials using the X-ray powder diffraction technique is proposed. A formula for calculating weight fractions of individual crystalline phases has been derived from the intensity formula for powder diffraction in Bragg–Brentano geometry. The integrated intensity of a diffraction line is proportional to the volume fraction of a relevant crystalline phase in an irradiated sample, and the volume fraction, when it is multiplied with the chemical formula weight, can be related to the weight fraction. The structure-factor-related quantity in the intensity formula, when it is summed in an adequate 2θ range, can be replaced with the sum of squared numbers of electrons belonging to composing atoms in the chemical formula. Unit-cell volumes and the number of chemical formula units are all cancelled out in the formula. Therefore, the formula requires only single-measurement integrated intensity datasets for the individual phases and their chemical compositions. No standard reference material, reference intensity ratio or crystal structure parameter is required. A new procedure for partitioning the intensities of unresolved overlapped diffraction lines has also been proposed. It is an iterative procedure which starts from derived weight fractions, converts the weight fractions to volume fractions by utilizing additional information on material densities, and then partitions the intensities in proportion to the volume fractions. Use of the Pawley pattern decomposition method provides more accurate intensity datasets than the individual profile fitting technique, and it expands the applicability of the present method to more complex powder diffraction patterns. Test results using weighed mixture samples showed that the accuracy, evaluated by the root-mean-square error, is comparable to that obtained by Rietveld quantitative phase analysis.
A rapid two-dimensional data collection system for the study of ferroelectric materials under external applied electric fields
Authors: Vergentev Tikhon , Bronwald Iurii , Chernyshov Dmitry , Gorfman Semen , Ryding Stephanie H. M. , Thompson Paul , Cernik Robert J.
Published: August 2016

Synchrotron X-rays on the Swiss Norwegian Beamline and BM28 (XMaS) at the ESRF have been used to record the diffraction response of the PMN–PT relaxor piezoelectric 67% Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–33% PbTiO3as a function of externally applied electric field. A DC field in the range 0–18 kV cm−1was applied along the [001] pseudo-cubic direction using a specially designed sample cell forin situsingle-crystal diffraction experiments. The cell allowed data to be collected on a Pilatus 2M area detector in a large volume of reciprocal space using transmission geometry. The data showed good agreement with a twinned single-phase monoclinic structure model. The results from the area detector were compared with previous Bragg peak mapping using variable electric fields and a single detector where the structural model was ambiguous. The coverage of a significantly larger section of reciprocal space facilitated by the area detector allowed precise phase analysis.
Influences on New Jersey public library budget requests
Authors: Beckett Edith K.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This research study aims to examine influences on the public library funding decision from the perspectives of New Jersey mayors and public library directors.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was used to explore statements of 84 public library directors and 45 mayors about what was most/least effective in a recent library budget request.

Findings

Although they may differ on the relative importance of a specific concept, the public library directors and mayors in this study have high levels of agreement about what information is important in the budget decision process.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitations of the findings of this study stem from the reliability of self-reported data and the low response rates. While the researcher believes that the findings and conclusions are valid for the survey respondents, it is less certain that they are valid for all public libraries in New Jersey, and it is not recommended that the conclusions be extended to public libraries outside of the state which differ in state mandates and other circumstances.

Practical implications

Understanding more about the factors that can influence library funding decisions provides insight into the very complex public library funding process and may help public library directors and mayors engage in mutually satisfactory budget negotiations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the Library and Information Science research literature on library budgets by examining influences on the public library funding decision, specifically adding the perspectives of mayors and public library directors on a recent budget cycle.
Creating a culture of philanthropy
Authors: Whitchurch Jesse , Comer Alberta
Published: August 2016

Purpose

With the retirement of the External Relations Director in early 2014, the Marriott Library’s new Dean used this opportunity to move library fundraising in a new direction. This paper aims to examine one approach to institutionalizing philanthropy to increase its effectiveness and creates a plan for implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Changing the position expectations and hiring a new Development Director to lead the change has proven beneficial to the library staff and donors. The new Development Director and Dean are changing the culture of development at the Marriott Library by not only working closely with library faculty and staff but also through making them partners in all aspects of development work.

Findings

Although the new program has only been in place for a little more than a year, positive outcomes are already emerging. These include a more engaged staff, better served donors and an increase in donations to the library including, a multi-million dollar gift for a major renovation as well as a US$3.5 m gift of rare materials.

Originality/value

While there has been a lot of research on development, little of it focuses specifically on the assets and challenges libraries face within the context of large universities. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of library fundraising and offers a model of how libraries can leverage their staff and central role within the university.
Women versus men
Authors: Linacre Simon
Published: August 2016

Findings In every office, every day, there are innumerable acts of sexism. The male manager opening a door for a female employee; the female director giving more encouragement to a female worker ahead of a male equivalent. Technically, these acts are discriminatory on the grounds of gender, and therefore sexist, but most people would defend them as simply part of human life, or supporting colleagues at work. Is this kind of behavior really sexism?
Public entrepreneurship and sub-clinical psychopaths: a conceptual frame and implications
Authors: Fennimore Anne , Sementelli Arthur
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adapt the research conducted on subclinical psychopaths in the private sector and applies it to the public sector to build a conceptual frame for further research on subclinical psychopaths in public organisations. General characteristics of entrepreneurs often run counter to democratic values, and are more often aligned with private sector values. Public managers who display one of the dark-triad personalities, i.e., psychopathy, can pose a greater threat to democratic values and the state.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is theoretical with the aim of proposing a conceptual framework that utilises Downs’ five types of officials governing bureaucracies, to illustrate a relationship between public entrepreneurs and subclinical psychopaths.

Findings

The conceptual framework presented in this paper suggests that psychopathic entrepreneurs can be identified within Downs’ bureaucratic framework specifically as climbers (due to inherent personality traits) and as zealots (heroic and altruistic behaviour for organisational causes, yet motivated by power, domination, and self-interest). The implications of psychopathic public managers who engage in entrepreneurial activities may be escalating public distrust, hostility, and dissatisfaction in government.

Originality/value

This theoretical paper adds to the growing body of criticism for public entrepreneurship by conceptualising how psychopaths, as climbers and zealots, affect public trust in terms of accountability and democratic values.
Factors affecting performance/success of small-scale rural non-farm enterprises in Lesotho
Authors: Rantšo Tšepiso A.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to study the different factors that determine the performance or success of small-scale, non-farm enterprises in Lesotho. Evidence shows that small-scale enterprises in developing countries are confronted with different challenges and problems that make them less viable. As a result, the capacity of small-scale, non-farm enterprises in employment creation, income generation and providing the means of livelihood to the poor people is not significant. In Lesotho, many people who are retrenched from the South African mines are absorbed in small-scale, non-farm enterprises to make a living. However, small-scale enterprises are faced with different challenges. The research findings suggest that factors leading to success/performance of rural non-farm enterprises in Lesotho include gender of the entrepreneur, age of the entrepreneur, ability of the entrepreneur to establish wider social networks, large population/market, availability of communication networks and infrastructure, participation of enterprises in the international market and costs of doing business and competition. In this regard, the paper makes policy recommendations that can be used to improve performance/success of small-scale, non-farm enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyse data.

Findings

The main finding of the research is that foreign competition hinders the success of non-farm enterprises in Lesotho. The research findings further reveal that enterprises owned by women make the highest turnover compared to those owned by men.

Practical implications

This study brings in different factors that can ensure or hinder success/performance of small-scale, rural non-enterprises.

Originality/value

The research paper is of value in that it is the first study in Lesotho that considers different factors that determine business success in relation to employment creation, turnover and profitability.
The impact of the social protest on brand commitment
Authors: Shuv-Ami Avichai
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present changes in customer brand commitment and its components in relation to the cellular and financial markets using three sets of data that were collected before, during and after the social protests of the Summer of 2011 in Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

The four data sets for this study were collected from an internet panel and represent the Hebrew-speaking segment of Israel’s population. The current study examines two markets; cellular provider companies and financial service companies. The surveys were carried out at different points in time which extended from April 2011 to March 2012. The first two surveys were carried out in March 2011 and May 2011, before the outbreak of the protests the Summer of 2011. A third survey was conducted in August 2011 during the protest. The last and the fourth survey was conducted in March 2012 after the wave of protests had died down.

Findings

The current research shows that as a result of the social protest movement, consumers have changed. They perceive brands as not being as good (perceived performance) as they were before the protest; they are less satisfied with the brands they used previously; and they are less loyal and committed to them.

Practical implications

The findings of this study signify a major change in marketing and in basic aspects of consumer behavior. Brands have become less important than before the protest. Testing two markets, cellular and financial, this research suggests that the social protest movement reduced the attachment of consumers to brands they most often bought.

Originality/value

No study has tested the impact over time of the social protest on several consumer behavior variables, including brand loyalty, brand involvement, satisfaction, consumer perceptions of their brands’ performance and brand commitment.
Economic and financial rationale for age-friendly housing
Authors: Štaube Tatjana , Leemeijer Benno , Geipele Sanda , Kauškale Linda , Geipele Ineta , Jansen Jeroen
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study aims to indicate the reasons and provide practical suggestions to financial viability of the age-friendly housing as a sustainable construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the primary and secondary literary sources, logical approach and comparisons of real estate and socio-economic regional statistics and conducts analysis of case studies.

Findings

The study contains the results from empirical analysis on the topicality of an age-friendly built environment in the scientific literature. Key principles are identified for a current early stage of the development of a concept of the age-friendly housing. A research on the current socio-economic aspects of the creation of an age-friendly built environment is made. The practical cases of the age-friendly housing are inspected. Timely developed age-friendly housings may expect growing demands, but thorough calculation on future income is required.

Research limitations/implications

The research is carried on a scale of two countries – the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Latvia.

Practical implications

The paper provides new developments in construction sector of Latvia and the Netherlands in terms of intention to further scientific and practical activities. The research has to identify the socio-economic aspects and the impact and importance of those in determining the revenues of age-friendly construction.

Social implications

Age-friendly construction is going to become the standard of the sustainable property development, whereby the developers and investors will not make additional investments as they are compensated up front, and society as a total gets the revenues on the long term. Once this “wheel is turning”, the benefits will be permanent.

Originality/value

Latvia is being analysed in comparison with the Netherlands. The authors challenged to find opportunities to both countries from the economic viability’s point of view for the age-friendly housing developments.
Establishing an evidence base for adapting social housing for an ageing population
Authors: Boyle Frank , Thomson Craig
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Prolonged life expectancy coupled with the retirement of the “post war baby boomers” has resulted in an exponential rise in the 50+ population, peaking in the UK in 2035. Recognising that longevity is often not accompanied by health, mobility or quality of life, the “shifting the balance of care” agenda promotes an integrated care model based around the resident’s home. This study aims to explore the adaptability of the existing social housing stock and how it relates to the requirements and preferences of the ageing population.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focuses at the local authority level, with the lead author embedded within North Ayrshire Council to establish the evidence base for their housing strategy for older people. Following a constructivist grounded theory approach, key themes emerge through consultation with a working group, wider stakeholder groups and an iterative review of policy and literature. These themes were explored through an evidence base of available health and housing datasets, and a questionnaire survey of 1,500+ people aged 50+ exploring housing preferences and needs for older people; six focus groups split between residents and social housing providers and stakeholder interviews.

Findings

The scale and acute nature of the problem facing social housing providers is highlighted and reveals an alarming information gap within housing data sets, exposing an in-balance between the supply and demand and realising the cost implications for adapting the housing stock.

Practical implications

It is important to resolve this information gap to develop the social housing stock to respond to preferences and establish solutions appropriate for its residents.

Originality/value

This work strengthens calls for a cohesive and integrated housing, health and social care system and exposes the challenge of delivering this at a local authority level.
Resources for a positive perception of work among poor working youth
Authors: Ocampo Anna Carmella G. , Reyes Melissa Lopez
Published: August 2016

Purpose

A positive perception of work helps counteract the stress and psychological loss because of non-optimal working conditions. This paper aims to hypothesize two pathways through which social-psychological resources in the workplace contribute to positive work perception: one pathway is direct and the other is through the mediating mechanism of youth’s internal resource.

Design/methodology/approach

Filipino working youth from a government program for out-of-school poor youth, or working students enrolled in a free night high school, completed pertinent scales of the Multicontext Assessment Battery of Youth Development.

Findings

Co-workers’ endorsement of work values and their joint exercise of resilience-building skills build youth’s positive work perception. Youth’s personal initiative contributes to their positive work perception by its direct influence and also by its mediating mechanism.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional survey of this study does not allow for a definitive temporal progression from resources to positive work perception as does a longitudinal study.

Social implications

For poor working youth, the threats of a financially bleak future can be tempered by an attitude that recognizes work not only as financially necessary but also as beneficial to one’s growth. The social-psychological resources in the workplace and the youth’s emerging personal initiative jointly contribute to a positive perception of work.

Originality/value

The current research shifts the focus of analysis from disadvantageous employment conditions to the affective and motivational aspects of employment and uses the conservation-of-resources theory to plot the flow of resources from the workplace to the worker.
Weighting the dimensions in models of excellence – a critical review from a business perspective
Authors: Gómez-Gómez Joaquín , Martínez-Costa Micaela , Martínez-Lorente Ángel Rafael
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Despite the widespread use of excellence models as a self-assessment tool in the past two decades, little is known about the underlying logic behind the way that promoting organizations give weight to their criteria, and whether these scores align with business reality. This paper aims to analyze whether these scores coincide with the vision of managers and the real situation of business today.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses three different methods and two kinds of data to review the evolution of scores on criteria in excellence models since their creation and empirically analyses and compares the results with the vision of the managers.

Findings

The results show that the estimated weight of criteria in the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model (both directly perceived by managers and obtained with the statistical analysis) do not coincide with the value that the promoting organization has given to them, in its current version or in the previous versions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is focused exclusively on industrial companies so one discussion point that can serve as a basis for future research is to study whether there is any difference in the distribution of points between industrial organizations and services, or between private and public organizations.

Practical implications

The results show that, depending of the methodology used to evaluate the weight of each element of the excellence model, these weights could be different and are different from those proposed by EFQM. Therefore, if managers want to use the EFQM model of excellence for self-evaluation purposes, they should define their own weights for each element, in accordance with their own company characteristics. Leadership, strategy, people, partnership & resources and processes could have more or less importance in promoting the success of a business, according to the specific situation of each company.

Originality/value

This study has been made using three different methods and two kinds of data.
Measuring university technology transfer efficiency: a maturity level approach
Authors: Secundo Giustina , De Beer Christle , Passiante Giuseppina
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The process of innovation in developing countries is different from that of developed countries, with mature technologies often being adopted with limited success. Universities are increasingly being viewed by policymakers as engines of innovation through the technology transfer office (TTO). However, with the adoption of various new intellectual property right legislation, university TTOs in developing countries have had an inefficient approach to technology transfer. Framed in the above premises, this study aims to develop a Maturity Model to measure, through non-monetary indicators, the efficiency of TTOs.

Design/methodology/approach

The Maturity Model is inspired by the Berkley (PM)2 Model which allows an organization to determine strengths and weaknesses and to focus on weak practices to achieve higher maturity. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process is adopted to determine the priorities and weights of the non-monetary indicators because they are ambiguous.

Findings

The Maturity Model to measure the efficiency of TTO cover the following efficiency areas: intellectual property strategy and policy; organization design and structure; human resource; technology; industry links; and networking. The model provides a theoretical continuum along which the process of maturity can be developed incrementally in TTO from one level to the next, moving from awareness, defined, managed, integrated and sustained stage.

Research limitations/implications

The Maturity Model needs to be tested and applied in TTOs in developing countries.

Practical implications

The Maturity Model provides a means to sustain the decision-making process more effectively, especially in those countries considered as an inefficient innovator.

Originality/value

The findings inform the design of a customizable solution to barriers to the success of technology transfer and highlight weaknesses within each institution or TTOs efficiency.
Beyond brand exposure: measuring the sponsorship halo effect
Authors: Vance Lenny , Raciti Maria M. , Lawley Meredith
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Global spending on sponsorship continues to rise and many companies now establish portfolios containing a range of sponsorships across sport, arts and cause-related activities. Yet a lack of practical methodologies for the measurement and comparison of sponsorship performance within a portfolio context remains a challenge. Sponsors often rely solely on proxy measures for brand exposure drawn from advertising. These do not capture the higher-level outcomes of sponsorship awareness and goodwill transfer, often attributed to sponsorship as a ‘halo effect’. This paper aims to present a matrix tool that combines consumer awareness of and goodwill for a sponsorship so the halo effects of sponsorships within a portfolio can be quantified and compared.

Design/methodology/approach

This archival analysis study is based on six years of brand tracking data (comprising some 15,500 consumer surveys) supplied by a large Australian company. A sponsorship portfolio matrix is developed to measure the halo effect.

Findings

This study demonstrates that a sponsorship’s halo effect can be measured and comparisons can be drawn across sponsorship types within a portfolio. The study shows that despite the significantly higher levels of brand awareness achieved by commercially oriented professional sports sponsorship types, community relations oriented sponsorship types achieve a greater halo effect because of their more positive impact on the sponsor’s brand attributes.

Originality/value

The matrix provides a valuable tool by which sponsorships can be compared, evaluated and managed to meet the longer-term brand and marketing objectives of a company.
Case study of a structural model to explore the effects of knowledge sharing on intellectual capital
Authors: Akhavan Peyman , Khosravian Farnoosh
Published: August 2016

Purpose

It is commonly known that intellectual capital (IC) plays a remarkable role in organizations, especially in colleges and academic centers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of knowledge sharing (KS) on IC.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the extensive literature review, a questionnaire was designed. The questions were composed of two parts; KS questions and IC questions. In total, 352 students completed questionnaires in the Shahinshahr branch of Payam-e-Noor University. Structural equation modeling was used to develop the measurement model.

Findings

The findings showed that KS has a significant positive correlation with IC and its dimensions. The structural equation modeling confirmed the research model and showed a good match with it.

Originality/value

Given that this study aimed to examine KS and IC, it implies that with optimized knowledge management in universities, providing the infrastructures of KS and strengthening students’ motivational factors, KS capacities can be enhanced and IC of universities would be strengthened.
Examining the impact of organizational culture on social capital in a research based organizations
Authors: Ramezan Majid
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of organizational culture (OC) on social capital (SC) between experts of research-based industrial organizations who were aware of the subject of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The tools in this study were the native and modified questionnaire of Denison OC model with 33 items and Abili’s developed questionnaire based on Nahapiet and Ghoshal model for SC with 24 items. Validity of questionnaire well approved based on face validity method by experts, specialists and professors of management. Using the results of pre-test, Cronbach’s alpha was showed the very high reliability. Because of the low number of experts, we did not sampling and decided to distribute questionnaires among all of them. In all, 120 completely filled questionnaires were returned out of the 134 distributed. For examining the main hypothesis and sub-hypothesis of this study simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis were used.

Findings

The results of regression analysis showed that regression line ascribes changes in dependent variable (SC) to independent variable (OC). It means that in research-based industrial organizations, OC has a significant positive impact on SC and cultural traits with internal focus have more impact on SC than those with external focus. Then, with the use of parametric tests, the relationship between OC and SC and between components of OC and SC was investigated. Finally, Pearson correlation tests results confirmed the significant relationships. Overall, the results of this study show the significant, positive, strong relationship between OC and SC.

Originality/value

As there are not many studies about the impact of OC on SC, this paper’s findings will be useful to assess and improve the cultural situation for increasing the SC in organization.
Azimuthal variation of converted‐wave amplitude in a reservoir with vertically aligned fractures − a physical model study
Authors: Chang Chih‐Hsiung , Chang Young‐Fo , Tseng Po‐Yen
Published: August 2016

The existence of fractures not only provides space for oil and gas to reside in but also creates pathways for their migration. Accurate description of a fractured reservoir is thus an important subject of exploration for geophysicists and petroleum engineers. In reflection seismology, a reservoir of parallel vertical fractures is often considered a transversely isotropic medium with its symmetry axis horizontally oriented and its physical properties varying in azimuth on the horizontal symmetry‐axis plane. In the history of fractured reservoir exploration, azimuthal variation in the P‐wave amplitude, velocity, and fractional difference of the split S‐waves have been popular seismic attributes used to delineate characteristics and extract information from the reservoir. Instead of analysing the reflection signatures of P‐wave and S‐wave, the objective of this study is to demonstrate the azimuthal variation of the converted wave (C‐wave) amplitude in a fractured reservoir. To facilitate our objective, both common offset and end‐on shooting reflection experiments were conducted in different azimuths on the horizontal symmetry‐axis plane of a horizontal transverse isotropic model. In the acquired profile, reflections of P‐wave, PS1‐wave (C1‐), and a mixture of PS2‐ (C2‐) and S1‐waves were observed and identified. Thereafter, the laboratory observations were Hilbert transformed to compute the reflectivity strength of the relative events. Results show that the reflectivity strengths of both P‐ and C1‐waves are consistently weakened from the direction of the layering strike to the layering normal. However, the azimuthal variation of the C1‐wave amplitude is more significant than that of the P‐wave and can be considered another effective seismic attribute for orienting the fracture strike of a reservoir that consists of vertically aligned fractures.
Reverse‐time migration from rugged topography using irregular, unstructured mesh
Authors: Liu Qiancheng , Zhang Jianfeng , Gao Hongwei
Published: August 2016

We developed a reverse‐time migration scheme that can image regions with rugged topography without requiring any approximations by adopting an irregular, unstructured‐grid modelling scheme. This grid, which can accurately describe surface topography and interfaces between high‐velocity‐contrast regions, is generated by Delaunay triangulation combined with the centroidal Voronoi tessellation method. The grid sizes vary according to the migration velocities, resulting in significant reduction of the number of discretized nodes compared with the number of nodes in the conventional regular‐grid scheme, particularly in the case wherein high near‐surface velocities exist. Moreover, the time sampling rate can be reduced substantially. The grid method, together with the irregular perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary condition, enables the proposed scheme to image regions of interest using curved artificial boundaries with fewer discretized nodes. We tested the proposed scheme using the 2D SEG Foothill synthetic dataset.
Pathways to Institutional Equilibrium after a Campus Disaster
Authors: Shaw Mahauganee D.
Published: August 2016

This study applies theories of evolutionary organizational change to disaster‐stricken higher education institutions. A collective case study was used to explore two institutions’ pathways back to operational equilibrium following environmental disasters. The key finding is the identification of seven variables that collectively influenced the institutional pathway to equilibrium. These variables can either shorten or lengthen the achievement of recovery goals that lead to operational equilibrium. The conclusion developed from these findings is that institutional equilibrium is largely dependent on external factors and can be regained while an institution is yet in recovery mode. Findings from this study contribute to the theoretical foundations of organizational development and crisis management, as well as the practice of crisis management in higher education.
Towards the Classification of Fireground Cues: A Qualitative Analysis of Expert Reports
Authors: Okoli Justin , Watt John , Weller Gordon
Published: August 2016

While there is evidence linking informational cue processing ability to effective decision‐making on the fireground, only a few studies have actually attempted detailed description and categorization of the cues sought by fireground commanders when managing real fires. In this study, thirty experienced firefighters were interviewed across various fire stations in the UK and Nigeria using the critical decision method protocol. Forty‐one different cues were identified, which were then categorized into five distinct types, namely safety cues, cues that indicate the nature of problem, environmental cues, emotive cues and incident command and control cues. The article concluded by evaluating the role of expertise in cue utilization, drawing on evidence from the naturalistic decision‐making (NDM) literature.
Reducing Readmissions among Heart Failure Patients Discharged to Home Health Care: Effectiveness of Early and Intensive Nursing Services and Early Physician Follow‐Up
Authors: Murtaugh Christopher M. , Deb Partha , Zhu Carolyn , Peng Timothy R. , Barrón Yolanda , Shah Shivani , Moore Stanley M. , Bowles Kathryn H. , Kalman Jill , Feldman Penny H. , Siu Albert L.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of two “treatments”—early, intensive home health nursing and physician follow‐up within a week—versus less intense and later postacute care in reducing readmissions among heart failure (HF) patients discharged to home health care.

Data Sources

National Medicare administrative, claims, and patient assessment data.

Study Design

Patients with a full week of potential exposure to the treatments were followed for 30 days to determine exposure status, 30‐day all‐cause hospital readmission, other health care use, and mortality. An extension of instrumental variables methods for nonlinear statistical models corrects for nonrandom selection of patients into treatment categories. Our instruments are the index hospital's rate of early aftercare for non‐HF patients and hospital discharge day of the week.

Data Extraction Methods

All hospitalizations for a HF principal diagnosis with discharge to home health care between July 2009 and June 2010 were identified from source files.

Principal Findings

Neither treatment by itself has a statistically significant effect on hospital readmission. In combination, however, they reduce the probability of readmission by roughly 8 percentage points (p < .001; confidence interval = −12.3, −4.1). Results are robust to changes in implementation of the nonlinear IV estimator, sample, outcome measure, and length of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our results call for closer coordination between home health and medical providers in the clinical management of HF patients immediately after hospital discharge.
Selective Plasma Exchange for Critically Ill Patients Accompanied With Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Nakae Hajime , Fukuda Hirokazu , Okuyama Manabu , Igarashi Toshiko
Published: August 2016

Selective plasma exchange is a blood purification therapy in which simple plasma exchange is performed using a selective membrane plasma separator (pore size of 0.03 µm). Seven critically ill patients accompanied with thrombocytopenia were treated with selective plasma exchange using fresh frozen plasma. The total bilirubin levels and prothrombin time international normalized ratios decreased significantly after treatment. The total protein, albumin, and fibrinogen levels increased significantly after treatment. Selective plasma exchange may be a useful blood purification therapy for removing causal substances and retaining coagulation factors in patients accompanied with thrombocytopenia.
Removal Dynamics of Immunoglobulin and Fibrinogen by Conventional Plasma Exchange, Selective Plasma Exchange, and a Combination of the Two
Authors: Miyamoto Satoko , Ohkubo Atsushi , Seshima Hiroshi , Maeda Takuma , Itagaki Ayako , Kurashima Naoki , Iimori Soichiro , Naito Shotaro , Sohara Eisei , Rai Tatemitsu , Uchida Shinichi , Okado Tomokazu
Published: August 2016

While plasma exchange (PE) can eliminate plasma proteins, including all immunoglobulin (Ig) and coagulation factors, selective plasma exchange (SePE) can retain fibrinogen (Fbg). Here, we investigated the removal dynamics of Ig and Fbg in 53 patients with immunological disorders by PE, SePE, and a combination of the two. When the mean processed plasma volume (PPV) was 0.9 plasma volume (PV), the mean percent reductions of Ig and Fbg by PE were both approximately 62%–65%. When the mean PPV was 1.1 PV, the mean percent reductions by SePE were 53.1% for IgG, 30.1% for IgA, 3.6% for IgM, and 19.0% for Fbg, respectively. In the three plasmapheresis sessions performed on alternate days, we classified treatments into three categories: PE group (PE–PE–PE, N = 2), SePE group (SePE–SePE–SePE, N = 14), and PE/SePE group (PE–SePE–SePE, N = 4). The mean percent reductions of IgG, IgA, IgM, and Fbg were 82.0%, 80.4%, 87.3%, and 80.9%, respectively, for the PE group; 76.4%, 57.7%, 43.3%, and 35.9%, respectively, for the PE/SePE group; and 75.4%, 50.6%, 3.2%, and 29.3%, respectively, for the SePE group. Plasmapheresis modalities can be combined according to clinical conditions, for instance, to achieve both the unspecific removal of pathogens by PE and retention of coagulation factors, such as Fbg, by SePE.
Removal Characteristics of Immunoadsorption With the Immusorba TR‐350 Column Using Conventional and Selective Plasma Separators
Authors: Ohkubo Atsushi , Okado Tomokazu , Miyamoto Satoko , Goto Keigo , Yamamoto Motoki , Maeda Takuma , Itagaki Ayako , Seshima Hiroshi , Kurashima Naoki , Sohara Eisei , Uchida Shinichi , Rai Tatemitsu
Published: August 2016

In Japan, immunoadsorption (IA) is performed using a conventional plasma separator and Immusorba TR‐350 column (TR‐350) for the treatment of neurological immune diseases. By this method, TR‐350 has the limited maximal capacity of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) adsorption, and fibrinogen (Fbg) is reduced remarkably. Evacure EC‐4A10 (EC‐4A) is a selective plasma separator and the sieving coefficients of IgG and Fbg using EC‐4A were 0.5 and 0, respectively. Here, we investigated the removal characteristics of IgG and Fbg in IA by TR‐350 using two different plasma membrane separators: conventional plasma separator (PE‐IA) and EC‐4A (EC‐IA). In vitro filtration using plasma effluent was performed with a closed circuit. When the processed volume was 3 L, estimated removal amounts by PE‐IA were 3172 mg for IgG and 3329 mg for Fbg, respectively. When the processed volume was 3 L, estimated removal amounts by EC‐IA were 4946 mg and 1916 mg, respectively. EC‐IA can be considered useful for the removal of IgG, including auto‐antibodies, while retaining Fbg, thereby allowing even daily use.
Profiling employees online: shifting public–private boundaries in organisational life
Authors: McDonald Paula , Thompson Paul , O'Connor Peter
Published: August 2016

Profiling involves the collection and use of online information about prospective and current employees to evaluate their fitness for and in the job. Workplace and legal studies suggest an expanded use of profiling and significant legal/professional implications for HRM practitioners, yet scant attention has been afforded to the boundaries of such practices. In this study, profiling is framed as a terrain on which employees and employers assert asymmetrical interests. Using survey data from large samples in Australia and the UK, the study investigates the prevalence and outcomes of profiling; the extent to which employees assert a right to privacy versus employer rights to engage in profiling; the extent to which organisations codify profiling practices; and employee responses in protecting online information. The findings contribute to a small and emerging body of evidence addressing how social media conduct at work is reconstituting and reshaping the boundaries between public and private spheres.
Determinants of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) intolerance and angioedema in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Mahmoudpour Seyed Hamidreza , Baranova Ekaterina Vitalievna , Souverein Patrick C. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , de Boer Anthonius , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke Hilse ,   on behalf of the PREDICTION‐ADR consortium
Published: August 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to describe the occurrence and determinants of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (ACEI) intolerance and angioedema (AE) among patients initiating ACEI therapy in a real‐world primary care population.

Methods

Two nested case–control studies were conducted in a cohort of 276 977 patients aged ≥45 years initiating ACEIs from 2007 to 2014 in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Cases of AE occurring for the first time during ACEI therapy (n = 416) were matched with AE‐free controls (n = 4335) on the duration of ACEI treatment. Documented switches to angiotensin‐II receptor blockers in the prescription records were used to identify ACEI‐intolerance cases (n = 24 709), and these were matched with continuous ACEI users (n = 84 238) on the duration of ACEI therapy. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the associations of demographic factors, comorbidities and comedication with AE and ACEI intolerance.

Results

AE during ACEI therapy was associated with age over 65 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07, 1.73], history of allergy (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.19, 1.96), use of calcium channel blockers (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.23; 2.01), use of antihistamines (OR 21.25, 95% CI 16.44, 27.46) and use of systemic corticosteroids (OR 4.52, 95% CI 3.26, 6.27). ACEI intolerance was significantly associated with more comorbidities and comedication compared with AE, including allergy (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.96, 2.09), use of antiasthmatic drugs (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.42, 1.61) and use of antihistamines (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.43, 1.63).

Conclusions

Among ACEI users developing AE or ACEI intolerance, several comorbidities and comedication classes were significantly more prevalent compared with ACEI users not developing these adverse reactions.
The Lost World's pristinity at risk
Authors: Rull Valentí , Vegas‐Vilarrúbia Teresa , Safont Elisabet
Published: August 2016

The Guayana Highlands (GH) are virtually pristine environments and constitute a unique natural laboratory to study the biogeographical and evolutionary origin of the Neotropical biota. In addition, the GH provide most of the water of the Guayana region, which feeds the more important tributaries of the Orinoco and the Amazon basins. However, the biota and the ecosystems of the GH are in danger of being profoundly altered by current human activities. Recent studies have identified the presence of aggressive invader plant species (e.g. Poa annua and Polypogon elongatus) and infectious faecal bacteria (Helicobacter pilori), both carried by tourists, which could deeply affect biodiversity and ecological performance of terrestrial and aquatic GH ecosystems. If these hazards are not controlled as soon as possible, the potential consequences could disturb not only the GH ecosystems but also those of the rest of the Guayana region. We still have time to find solutions and implement specific regulations before the mentioned threats become uncontrollable. The GH are within a national park and other conservation figures but a management plan is lacking; therefore, current conservation rules are insufficient to deal with the newly detected menaces. We propose an international initiative, including all countries of the Guayana Shield, to take immediate actions. Otherwise, we are in danger of losing one of the few pristine biomes that remain in the world.