bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work motivation among healthcare professionals
Authors: Kjellström Sofia , Avby Gunilla , Areskoug-Josefsson Kristina , Andersson Gäre Boel , Andersson Bäck Monica
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore work motivation among professionals at well-functioning primary healthcare centers subject to a national healthcare reform which include financial incentives.

Design/methodology/approach

Five primary healthcare centers in Sweden were purposively selected for being well-operated and representing public/private and small/large units. In total, 43 interviews were completed with different medical professions and qualitative deductive content analysis was conducted.

Findings

Work motivation exists for professionals when their individual goals are aligned with the organizational goals and the design of the reform. The centers’ positive management was due to a unique combination of factors, such as clear direction of goals, a culture of non-hierarchical collaboration, and systematic quality improvement work. The financial incentives need to be translated in terms of quality patient care to provide clear direction for the professionals. Social processes where professionals work together as cohesive groups, and provided space for quality improvement work is pivotal in addressing how alignment is created.

Practical implications

Leaders need to consistently translate and integrate reforms with the professionals’ drives and values. This is done by encouraging participation through teamwork, time for structured reflection, and quality improvement work.

Social implications

The design of the reforms and leadership are essential preconditions for work motivation.

Originality/value

The study offers a more complete picture of how reforms are managed at primary healthcare centers, as different medical professionals are included. The value also consists of showing how a range of aspects combine for primary healthcare professionals to successfully manage external reforms.
How does the globalization of firms affect corruption in developing economies?
Authors: Park Bokyeong , Khanoi Onon
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how firms’ characteristics related to globalization affect their perception on corruption and actual experiences in bribery. It focuses on two indicators of globalization, namely, foreign ownership and export, and confines the scope to developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis uses firm-level data with observation over 60,000 collected from 94 developing economies. The paper employs the probit model to examine how firm characteristics related to globalization affect corruption perception (CP) and incidence.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that for foreign-invested companies, there is a substantial discrepancy between the perceived corruption and the actual. Although they are involved in bribery as frequently as, or less frequently than local firms, they have greater CPs. Exporting firms are more frequently solicited for bribes, but the effect disappears when time spent for government contact is controlled for. Consequently, foreign investment partly contributes to the corruption control, but the export orientation of firms rather aggravates corruption due to regulative environments in developing economies.

Practical implications

This study provides policy implications that the corruption control through globalization requires streamlining of administration procedure related to foreign investment or trade and, thus, shortening time to deal with public officials. In addition, governments need to emphasize the importance of foreign investment and prevent unethical practices mediated by local partners.

Originality/value

The greatest novelty of this paper lies in using firm level data instead of country level unlike most of the literature. Moreover, the authors focus on firms only in developing economies. As well, unlike most studies using only perception indicators as the proxy of corruption, this paper considers both CPs and actual incidence, and compares each other.
Effectuation-causation: what happens in new product development?
Authors: Ortega Ana M. , García M. Teresa , Santos M. Valle
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The literature provides contradictory findings on planning contradictory findings on planning as a success factor in projects which entail high innovation. Nevertheless, new product development (NPD) research has mainly adopted the causation lens, in which planning plays an important role. By embracing the logic of effectuation, the purpose of this paper is to secure a wider perspective concerning how the various NPD options develop, taking into account the role played by uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting an inductive approach, the authors attempt to advance existing knowledge on the topic. The qualitative methodology (documentary analysis, content analysis and alternate templates) is adopted for the analysis of four NPD projects in the food industry in Spain.

Findings

Results reflect the relevance of the two perspectives considered when explaining the NPD process, with the presence of hybrid behaviour in all the projects and effectuation emerging as the dominant logic in the project linked to a greater degree of innovation and uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

Projects involving varying degrees of innovation would seem to require different NPD approaches. This paper provides an initial approach to the subject, and it analyses a small number of firms. It is necessary to better understand to what extent the two logics are present in different types of projects.

Practical implications

By incorporating the logic of effectuation, firms might consider using NPD as a means of engaging in projects that entail a higher degree of innovation, since it offers ways of dealing with the uncertainty linked to such projects.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the still early efforts to apply the perspective of effectuation to the area of NPD, by linking the logics of effectuation and causation to the various NPD processes taking account of their varying degrees of innovation and uncertainty (exploitation, exploration and leverage options).
Integrating IR with CRIS – a novel researcher-centric approach
Authors: Rybinski Henryk , Skonieczny Lukasz , Koperwas Jakub , Struk Waclaw , Stepniak Jolanta , Kubrak Weronika
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a solution for building an institutional information system (IIS) for the university, so that it combines the functionality of institutional repository (IR) with the functionality of current research information system (CRIS). The paper presents functionality of a system that has been implemented at Warsaw University of Technology (WUT), which solves the requirements of both system types. In addition, applied AI technologies aiming at providing features attractive for the system beneficiaries are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have reviewed various approaches to IIS, analyzed the problems observed by researchers in combining CRIS with IR, and have shown how the problems can be solved within a system that integrates various functionalities. Based on this analysis, the authors have implemented software Ω-ΨR (OMEGA-PSIR) for an academic IIS, which integrates requirements of both system types, and then deployed it at WUT.

Findings

It is shown that although a classical repository is an important part of the CRIS/IR system, the essential value of the solution is in providing analytical tools for “research management.” Based on the example of OMEGA-PSIR, the authors have also presented how the researcher-centric approach influences the acceptance rate of the academic community. It is also shown how the researcher-centric approach can take advantage from integrating the conflicting functionalities of IR and CRIS.

Practical implications

The paper bridges the gap between theory and practice in the area of IIS for academic institutions. It constructively discusses the role of institutional IR and it provides guides how to develop a system combining functionalities of CRIS and IR, as well as how to make IIS more attractive for the users by making the system researcher centric.

Originality/value

The survey of various approaches to IIS is unique. The research-centric approach and its implementation within OMEGA-PSIR system are original. Lessons learned from deploying the software at the WUT are of great value for institutions planning to install IR/CRIS solutions. A survey research concerning the system usability is provided, showing practical usefulness of the proposed approach.
Eric Broekaert (1951-2016): the life and legacy of a TC pioneer and integrative thinker
Authors: Vanderplasschen Wouter , Vandevelde Stijn , D’Oosterlinck Franky , Vandevelde Dirk , Naert Jan , Yates Rowdy
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Eric Broekaert passed away shortly after the XVIth European Working group on Drug-Oriented Research (EWODOR)-conference in Rome on 28 September 2016. He was one of the great TC pioneers in Europe, who founded the first TC for addictions in Belgium (De Kiem) and co-founded the European Federation of Therapeutic Communities and EWODOR. He was a respected Professor of “Orthopedagogics” at Ghent University and a Member of the Editorial Collective ofTherapeutic Communities: the International Journal of Therapeutic Communities. The paper aims to discuss the overview of the career of Eric Broekaert.

Design/methodology/approach

In this obituary, the authors provide an overview of his career, major achievements and theoretical, methodological and integrative ideas, clustered around four typologies: university professor and scholar; manager and source of inspiration; TC pioneer and believer, and integrative thinker.

Findings

Besides his obvious merits as a TC researcher and advocate, one of his major theoretical contributions has been the introduction of the holistic, integrative approach and the idea that diverse types of interventions, as well as methodological approaches can alternatively go together.

Originality/value

He regarded TCs as the ultimate integration of various educational and therapeutic approaches to promote growth and quality of life among severely disadvantaged populations, such as drug addicts and children and adults with emotional and behavioural disorders.
Geometrically nonlinear analysis of shells by various dynamic relaxation methods
Authors: Rezaiee-Pajand Mohammad , Estiri Hossein
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Numerical experiences reveal that the performances of the dynamic relaxation (DR) method are related to the structural types. This paper is devoted to compare the DR schemes for geometric nonlinear analysis of shells. To achieve this task, 12 famous approaches are briefly introduced. The differences among these schemes are between the estimation of the time step, the mass and the damping matrices. In this study, several benchmark structures are analyzed by using these 12 techniques. Based on the number of iterations and the analysis duration, their performances are graded. Numerical findings reveal the high efficiency of the kinetic DR (kdDR) approach and Underwood’s strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Up to now, the performances of various DR algorithms for geometric nonlinear analysis of thin shells have not been investigated. In this paper, 12 famous DR methods have been used for solving these structures. It should be noted that the difference between these approaches is in the estimation of the fictitious parameters. The aforementioned techniques are used to solve several numerical samples. Then, the performances of all schemes are graded based on the number of iterations and the analysis duration.

Findings

The final ranking of each strategy will be obtained after studying all numerical examples. It is worth emphasizing that the number of iterations and that of convergence points of the arc length algorithms are dependent on the value of the initial arc length. In other words, a slight change in the magnitude of the arc length may lead to the wrong responses. Contrary to this behavior, the analyzer’s role in the dynamic relaxation techniques is considerably less than the arc length method. In the DR strategies when the answer approaches the limit points, the iteration number increases automatically. As a result, this algorithm can be used to analyze the structures with complex equilibrium paths.

Research limitations/implications

Numerical experiences reveal that the DR method performances are related to the structural types. This paper is devoted to compare the DR schemes for geometric nonlinear analysis of shells.

Practical implications

Geometric nonlinear analysis of shells is a sophisticated procedure. Consequently, extensive research studies have been conducted to analyze the shells efficiently. The most important characteristic of these structures is their high resistance against pressure. This study demonstrates the performances of various DR methods in solving shell structures.

Originality/value

Up to now, the performances of various DR algorithms for geometric nonlinear analysis of thin shells are not investigated.
A robust cascaded controller for DC-DC Boost and Cuk converters
Authors: Ahmad Fiaz , Rasool Akhtar , Ozsoy Esref Emre , Sabanoviç Asif , Elitas Meltem
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a robust cascaded controller based on proportional-integral (PI) and continuous sliding mode control.

Design/methodology/approach

Cascaded control structure is an attractive control scheme for DC-DC power converters. It has a two-loop structure where the outer loop contains PI controller and the inner loop uses sliding mode control (SMC). This structure thus combines the merits of both the control schemes. However, there are some issues that have prohibited its adoption in industry, the discontinuous nature of SMC which leads to variable switching frequency operation and is hard to realize practically. This paper attempts to overcome this issue by changing the discontinuous functionality of SMC to continuous by utilizing the concept of equivalent control.

Findings

The robustness of the controller designed is verified by considering various cases, namely, ideal case with no uncertainties, sudden variation of input supply voltage, load resistance, reference voltage, circuit-parameters and for noise disturbance. The controller effectiveness is validated by simulating the DC-DC boost and Cuk converters in SimPowerSystems toolbox of MATLAB/Simulink. It is shown that the performance of the proposed controller is satisfactory, and both reference output voltage and inductor current are tracked with little or no sensitivity to disturbances.

Originality/value

The results for various scenarios are interesting and show that the controller works quite satisfactorily for all the simulated uncertainties.
Water as infrared filter for silicon solar cell efficiency enhancement for Kerman province of Iran as a talent region for solar energy production
Authors: Askari Mohammad Bagher , Bahrampour Mohammad Reza , Mirzaei Vahid , Beheshti Marnani Amir Khosro , Mohsen Mirhabibi
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to apply a watery infrared filter for silicon solar cell efficiency enhancement in Kerman province of Iran as a talent region for solar energy production.

Design/methodology/approach

With this research, the water is applied as a filter for silicon solar cells in different volumes and thicknesses.

Findings

The obtained results showed that using various amounts of water could be a suitable choice for increasing the efficiency of silicon solar cells.

Originality/value

Other wavelength regions just cause the increase in the entropy and decrease in the efficiency. With this research, the water is applied as a filter for silicon solar cell in different volumes and thickness. The obtained results showed that using different thicknesses of water could be suitable choice for increasing the efficiency of silicon solar cell.
Systematic genetic dissection of chitin degradation and uptake in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Hayes Chelsea A. , Dalia Triana N. , Dalia Ankur B.
Published: July 2017

Vibrio cholerae is a natural resident of the aquatic environment, where a common nutrient is the chitinous exoskeletons of microscopic crustaceans. Chitin utilization requires chitinases, which degrade this insoluble polymer into soluble chitin oligosaccharides. These oligosaccharides also serve as an inducing cue for natural transformation in Vibrio species. There are 7 predicted endochitinase‐like genes in the V. cholerae genome. Here, we systematically dissect the contribution of each gene to growth on chitin as well as induction of natural transformation. Specifically, we created a strain that lacks all 7 putative chitinases and from this strain, generated a panel of strains where each expresses a single chitinase. We also generated expression plasmids to ectopically express all 7 chitinases in our chitinase deficient strain. Through this analysis, we found that low levels of chitinase activity are sufficient for natural transformation, while growth on insoluble chitin as a sole carbon source requires more robust and concerted chitinase activity. We also assessed the role that the three uptake systems for the chitin degradation products GlcNAc, (GlcNAc)2 and (GlcN)2, play in chitin utilization and competence induction. Cumulatively, this study provides mechanistic details for how this pathogen utilizes chitin to thrive and evolve in its environmental reservoir.
Prokaryotic diversity and community composition in the Salar de Uyuni, a large scale, chaotropic salt flat
Authors: dC Rubin Sergio S. , Marín Irma , Gómez Manuel J. , Morales Eduardo A. , Zekker Ivar , San Martín‐Uriz Patxi , Rodríguez Nuria , Amils Ricardo
Published: July 2017

Salar de Uyuni (SdU), with a geological history that reflects 50 000 years of climate change, is the largest hypersaline salt flat on Earth and is estimated to be the biggest lithium reservoir in the world. Its salinity reaches saturation levels for NaCl, a kosmotropic salt, and high concentrations of MgCL2 and LiCl, both salts considered important chaotrophic stressors. In addition, extreme temperatures, anoxic conditions, high UV irradiance, high albedo and extremely low concentrations of phosphorous, make SdU a unique natural extreme environment in which to contrast hypotheses about limiting factors of life diversification. Geophysical studies of brines from different sampling stations show that water activity is rather constant along SdU. Geochemical measurements show significant differences in magnesium concentration, ranging from 0.2 to 2M. This work analyses the prokaryotic diversity and community structure at four SdU sampling stations, selected according to their location and ionic composition. Prokaryotic communities were composed of both Archaea (with members of the classes Halobacteria, Thermoplasmata and Nanohaloarchaea, from the Euryarchaeota and Nanohaloarcheota phyla respectively) and Bacteria (mainly belonging to Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla). The important differences in composition of microbial communities inversely correlate with Mg2+ concentration, suggesting that prokaryotic diversity at SdU is chaotropic dependent.
Fibrobacter communities in the gastrointestinal tracts of diverse hindgut‐fermenting herbivores are distinct from those of the rumen
Authors: Neumann Anthony P. , McCormick Caroline A. , Suen Garret
Published: July 2017

The genus Fibrobacter contains cellulolytic bacteria originally isolated from the rumen. Culture‐independent investigations have since identified Fibrobacter populations in the gastrointestinal tracts of numerous hindgut‐fermenting herbivores, but their physiology is poorly characterized due to few representative axenic cultures. To test the hypothesis that novel Fibrobacter diversity exists in hindgut fermenters, we performed culturing and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing on samples collected from phylogenetically diverse herbivorous hosts. Using a unique approach for recovering axenic Fibrobacter cultures, we isolated 45 novel strains from 11 different hosts. Full‐length 16S rRNA gene sequencing of these isolates identified nine discrete phylotypes (cutoff = 0.03%) among them, including several that were only isolated from hindgut‐fermenting hosts, and four previously unrepresented by axenic cultures. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated that six of the phylotypes are more closely related to previously described subspecies of Fibrobacter succinogenes, while the remaining three were more closely related to F. intestinalis. Culture‐independent bacterial community profiling confirmed that most isolates were representative of numerically dominant phylotypes in their respective samples and strengthened the association of certain phylotypes with either ruminants or hindgut‐fermenters. Despite considerable phylogenetic diversity observed among the Fibrobacter strains isolated here, phenotypic characterization suggests a conserved specialization for growth on cellulose.
Corporate Governance and Tobin's Q as a Measure of Organizational Performance
Authors: Singh Satwinder , Tabassum Naeem , Darwish Tamer K. , Batsakis Georgios
Published: July 2017

This empirical study examines the relationship between corporate governance and organizational performance (OP), measured using Tobin's Q (TQ) in the context of an emerging economy for which, as yet, only a handful of studies have been conducted. We employ a system generalized method of moments approach controlling for endogeneity and test it on a newly created dataset comprising 324 listed firms in Pakistan. We find that board size, number of board committees and ownership concentration are positively linked with high TQ ratio, whilst board independence and CEO duality display a negative relationship. In terms of moderating effects, we find that ownership concentration negatively moderates the relationship between board independence and OP, as well as that of CEO duality and OP. The relationship between the number of board committees and OP is positively moderated by ownership concentration. Our findings contribute towards a better articulation and application of a more concrete measure of OP − that of the TQ ratio − whilst, at the same time, testing the board composition–performance relationship in the context of an upcoming and increasingly important emerging market. Wider applicability of results and policy implications are discussed.
Induction of pitting corrosion on stainless steel (grades 304 and 316) used in dairy industry by biofilms of common sporeformers
Authors: Gupta Somil , Anand Sanjeev
Published: July 2017

This study hypothesised that there may be induction of pitting corrosion or microbially‐induced corrosion on stainless steel (SS) dairy‐processing surfaces by biofilms of common milk sporeformers such as Bacillus sporothermodurans and Geobacillus stearothermophilus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micrographs generated from energy‐dispersive spectroscopy were used to observe pitting corrosion and to find the elemental composition and distribution on the control and pitted surfaces. From SEM images and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy micrographs, it was observed that pitting corrosion on SS could be induced by biofilms of both B. sporothermodurans and G. stearothermophilus.
Bread Dough and Baker's Yeast: An Uplifting Synergy
Authors: Struyf Nore , Van der  Maelen Eva , Hemdane Sami , Verspreet Joran , Verstrepen Kevin J. , Courtin Christophe M.
Published: July 2017

Yeast‐mediated dough fermentation is an important phase in the bread making process. The fermentative performance of yeast cells during fermentation is of critical importance for final bread quality, since yeast cells produce CO2 and other metabolites that have an influence on dough rheology and bread texture, volume, and taste. Different factors affect the fermentative performance of yeast cells during dough fermentation, including dough ingredients, fermentation conditions, the type of yeast strain used and yeast pregrowth conditions. Bread dough is a complex matrix that contains several ingredients that can affect the fermentation rate of yeast cells. Although the individual effects of sugar availability and salt level on the leavening ability of yeast have been studied extensively, a comprehensive overview of the relationship between bread dough constituents, fermentation conditions and yeast functionality is still lacking. Moreover, the dough environment is highly variable as several types of dough like lean, sweet or frozen doughs are currently produced by commercial bread producers. For optimal fermentation rates in different types of dough, the use of appropriate yeast strains with specific phenotypic traits is required. Therefore, many researchers have focused on the improvement of yeast strains for optimal fermentation in different types of dough like lean, sweet or frozen dough. Against this background, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the interaction between bread dough and baker's yeast and how to improve this interaction, thereby providing a useful background for further research concerning the functionality of yeast in bread dough.
Humor and workplace stress: a longitudinal comparison between Australian and Chinese employees
Authors: Wang Rong , Chan Darius Kwan Shing , Goh Yong Wah , Penfold Melissa , Harper Timothy , Weltewitz Tim
Published: July 2017

This study investigates how humor usage (including positive and negative humor styles) influences employees' responses to the same stressful events, namely, the auto‐correlation between stress experiences at two time points. Moreover, it examines differences between Australian and Chinese employees in such effects via bicultural comparisons. Results from a two‐wave survey of 109 Australian and 141 Chinese employees indicated that humor usage moderated the StressTime1 – StressTime2 relationship for Australian employees but not for Chinese employees. Specifically, the positive relationship between the two stress measures became weaker for Australians who were higher in humor than those lower in humor. Similarly, Positive humor mitigated the relationship between StressTime1 and StressTime2 only for the Australians but not the Chinese. However, Negative humor exerted no influence on the focal relationship in either sample. Organizations should encourage employees to use humor in effective ways, thereby improving stress coping skills and reducing workplace stress.
Investigating in utero fetal death: outcome of internal medicine consultation
Authors: Belhomme Nicolas , Le Noir De Carlan Marine , Lescoat Alain , Le Gallou Thomas , Rouget Florence , Loget Philippe , Jego Patrick
Published: July 2017

Aim

The objectives were to determine the frequency of in utero fetal death (IUFD) related to placental disorders and to assess the frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies syndrome (APS) among women referred to the internal medicine department.

Methodology

A retrospective clinical study conducted in Rennes University Hospital, France. From January 2007 to December 2014, 53 women who presented an IUFD at 14 weeks or more of gestational age were included. The main cause for each IUFD was determined by expert agreement. Primary outcome was to analyze the final etiologies diagnosed and the prevalence of IUFD related to placental disorders. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of APS among patients with IUFD of placental origin and the pathological and clinical features associated with APS.

Results

IUFD resulted from placental disorders in 36/53 (68%) patients, and remained unexplained in 11 cases (20.8%). Among the 36 patients with placental disorders, APS was diagnosed in five (13.9%) cases, and four (11.1%) patients were considered as having ‘non‐criteria’ APS. History of thrombosis (P = 0.001) and placental infarcts (P = 0.047) were significantly associated with APS.

Conclusion

Placental disorders were the major cause for IUFD in patients who were referred to internal medicine specialists. Importantly, APS was seldom found in patients with placental disorders. Venous thromboembolism history and placental infarcts were both significantly associated with APS. Further studies are needed in order to deepen our understanding of the physiopathology of placental disorders and its underlying causes among non‐APS women, and to determine the best treatment regimen for future pregnancies.
Association of MICA‐129 polymorphism and circulating soluble MICA level with rheumatoid arthritis in a south Indian Tamil population
Authors: Mariaselvam Christina M. , Boukouaci Wahid , Charron Dominique , Krishnamoorthy Rajagopal , Tamouza Ryad , Misra Durga P. , Negi Vir S.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a clinically heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by synovitis leading to joint destruction. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Significant dysregulation of NKG2D, an activating receptor of natural killer and certain autoreactive T cells as well as its ligand major histocompatibility complex class I chain–related gene A (MICA) has been implicated in perpetuating the pathology of RA. Since the genetic polymorphism in MICA gene (MICA‐129 met/val polymorphism at codon 129) is known to affect its binding affinity to NKG2D, we explored its influence on RA susceptibility and disease severity.

Methods

The MICA‐129 met/val polymorphism was examined in 270 patients with RA and 232 healthy controls by TaqMan 5′‐nuclease assay. Serum soluble MICA (sMICA) was measured in a subset of 89 patients and 80 controls by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We observed that the frequency of MICA‐129 val allele (73% vs. 65%, Pc = 0.006, odds ratio = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.12–1.95) was higher in patients than in controls. sMICA levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than in controls (P < 0.0001). sMICA levels were higher in patients with val/val genotype than in those with met/val or met/met genotype (P = 0.03). The MICA‐129 val/val genotype was associated with high titers of sMICA in patients with deforming RA phenotype (P = 0.02), suggesting a role in determination of severity of RA.

Conclusion

MICA‐129 val/val genotype, associated with higher levels of circulating sMICA, may influence disease susceptibility and associate with increased severity of RA in south Indian Tamils.
The effect of intra‐articular injection of autologous bone marrow stem cells on pain and knee function in patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Garay‐Mendoza Domingo , Villarreal‐Martínez Laura , Garza‐Bedolla Alejandra , Pérez‐Garza Daniela M. , Acosta‐Olivo Carlos , Vilchez‐Cavazos Felix , Diaz‐Hutchinson Cesar , Gómez‐Almaguer David , Jaime‐Pérez José C. , Mancías‐Guerra Consuelo
Published: July 2017

Aim

Management of osteoarthritis (OA) is basically symptomatic. Recently, stem cells (SC) have been used in the search for an optimum treatment. We decided to conduct a controlled clinical trial to determine if a single intra‐articular injection of in vivo stimulated bone marrow SC could lead to an improvement in pain management and quality of life in patients with knee OA.

Method

This was a prospective, open‐label, phase I/II clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a single intra‐articular injection of autologous stimulated bone marrow stem cells (BM‐SC) in patients with knee OA. Individuals of both genders older than 30 years with confirmed diagnosis of OA who signed informed consent were included in two groups: SC group received in vivo BM stimulation with subcutaneous administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF). SC were obtained by BM aspiration and administered in a single intra‐articular injection. The control group received exclusively oral acetaminophen. Visual analogue scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores were performed at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months in both groups. This trial was registered in ClinialTrials.gov NCT01485198.

Results

A total of 61 patients were included. Socio‐demographic characteristics, OA grades and initial scores were similar in both groups. The BM‐SC group showed significant improvement in knee pain and quality of life during the 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates feasibility and supports efficacy of a completely ambulatory procedure in treatment of knee OA.
Place‐making at a national scale: Framing tar sands extraction as “Canadian” inThe Globe and Mail
Authors: Davine Toby , Lawhon Mary , Pierce Joseph
Published: July 2017

Although the concept of place has most often been used to examine micro‐scale locales, recent explications of place‐making and place‐framing can usefully inform debates on nations, nationalism, and the nation‐state. Viewing the nation as a contested, unstable, and relational place enables a pluralist and dynamic understanding of how nation‐places are constructed and contested, by whom, and towards what ends. In this paper, we examine public debates over the extraction of the Canadian tar sands as an illustrative example of how place is negotiated, deployed, and contested to legitimize particular outcomes. We analyzed 50 articles from one of Canada's most widely circulated daily newspapers, The Globe and Mail. We found diverging place‐frames of Canada used by government, industry, Indigenous groups, environmentalists, and other stakeholders as they make cases for and against the development of the tar sands. Framings of Canada promoted by the government and industry—Canada as a modern, rational, and legitimate actor—featured most prominently in the sample. Importantly, however, counter‐frames trouble narratives of Canada's inherent benevolent and responsible nature, and offer a small, yet strong opposition to hegemonic national imaginaries.
Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and psychosocial well‐being among young South Korean children
Authors: Lee E.‐Y. , Carson V.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To examine associations between television (TV) viewing, reading, physical activity (PA), and psychosocial well‐being among a representative sample of young South Korean children aged 0–5 years.

Methods

Findings are based on 1,774 children who participated in the Korea Children and Youth Survey. All measures were questionnaire‐derived. Psychosocial well‐being included social, interactive, and emotional skills (α = .7–.9), and the top quartile denoted high psychosocial well‐being. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to examine relationships after controlling for several confounders.

Results

Compared to children who participated in PA for <1 hr/week, those who participated in PA for 1‐ <3 hr/week were more likely to show high emotional skills (odds ratio [OR]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.02, 1.93]), and those who participated ≥3 hr/week were more likely to show high social (OR: 2.01, 95% CI [1.45, 2.78]) and interactive skills (OR: 1.39, 95% CI [1.01, 1.92]). During weekdays, children who read 1– <3 hr/day and ≥3 hr/day, compared to <1 hr/day, were more likely to show high social (OR: 1.61, 95% CI [1.20, 2.16] and OR: 2.47, 95% CI [1.31, 4.67]) and emotional skills (OR: 1.57, 95% CI [1.16, 2.13] and OR: 2.58, 95% CI [1.34, 4.98]). In addition, children who read 1– <3 hr/day, compared to <1 hr/day, were more likely to show high interactive skills (OR: 1.44, 95% CI [1.08, 1.92]). Similar findings for reading on weekends were observed. TV viewing was not associated with social skills or interactive skills. TV viewing for 1– <3 hr/day, compared to <1 hr/day, was associated with increased odds of high emotional skills (OR: 1.71, 95% CI [1.28, 2.27] on weekdays; OR: 1.90, 95% CI [1.39, 2.61] on weekends).

Conclusion

PA and reading primarily showed favourable associations with psychosocial well‐being, whereas TV viewing did not; thus, PA or reading may be a better option over TV viewing for optimal psychosocial well‐being among young South Korean children. These findings should be confirmed with stronger study designs.
Psychological adjustment and behaviours in children of migrant workers in China
Authors: Wang F. , Zhou X. , Hesketh T.
Published: July 2017

Background

In China, there are around 274 million rural–urban migrants, an estimated 61 million children left behind in rural areas by parents, and 29 million children who accompany their parents to cities. The aim of this study was to compare the psychosocial adjustment and behaviours of left‐behind children and migrant children.

Methods

Full data were available for 761 left‐behind children and 1,392 migrant children aged 11 to 17 in Zhejiang Province, eastern China. Participants completed a questionnaire focusing on migration status, risks behaviours, and psychological well‐being, measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results

There were more left behind girls and more urban migrant boys (p < .001). The mean scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were all higher in left‐behind children than migrant children: for emotional symptoms (3.82 vs. 3.03, p < .001), conduct problems (2.55 vs. 2.41, p = .048), hyperactivity (4.25 vs. 3.81, p < .001), and total difficulties (13.46 vs. 12.00, p = .020), whereas the prosocial score was lower (6.68 vs. 6.90, p < .001), all indicating lower levels of well‐being in left‐behind children. Overall, 11.4% of left‐behind children and 8.8% of migrant children scored in the abnormal range for total difficulties. Left behind girls were particularly vulnerable to emotional problems. Left‐behind children were more likely to admit to stealing and cheating on exams, but there were no differences in other risks behaviours, such as smoking and drinking.

Conclusions

Migration with parents, rather than separation from parents, was associated with better psychological well‐being and fewer behavioural problems. Our findings have relevance for migrant parents in helping to inform decisions about where to raise their children as well as for policymakers in countries where migration is a major issue. When children are left behind, models of community support need to be considered, especially for those who are most vulnerable.
Acute physiological and perceptual responses to high‐load resistance exercise in hypoxia
Authors: Scott Brendan R. , Slattery Katie M. , Sculley Dean V. , Smith Scott M. , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Dascombe Ben J.
Published: July 2017

This study assessed whether hypoxia during high‐load resistance exercise could enhance the acute physiological responses related to muscular development. Twelve trained men performed exercise in three conditions: normoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] = 21%), moderate‐level hypoxia (FIO2 = 16%) and high‐level hypoxia (FIO2 = 13%). Exercise comprised high‐load squats and deadlifts (5 × 5 using 80% of 1‐repetition maximum with 180‐s rest). Muscle oxygenation and activation were monitored during exercise. Metabolic stress was estimated via capillary blood sampling. Perceived fatigue and soreness were also quantified following exercise. While the hypoxic conditions appeared to affect muscle oxygenation, significant differences between conditions were only noted for maximal deoxyhaemoglobin in the deadlift (P = 0·009). Blood lactate concentration increased from 1·1 to 1·2 mmol l−1 at baseline to 9·5–9·8 mmol l−1 after squats and 10·4–10·5 mmol l−1 after deadlifts (P≤0·001), although there were no between‐condition differences. Perceived fatigue and muscle soreness were significantly elevated immediately and at 24 h following exercise, respectively, by similar magnitudes in all conditions (P≤0·001). Muscle activation did not differ between conditions. While metabolic stress is thought to moderate muscle activation and subsequent muscular development during hypoxic resistance training, it is not augmented during traditional high‐load exercise. This may be explained by the low number of repetitions performed and the long interset rest periods employed during this training. These findings suggest that high‐load resistance training might not benefit from additional hypoxia as has been shown for low‐ and moderate‐load training.
Utility of bronchoscopy in the definitive diagnosis of patients with haematological malignancies presenting with radiological abnormalities
Authors: Makita Kosuke , Mikami Yu , Matsuzaki Hirotaka , Narumoto Osamu , Takai Daiya , Yatomi Yutaka , Nagase Takahide
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Patients with haematological malignancies usually have a plethora of respiratory complications. Bronchoscopy is one of the most important procedures used to diagnose respiratory complications. Despite enormous benefit, patients should be carefully selected for bronchoscopy as the process is invasive; however, there are only few reports evaluating the contributing factors of bronchoscopy that result in the definitive diagnosis of respiratory complications in these patients.

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate and identify the contributing factors of bronchoscopy for definitive diagnosis in patients with haematological malignancies.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 275 patients with haematological malignancies who later showed respiratory complications, requiring consultation with pulmonologists. We found that 62 patients underwent bronchoscopy. Our data analysis focused on this particular subset of patients to identify the factors crucial for definitive diagnosis via bronchoscopy.

Results

Bronchoscopy provided definitive diagnosis for 25 patients (diagnostic yield = 40.3%). We determined that nodular shadow was associated with high diagnostic yields by multivariate logistic regression [odds ratio (OR): 6.6 (2.1‐23)]. Furthermore, in several bronchoscopic procedures, biopsy also contributed to definitive diagnosis of patients with nodular shadow [OR: 17 (1.5‐180)]. Life‐threatening complications were not observed due to bronchoscopy in our study.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that patients with haematological malignancies who showed lung nodular shadows are more likely to be definitively diagnosed by bronchoscopy, whereas transbronchial biopsy may also be beneficial for these patients.
A review of late complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations
Authors: Atilla Erden , Atilla Pinar Ataca , Toprak Selami Kocak , Demirer Taner
Published: July 2017

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is an effective and curative treatment of different malignant and non‐malignant diseases. Early transplant‐related mortality after allo‐HSCT has decreased with reduced‐intensity conditioning regimens and effective anti‐infectious treatments, but late transplant‐related mortality is still a problem. Physicians are now paying more attention to late complications that may worsen the quality of life of many transplant recipients. Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) is one of the major causes of late transplant‐related mortality after allo‐HSCT. This review discusses recent advances that have been made in clinical evaluation and treatment of late transplant‐related complications including cGVHD. The different sites of involvement are organs, especially the skin and eye, and the gastrointestinal, endocrinologic, metabolic, renal, cardiologic, pulmonary, connective tissue, and neurological systems. In addition, this review includes infections and secondary malignancies in post‐transplant settings that worsen quality of life in long‐term follow‐ups.
Study on the organization of cellular elements in the granulomatous lesion caused by chromoblastomycosis
Authors: Minotto Renan , Albano Edelweiss Maria Isabel , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia
Published: July 2017

Background

Chromoblastomycosis is a deep fungal infection characterized by a complex cellular granuloma. The aim of this study was to analyze the arrangement of cells responsible for the granuloma configuration of this disease by semiquantification of the cellular components of chromoblastomycosis skin biopsies.

Methods

The cells of cutaneous biopsies slides from 100 patients with untreated chromoblastomycosis were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin and the granuloma cells were evaluated by microscopic examination of the elements of each granuloma and semiquantified the number of cells through its expressivity in crosses and the histopathological variables. Their presence were coded in degrees of intensity and classified in two categories: low expression and high expression. The cells that constituted the granulomas were separated into three groups: A, B and C.

Results

The chromoblastomycotic granuloma analyzed by this semiquantification of its cellular components showed that there was high expression of the elements setting up a mixed organized mycotic granuloma. It was observed that mononuclear phagocytic system (A), polymorphonuclear phagocytic system (B) and lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate (C) were located around the fungus.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the granuloma present in the cutaneous lesion of chromoblastomycosis is a mixed organized mycotic granuloma with high expression of the cellular components.
Brexit should not mean Brexit for cytopathology
Authors: Herbert A.
Published: July 2017

This letter recommends the UEMS recommendation for cytopathology and histopathology to be taught as a common trunk throughout training, and points out the dangers to diagnostic cytopathology of centralisation and isolation of cervical cytology services and the proposed introduction of primary HPV testing without adequate cytology control.
Do We Need a GCC Bank to Facilitate the Economic Turnaround of the GCC Region?
Authors: Saxena Stuti , Al‐Hadrami Aflah Said Nasser
Published: July 2017

Amidst the ongoing crisis of plummeting oil prices, the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) terrain has become a haunt of economists and financial analysts to tackle the ongoing challenges in the region. GCC constituents are gearing themselves with a robust political will that they hope could result in a turnaround of their economy by adopting a policy of economic diversification in nonoil‐based sectors. With this background supported by extensive qualitative scan of literature pertaining to the reforms proposed by the six members of the GCC to drive the economy forward amidst ongoing economic crisis, this article seeks to underscore the prospect of a shared initiative by the GCC constituents in institutionalizing a GCC bank as a potent innovative solution which may serve to provide an edifice for pushing forth the region's economy in nonhydrocarbon segments contingent upon the individual needs of the GCC constituents. As an exploratory study, this paper sheds light on these issues besides discussing the fundamental functions of the GCC bank.
Mandated Political Representation and Redistribution
Authors: Mitra Anirban
Published: July 2017

Mandated political representation for minorities involves earmarking certain electoral districts where only minority‐group candidates are permitted to contest. This paper builds a political‐economy model to analyse the effect of such affirmative action on redistribution in equilibrium. The model predicts that in situations where the minority is economically disadvantaged and where voters exhibit an in‐group bias, such a quota can reduce transfers to poorer groups. This suggests that the gains to the minority group from having such quotas are unevenly distributed. Redistribution in reserved districts leads to a rise in within‐group inequality for the minorities.