bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in visual salience vary along semantic dimensions
Authors: de Haas Benjamin , Iakovidis Alexios L. , Schwarzkopf D. Samuel , Gegenfurtner Karl R.
Published: October 2018

What determines where we look? Theories of attentional guidance hold that image features and task demands govern fixation behaviour, while differences between observers are ‘noise’. Here, we investigated the fixations of > 100 human adults freely viewing a large set of complex scenes. We found systematic individual differences in fixation frequencies along six semantic stimulus dimensions. These differences were large (> twofold) and highly stable across images and time. Surprisingly, they also held forfirstfixations directed towards each image, commonly interpreted as ‘bottom-up’ visual salience. Their perceptual relevance was documented by a correlation between individual face salience and recognition skills. The dimensions of individual salience and their covariance pattern replicated across samples from three different countries, suggesting they reflect fundamental biological mechanisms of attention. Our findings show stable individual salience differences along semantic dimensions, with meaningful perceptual implications. Salience reflects features of the observer as well as the image.
Revealing S-layer Functions in the Hyperthermophilic Crenarchaeon Sulfolobus islandicus
Authors: Zhang Changyi , Wipfler Rebecca L. , Li Yuan , Wang Zhiyu , Hallett Emily N. , Whitaker Rachel J.
Published: October 2018

The crystalline surface layer (S-layer), consisting of two glycoproteins SlaA and SlaB, is considered to be the exclusive component of the cell envelope outside of the cytoplasmic membrane in Sulfolobus species. Although biochemically and structurally characterized, the S-layer in vivo functions remain largely elusive in Archaea. Here, we investigate how the S-layer genes contribute to the S-layer architecture and affect cellular physiology in a crenarchaeal model, Sulfolobus islandicus M.16.4. Electron micrographs of mutant cells lacking slaA or both slaA and slaB confirm the absence of the outermost layer (SlaA), whereas cells with intact, partially, or completely detached SlaA are observed for the ∆slaB mutant. Importantly, we identify a novel S-layer-associated protein M164_1049, which does not functionally replace its homolog SlaB but likely assists SlaB to stabilize SlaA. Additionally, we find that mutants deficient in SlaA form large cell aggregates and the individual cell size varies significantly. The slaB gene deletion also causes noticeable cellular aggregation, but the size of those aggregates is smaller when compared to ∆slaA and ∆slaAB mutants. We further show the ∆slaA mutant cells exhibit more sensitivity to hyperosmotic stress but are not reduced to wild-type cell size. Finally, we demonstrate that the ∆slaA mutant contains aberrant chromosome copy numbers not seen in wild-type cells where the cell cycle is tightly regulated. Together these data suggest that the lack of slaA results in either cell fusion or irregularities in cell division. Our studies provide novel insights into the physiological and cellular functions of the S-layer in Archaea.

Significance

Rediscovery of the ancient evolutionary relationship between archaea and eukaryotes has revitalized interest in archaeal cell biology. Key to understanding the archaeal cell is the S-layer which is ubiquitous in Archaea but whose in vivo function is unknown. In this study, we genetically dissect how the two well-known S-layer genes as well as a newly identified S-layer-associated-protein-encoding gene contribute to the S-layer architecture in a hyperthermophilic crenarchaeal model S. islandicus. We provide genetic evidence for the first time showing that the slaA gene is a key cell morphology determinant and may play a role in Sulfolobus cell division or cell fusion.
Experiments and simulations on short chain fatty acid production in a colonic bacterial community
Authors: Yu Bea , Dukovski Ilija , Kong David , Bobrow Johanna , Ostrinskaya Alla , Segre Daniel , Thorsen Todd
Published: October 2018

Understanding how production of specific metabolites by gut microbes is modulated by interactions with surrounding species and by environmental nutrient availability is an important open challenge in microbiome research. As part of this endeavor, we explore interactions between F. prausnitzii, a major butyrate producer, and B. thetaiotaomicron, an acetate producer, under three different in vitro media conditions in monoculture and coculture. In silico Genome-scale dynamic flux balance analysis (dFBA) models of metabolism in the system using COMETS (Computation of Microbial Ecosystems in Time and Space) are also tested for explanatory, predictive and inferential power. Experimental findings indicate enhancement of butyrate production in coculture relative to F. prausnitzii monoculture but defy a simple model of monotonic increases in butyrate production as a function of acetate availability in the medium. Simulations recapitulate biomass production curves for monocultures and accurately predict the growth curve of coculture total biomass, using parameters learned from monocultures, suggesting that the model captures some aspects of how the two bacteria interact. However, a comparison of data and simulations for environmental acetate and butyrate changes suggest that the organisms adopt one of many possible metabolic strategies equivalent in terms of growth efficiency. Furthermore, the model seems not to capture subsequent shifts in metabolic activities observed experimentally under low-nutrient regimes. Some discrepancies can be explained by the multiplicity of possible fermentative states for F. prausnitzii. In general, these results provide valuable guidelines for design of future experiments aimed at better determining the mechanisms leading to enhanced butyrate in this ecosystem.
Mitochondria form contact sites with the nucleus to couple pro-survival retrograde response
Authors: Desai Radha , East Daniel A , Hardy Liana , Crosby James , Rigon Manuel , Faccenda Danilo , Alvarez María Soledad , Singh Aarti , Mainenti Marta , Hussey Laura Kuhlman , Bentham Robert , Szabadkai Gyorgy , Zappulli Valentina , Dhoot Gurtej , Romano Lisa E , Dong Xia , Coppens Isabelle , Hamacher-Brady Anne , Chapple J Paul , Abeti Rosella , Fleck Roland A. , Vizcay-Barrena Gema , Smith Kenneth , Campanella Michelangelo
Published: October 2018

Mitochondria drive cellular adaptation to stress by retro-communicating with the nucleus. This process is known as Mitochondrial Retrograde Response (MRR) and is induced by mitochondrial dysfunctions which perturb cell signalling. MRR results in the nuclear stabilization and activation of pro-survival transcription factors such as the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB). Here we demonstrate that MRR is facilitated by the formation of contact sites between mitochondria and the nucleus which establish microdomains of communication between the two organelles. The 18kD Translocator Protein (TSPO), which de-ubiquitylates and stabilizes the mitochondrial network preventing its mitophagy-mediated segregation, is required for this interaction. The tethering TSPO enacts is mediated by the complex formed with the Protein Kinase A via the A-kinase anchoring protein Acyl-CoA Binding Domain Containing 3 (ACBD3) and allows the redistribution of cholesterol which sustains the pro-survival response by blocking NF-kB de-acetylation. This work proposes a new paradigm in the mitochondrial retro-communication by revealing the existence of contact sites between mitochondrial and the nucleus and a signalling role for cholesterol.
Repair, resilience and asymmetric segregation of damage in the context of replicative ageing: it is a balancing act
Authors: Borgqvist Johannes , Welkenhuysen Niek , Cvijovic Marija
Published: October 2018

Accumulation of damaged proteins is a hallmark of ageing, occurring in organisms ranging from bacteria and yeast to mammalian cells. During cell division in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, damaged proteins are retained within the mother cell, resulting in a new daughter cell with full replicative potential and an ageing mother with a reduced replicative lifespan (RLS). The cell-specific features determining the lifespan remain elusive. It has been suggested that the RLS is dependent on the ability of the cell to repair and retain pre-existing damage. To deepen the understanding of how these factors influence the life span of individual cells, we developed and experimentally validated a dynamic model of damage accumulation accounting for replicative ageing. The model includes five essential properties: cell growth, damage formation, damage repair, cell division and cell death, represented in a theoretical framework describing the conditions allowing for replicative ageing, starvation, immortality or clonal senescence. We introduce the resilience to damage, which can be interpreted as the difference in volume between an old and a young cell. We show that the capacity to retain damage deteriorates with high age, that asymmetric division allows for retention of damage, and that there is a trade-off between retention and the resilience property. Finally, we derive the maximal degree of asymmetry as a function of resilience, proposing that asymmetric cell division is beneficial with respect to replicative ageing as it increases the RLS of a given organism. The proposed model contributes to a deeper understanding of the ageing process in eukaryotic organisms.
A new universal pore measurement and clustering approach for surgical meshes
Authors: Brune Carolin , Vogt Sebastian , Peiper Christian , Brinker Klaus , Trzewik Jürgen
Published: October 2018

The pore structure and pore size is a crucial characteristic of surgical meshes. A huge amount of different approaches for mesh classification based on pore size or materials are available. It is difficult to use these classification methods because of the large variety in knitting structures and pore shapes. No agreement on an established method to measure the pore size is available despite the fact that the surgical community agrees that pore size and geometry are crucial factors for the result of a hernia repair. In this publication a new approach to characterize meshes based on their pore shape and pore size is presented. The pore size is defined by the largest inscribed circle within a mesh pore and the smallest circumscribed circle outside the pore, in addition to hence calculated values. This allows a characterization with regards to tissue ingrowth and bridging behavior. The measurements are made using the scientific image processing software ImageJ and additional customized software plug-in. Since the program ImageJ is public domain and the plug-ins are available, the measurements can be reproduced. Furthermore, the presented pore descriptions can also be used for manual pore size verification.
A new causality measure
Authors: Majumdar Kaushik , Dheer Puneet
Published: October 2018

Let there are n i.i.d observations, each producing a two tuple of real values (xi, yi), i ∊ {1,……, n} giving rise to random variables X = (x1,…, xn) and Y = (y1,…, yn). What is the statistical significance of the hypothesis that an increase in the independent variable X is causing an increase (or decrease) to the dependent variable Y ?
Neutral component of the local interstellar medium
Authors: Konior Wojciech , Ratkiewicz Romana , Kotlarz Jan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the current knowledge about the neutral component of the local interstellar medium (LISM), which due to the resonant charge exchange, photoionization and electron impact ionization processes has a profound impact on the heliosphere structure.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is based on the heliospheric literature review.

Findings

The summary of four major effects of neutral hydrogen atoms penetrating solar wind (SW), i.e. the disappearance of the complicated flow structure; the emergence of “hydrogen wall” in front of the heliopause (HP); decreasing distance of termination shock (TS), HP and bow shock (BS) layer from the Sun; and recently discovered by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer mission, a region of enhanced energetic neutral atom (ENA) emission seen in all sky maps as a ribbon.

Practical implications

In the context of constantly developing space technologies in aerospace engineering and prospective deep space missions, there is a need of general reviews about the interstellar space surroundings of the Sun and gathering the knowledge to help in theoretical, numerical and experimental investigations such as the optimization of the scientific equipment and spacecraft structure to work in specific conditions.

Originality/value

The survey encapsulate basic and relevant processes playing an important role in the physics of the nearest surroundings of the Sun and the latest results of numerical and experimental investigations focused on the neutral LISM component and its influence on the heliosphere, which is strongly desired in future works. Until now, not many of such reviews have been done.
A new jig-shape optimization method for the high aspect ratio wing
Authors: Yuan Zhe , Huo Shihui , Ren Jianting
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Computational efficiency is always the major concern in aircraft design. The purpose of this research is to investigate an efficient jig-shape optimization design method. A new jig-shape optimization method is presented in the current study and its application on the high aspect ratio wing is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the effects of bending and torsion on aerodynamic distribution were discussed. The effect of bending deformation was equivalent to the change of attack angle through a new equivalent method. The equivalent attack angle showed a linear dependence on the quadratic function of bending. Then, a new jig-shape optimization method taking integrated structural deformation into account was proposed. The method was realized by four substeps: object decomposition, optimization design, inversion and evaluation.

Findings

After the new jig-shape optimization design, both aerodynamic distribution and structural configuration have satisfactory results. Meanwhile, the method takes both bending and torsion deformation into account.

Practical implications

The new jig-shape optimization method can be well used for the high aspect ratio wing.

Originality/value

The new method is an innovation based on the traditional single parameter design method. It is suitable for engineering application.
Uncertain evaluation of crashworthiness of thin-walled composite structures
Authors: Xie Jiang , Mou Haolei , Su Xuan , Feng Zhenyu
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present an evaluation method for energy-absorption characteristics of thin-walled composite structures with random uncertain parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The mechanical properties of T700/3234 are obtained by material performance tests and energy-absorption results are obtained by quasi-static crushing tests of thin-walled composite circular tubes. The indicators of triggering specific load (TSL) and specific energy absorption (SEA) are introduced and calculated to determine the energy-absorption characteristics and validate the probability finite element analysis model. The uncertainty in the parameters contain the machining tolerance for the thickness and inner diameter of composite circular tubes and are associated with the composite material system. The Plackett–Burman method is used to choose the measurement parameters. Then, the response surface method is used to build a second-order function of random uncertain parameters versus TSL/SEA, and the Monte Carlo method is finally used to obtain the probabilities of TSL and SEA.

Findings

The finite element models can accurately simulate the initial peak load, load-displacement curve and SEA value. The random uncertain parameter method can be used to evaluate the energy-absorption characteristics of thin-walled composite circular tubes.

Practical implications

The presented evaluation method for energy-absorption characteristics of thin-walled composite structures is an approach that considers uncertain parameters to increase the simulation accuracy and decrease the computational burden.

Originality/value

This methodology considers uncertain parameters in evaluating the energy-absorption characteristics of thin-walled composite structures, and this methodology can be applied to other thin-walled composite structures.
Proof-of-concept analysis of a supplemental solar power system for aircraft
Authors: Liscouet-Hanke Susan , Shafiei Arash , Lopes Luiz , Williamson Sheldon
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the viability of a solar power system as a supplemental power source for commercial and business aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a model is established to estimate the potential available power from suitable aircraft surfaces for various meteorological conditions, ground and flight mission characteristics. A proposed aircraft system architecture and an associated parametric conceptual sizing model are presented. This supplemental solar power system sizing model is integrated into an aircraft multidisciplinary design optimization environment to evaluate the aircraft-level impact on mission fuel burn. A parametric study for a business jet aircraft is performed to analyze various solar cell types and power densities for converters. Trade-off studies are performed between efficiency and weight.

Findings

Considering today’s efficiency and power-to-weight ratio of the system components, overall fuel burn reduction can be achieved. Therefore, the technology development work can start now to target short to mid-term applications. In addition, promising system integration scenarios are identified, such as the use of solar power for autonomous operation of the air conditioning system on ground, which yield potential further benefit. In conclusion, a supplemental solar power system seems a promising candidate for more efficient aircraft operation.

Originality/value

The presented novel supplemental solar power system architecture concept and its foreseen aircraft integration show potential benefits for near term applications. The results show that the break even for this technology is already reached and therefore build the foundation to further investigate the technology integration challenges. Clear directions for future research and development are outlined enabling the advancement of the technology readiness level.
Variable-fidelity shape optimization of dual-rotor wind turbines
Authors: Thelen Andrew , Leifsson Leifur , Sharma Anupam , Koziel Slawomir
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Dual-rotor wind turbines (DRWTs) are a novel type of wind turbines that can capture more power than their single-rotor counterparts. Because their surrounding flow fields are complex, evaluating a DRWT design requires accurate predictive simulations, which incur high computational costs. Currently, there does not exist a design optimization framework for DRWTs. Since the design optimization of DRWTs requires numerous model evaluations, the purpose of this paper is to identify computationally efficient design approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Several algorithms are compared for the design optimization of DRWTs. The algorithms vary widely in approaches and include a direct derivative-free method, as well as three surrogate-based optimization methods, two approximation-based approaches and one variable-fidelity approach with coarse discretization low-fidelity models.

Findings

The proposed variable-fidelity method required significantly lower computational cost than the derivative-free and approximation-based methods. Large computational savings come from using the time-consuming high-fidelity simulations sparingly and performing the majority of the design space search using the fast variable-fidelity models.

Originality/value

Due the complex simulations and the large number of designable parameters, the design of DRWTs require the use of numerical optimization algorithms. This work presents a novel and efficient design optimization framework for DRWTs using computationally intensive simulations and variable-fidelity optimization techniques.
Causes of delays in the construction phase of Chinese building projects
Authors: Wang Ting-Kwei , Ford David N. , Chong Heap-Yih , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Delays during construction are one of the common scenarios in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to identify the primary causes of delays in the construction phase of building construction projects in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire survey approach was adopted across the four typical cities in China, namely, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Shenzhen. In total, 115 sets of valid responded questionnaires were collected and analyzed.

Findings

The results show that the causes of variations, delays in progress payments, exceptionally low bids and subcontractors’ poor performance and communication issues were the most important causes of delays in China.

Originality/value

This research is the first questionnaire survey on the causes of delays in the construction phase of building construction projects in China. The comparative analysis shows two unique causes of delays in the Chinese construction industry, such as “difficulty in claiming indemnity” and “unreasonable upfront capital demanded by client.” It also reveals different ranked causes of delays as per distinguished political and economic situations in China. The research findings can be referred by construction projects in other countries that are funded or partnered with China.
A computational framework for predicting the combustion of energetic materials in an expanding chamber
Authors: Hu Chaobin , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Various simplifications are introduced into the establishment of numerical models for problems with strong nonlinear interactions. The combustion of energetic materials in a chamber with moving boundaries is a typical example. This paper aims to establish a coupled numerical model for predicting the internal combustion in a launch process.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-fluid model is used to predict the fluid field induced by the propellant combustion. The moving boundary is located by using a finite element method. Based on a user subroutine interface in the commercial software ABAQUS, the development of the fluid field and the mechanical interactions is coupled with each other.

Findings

The paper is devoted to provide a coupled computational framework for predicting the propellant combustion in an expanding chamber. The coupling strategy is validated through predicting a pressure-driven piston system. Based on the validated computational framework, the two-phase reactive flows in a launch process is studied. The predicted parameters agree well with experimental measurements.

Originality/value

This paper provide a method to address the difficulties in realizing the dynamic interactions between multi-phase reactive flows and mechanical behaviors. The computational framework can be used as a research tool for investigating fluid field in a combustion chamber with moving boundaries.
Transport phenomena of fire-induced smoke flow in a semi-open vertical shaft
Authors: Li Decheng , Zhou Tiannian , Liu Zegong , Wang Jian
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the transport phenomena of smoke flow in a semi-open vertical shaft.

Design/methodology/approach

The large eddy simulation (LES) method was used to model the movement of fire-induced thermal flow in a full-scale vertical shaft. With this model, different fire locations and heat release rates (HRRs) were considered simultaneously.

Findings

It was determined that the burning intensity of the fire is enhanced when the fire attaches to the sidewall, resulting in a larger continuous flame region in the compartment and higher temperatures of the spill plume in the shaft compared to a center fire. In the initial stage of the fire with a small HRR, the buoyancy-driven spill plumes incline toward the side of the shaft opposite the window. Meanwhile, the thermal plumes are also directed away from the center of the shaft by the entrained airflow, but the inclination diminishes as HRR increases. This is because a greater HRR produces higher temperatures, resulting in a stronger buoyancy to drive smoke movement evenly in the shaft. In addition, a dimensionless equation was proposed to predict the rise-time of the smoke plume front in the shaft.

Research limitations/implications

The results need to be verified with experiments.

Practical implications

The results could be applied for design and assessment of semi-open shafts.

Originality/value

This study shows the transport phenomena of smoke flow in a vertical shaft with one open side.
Enhanced UV photo-stabilization of Nylon 6 filament with reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane nanocomposite Inks
Authors: Tian Mingwei , Wang Zongqian , Qu Lijun , Wang Ke , Zhu Shifeng , Zhang Xiansheng , Liu Ruichao
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Nylon 6 filaments have weak light and heat resistance in terms of stability, which restrict its application in engineering field. The purpose of this paper is to prepare a new photo-stabilization functional nanocomposite inks by using graphene nanosheet as UV light-resisting functional materials incorporated with polyurethane.

Design/methodology/approach

Sunlight-resisting functional nylon filaments were produced by the continuous solution dip coating technology, through which the functional inks was coated on the surface of nylon 6 filament. The surface morphology of the coated filaments was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and the graphene/polyurethane nanocomposite inks as the coating agent was confirmed and well dispersed on the fiber’s surface.

Findings

Under UV exposure, the strength loss rate of the graphene-modified nylon filaments was less than 50 percent, while that of the control nylon filament was over 85 percent, which indicated that graphene remarkably enhanced the light-resistant property of nylon. Besides, graphene/polyurethane-coated Nylon 6 filaments exhibited reasonable electrical properties and the electrical conductivity could reach 10–4 S/cm.

Originality/value

Graphene inks was first proposed as the UV photo-stabilization in this paper.
The relationship between runner environmental paradigm and their motives to participate in an urban or rural marathon
Authors: Davies Melissa , Hungenberg Eric , Aicher Thomas
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of runner’s concern for the environment plays as a source of differentiation in the type of race they choose to participate. The study also seeks to explore how the environmental consciousness relates with participation motives in an urban and rural race setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants from urban and rural races were surveyed to explore the relationships between their environmental consciousness, their race selection type and the sport tourism motivational profile for the runners in each of these race locations.

Findings

A logistic regression was statistically significant in predicting urban vs rural race choice, correctly classifying 84 percent of cases. Increases in motivational responses relating to self-enrichment, social needs, catharsis and aggression were all associated with an increased likelihood in choosing an urban race. Conversely, motivational constructs related to tourism (e.g. destination attributes) were particularly effective in classifying rural race participants. Subsequent tests revealed significant differences in five of the nine race motives between runners based on their low, medium and high levels of environmental consciousness.

Research limitations/implications

Implications from this study serve to extend the literature on sport and tourism sustainability by understanding the environmental paradigm and sport tourism motives of distance runners in urban and rural race destinations.

Practical implications

This study also serves event organizers from a practical standpoint by offering suggestions to market and execute events in line with participants’ underlying motives which were found to be different in an urban vs rural setting.

Originality/value

In a highly competitive event space like road races, effective differentiation and marketing are paramount to attracting participants. This study advances the research in this area by exploring the role that runners’ concern for the environment plays in their destination and event choice, as well as the differences that may exist in the sport tourism motivational profile for runners at an urban vs rural race destination.
Keeping found things found
Authors: Warraich Nosheen Fatima , Ali Irfan , Yasmeen Shazia
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the usefulness and challenges of personal digital information management (PDIM) as perceived by engineering faculty members.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research strategy based on survey design was used to collect data through structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique was applied to obtain a representative sample from faculty members of University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore.

Findings

Findings indicate that faculty members understand the usefulness of PDIM practices for their teaching and learning. They opined that these practices improve their performance along with effective utilization of resources. PDIM practices save their time, energy and money. Nevertheless, they have to face challenges in managing their personal information in digital format including technology obsolescence, bulk of incoming emails, prediction of future value of information, information fragmentation and memory load in remembering the location of information. It is also noted that PDIM practices are equally useful for both male and female faculty members. However, female faculty members have to face more PDIM challenges than male faculty members.

Practical implications

Overall, findings of the study reveal that there are benefits of PDIM and it is useful for faculty members with certain challenges. This study identified five major challenges. All these challenges were from technological and cognitive psychology domain. It is noted that assessing future value of information plays important role in overall process of PDIM.

Originality/value

The present study would be valuable addition in literature and it would be helpful in devising information literacy instructions programs in academic libraries. This study would also helpful for improving quality services for teaching as required by Pakistan Engineering Council. Findings of this study would helpful for system engineers, software developers and system librarians in designing and developing personal information management systems in Pakistan.
Hospital service quality and patient loyalty: the mediation effect of empathy
Authors: Zhang Yucheng , Zhang Long , Zhang Xin , Yang Miles M. , Zhang Shanshan , Li Shyh-Jane , Huang Yu-Ying
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Drawing on social identification theory, this research aims to explore an important mechanism – patients’ perceived empathy from a hospital, which is defined as caring, individualized attention provided by the hospital – that explains how service quality influences patients’ loyalty to the hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a structural equation modelling framework to estimate the mediation relationship between service quality and patient loyalty using two studies based on hospital employees and patients.

Findings

In Study 1, hospital staff survey data showed that service quality enhanced patients’ perceived empathy from the hospital. In Study 2, the authors confirmed and extended the findings of Study 1 by using patient survey data that suggested that patients’ empathy mediated the relationship between service quality and patients’ loyalty to the hospital.

Originality/value

The results of the two studies suggested that service quality increased patients’ empathy, which in turn improved patients’ loyalty to a hospital. The results extend the customer loyalty literature by exploring the critical antecedents and mechanisms of customer loyalty in the healthcare context. The studies interpret healthcare phenomena from the service aspect of fulfilling patients’ unique needs and providing a good hospital service experience. Moreover, the authors offer an insightful approach to explaining the service quality–patient loyalty linkage in the healthcare industry. Important theoretical and managerial contributions and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Business plan competitions in developed and emerging economies
Authors: Tipu Syed Awais Ahmad
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the academic literature on business plan competitions in developed and emerging economies to assess the contribution to the knowledge so far and identify research gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

A variety of databases (such as ABI/Inform Global, Academic Search Complete, Business Source Premier and Emerald Full Text) were used to find peer-reviewed journal articles. Regardless of time, different search terms were used to find relevant journal articles such as business plan competitions, business plan contests, business plan teams, business plan judges, business plan development and business plan scores. After a careful review of the identified articles, a total of 22 articles were included in the final review. The articles in the final set were manually coded using the thematic codes.

Findings

Despite the popularity of business plan competitions, limited academic literature exists, particularly in the context of emerging economies. A total of 16 out of 22 studies are conducted in developed economies. The findings suggest that the literature on business plan competitions is largely centered on the structure of business plan competitions, the characteristics of the participating teams and the benefits of business plan competitions. The individual level benefits of business plan competitions include the development of entrepreneurial skills, opportunity for networking and access to mentors. Business plan competitions can be better aligned with public policy, particularly in case of emerging economies. Therefore, a more focused and integrated approach among industry, academia and government in encouraging business plan competitions could potentially make a far-reaching impact in establishing an enterprising society. While much is known about the structure and the benefits of business plan competitions, there are various research gaps which need to be addressed.

Originality/value

The current paper is the first identifiable review of the literature on business plan competitions. The proposed questions for future research will potentially help in addressing the identified research gaps.
Developing a framework for the performance evaluation of sorting and grading firms of used clothing
Authors: Paras Manoj Kumar , Ekwall Daniel , Pal Rudrajeet
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a framework for evaluating the performance of reverse value chain activities in the clothing industry operating at base of the pyramid. Specifically, the research explores firm and supply chain factors influencing clothing reverse value chain activities with a focus on developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted an explorative technique using direct observations and semi-structured interviews to collect information from eight companies and two traders. Internal resources and value chain capabilities were examined using theoretical underpinnings of resource-based view, transaction cost economics and base of the pyramid.

Findings

The paper identified multiple benefits of offshoring reverse value chain activities to the developing countries (at the base of the pyramid). Low operation cost, skilled manpower, business knowledge and location are found to be internal success factors. While favourable government legislation and domestic recycling markets are important external factors contributing to the success. Developing economies such as India contribute to firm performance by integrating, transforming, acquiring and co-creating the resources at base of the pyramid. Further, it was found that to achieve higher assets specificity, a few companies have opened their own shops in African countries, while others have opened sourcing branches in Canada or the USA to ensure good quality of raw materials. Collaboration and coordination among different value chain partners minimise cost and increases profitability. Innovation in the process such as clothes mutilation for recycling has created new business opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

Information was collected from only eight organisations and two traders from India. Future scholars may extend the research to generalise the findings by documenting similar phenomena.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can serve a basis for the practitioners to evaluate firm performance, and the insights can be used to achieve sustainability by engaging producers, employees, consumers and community using base of the pyramid approach.

Originality/value

The study provides unique insights into the prevalent export and re-exports phenomena of used clothing. The resource-based view, transaction cost economics and base of the pyramid strategy underpinned together to develop a framework for understanding reverse value chain activities of clothing.
Do we have to downsize – does the empirical evidence suggest any alternatives?
Authors: Carriger Michael
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Given a growing literature indicating that downsizing is not an effective way to address financial decline, having either little impact or negative impact on the financial health or market valuation of financially troubled companies, what is the alternative for those companies in financial trouble? Three sets of alternatives to downsizing are available to companies suffering financial trouble: strategies addressing personnel/fix costs, strategies focused on addressing cost cutting/variable costs and strategies addressing strategic planning/revenue. Although alternatives to downsizing have been identified, little research has been conducted comparing the impact of downsizing vs alternatives to downsizing on firm performance. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This present study looked solely at strategies focused on addressing personnel/fix costs. Focusing primarily on forced attrition (downsizing) vs temporary attrition and/or natural attrition, this research attempts to determine whether specific groupings of alternatives to downsizing are more effective at addressing financial decline that companies find themselves in as compared to downsizing. This included relying on temporary attrition, natural attrition or doing nothing at all.

Findings

The research presented here indicates that various alternatives to downsizing have an immediate positive impact on measures of profitability and a positive long-term impact on one measure of efficiency: revenue per employee. Evidence shows that temporary attrition leads to better financial outcomes than natural attrition than forced attrition or downsizing.

Originality/value

The research presented here indicates that various alternatives to downsizing have an immediate positive impact on measures of profitability and a positive long-term impact on one measure of efficiency: revenue per employee. This has implications for managers put in the position of having to make a decision whether to downsize or not.
Structural and motivational mechanisms of academic achievement: a mediation model of social‐background effects on academic achievement
Authors: Ditton Hartmut , Bayer Michael , Wohlkinger Florian
Published: October 2018

This paper takes up ongoing discussions on the inequality of educational opportunities and formulates a conceptual model to link separate lines of research. Our particular focus is on combining motivational and structural approaches into a mediation model that explains differences in academic achievement. In the literature, four main mechanisms of social reproduction are discussed. Two main pathways refer to (1) parents’ expectations regarding their children’s academic success and (2) replicating cultural capital through intra‐familial cultural practices. (3) Parents’ perception of children’s abilities depends on social position and is influential for expectations of success. (4) For all three pathways, we expect effects on students’ motivational characteristics, which in turn influence academic achievement. We test our conceptual model by structural equation modelling using longitudinal data from primary school students in Germany. Empirical evidence is in line with the assumptions in the model. Cultural reproduction and expectations of success can be seen as the key components of the model. However, both chains of reproduction are related to each other by parents’ perception of child’s ability, and their effects are mediated by child’s motivational characteristics.
Mitochondrial DNA Extraction from Burial Soil Samples at Incremental Distances: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Thomas Ariane E. , Holben Bill , Dueño Kora , Snow Meradeth
Published: October 2018

Preservation variance of soil DNA is neglected in the literature, and exceptional cases exaggerate amplification capabilities. This study sought to amplify a short mitochondrial fragment (212 bp) specific to Sus scrofa domesticus from the soil surrounding decomposing pig remains from an open‐air locale. Samples collected above the body at incremental distances after 145 days of initial placement yielded pig DNA. A secondary sampling was collected in 2017, approximately 768 days after burial. Inhibition tests corroborated that pig DNA was no longer present in the soil resulting in a loss of original DNA between 145 and 768 days. The results provide evidence that genetic material leaches out radially from the source and DNA fragments longer than 200 bp do not persist in soil for a relatively short timeframe in western Montana. The conclusions support the collection of soil in crime scene investigation procedures within the first few months of decomposition.
Primary mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma: Five case reports and a review
Authors: Miura Kentaro , Hamanaka Kazutoshi , Matsuoka Shunichiro , Takeda Tetsu , Agatsuma Hiroyuki , Hyogotani Akira , Ito Ken‐ichi , Nishimaki Fumihiro , Koizumi Tomonobu , Uehara Takeshi
Published: October 2018

Background

Liposarcoma has been subclassified histologically into well‐differentiated, myxoid, pleomorphic, and dedifferentiated types. The dedifferentiated type generally shows poorer prognosis than the well‐differentiated type. Because of its rarity, the clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of primary mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma remain unclear.

Methods

Five patients with primary mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma were treated at Shinshu University Hospital between January 2012 and August 2017. We investigated the clinical characteristics, including age, gender, radiographic findings, pathological status, and clinical and treatment outcomes.

Results

Four of the five patients initially underwent radical surgical resection. One patient was disease‐free after surgery, but the remaining three patients developed local recurrence in the mediastinum after surgical resection. Two of these patients underwent repeat surgical resection, resulting in long survival (60 and 40 months, respectively), while the other underwent proton beam therapy and showed no evidence of recurrence as of 17 months after treatment. The remaining patient was treated with chemotherapy using doxorubicin because of advanced inoperable disease, but failed to show a response and died within a month of the initiation of chemotherapy. Although the maximum standardized uptake values on fluorodeoxyglucose‐computed tomography were relatively low, there was a slight positive relation between these values and the Ki‐67‐positive ratio in the tumor.

Conclusion

Aggressive treatment by surgical resection should be considered for mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma, even in cases with local recurrence.
Hyperprogressive disease in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab: A case series
Authors: Kanazu Masaki , Edahiro Ryuya , Krebe Hiroyuki , Nishida Kohei , Ishijima Mikako , Uenami Takeshi , Akazawa Yuki , Yano Yukihiro , Yamaguchi Toshihiko , Mori Masahide
Published: October 2018

Background

Nivolumab is an anti‐PD‐1 blocking monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, some patients on immunotherapy may experience rapid progression and worsening clinical status, known as hyperprogressive disease. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with NSCLC administered nivolumab therapy at Toneyama National Hospital, Japan, from January 2016 to January 2018. Of the 87 patients administered nivolumab therapy, five experienced rapid progression during one cycle of nivolumab therapy. Four patients were treated with corticosteroids to overcome their symptomatic events. Nivolumab exhibited efficacy after temporal progression, so‐called “pseudoprogression”, in three patients, and their symptoms and laboratory results improved. In the other patient, pleural and pericardial effusions increased after nivolumab therapy, and drainage was required, with no subsequent recurrence. The clinical courses of our case series indicate that alternative treatment, namely high‐dose corticosteroids, antibiotics, and drainage, effectively treated the symptoms of rapid tumor progression. Of note, corticosteroids suppressed the temporary inflammatory reaction to nivolumab. Although hyperprogressive disease is thought to be associated with poor quality of life and survival, these treatment strategies may be useful in patients with expected responses to immunotherapy.
Patterns of cerebral tissue oxygen tension and cytoplasmic redox state in bacterial meningitis
Authors: Larsen Lykke , Nielsen Troels H. , Nordström Carl‐Henrik , Andersen Aase B. , Schierbeck Jens , Schulz Mette K. , Poulsen Frantz R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Compromised cerebral energy metabolism is common in patients with bacterial meningitis. In this study, simultaneous measurements of cerebral oxygen tension and lactate/pyruvate ratio were compared to explore whether disturbed energy metabolism was usually caused by insufficient tissue oxygenation or compromised oxidative metabolism of pyruvate indicating mitochondrial dysfunction.

Subject and Methods

Ten consecutive patients with severe streptococcus meningitis were included in this prospective cohort study. Intracranial pressure, brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2), and energy metabolism (intracerebral microdialysis) were continuously monitored in nine patients. A cerebral lactate/pyruvate (LP) ratio <30 was considered indicating normal oxidative metabolism, LP ratio >30 simultaneously with pyruvate below lower normal level (70 µmol/L) was interpreted as biochemical indication of ischemia, and LP ratio >30 simultaneously with a normal or increased level of pyruvate was interpreted as mitochondrial dysfunction. The biochemical variables were compared with PbtO2 simultaneously monitored within the same cerebral region.

Results

In two cases, the LP ratio was normal during the whole study period and the simultaneously monitored PbtO2 was 18 ± 6 mm Hg. In six cases, interpreted as mitochondrial dysfunction, the simultaneously monitored PbtO2 was 20 ± 6 mm Hg and without correlation with the LP ratio. In one patient, exhibiting a pattern interpreted as ischemia, PbtO2 decreased below 10 mm Hg and a correlation between LP and PbtO2 was observed.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that compromised cerebral energy metabolism, evidenced by increased LP ratio, was common in patients with severe bacterial meningitis while not related to insufficient tissue oxygenation.