bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality traits and the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke in women with diabetes – an epidemiological study based on the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Miao Jonasson Junmei , Hendryx Michael , Manson JoAnn E. , Dinh Paul , Garcia Lorena , Liu Simin , Luo Juhua
Published: September 2019

Objective:

We studied the associations between personality traits and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke in women with diabetes.

Methods:

From the Women's Health Initiative, 15,029 women aged 50 to 79 years at enrollment and with self-reported treated diabetes at baseline or follow-up, were followed for a mean of 10 years. Personality traits measured from validated scales included hostility, optimism, ambivalence over emotional expressiveness, and negative emotional expressiveness. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to examine associations between personality traits and the risk of adjudicated CHD (nonfatal myocardial infarction and CHD death) or stroke outcomes. Progressively adjusted regression approach was used in the multivariable models to adjust for demographics, depression, anthropometric variables, and lifestyle factors.

Results:

A total of 1,118 incident CHD and 710 incident stroke cases were observed. Women in the highest quartile of hostility had 22% (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.48) increased risk for CHD compared with women in the lowest quartile of hostility. P values for trend were greater than 0.05. Stratified analysis by prevalent or incident diabetes showed that the highest quartile of hostility had 34% increased risk for CHD (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.03-1.74) among women with incident diabetes. Other personality traits were not significantly associated with stroke or CHD.

Conclusions:

Hostility was associated with incidence of CHD among postmenopausal women with diabetes, especially among incident diabetes. These results provide a basis for targeted prevention programs for women with a high level of hostility and diabetes.
One-Month Clinical Outcomes of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention at a High-volume Cardiac Tertiary Center: Routine Hours Versus Off-hours
Authors: Geraiely Babak , Nematipour Ebrahim , Amirzadegan Alireza , Nozari Younes , Aghajani Hassan , Jalali Arash , Haji Zeinali Ali Mohammad , Mortazavi Seyedeh Hamideh
Published: September 2019

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to compare 1-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) of patients undergoing primary PCI between 2 routine-hour and off-hour working shifts. In this cross-sectional study, 1791 STEMI patients were retrospectively evaluated who underwent primary PCI. The patients were classified into 2 groups of routine and off-hour according to the PCI start time and date [495 patients (27.7%) in routine-hour group; 1296 patients (72.3%) in off-hour group]. Cardiovascular risk factor, angiographic, procedural data, door-to-device time, and 1-month follow-up data of patients were compared between 2 groups. There was a statistical difference in door-to-device time between routine-hour and off-hour group [55 minutes (40–100 minutes) in off-hour group vs. 49 minutes (35–73 minutes) in routine-hour group; P ≤ 0.001]. However, most of the patients in both groups had door-to-device time ≤60 minutes. The frequency of 1-month MACE was 8.5% in off-hour group and 6.9% in routine-hour group (P = 0.260). After adjustment for possible confounders, the procedure result, in-hospital death, and 1-month MACE were not significantly different between both study groups. We found that STEMI patients treated with primary angioplasty during off-hour shifts had similar 1-month clinical outcomes to routine-hour shifts. Considering the high number of patients requiring primary PCI during off-hours, the importance of early revascularization in acute myocardial infarction, and the comparable clinical outcomes and procedural success, full-time provision of primary PCI services seems to be beneficial.
Recovery Following Sport-Related Concussion: Integrating Pre- and Postinjury Factors Into Multidisciplinary Care
Authors: Kontos Anthony P. , Elbin R. J. , Sufrinko Alicia , Marchetti Gregory , Holland Cyndi L. , Collins Michael W.
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Update concussion recovery curves by considering pre- and postinjury modifying factors. Determine whether there is a dose-response for modifying factors on recovery.

Setting:

Sports medicine concussion clinic.

Participants:

A total of 314 athletes aged 12-23 years within 7 days of a concussion enrolled between 2015 and 2018.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Main Measures:

Categorical recovery time defined as days from injury to full medical clearance for return to play per established criteria. Preinjury factors included age, gender, concussion history, and migraine history. Postinjury factors included loss of consciousness, posttraumatic amnesia, posttraumatic migraine symptoms, and high symptom burden.

Results:

Average recovery was 27.5 ± 25 days. Five factors were prognostic of recovery: (1) younger than 18 years, (2) female, (3) history of migraine, (4) posttraumatic migraine symptoms, and (5) high symptom burden (P< .05). Recovery percentage at 21 days after injury was 96.7% for participants with 0 factor, 65.3% for those with 1 to 2, and 31.8% for those with 3 to 5—with prognostic separation in low- to high-risk groups of 62%.

Conclusions:

Findings support a dose-response for combined pre- and postinjury factors on recovery. Both the type and quantity of modifying factors influence recovery and should be considered in prognosis and approaches to multidisciplinary care.
Correlation Between Corneal Biomechanical Indices and the Severity of Keratoconus
Authors: Koh Shizuka , Inoue Ryota , Ambrósio Renato , Maeda Naoyuki , Miki Atsuya , Nishida Kohji
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

To investigate the correlations between the biomechanical indices determined in Scheimpflug-based corneal biomechanical assessments and the severity of keratoconus (KC) based on corneal tomographic assessments in patients with different stages of KC.

Methods:

Fifty-three patients who presented with clinical KC in 1 eye and KC suspect in the fellow eye were included. Corneal tomographic and biomechanical assessments were performed using the Pentacam HR and Corvis ST (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). Correlations between the tomographic indices and biomechanical indices were assessed, including the anterior radius of curvature (ARC) and posterior radius of curvature (PRC) at a 3.0-mm optical zone and the thinnest pachymetry (Tmin), deformation amplitude ratio max 2 mm (DAR2mm), integrated radius, stiffness parameter at the first applanation, and linear Corvis Biomechanical Index (beta).

Results:

DAR2mm correlated negatively with ARC (R = −0.722), PRC (R = −0.677), and Tmin (R= −0.650) (P < 0.001 for all). Integrated radius correlated negatively with ARC (R = −0.700), PRC (R = −0.668), and Tmin (R= −0.648) (P < 0.001 for all). Stiffness parameter at the first applanation correlated positively with ARC (R = 0.622), PRC (R = 0.601), and Tmin (R = 0.703) (P < 0.001 for all). The Corvis Biomechanical Index beta correlated negatively with ARC (R = −0.754), PRC (R = −0.755), and Tmin (R= −0.765) (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions:

Corneal biomechanical indices correlated with corneal tomographic parameters in patients with KC. These findings support the possibility of developing biomechanical-based staging classification for KC in combination with topographic or tomographic indices.
“Moments of Failure”: Coping With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sleep Deprivation, and Being Overweight
Authors: Zwennes Cinderella T. C. , Loth Christien A.
Published: September 2019

Background

People living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have to cope with additional comorbid disorders. In daily practice, practitioners observe that ADHD not only causes a decline in participants' quality of life, but the presence of sleep and eating disorders also has an impact on daily functioning. The aims of this study are to give meaning to the experiences of participants who are living with ADHD and sleep deprivation and are overweight and to provide additional knowledge and data that will inform integrated treatment in the long term. The following research questions were formulated:

Method

A qualitative design based on a Parse research method provided the best research framework to answer our questions. The method aims for data saturation, employing six steps in which data collection alternates with data analysis. This iterative process with double hermeneutics enlarges participants' perspectives on their experiences.

Results

Participants' daily life is continuously influenced by their experiences with (binge) eating, irregular sleeping patterns, and loss of emotional control. These complex phenomena are often caused by their ADHD, because of underdeveloped coping skills. An everyday struggle with life and difficulty making choices are the leading themes in participant narratives. Continuous feelings of failure, referred to in this report as everyday “failure moments,” cause negative self-esteem and negative body image. According to participants, standardized care should include opportunities for participants to tell their life stories as well as an individualized analysis of how ADHD core symptoms affect daily decision making, taking into account sleeping and eating patterns.

Conclusion

The experience of failure moments, the struggle with making choices, and negative self-esteem and body image all develop in a different way for each participant. When professionals treat participants by solely focusing on the core symptoms using a one-dimensional cognitive behavioral approach, they may overlook underlying (biological) interactions.
Internet Addiction, Cyberbullying, and Victimization Relationship in Adolescents
Authors: Şimşek Nuray , Şahin Derya , Evli Mahmut
Published: September 2019

The study is a descriptive and relational study carried out with an aim to analyze the effects of Internet use and Internet addiction on cyber victimization and cyberbullying among adolescents.

The universe of the study consists of the students (N = 3,978) studying at high schools in a city center located in the Black Sea Region. The students were determined by a stratified and simple random sampling method, whereas the sample of the study included 2,422 voluntary high school students. The data were collected through the Adolescent Information Form, Internet Addiction Scale, and Cyber Victim and Bullying Scale. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics such as number, percentage, average, and standard deviation were used, whereas independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance, and correlation coefficients were used to compare the groups. The predictive effects of independent variables on cyber victimization and cyberbullying were investigated with multiple linear regression analysis. The average age of the adolescents participating in the study is 16.23 ± 1.11 years. The mean scores were calculated as 25.59 ± 15.88 for Internet addiction, 29.47 ± 12.65 for cyber victimization, and 28.58 ± 12.01 for cyberbullying. In our study, it was found that the Internet addiction, cyber victimization, and cyberbullying scores of the adolescents were low, but cyber victimization and cyberbullying were related to Internet usage characteristics and Internet addiction. Internet usage characteristics, cyber victimization, and bullying prevalence and relational studies should be done in adolescents. It is recommended to raise awareness of the harmful use of the Internet to families.
“Debt on Me Head”
Authors: James Philip David , Comiskey Catherine , Smyth Bobby P.
Published: September 2019

Background

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in most western countries. In Ireland, it now accounts for most new presentations to substance use treatment services. Cannabis use for most of these people commenced during adolescence. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted on the effects of cannabis on physical and mental health, less is known about the experiences of young cannabis users.

Objective

The aim of this study was to understand more about the experience of young, treatment-seeking, cannabis users.

Methods

This descriptive qualitative study interviewed eight adolescents who were attending outpatient treatment services for cannabis misuse in Dublin, Ireland. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Six themes were identified incorporating the early onset of cannabis and heavy use, involvement in criminality including drug dealing to pay for cannabis, ambivalence, experience of treatment, and damage to relationships. These themes are discussed in light of emerging literature.

Conclusion

Young cannabis users in treatment can clearly identify many negative aspects of their cannabis use but are particularly ambivalent toward cannabis. Reluctance to aim for abstinence is common.
Digital Health
Authors: Shaffer Franklin A. , Preziosi Peter
Published: September 2019

Digital health, defined as “the cultural transformation of how disruptive technologies that provide digital and objective data accessible to both caregivers and patients leads to an equal level clinician-patient relationship with shared decision-making and the democratization of care,” will create a cultural transformation of traditional health care.1 Exponential advances in science and technology have—and continue to—transform health and medicine, as they give consumers more control over, and more responsibility for, their own health. Digital health is on the precipice of a major breakthrough to disrupt the traditional models of health care delivery. Health professionals, regardless of what part of the health care industry they serve, must embrace this disruption wholeheartedly in practice, education, and regulation. Health technology is more important than ever and will have deep impacts on culture, politics, and society.
Development and Implementation of a Surgical Quality Improvement Pathway for Pediatric Intussusception Patients
Authors: Chalphin Alexander V. , Serres Stephanie K. , Micalizzi Rosella A. , Dawson Michele , Phinney Caitlin , Hrycko Angelique , Martin-Quashie Ariel , Pepin Michael J. , Smithers Charles J. , Rangel Shawn J. , Chen Catherine
Published: September 2019

Background:

Children with intussusception can be admitted or discharged from the emergency department (ED) following enema reduction, but little is known about best practices for surgical follow-up and the need for a return to care.

Methods:

We developed a standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) for ileocolic intussusception to enable the discharge from the ED of successfully reduced patients meeting certain criteria with 2 planned follow-up phone calls by surgical personnel after discharge. Outcomes included incidence of complications in discharged patients, bacteremia, the success of follow-up phone calls, rates of recurrent intussusception, and return to care.

Results:

Of the 118 patient encounters treated through the SCAMP in 2 pilot studies from February 2013 to December 2017, 76% met discharge criteria, of whom 88% underwent outpatient management. There were no instances of bowel perforation, necrosis, or death in the discharged group. No patients developed bacteremia despite withholding antibiotics for the indication of intussusception. Sixty-two percent and 59% of patients received 24-hour follow-up phone calls, and 28% and 55% of patients received second follow-up phone calls in pilots 1 and 2, respectively. Of those successfully discharged, 74% did not return to care, 19% returned for recurrent intussusception, and 7% returned for unrelated symptoms. Nearly all patients who returned to care did so through the ED and not the clinic.

Conclusions:

Implementation of the SCAMP demonstrated that patients meeting certain criteria could be safely discharged from the ED, avoid antibiotics, and safely undergo phone-based follow-up for concerns of recurrent intussusception.
Pediatric Inpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Safely Reduces Antibiotic Use in Patients with Bronchiolitis Caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Kalil Jennifer , Bowes Jennifer , Reddy Deepti , Barrowman Nick , Le Saux Nicole
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract illness in young children often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Antimicrobials are not recommended in infants with bronchiolitis unless there is strong evidence that a bacterial coinfection exists.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review comparing antimicrobial use and outcomes in previously healthy infants ≤24 months of age with RSV bronchiolitis at a single Canadian tertiary pediatric hospital during RSV seasons (December–April) from 2011 to 2016. An audit and feedback antimicrobial stewardship program was introduced in this hospital in August 2014.

Results:

Compared with the 2011–2012 cohort, the 2015–2016 cohort showed a decrease of 46% in mean days of therapy per 1,000 patient-days in the >28 days old age group of patients. There was also a 15.1% absolute reduction in the proportion of patients who received any antimicrobials in the hospital between the 2 cohorts (neonates included). The proportion of patients receiving antimicrobial prescriptions at discharge also decreased from 33.5% to 19%. The use of second-generation cephalosporins was eliminated in the 2016 cohort. There was a significant decrease in length of stay between the 2011–2012 and 2015–2016 cohorts, and no readmissions were documented.

Conclusions:

This study adds to the accumulating literature that antimicrobial stewardship program interventions along with guidelines and order sets can safely contribute to a reduction in antimicrobial use both in hospital and at discharge in children <2 years of age hospitalized due to RSV. Further research in identifying those who would or would not benefit from antibiotics should be promoted.
Impaired Mobility and Urinary Incontinence in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Jachan Deborah Elisabeth , Müller-Werdan Ursula , Lahmann Nils Axel
Published: September 2019

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations among use of walking aids, mobility status, and occurrence of urinary incontinence (UI) in geriatric patients residing in nursing homes, and to examine associations between UI severity (frequency and amount) and its impact on health-related quality of life (QoL).

DESIGN:

Multicenter descriptive cross-sectional prevalence study.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

A total of 2044 patients from nursing homes were included in the study. A majority were female (72.0%), the mean age of participants was 82.1 years (SD 11.2), their mean body mass index was 26.1 (SD 5.4), and their mean Care Dependency Scale score was 46.0 (SD 18.2), indicating a medium to high care dependency. The study setting was 30 nursing homes throughout Germany from 2014 to 2015.

METHODS:

Data were collected by trained nurses using a standardized data collection form to collect information about demographic characteristics, health conditions, mobility status measured according to the Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), UI, and QoL measured using the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF).

RESULTS:

The prevalence of UI was 69.7% (n = 1804). Analysis of variance showed that, in 1659 nursing home residents with information on UI, 572 reported a medium amount of leakage with a mean impact on health-related QoL of 2.2 (SD 2.2, P < .001) on a scale from 0 (no impact) to 10 (very high impact). The mean of the impact on QoL in 235 residents who reported a large amount of leakage was 2.4 (SD 3.0, P < .001). In 1741 residents with information on the frequency of UI, 637 reported being urinary incontinent more than once a day with a mean impact on QoL of 2.2 (SD 2.1, P < .001) and 359 residents with permanent UI stated a mean impact on QoL of 2.1 (SD 2.8, P < .001). According to the bivariate association of UI with use of walking aids, the highest prevalence of UI (61.2%) was in patients who did not use any walking aids. The Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) of the relationship between mobility according to the EMS and UI indicated that 71.1% of all patients with UI did not use any walking aids, although their mobility status had been reduced.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings indicate a significant association between impaired mobility and UI in nursing home residents. Chronic, severe urinary incontinence exerted the greatest impact on health-related QoL. Therefore, we recommend measures to preserve or regain mobility to minimize or prevent UI in geriatric residents and patients and, thus, increase their health-related QoL.
Nested Bloch waves in elastic structures with configurational forces
Authors: Dal Corso F. , Tallarico D. , Movchan N. V. , Movchan A. B. , Bigoni D.
Published: September 2019

Small axial and flexural oscillations are analysed for a periodic and infinite structure, constrained by sliding sleeves and composed of elastic beams. A nested Bloch–Floquet technique is introduced to treat the nonlinear coupling between longitudinal and transverse displacements induced by the configurational forces generated at the sliding sleeve ends. The action of configurational forces is shown to play an important role from two perspectives. First, the band gap structure for purely longitudinal vibration is broken so that axial propagation may occur at frequencies that are forbidden in the absence of a transverse oscillation and, second, a flexural oscillation may induce axial resonance, a situation in which the longitudinal vibrations tend to become unbounded. The presented results disclose the possibility of exploiting configurational forces in the design of mechanical devices towards longitudinal actuation from flexural vibrations of small amplitude at given frequency.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 1)’.
Numerical factorization of a matrix-function with exponential factors in an anti-plane problem for a crack with process zone
Authors: Livasov P. , Mishuris G.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we consider an interface mode III crack with a process zone located in front of the fracture tip. The zone is described by imperfect transmission conditions. After application of the Fourier transform, the original problem is reduced to a vectorial Wiener–Hopf equation whose kernel contains oscillatory factors. We perform the factorization numerically using an iterative algorithm and discuss convergence of the method depending on the problem parameters. In the analysis of the solution, special attention is paid to its behaviour near both ends of the process zone. Qualitative analysis was performed to determine admissible values of the process zone's length for which equilibrium cracks exist.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 1)’.
Fucosyltransferase 4 shapes oncogenic glycoproteome to drive metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lu Hsuan-Hsuan , Lin Shu-Yung , Weng Rueyhung Roc , Juan Yi-Hsiu , Chen Yen-Wei , Hou Hsin-Han , Hung Zheng-Ci , Oswita Giovanni Audrey , Huang Yi-Jhen , Shih Jin-Yuan , Yu Chong-Jen , Tsai Hsing-Chen
Published: September 2019

Aberrant fucosylation plays a critical role in lung cancer progression. Identification of the key fucosyltransferase as a therapeutic target may refine lung cancer management. Here, we identified a terminal α1,3-fucosyltransferase, FUT4, as the key prognostic predictor for lung adenocarcinoma through transcriptomic screens in lung cancer cohorts. Overexpression of FUT4 promotes lung cancer invasion, migration and cell adhesion in vitro and provokes distant metastases in mouse xenograft models. RNA-seq and glycoproteomics analyses revealed that FUT4 mediates aberrant fucosylation of intracellular transport and signal transduction proteins, which facilitates concurrent transcriptional activation of multiple cellular processes, including membrane trafficking, cell cycle, and major oncogenic signaling pathways. Notably, knockdown of FUT4 markedly curtailed lung colonization and distant metastases of lung cancer cells in mouse xenograft models. In addition, the metastatic phenotype provoked by FUT4-mediated fucosylproteomic networks can be diminished by targeted pathway inhibitors. Collectively, FUT4 represents a promising therapeutic target in lung cancer metastasis. Our data highlight the potentials for integration of glycomics into precision medicine-based therapeutics.
Single cell transcriptomics identifies a unique adipocyte population that regulates bone marrow environment
Authors: Zhong Leilei , Yao Lutian , Tower Robert J. , Wei Yulong , Miao Zhen , Park Jihwan , Shrestha Rojesh , Wang Luqiang , Yu Wei , Holdreith Nicholas , Zhang Yejia , Tong Wei , Gong Yanqing , Long Fanxin , Ahn Jaimo , Seale Patrick , Susztak Katalin , Li Mingyao , Chen Chider , Qin Ling
Published: September 2019

Bone marrow mesenchymal lineage cells are a heterogeneous cell population involved in bone homeostasis and diseases such as osteoporosis. While it is long postulated that they originate from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the true identity of MSCs and their in vivo bifurcated differentiation routes into osteoblasts and adipocytes remain poorly understood. Here, by employing single cell transcriptome analysis, we identified MSCs and delineated their bi-lineage differentiation paths in young, adult and aging mice. Among several newly discovered mesenchymal subpopulations, one is a distinct population of adipose-lineage cells that we named marrow environment regulating adipose cells (MERAs). MERAs are non-proliferative, post-progenitor cells that express many mature adipocyte markers but are devoid of lipid droplets. They are abundant in the bone marrow of young mice, acting as pericytes and stromal cells that form numerous connections among themselves and with other cells inside bone, including endothelial cells. Genetic ablation of MERAs disrupts marrow vessel structure, promotes de novo bone formation. Taken together, MERAs represent a unique population of adipose lineage cells that exist only in the bone marrow with critical roles in regulating bone and vessel homeostasis.
Investigations of the Underlying Mechanisms of HIF-1α and CITED2 Binding to TAZ1
Authors: Chu Wen-Ting , Chu Xiakun , Wang Jin
Published: September 2019

The TAZ1 domain of CREB binding protein is crucial for transcriptional regulation and recognizes multiple targets. The interactions between TAZ1 and its specific targets are related to the cellular hypoxic negative feedback regulation. Previous experiments reported that one of the TAZ1 targets CITED2 is an efficient competitor of another target HIF-1α. Here by developing the structure-based models of TAZ1 complexes we have uncovered the underlying mechanisms of the competitions between HIF-1α and CITED2 binding to TAZ1. Our results are consistent with the experimental hypothesis on the competition mechanisms and the apparent affinity. In addition, the simulations prove the dominant position of forming TAZ1-CITED2 complex in both thermodynamics and kinetics. For thermodynamics, TAZ1-CITED2 is the lowest basin located on the free energy surface of binding in the ternary system. For kinetics, the results suggest that CITED2 binds to TAZ1 faster than HIF-1α. Besides, the analysis of contact map and ϕ values in this study will be helpful for further experiments on TAZ1 systems.
Environmental cost analysis and reporting to measure environmental performance in realizing eco-efficiency at PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero)
Authors: Basuki Basuki , Irwanda Riasty Dewi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to simulate the environmental cost reports preparation used to measure environmental performance in realizing eco-efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a descriptive case study by using environmental cost detail data from 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The research object is PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero) located in Madiun, East Java.

Findings

The result of the research shows that PT INKA (Persero) has not specifically made environmental cost report. It is found that the percentage of total environmental cost to operational cost tends to increase; the cost which gives the biggest distribution of total environmental cost is the prevention cost. By 2014, the effect of environmental costs on operating costs tended to decrease and during 2012–2014 PT INKA successfully maintained the blue star PROPER and the absence of environmental pollution reports.

Originality/value

PT INKA’s environmental performance is still well controlled and since its inception in 2014 PT INKA has succeeded in realizing the concept of eco-efficiency.
Stock return and financial performance as moderation variable in influence of good corporate governance towards corporate value
Authors: Suhadak Suhadak , Kurniaty Kurniaty , Handayani Siti Ragil , Rahayu Sri Mangesti
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how much influence good corporate governance (GCG) has on corporate value, as well as moderating effect of stock return and financial performance on the influence of GCG on corporate value.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was an explanatory study. The unit of analysis was the companies listed in LQ45 in Indonesian Stock Exchange and the sources of data were ICMD, annual report and financial reports of the companies. Indonesian Stock Exchange was selected as the setting of the study since Indonesian Stock Exchange is one of trading places for various types of companies in Indonesia, and it provides complete information on company’s financial data and stock price. The population was 84 companies listed in LQ45 in Indonesian Stock Exchange between 2010 and 2016.

Findings

The higher GCG, independent commissioners proportion, institutional managerial and public ownerships resulted in higher corporate value. MBE and PER stock return is a moderating variable in the influence of GCG on corporate value. Financial performance is moderating variable in the influence of GCG on corporate value.

Originality/value

Based on the previous studies, it may be concluded that there is a gap between the influence of GCG on corporate value and the influence of stock return on financial performance, and moderating variable is needed to evaluate the influence of GCG on company performance, more particularly stock return and financial performance. This discrepancy creates opportunity for conducting an in-depth study on those variables. Its novelty is correlation between stock return and financial performance as moderation. Previous studies used these as mediating variables. This study is going to generate different finding as it is conducted in different setting (country where this study is conducted), type of industry, research period and using different method of analysis.
The Effect of Good Corporate Governance on Tax Avoidance: An Empirical Study on Manufacturing Companies Listed in IDX period 2010-2013
Authors: Tandean Vivi Adeyani , Winnie Winnie
Published: September 2019

This study aims to obtain an empirical evidence about the effect of good corporate governance on tax avoidance which becomes a proxy of current ETR (Effective Tax Rate). The samples of this study were 120 manufacturing companies listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange in 2010 – 2013. The hypothesis testing used multiple regression analysis. The result of this study show that audit committee has a positive effect on tax avoidance in partial but the executive compensation, executive character, company size, institutional ownership, boards of commisioners' proportion, audit committee and audit quality have simultaneous effect to define tax avoidance.
Use patterns of e-journals among the science community: a transaction log analysis
Authors: Rafique Azra , Ameen Kanwal , Arshad Alia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the evidence-based patterns of e-journal usage, such as the most used and least used databases, at a public-sector university in Pakistan, by analysing scientists’ usage of databases over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Through transaction log analysis, the frequencies of page views, sessions, session duration and size of the used data were calculated through SAWMILL software and entered into MS Excel.

Findings

The results revealed that the broad databases of science and engineering were being used more by users as compared to the narrower e-journal databases. Furthermore, the users were mostly accessing the e-journal databases from the university’s central library and its various academic departments. Early morning hours, working days and start of the academic year were found to be the most active timings of e-journal database utilisation.

Practical implications

The results of the study will help the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and information professionals in better access management of databases.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to check the feasibility of a PhD project’s first phase and presents the frequencies of HEC e-journal databases’ usage by using transaction log analysis method. The results will be used in preparing interview guide and sample selection for interview. Other Central Asian studies used COUNTER reports provided by publishers for log analysis instead of using raw log data.
Theoretical research of spinning triangle division on spun yarn torque
Authors: Su Xuzhong , Liu Xinjin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically study the effects of ring spinning triangle division on spun yarn torques.

Design/methodology/approach

The case that the spinning triangle is divided into two parts, primary triangles and final triangle, is investigated. Theoretical model of yarn torque was given by linking the fiber tension in the spinning triangle to yarn torque under the assumption that the arrangement of fibers (substrands) in the substrands (yarn) is hexagonal close packing. Then, as an application of the proposed method, 14.6tex cotton yarns were taken as an example for the numerical simulations.

Findings

The fiber tensions in the divided spinning triangles and corresponding yarn torques were simulated numerically by using MATLAB software. The effects of division proportions and number of primary triangles on spun yarn torques are analyzed theoretically.

Originality/value

It is shown that suitable spinning triangle division is benefit for reducing yarn torque.
An investigation on lean–green performance of Indian manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Thanki Shashank , Thakkar Jitesh J.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Improved performance in operational (lean) and environmental (green) dimensions has been extremely critical to the global competitiveness of organizations. As the performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is influenced by various external and internal factors, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the lean–green performance of Indian manufacturing SMEs by investigating the influential relationships of various factors along with the set of lean and green practices adopted by the firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a holistic approach by integrating multiple case study and data envelopment analysis (DEA) in eight manufacturing SMEs to verify a set of five propositions relating issues such as organizational factors, quality and environmental management certifications, implementation of lean and green practices with operational and environmental performance in Indian SMEs. Within-case analysis and cross-case analysis are used for a qualitative investigation of cases while DEA with four input variables, two desirable output variables and one undesirable output variable, is used for quantitative investigation with returns to scale (RTS) and damages to scale (DTS) analysis.

Findings

The RTS/DTS results suggest that Indian SMEs exhibit decreasing RTS and increasing DTS, implying that they need to decrease their operational sizes in order to improve the operational and environmental performance. The possible alternative and more practical strategy could be to introduce new technology innovation and holistic adoption of manufacturing excellence initiatives such as lean and green.

Originality/value

The research findings provide insights into the lean and green performance enhancement approach in the context of SMEs. The study extends key managerial implications and policy-related guidelines.
Reliability-based fatigue life of vehicle spring under random loading
Authors: Manouchehry Nya Reza , Abdullah Shahrum , Singh Karam Singh Salvinder
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse fatigue-life prediction based on a reliability assessment for coil springs of vehicle suspension systems using different road excitations under random loading.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a reliability assessment was conducted to predict the fatigue life of an automobile coil spring during different road data surfaces. Campus, urban and highway road surfaces were considered to capture fatigue load strain histories using a data acquisition system. Random loadings are applied on top of a coil spring where coil is fixed from down. Fatigue reliability was established as a system of correlated events during the service life to predict the probability of fatigue life using Coffin–Manson, Morrow and Smith–Watson–Topper (SWT) models.

Findings

Fatigue-life prediction based on a reliability assessment revealed that the Morrow model can predict a safe region of a life data point for the three road surfaces. Highway road data indicated the highest rate of reliability at 0.8 for approximately 1.69 × 105 cycles for the SWT model.

Originality/value

Reliability assessment of the fatigue life of vehicle coil springs is vital for safe operation. The reliability analysis of a coil spring under random loading excitations can be used for fatigue-life prediction.
Exploring individuals’ behavioral intentions toward donation crowdfunding: evidence from China
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Yalan , Kang Minghui , Zheng Haichao
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the self-determination theory (SDT) to propose a research model that incorporates the SDT framework and contextual variables as determinants and self-identity and social identity as mediating constructs to predict individuals’ intentions toward donation crowdfunding in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data collected from China.

Findings

The results indicate that the self-identity and social identity collectively or separately mediate the effect exerted by the sense of self-worth, face concern, moral obligation, perceived donor effectiveness, social interaction and referent network size on donation intentions. However, there is no evidence supporting the hypothesis connecting moral obligation with self-identity.

Practical implications

The study provides suggestions for service providers on how to improve and perfect the functions, and it also provides insights for donation crowdfunding fundraisers on how to increase the success rate.

Originality/value

The conclusions of this study provide academics with a more thorough understanding of the driving forces of individual behavior intention toward donation crowdfunding in China. This study further expands the SDT and identity theory in the context of donation crowdfunding, which improves their robustness in explaining behavioral intention. These theories may be an important part of future information system research.
Irradiation test and hardness design for mobile rescue robot in nuclear environment
Authors: Gao Wenrui , Wang Weidong , Zhu Hongbiao , Zhao Shunping , Huang Guofu , Du Zhijiang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to improve the radiation-proof capability of the self-designed mobile robot with a 7-DOF manipulator, enabling the long-playing inspection and intervention under high-dose radiation environment. In this context, gamma-ray irradiation test for electronic components and specific hardness design have also been specifically presented and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s hardness design mainly focuses on shielding protection, distance protection and time protection. Irradiation test is first carried out to investigate irradiation resistance of each electronic module. Then, modular deployment and shielding calculation are completed for the point-type nuclear accidents, respectively, to achieve a robust anti-radiation design scheme. Finally, the field experiment is conducted to validate system effectiveness and good mobility, and operational practices are acquired for the realization of time protection.

Findings

Coupled with modular redeployment and shielding design, irradiation results illustrate the effectiveness of robotic anti-radiation design. Meanwhile, experiences and reformed measures from the field exercise implement efficient operation and radiological time protection.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the huge risks of high-dose source exposure, the radiation-resistance of the overall system cannot be verified in the field experiment. Fortunately, irradiation test and modular shielding calculation are conducted as a minimal validation.

Practical implications

The proposed anti-radiation design methods and the irradiated results can be applied to many other nuclear vehicles and manipulators for the feasible multi-layer protection and excellent mobility.

Originality/value

A nuclear intervention robot with specific hardness design is presented in detail in this paper. Enlightened by the idea of shielding and distance protection, a large number of electronic modules with multiple types and structures are treated and compared in irradiation experiments, while modular redeployment and retrofitting are completed to reduce irradiated damages. To achieve the effect of time protection, mobility performance and operational practices are discussed and validated in the field experiment based on the mobile system.
Conceptual design and analysis of a dredger robot for irrigation canals
Authors: Shademani Shima , Zarafshan Payam , Khashehchi M. , Kianmehr M.H. , Hashemy S.M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a solution to dredging the irrigation canals using a robotic system. Considering the importance of irrigating water, the waste within the water canals should be avoided. Irrigation canals are artificial linear structures in the landscape that are used for transporting the water. One important problem in water transferring is the waste materials flow inside the water, and in some areas, they block the main stream, reducing the effective capacity of the canal. Among the waste materials, aquatic plants are grown on the surface of the canal that needs to be removed from the canal. This removal operation is conducted using chemical, biological, ecological and physical methods with complex supply systems. In addition, robotic systems are used as such complex systems. So, a robotic system is proposed to dredging the irrigation canals. The assumed robot was manufactured in AGRINS laboratory of Tehran University.

Design/methodology/approach

Design procedure, dynamic modelling and simulation of this robotic system are studied. To validate the system design before its construction, ADAMS software is used to perform simulations. Finally, performance evaluation of the dredger robot in the canal is studied based on the experimental data.

Findings

Results show that the design procedure has been correctly fitted to the real condition. Therefore, the designed robot could be easily used to dredging irrigation canals.

Practical implications

The assumed robot was manufactured in AGRINS laboratory of Tehran University.

Originality/value

Performing a dredging operation in the canals could be conducted by a new technique considering both free sides of the canal. Therefore, in this paper, a conceptual design of a 3-wheels stair dredger robot is numerically and experimentally studied.
Perception of preparers of sustainability reports in the Middle East
Authors: Ismaeel Muatasim , Zakaria Zarina
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the preparers’ perceptions of sustainability reporting as a distinct voluntary corporate reporting practice in the Middle East. It links these perceptions to the influences of local and global institutional contexts and how companies respond to them.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is informed by a discursive institutionalism theoretical framework that incorporates concepts such as multiple institutional logics, hybridity in social practice and interpretive role of social agents. Its empirical findings are built on seven interviews with officials involved in the practice to explore their perception of sustainability reports.

Findings

Sustainability reporting is not understood and perceived in the same way among reporting companies in the Middle East. The difference in perception is linked to the scope of operations of the company, whether it is global or local. The results provide evidence supporting the theoretical framework. Different institutional logics are identified that interact at the structure level to influence sustainability reporting practice, and companies act at the agency level by selecting from the institutional influences what match their interests and priorities. Consequently, the practice itself will be hybrid and will include various ways and forms of reporting.

Originality/value

The study contributes to knowledge about how global business practices are adopted by companies in the developing countries.
Dynamic analysis of two collinear permeable Mode-I cracks in piezoelectric materials based on non-local piezoelectricity theory
Authors: Liu Haitao , Zhu Shuai
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Based on the non-local piezoelectricity theory, this paper is concerned with two collinear permeable Mode-I cracks in piezoelectric materials subjected to the harmonic stress wave. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the Fourier transformation, the problem is formulated into two pairs of dual integral equations, in which the unknown variables are the displacement jumps across the crack surfaces.

Findings

Finally, the dynamic non-local stress and the dynamic non-local electric displacement fields near the crack tips are obtained. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the effects of the distance between the two collinear cracks, the lattice parameter and the circular frequency of the incident waves on the entire dynamic fields near the crack tips, which play an important role in designing new structures in engineering.

Originality/value

Different from the classical solutions, the present solution exhibits no stress and electric displacement singularities at the crack tips in piezoelectric materials. It is found that the maximum stress and maximum electric displacement can be used as a fracture criterion.