bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glaucoma After Corneal Trauma or Surgery—A Rapid, Inflammatory, IOP-Independent Pathway
Authors: Dohlman Claes H. , Zhou Chengxin , Lei Fengyang , Cade Fabiano , Regatieri Caio V. , Črnej Alja , Dohlman Jan G. , Shen Lucy Q. , Paschalis Eleftherios I.
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

To review clinical aspects and cellular and molecular steps in the development of long-term glaucoma after corneal surgery or acute trauma—especially the pivotal role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the rapidity of the secondary damage to the retinal ganglion cells, and the clinical promise of early antiinflammatory intervention.

Methods:

A series of laboratory studies on post-injury and post-surgery glaucoma have been compared to clinical outcome studies on the subject, focusing particularly on the vulnerability of the retinal ganglion cells. Alkali burn to the cornea of mice and rabbits served as the main experimental model. TNF-α titer, ganglion cell apoptosis, and depletion of optic nerve axons have been examined. Anti-TNF-α antibodies or corticosteroids have been used to protect the retinal ganglion cells. Intraocular pressure (IOP) postburn was recorded by manometric methods.

Results:

In animals with alkali burn to the cornea, damage to the retina can occur within 24 to 72 hours. This is not because of a direct pH change posteriorly—the alkali is effectively buffered at the iris–lens level. Rather, TNF-α (and other inflammatory cytokines), generated anteriorly, rapidly diffuses posteriorly to cause apoptosis of the ganglion cells. During this time, the IOP remains much lower than the reported values required to cause ganglion cell damage. The TNF-α antibody infliximab or corticosteroids, if administered promptly, are markedly protective of the ganglion cells.

Conclusions:

A rapidly initiated, inflammatory (TNF-α mediated), IOP-independent pathway to glaucoma, resulting from acute anterior segment trauma or surgery, has been identified in laboratory studies. Prompt prophylactic treatment with antiinflammatory agents has been shown to be markedly neuroprotective of retinal ganglion cells, presumably capable of reducing the risk of late glaucoma.
Possible Intraluminal Obstruction of the XEN45 Gel Stent Observed With Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Rigo Jaume , Castany Marta , Banderas Sandra , Pujol Olivia , Amilburu Manuel , Dou Antoni
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

We herein describe possible intraluminal obstruction because of a hyperreflective material found in anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in 16 of 46 cases with XEN45 gel stent.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective case series of 46 eyes of 39 patients with noncomplicated XEN45 gel stent surgery, analyzed with AS-OCT and slit-lamp photography after at least 6 postoperative months.

Results:

Possible luminal obstruction in the subconjunctival segment of the implant was observed in 16 eyes of 15 patients, characterized by hyperreflective material on AS-OCT, which was not visible in slit-lamp photography. This was found in 15 eyes following combined procedures and in 1 eye following XEN45 alone. None showed signs of filtering bleb on AS-OCT or slit-lamp photography. In 1 case, the discontinuity between the hyperreflective material and subconjunctival opening of the implant tube was evidenced, and in another case, a focal deposit in the intracameral end of the implant was seen.

Conclusions:

We have successfully described the lumen implant deposit of material as a possible cause of late failure of the implant. AS-OCT allows the identification of such cases and may be useful to plan further postoperative interventions for better patient outcomes.
Effect of Long-term Oral Steroids on Intraocular Pressure in Children With Autoimmune Hepatitis: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Prasad Durga , Poddar Ujjal , Kanaujia Vikas , Yachha Surender K. , Srivastava Anshu
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Topical corticosteroids are known to cause raised intraocular pressure (IOP). However, there is a scarcity of literature regarding systemic steroids-induced raised IOP in children. The authors aimed to evaluate the IOP in children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) receiving oral prednisone.

Methods:

In this prospective study, children (1 to 18 y) with newly diagnosed AIH who received oral prednisone (July 2016 to December 2017) were included. Comprehensive ophthalmic check-up, including visual acuity, IOP, slit-lamp, and fundus examinations were done before and at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow-up. IOP ≥20 mm Hg was considered raised IOP. Symptomatic raised IOP patients were managed with antiglaucoma medication with a tapering dose of prednisone.

Results:

A total of 33 children (19 boys) with a median age of 11 (3 to 18) years were analyzed. Raised IOP was observed in 20 (61%) children (19 were moderate and 1 was high responder) at 1 month, 8 (24%) at 3 months, and 1 (3%) at 6 months of treatment. Patients who developed raised IOP had a more severe liver disease in terms of decompensation and low albumin and high pediatric end-stage liver disease scores at presentation. There was no correlation between IOP and starting and cumulative dose of steroids. On multivariate analysis, decompensation at presentation was significantly associated with raised IOP (P<0.001; odds ratio, 30; 95% confidence interval, 4.2-210.6). Raised IOP returned to normal with antiglaucoma medication along with prednisone tapering in all except one.

Conclusions:

Systemic corticosteroids in children with AIH carry a risk for IOP elevation, especially in decompensated liver disease. A periodic ophthalmic check-up is necessary for early recognition and intervention before irreversible vision loss.
Arcuate Pubic Ligament Injury—An Unknown Cause of Athletic Pubalgia
Authors: Mathieu Thomas , Gielen Jan , Vyncke Guido , Stassijns Gaëtane
Published: August 2019

A case report is presented that gives new insight into a very rare cause of athletic pubalgia. Up till now, no case has been published in literature about the relevance of an arcuate pubic ligament (APL) injury in athletic pubalgia. The APL or inferior pubic ligament is a thick triangular arch of ligamentous fibers connecting the 2 pubic bones below. The main function of the APL is to stabilize the symphysis pubis. The rupture of this ligament can lead to groin pain due to lack of stabilization of the symphysis pubis. Despite the importance of the anatomical and clinical function of the APL, very limited research is available about injuries of this ligament. This report describes a case of a traumatic left APL rupture, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, causing longstanding left groin pain in an amateur athlete.
Health care provider use of motivational interviewing to address vaccine hesitancy in college students
Authors: Wermers Rita , Ostroski Tammy , Hagler Debra
Published: August 2019

Background:

Vaccine-preventable diseases significantly influence the health and academic success of college students. Despite the known negative impact of these diseases, vaccination rates routinely fall short of national goals and recommendations. Although vaccination decisions are complex, a recommendation from a health care provider is one of the key motivators for individuals receiving a vaccine. Motivational interviewing (MI), a counseling approach primarily used to address substance abuse, can be applied to other health-related behaviors.

Local Problem:

Despite previous quality improvement efforts aimed at increasing vaccine rates for influenza, human papillomavirus (HPV), and meningitis B (MenB), vaccinations at large university health centers have been well below benchmarks set by Healthy People 2020.

Methods:

This study was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and included MI training and regular reinforcement for health care providers to address vaccine hesitancy with college students.

Results:

Influenza vaccination rates improved, but HPV vaccine rates remained stable and MenB vaccine rates decreased compared with the previous year. Clinicians demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge of MI techniques after a targeted educational intervention. Repeat measures indicate the potential for sustained improvement when ongoing reinforcement is provided.

Conclusion:

MI can be an effective part of a strategy to increase vaccination rates.
Male Partner Linkage to Clinic-Based Services for Sexually Transmitted Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Services Following Couple Home-Based Education and Testing
Authors: Mark Jennifer , Kinuthia John , Osoti Alfred O. , Gone Molly A. , Asila Victor , Krakowiak Daisy , Sharma Monisha , Parikh Saloni , Ton Quy T. , Richardson Barbra A. , Farquhar Carey , Roxby Alison C.
Published: August 2019

Background

Home-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and education has increased HIV test uptake and access to health services among men. We studied how a home-based antenatal intervention influenced male partner utilization of clinic-based HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) services, linkage to HIV care and medical circumcision.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis within a randomized controlled trial of pregnant women attending antenatal care in Kenya. Women and their male partners received either a home-based couple intervention or an invitation letter for clinic-based couple HIV testing. The home-based intervention included education on STI symptoms, STI and HIV treatment and male circumcision for HIV prevention. Male self-reported outcomes were compared using relative risks at 6 months postpartum.

Results

Among 525 women, we reached 487 (93%) of their male partners; 247 men in the intervention arm and 240 men in the control arm. Men who received the intervention were more likely to report an STI consultation (n = 47 vs. 16; relative risk, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–1.89). Among 23 men with newly diagnosed HIV, linkage to HIV care was reported by 4 of 15 in the intervention (3 men had missing linkage data) and 3 of 5 men in the control arms (relative risk, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–1.29). Although the intervention identified 3 times more men with new HIV infection, the study lacked power to find significant differences in linkage to HIV care. Few eligible men sought medical circumcision (4 of 72 intervention and 2 of 88 control).

Conclusions

Home-based couple education and testing increased STI consultations among male partners of pregnant women, but appeared insufficient to overcome the barriers involved in linkage to HIV care and medical circumcision.
Whole-Body Computed Tomography Using Low-Dose Biphasic Injection Protocol With Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction V: Assessment of Dose Reduction and Image Quality in Trauma Patients
Authors: Elmokadem Ali H. , Ibrahim Enas A. , Gouda Walaa A. , Khalek Abdel Razek Ahmed Abdel
Published: August 2019

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate potential dose savings on a revised protocol for whole-body computed tomography and image quality after implementing Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction V (ASiR-V) algorism for trauma patients and compare it with routine protocol.

Materials and Methods

One hundred trauma patients were classified into 2 groups using 2 different scanning protocols. Group A (n = 50; age, 32.48 ± 8.09 years) underwent routine 3-phase protocol. Group B (n = 50; age, 35.94 ± 13.57 years) underwent biphasic injection protocol including unenhanced scan for the brain and cervical spines, followed by a 1-step acquisition of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. The ASiR-V level was kept at 50% for all examinations, and then studies were reconstructed at 0% ASiR-V level. Radiation dose, total acquisition time, and image count were compared between groups (A and B). Two radiologists independently graded image quality and artifacts between both groups and 2 ASiR-V levels (0 and 50%).

Results

The mean (±SD) dose-length product value for postcontrast scans in group A was 1602.3 ± 271.8 mGy · cm and higher when compared with group B (P < 0.001), which was 951.1 ± 359.6 mGy · cm. Biphasic injection protocol gave a dose reduction of 40.4% and reduced the total acquisition time by 11.4% and image count by 37.6%. There was no statistically significant difference between the image quality scores for both groups; however, group A scored higher grades (4.62 ± 0.56 and 4.56 ± 0.67). Similarly, the image quality scores for both ASiR-V levels in both groups were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Biphasic computed tomography protocol reduced radiation dose with maintenance of diagnostic accuracy and image quality after implementing ASiR-V algorism.
Not all in your head (and neck): Stroke after blunt cerebrovascular injury is associated with systemic hypercoagulability
Authors: Sumislawski Joshua J. , Moore Hunter B. , Moore Ernest E. , Swope Megan L. , Pieracci Fredric M. , Fox Charles J. , Campion Eric M. , Lawless Ryan A. , Platnick K. Barry , Sauaia Angela , Cohen Mitchell Jay , Burlew Clay Cothren
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Stroke secondary to blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) most often occurs before initiation of antithrombotic therapy. Earlier treatment, especially in multiply injured patients with relative contraindications to antithrombotic agents, could be facilitated with improved risk stratification; furthermore, the relationship between BCVI-attributed stroke and hypercoagulability remains unknown. We hypothesized that patients who suffer BCVI-related stroke are hypercoagulable compared with those with BCVI who do not stroke.

METHODS

Rapid thromboelastography (TEG) was evaluated for patients with BCVI-attributed stroke at an urban Level I trauma center from 2011 to 2018. Contemporary controls who had BCVI but did not stroke were selected for comparison using propensity-score matching with 20% caliper that accounted for age, sex, injury severity, and BCVI location and grade.

RESULTS

During the study period, 15,347 patients were admitted following blunt trauma. Blunt cerebrovascular injury was identified in 435 (3%) patients, of whom 28 experienced associated stroke and had a TEG within 24 hours of arrival. Forty-nine patients who had BCVI but did not suffer stroke served as matched controls. Stroke patients formed clots faster as evident in their larger angle (77.5 degrees vs. 74.6 degrees, p = 0.03) and had greater clot strength as indicated by their higher maximum amplitude (MA) (66.9 mm vs. 61.9 mm, p < 0.01). Activated clotting time was shorter among stroke patients but not significantly (113 seconds vs. 121 seconds, p > 0.05). Increased angle and elevated MA were significant predictors of stroke with odds ratios of 2.97 for angle greater than 77.3 degrees and 4.30 for MA greater than 63.0 mm.

CONCLUSION

Patients who suffer BCVI-related stroke are hypercoagulable compared with those with BCVI who remain asymptomatic. Increased angle or MA should be considered when assessing the risk of thrombosis and determining the optimal time to initiate antithrombotic therapy in patients with BCVI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, Level III.
Heart Transplantation From Hepatitis C–Positive Donors in the Era of Direct Acting Antiviral Therapy: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Bruno Schnegg , Nicole Bart , Nila J. Dharan , Gail Matthews , James Nadel , Peter S. Macdonald , Christopher S. Hayward
Published: August 2019

Background.

While heart transplantation is a highly effective treatment in patients with advanced heart failure, the number of people waiting for a transplant exceeds the number of available donors. With the advent of direct acting antivirals (DAA) for the eradication of Hepatitis C, the heart transplant donor pool has been expanded to include donors with untreated Hepatitis C. To help with the development of future protocols for Hepatitis C–positive heart transplants, we performed a review of the literature on DAA therapy in the context of heart transplantation.

Methods.

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVIDE JOURNAL, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR for papers published between 01.01.2011 and 01.06.2019 using key words “heart transplantation” associated with “hepatitis C.”

Results.

After removing duplicates, we screened 78 articles and retained 16 for primary analysis and 20 for sustained virologic response 12 weeks after completion of the DAA therapy (SVR-12). The data from 62 patients were extracted from these publications. Fifty-six (90%) patients had donor-derived hepatitis C and 6 (10%) patients were chronically infected with hepatitis C before transplantation. All living transplanted patients achieved SVR-12, defined as hepatitis C virus RNA below the limit of detection 12 weeks after treatment completion. Treatment duration ranged from 4 to 24 weeks. Clinically relevant modification to the dosing of immunosuppressive mediations during DAA therapy was documented in only 1 patient (1.6%). Six (14%) patients experienced rejection during DAA therapy.

Conclusions.

Despite different timings of initiation of DAA therapy across the included studies, there were no differences in sustained viral clearance. Early commencement of DAA with a potentially shorter treatment duration (<8 wk) is appealing; however, further studies are required before recommending this approach.
Asymmetric Inferior Predilection of Lisch Nodules With Unilateral Ptosis
Authors: Egan Robert A.
Published: August 2019

Lisch nodules are melanocytic hamartomas that have been hypothesized to grow larger in the presence of sunlight. A 17-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis Type 1 and congenital ptosis in one eye presented and was found to have a distinct asymmetry of Lisch nodules between eyes with less under the ptotic lid. This case supports the theory that Lisch nodules form at least partially due to a direct trophic effect of sunlight.
Gauging the epidemic potential of a widely circulating non-invasive meningococcal strain in Africa
Authors: Brynildsrud Ola Brønstad , Eldholm Vegard , Rakhimova Adelina , Kristiansen Paul A. , Caugant Dominique A.
Published: August 2019

Neisseria meningitidis

colonizes the human oropharynx and transmits mainly via asymptomatic carriage. Actual outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis are comparatively rare and occur when susceptible populations are exposed to hypervirulent clones, genetically distinct from the main carriage isolates. However, carriage isolates can evolve into pathogens through a limited number of recombination events. The present study examines the potential for the sequence type (ST)-192, by far the dominant clone recovered in recent meningococcal carriage studies in sub-Saharan Africa, to evolve into a pathogen. We used whole-genome sequencing on a collection of 478 meningococcal isolates sampled from 1- to 29- year-old healthy individuals in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia in 2014. The ST-192 clone was identified in nearly 60 % of the carriers. Using complementary short- and long-read techniques for whole-genome sequencing, we were able to completely resolve genomes and thereby identify genomic differences between the ST-192 carriage strain and known pathogenic clones with the highest possible resolution. We conclude that it is possible, but unlikely, that ST-192 could evolve into a significant pathogen, thus, becoming the major invasive meningococcus clone in the meningitis belt of Africa following upcoming mass vaccination with a polyvalent conjugate vaccine that targets the A, C, W, Y and X capsules.
Targetable Tetrazine-Based Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Agents for Biological Systems
Authors: Lim Byung Joon , Ackermann Bryce E. , Debelouchina Galia T.
Published: August 2019

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has shown great promise as a tool to enhance the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals of proteins in the cellular environment. As the sensitivity increases, the ability to select and efficiently polarize a specific macromolecule over the cellular background has become desirable. Here, we address this need and present a tetrazine-based DNP polarization agent that can be targeted selectively to proteins containing the unnatural amino acid (UAA) norbornene-lysine. The UAA can be introduced efficiently by genetic means in the cellular milieu. Our approach is bio-orthogonal and easily adaptable to any protein of interest. We illustrate the scope of our methodology and investigate the DNP polarization transfer mechanisms in several biological systems. Our results present the first molecular view of the complex polarization transfer pathways in targeted DNP and ultimately pave the way to selective DNP-enhanced NMR spectroscopy in both bacterial and mammalian cells.
The inhibition of LSD1 via sequestration contributes to tau-mediated neurodegeneration
Authors: Engstrom Amanda K. , Walker Alicia C. , Moudgal Rohitha A. , Myrick Dexter A. , Kyle Stephanie M. , Bai Yu , Rowley M Jordan , Katz David J.
Published: August 2019

Tauopathies are a class of neurodegenerative diseases associated with pathological tau. Despite many advances in our understanding of these diseases, the direct mechanism through which tau contributes to neurodegeneration remains poorly understood. Previously, our lab implicated the histone demethylase LSD1 in tau-induced neurodegeneration by showing that LSD1 localizes to pathological tau aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease cases, and that it is continuously required for the survival of hippocampal and cortical neurons in mice. Here, we utilize the P301S tauopathy mouse model to demonstrate that pathological tau can exclude LSD1 from the nucleus in neurons. In addition, we show that reducing LSD1 in these mice is sufficient to highly exacerbate tau-mediated neurodegeneration and tau-induced gene expression changes. Finally, we find that overexpressing LSD1 in the hippocampus of tauopathy mice, even after pathology has formed, is sufficient to significantly delay neurodegeneration and counteract tau-induced expression changes. These results suggest that inhibiting LSD1 via sequestration contributes to tau-mediated neurodegeneration. Thus, LSD1 is a promising therapeutic target for tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

We have made the novel discovery that pathological tau functions through the histone demethylase LSD1 in the Alzheimer’s disease pathway. Thus, we have identified a mechanism that links tau to the downstream neuronal dysfunction pathways. This step can potentially be targeted therapeutically, after the onset of dementia symptoms, to block the progression of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Direct microRNA sequencing using Nanopore Induced Phase-Shift Sequencing (NIPSS)
Authors: Zhang Jinyue , Yan Shuanghong , Guo Weiming , Wang Yuqin , Wang Yu , Zhang Panke , Chen Hong-Yuan , Huang Shuo
Published: August 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs that function in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Besides their participation in regulating normal physiological activities, specific miRNA types could act as oncogenes, tumor suppressors or metastasis regulators, which are critical biomarkers for cancer. However, direct characterization of miRNA is challenging due to its unique properties such as its low abundance, sequence similarities and short length. Nanopore Induced Phase Shift Sequencing (NIPSS), which is a variant form of nanopore sequencing, could directly sequence any short analytes including miRNA. In practice, NIPSS clearly discriminates between different identities, isoforms and epigenetic variants of model miRNA sequences. This work demonstrates the first report of direct miRNA sequencing, which serves as a complement to existing miRNA sensing routines by the introduction of single molecule resolution. Future engineering of this technique may assist miRNA based early stage diagnosis or inspire novel cancer therapeutics.
What drives users’ participation in online social Q&A communities? An empirical study based on social cognitive theory
Authors: Bao Zheshi , Han Zhiyong
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine some drivers of users’ participation in online social question-and-answer (Q&A) communities based on social cognitive theory and then identify the underlying mechanism of this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a research model to test the proposed hypotheses, and an online survey was employed to collected data. Totally, 313 valid responses were collected, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was adopted to analyze these data.

Findings

This study empirically finds that the outcome expectations (personal outcome expectations and knowledge self-management outcome expectations) are positively related to participation in online social Q&A communities. At the same time, users’ self-efficacy positively influences their participation behaviors. It can not only directly motivate users’ participation, but also indirectly promote participation behaviors through the two dimensions of outcome expectations. Besides, perceived expertise and perceived similarity are two positive and significant environmental elements affecting users’ participation.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding about how participation behaviors will be motivated in the context of online social Q&A communities. Drawing on the social cognitive theory, constructs were established based on the features of these communities. Meanwhile, some mediating effects in the motivating process were also discussed.
Does internal corporate governance mechanism control firm risk? Evidence from Indonesia’s three high-risk sectors
Authors: Hatane Saarce Elsye , Supangat Stellania , Tarigan Josua , Jie Ferry
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the control of corporate governance towards firm risks for a sample of Indonesian firms in agriculture, mining and property industries. This study highlights the impact of four indicators of internal mechanism of corporate governance, i.e. board size, board independence, board gender and board ownership, on three measurements of firm risks, i.e. total risk, asset return risk and idiosyncratic risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data analysis is conducted using a sample of 62 companies of agriculture, mining and property industries listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2017. Pooled ordinary least square with hetero-corrected is the statistical approach conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The result indicates that board size and board gender insignificantly influence firm risks. While board independence gives varied impacts towards firm risks, it gives positive influence towards total asset return risk, insignificant towards idiosyncratic risk and negative towards total risk. Other interesting results are found in board ownership that has insignificant influence on asset return risk and negative influence on idiosyncratic and total risk.

Research limitations/implications

Firms should incorporate corporate governance, especially the impactful roles of board independence and board ownership as they serve as tools in reducing firm risk. Moreover, investors may have a better understanding of corporate governance and factors that are influencing firm risks. Therefore, this study can assist them to make the right investment decision.

Originality/value

This study is notably the first to use comprehensively three measurements of firm risks in Indonesia. Risks can come from internal and external, thus the company should understand the various types of risks facing the company. Total risk measures both the internal and external risks, while asset return risk gives another perspective using overall market perception about the equity and assets of the company. Finally, this study also measures internal risk, which is the only risk that can be controlled and minimised by the board of the company.
Do disclosure and transparency affect bank’s financial performance?
Authors: Oino Isaiah
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of transparency and disclosure on the financial performance of financial institutions. The emphasis is on assessing transparency and disclosure; auditing and compliance; risk management as indicators of corporate governance; and understanding how these parameters affect bank profitability, liquidity and the quality of loan portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 20 financial institutions was selected, with ten respondents from each, yielding a total sample size of 200. Principal component analysis (PCA), with inbuilt ability to check for composite reliability, was used to obtain composite indices for the corporate governance indicators as well as the indicators of financial performance, based on a set of questions framed for each institution.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates that greater disclosure and transparency, improved auditing and compliance and better risk management positively affect the financial performance of financial institutions. In terms of significance, the results show that as the level of disclosure and transparency in managerial affairs increases, the performance of financial institutions – as measured in terms of the quality of loan portfolios, liquidity and profitability – increases by 0.3046, with the effect being statistically significant at the 1 per cent level. Furthermore, as the level of auditing and the degree of compliance with banking regulations increases, the financial performance of banks improves by 0.3309.

Research limitations/implications

This paper did not consider time series because corporate governance does not change periodically.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates the importance of disclosure and transparency in managerial affairs because the performance of financial institutions, as measured in terms of loan portfolios, liquidity and profitability, increases by 0.4 when transparency and disclosure improve, with this effect being statistically significant at the 1 per cent level.

Originality/value

The use of primary data in assessing the impact of corporate governance on financial performance, instead of secondary data, is the primary novelty of this study. Moreover, PCA is used to assess the weight of the various parameters.
An improved genetic algorithm with variable neighborhood search to solve the assembly line balancing problem
Authors: Fathi Masood , Nourmohammadi Amir , H.C. Ng Amos , Syberfeldt Anna , Eskandari Hamidreza
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to propose an efficient optimization algorithm to solve the assembly line balancing problem (ALBP). The ALBP arises in high-volume, lean production systems when decision-makers aim to design an efficient assembly line while satisfying a set of constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

An improved genetic algorithm (IGA) is proposed in this study to deal with ALBP to optimize the number of stations and the workload smoothness.

Findings

To evaluate the performance of the IGA, it is used to solve a set of well-known benchmark problems and a real-life problem faced by an automobile manufacturer. The solutions obtained are compared against two existing algorithms in the literature and the basic genetic algorithm. The comparisons show the high efficiency and effectiveness of the IGA in dealing with ALBPs.

Originality/value

The proposed IGA benefits from a novel generation transfer mechanism that improves the diversification capability of the algorithm by allowing population transfer between different generations. In addition, an effective variable neighborhood search is used in the IGA to enhance its local search capability.
Numerical analysis and simulation of delay parabolic partial differential equation involving a small parameter
Authors: Govindarao Lolugu , Mohapatra Jugal
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an efficient and robust second-order monotone hybrid scheme for singularly perturbed delay parabolic convection-diffusion initial boundary value problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The delay parabolic problem is solved numerically by a finite difference scheme consists of implicit Euler scheme for the time derivative and a monotone hybrid scheme with variable weights for the spatial derivative. The domain is discretized in the temporal direction using uniform mesh while the spatial direction is discretized using three types of non-uniform meshes mainly the standard Shishkin mesh, the Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh and the Gartland Shishkin mesh.

Findings

The proposed scheme is shown to be a parameter-uniform convergent scheme, which is second-order convergent and optimal for the case. Also, the authors used the Thomas algorithm approach for the computational purposes, which took less time for the computation, and hence, more efficient than the other methods used in literature.

Originality/value

A singularly perturbed delay parabolic convection-diffusion initial boundary value problem is considered. The solution of the problem possesses a regular boundary layer. The authors solve this problem numerically using a monotone hybrid scheme. The error analysis is carried out. It is shown to be parameter-uniform convergent and is of second-order accurate. Numerical results are shown to verify the theoretical estimates.
Modeling observer happiness from facial hyperspectral sensor
Authors: Hao Min , Liu Guangyuan , Xie Desheng , Ye Ming , Cai Jing
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Happiness is an important mental emotion and yet becoming a major health concern nowadays. For this reason, better recognizing the objective understanding of how humans respond to event-related observations in their daily lives is especially important.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses non-intrusive technology (hyperspectral imaging [HSI]) for happiness recognition. Experimental setup is conducted for data collection in real-life environments where observers are showing spontaneous expressions of emotions (calm, happy, unhappy: angry) during the experimental process. Based on facial imaging captured from HSI, this work collects our emotional database defined as SWU Happiness DB and studies whether the physiological signal (i.e. tissue oxygen saturation [StO2], obtained by an optical absorption model) can be used to recognize observer happiness automatically. It proposes a novel method to capture local dynamic patterns (LDP) in facial regions, introducing local variations in facial StO2to fully use physiological characteristics with regard to hyperspectral patterns. Further, it applies a linear discriminant analysis-based support vector machine to recognize happiness patterns.

Findings

The results show that the best classification accuracy is 97.89 per cent, objectively demonstrating a feasible application of LDP features on happiness recognition.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel feature (i.e. LDP) to represent the local variations in facial StO2for modeling the active happiness. It provides a possible extension to the promising practical application.
Do course evaluation systems have an influence on e-learning student satisfaction?
Authors: Martín Rodríguez Óscar , González-Gómez Francisco , Guardiola Jorge
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the relationship between student assessment method and e-learning satisfaction. Which e-learning assessment method do students prefer? The assessment method is an additional determinant of the effectiveness and quality that affects user satisfaction with online courses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs data from 1,114 students. The first set of data was obtained from a questionnaire on the online platform. The second set of information was obtained from the external assessment reports by e-learning specialists. The satisfaction revealed by the students in their responses to the questionnaire is the dependent variable in the multivariate technique. In order to estimate the influence of the independent variables on the global satisfaction, we use the ordinary least squares technic. This method is the most appropriate for dependent discrete variables whose categories are ordered but have multiple categories, as is the case for the dependent variable.

Findings

The method influences e-learning satisfaction, even though only slightly. The students are reluctant to be assessed by a final exam. Students prefer systems that award more importance to the assessment of coursework as part of the final mark.

Practical implications

Knowing the level of student satisfaction and the factors that influence it is helpful to the teachers for improving their courses.

Originality/value

In online education, student satisfaction is an indicator of the quality of the education system. Although previous research has analyzed the factors that influence e-student satisfaction, to the best of authors’ knowledge, no previous research has specifically analyzed the relationship between assessment systems and general student satisfaction with the course.
Accurate LBM appraising of pin-fins heat dissipation performance and entropy generation in enclosures as application to power electronic cooling
Authors: Djebali Ridha , Jaouabi Abdallah , Naffouti Taoufik , Abboudi Said
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out an in-depth analysis of heat dissipation performance by natural convection phenomenon inside light-emitting diode (LED) lamps containing hot pin-fins because of its significant industrial applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is assimilated to heat transfer inside air-filled rectangular cavity with various governing parameters appraised in ranges interesting engineering application and scientific research. The lattice Boltzmann method is used to predict the dynamic and thermal behaviors. Effects of monitoring parameters such as Rayleigh number Ra (103-106), fin length (0-0.25) and its position, pin-fins number (1-8), the tilting-angle (0-180°) and cavity aspect ratio Ar (0.25-4) are carried out.

Findings

The rising behaviors of the dynamic and thermal structures and heat transfer rate (Nu), the heatlines distribution and the irreversibility rate are appraised. It was found that the flow is constantly two contra-rotating symmetric cells. The heat transfer is almost doubled by increasing Ra. A lack of cooling performance was identified between Ar = 0.5 and 0.75. The inclination 45° is the most appropriate cooling case. At constant Ra, the maximum stream-function and the global entropy generation remain almost unchanged by increasing the pin number from 1 to 8 and the entropy generation is of thermal origin for low Ra, so that the fluid friction irreversibility becomes dominant for Ra larger than 105.

Research limitations/implications

Improvements may include three-dimensional complex geometries, accounting for thermal radiation, high unit power and turbulence modelling. Such factors effects will be conducted in the future.

Practical implications

The cooling performance/heat dissipation in LED lamps is a key manufacturing factors, which determines the lifetime of the electronic components. The best design and installation give the opportunity to increase further the product shelf-life.

Originality/value

Both cooling performance, irreversibility rate and enclosure configuration (aspect ratio and inclination) are taken into account. This cooling scheme will give a superior operating mode of the hot components in an era where energy harvesting, storage and consumption is met with considerable attention in the worldwide.
Three-dimensional multiphase flow modeling of membrane humidifier for PEM fuel cell application
Authors: Atyabi Seyed Ali , Afshari Ebrahim , Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi Mohammad Yaghoub
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In this paper, a single module of cross-flow membrane humidifier is evaluated as a three-dimensional multiphase model. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of volume flow rate, dry temperature, dew point wet temperature and porosity of gas diffusion layer on the humidifier performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, one set of coupled equations are continuity, momentum, species and energy conservation is considered. The numerical code is benchmarked by the comparison of numerical results with experimental data of Hwang et al.

Findings

The results reveal that the transfer rate of water vapor and dew point approach temperature (DPAT) increase by increasing the volume flow rate. Also, it is found that the water recovery ratio (WRR) and relative humidity (RH) decrease with increasing volume flow rate. In addition, all mixed results decrease with increasing dry side temperature especially at high volume flow rates and this trend in high volume flow rates is more sensible. Although the transfer rate of water vapor and DPAT increases with increasing the wet inlet temperature, WRR and RH reduce. Increasing dew point temperature effect is more sensible at the wet side is compared with the dry side. The humidification performance will be enhanced with increasing diffusion layer porosity by increasing the wet inlet dew point temperature, but has no meaningful effect on other operating parameters. The pressure drop along humidifier gas channels increases with rising flow rate, consequently, the required power of membrane humidifier will enhance.

Originality/value

According to previous studies, the three-dimensional numerical multiphase model of cross-flow membrane humidifier has not been developed.
Investigation of magneto-hydrodynamic fluid squeezed between two parallel disks by considering Joule heating, thermal radiation, and adding different nanoparticles
Authors: Dogonchi A.S. , Waqas Muhammad , Afshar S.R. , Seyyedi Seyyed Masoud , Hashemi-Tilehnoee M. , Chamkha Ali J. , Ganji D.D.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the impacts of viscous dissipation, thermal radiation and Joule heating on squeezing flow current and the heat transfer mechanism for a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow in parallel disks during a suction/blowing process.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the governing momentum/energy equations are transformed into a non-dimensional form and then the obtained equations are solved by modified Adomian decomposition method (ADM), known as Duan–Rach approach (DRA).

Findings

The effect of the radiation parameter, suction/blowing parameter, magnetic parameter, squeezing number and nanoparticles concentration on the heat transfer and flow field are investigated in the results. The results show that the fluid velocity increases with increasing suction parameter, while the temperature profile decreases with increasing suction parameter.

Originality/value

A complete analysis of the MHD fluid squeezed between two parallel disks by considering Joule heating, thermal radiation and adding different nanoparticles using the novel method called DRA is addressed.
A multiscale algorithm for the mineralization process during supercritical carbon dioxide injection into a deep saline aquifer
Authors: Rodrigues Sica Luiz Umberto
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In this work, it is presented a locally conservative multiscale algorithm accounting the mineralization process during the supercritical carbon dioxide injection into a deep saline aquifer. The purpose of this study is to address numerically the geological storage of CO2 in a highly heterogeneous reservoir, leading with interactions among several phenomena in multiple scales.

Design/methodology/approach

This algorithm have features that distinguish it from the presently available solvers which are: (i) an appropriate combination of a coupled transport system solver using a high-order non-oscillatory central-scheme finite volume method and, elliptic numerical approach applying a locally conservative finite element method for Darcy’s law and, (ii) the capability of leading with interactions among several phenomena in multiple scales.

Findings

As a result, this approach was able to quantify the precipitation of the carbonate crystals at the solid interface.
How do online reviewers’ cultural traits and perceived experience influence hotel online ratings?
Authors: Mariani Marcello , Predvoditeleva Marina
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role and influence of online reviewers’ cultural traits and perceived experience on online review ratings of Russian hotels by taking a direct measurement approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt an explanatory sequential research design consisting of two stages. In the first stage, based on a sample of almost 75,000 Booking.com online reviews covering hotels located in Moscow (Russia), this study examines quantitatively to what extent the cultural traits of online reviewers and hotel guests’ perceived experience in online reviewing affect online ratings also using censored regressions. In the second stage, it interprets the results in light of semi-structured interviews conducted with a convenience sample of managers.

Findings

Each of the Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (namely, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and power distance) exerts a significantly negative influence on the hotel online ratings. More specifically, the higher the levels of individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and power distance, the lower the hotel’s online ratings. Reviewers’ perceived experience in online reviewing is negatively related to online ratings.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s findings bear relevant practical implications for hotel managers and online platform managers in countries that are not typically covered by online consumer behavior studies in hospitality such as Russia. From a theoretical viewpoint, this study contributes to cultural studies in hospitality management and marketing with a further development of the nascent research stream taking a direct measurement approach to the study of cultural influences on consumers’ behaviors. Furthermore, this study offers a better and in-depth understanding of the role of cultural traits on electronic word of mouth, as well as international market segmentation theory in online settings.

Originality/value

The conjoint exploration of the effects of cultural differences and perceived experience in online reviewing adds to the nascent research stream taking a direct measurement approach to the study of the Hofstede’s cultural dimensions on online consumers’ behaviors. The authors make multiple theoretical and methodological contributions, highlighting that online hospitality customers cannot be considered as one homogeneous mass. Instead, the application of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions allows identifying distinctively different online behaviors across international online customers: different online customer groups can be clustered into segments, as they display different online behaviors and give different online evaluations.
Complex network analysis for international talent mobility based on bibliometrics
Authors: Wang Yinqiu , Luo Hui , Shi Yunyan`
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore international talent mobility and identify its negative/positive factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric data from Scopus are explicated to model the mobility network and providing a more comprehensive posture. In addition, by using indicators of complex network, significant features of international talent mobility are described quantitatively. After that, by introducing a kind of improved gravity model with multiple linear regression, the authors identify factors to explain international talent mobility flows.

Findings

With the analysis of international talent mobility in complex network, the overall network is not balanced. A small part of developed countries and developing countries with good emergency attract and drain a lot of talents and talents usually moving between these countries, the amount of talents leaving or entering into other countries is very limited. Furthermore, according to multiple linear regression, it is found that the share of migrants in population is the major negative factor for international talent mobility, and the factors of destination countries is more significant than original countries.

Originality/value

The result of this paper may support further research studies and political suggestions for cultivating, attracting and retaining scientific and technological talents in the world.