bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of flow separation on a lambda wing aerodynamics
Authors: Dadkhah Mehdi , Masdari Mehran , Vaziri Mohammad Ali , Tahani Mojtaba
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In this paper, experimental and numerical results of a lambda wing have been compared. The purpose of this paper is to study the behaviour of lambda wings using a CFD tool and to consider different numerical models to obtain the most accurate results. As far as the consideration of numerical methods is concerned, the main focus is on the evaluation of computational methods for an accurate prediction of contingent leading edge vortices’ path and the flow separation occurring because of the burst of these vortices on the wing.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental tests are performed in a closed-circuit wind tunnel at the Reynolds number of 6 × 105 and angles of attack (AOA) ranging from 0 to 10 degrees. Investigated turbulence models in this study are Reynolds Averaged Navior–Stokes (RANS) models in a steady state. To compare the accuracy of the turbulence models with respect to experimental results, sensitivity study of these models has been plotted in bar charts.

Findings

The results illustrate that the leading edge vortex on this lambda wing is unstable and disappears soon. The effect of this disappearance is obvious by an increase in local drag coefficient in the junction of inner and outer wings. Streamlines on the upper surface of the wing show that at AOA higher than 8 degrees, the absence of an intense leading edge vortex leads to a local flow separation on the outer wing and a reverse in the flow.

Research limitations/implications

Results obtained from the behaviour study of transition (TSS) turbulence model are more compatible with experimental findings. This model predicts the drag coefficient of the wing with the highest accuracy. Of all considered turbulence models, the Spalart model was not able to accurately predict the non-linearity of drag and pitching moment coefficients. Except for the TSS turbulence model, all other models are unable to predict the aerodynamic coefficients corresponding to AOA higher than 10 degrees.

Practical implications

The presented results in this paper include lift, drag and pitching moment coefficients in various AOA and also the distribution of aerodynamic coefficients along the span.

Originality/value

The presented results include lift, drag and pitching moment coefficients in various AOA and also aerodynamic coefficients distribution along the span.
On-farm food safety knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices of layer hen farmers
Authors: Thongpalad Kwanhatai , Kuwornu John K.M. , Datta Avishek , Chulakasian Songkhla , Anal Anil Kumar
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of farmers regarding the on-farm food safety measures in the commercial layer farms in Thailand prior the implementation of the mandatory Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standard.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional study was conducted through the face-to-face interview with a questionnaire in 143 GAP certified and 59 non-GAP certified farms. The levels of safety and quality measures implemented in farms were evaluated using a self-reported approach. Scoring system was applied to investigate the relationship between level of practices and its determining factors using the correlation test.

Findings

The layer hen farmers appeared to have an adequate level of knowledge on safety and quality measures; however, some misconception on recommended practices was still observed. The significant differences (p<0.001) in the regularity of practices adopted in farms were noticed between GAP and non-GAP groups. The GAP farmers have higher level of knowledge, and positive attitudes toward implementation. Only the weak positive relationships were found between all KAP variables which implied that there are other factors influencing the translation of knowledge and favorable attitudes into practices.

Originality/value

None of the on-farm food safety KAP report has been published in Thailand. This study highlights the gaps in the practices and issues needed to be focused by standard promoters for developing the knowledge translation programs aimed at enhancing the standard of layer farming.
The wide range of output frequency regulation method for the inverter using the combination of PWM and DDS
Authors: Pietrowski Wojciech , Ludowicz Wojciech , Wojciechowski Rafal Marek
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The specific modulation methods are used to control different kind of single-phase, as well as three-phase, inverters to ensure flexibility and high quality of the output waveform. This paper aims to present a combination of two classical methods, namely, pulse width modulation method and direct digital synthesis modulation method.

Design/methodology/approach

The total harmonic distortion of output waveforms of single-phase inverter based on elaborated modulation method has been determined by means of fast Fourier transform analysis. Tests have been carried out by using standard low-frequency application and also a wireless resonant energy link system.

Findings

Applying appropriate timer parameters of microcontroller enables to obtain a waveform for given output parameters (amplitude, frequency, frequency modulation index, etc.). The only limitation is the computing power of a microcontroller.

Originality/value

The elaborated method can be successfully used in both low- and high-frequency application ensuring high level of output waveform quality. Additional signal generators and the control of amplitude modulation ratio are no longer indispensable, what simplify immensely a control system.
Nature of communication performance in non-traditional procurements in South Africa
Authors: Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Machethe Seja Olgah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Non-traditional procurement is thought to offer enhanced benefits over traditional contracts. However, several factors significantly impacting the optimization of the benefits have been suggested. Even though effective communication is ranked high among these factors, not enough empirical insights have been given to the nature of communication performance in non-traditional procurements in construction project delivery. The purpose of this paper is to focus on understanding the taxonomy of communication performance in non-traditional procurements in the South African Construction Industry, given the centrality of communication to team effectiveness, performance, project success and managerial efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a deductive research approach, an empirical questionnaire survey was conducted drawing on the practical communication experience of project teams engaged in projects using non-traditional procurement systems.

Findings

Using aggregated mean scores and inter-rater agreement index and Mann‒Whitney tests, the results revealed inaccuracies, barriers and procedural challenges as frequently occurring in the interpersonal and organizational communication in the adopted non-traditional procurement systems. Additionally, untimeliness and distorted information were noted to be occurring occasionally, whereas incomplete communication, misunderstood information and gatekeeping rarely occurred. Lastly, protocol-related communication challenges were deemed to have never occurred in their interpersonal and organizational communication in their project delivery. In the assessment of communication performance, the less frequently occurring assessment indicator is a testament to good communication performance, whereas the frequently occurring indicator represents a poor performance in the communication.

Originality/value

This systematic approach toward understanding the taxonomy of the interpersonal and organizational communication performance in non-traditional procurement is very significant toward communication performance improvement in the industry. The insight given by the findings may help construction project practitioners to focus their attention on the necessary aspects of communication in non-traditional procurements to optimize their benefits over traditional procurement models.
Neuroscientism, the neuroscience of learning
Authors: Lim Doo Hun , Chai Dae Seok , Park Sunyoung , Doo Min Young
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Although the field of neuroscience has evolved dramatically, little research has attempted to conceptualize the impact of neuroscience on the field of human resource development (HRD). The purpose of this study is an integrative review of the influential relationship between neuroscience and workplace learning including applicable implications for HRD research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing 93 studies on neuroscience and brain-based learning published between 1995 and 2017, the authors synthesized their findings.

Findings

This study discusses the basic concepts of neuroscience such as the structure and functions of the brain, neuroscientific findings about memory and cognition, the effect of neural transmitters on memory and cognition and the neuroscience of learning. This study also illustrates brain-based learning styles affecting learning and describes various neuroscientific learning principles and models that can be applied to practical planning and the delivery of workplace learning and HRD activities.

Originality/value

This study concludes with brain-based learning principles called neuroscientism compared with traditional learning theories. It also includes several brain-based learning cases from workplace settings and implications for future research and further HRD practices.
Numerical investigation of the effect of water/Al2O3 nanofluid on heat transfer in trapezoidal, sinusoidal and stepped microchannels
Authors: Jaferian Vahid , Toghraie Davood , Pourfattah Farzad , Akbari Omid Ali , Talebizadehsardari Pouyan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is three-dimensional flow and heat transfer investigation of water/Al2O3 nanofluid inside a microchannel with different cross-sections in two-phase mode.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of microchannel walls geometry (trapezoidal, sinusoidal and stepped microchannels) on flow characteristics and also changing circular cross section to trapezoidal cross section in laminar flow at Reynolds numbers of 50, 100, 300 and 600 were investigated. In this study, two-phase water/Al2O3 nanofluid is simulated by the mixture model, and the effect of volume fraction of nanoparticles on performance evaluation criterion (PEC) is studied. The accuracy of obtained results was compared with the experimental and numerical results of other similar papers.

Findings

Results show that in flow at lower Reynolds numbers, sinusoidal walls create a pressure drop in pure water flow which improves heat transfer to obtain PEC < 1. However, in sinusoidal and stepped microchannel with higher Reynolds numbers, PEC > 1. Results showed that the stepped microchannel had higher pressure drop, better thermal performance and higher PEC than other microchannels.

Originality/value

Review of previous studies showed that existing papers have not compared and investigated nanofluid in a two-phase mode in inhomogeneous circular, stepped and sinusoidal cross and trapezoidal cross-sections by considering the effect of changing channel shape, which is the aim of the present paper.
Contemporary ethnic minority entrepreneurship in the UK
Authors: Daniel Elizabeth , Henley Andrew , Anwar Muhammad Naveed
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Ethnic minority entrepreneurs (EMEs) are traditionally associated with lower growth industry sectors. The purpose of this paper is to draw on the theory of mixed embeddedness to determine if more recent EMEs have been able to break out of lower growth sectors and if break out varies across ethnic minority groups. It also compares entrepreneurial quality in terms of weekly hours worked, weekly earnings and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative inferential statistical analysis is undertaken on data drawn from the large scale, social sciences data set for the UK, Understanding Society.

Findings

The study finds that break out is not associated with being a recent EME but does vary across ethnic minority groups. Break out is found to be associated with gender, education, English language proficiency and occupational status. Some variation in entrepreneurial quality is found for both recent EMEs and across ethnic minority groups.

Practical implications

Understanding the nature and quality of ethnic minority entrepreneurship is important since it informs public debate about migration, informs policy and shapes activities of future EMEs.

Originality/value

The study provides a theoretically grounded interpretation of the explanatory variables associated with EME break out and entrepreneurial quality. Second, it provides a large confirmatory study of break out and finally, it also finds an important empirical nuance to the concept of opportunity structure by identifying a variation over time in both external and socio-demographic factors.
Paradoxical influence of family ownership on innovation-focused organizational change
Authors: Szymanska Izabela , Blanchard Anita , Kuhns Kaleigh
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on efforts of a large department store to increase its business advantage by boosting innovation. The first broad research question of this study investigated how the family and non-family members influence the process of organizational change aimed at greater innovativeness in a successful retail family business. The second research question was how the family enterprise handles the tension between change stemming from innovation and progress and the need for stability continuity tradition and maintenance of family control.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an in-depth inductive analysis (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) of an important and unique case (Yin, 1994).

Findings

The results of the study indicate that the push toward innovation was initiated by family members and that it was focused largely on creating structural support for the innovation activity keeping this activity tightly under monitoring and control by upper management. The attempts at equipping employees with innovation-relevant decision-making authority or consulting the clients in designing novel projects were absent, while the move to change the organizational culture was measured.

Originality/value

This study makes several contributions to the academic literature. It offers an empirical assessment of the effects of emotional attachment and ownership concentration on innovation management, a phenomenon postulated by Kotlaret al.(2016). These two characteristics pulled innovation-boosting initiative in opposite directions creating a unique dynamics. This research also provides an example of organizational identity that hinders the innovation process in the context of a family business that survived and developed over generations.
Case definition for health and social care services integrated initiatives
Authors: Cheng Siu Mee , Catallo Cristina
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a case definition of integrated health and social services initiatives that serve older adults, and will provide characteristics to aid in the identification of such initiatives. The case definition is intended to ease the identification of integrated health and social care initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A limited search was undertaken of both scientific and gray literature that documented and/or examined integrated health and social services initiatives. In addition, literature on well-documented and generally accepted integrated healthcare and social services models that reflect collaborations from healthcare and social services organizations that support older adults was also used to develop the case definition.

Findings

The case definition is as follows: healthcare organizations from across the continuum of care working together with social services organizations, so that services are complementary and coordinated in a seamless and unified system, with care continuity for the patient/client in order to achieve desired health outcomes within a holistic perspective; the initiatives comprise at least one healthcare organization and one social care organization; and these initiatives possess 18 characteristics, grouped under 9 themes: patient care approach; program goals; measurement; service and care quality; accountability and responsibility; information sharing; culture; leadership; and staff and professional interaction.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is that the characteristics are based on a limited literature search. The quality of some of the literature both gray and published was not definitive: information on how they undertook the literature search was not provided; exclusion and inclusion criteria were not included; and there was insufficient detail on the design of the studies included. Furthermore, the literature reviews are based on integrated initiatives that target both seniors and non-senior’s based services. The cross-section of initiatives studied is also different in scale and type, and these differences were not explored.

Practical implications

The case definition is a useful tool in aiding to further the understanding of integrated health and social care initiatives. The number of definitions that exist for integrated health and social care initiatives can make it confusing to clearly understand this field and topic. The characteristics identified can assist in providing greater clarity and understanding on health and social care integration.

Originality/value

This study provides greater coherence in the literature on health and social care integration. It aids in better framing the phenomenon of healthcare and social services integration, thereby enhancing understanding. Finally, the study provides a very useful and concrete list of identifying characteristics, to aid in identifying integrated health and social care initiatives that serve older adults.
Do your employees think your slogan is “fake news?” A framework for understanding the impact of fake company slogans on employees
Authors: Lee Linda W. , Hannah David , McCarthy Ian P.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This article explores how employees can perceive and be impacted by the fakeness of their company slogans.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study draws on the established literature on company slogans, employee audiences, and fake news to create a framework through which to understand fake company slogans.

Findings

Employees attend to two important dimensions of slogans: whether they accurately reflect a company’s (1) values and (2) value proposition. These dimensions combine to form a typology of four ways in which employees can perceive their company’s slogans: namely, authentic, narcissistic, foreign, or corrupt.

Research limitations/implications

This paper outlines how the typology provides a theoretical basis for more refined empirical research on how company slogans influence a key stakeholder: their employees. Future research could test the arguments about how certain characteristics of slogans are more or less likely to cause employees to conclude that slogans are fake news. Those conclusions will, in turn, have implications for the morale and engagement of employees. The ideas herein can also enable a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of slogans.

Practical implications

Employees can view three types of slogans as fake news (narcissistic, foreign, and corrupt slogans). This paper identifies the implications of each type and explains how companies can go about developing authentic slogans.

Originality/value

This paper explores the impact of slogan fakeness on employees: an important audience that has been neglected by studies to date. Thus, the insights and implications specific to this internal stakeholder are novel.
Client and audit partner ethnicity and auditor-client alignment
Authors: Berglund Nathan Robert , Eshleman John Daniel
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of ethnic similarity in the audit partner–client manager relationship and its impact on auditor selection and retention decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use name matching analysis to infer ethnicity of audit partners and client managers in the US nonprofit reporting environment. The authors examine the degree of ethnic similarity (co-ethnicity) between the two parties and model auditor selection and retention decisions as a function of co-ethnicity. The authors also model reporting attributes as a function of co-ethnicity.

Findings

The authors find that the ethnic similarity between the client manager and their external audit partner is a significant determinant of auditor-client alignment. Specifically, the authors find that clients are more likely to select and retain an audit partner who is ethnically similar to the client manager. The authors find that co-ethnicity is associated with a lowered propensity to issue a going concern opinion to a financially distressed client and an increased occurrence of underreporting of fundraising and administrative expenses.

Research limitations/implications

Taken together, the evidence suggests that ethnic diversity (the opposite of co-ethnicity) in the auditor-client relationship is associated with higher audit quality. These findings are relevant to client managers, audit committees and public accounting firms as they make auditor selection and reporting decisions.

Originality/value

Prior studies have found that co-ethnicity influences the formation and future success of various business partnerships. The auditor-client relationship is a unique setting within the business environment where the two parties must balance their desire to maintain a close relationship with their need to maintain independence. The study is the first to examine the role of ethnicity in the auditor-client relationship.
Know yourself and find your partners
Authors: Lee Jongseon , Kim Nami
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether balancing exploration and exploitation rather than emphasizing one over the other leads to better performance. This study also examines the effects of different kinds of external collaboration on a firm’s performance in relation to the firm’s current innovative direction that shows firms’ internal weighting of exploration or exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on Korean manufacturing firms collected from the Korean Innovation Survey were used to test the hypotheses. This study suggested the concept of innovative direction (θ) to examine current innovation capabilities about how much the firms focused on exploration or exploitation. The directionality of exploration or exploitation has not been reflected in previous measures of ambidexterity. Factor analysis and hierarchical regression were used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggest that balancing exploration and exploitation is beneficial for a firm’s performance, and explorative collaboration is more beneficial for firms internally emphasizing exploitation. However, it showed that for exploration-oriented firms, exploitative collaboration does not supplement exploitative activities.

Research limitations/implications

Inter-organizational collaboration helps to develop ambidexterity that leads to better performance. Because inter-organizational collaboration involves substantial costs and is time-consuming, selecting and maintaining partners has to be conducted carefully. Based on the currently pursuing innovative directions, firms can make more appropriate decision for finding external cooperative partners with much of efficiency. When firms find collaborative partners, it is the first thing to look inside themselves.

Originality/value

Previous studies mainly focused on the selection and balance of the partnership between exploration and exploitation without considering the role of an internal innovative strategy firms are currently pursuing. Identifying firms’ current states and finding partners that can supplement any deficiencies provides the most efficient option for the ambidextrous organization. Consideration of inter-organizational collaborations based on the analysis of internal conditions will be fruitful for the study of ambidexterity.
Behavior biases and investment decision: theoretical and research framework
Authors: Mittal Satish K.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper developed a theoretical and research framework by identifying the behavioral biases in investment decision and by presenting a review of the available literature in the field of behavior finance-related biases. This paper aims to present a compressive review of the literature available in the public domain in past five decades on behavior finance and biases and its role in investment decision-making process. It also covers insights on the subject for developing a deeper understating of the behavior of investor and related biases.

Design/methodology/approach

The work follows the comprehensive literature review approach to review the available literatures. The review carried out on different parameters such as year of publication, journal of publication, country, type of research, data type, statistical technique used and biases identified. This is a funnel approach to decrease the number of behavior biases up to six for further research.

Findings

Most of the existing works have summarized behavior finance as an emerging area in finance. This indicates the limited valuable research in developing economy in this area. This literature review helps in identifying major research gap in this domain. It helps in identifying the behavior biases which work dominantly in investment decision-making. It would be interesting to explore the area of behavior biases and their impact on investment decision of individual investors in India.

Originality/value

This paper worked on literature prevailing on the subject and available on various online research data source and search engines. It covers a long time frame of almost five decades (1970-2015). This paper is an attempt to look at the impact of behavior finance and biases and its role in investment decision-making process of the investor behavior. This study builds up a strong theoretical framework for researchers and academicians by detailed demonstration of available literature on behavior biases.
Luxury fashion goods ownership and collecting behavior in an omni-channel retail environment
Authors: Kim Jihyun
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This research provides a comprehensive overview of the luxury brand cognitive and affective experience, category ownerships and consumption level of affluent adult consumers in the USA. The purpose of this study was to illuminate generational cohorts’ differences and/or similarities among the consumers regarding collecting behavior of, brand self-congruity toward and emotional brand attachment with fashion luxury brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional quantitative approach, the authors conducted a national, representative online survey, 443 usable responses were collected from four generational cohorts, namely, older boomers, younger boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials, who reported an annual household income of US$150,000 or more. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were used to provide the empirical findings.

Findings

Findings suggest that there are significant differences in the luxury brands they owned the most; Millennials exhibited significantly more frequent purchases of luxury fashion goods for all retail types – both brick-and-mortar and online, as well as upscale and discount-image retailers, compared to older Baby Boomers; and there are clear distinctions of cognitive, affective and behavioral responses toward fashion luxury goods between Millennials and older Baby Boomers. For instance, Millennials are more emotionally attached to luxury fashion brands, they see themselves more aligned with the brand image, and they collect such goods significantly more, compared to the older Baby Boomers.

Originality/value

By providing empirical evidence of contrasting each generational group’s unique consumption behavior in terms of luxury brand goods such as ownership level (accessible vs high-end luxury), retail channel choice behavior, cognitive, affective and behavioral responses toward the luxury fashion goods, the authors provided clear strategies for the luxury brand managers regarding two distinctive segments in the luxury marketplace.
Digital product fitting in retail supply chains: maturity levels and potential outcomes
Authors: Gustafsson Emmelie , Jonsson Patrik , Holmström Jan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In retail, product fitting is a critical operational practice. For many products, the operational outcome of the retail supply chain is determined by the customer physically fitting products. Digital product fitting is an emerging operational practice in retail that uses digital models of products and customers to match product supply to customer requirements. This paper aims to explore potential supply chain outcomes of digitalizing the operational practice of product fitting. The purpose is to explore and propose the potential of the practice to improve responsiveness to customer requirements and the utilization of existing variety in mass-produced products.

Design/methodology/approach

A maturity model of product fitting is developed to specify three levels of digitalization and potential outcomes for each level. Potential outcomes are developed based on empirical data from a case survey of three technology-developing companies, 13 retail cases and a review of academic literature.

Findings

With increasing maturity of digital product fitting, the practice can be used for more purposes. Besides matching product supply to customer demand, the practice can improve material flows, customer relationship management, assortment planning and product development. The practice of digital product fitting is most relevant for products where the final product configuration is difficult to make to order, product and customer attributes are easily measurable and tacit knowledge of customers and products can be formalized using digital modeling.

Research limitations/implications

Potential outcomes are conceptualized and proposed. Further research is needed to observe actual outcomes and understand the mechanisms for both proposed and surprising outcomes in specific contexts.

Practical implications

The maturity model helps companies assess how their operations can benefit from digital product fitting and the efforts required to achieve beneficial outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt to describe the potential outcomes of introducing digital product fitting in retail supply chains.
The impact of major life events on household asset portfolio rebalancing
Authors: West Tracey , Worthington Andrew
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to model the asset portfolio rebalancing decisions of Australian households experiencing a severe life event shock.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses household longitudinal data from the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey since 2001. The major life events are serious illness or injury, death of a spouse, job dismissal or redundancy and separation from a spouse. The asset classes are bank accounts, cash investments, equities, superannuation (private pensions), life insurance, trust funds, owner-occupied housing, investor housing, business assets, vehicles and collectibles. The authors use both static and dynamic Tobit models to assess the impact and duration of impact of the shocks.

Findings

Serious illness and injury, loss of employment, separation and spousal death cause households to rebalance portfolios in ways that can have detrimental effects on long-term wealth accumulation through poor market timing and the incurring of transaction costs.

Research limitations/implications

The survey results are only available since 2001, and the wealth module from which the asset data are drawn is self-reported and not available every year.

Practical implications

Relevant to policymakers working on the ongoing retirement of the “baby boomer” generation and for financial planners guiding household investment decisions.

Originality/value

Most research on shocks to household wealth concern a narrower range of assets and only limited shocks. Also, this is one of the few studies to use a random effects model to allow for unspecified heterogeneity among households.
Copa America: a resource-based theory of football talent
Authors: Omondi-Ochieng Peter
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Guided by the resource-based theory, the purpose of this study was to predict the role of football talent in the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rankings of the men’s national football teams in the Copa America zone.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used archival data of Copa American national football teams. The dependent variable was FIFA rankings, and the independent variables were football talent (measured by the stocks of amateur footballers, professional footballers and football officials). Statistical analysis was performed using Kendall tau statistic and binary logistic regression.

Findings

The binary logistic regression results indicated that FIFA rankings were statistically and significantly associated with the stock of football officials and professional footballers – but not amateur footballers. The predictive model explained 80 per cent of the variance.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused exclusively on the stock of football talent in each nation, and not alternative determinants of national football team competitiveness as economic power and quality of professional football leagues, among others.

Practical implications

The stocks of professional footballers and football officials are valuable sources of competitive advantage (CA) in national football team rankings.

Originality/value

The study highlighted the uniqueness and distinctiveness of a nation possessing large stocks of professional footballers which can boost the CA and rankings of Copa American national football teams.
Novel mutation of EDA causes new asymmetrical X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia phenotypes in a female
Authors: Shen Lu , liu Cenying , Gao Ming , Li Hongmei , Zhang Yaowen , Tian Qi , Ni Hailun , Peng Pengwei , Zhao Rongjuan , Hu Zhengmao , Gao Yuan , Xia Kun , Bo Qifang , Guo Hui
Published: June 2019

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare hereditary disorder that affects tissues derived from the ectoderm including hair, teeth and sweat glands. EDA is the major causative gene of HED. This study recruited a Chinese family with HED, including a male proband and his mother with a fetus. The proband had typical clinical features of HED and the mother had identical but milder features. Interestingly, some phenotypes of the mother appeared asymmetrically between the right and left side of the body that were not reported in previous studies. Targeted sequencing was performed in the proband and a novel frame‐shift mutation (NM_001399.4: c.381_382delinsG, p.Q128Rfs*9) in EDA was found. Sanger sequencing validated the mutation and identified the same mutation in the mother. Our study expands the clinical and genetic spectrum of EDA‐related disorders and reports new asymmetrical phenotypes in a female.
Positive plant–soil feedback trigger tannin evolution by niche construction: A spatial stoichiometric model
Authors: Arnoldi Jean‐François , Coq Sylvain , Kéfi Sonia , Ibanez Sébastien
Published: June 2019

Among plant traits, plant secondary metabolites such as tannins mediate plant–herbivore interactions but also have after‐life effects on litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. We propose that niche construction mechanisms based on positive plant–soil feedback (PSF) could influence the evolution of tannin production.

By modelling the flow of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) through plants and soil in a spatially explicit context, we explored the relative contribution of herbivory and positive PSF as drivers of tannin evolution. We assumed soil N to be contained in labile and recalcitrant compartments, the latter made of tannin–protein complexes from which plants can absorb nutrients via associations with mycorrhizal fungi.

In infertile environments and for plants with low biomass turnover rates, we show that when tannins modify soil properties locally, positive PSF alone can drive their evolution. We further predict the existence of positive coevolutionary feedback between associations with mycorrhizal fungi with a decaying ability and tannins, possibly triggered by the evolution of the latter as protection against herbivores. In line with our theoretical results, empirical evidence suggest that tannins are mostly present in plants with low tissue turnover, associated with mycorrhizal fungi able to decay organic matter and inhabiting infertile environments.

Synthesis. Our model proposes that the evolution of tannin production can be triggered by positive plant–soil feedback, provided that tannins promote the local N retention and that mycorrhizal fungi associated with plants are able to absorb N from tannin–protein complexes. In our model, tannin production evolves only in infertile ecosystems, in agreement with field observations. Our findings highlight that the strength of niche construction depends on the ecological context, hence that global ecological properties constrain local eco‐evolutionary dynamics.
Involvement of mind the gap in the organization of the tracheal apical extracellular matrix in Drosophila and Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Yue Xiang‐Zhao , Li Dan , Lv Jun , Liu Kai , Chen Jie , Zhang Wen‐Qing
Published: June 2019

The tracheal apical extracellular matrix (aECM) is vital for expansion of the tracheal lumen and supports the normal structure of the lumen to guarantee air entry and circulation in insects. Although it has been found that some cuticular proteins are involved in the organization of the aECM, unidentified factors still exist. Here, we found that mind the gap (Mtg), a predicted chitin‐binding protein, is required for the normal formation of the apical chitin matrix of airway tubes in the model holometabolous insect Drosophila melanogaster. Similar to chitin, the Mtg protein was linearly arranged in the tracheal dorsal trunk of the tracheae in Drosophila. Decreased mtg expression in the tracheae seriously affected the viability of larvae and caused tracheal chitin spiral defects in some larvae. Analysis of mtg mutant showed that mtg was required for normal development of tracheae in embryos. Irregular taenidial folds of some mtg mutant embryos were found on either lateral view of tracheal dorsal trunk or internal view of transmission electron microscopy analysis. These abnormal tracheae were not fully filled with gas and accompanied by a reduction in tracheal width, which are characteristic phenotypes of tracheal aECM defects. Furthermore, in the hemimetabolous brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens, downregulation of NlCPAP1‐N (a homolog of mtg) also led to the formation of abnormal tracheal chitin spirals and death. These results suggest that mtg and its homolog are involved in the proper organization of the tracheal aECMs in flies and BPH, and that this function may be conserved in insects.
Just a little delirium‐ A report from the other side
Authors: Larsen Rune Arild
Published: June 2019

An urine tract infection developed in a serious way with shivering and other signs of septicaemia when the author was planning going skiing. After being admitted to his teaching hospital, the condition got worse with mental confusion. The author thought that he was to be executed due to a new law, giving the relatives of patients who have died during his care, a right to demand his assignation in the most cruel way. This is the thoughts and observations made during the illness.
Persistence of use of prescribed cannabinoid medicines in Manitoba, Canada: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Alkabbani Wajd , Marrie Ruth Ann , Bugden Shawn , Alessi‐Severini Silvia , Bolton James M. , Daeninck Paul , Leong Christine
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

To estimate prevalence of continuous use (persistence) of prescribed cannabinoid medications for up to 1 year from initial prescription in Manitoba, Canada and predictors of duration of use.

Design and setting

A retrospective, population‐based, cohort study using administrative data from the Manitoba Population Research Data Repository located at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Canada.

Participants

People without a record of a previous prescription who were prescribed a cannabinoid medication from 1 April 2004 to 1 April 2016 followed for 1 year from the date of first prescription.

Measurements

Continuous prescribed cannabinoid medication use was defined as use without a gap exceeding 60 days between prescriptions. The primary outcome was prevalence of continuous prescribed cannabinoid medication use for up to 1 year. A secondary outcome was duration of continuous use. Predictors were socio‐demographic characteristics, medical diagnoses and type of cannabinoid medication.

Findings

Among 5452 new users, 18.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 17.08–19.12] were still using cannabinoids at 1 year. Median duration of use was 31 days [interquartile range (IQR) = 25–193]. This was highest for nabilone (33 days, IQR = 25–199) and lowest for nabiximols (20 days, IQR = 7–30). Use was longest among 19–45‐ and 46–64‐year‐old users and those with the highest socio‐economic status. Fibromyalgia [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84–0.95], osteoarthritis (HR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.82–0.97) and substance use disorder (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.76–0.94) diagnoses were associated with longer use (HR for discontinuation—HR < 1 less discontinuation and longer use). A diagnosis of cancer was associated with shorter use (HR = 2.73, 95% CI = 2.02–3.67).

Conclusions

In Manitoba, Canada approximately 18% of people prescribed cannabinoid medication continue using for at least 1 year. Duration of use varies with type of cannabinoid medication, age, socio‐economic status and dagnosis.
Enhanced smoking cessation support for newly abstinent smokers discharged from hospital (the Hospital to Home trial): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thorley Rebecca , Britton John , Nyakutsikwa Blessing , Opazo Breton Magdalena , Lewis Sarah A. , Murray Rachael L.
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

The United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance (NICE PH48) recommends that pharmacotherapy combined with behavioural support be provided for all smokers admitted to hospital; however, relapse to smoking after discharge remains common. This study aimed to assess the effect of adding home support for newly abstinent smokers to conventional NICE‐recommended support in smokers discharged from hospital.

Design

Individually randomized parallel group trial.

Setting

One UK acute hospital.

Participants

A total of 404 smokers aged > 18 admitted to acute medical wards between June 2016 and July 2017 were randomized in equal numbers to each treatment group.

Interventions and comparators

The intervention provided 12 weeks of at‐home cessation support, which included help in maintaining a smoke‐free home, help in accessing and using medication, further behavioural support and personalized feedback on home air quality. The comparator was NICE PH48 care as usual.

Measures

The primary outcome was self‐reported continuous abstinence from smoking validated by an exhaled carbon monoxide level < 6 parts per million 4 weeks after discharge from hospital.

Findings

In an intention‐to‐treat analysis at the 4‐week primary end‐point, 38 participants (18.8%) in the usual care group and 43 (21.3%) in the intervention group reported continuous abstinence from smoking (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval = 0.72 to 1.90, Bayes factor = 0.33). There were no significant differences in any secondary outcomes, including self‐reported cessation at 3 months, having a smoke‐free home or number of cigarettes smoked per day in those who did not quit.

Conclusions

Provision of a home visit and continued support to prevent relapse to smoking after hospital discharge did not appear to increase subsequent abstinence rate above usual care in accordance with UK guidance from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.
Rural competencies in emerging medical practitioners: Beyond clinical skills
Authors: Martin Priya , Sen Gupta Tarun , Bond Deanne , Douyere John , Mills Katie
Published: June 2019

Problem

Recruitment and retention of rural doctors remains a challenge in Australia. The Queensland Rural Generalist Program was developed to address this challenge and provides a range of tailored professional development opportunities to support rural medical training, recruitment and retention. The Rural Generalist Vocational Preparation Workshop was developed to maintain connection with trainees during a known attrition risk period and address a gap in training that focused on competencies required for rural practice.

Design

The Rural Generalist Vocational Preparation Workshop, designed using adult learning principles, includes an optimal balance between theory, scenario‐based learning and facilitated group discussions. A cross‐sectional survey design was employed to evaluate the workshops delivered between 2015 and 2017.

Setting

The workshops were attended by Queensland Rural Generalist Program trainees in the year prior to undertaking a vocational training position in a rural hospital or general practice. Participants were from 10 Hospital and Health Services in the Queensland public health sector at the time of attendance.

Key measures for improvement

An evaluation survey captured participant feedback about the workshop, its value, impact and their intention to implement changes in practice.

Strategies for change

Fifty‐one trainees attended the workshops across four locations.

Effects of change

Eight‐eight per cent of participants reported intentions to implement changes to practice in: pursuit of career options and enhanced team work, leadership skills and networking.

Lessons learnt

Evaluation results indicated that Rural Generalist Vocational Preparation Workshop was a highly valued opportunity. It provided future rural medical practitioners with professional support and networking opportunities, promoted identity formation and stimulated rural career planning.