bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation performance of Chilean firms, a bivariate probit analysis
Authors: Ur Rehman Naqeeb
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the innovation activities of Chilean firms by using micro-level data.

Design/methodology/approach

Micro-level data have been obtained from the World Bank, Enterprise Survey on 696 Chilean small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Bivariate probit estimation method has been used.

Findings

The results showed that SMEs are less likely to apply for patents and introduce product innovations. This outcome indicates that Chilean SMEs face resource constraint in terms of introducing product innovations and applying for patents. In addition, SMEs undertaking research and development (R&D) and making network ties with other research institutions are more likely to introduce patents and product innovations. Similarly, SMEs that are engaged in quality programs are more likely to spend on patents. Lastly, SMEs with public support for innovation activities positively influence the patent application.

Research limitations/implications

Findings imply that SMEs investment in knowledge-based assets (e.g. R&D, networks and quality methods) accelerate their innovation output. Policy makers should not only provide financial incentives (R&D subsidies) to SMEs but also encourage their strong ties with research institutions for higher innovation output.

Originality/value

Previous studies showed research gap related to micro-level analysis of the Chilean SMEs. For the first time, multiple proxies have been used as dependent variables (product/process innovations and patent application/spending), which is neglected by the past studies.
Entrepreneurship paradigm in the new millennium
Authors: Edoho Felix Moses
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to African governments by delineating a framework that would help them to formulate policies that have the potential to engender opportunity entrepreneurship. This framework is used to critique existing entrepreneurship policy in Nigeria. Entrepreneurship policy should stimulate economic growth as a necessary condition for employment generation and poverty alleviation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts evaluative methodology. Data and information used in this paper were obtained from several secondary sources. These included literature review related to the subject area addressed; the Central Bank of Nigeria, which has designed and funded various initiatives to enable SMEs access funding for their businesses; the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics which has conducted surveys of SMEs in the country; and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, which was established to help promote and develop the SME sub-sector.

Findings

The critical findings of the paper are that opportunity entrepreneurship has a better prospect of promoting growth, creating jobs and alleviating poverty than a generic MSME policy being current currently promoted. Targeted entrepreneurship policy to incentivize opportunity-oriented entrepreneurs would produce greater benefit to the economy and society. Such entrepreneurship policy should aim at motivating and facilitating the transitions of necessity entrepreneurs to opportunity entrepreneurship and microenterprises to small and medium enterprises. More importantly, entrepreneurship policy should be targeted at drastically shrinking the informal sector to the barest minimum, while helping to aggressively expand the formal sector, spur innovations, foster growth, expand opportunities and create jobs.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this paper is the desperate need to refocus public policy on a high-impact entrepreneurship. This calls for a rethinking of existing policy and programs to address their inherent shortcomings.

Originality/value

Existing micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) policy has not achieved the twin goals of job creation and poverty alleviation. This paper contributes to the existing body of work by providing a framework for informed decision-making relative to entrepreneurship policy that has the potential to achieve macroeconomic goals of job creation and poverty alleviation. The framework directs the attention of policymakers to opportunity entrepreneurship as a necessary focus of public policy.
Entrepreneurial intentions of university students in an emerging economy
Authors: Mustafa Michael James , Hernandez Ernesto , Mahon Christopher , Chee Lai Kei
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an empirical model that examines whether a student’s proactive personality or the university support environment (education support, concept development support and business development support) affects their entrepreneurial intentions. Additionally, the relative strengths of a student’s proactive personality and the university environment influences are compared.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 141 students attending a well-established and internationally renowned Malaysian higher education institution completed a questionnaire survey. Results were based on correlation and regression analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that a proactive personality and concept development support have significant impact on students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Additionally, the results showed that a student’s proactive personality had a greater effect on their entrepreneurial intentions than that of the university support environment.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates one of the few attempts to examine the effects of both a proactive personality and university support environment on entrepreneurial intentions in an emerging economy context. Specifically, we reconfirm students’ personality traits as a more important predictor of their entrepreneurial intentions than environmental factors in the Malaysian context. Additionally, by also demonstrating concept development support as a significant predictor of entrepreneurial intentions, we provide new insights into how universities in emerging economies can foster the entrepreneurial intentions of their students. This result adds to the academic literature on entrepreneurial intentions in emerging economies.
The professional lives of expatriate academics
Authors: Trembath Jodie-Lee
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide clarity around the notion of the expatriate academic (EA), a construct that is increasingly essential to theories of expatriate management and higher education management. A review of the literature on academic mobility showed that terms such as “international academic” and “foreign faculty” provide highly variable definitions and results, while those papers that self-consciously used the term “EA” were more likely to provide consistency across definition and findings. This allowed for analysis of the characteristics of this unique group.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study appropriates a meta-narrative approach to literature review, analysing 23 papers about EAs to develop a more comprehensive conceptualisation of this term and to identify key-related themes.

Findings

– By reviewing 23 papers identifying with the term, a carefully constructed definition of the EA is provided, distinguishing EAs from other types of internationally mobile academic and demonstrating characteristics that EAs display in their professional lives. Recommendations are made to researchers, universities and EAs themselves for how these findings may affect the EA employment cycle. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to aggregate the results of literature on EAs, putting forward a clear definition and description to aid future research and clarify the research stream.
Mentorship of expatriates in transnational companies
Authors: Hansen Zaza Nadja Lee , Rasmussen Lauge Baungaard
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Due to a number of reported failures of expatriation assignments, a growing body of literature is exploring the possible roles of mentors in supporting expatriates in critical phases while working in another culture. The purpose of this paper is to expand upon the research of mentoring based on a literature review and an empirical study of mentoring expatriates in three transnational companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on findings from three case companies based in Denmark. In total, 37 semi-structured interviews were conducted with expatriates, managers and vice presidents at the three home organizations and their subsidiaries.

Findings

– Several empirical studies, including the study presented in this paper, indicate that ethnocentrism in the home-company is a main constraint for cross-cultural learning mediated by the expatriates. It is suggested that the HR department in the home-company should create specialized professional training programs and recruit employees with practical knowledge about expatriation. However, personal and relational mentoring should be conducted by experienced and motivated individuals who are supported and recognized, but not controlled, by the HR department.

Research limitations/implications

– This research is focused on Danish companies and further research is needed to test the theories in other cultural settings.

Practical implications

– This research can help companies and expatriates gain a more successful expatriation period.

Originality/value

– The value and role of mentorship is detailed from a theoretical and practical perspective, which adds to the body of literature on expatriates and mentorship.
Gaming the gamer? – The ethics of exploiting psychological research in video games
Authors: Søraker Johnny Hartz
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ethical implications of video game companies employing psychologists and using psychological research in game design.

Design/methodology/approach

The author first argues that exploiting psychology in video games may be more ethically problematic than familiar application domains like advertising, gambling and political rhetoric. Then an overview of the effects particular types of game design may have on user behavior is provided, taking into account various findings and phenomena from behavioral psychology and behavioral economics.

Findings

Finally, the author concludes that the corresponding ethical problems cannot – and should not – be addressed by means of regulation or rating systems. The author argues instead that a more promising countermeasure lies in using the same psychological research to educate gamers (children in particular) and thereby increase their capacity for meta-cognition.

Originality/value

The importance of this lies in the tremendous effect these behavior-modifying technologies may have upon our self-determination, well-being and social relations, as well as corresponding implications for the society.
Trust formation in information systems implementation in developing countries
Authors: Vaidya Ranjan
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the trust formation expectations of stakeholders in the implementation of information and communications technology for development (ICT4D) projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a qualitative methodology inspired by a critical approach. It uses a thematic analysis approach, and draws the results using a constant comparison method. It is guided by the Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practices. This is an empirical study that uses semi-structured interviews for the data collection.

Findings

Lack of an integrated view of emancipatory expectations has a negative impact on the trust levels of stakeholders. An integrated view of emancipation has physical, moral and social dimensions.

Originality/value

The study brings forth the concept of entry point activities (EPAs). To the author’s knowledge, this is the first application of this concept in ICT4D research. EPAs can be used to develop trust relationships between the stakeholders of ICT4D projects.
The Syrian Electronic Army – a hacktivist group
Authors: Warren Matthew , Leitch Shona
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to assess the hacktivist group called the Syrian Electronic Army and determine what their motivations in terms of ethical and poetical motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper looks at chronological examples of Syrian Electronic Army activities and assess them using a developed hacktivist criteria to try and gain a greater understanding of the motivations of the Syrian Electronic Army. The paper uses a netnography research approach.

Findings

This paper determines that the Syrian Electronic Army is motivated to protect the Syrian Government. This protection is highlighted by the new media and social media organisations that the Syrian Electronic Army attacks online.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses only on one group the Syrian Electronic Army.

Practical implications

A greater understanding of the Syrian Electronic Army.

Social implications

A greater understanding of the development of hacktivism.

Originality/value

A unique study into the motivation of the Syrian Electronic Army.
As good as new – valuing fashion brands in the online second-hand markets
Authors: Sihvonen Jenniina , Turunen Linda Lisa Maria
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Brand management and marketing have focused on brand-new goods, thus largely neglecting the emergence of markets for used products. This study sheds light on how consumers determine the perceived value of fashion brands in online flea markets. In addition, this study aims to illustrate how fashion brands are perceived when sold second-hand in Facebook flea markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data, consisting of internet discussions, were collected for this study from seven Facebook flea market forums between Fall 2014 and Fall 2015. The discussions were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis.

Findings

In the context of flea markets, the perceived value is negotiated and evaluated through six antecedents: perceived quality, price, design, origin, authenticity and brand availability. Not surprisingly, price and quality appear as focal aspects when determining the value of a used brand in second-hand markets. However, the aspects of availability, origin and design complicate the considerations of the perceived value and can distinguish between different flea markets for fashion brands. In online second-hand markets for fashion brands, the passing of time appears to be an important factor grounding the consumers’ considerations of the perceived value.

Originality/value

This study brings forward novel viewpoints to brand marketing by discussing the formation of the consumer-perceived value in the growing field of online second-hand sales of fashion brands.
“We could end up in a lot of trouble”: teachers’ communications with young children about mental health
Authors: Cooke Anne , King Janine , Greenwood Kathryn
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Stigma towards people with mental health problems is a significant problem and appears trenchant despite recent anti-stigma campaigns. Attitudes develop in young children, and may be stronger and less malleable in adolescence. Early intervention may be important for mental health education and stigma prevention. Theory, evidence and practical considerations all suggest that teachers’ involvement is key. By exploring communication about mental health between teachers and young children, it will be possible to elaborate how stigma develops and may be ameliorated. The purpose of this paper is to explore teachers’ accounts of this communication and the factors that influence it.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews with 15 primary school teachers were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach.

Findings

– Discussions about mental health were largely absent from the classroom, due to teachers’ anxiety. Teachers felt the need to protect children from exposure to people with mental health problems and even from information about the topic, believed they lacked the necessary expertise, worried that such discussions were outside their remit and were anxious about parents’ reactions.

Originality/value

– This was the first study to interview teachers on this topic and suggests that a significant opportunity to address fear and stigma is being missed. Teachers’ silence may reinforce that mental health problems are taboo, and prevent children from developing knowledge and a language to talk about mental health. The inclusion of teachers in early mental health education and could promote better understanding and more inclusive attitudes, especially if supported by educational policy and curriculum.
The value of carers in mental health research
Authors: Kara Helen
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of a mental health carers’ research reference group on mental health research in the Heart of England region.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology was a co-produced participatory evaluation, and the research was co-produced by the group. The design involved a literature review of carers’ involvement in UK mental health research, and collection of secondary data (group records) and primary data from researchers, group members, and facilitators. Analysis was initially thematic, then synthesised.

Findings

– The group’s work had a positive impact on researchers and group members, and to some extent on mental health research and networks more widely. No negative impact was identified.

Research limitations/implications

– The researchers were not able to contact or include everyone who had been involved with the group. Some of those who did not give input may have felt less positive about the group than those who did respond. Co-production does not signify equality. Evaluation inevitably involves bias.

Practical implications

– The conclusion is that mental health carers have a unique and positive contribution to make to mental health research, and have the right to be involved in such research in a non-tokenistic way. This has practical implications for mental health and mental health research services.

Originality/value

– This is the first mental health carer-controlled evaluation of a mental health carer research reference group. Mental health carers conducted the research and wrote this paper, giving a perspective rarely found in the literature. This has value for people working in, studying, and researching mental health, and for other mental health carers.
What’s wrong with IVR system service? A spatial theorisation of customer confusion and frustration
Authors: Ellway Benjamin P.W.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the important question of what is wrong with interactive voice response (IVR) system service by expanding a spatially informed conceptualisation of virtual navigation which recognises the experience of movement within and through space.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, previous research on IVR systems is reviewed to highlight key themes to a service audience. Second, the metaphorical aspects of language used by the popular and trade press to describe IVR systems is examined. Usability and design issues are identified from previous research as a basis from reinterpreting them from a spatial perspective of navigation.

Findings

– Both figurative and conceptual spatial metaphors are used to describe the IVR system as an enclosed physical space, within which customers enter, feel stuck, get lost, or try to escape from. The usability issues of human memory, linearity, and feedback, can be reinterpreted from a spatial perspective as a basis for explaining confusion and frustration with IVR systems.

Research limitations/implications

– Since the paper is conceptual, further research is needed to empirically investigate different types and features of IVR systems. The possible influence of age and culture upon the spatial nature of experience is especially interesting topics for future study.

Practical implications

– The paper identifies the absence of space as an inherent limitation of IVR systems. It subsequently recommends that firms should provide spatial resources to support customer use of IVR systems, which is supported by the recent emergence of visual IVR.

Originality/value

– The paper introduces the broader literature on IVR systems to the service field as a basis for raising awareness about this ubiquitous technological component of telephone-based service delivery. It applies and develops a highly abstract conceptual perspective to examine and interpret the representation and experience of IVR systems, as a basis for explaining the confusion, frustration, and dislike of them.
Human resource management impact on knowledge management
Authors: Figueiredo Elisa , Pais Leonor , Monteiro Samuel , Mónico Lisete
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain and empirically test the dependence of organizational processes related to knowledge on the nature of assumptions operating in processes of human resource management (HRM) in organizations. It concentrates on practices related to training, career development and retention.

Design/methodology/approach

– This empirical study as a quantitative nature and the sample is made up of 5,306 collaborators in 634 organizations belonging to an economic group in the banking sub-sector. Data were collected through two questionnaires: human resource management practices questionnaire and knowledge management questionnaire – short form. The model was tested by applying univariate and multivariate multiple regression analyses.

Findings

– Findings provide support for the proposed model and show the predictive capacity of the HRM practices regarding knowledge management (KM) processes, revealing a strong direct relationship between the two constructs. It stands out that the people management practices adopted from an organic and valued perspective possess a particular and distinctive capacity to predict and impact positively on KM processes.

Practical implications

– The findings may be used by human resources and KM practitioners interested in the development of organizational knowledge through human resource practices.

Originality/value

– The main contribution of this study is to confirm the close relationship of dependency between organizational management processes regarding people and knowledge, showing the positive effect of best practices of HRM on KM processes, as opposed to traditional or transactional practices.
The barriers to re-purposing not-for-profit real property assets
Authors: Sharam Andrea , McShane Ian , Bryant Lyndall , De Silva Ashton
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers to the re-purposing of under-utilised real property assets owned by Australian not-for-profit (“NFP”) organisations for affordable housing provision.

Design/methodology/approach

– Exploratory research was undertaken with five diverse (non-housing) NFP organisations.

Findings

– The research indicates that NFP organisations who are not principally engaged in housing provision, but hold surplus or under-utilised land and property assets, may be willing partners in affordable housing provision. However a range of institutional and structural barriers would need to be overcome for housing developments to occur on under-utilised NFP organisations land holdings.

Research limitations/implications

– The small scale of the study limits generalisation from the research findings. However, the findings point to an opportunity for innovation in housing land supply that warrants larger scale research.

Practical implications

– This research provides evidence that a source of well-located land is potentially available for future affordable housing provision, but that NFP organisations would require skills and financial resourcing in order to make their land available for this purpose.

Social implications

– Well-located land is a major cost input for the provision of affordable housing, and the re-purposing of NFP organisations land or assets for affordable housing could make a significant contribution to the stock of social housing.

Originality/value

– There has been no research on how NFP organisations view opportunities to repurpose their land for affordable housing despite this sector being actively encouraged to do so. This paper reports the first Australian study of dispositions and barriers to the re-use NFP organisations land assets.
Library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval: effects of perceived self-efficacy
Authors: Mohd Suki Norazah , Mohd Suki Norbayah
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Successful information retrieval is determined by library patrons retrieving accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information stored in documents; this affects their self-efficacy, emotions, and behavior. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of mastery experiences, self-evaluation, vicarious observation of others’ experiences, social feedback, and physiological state of library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structured close-ended questionnaire survey was utilized of which 200 responses were valid and usable for data analysis. Multiple regression analysis was executed to assess the influence of personal self-evaluation, comparisons with others, physiological state, and social feedback, on the library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval.

Findings

– The findings of this study indicated that social feedback had the greatest influence on the library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval, followed by personal self-evaluation and physiological state.

Originality/value

– This study employed quantitative research design utilizing multiple regression analysis which provides useful insight for university librarians on the specific factors that have significant effects on library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval. The outcomes add a new perspective to preceding studies on library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval, which has previously been inadequately researched in the Malaysian setting.
Web directories: selected features and their impact on directory quality
Authors: Jachimczyk Adam , Chrapek Magdalena , Chrapek Zbigniew
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is statistical examination of nearly 7,000 web directories and an analysis of factors which affect their quality measured by PageRank.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analysed 6,821 directories registered at www.katalogiseo.info/. The following information about the directories was examined: the year of registration on the website, the directory’s PageRank value, the existence of an active IP address, backlink requests, a fee charged for submission to the directory, as well as directory moderation and subject. Statistical analyses were performed with the use of Microsoft Excel, version 2010, and R software, version 3.0.0. The PageRank values were collected with a software written in Python.

Findings

– The study has shown a gradual increase in popularity of directories as one of the basic tools in search engine optimisation. The analysis has indicated a relatively high percentage of spam web directories. The evidence of this is the number of directories with undetermined PageRank values. The study revealed that careful management of a directory and its subject have key impact on directory quality measured by PageRank.

Originality/value

– Relatively few publications focus on the problem of web directories which represent a very large group of websites created solely to manipulate web search engine rankings. This paper discusses the phenomenon of web directories, reveals the percentage of spam directories, and factors which affect their quality measured by PageRank.
Added value in the context of research information systems
Authors: Nabavi Majid , Jeffery Keith , Jamali Hamid R.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss added value in the context of current research information systems (CRISs) based on metadata enrichment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This discussion paper uses literature review as well as analysis of CRISs specifications to discuss added value possibilities.

Findings

– Added value of the CRISs is in their integration and interoperability with the same and similar information systems. Since metadata plays key roles in interoperability of information systems, therefore focussing on metadata-related issue can add considerable values to CRISs. Two types of metadata can be distinguished in every CRISs including macro- and micro-metadata. In terms of macro-metadata common European research information format (CERIF) by itself is an added value for CRIS because it draws a complete view of the research landscape including entities and their relations. CERIF metadata structure is designed in such a way that supports micro- and macro-metadata.

Originality/value

– There is a lack of literature on adding value to research information systems especially CRIS and particularly how value can be added in CRISs still is an unanswered question. CRIS developers can use this paper as a road map to choose the most valuable strategy for adding value to their systems.
To sit at the table, you have to know the language: important financial metrics for HR directors
Authors: Albrecht Chad , Gardner Tim , Allred Scott , Winn Brad , Condie Adam
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The main thrust behind strategic human resources (HR) includes strengthening the impact of HR on the organization. In other words, strategic HR attempts to place the HR department on equal footing with other functional areas of business. HR professionals who understand both operational indicators and their decisions on various financial metrics have greater focus and clarity when making decisions. HR professionals with such knowledge are also more likely to be viewed favorably by their counterparts in other departments and have a greater voice in the executive suite and boardroom.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with board of director(s).

Findings

There has been a significant shift in the role of HR over the past several decades. The HR department has evolved from a role focused primarily on dealing with administrative issues, litigation and unions, to a department that drives strategy and adds value throughout the company. To continue this transition, HR professionals should have a solid knowledge of critical financial information, including financial and operational metrics and ratios. By combining this information with a strategic mindset, HR professionals are better prepared to add value to the firm, and they participate more fully with other members of management in determining the strategic direction of a firm.

Originality/value

A competent, strategically minded HR professional who understands not only people-related issues but also financial issues can “elevate strategic discussions” in the executive suite and boardroom. Just as financial statements serve to direct attention to operational issues and to spur responsive management decisions among line managers, so too can financial statements direct the attention of HR professionals to line items specifically impacted by HR policies and processes. When HR professionals consider the impact of their decisions on the financial statements and financial metrics, they become key players in helping the firm achieve organizational goals.
Why HR and IT departments should talk talk
Authors: Pace Chris
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that cyberattacks are having on organizations and the growing need these create for H.R. departments to collaborate more closely with IT departments.

Design/methodology/approach

Current thinking regarding managing cybersecurity suggests that it should be managed holistically, i.e. by the human resources (HR) department and information technology (IT) department working together more closely. This sees the IT department providing the IT security tools and the HR department providing the appropriate processes and procedures that need to be followed, as well as creating a necessarily more “vigilant” culture.

Findings

Several practical steps are outlined that will help HR departments protect themselves against a data breach.

Originality/value

Cyberthreats are amongst the top threats to UK business, according to the government. Managing cybersecurity has long been left almost solely to the technology experts. The continuing number of high-profile data breaches suggests that cybersecurity tools alone will not stop information leaking from companies. There is an important role for HR teams in encouraging and enforcing a more proactive, vigilant culture amongst the workforce and working more closely with IT to improve security practices.
Frequency dependence of anisotropy in fluid saturated rocks – Part II: Stress‐induced anisotropy case
Authors: Collet Olivia , Gurevich Boris
Published: June 2016

A major cause of attenuation in fluid‐saturated media is the local fluid flow (or squirt flow) induced by a passing wave between pores of different shapes and sizes. Several squirt flow models have been derived for isotropic media. For anisotropic media, however, most of the existing squirt flow models only provide the low‐ and high‐frequency limits of the saturated elastic properties. We develop a new squirt flow model to account for the frequency dependence of elastic properties and thus gain some insight into velocity dispersion and attenuation in anisotropic media. In a companion paper, we focused on media containing aligned compliant pores embedded in an isotropic background matrix. In this paper, we investigate the case for which anisotropy results from the presence of cracks with an ellipsoidal distribution of orientations due to the application of anisotropic stress. The low‐ and high‐frequency limits of the predicted fluid‐saturated elastic properties are respectively consistent with Gassmann theory and Mukerji–Mavko squirt flow model. In the most important case of liquid saturation, analytical expressions are derived for elastic properties and Thomsen anisotropy parameters. The main observations drawn from this model are as follows. Crack closure perpendicular to the applied stress leads to an increase in seismic velocities as a function of stress in the direction of applied stress and a decrease in squirt‐flow‐induced dispersion and attenuation in this direction. The anisotropy of squirt flow dispersion engenders a decrease in the degree of anisotropy with frequency. The stress‐induced anisotropy remains elliptical, even in saturated media, for all frequency ranges.
Correlation of In Vivo and In Vitro Assay Results for Assessment of Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Green Tea Nutraceuticals
Authors: Abd‐ElSalam Heba‐Alla H. , Al‐Ghobashy Medhat A. , Al‐Shorbagy Muhammad , Nassar Noha , Zaazaa Hala E. , Ibrahim Mohamed A.
Published: June 2016

Green tea (GT)‐derived catechins; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in particular are commonly used nutraceuticals for their free‐radical scavenging activity (FRSA). The influence of photodegradation on the protective power of GT nutracenticals against oxidative stress was thoroughly explored. Photodegradation of GT extracts was carried out and monitored using orthogonal stability‐indicating testing protocol; in vitro and in vivo assays. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and FRSA were determined spectrophotometrically while EGCG was selectively monitored using SPE‐HPLC. In vivo assessment of photodegraded samples was investigated via measuring a number of biomarkers for hepatic oxidative stress and apoptosis (caspase‐3, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, mitogen‐activated protein kinase, glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, nuclear factor kappa beta, and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor) as well as liver damage (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) in serum of rats previously subjected to oxidative stress. Results showed complete degradation of EGCG in photodegraded green tea samples with no correlation with either TPC or FRSA. On the other hand, in vivo assay results revealed not only loss of activity but formation of harmful pro‐oxidants. Photostability was found crucial for the protective effect of GT extract against lead acetate insult. Results confirmed that careful design of quality control protocols requires correlation of chemical assays to bioassays to verify efficacy, stability, and most importantly safety of nutraceuticals.
Toxicity of long chain fatty acids towards acetate conversion by Methanosaeta concilii and Methanosarcina mazei
Authors: Silva Sérgio A. , Salvador Andreia F. , Cavaleiro Ana J. , Pereira M. Alcina , Stams Alfons J. M. , Alves M. Madalena , Sousa Diana Z.
Published: June 2016

Long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) can inhibit methane production by methanogenic archaea. The effect of oleate and palmitate on pure cultures of Methanosaeta concilii and Methanosarcina mazei was assessed by comparing methane production rates from acetate before and after LCFA addition. For both methanogens, a sharp decrease in methane production (> 50%) was observed at 0.5 mmol L−1 oleate, and no methane was formed at concentrations higher than 2 mmol L−1 oleate. Palmitate was less inhibitory than oleate, and M. concilii was more tolerant to palmitate than M. mazei, with 2 mmol L−1 palmitate causing 11% and 64% methanogenic inhibition respectively. This study indicates that M. concilii and M. mazei tolerate LCFA concentrations similar to those previously described for hydrogenotrophic methanogens. In particular, the robustness of M. concilii might contribute to the observed prevalence of Methanosaeta species in anaerobic bioreactors used to treat LCFA‐rich wastewater.
Primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in pseudophakic eyes: 20‐gauge versus 25‐gauge vitrectomy
Authors: Süsskind Daniela , Neuhann Irmingard , Hilgers Ralf‐Dieter , Hagemann Ulrike , Szurman Peter , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Aisenbrey Sabine
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To report anatomical and functional outcome of 20‐gauge versus 25‐gauge primary pars plana vitrectomy for management of complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in pseudophakic eyes.

Methods

Prospective single‐centre randomized comparative pilot trial. Fifty patients with retinal detachment (RD) not complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade B or C, who cannot be treated with a single meridional sponge, were randomized (1:1) from November 2006 to January 2010 to either 20‐gauge or 25‐gauge vitrectomy as first surgical intervention and followed up over a 12‐month period, evaluating change in best‐corrected visual acuity, anatomical success and intraocular pressure dysregulation.

Results

Mean visual acuity improved by 0.88 (SD 0.67) from 1.22 logMAR (SD 0.63) to 0.34 logMAR (SD 0.31) in the 20‐gauge group and by 0.53 (SD 0.91) from 0.86 logMAR (SD 0.73) to 0.34 logMAR (SD 0.46) in the 25‐gauge group. Final anatomical success rate was 100% and primary success rate was 69% at 6 months of follow‐up. In the 20‐gauge group, the retina was attached after one single procedure in 18 eyes (72%) and in 21 eyes (84%) of the 25‐gauge group. Two patients in the 25‐gauge group had hypotony at the first postoperative day which normalized within 6 weeks.

Conclusion

In our series, transconjunctival sutureless 25‐gauge and 20‐gauge vitrectomy showed comparable results in pseudophakic RD not suitable for single sponge surgery with respect to visual outcome and retinal reattachment. Postoperative hypotony does not seem to be a significant problem of transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.
Delivery room hospice
Authors: Garbi Lyndsey R. , Shah Shetal , La Gamma Edmund F.
Published: June 2016

Advances in perinatal science over the past five decades have reduced the practical ‘threshold of viability’ by approximately one week every 10 years such that survivors are expected as early as 22 weeks. Ethical standards regarding treatment of this periviable patient population remain enigmatic.

Conclusion

We review limitations in the current ethical rationale for caring for these infants in the delivery room and introduce an alternative utilising a delivery room hospice care approach involving the administration of opioids.
Two‐thirds of adolescents who received active perinatal care after extremely preterm birth had mild or no disabilities
Authors: Holsti A , Adamsson M , Serenius F , Hägglöf B , Farooqi A
Published: June 2016

Aim

Active perinatal care (APC) increases the survival of extremely preterm (EPT) infants, but may increase the rate of disabilities. We examined neurodevelopmental outcomes in adolescents aged 10–15 years who were born EPT and received APC in two Swedish tertiary care centres.

Methods

Cognitive function was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, and neurosensory impairments were assessed by reviewing the case records and a standard parent health questionnaire. The outcomes were compared to term‐born controls.

Results

We assessed 132 EPT adolescents and 103 controls. The rates of cerebral palsy, moderate to severe visual impairment and moderate to severe hearing impairment were 9%, 4% and 6%, respectively, for the EPT children and zero for the controls. Serious cognitive impairment was present in 31% of the EPT adolescents and 5% of the controls. Combining impairments across domains showed that 34% of EPT adolescents had moderate and severe disabilities compared with 5% of the controls. Impairments were more common at 23–24 weeks of gestational age (43%) than at 25 weeks (28.4%).

Conclusion

Two‐thirds (66%) of adolescents born EPT who received APC had mild or no disabilities. Our results are relevant for healthcare providers and clinicians counselling families.
The long‐term differential achievement effects of school socioeconomic composition in primary education: A propensity score matching approach
Authors: Belfi Barbara , Haelermans Carla , De Fraine Bieke
Published: June 2016

Background

The effects of school socio‐economic composition on student achievement growth trajectories have been a hot topic of discussion among politicians around the world for many years. However, the bulk of research investigating school socio‐economic composition effects has been limited in important ways.

Aims

In an attempt to overcome the flaws in earlier research on school socio‐economic composition effects, this study used data from a large sample, followed students throughout primary education, addressed selection bias problems, identified the grade(s) in which school socio‐economic composition mattered the most, and studied the differential effects of school socio‐economic composition by individual socio‐economic status (SES).

Sample

In a longitudinal design with seven occasions of data collection, the authors drew on a sample of N = 3,619 students (age at T1 about 5 years, age at T7 about 12 years) from 151 primary schools in Flanders (the northern part of Belgium).

Method

Students in low‐, medium‐, high‐, and mixed‐SES schools were matched using propensity scores. To compare students’ achievement growth trajectories in the different school compositions, multilevel regression modelling with repeated measurements was applied.

Results

The results showed that students had more positive achievement growth in high‐SES as compared to low‐SES and mixed‐SES schools. In two of the three comparisons, students in mixed‐SES schools showed the lowest math development. The negative effects of mixed‐SES schools on math achievement growth were the strongest for high‐SES students.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute to the ongoing discussion on the effects of school socio‐economic composition on student achievement growth.
Cultivating an ethic of wellness in Geography
Authors: Mullings Beverley , Peake Linda , Parizeau Kate
Published: June 2016

Key Messages

There is a crisis of mental health in the academy.

This special issue, the first to address this crisis, brings together three bodies of research: geographers' understanding of the relationship between mental health, social space, and material places; mental health initiatives in higher education; and the neoliberalization of the academy.

In this introduction we discuss two particular foci: defining the crisis of mental health and wellbeing in neoliberalizing universities, and institutional and individual responses.

Watch a video presentation of this Special Issue
The emergency department as a ‘last resort’: why parents seek care for their child's nontraumatic dental problems in the emergency room
Authors: Mostajer Haqiqi Azadeh , Bedos Christophe , Macdonald Mary Ellen
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Over the last two decades, there has been an increasing trend in the number of families using emergency departments (EDs) for treating their children's nontraumatic dental problems. We do not know why families use the ED in this way; to date, little research has addressed parents’ decisions. The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons that lead parents to select the ED over a dental clinic for their child's nontraumatic dental problem.

Methods

Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with parents of children under age 10 who sought care for nontraumatic dental problems in an ED of a pediatric hospital. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and coded for thematic analysis using Grembowski's dental care process model as a sensitizing construct.

Results

Fifteen parents were recruited (ten mothers and five fathers). Three salient themes were identified: (i) parental beliefs and socioeconomic challenges which contributed to their care seeking, (ii) barriers parents faced in finding oral healthcare options for their children in their communities (e.g., poor access to care and poor quality of care), and (iii) parent's high satisfaction with the care provided through the ED.

Conclusions

The ED was families’ last resort; parents took their child to the ED because of the lack of other options in their communities rather than a belief that the ED was the best choice for dental care. The current pattern of ED use resulted in stress for these parents and repercussions for the children (e.g., pain, longer waiting, and increased complications); further, it has been shown in the literature to be an economic strain on the health system.