bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New monoclinic form of {O-EthylN-(4-nitrophenyl)thiocarbamato-κS}(tri-4-tolylphosphane-κP)gold(I): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Kuan Fong Sheen , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: September 2017

The title phosphanegold(I) thiolate compound, [Au(C9H9N2O3S)(C21H21P)], is a second monoclinic polymorph (space groupP21/c) that complements a previously reportedCcpolymorph [Broker & Tiekink (2008).Acta Cryst. E64, m1582]. An SP donor set defines an approximately linear geometry about the gold atom in both forms. The key distinguishing feature between the present structure and the previously reported polymorph rests with the relative disposition of the thiolate ligand. In the title compound, the orientation is such to place the oxygen atom in close contact with the gold atom [Au...O = 2.915 (2) Å], in contrast to the aryl ring in the original polymorph. In the crystal, linear supramolecular chains along thea-axis direction mediated by C–H...π and nitro-O...π interactions are found. These pack with no directional interactions between them. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces for both forms of [Au(C9H9N3O3S)(C21H21P)] indicates quite distinctive interaction profiles relating to the differences in intermolecular contacts found in their respective crystals.
Crystal structures ofN,N-dimethyl-(2-(2,2-diphenyl)-2-prop-2-ynyloxy)acetoxy)ethylamine andN,N-dimethyl-(2-(2,2-diphenyl)-2-prop-2-ynyloxy)acetoxy)ethylammonium 2,4,6-trinitrophenolate
Authors: Shaibah Mohammed A. E. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Kumar S. Madan , Byrappa Kullaiah , Glidewell Christopher
Published: September 2017

TheN,N-dimethylethylamminium unit inN,N-dimethyl-[2-(2,2-diphenyl)-2-prop-2-ynyloxyacetoxy]ethylamine, C21H23NO3(I), is disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies of 0.880 (3) and 0. 120 (3), but there are no direction-specific interactions between the molecules of (I). The cation inN,N-dimethyl-[2-(2,2-diphenyl)-2-prop-2-ynyloxyacetoxy]ethylammonium 2,4,6-trinitrophenolate (picrate), C21H24NO3+·C6H2N3O7−(II), shows a similar type of disorder, with occupancies of 0.654 (11) and 0.346 (11), although the overall conformation of the cation in (II) is different from that in the neutral (I). The component ions are are linked by an almost planar three-centre N—H...(O)2hydrogen bond, and the ion pairs are further linked by a combination of three C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form sheets. Comparisons are made with some related structures.
Crystal structures of 2-methylpyridinium hydrogen 2,3-bis(4-methylbenzoyloxy)succinate and bis-[4-methylpyridinium hydrogen 2,3-bis(4-methylbenzoyloxy)succinate] pentahydrate
Authors: Sivakumar P. , Israel S. , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: September 2017

The title salt (I), C6H8N+·C20H17O8−, comprises a 2-methylpyridinium cation and a 2,3-bis(4-methylbenzoyloxy)succinate mono-anion while the salt (II), 2C6H8N+·2C20H17O8−·5H2O, consists of a pair of 4-methylpyridinium cations and 2,3-bis(4-methylbenzoyloxy)succinate mono-anions and five water molecules of solvation in the asymmetric unit. In (I), the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings of the anion is 40.41 (15)°, comparing with 43.0 (3) and 85.7 (2)° in the conformationally dissimilar anion molecules in (II). The pyridine ring of the cation in (I) is inclined at 23.64 (16) and 42.69 (17)° to the two benzene moieties of the anion. In (II), these comparative values are 4.7 (3), 43.5 (3)° and 43.5 (3), 73.1 (3)° for the two associated cation and anion pairs. The crystal packing of (I) is stabilized by inter-ionic N—H...O, O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds as well as weak C—H...π interactions, linking the ions into infinite chains along [100]. In the crystal packing of (II), the anions and cations are also linked by N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds involving also the water molecules, giving a two-dimensional network across (001). The crystal structure is also stabilized by weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions.
S,S-Diphenyl-S-pyrrolidinoiminosulfonium perchlorate
Authors: Sheikh Md. Chanmiya , Yoshimura Toshiaki , Takata Eiichi , Fujii Takayoshi , Miyatake Ryuta
Published: September 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C16H19N2S+·ClO4−, consists of two crystallographically independent cations and anions. In the salt, protonation occurs at the nitrile N atom attached to the S atom of the corresponding λ6-sulfanenitrile. The structures of the two independent cations are almost the same and the configuration around the S atom is a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry, with two S—N bonds and two S—C bonds. The S—N(pyrrolidine) and S=N bond lengths are 1.6216 (18) and 1.503 (2) Å, respectively, for one cation, and 1.6236 (19) and 1.502 (2) Å, respectively, for the other. The dihedral angles between the two phenyl rings in the cations are 76.61 (9) and 76.42 (9)°. There are N—H...O hydrogen bonds, which link the cation and the anion. The cation–anion pairs are further linked by C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
Parametric finite element modeling and tooth contact analysis of spur and helical gears including profile and lead modifications
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Liu Yang , Tang Wen , Liu Peng
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The finite element method has been increasingly applied in stress, thermal and dynamic analysis of gear transmissions. Preparing the models with different design and modification parameters for the finite element analysis is a time-consuming and highly skilled burden.

Design/methodology/approach

To simplify the preprocessing work of the analysis, a parametric finite element modeling method for spur and helical gears including profile and lead modification is developed. The information about the nodes and elements is obtained and exported into the finite element software to generate the finite element model of the gear automatically.

Findings

By using the three-dimensional finite element tooth contact analysis method, the effects of tooth modifications on the transmission error and contact stress of spur and helical gears are presented.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate that the proposed method is useful for verifying the modification parameters of spur and helical gears in the case of deformations and misalignments.
The transgenerational transmission of refugee trauma: family functioning and children’s psychosocial adjustment
Authors: Dalgaard Nina Thorup , Montgomery Edith
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of family functioning in the transgenerational transmission of trauma in a sample of 30 refugee families with traumatized parents and children without a history of direct trauma exposure from the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on qualitative analyses of interview material, families were evaluated using theoretically derived dimensions of family functioning and placed in descriptive categories according to family cohesion, family flexibility, family roles, family coping, stressor pile-up, and marital problems. The association between these descriptive categories of family functioning and the child’s mental health as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was explored using point-biserial correlations, correlations, and multiple regression analyses.

Findings

In all, 22 percent of the variance in children’s SDQ scores could be predicted by whether or not the family experienced a pile-up of stressors and whether or not the family was characterized by role reversal between parents and children. Furthermore, a statically significant association was established between a total measure of adaptive family functioning and lower scores on the SDQ.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that the transgenerational transmission of trauma may be associated with family functioning and have implications for interventions at several levels.
Universal opt-out screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) within correctional facilities is an effective intervention to improve public health
Authors: Morris Meghan D. , Brown Brandon , Allen Scott A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Worldwide efforts to identify individuals infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) focus almost exclusively on community healthcare systems, thereby failing to reach high-risk populations and those with poor access to primary care. In the USA, community-based HCV testing policies and guidelines overlook correctional facilities, where HCV rates are believed to be as high as 40 percent. This is a missed opportunity: more than ten million Americans move through correctional facilities each year. Herein, the purpose of this paper is to examine HCV testing practices in the US correctional system, California and describe how universal opt-out HCV testing could expand early HCV detection, improve public health in correctional facilities and communities, and prove cost-effective over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A commentary on the value of standardizing screening programs across facilities by mandating all facilities (universal) to implement opt-out testing policies for all prisoners upon entry to the correctional facilities.

Findings

Current variability in facility-level testing programs results in inconsistent testing levels across correctional facilities, and therefore makes estimating the actual number of HCV-infected adults in the USA difficult. The authors argue that universal opt-out testing policies ensure earlier diagnosis of HCV among a population most affected by the disease and is more cost-effective than selective testing policies.

Originality/value

The commentary explores the current limitations of selective testing policies in correctional systems and provides recommendations and implications for public health and correctional organizations.
Modelling critical risk factors for Indian construction project using interpretive ranking process (IRP) and system dynamics (SD)
Authors: Mhatre Tanmay Nitin , Thakkar J.J. , Maiti J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ an integrated approach of interpretive ranking process (IRP) and system dynamics (SD) for modelling the key risk factors for a typical construction project.

Design/methodology/approach

The risk parameters and performance measures applicable in the construction industry have been identified through extensive literature review and discussions with experts from the construction industry. Based on the literature review, a questionnaire was designed and 64 responses were considered. The list of 20 risk parameters and 32 performance measures relevant for a construction industry is reduced to five risk factors and five performance measure factors using factor analysis. IRP modelling is employed to examine the contextual relationships among risk factors and to rank them with respect to performance measure factors. Subsequently, the results of IRP model were utilised as inputs to SD analysis. The SD analysis is conducted for two models, namely, risk factor model and risk variable model to understand the impact of interventions offered by project management team on risk reduction and mitigation.

Findings

The developed IRP model shows that the risk factor dimension “construction management” has a high likeliness to occur during the construction phase.

Research limitations/implications

The research demonstrates an application of proposed approach for a typical construction environment and hence the results cannot be generalised.

Originality/value

This research addresses real life complexities in construction project by modelling critical risk factors using an integrate approach of IRP and SD. The proposed approach would facilitate project managers to devise appropriate risk mitigation strategies for a construction project.
Long-term regional house prices cycles. A city-based index for Italy
Authors: Gabrielli Laura , Taltavull de La Paz Paloma , Ortuño Padilla Armando
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the dynamics of housing prices in Italian cities based on unpublished data with regional details from the late 1960s, half-yearly base, for all main Italian cities measuring the average prices for three city dimensions: city centre, sub-centres and outskirts or suburbs. It estimates the Italian long-term house price index, city based in real terms, and shows a combination of methods to deal with large time-series data.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds long-term cycles based on the city (real) data by estimating the common components of cointegrated time series and extracting the unobservable signals to build real house price index for sub-regions in Italy. Three different econometric methodologies are used: Johansen cointegration test and VAR models to identify the long-term pattern of prices at the estimated aggregate level; principal components to obtain the common (permanent and transitory) components; and signal extraction in ARIMA time series–model-based approach method to extract the unobserved time signals.

Findings

Results show three long-term cycle-trends during the period and identify several one-direction causal non-permanent relationships among house prices from different Italian areas. There is no evidence of convergence among regional’s house prices suggesting that the Italian housing prices converge inside the local market with only short diffusion effects at larger regional level.

Research limitations/implications

Data are measured as the average price in squared meters, and the resulting index is not quality controlled.

Practical implications

The long-term trends on housing prices serve to implement further research and know deeply the evolution of Italian housing prices.

Originality/value

This paper contains new and unknown information about the evolution of housing prices in Italian regions and cities.
The effect of school performance on property values: a literature review and a case study
Authors: Fleishman Larisa , Fogel Nir , Fridman Israela , Shif Yaffa
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper, a pioneering one in the Israeli context, aims to augment the research literature on school quality and housing prices by examining the effect of primary-school performance on local property values. It focuses on the main question whether the release of students’ test scores offered households a new source of information with which they could evaluate the quality of schools, thereby affecting local housing markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Several models that examine a variety of transactions, schools and locality characteristics that affect house prices are estimated. Using different administrative sources of information, a wide array of socioeconomic characteristics of students, parents and homebuyers, as well as locality features, is constructed and merged. This information, combined with students’ scores on Meitzav exams (standardized student achievement tests) in 2009-2012 and house prices, illuminates the relationship between student achievements and the prices of houses purchased within the defined attendance zones.

Findings

Student achievements, mainly in the state education system, are found to have a positive and statistically significant effect on housing prices. Accurate information published about a certain school that showed much stronger achievements than those yielded by information attainable about the same school before school-level publication, does contribute to boost house prices in the post-publication period. The socioeconomic background of the students’ parents was found to have a significant effect on house prices. The premium for housing value is much higher in the most prestigious, prime demand districts, in which the housing supply is limited and the housing price level is higher than in that the peripheral districts.

Originality/value

This study not only breaks new ground in the Israeli context but also contributes to the existing literature, by investigating the relation between publishing students’ scores and property values near the same schools, on a national scale. Given that the housing price dynamics and the spatial differentiation of housing stock are extremely hot issues in many European cities, the results of this study could serve as an important tool for better understanding the housing price responses to market incentives, resulting in specific patterns in local housing markets. This paper could be thus applicable in housing policy outline, urban design and planning.
How mode of delivery affects comprehension of an operations management simulation
Authors: Riley Jason M. , Ellegood William A. , Solomon Stanislaus , Baker Jerrine
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study aims to understand how mode of delivery, online versus face-to-face, affects comprehension when teaching operations management concepts via a simulation. Conceptually, the aim is to identify factors that influence the students’ ability to learn and retain new concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging Littlefield Technologies’ simulation, the study investigates how team interaction, team leadership, instructor’s guidance, simulation’s ease of use and previous software experience affects comprehension for both online and face-to-face teaching environments. Survey data were gathered from 514 undergraduate students. The data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

For the face-to-face population, this study found that team interaction, previous software experience, instructor’s guidance and simulation’s ease of use affected student comprehension. This differed from the online population who were only affected by the simulation’s ease of use and instructor’s guidance.

Originality/value

Understanding how the mode of delivery affects comprehension is important as educators develop new online teaching techniques and experiment with innovative technologies like simulation. As demand for online education grows, many instructors find they need to refine their methods to ensure students comprehend the concepts being taught regardless of modality.
Factors influencing students’ adoption of e-learning: a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Tarhini Ali , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Al-Busaidi Kamla Ali , Mohammed Ashraf Bany , Maqableh Mahmoud
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This research aims to examine the factors that may hinder or enable the adoption of e-learning systems by university students.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was developed through extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, habit, social influence, price value and facilitating conditions) by incorporating two additional factors, namely, trust and self-efficacy. Data were collected from students at two universities in England using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey between January and March 2015.

Findings

The results showed that behavioral intention (BI) was significantly influenced by performance expectancy, social influence, habit, hedonic motivation, self-efficacy, effort expectancy and trust, in their order of influencing the strength and explained 70.6 per cent of the variance in behavioral intention. Contrary to expectations, facilitating conditions and price value did not have an influence on behavioral intention.

Originality/value

The aforementioned factors are considered critical in explaining technology adoption but, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has been no study in which all these factors were modeled together. Therefore, this study will contribute to the literature related to social networking adoption by integrating all these variables and the first to be tested in the UK universities.
Examining customers’ continuance intentions towards internet banking usage
Authors: Ofori Kwame Simpe , Boateng Henry , Okoe Abednego Feehi , Gvozdanovic Igor
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that affect continuance intention towards internet banking usage using the institutional trust theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 481 internet banking users from a bank in Ghana using a questionnaire. The respondents were internet banking users. Data were analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results from the analysis revealed that information quality, service quality, privacy and security concerns were significant predictors of both trust and satisfaction. Structural assurance and situational normality were also found to significantly affect trust. Other factors that were found to be significant of continuance intention included satisfaction and trust.

Originality/value

Studies investigating customers’ continuance intention towards internet banking usage using the institutional trust theory in an emerging economy like Ghana is rare. Hence, this study provides a model for banks operating in Ghana to understand internet banking customers’ continuance intention towards internet banking usage.
Buenas Diaz – status quo or pivot!
Authors: Hudson Monika , Ohara Frank
Published: September 2017

Synopsis

The family matriarch dies without a written succession plan, leaving her children to determine how to cope with the continuity of the family’s expanding food empire. This becomes increasingly difficult when one of the siblings wants to incur expensive, yet required, renovations to the family’s original restaurant. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the two older siblings are focused on corporate expansion efforts, while the youngest is trying to demonstrate her competence in running the family’s historical restaurant. A central focus of the case is to understand and identify effective strategies that should guide the firm-related choices each sibling makes.

Research methodology

This case, which was developed from field interviews and personal experience, highlights the array of competing financial and personal objectives and tensions involved in a family business. An interactive tool allows users to conduct multiple scenario analyses to determine if the company’s manufacturing expansion goals can be achieved while simultaneously honoring the family’s restaurant roots.

Relevant courses and levels

This case was designed specifically for the undergraduate junior or senior business or economics student who has already taken basic finance, economics, strategy, entrepreneurship, or psychology courses. Typically, by the third or fourth year of study in a traditional undergraduate program, virtually all of the core themes, concepts, theses, and theories associated with the case have been addressed in previous business or economics coursework.

Theoretical bases

The case provides an intentional opportunity for students to demonstrate their emerging financial analysis competencies, while concurrently synthesizing the so-called “soft” skills associated with rational decision making, organizational behavior analysis, business strategy, entrepreneurship, and negotiations.
Jessica’s dilemma: competing loyalties
Authors: Rua Tuvana , Lawter Leanna , Andreassi Jeanine , York Christopher
Published: September 2017

Synopsis

“Jessica’s dilemma: honesty or loyalty” is the true story of a Staff Accountant, Jessica, who discovered embezzlement by the controller, Michael. Jessica worked at a US subsidiary of a multinational organization. One of the company’s vendors contacted Jessica regarding unpaid invoices. Following up on the inquiry, Jessica found suspicious manual journal entries in the general ledger. When she questioned her boss, Michael, about her findings, he first denied the situation, then blamed another employee, and ultimately tried to intimidate Jessica so that she would not press the issue. Jessica’s investigation led to the discovery that Michael had been embezzling money from the company. To complicate matters, Jessica and her husband had a close relationship with Michael and his wife outside the office. Jessica had to make a choice between being loyal to a family friend and being honest and loyal toward her employer.

Research methodology

The authors obtained the information for this case from the staff accountant and her husband via a series of interviews. The information was verified via publicly available news articles on the presented case. Additionally, legal documents, which were publicly available, were also used for information. The name of the company and the names of the individuals in the case were changed to protect the identities and privacy of the involved parties.

Relevant courses and levels

An instructor can use this case in business ethics, introductory management, human resource law or accounting courses targeting undergraduate or introductory MBA students. This case is best used in the beginning of the suggested courses, as the instructor introduces ethical dilemmas, ethical frameworks, and stakeholder theory. The case is designed so that students do not need a background in business or business ethics to be able to successfully complete the case analysis. Additionally, the case provides a platform to discuss the differences in an ethical vs an unethical manager and how to respond to such a situation.

Theoretical bases

Many employees are afraid to report ethical wrongdoing to upper management, or to engage in ethical dissent. When upper management is receptive to reports of wrongdoing, ethical dissent within the organization to upper-level management has more organizational benefits than when the issue is shared with coworkers or external agencies. This is because upper management has the power to make a difference in the situation and may be able to keep the situation within the organization to eliminate possible reputation problems for the organization. The presented case can be utilized to discuss the importance of feeling safe in an organization as it pertains to reporting wrongdoing within the organization and how organizational culture and leadership can enhance or diminish that feeling.
Social entrepreneurship with vedic wisdom
Authors: Madan Pankaj
Published: September 2017

Synopsis

The case illustrates the social entrepreneurial journey of Ramdev who developed Patanjali Yogpeeth as a successful enterprise that provides low-cost physical and mental treatment through the ancient science of yoga. The case provides a perspective on the reasons for the success of Patanjali as a social brand in such a small time scale and also addresses the controversies associated with it.

Research methodology

Using secondary sources, the study describes the philosophy, infrastructure, innovations, marketing and promotional practices of the organization. It also seeks answers to the challenges faced by the social entrepreneur to fulfill his social mission.

Relevant courses and levels

The case is best suited for courses on entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship and marketing of non-profit organization in both MBA and executive programs. Students who have an interest in starting their own venture or social enterprise will find it more relevant and interesting.
The role of visual saliency in the automation of seismic interpretation
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad Amir , Alshawi Tariq , Long Zhiling , AlRegib Ghassan
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we propose a workflow based on SalSi for the detection and delineation of geological structures such as salt domes. SalSi is a seismic attribute designed based on the modelling of human visual system that detects the salient features and captures the spatial correlation within seismic volumes for delineating seismic structures. Using this attribute we cannot only highlight the neighbouring regions of salt domes to assist a seismic interpreter but also delineate such structures using a region growing method and post‐processing. The proposed delineation workflow detects the salt‐dome boundary with very good precision and accuracy. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed workflow on a real seismic dataset acquired from the North Sea, F3 block. For the subjective evaluation of the results of different salt‐dome delineation algorithms, we have used a reference salt‐dome boundary interpreted by a geophysicist. For the objective evaluation of results, we have used five different metrics based on pixels, shape, and curvedness to establish the effectiveness of the proposed workflow. The proposed workflow is not only fast but also yields better results as compared with other salt‐dome delineation algorithms and shows a promising potential in seismic interpretation.
Specific leaf area predicts dryland litter decomposition via two mechanisms
Authors: Liu Guofang , Wang Lei , Jiang Li , Pan Xu , Huang Zhenying , Dong Ming , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: September 2017

Litter decomposition plays important roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. In dryland, both microbial decomposition and abiotic degradation (by UV light or other forces) drive variation in decomposition rates, but whether and how litter traits and position determine the balance between these processes is poorly understood.

We investigated relationships between litter quality and their decomposition rates among diverse plant species in a desert ecosystem in vertically contrasting positions representing distinct decomposition environments driven by different relative contributions of abiotic and microbial degradation. Thereto, leaf litter samples from 17 desert species were sealed into litterbags and placed on the soil surface under strong solar exposure vs. shade conditions, or buried in the soil at 10 cm depth, for a whole year.

Litter decomposition rates were 21% and 17% higher in burial and light‐exposed treatments, respectively, than those in shade. Leaf traits, i.e. specific leaf area (SLA), litter C:N ratio and lignin concentration could predict litter decomposition to some degree, but their predictive power was dependent on litter position. However, multiple linear regressions showed that SLA, litter C and P significantly affected k values for leaf litter decomposition besides litter position, with SLA standing out as a strong determinant of litter decomposition rate as related either to solar radiation or the environment below the soil surface. Furthermore, the interspecific differences in litter decomposition rates decreased over time, implying that afterlife effects of leaf traits on decomposition were attenuated.

Synthesis. These findings suggest that abiotic photodegradation and soil burial mediated microbial decomposition could be responsible for higher than expected litter turnover in dryland. They point to a dual role of specific leaf area (SLA) as a promotor of decomposition rates: via relative exposure of the leaf surface to abiotic factors such as UV light vs. to soil moisture and microbes under soil burial.
Social media crisis management: Aligning corporate response strategies with stakeholders’ emotions online
Authors: Vignal Lambret Clémence , Barki Edgard
Published: September 2017

The article focuses on how the analysis of stakeholders’ emotions online can help companies facing a social media crisis determine the response strategy that will best minimize the reputational threat. The article indeed questions the relevance of classical crisis management theory to an online environment. Results show that social media have increased the unpredictability of corporate crises. Consequently, on social media, crises cannot be addressed with the methods that have prevailed so far. Rather, incorporating emotion‐based analysis in six case studies showed how crisis analysis, and the subsequent response strategy, could be fine‐tuned. The article builds on recent literature to develop a new analytical framework for response strategies and a model for crisis resolution—the social media crisis management matrix.
Responses of microbial decomposers to drought in streams may depend on the environmental context
Authors: Duarte Sofia , Mora‐Gómez Juanita , Romaní Anna M. , Cássio Fernanda , Pascoal Cláudia
Published: September 2017

A consequence of drought in streams is the emersion of decomposing leaf litter, which may alter organic matter recycling. We assessed the effects of emersion on decomposition of black poplar leaves and associated microbes (microbial biomass, extracellular enzyme activities and microbial diversity) in two streams with distinct characteristics, in particular nutrients, temperature and oxygen levels. Leaf decomposition rates, fungal biomass and extracellular enzyme activities were lower in the most impacted stream (high nutrients and temperature, low oxygen). Also, the structure of fungal and bacterial communities differed between streams. Emersion strongly affected all microbial functional measures. Leaf decomposition, fungal biomass and extracellular enzyme activities were more sensitive at the most pristine site, while fungal reproduction and bacterial biomass production were more affected by emersion at the most impacted stream. Microbial community structure was strongly altered after emersion. Although similar effects on leaf‐associated microbes were found in both streams, functional responses to emersion differed probably as a consequence of different initial microbial communities with different sensitivity to the drying stress. Our study highlights the need of understanding the effects of drought in streams suffering from different environmental perturbations, since responses to emersion appear to depend on the environmental context.
Rapid response team patients triaged to remain on ward despite deranged vital signs: missed opportunities?
Authors: Tirkkonen J. , Kontula T. , Hoppu S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Rapid response teams (RRTs) triage most patients to stay on ward, even though some of them have deranged vital signs according to RRTs themselves. We investigated the prevalence and outcome of this RRT patient cohort.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in a Finnish tertiary referral centre, Tampere University Hospital. Data on RRT activations were collected between 1 May 2012 and 30 April 2015. Vital signs of patients triaged to stay on ward without treatment limitations were classified according to objective RRT trigger criteria observed during the reviews.

Results

During the study period, 860 patients had their first RRT review and were triaged to stay on ward. Of these, 564 (66%) had deranged vital signs, while 296 (34%) did not. RRT patients with deranged vital signs were of comparable age and comorbidity index as stable patients. Even though the patients with deranged vital signs had received RRT interventions, such as fluids and medications, more often than the stable patients, they required new RRT reviews more often and had higher in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality. Moreover, the former group had substantially higher 1‐year mortality than the latter (37% vs. 29%, P = 0.014). In a multivariate regression analysis, deranged vital signs during RRT review was found to be independently associated with 30‐day mortality (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.12–2.70).

Conclusion

Patients triaged to stay on ward despite deranged vital signs are high‐risk patients who could benefit from routine follow‐up by RRT nurses before they deteriorate beyond salvation.
A randomised controlled trial of consumption of dark chocolate in pregnancy to reduce pre‐eclampsia: Difficulties in recruitment, allocation and adherence
Authors: Gnanendran Subashini , Porrett Jemma , Woods Cindy , Buttrose Maryke , Jukka Clare , Hollins Jane , Robson Stephen , de Costa Caroline
Published: September 2017

In 2013–2014 we undertook a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether the daily ingestion of dark chocolate during pregnancy could reduce the incidence of pre‐eclampsia in primigravidae. However, after two years we had not succeeded in recruiting more than 3.5% of the number of participants required to answer the research question, and the trial was halted. We also reviewed the literature on this topic and found it to be limited. We report here our findings and discuss the difficulties facing researchers in this area.
Real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressure at the needle tip for peripheral nerve blocks: description of a new method
Authors: Quadri C. , Saporito A. , Capdevila X.
Published: September 2017

The measurement of injection pressure during the performance of peripheral nerve blocks can be pivotal to detect intraneural placement of the needle tip and thus avoid intrafascicular injection. However, injection pressure can only be measured along the injection line (tubing), which is influenced by several factors. The primary aim of this feasibility study was to describe and validate the principle of a novel nerve‐block needle conceived for real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressures at the needle tip. Our secondary aim was to provide measurements and compare injection pressure values at the needle tip and in the injection line. Four porcine lower limb anatomic models were prepared and extraneural injections were performed with fractioned boluses of 2 ml saline at a controlled infusion rate of 10 ml.min−1 (0.16 ml.s−1). Injection pressure at the needle tip was monitored and compared with the pressure in the injection line. The system proved to be reliable. Thirty injections were successfully performed without technical failures. The mean (95%CI) difference between pressures at the needle tip and the injection line varied substantially from 14.33 (12.58–16.08) kPa at 0.5 ml injected volume to 41.56 (39.66–43.45) kPa at the end of the injection. This study demonstrates that the described system allows for real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressure at the needle tip. Moreover, this study shows that injection pressure values measured in the injection line cannot be assumed to be a reliable indicator of the injection pressure at the needle tip.
Comprehensive proteomics analysis of exosomes derived from human seminal plasma
Authors: Yang C. , Guo W.‐b. , Zhang W.‐s. , Bian J. , Yang J.‐k. , Zhou Q.‐z. , Chen M.‐k. , Peng W. , Qi T. , Wang C.‐y. , Liu C.‐d.
Published: September 2017

Exosomes are membranous nanovesicles of endocytic origin that carry and transfer regulatory bioactive molecules and mediate intercellular communication between cells and tissues. Although seminal exosomes have been identified in human seminal plasma, their exact composition and possible physiologic function remain unknown. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive proteomics analysis of exosomes derived from human seminal plasma. Seminal exosomes were isolated and purified from 12 healthy donors using a 30% sucrose cushion‐based exosome‐isolation protocol, followed by characterization by western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis before performing extensive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. The identified proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, and seminal exosomes‐associated proteins were selectively validated by western blot. A total of 1474 proteins were identified in all seminal exosomes samples, with Gene Ontology analysis demonstrating that these identified seminal exosomes‐associated proteins were mostly linked to ‘exosomes,’ ‘cytoplasm,’ and ‘cytosol.’ Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these proteins were mainly involved in biologic processes, including metabolism, energy pathways, protein metabolism, cell growth and maintenance, and transport. Of these identified proteins, PHGDH, LGALS3BP, SEMG1, ACTB, GAPDH, and the exosomal‐marker protein ALIX were validated by western blot. This study provided a more comprehensive description of the seminal exosomes proteome and could also be a resource for further screening of biomarkers and comparative proteomics studies, including those associated with male infertility and prostate cancer.
Autism, theory of mind, and the reactive attitudes
Authors: Richman Kenneth A. , Bidshahri Raya
Published: September 2017

Whether to treat autism as exculpatory in any given circumstance appears to be influenced both by models of autism and by theories of moral responsibility. This article looks at one particular combination of theories: autism as theory of mind challenges and moral responsibility as requiring appropriate experience of the reactive attitudes. In pursuing this particular combination of ideas, we do not intend to endorse them. Our goal is, instead, to explore the implications of this combination of especially prominent ideas about autism and about moral responsibility. These implications can be quite serious and practical for autists and those who interact directly with autists, as well as for broader communities as they attend to the fair, compassionate, and respectful treatment of increasing numbers of autistic adults. We find that these theories point to a limited range of situations in which autists should not be blamed for transgressive actions for which neurotypical individuals should be blamed. We build on what others have written on these issues by bringing in a recent cognitive model of the role theory of mind plays in empathy, by discussing the social implications of the theoretical findings, and by raising questions about the compatibility of reactive attitude theories of moral responsibility with the neurodiversity approach to autism.
The variation in quality and content of patient‐focused health information on the Internet for otitis media
Authors: Joury A. , Joraid A. , Alqahtani F. , Alghamdi A. , Batwa A. , Pines J. M.
Published: September 2017

Background

When symptoms of otitis media appear, parents and patients often access the Internet for health information. We study the content and quality of health information in parent–patient‐focused websites for otitis media.

Methods

We searched the 3 search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) using “otitis media” and “middle ear infection” then reviewed the top 30 hits for each search. We included sites that were focused on providing patient–patient information about otitis media. A variety of instruments were used to assess website content and quality.

Results

In 35 included websites, there was considerable variation in content, with the average site having 11 out of 15 informational items potentially useful to parents and patients on otitis media (range 4–15). Across included websites, the mean DISCERN score was 47 out of 80 (low to medium quality), 16 (46%) were HONcode certified, and 8 (23%) fulfilled all the JAMA benchmark criteria. The average website was written at a 9th/10th‐grade reading level.

Conclusion

The content and quality of health information for otitis media in parent‐and‐patient‐focused websites is highly variable. Although easy‐to‐read, high‐quality websites with complete content are available, the average website sites is difficult to read without a high school education and is difficult to use. Consideration should be given to adopting a standard approach for presenting disease‐specific information to parents and patients.
English Children's Respectful Reflections of the Rights and Lives of their Kenyan Peers: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Hoare Karen , Ward Kim , Walker Richard
Published: September 2017

In 2002 a UK Government initiative enabled the fostering of links between UK school children and school children in Low and Middle Income Countries through the shared Just Like You project about health and rights. This manuscript reports English children's perspectives on the lives of their peers in Kenya, whose school link began in 2007. Data were gathered and analysed in 2014 via six focus groups with 132 children. The result was a constructed grounded theory of respectful reflection that represents a basic social process. Respectful reflection comprises three categories; being similar, living differently and finding the strengths.
Pilomatrix carcinoma: 12‐year experience and review of the literature
Authors: Jones Christopher , Twoon Mark , Ho Weiguang , Portelli Mark , Robertson Bernard F , Anderson William
Published: September 2017

Pilomatrix carcinoma is a rare, locally aggressive tumor with a tendency to recur. Distant metastases have been reported, with pulmonary lesions being the most frequent manifestation. Similar to pilomatrixoma, pilomatrix carcinoma typically presents as a nontender, firm dermal swelling and is found most commonly in the head and neck region. Although pilomatrixomas and pilomatrix carcinoma are well‐recognized lesions, clinically they are frequently misdiagnosed as other skin conditions. By reviewing the literature over the past 10 years, the aims of this review are to analyze the cause, clinical presentation, histopathologic features, management and outcomes of pilomatrix carcinoma amongst children and adults.
Exploring avenues for best use of cytotechnologists in non‐gynaecological cytology: Double screening or independent sign‐out
Authors: Fischer G. , Haddad M. , Cormier K.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Cytotechnologist (CT) screening workload has been decreasing due to the falling number of Papanicolaou tests. This continuing trend has prompted exploration of ways to best employ the CT skillset. One potential way of more effective use is by having two CTs double screen non‐gynaecological (NGC) cases to assess whether this improves screening quality and concordance with pathologists. Another is evaluating the CT's performance on low‐complexity negative NGC cases for a potential independent CT sign‐out without pathologist review.

Methods

In total, 1119 NGC cases were reviewed; 577 screened by two CTs and 542 screened by one CT. All cases were signed out by a pathologist and all CT interpretations were compared to the pathologist final diagnoses. The disagreements were classified based on degree of discrepancy. The extra workload by adding the second screener was assessed.

Results

The agreement rate between the CT's screening interpretation and pathologist's interpretation did not improve by adding a second CT compared to a single screener (91.5% vs 92.9%, respectively). CT to pathologist concordance was very high on low complexity NGC cases (voided urine, fluid, sputum) whether screened and interpreted as negative by one CT (97.3%) or two CTs (99.3%).

Conclusion

Double screening of NGC cases by two cytotechnologists prior to pathologist sign‐out does not improve screening quality and is not cost‐effective. The high concordance between the CTs and pathologists in this limited group of low complexity negative cases suggests that such cases could be signed out independently by cytotechnologists.
What's parenting got to do with it: emotional autonomy and brain and behavioral responses to emotional conflict in children and adolescents
Authors: Marusak Hilary A. , Thomason Moriah E. , Sala‐Hamrick Kelsey , Crespo Laura , Rabinak Christine A.
Published: September 2017

Healthy parenting may be protective against the development of emotional psychopathology, particularly for children reared in stressful environments. Little is known, however, about the brain and behavioral mechanisms underlying this association, particularly during childhood and adolescence, when emotional disorders frequently emerge. Here, we demonstrate that psychological control, a parenting strategy known to limit socioemotional development in children, is associated with altered brain and behavioral responses to emotional conflict in 27 at‐risk (urban, lower income) youth, ages 9–16. In particular, youth reporting higher parental psychological control demonstrated lower activity in the left anterior insula, a brain area involved in emotion conflict processing, and submitted faster but less accurate behavioral responses—possibly reflecting an avoidant pattern. Effects were not replicated for parental care, and did not generalize to an analogous nonemotional conflict task. We also find evidence that behavioral responses to emotional conflict bridge the previously reported link between parental overcontrol and anxiety in children. Effects of psychological control may reflect a parenting style that limits opportunities to practice self‐regulation when faced with emotionally charged situations. Results support the notion that parenting strategies that facilitate appropriate amounts of socioemotional competence and autonomy in children may be protective against social and emotional difficulties.