bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart contract model for complex reality transaction
Authors: Feng Tianyu , Yu Xiao , Chai Yueting , Liu Yi
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The application of smart contract can greatly reduce transaction costs and improve transaction efficiency. The existing smart contract are expensive, single application scenario and inefficient. This paper aims to propose a new smart contract model to solve these problems.

Design/methodology/approach

By investigating the research history, models and platforms, this paper summarizes the shortcomings of existing smart contracts. Based on the content and architecture of traditional contract, a smart contract model with wider application scope is designed.

Findings

In this paper, several models are used to describe the operation mechanism of smart contracts. To facilitate computer execution, a decomposition method is proposed, which divides smart contracts into several sub-contracts. Then, the advantages and deployment methods of smart contract are discussed. On this basis, a specific example is given to illustrate how the application of smart contract will change our life.

Originality/value

Smart contract is gradually applied to more fields. In this paper, the structure and operation mechanism of smart contract system in reality are given, which will be beneficial to the application of smart contract to more complex systems.
Evaluation and improvement of maintenance management performance using a maturity model
Authors: Oliveira Marcelo Albuquerque , Lopes Isabel
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new maturity model to identify the current state of maintenance area of organizations and drives actions to increase efficiency and effectiveness toward the concept known as world-class.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was developed based on an extensive literature review on maintenance management and maturity assessment, which allowed identifying the relevant factors in maintenance management and the world-class behaviors for each factor. The progressive maturity levels for each of the identified ten factors form the model. To test its effectiveness, it was applied to the maintenance area of three companies.

Findings

The model application showed that, in addition to being a self-assessment tool, it provides knowledge, to those who use it, on behaviors or practices that enable world-class results. For each factor, potential gaps and the desired state were defined focusing on behaviors rather than on indicators values or adopted methodologies, which facilitates the identification of improvement actions that lead to better performance.

Research limitations/implications

Through its use, maturity levels can be identified for all considered maintenance management factors, however, the overall maturity of the maintenance area is not determined. Although this overall evaluation can be done assigning a weight to each factor, it was not considered an added value for the set purpose.

Originality/value

The proposed maturity model contributes to the understanding of the maintenance management process and how to stand out nowadays in an area that has an increasingly important impact on productivity and quality.
Market analytics of the rice wine market in Japan: an exploratory study
Authors: Kunc Martin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse consumer buying behaviour in the Japanese rice wine, also known as sake market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a novel qualitative and quantitative analytical methodology to an off-license channel in Japan. The methodology involves the use of anchoring-and-adjustment theory and simulation to a large set of point of sale data. The selection of the brands used for the study are more than 230 brands and more than 150 sake breweries.

Findings

Age and gender are important factors determining recurrent patterns of purchasing behaviour. Small size packaging, e.g. one cup, has the highest volume in sales, for example, convenience shopping, but it depends on exogenous factors, e.g. summer season or festive events.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations are related with the lack of specific personal data from consumers that impedes to test behavioural attitudes driving loyalty to brands. Anchoring-and-adjustment theory can be a valid approach to evaluate large longitudinal data sets of purchasing behaviour.

Practical implications

Results indicate that fragmented markets tend to over-expand the assortment affecting volume stability. However, this dynamics is difficult to avoid when all participants are engaged in this behaviour and the market is strongly segmented by age and gender.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the body of knowledge of buyer behaviour in relation to purchasing and consumption for other types of wine. It is the first application in alcoholic beverages of anchor-and-adjustment theory.
Friction and wear characteristics of polylactic acid (PLA) for 3D printing under reciprocating sliding condition
Authors: Zhang Peng , Hu Zhichao , Xie Huanxiong , Lee Gwang-Hee , Lee Chul-Hee
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the different infill, printing direction against sliding direction and various load condition for the friction and wear characteristics of polylactic acid (PLA) under reciprocating sliding condition.

Design/methodology/approach

The tests were performed by applying the load of 1, 5, 15 and 10 N with sliding oscillation frequency of 10 Hz for the duration of 10 min at room temperature.

Findings

The results show that the friction and wear properties of PLA specimen change with a different infill density of printed parts. The oscillation frequency is 10 Hz and the infill density of plate is 50 per cent that shows the best friction and wear properties.

Originality/value

The potential of this research work is to investigate the tribological characteristics of three-dimensional printing parts with different infill percentage to provide a reference for any parts in contact with each other to improve friction and wear performance. There will be many opportunities exist for further research and the advancement of three-dimensional printing in the field of tribology.
Individual life events and blood giving
Authors: Soliman Meikel , Boenigk Silke
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Imbedded in the life course paradigm, the purpose of this paper is to investigate which individual life events impact blood donations and to study their underlying mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying logistic regression, moderation and mediation analysis, this paper uses a large sample ofN= 5,640 individuals.

Findings

Experiencing normative life events and stressful life events reduce the likelihood of donating blood, whereas human capital life events enhance the likelihood of donating blood. Specifically, having a child and death of a mother decrease and finishing education increases the probability of blood donations. Locus of control and satisfaction with income are significant underlying mechanisms.

Practical implications

Social marketing campaigns can use individual life events to focus on similarities between potential blood donors and individuals in need of blood. Blood centers can adopt their services to cater to the changing needs after experiencing individual life events by running mobile blood collecting drives and providing guidance.

Social implications

Blood centers take an important role in sustaining a healthy society. As the need for blood will increase in the future, a better understanding of blood donation behavior and social marketing contributes to increased donations.

Originality/value

While previous research looked at collective life events, there is a dearth in marketing and blood literature on the effects of individual life events.
Impact of removing industrial tariffs under the European–Vietnam free trade agreement
Authors: Phat Le Trung Ngoc , Hanh Nguyen Kim
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ the computable general equilibrium (CGE) approach to examine how the European–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) impacts on the Vietnamese economy in the case of the removal of industrial tariffs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a social accounting matrix based on the latest data of the Vietnam input-output Table for the year 2012 and then apply the CGE model to simulate the economic scenarios when the tariff rate of the industrial sector reduces to 0 percent.

Findings

The first simulation results demonstrate that the elimination of tariffs in the industrial sector will lead to a 9.13 percent increase in household consumption, together with an increase in the factors of production of the agricultural, industrial and service sectors by 9.61, 9.74 and 8.21 percent, respectively. The EVFTA also causes a deficit in the trade balance because the value of imports increases by 12.54 percent, while exports’ value slightly increases by 2.71 percent. Furthermore, there has been a drop of 2.29 percent in the total government income; nevertheless, social welfare witnesses a gain of 9.13 percent. The second scenario simulation draws crucial attention to policymakers that a small fluctuation in the production tax rate will cause a significant change in the economy.

Practical implications

The reduction of tariff in the industrial sector will increase the social welfare and strengthen the whole economy regarding the growth of household consumption, factors of production and trade value. On the unfavorable side, the EVFTA causes a national budget deficit and puts pressure on domestic production. This paper is a valuable reference for governments and policymakers when they decide to reduce tariffs or adjust production taxes once Vietnam integrates into the world economy.

Originality/value

This study differs from previous research works by utilizing a static CGE model to investigate the impact of removing the industrial tariff on the economy under EVFTA.
Motivations and obstacles for fashion renting: a cross-cultural comparison
Authors: Lang Chunmin , Seo Sukyung , Liu Chuanlan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the influences of perceived enjoyment, perceived risks and attitude on the intention to rent fashion products for both Chinese and American consumers. Furthermore, this study is expected to empirically identify the differences between American and Chinese consumers in terms of motivations for and barriers to fashion renting.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through online surveys in both the USA and China. Data cleaning generated 412 usable samples in the USA and 301 usable responses in China. A series of t-test analyses and structural equation modeling were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Statistical results confirmed the positive influences of perceived enjoyment and attitude on fashion renting intention. In addition, the negative influences of perceived performance risk and social risk on attitude were also affirmed. Moreover, the results indicated that significant differences exist between American and Chinese consumers in terms of perceived risks and enjoyment of fashion renting, as well as attitude toward renting. Further, group comparison testing results discovered that differences existed in the factors influencing the intention to rent fashion products between American and Chinese consumers.

Originality/value

This study initiates the attempt to investigate the motivations and obstacles for fashion renting intention for both American and Chinese consumers. The cultural comparison between Chinese and American consumers also delivers a comprehensive understanding of the motivations and obstacles behind the intention of fashion renting.
Is nursing student personality important for considering a rural career?
Authors: Terry Daniel R. , Peck Blake , Smith Andrew , Stevenson Tyrin , Baker Ed
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Identifying and measuring personality traits assists to understanding professional career choices, however, what impact personality traits have on nursing student rural career choice remains absent. The purpose of this paper is to identify personality traits among nursing students that may be predictive of pursuing a rural career.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was used to examine the importance Bachelor of Nursing students place on undertaking rural careers. All nursing students (n=1,982) studying a three-year bachelor’s degree were invited to complete a questionnaire examining personality traits and rural practice intentions.

Findings

Students who saw themselves working rurally after graduation had higher levels of conscientiousness than those who wanted metropolitan careers. Students with higher levels of agreeableness or open-mindedness were more likely to consider rural practice when individual community factors were carefully considered. Finally, students with higher levels of neuroticism were less likely to consider rural practice as a future career pathway.

Research limitations/implications

The cohort had high numbers of student from rural and regional settings, which may limit the ability to generalise the findings. In addition, student respondents of the survey may not be representative of the whole student cohort given the low response rate.

Originality/value

Key personality traits are identifying factors that contribute to nursing student decision making regarding rural practice. Students who displayed higher levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness and open-mindedness have traits that are most likely to impact the consideration of rural practice across their nursing career, which gives additional insight into targeted recruitment strategies.
Rethinking reverse logistics: role of additive manufacturing technology in metal remanufacturing
Authors: Strong Danielle , Kay Michael , Wakefield Thomas , Sirichakwal Issariya , Conner Brett , Manogharan Guha
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Although the adoption of metal additive manufacturing (AM) for production has continuously grown, in-house access to production grade metal AM systems for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a major challenge due to costs of acquiring metal AM systems, specifically powder bed fusion AM. On the other hand, AM technology in directed energy deposition (DED) has been evolving in both: processing capabilities and adaptable configuration for integration within existing traditional machines that are available in most SME manufacturing facilities, e.g. computer numerical control (CNC) machining centers. Integrating DED with conventional processes such as machining and grinding into Hybrid AM is well suited for remanufacturing of metal parts. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Classical facility location models are employed to understand the effects of SMEs adopting DED systems to offer remanufacturing services. This study identifies strategically located counties in the USA to advance hybrid AM for reverse logistics using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) data on geographical data, demand, fixed and transportation costs. A case study is also implemented to explore its implications on remanufacturing of high-value parts on the reverse logistics supply chain using an aerospace part and NAICS data on aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.

Findings

The results identify the candidate counties, their allocations, allocated demand and total costs. Offering AM remanufacturing services to traditional manufacturers decreases costs for SMEs in the supply chain by minimizing expensive new part replacement. The hubs also benefit from hybrid AM to repair their own parts and tools.

Originality/value

This research provides a unique analysis on reverse logistics through hybrid AM focused on remanufacturing rather than manufacturing. Facility location using real data is used to obtain results and offers insights into integrating AM for often overlooked aspect of remanufacturing. The study shows that SMEs can participate in the evolving AM economy through remanufacturing services using significantly lower investment costs.
Beyond reciprocal: the role of platforms in diffusing data value across multiple stakeholders
Authors: Malthouse Edward C. , Buoye Alexander , Line Nathaniel , El-Manstrly Dahlia , Dogru Tarik , Kandampully Jay
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the role of platforms in diffusing data value across multiple stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Seminal theoretical and managerial work has been critically examined in order to justify the need for improving/extending the contemporary understanding of the data value creation process.

Findings

The results suggest that existing frameworks and conceptualizations of reciprocal data value provide incomplete understanding of the role of platforms in data value diffusion.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides service researchers with a better understanding of the role of platforms in data value diffusion. Future research can develop and validate new frameworks that reflect the proposed extended/improved view of data value creation.

Practical implications

Service and hospitality managers will be able to more effectively manage the role of platforms in data value diffusion. Specifically, this paper proposes that, in order for data to become a source of competitive advantage, there must be a symbiotic relationship among all the stakeholders of the data ecosystem.

Originality/value

The authors discuss how data creates value for different stakeholders in the hospitality industry.
From “Stoptober” To “Moi(S) Sans Tabac”: how to import a social marketing campaign
Authors: Djian Auriane , Guignard Romain , Gallopel-Morvan Karine , Smadja Olivier , Davies Jennifer , Blanc Aurélie , Mercier Anna , Walmsley Matthew , Nguyen-Thanh Viêt
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In 2016, Santé publique France launched for the first time “Moi (s) Sans Tabac,” a positive social marketing campaign inspired by Public Health England’s “Stoptober” campaign, the aim being to trigger mass quit attempts among smokers. Both programs include a mass-media campaign, national and local cessation help interventions, and the diffusion of various tools to help smokers quit. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the two programs’, specific national contexts and to describe resulting similarities and differences regarding campaign development.

Design/methodology/approach

A contextual analysis was performed to determine differences between the two countries regarding smoking prevalence, health services and culture.

Findings

Smoking prevalence is about twice as high in France as in the UK, leading to a lower degree of de-normalization of smoking. Moreover, cessation support services are much more structured in the UK than in France: all health professionals are involved and services are located near smokers’ residences.

Practical implications

Campaign progress and cessation tools provided during both campaigns are quite similar. However, Santé publique France needed to adjust the British model by favouring a regional smoking prevention network and by building an innovative partnership strategy to reach the target.

Originality/value

The results could be useful for other countries that wish to develop a smoking cessation campaign based on the same positive messaging at local and national levels.
Heat transport in the convective Casson fluid flow with homogeneous‒heterogeneous reactions in Darcy‒Forchheimer medium
Authors: Bilal S. , Sohail Muhammad , Naz Rahila
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the studies of momentum and transmission of heat on mixed convection boundary layer Darcy‒Forchheimer flow of Casson liquid over a linear extending surface in a porous medium. The belongings of homogeneous‒heterogeneous retorts are also affianced. The mechanism of heat transmission is braced out in the form of Cattaneo‒Christov heat flux. Appropriate restorations are smeared to revolutionize coupled nonlinear partial differential equations conforming to momentum, energy and concentration of homogeneous‒heterogeneous reaction equations into coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical elucidations of the transmogrified ODEs are accomplished via a dexterous and trustworthy scheme, namely optimal homotopy analysis method. The convergence of planned scheme is exposed with the support of error table.

Findings

The exploration of mixed convection Darcy‒Forchheimer MHD boundary layer flow of incompressible Casson fluid by the linear stretched surface with Cattaneo‒Christov heat flux model and homogeneous‒heterogeneous reactions is checked in this research. Imitations of the core subsidized flow parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration of homogeneous‒heterogeneous reactions solutions are conscripted. From the recent deliberation, remarkable annotations are as follows: non-dimensional velocities in xa− and xb− directions shrink, whereas the non-dimensional temperature upsurges when the Casson fluid parameter ameliorates. Similar impact of Casson fluid parameter, magnetic parameter, mixed convection parameter, inertia parameter, and porosity parameter is observed for both the components of velocity field. An escalation in magnetic parameter shows the opposite attitude of temperature field as compared with velocity profile. Similar bearing of Casson fluid parameter is observed for both temperature and velocity fields. Enhancement in concentration rate is observed for growing values of (Ns) and (Sc), and it reduces for (k1). Both temperature and concentration of homogeneous‒heterogeneous upturn by mounting the magnetic parameter. Demeanor of magnetic parameter, Casson fluid parameter, heat generation parameter is opposite to that of Prandtl number and thermal relaxation parameter on temperature profile.

Practical implications

In many industrial and engineering applications, the current exploration is utilized for the transport of heat and mass in any system.

Originality/value

As far as novelty of this work is concerned this is an innovative study and such analysis has not been considered so far.
Effects of viscous flow activation energies and viscosities on waterborne light-diffusion dip-coatings
Authors: Fang Tian , Ye Daiyong
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to prepare good waterborne light-diffusion dip-coatings (WLDDC) for the glass lampshade inner walls of LED lamp tubes, the effects of viscosities and viscous flow activation energies on these dip-coatings were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The WLDDC were prepared using white pigments, light-diffusion agents, additives and an acrylic emulsion. The dip-coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and a digital rotational viscometer, respectively. The effects of shear rates, temperatures and solids contents on the viscosities of the dip-coatings were studied. The viscous flow activation energies of these dip-coatings and the emulsion were calculated, compared and studied, respectively.

Findings

The results showed that the non-Newtonian behaviors of these dip-coatings were more prominent than that of the acrylic emulsion. When the temperature was maintained to be a constant and the shear rate was increased, the viscosity decreased and the shear stress increased. When the shear rate was maintained to be a constant, the viscosity decreased with increasing temperatures. The viscous flow activation energies of these dip-coatings decreased with the increasing shear rates. The higher solid contents of WLDDC were, the more its viscosity would decrease with the increasing shear rates, the more prominent its non-Newtonian behaviors would show.

Practical implications

A sample of good WLDDC with balanced properties was illustrated.

Originality/value

This investigation benefits to investigate waterborne environment-friendly dip-coatings for the inner glass walls of lamp tubes. This research provides an approach to optimize the viscosity parameters of light-diffusion dip-coatings.
Reframing research in Indigenous countries
Authors: Alderson Aedan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address some of the implications for methodology and ethics that arise when researchers in Indigenous territories locate their research projects as taking place within Indigenous countries. Centering the argument that ethical research with Indigenous communities must be rooted in upholding the primacy of Indigenous sovereignty, numerous considerations to improve qualitative research practices in Indigenous countries are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The author starts by introducing his relationship to Indigenous research as a mixed-Indigenous researcher. Moving onto discussing preliminary research considerations for working in Indigenous territories, the author argues that qualitative researchers must become familiarized with the historical and geographical contexts of the Indigenous countries they plan on working in. Using Canadian history as an example, the author argues that settler-colonial nationalisms continue to attempt to erase and replace Indigenous countries both in historical and geographical narratives. Building on Indigenous literature, the author then outlines the necessity of being aware of nation-specific protocols in law, culture, and knowledge production.

Findings

Drawing on this discussion, the author proposes a framework for preliminary research that can be used by qualitative researchers looking to ensure their projects are grounded in the best practices for the specific Indigenous countries they want to work with.

Originality/value

The author concludes that researchers should not expect Indigenous knowledge keepers to contribute large amounts of labour towards debunking colonial mythology and proving the existence of Indigenous countries. By doing this work as part of the preliminary research process, researchers create space for better collaborations with Indigenous communities.
Bureau de Eventos: internationalization of an emerging country event planning company
Authors: Steinhauser Vivian Peuker , da Rocha Angela
Published: August 2019

Theoretical basis

The case can be used to examine the resources and capabilities of small firms considering entering international markets. It can also be a vehicle for examining typical barriers that such companies may face and must overcome when expanding abroad: liabilities of smallness, liabilities of foreignness, liabilities of emergingness and liabilities of outsidership.

Research methodology

The case is based on several interviews with both entrepreneurs over a one-year period and on secondary information from reports and documents.

Case overview/synopsis

This teaching case presents the trajectory of a Brazilian services company operating in the corporate events planning industry. The case explores the potential for the company’s international expansion, and the vision and engagement of the entrepreneurs, despite several barriers the company needs to overcome.

Complexity academic level

The case can be used in Entrepreneurship and International Marketing courses, both at graduate and undergraduate levels. It can also be used in training seminars for executives of tourism and events planning companies, and for employees of export promotion agencies.
Colonization resistance and establishment success along gradients of functional and phylogenetic diversity in experimental plant communities
Authors: Galland Thomas , Adeux Guillaume , Dvořáková Hana , E‐Vojtkó Anna , Orbán Ildikó , Lussu Michele , Puy Javier , Blažek Petr , Lanta Vojtěch , Lepš Jan , de Bello Francesco , Pérez Carmona Carlos , Valencia Enrique , Götzenberger Lars
Published: August 2019

Functional and phylogenetic diversity (FD and PD respectively) of the resident community are expected to exert a key role in community resistance to colonization by surrounding species, and their establishment success. However, few studies have explored this topic experimentally or evaluated the interactive effects of these diversity measures.

We implemented a diversity experiment to disentangle the role of FD and PD by sowing mixtures of 6 species, drawn from a pool of 19 species naturally coexisting in central European mesic meadows. The mixtures were designed to cover four independent combinations of high and low FD and PD. Species covers were estimated in spring and late summer over two growing seasons. We then assessed the establishment success of colonizers as a function of their mean traits and phylogenetic distance to the resident (i.e. sown) communities, as well as the resistance of the resident communities to natural colonizers as a function of their functional and phylogenetic structure.

Results generally indicated a temporal shift regarding which trait values made a colonizer successful, from an acquisitive strategy in early stages to a more conservative trait syndrome in later stages.

FD decreased community resistance to natural colonization. However, PD tempered this effect: with high PD, FD was not significant, suggesting complementary information between these two components of biodiversity. On average, colonizing species were more functionally distant from the resident species in sown communities with high functional diversity, i.e. those that were more colonized.

Synthesis. Our results confirm an interplay between FD and PD during community assembly processes, namely resistance to colonizers, suggesting that these two descriptors of biodiversity only partially overlap in their contribution to the overall ecological structure of a community. The hypothesis that higher FD increases resistance through a more complete use of resources was challenged. Results rather suggested that greater FD could provide an unsaturated functional trait space allowing functionally unique species to occupy it.
Is phylogenetic and functional trait diversity a driver or a consequence of grassland community assembly?
Authors: Jones Holly P. , Barber Nicholas A. , Gibson David J.
Published: August 2019

Community assembly changes fundamentally in response to disturbance following habitat destruction due to extreme events and human activities. There are several important aspects of community assembly that can be measured in response to disturbance or during species establishment. Of these measurable outcomes, metrics of taxonomic or species diversity (SD) are perhaps the most common and logistically the easiest to evaluate.

It is increasingly evident that measurements of phylogenetic (PD) and functional trait (FD) diversity can provide more information than traditional measures of diversity and desirable and informative metrics to measure restoration outcomes. However, it is unclear whether FD and PD are drivers or a consequence of community assembly.

This Special Feature highlights eight field studies and a review that have investigated how PD diversity and functional trait diversity can be used to better understand grassland community assembly following disturbance or during restoration, and how as potential drivers they can be manipulated experimentally or incorporated into evolutionary models. Topics include: colonizing species as a function of FD and PD; dominant species origin impacts on subordinate species FD; impacts of environmental gradients such as seed mix richness, first‐year precipitation and restoration age on FD and taxonomic diversity; impacts of drought and resource availability; and a synthesis of studies that measured FD and PD to determine if they provide similar or incongruent inferences for ecological and functional processes.

The work in this Special Feature indicates that SD, FD and PD can act as drivers and passengers of community assembly, and often yield different insights. Environmental gradients such as soil nutrients, precipitation and environmental drivers like drought can influence FD and PD of assembling communities in predicted and unexpected ways.

Synthesis. Results from the studies in this Special Feature highlight the importance of considering a multitude of ecological and evolutionary drivers of community assembly in grassland ecosystems. Studies pushing this field forward will be those that incorporate or study higher trophic levels, realistically incorporate climate change and disentangle the impacts of FD and PD.
Understanding the SENCo workforce: re‐examination of selected studies through the lens of an accurate national dataset
Authors: Dobson Graeme John
Published: August 2019

All schools in England are required to have a SENCo. Although the DfE collects data relating to the demographics of this large population of teachers, this has not until now been analysed or published, meaning that much research relating to SENCos has had to proceed on the basis of estimates. A Freedom of Information request was made to the DfE, from which actual numbers could be established, with breakdowns by age, gender, ethnicity, position of responsibility and level of qualification. The data describe a professional who is most likely to be female, white and in the middle or towards to the end of their career, and often part‐time. Most are on the class teacher pay scale rather than being on the leadership scale, with a minority holding a Master's level qualification. This article also evaluates several research studies in the field in the context of this analysis.
Risk stratification for cardiac surgery: Comparison in a Hong Kong population
Authors: Wong Max K.H. , Bhatia Inderjeet , Chan Daniel T.L. , Ho Cally K.L. , Au Timmy W.K.
Published: August 2019

Aim

Risk stratification is an important tool in preoperative decision‐making, counseling, informed consent and quality improvement. The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (logistic EuroSCORE) and EuroSCORE II were designed for the assessment of surgical risk. However, there are significant geographical and demographic differences between European and Hong Kong patients. The Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) risk score is a risk model designed to predict in‐hospital mortality for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve surgery based on local data. In the present study, we compared the precision and clinical performance of the three scoring systems.

Patients and Methods

Data were collected prospectively from patients undergoing CABG and valve surgery between 2010 and 2015 in a single institution (n = 1693) in Hong Kong. Patients <18 years old and who had undergone congenital/aortic surgery were excluded. The receiver–operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the discriminative ability of each score. Calibration was tested with the Hosmer–Lemeshow (HL) goodness‐of‐fit test.

Results

Observed mortality was 49/1639 (2.89 per cent). The predicted mortality rates were logistic EuroSCORE 9.23 per cent [95 per cent confidence interval (CI): 8.65–9.78 per cent], EuroSCORE II 3.87 per cent (95 per cent CI: 3.58–4.14) and QMH risk score 4.20 per cent (95 per cent CI: 4.04–4.33). The area under the ROC analysis revealed 0.849 (95 per cent CI: 0.804–0.895) for the logistic EuroSCORE, 0.87 (95 per cent CI: 0.826–0.913) for the EuroSCORE II and 0.841 (95 per cent CI: 0.788–0.895) for QMH risk score. The HL goodness‐of‐fit test showed that the QMH risk score was a good fit (P = 0.207); however, the logistic EuroSCORE (P = 0.003) and EuroSCORE II (P = 0.003) showed a poor fit.

Conclusions

All three scoring systems can be applied to a Chinese population with excellent risk prediction. The QMH risk score has a role in accurately predicting mortality rates in a Hong Kong population.
Changes in butterfly communities over a 10‐year period in Geum river basin in Korea
Authors: Kim Do‐Sung , Cho Youngho , Han Yong‐Gu
Published: August 2019

One conclusion of this study is that as the road network expands in rural and remote areas the surrounding butterfly populations are generally noted to be decreasing or even disappearing. However, there is one exception, Libythea celtis. This common species, living close to forested areas, have actually increased while thier competing species have decreased according to this study. The endangered species of Korea, Parnassius bremeri, Sinia divina and Argynnis nerippe, which inhabit the area of the study have also decreased or disappeared. Another result of this study is that, while the number of species which inhabit the grasslands have decreased, no similar changes have been noted in the number for the species which inhabit the shrubs. Furthermore, there has been a growth in the numbers of the species that inhabit trees. In addition, the number of individuals has decreased in the grasslands and shrubs but increased in the trees. Overall, the general conclusion of this study is that, while the development of rural and remote areas showed a decrease in the number of specific butterfly species, they are being replaced by more common species.
Anglo‐Spanish Enlightenment: Joseph Shepherd, an English ‘ilustrado' in Valladolid
Authors: Sáez‐Hidalgo Ana
Published: August 2019

This article studies Joseph Shepherd and his role in Anglo‐Spanish cultural exchange in the last decades of the eighteenth century, at the dawn of Anglophilia in Spain. Though largely unknown, this Catholic recusant, established in Spain as rector of the Royal English College of St Alban in order to continue the training of English priests, became instrumental in creating cultural bonds between Britain and Spain. His profile as a bibliophile, and his strong interest in the latest literary, philosophical and scientific publications in Britain, Spain and the rest of Europe, connected him influentially with the most relevant figures of the Spanish Enlightenment.
Impact on Financialisation on Accumulation: Evidence from India
Authors: Roy Trivedi Smita
Published: August 2019

The paper adds to the literature on financialisation with firm‐level evidence from India, an emerging market in the growth phase, when capital accumulation is likely to be important. I use a broader definition of financialisation to add on to the investment function developed by Orhangazi (2008, Cambridge Journal of Economics, 32, 863). Empirically the above specification is tested for two samples of Indian non‐financial firms for the study. The first, Group I, includes firms prominent on the stock market represented by the combined sample of NIFTY non‐financial indices (ninety‐two firms), and the second, Group II, includes a broader group of all non‐financial firms (704 firms). Using the Arellano–Bond dynamic panel model, the paper finds that financialisation has a robust negative impact on capital accumulation. The negative impact of financialisation is reflected in higher financial income for both the samples, underlining a likely trade‐off between income from core activities and real capital accumulation.
epower: An r package for power analysis of Before‐After‐Control‐Impact (BACI) designs
Authors: Fisher Rebecca , Shiell Glenn R. , Sadler Rohan J. , Inostroza Karina , Shedrawi George , Holmes Thomas H. , McGree James M.
Published: August 2019

Before‐After‐Control‐Impact (BACI) designs are widespread in environmental science, however their implicitly hierarchical nature complicates the evaluation of statistical power. Here, we describe epower, an r package for assessing statistical power of BACI designs.

The package uses Bayesian statistical methods via the r‐package INLA to fit the appropriate hierarchical model to user supplied pilot survey data. A posterior sample is then used to build a Monte Carlo simulation to test statistical power specifically for the Before/After × Control/Impact interaction term in the BACI model. Power can be assessed for any number of user‐specified effect sizes for the existing design, or across a range of levels of replication for any part of the sampling design hierarchy.

The package offers a user friendly robust approach for assessing statistical power of BACI designs whilst accounting for uncertainty in parameter values within a fully generalized framework.
“It Wasn't Just One Thing”: A Qualitative Study of Newly Homeless Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Doran Kelly M. , Ran Ziwei , Castelblanco Donna , Shelley Donna , Padgett Deborah K.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Emergency departments (EDs) frequently care for patients who are homeless or unstably housed. One promising approach taken by the homeless services system is to provide interventions that attempt to prevent homelessness before it occurs. Experts have suggested that health care settings may be ideal locations to identify and intervene with patients at risk for homelessness, yet little is known even about the basic characteristics of patients who might benefit from such interventions.

Methods

We conducted in‐depth, one‐on‐one qualitative interviews with ED patients who had become homeless within the past 6 months. Using a semistructured interview guide, we asked patients about their pathways into homelessness and what might have prevented them from becoming homeless. Interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed. Transcripts were coded line by line by multiple investigators who then met as a group to discuss and refine codes in an iterative fashion.

Results

Interviews were completed with 31 patients. Mean interview length was 42 minutes. Four main themes emerged: 1) unique stories yet common social and health contributors to homelessness, 2) personal agency versus larger structural forces, 3) limitations in help from family or friends, and 4) homelessness was not expected.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate gaps in current homeless prevention services and can help inform future interventions for unstably housed and homeless ED patients. More immediately, the findings provide rich, unique context to the lives of a vulnerable patient population commonly seen in EDs.
Diagnostic accuracy of Doppler ultrasound in predicting perinatal outcome in pregnancies at term: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: D'Antonio Francesco , Rizzo Giuseppe , Gustapane Sarah , Buca Danilo , Flacco Maria Elena , Martellucci Cecilia , Manzoli Lamberto , Makatsariya Alexander , Nappi Luigi , Pagani Giorgio , Liberati Marco
Published: August 2019

Introduction

To explore the strength of association and the diagnostic accuracy of umbilical (UA), middle cerebral (MCA), uterine arteries pulsatility index (PI) and the cerebroplacental ratio in predicting an adverse outcome when applied to singleton pregnancies at term.

Material and methods

Prospective study carried out in a dedicated research ultrasound clinic. Attended clinicians were blinded to Doppler findings. Inclusion criteria were consecutive singleton pregnancies between 36+0 and 37+6 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was a composite score of adverse perinatal outcome. Logistic regression and ROC curve analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results

In all, 600 consecutive singleton pregnancies from 36 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Mean MCA PI (1.1 ± 0.2 vs 1.5 ± 0.4, P < 0.001) and cerebroplacental ratio (1.4 ± 0.4 vs 1.9 ± 0.6, P < 0.001) were lower, whereas uterine arteries PI (0.8 ±0.2 vs 0.7 ±0.3, P = 0.001) was higher in pregnancies experiencing than in those not experiencing composite adverse outcome. Conversely, there was no difference in either UA PI (P = 0.399) or estimated fetal weight centile (P = 0.712) between the two groups, but AC centile was lower in fetuses experiencing composite adverse outcome (45.4 vs 53.2, P = 0.040). At logistic regression analysis, MCA PI (odds ratio [OR] 0.1, 95% CI 0.01‐.2, P = 0.001), uterine arteries PI (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2‐1.6, P = 0.001), abdominal circumference centile (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.1‐1.4, P = 0.001) and gestational age at birth (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2‐2.1, P = 0.004) were independently associated with composite adverse outcome. Despite this, the diagnostic accuracy of Doppler in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome at term was poor.

Conclusions

MCA PI and cerebroplacental ratio are associated with adverse perinatal outcome at term. However, their predictive accuracy for perinatal compromise is poor, and thus their use as standalone screening test for adverse perinatal outcome in singleton pregnancies at term is not supported.
A systematic review of self‐reported pain in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Reinfjell Trude , Zeltzer Lonnie
Published: August 2019

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the frequency and risk factors of pain among long‐term childhood cancer survivors based on self‐reported questionnaire studies. Participants aged 21 years or younger at the time of their cancer diagnosis were included.

Methods

The Medline (OVID), PubMed and PsycINFO databases were searched for manuscripts published between January 1, 1990, and August 31, 2018, following the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews.

Results

In total, 25 studies, including five prospective cohort studies measuring pain up to 32 years post‐diagnosis, were identified. Female sex, young age at diagnosis, older age at assessment, greater time since diagnosis, specific diagnoses (such as central nervous system [CNS] tumours, bone tumours and sarcoma), fatigue and persistent emotional distress were associated with cancer‐related pain. The most common pain types were migraines, headaches and back pain.

Conclusion

A subset of childhood cancer survivors reported clinically significant self‐reported pain. Identifying survivor subgroups at risk for pain could be essential for developing tailored intervention and prevention strategies. Prospective studies that use standardised and psychometrically sound tools to evaluate pain are needed.
Prescribing medicines to older people—How to consider the impact of ageing on human organ and body functions
Authors: Drenth‐van Maanen A. Clara , Wilting Ingeborg , Jansen Paul A. F.
Published: August 2019

Ageing is associated with several changes in human organs, which result in altered medication pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Ageing is also associated with changes in human body functions, such as impaired vision, hearing, swallowing, motor and cognitive functions, which can affect the adequate intake and administration of drugs. As a consequence, older people, and especially patients older than 75 years, are the main users of many drugs and they frequently use 5 drugs or more long‐term (i.e. polypharmacy). All this increases the complexity of adequate drug intake, administration and adherence. However, there is a lack of evidence on the considerations that should be taken into account to ensure appropriate drug prescribing to older people. This review article summarizes the most clinically relevant changes in human organ and body functions and the consequential changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in older people, along with possible dosing consequences or alternatives for drugs frequently prescribed to this patient population. Recommendations are given on how ageing could be considered in clinical drug development, drug authorization and appropriate prescribing.
Methylphenidate and stuttering
Authors: Trenque Thierry , Claustre Gwladys , Herlem Emmanuelle , Djerada Zoubir , Trenque Agathe , Morel Aurore , Azzouz Brahim
Published: August 2019

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a piperidine similar to amphetamines, and is indicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies concerning stuttering occurring with MPH are contradictory. We investigated the association between MPH and stuttering. We analysed reports in the World Health Organization global individual case safety reports database, Vigibase, up to 31 December 2018, with the MedDRA preferred term “dysphemia” and the lower level terms “stutter” and “stuttering”. The association between exposure to MPH and occurrence of the adverse drug reaction was estimated by disproportionality analysis. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 2975 cases of dysphemia were reported, of which 46 reports were associated with MPH. For the Preferred Term “dysphemia”, the ROR was 7.3 (95% CI: 5.4–9.8). With the Lower Level Term “stuttering”, 584 cases were registered in the database of which 17 involved MPH. The ROR was 13.9 (95% CI: 8.6–22.5). This study found a signal for stuttering with MPH.