bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the absolutely continuous component of a weak limit of measures on ℝ supported on discrete sets
Authors: Gordon Alexander
Published: July 2016

Let

μ
1

,

μ
2

,
…

\mu _1,\mu _2,\ldots

be a sequence of positive Borel measures on

R

\mathbb {R}

each of which is supported on a set having no finite limit points. Suppose the sequence

μ
n

\mu _n

weakly converges to a Borel measure

ν
\nu

. Let

ν

a
c

\nu _{\mathrm {ac}}

be the absolutely continuous component of

ν
\nu

, and

X
⊂

R

X\subset \mathbb {R}

the essential support of

ν

a
c

\nu _{\mathrm {ac}}

. We characterize the set

X
X

in terms of the limiting behavior of the Hilbert transforms of the measures 

μ
n

\mu _n

. Potential applications include those in spectral theory.
DNA damage response as a therapeutic target in gynecological cancers
Authors: Leary Alexandra , Auguste Aurelie , Mesnage Soizick
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

The proven activity of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in BRCA-mutated homologous recombination deficient (HRD) ovarian cancer has led to the availability to patients with ovarian cancer of the first targeted therapy with an associated predictive biomarker. Our focus has recently turned towards expanding the clinical utility of PARP inhibitors beyond BRCA mutated ovarian cancer, and to a search for novel targets within DNA damage response (DDR).

Recent findings

Early trials in unselected patients with ovarian cancer showed responses to PARP inhibition in BRCA-wildtype ovarian cancer, and recent genomic studies have demonstrated that germline or somatic aberrations in other homologous recombination genes are present in a significant proportion of ovarian cancers. In addition, PARP inhibition may be of value in molecularly defined subsets of endometrial or cervical cancers. Novel DDR inhibitors such as ATR, ATM, WEE1 or DNA-PK inhibitors are also being tested in patients. Finally, combinatorial strategies of DDR inhibitors with antiangiogenic agents, phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors or immunotherapies may further increase therapeutic efficacy.

In the future, patients with gynaecological malignancies may be rationally selected for PARP inhibition on the basis of comprehensive evaluation of homologous recombination genomic alterations, or HRD assays. Furthermore, novel DDR inhibitors have the potential to expand the repertoire of therapeutic options available to these patients.
Primary Cutaneous Interdigitating Dendritic Cell Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nguyen Catherine M. , Cassarino David
Published: July 2016

Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS) is a rare tumor of spindle to ovoid cells intermixed with lymphocytes and plasma cells. Primary cutaneous IDCS, with no nodal or other organ involvement is extremely rare, with less than 10 cases reported to date. Herein, the authors describe a case in which a 61-year-old man presented with scattered subcutaneous nodules on his left shoulder and right anterior thigh. A biopsy was performed, and the histopathologic findings revealed prominent, diffuse superficial, and deep dermal infiltration by an atypical epithelioid-shaped tumor forming sheets and cords infiltrating throughout the dermis. Immunohistochemical stains were strongly and diffusely positive for S100, CD45, CD68, and lysozyme, whereas CD21, CD23, CD3, CD20, CD30, CD34, and CD117 were all negative. The histologic and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with an IDCS. A positron emission tomography scan was negative for metastases, leading to the diagnosis of primary cutaneous IDCS. The patient was started on chemotherapy with gemcitabine and docetaxel, and was stable at 4 months follow-up. Our findings contribute to the limited existing literature on primary cutaneous IDCS. This is the first documented case in which chemotherapy with gemcitabine and docetaxel was implemented for treatment, helping to establish an optimal treatment protocol for clinical remission.
Primary vaginal dilation for vaginal agenesis: strategies to anticipate challenges and optimize outcomes
Authors: Oelschlager Anne-Marie Amies , Debiec Katherine , Appelbaum Heather
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

Primary vaginal dilation is patient controlled, safe, less painful, and much lower cost compared with operative vaginoplasty and is considered first-line treatment for vaginal agenesis for women with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome and androgen insensitivity syndrome.

Recent findings

This review will highlight studies that assess the optimal methods of primary vaginal dilation and clarify ideal counseling, frequency of dilation, management of side-effects, and long-term physical and psychological outcomes.

Providers who care for women with vaginal agenesis should be prepared to not only teach the technical skill of dilation, but also to assess readiness and troubleshoot symptoms associated with dilation.
Breast Augmentation and Breast Reconstruction Demonstrate Equivalent Aesthetic Outcomes
Authors: Rochlin Danielle H. , Davis Christopher R. , Nguyen Dung H.
Published: July 2016

Background:

There is a perception that cosmetic breast surgery has more favorable aesthetic outcomes than reconstructive breast surgery. We tested this hypothesis by comparing aesthetic outcomes after breast augmentation and reconstruction.

Methods:

Postoperative images of 10 patients (cosmetic, n = 4; reconstructive, n = 6; mean follow-up, 27 months) were presented anonymously to participants who were blinded to clinical details. Participants were asked if they believed cosmetic or reconstructive surgery had been performed. Aesthetic outcome measures were quantified: (1) natural appearance, (2) size, (3) contour, (4) symmetry, (5) position of breasts, (6) position of nipples, (7) scars (1 = poor and 4 = excellent). Images were ranked from 1 (most aesthetic) to 10 (least aesthetic). Analyses included two-tailed t tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and χ2 tests.

Results:

One thousand eighty-five images were quantified from 110 surveys (99% response rate). The accuracy of identifying cosmetic or reconstructive surgery was 55% and 59%, respectively (P = 0.18). Significantly more of the top 3 aesthetic cases were reconstructive (51% vs 49%; P = 0.03). Despite this, cases perceived to be reconstructive were ranked significantly lower (5.9 vs 5.0; P < 0.0001). Mean aesthetic outcomes were equivalent regardless of surgery for 5 categories (P > 0.05), with the exception of breast position that improved after reconstruction (2.9 vs 2.7; P = 0.009) and scars that were more favorable after augmentation (2.9 vs 3.1; P < 0.0001). Age and nipple position (R
2 = 0.04; P = 0.03) was the only association between a demographic factor and aesthetic outcome.

Conclusions:

Aesthetic outcomes after cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are broadly equivalent, though preconceptions influence aesthetic opinion. Plastic surgeons' mutually inclusive–reconstructive and aesthetic skill set maximizes aesthetic outcomes.
The Prevalence of Traumatic Brain Injury Among People With Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Authors: McHugo Gregory J. , Krassenbaum Sarah , Donley Sachiko , Corrigan John D. , Bogner Jennifer , Drake Robert E.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To estimate the rate and severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders and to compare demographic, diagnostic, and institutionalization differences between those who screen positive or negative.

Setting:

Outpatient community mental health center in Washington, District of Columbia.

Participants:

A total of 295 people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders enrolled in a prospective study of integrated treatment of substance abuse.

Design:

Cross-sectional baseline assessment.

Main Measures:

The Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. Standardized measures assessed psychiatric diagnoses, symptom severity, current and lifetime substance use, and history of institutionalization.

Results:

Eighty percent screened positive for TBI, and 25% reported at least 1 moderate or severe TBI. TBI was associated with current alcohol use and psychiatric symptom severity and with lifetime institutionalization and homelessness. It was more common among participants with posttraumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. Men (vs women) and participants with psychotic disorders (vs those with mood disorders) had an earlier age of first TBI with loss of consciousness.

Conclusion:

TBI is common among people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Repeated and serious TBIs are common in this population. Failure to detect TBI in people with co-occurring disorders who are seeking integrated treatment could lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriately targeted treatment and rehabilitation.
Recipient-derived EBV-positive Monomorphic Plasmacytoma Type Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant for Severe Aplastic Anemia: A Case Report
Authors: Carden Marcus A. , Caltharp Shelley , Yee Marianne E. , Haight Ann E. , Westblade Lars F. , Park Sunita
Published: July 2016

Monomorphic plasmacytoma-type posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) has not been reported after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We present a child with hepatitis-associated severe aplastic anemia who underwent an unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and subsequently developed graft failure and an Epstein-Barr virus-positive monomorphic plasmacytoma-type PTLD of recipient origin. Despite broad-spectrum antimicrobials, weaning immunosuppression, rituximab administration, and a stem cell boost she died from complications of PTLD and a fungal pulmonary infection on day +78.
Outcomes Following Bone Marrow Transplantation in Children With Accelerated Phase or Blast Crisis Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in the Era of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Shulman David S. , Lee Michelle A. , Lehmann Leslie E. , Margossian Steven P.
Published: July 2016

The management of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in children changed dramatically with the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Unfortunately, outcomes for patients presenting in an advanced stage—accelerated phase or blast crisis CML—continues to be poor, requiring chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) to attempt cure. Integration of TKIs in the therapy of advanced CML is still an area of active investigation. There are little published data on TKI use in children with advanced stage CML. We performed a retrospective review of all children treated at our institution between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2013, and identified 5 children, age 12 to 18 years, with advanced stage CML. All patients were treated with a TKI before HSCT and TKIs were restarted post-HSCT in 4/5 with a goal of continuing until 2 years posttransplant. At time of HSCT all were in a morphologic and cytogenetic remission; 1 patient had also achieved molecular remission. All patients are alive and in molecular remission at an average of 38 months (range, 14 to 51 mo) following transplant. Our experience indicates that TKIs are safe and well tolerated in children both pretransplant and posttransplant and may improve outcomes in this aggressive disease.
Maternal Hemorrhage Quality Improvement Collaborative Lessons
Authors: Lyndon Audrey , Cape Valerie
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to describe user experience with implementation of an obstetric hemorrhage toolkit and determine the degree of implementation of recommended practices that occurred during a 31-hospital quality improvement learning collaborative.

Study Design and Methods:

This descriptive qualitative study included semistructured interviews with 22 implementation team leaders and review of transcripts from collaborative reporting calls recorded during the hemorrhage collaborative. Interviews included open-ended, closed, and ranking questions. Numeric responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Open-ended responses and call transcripts were analyzed thematically.

Results:

Each of the 10 core toolkit components was ranked as currently “implemented” or “implemented and sustained” by at least 77% of interviewees. Most core elements were deemed “critical to retain.” Respondents found debriefing the most difficult element of the toolkit to implement and sustain. Organizational context was the overarching theme regarding factors facilitating or constraining implementation. This included organizational structure and culture, previous experience with quality improvement, resources, and clinician engagement. Nurses were deeply involved in implementation and “physician buy-in” was a frequently mentioned facilitator when present and barrier when absent.

Clinical Implications:

Greater understanding of and attention to organizational context and resources, greater appreciation for nursing involvement, and increased recognition of the role of organizational leadership are needed to facilitate widespread improvement initiatives in maternity care. Implementation science approaches may be useful in achieving national goals for maternal quality improvement and safety.
Pilot Study of a Telehealth-Delivered Medication-Augmented Exposure Therapy Protocol for PTSD
Authors: Olden Megan , Wyka Katarzyna , Cukor Judith , Peskin Melissa , Altemus Margaret , Lee Francis S. , Finkelstein-Fox Lucy , Rabinowitz Terry , Difede JoAnn
Published: July 2016

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition, with certain occupations at increased risk due to greater trauma exposure. These same individuals face multiple barriers to care. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of conducting a research trial with exposure therapy delivered via videoconferencing. Eleven adults working in occupations at risk with PTSD enrolled and seven completed 12 to 15 sessions. Individuals were randomized to receive the cognitive enhancer d-cycloserine or placebo, and participants provided saliva samples for genetic analysis. Treatment completers demonstrated decreases in PTSD and depressive symptomatology (measured by CAPS [p < 0.001, d = 2.79] and BDI-II [p = 0.004, d = 0.92]). Participants reported high therapeutic alliance, treatment satisfaction, and telehealth satisfaction. There were no significant technical, medication, or safety issues, and no clinical emergencies. The results suggest that it may be feasible to conduct clinical research using telehealth for PTSD and to use telehealth to increase access to care.
Just Scan It!—Weapon Reconstruction in Computed Tomography on Historical and Current Swiss Military Guns
Authors: Franckenberg Sabine , Binder Thomas , Bolliger Stephan , Thali Michael J. , Ross Steffen G.
Published: July 2016

Cross-sectional imaging, such as computed tomography, has been increasingly implemented in both historic and recent postmortem forensic investigations. It aids in determining cause and manner of death as well as in correlating injuries to possible weapons. This study illuminates the feasibility of reconstructing guns in computed tomography and gives a distinct overview of historic and recent Swiss Army guns.
CRISPR-Cas9 mediated mutagenesis of aDMR6ortholog in tomato confers broad-spectrum disease resistance
Authors: Paula de Toledo Thomazella Daniela , Brail Quinton , Dahlbeck Douglas , Staskawicz Brian
Published: July 2016

Pathogenic microbes are responsible for severe production losses in crops worldwide. The use of disease resistant crop varieties can be a sustainable approach to meet the food demand of the world’s growing population. However, classical plant breeding is usually laborious and time-consuming, thus hampering efficient improvement of many crops. With the advent of genome editing technologies, in particular the CRISPR-Cas9 (clusteredregularlyinterspacedshortpalindromicrepeats-Cas9) system, we are now able to introduce improved crop traits in a rapid and efficient manner. In this work, we genome edited durable disease resistance in tomato by modifying a specific gene associated with disease resistance. Recently, it was demonstrated that inactivation of a single gene calledDMR6(downy mildew resistance 6) confers resistance to several pathogens inArabidopsis thaliana. This gene is specifically up-regulated during pathogen infection, and mutations in thedmr6gene results in increased salicylic acid levels. The tomatoSlDMR6-1orthologue Solyc03g080190 is also up-regulated during infection byPseudomonas syringaepv.tomatoandPhytophthora capsici. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, we generated tomato plants with small deletions in theSlDMR6-1gene that result in frameshift and premature truncation of the protein. Remarkably, these mutants do not have significant detrimental effects in terms of growth and development under greenhouse conditions and show disease resistance against different pathogens, includingP. syringae,P. capsiciandXanthomonasspp.
Comparison of aggregation methods for multiphenotype exomic variant prioritization
Authors: Sifrim Alejandro , Popovic Dusan , Vermeesch Joris R. , Aerts Jan , De Moor Bart , Moreau Yves
Published: July 2016

The identification of disease-causing genes in Mendelian disorders has been facilitated by the detection of rare disease-causing variation through exome sequencing experiments. These studies rely on population databases to filter a majority of the putatively neutral variation in the genome and additional filtering steps using either cohorts of diseased individuals or familial information to narrow down the list of candidate variants. Recently, new computational methods have been proposed to prioritize variants by scoring them not only based on their potential impact on protein function but also on their relevance given the available information on the disease under study. Usually these diseases comprise several phenotypic presentations, which are separately prioritized and then aggregated into a global score. In this study we compare several simple (e.g. maximum and mean score) and more complex aggregation methods (e.g. order statistics, parametric modeling) in order to obtain the best possible prioritization performance. We show that all methods perform reasonably well (median rank below 20 out of more than 8000 variants) and that the selection of an optimal aggregation method depends strongly on the fraction of uninformative phenotypes. Finally, we propose guidelines as to how to select an appropriate aggregation method based on knowledge of the phenotype under study.
SPIKE1 Activates ROP GTPase to Modulate Petal Growth and Shape
Authors: Ren Huibo , Dang Xie , Yang Yanqiu , Huang Dingquan , Liu Mengting , Gao Xiaowei , Lin Deshu
Published: July 2016

Plant organ growth and final shape rely on cell proliferation and, particularly, on cell expansion that largely determines the visible growth of plant organs. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) petals serve as an excellent model for dissecting the coordinated regulation of patterns of cell expansion and organ growth, but the molecular signaling mechanisms underlying this regulation remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that during the late petal development stages, SPIKE1 (SPK1), encoding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, activates Rho of Plants (ROP) GTPase proteins (ROP2, ROP4, and ROP6) to affect anisotropic expansion of epidermal cells in both petal blades and claws, thereby affecting anisotropic growth of the petal and the final characteristic organ shape. The petals of SPK1 knockdown mutants were significantly longer but narrower than those of the wild type, associated with increased anisotropic expansion of epidermal cells at late development stages. In addition, ROP2, ROP4, and ROP6 are activated by SPK1 to promote the isotropic organization of cortical microtubule arrays and thus inhibit anisotropic growth in the petal. Both knockdown of SPK1 and multiple rop mutants caused highly ordered cortical microtubule arrays that were transversely oriented relative to the axis of cell elongation after development stage 11. Taken together, our results suggest a SPK1-ROP-dependent signaling module that influences anisotropic growth in the petal and defines the final organ shape.
Runout error correction in tomographic reconstruction by intensity summation method
Authors: Kwon Ik-Hwan , Lim Jun , Hong Chung-Ki
Published: July 2016

An alignment method for correction of the axial and radial runout errors of the rotation stage in X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography has been developed. Only intensity information was used, without extra hardware or complicated calculation. Notably, the method, as demonstrated herein, can utilize the halo artifact to determine displacement.
Vibrational stability of a cryocooled horizontal double-crystal monochromator
Authors: Kristiansen Paw , Johansson Ulf , Ursby Thomas , Jensen Brian Norsk
Published: July 2016

The vibrational stability of a horizontally deflecting double-crystal monochromator (HDCM) is investigated. Inherently a HDCM will preserve the vertical beam stability better than a `normal' vertical double-crystal monochromator as the vibrations of a HDCM will almost exclusively affect the horizontal stability. Here both the relative pitch vibration between the first and second crystal and the absolute pitch vibration of the second crystal are measured. All reported measurements are obtained under active cooling by means of flowing liquid nitrogen (LN2). It is found that it is favorable to circulate the LN2at high pressures and low flow rates (up to 5.9 bar and down to 3 l min−1is tested) to attain low vibrations. An absolute pitch stability of the second crystal of 18 nrad RMS, 2–2500 Hz, and a relative pitch stability between the two crystals of 25 nrad RMS, 1–2500 Hz, is obtained under cryocooling conditions that allow for 1516 W to be adsorbed by the LN2before it vaporizes.
The effect of CSR on consumer behavioral responses after service failure and recovery
Authors: Fatma Mobin , Khan Imran , Rahman Zillur
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the interconnection between the consumer perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its effect on the post-recovery satisfaction and loyalty after service failures.

Design/methodology/approach

An intercept survey has been conducted during June to August, 2015, in the Delhi NCR area of India. The respondent to the survey includes the hotel customers who have experienced the service failure in the previous one year. The convenience sampling method has been used with the structured questionnaire. To test the proposed model, structural equation modeling is applied.

Findings

The finding of the present study provides the empirical evidence of the existence of a relationship between perceived CSR and customer post-recovery satisfaction and loyalty influenced by trust.

Research limitations/implications

The present study has suffered from the recall biases in the survey data. Although the responses were gathered from respondents on the basis of their actual service recovery experience in the preceding year, recall bias may have influenced the responses. The present study highlights a salient role of CSR initiatives, wherein managers can understand the influence of perceived in CSR and analyze the service recover encounters and ensure that recovery process improves the customer perception of CSR.

Originality/value

This study reinforces the significance of consumer perceived CSR and its effect on post-recovery satisfaction and loyalty after service failures.
The effect of link-length and vertex angle on mesh generation and pattern flattening for virtual clothing
Authors: Sayem Abu Sadat Muhammad , Kennon Richard , Clarke Nick , Hayes Steven George
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify optimum operating parameters, namely, link-length and vertex angle, for producing virtual clothing prototypes for the purpose of pattern flattening.

Design/methodology/approach

– Commercially available physically based simulation and flattening engines were utilized to carry out the computational part of this study. Two separately developed 3D garment templates were used for the creation of virtual garments in the form of a triangulated mesh and later for pattern unwrapping by taking differential link-lengths and vertex angles into account to ascertain their effects on the mesh quality and on the ultimate pattern flattening process.

Findings

– It has been found that a link-length between 10 and 15 mm and a vertex angle between 120° and 160° are optimum for the virtual clothing prototyping process.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study can universally be applied to simplify the tasks of virtual clothing prototyping and pattern unwrapping using commercial software packages.

Originality/value

– Previously, there has not been any guidance available for the selection of specific operational parameters to promote 3D garment design.
Fabric defect detection via learned dictionary-based visual saliency
Authors: Li Chunlei , Yang Ruimin , Liu Zhoufeng , Gao Guangshuai , Liu Qiuli
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Fabric defect detection plays an important role in textile quality control. The purpose of this paper is to propose a fabric defect detection algorithm using learned dictionary-based visual saliency.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the test fabric image is splitted into image blocks, and the learned dictionary with normal samples and defective sample is constructed by selecting the image block local binary pattern features with highest or lowest similarity comparing with the average feature vector; second, the firstLlargest correlation coefficients between each test image block and the dictionary are calculated, and other correlation coefficients are set to zeros; third, the sum of the non-zeros coefficients corresponding to defective samples is used to generate saliency map; finally, an improve valley-emphasis method can efficiently segment the defect region.

Findings

– Experimental results demonstrate that the generated saliency map by the proposed method can efficiently outstand defect region comparing with the state-of-the-art, and segment results can precisely localize defect region.

Originality/value

– In this paper, a novel fabric defect detection scheme is proposed via learned dictionary-based visual saliency.
Determinants of e-learning adoption among students of developing countries
Authors: Boateng Richard , Mbrokoh Alfred Sekyere , Boateng Lovia , Senyo Prince Kwame , Ansong Eric
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of e-learning adoption (ELA) among students in the University of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative research approach comprising of a survey of 337 students was adopted. Data were collected using questionnaires designed in conjunction with 13 factors (computer self-efficacy (CSE), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU) and attitude towards use (ATTU)) in the conceptual model of the study. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The result revealed that PU and ATTU had a direct effect on ELA whilst, PU and PEOU also had a direct relationship on ATTU. Other variables such as CSE and PEOU had an indirect relationship on ELA though they were found to have an insignificant direct relationship on ELA.

Practical implications

– The level of significance of each construct identified in the study provide practical guidance to school administrators and instructors as to which factors to pay close attention to when implementing e-learning projects within their respective institutions.

Originality/value

– This study provides insight into ELA from the students’ perspective, through an extension of the TAM model in a developing country context given the existence of cultural differences and societal idiosyncrasies which exist in different contexts, particularly in Africa.
The impact of institutional trading on liquidity and volatility during the financial crisis
Authors: Mostafa Md Ahmed
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of institutional trading on the market quality during the financial crisis and short sale ban.

Design/methodology/approach

– The following methods was applied to discuss the total impact on market quality and efficiency of short sale ban in USA from 2001 to 2010. The author examined institutional ownership and breadth of ownership while performing a mean variance tests for changes in efficiency as well as multivariate analysis.

Findings

– Analyzing USA, Standard and Poor’s 500 stocks the author find increase high-low volatility, realized volatility, effective spread and relative quoted spread during January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Realized volatility increases for both small and large quantile stocks. High-low volatility increases for small quantile stocks and relative quoted spread increases for large quantile stocks. Comparing the percentage change between pre and climax period we find that large quantile stocks have a negative association between breadth of institutional ownership and returns and a positive relation high-low volatility, realized effective spread and quoted spread to returns.

Originality/value

– The present paper is the first to discuss the total impact on market quality and efficiency of short sale ban in USA from 2001 to 2010. The author find a remarkable improvement in market efficiency (variance ratios) after the crisis period for small and non-financial stocks, while the price efficiency lost during the crisis period is more persistent for large and financial stocks.
The relative importance of mortgage pricing determinants in mortgage affordability in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Manu D. , Pärn E.A. , Donkor-Hyiaman K. , Edwards D.J. , Blackhurst K.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the mortgage affordability problem in Ghana, an issue that has been associated inter alia with high mortgage rates, which results from the high cost of capital, an unstable macroeconomy and unfavourable borrowers’ characteristics. Concurrent improvements in both the macroeconomy and borrowers’ characteristics have rendered the identification of the most problematic mortgage pricing determinant difficult, consequently making the targeting of policy interventions problematic.

Design/methodology/approach

This research sought to resolve this aforementioned difficulty by providing empirical evidence on the relative importance of mortgage pricing determinants. A data set of mortgage rates of selected Ghanaian banking financial institutions from 2003 to 2013 was examined and analysed by applying Fisher’s model of interest rates and an ex post analysis of the standard regression coefficients.

Findings

The risk premium factor emerged as the most important determinant in Ghana compared with the inflation premium and the real risk-free rate, although all are statistically significant and strongly correlated with mortgage rates.

Originality/value

This study provides an insight on the relative importance of mortgage pricing determinates and subsequent macro-economic guidance to support policy interventions which could reduce mortgage rates/enhance mortgage affordability. The paper specifically aims to engender wider debate and provide guidance to the Ghanaian Government and/or private enterprises that seek to provide affordable mortgages. Further research is proposed which could explore ways of reducing mortgage rates as a means of engendering social equality and adopt innovative international best practice that has already been tried and tested in countries such as South Africa and the USA.
Corporate social responsibility for construction contractors: a China study
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Yu , Zhao Xiao-Jing , Zuo Jian , Zillante George
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice and research regarding construction contractors are comparatively limited. The purpose of this research is to identify a series of CSR issues that reflect the major components of CSR, and to determine the perceived importance of these factors in the context of construction contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

A CSR indicator framework was developed based on stakeholder theory. CSR stakeholders and their corresponding CSR performance issues in construction contractors are classified into two levels, i.e. project level and organizational level. This is followed by a questionnaire survey to investigate the perceptions on relative importance of CSR issues of four key stakeholders in typical construction projects in China, i.e. construction contractors, clients, design and engineering consultancy and supervision firms.

Findings

The study highlighted a number of factors, e.g. “quality and safety of construction”, “occupational health and safety” and “supplier/partner relationship” were highly regarded; however, their relative importance varied according to the type of responding organization.

Research limitations/implications

The findings indicated the major concerns of the different parties in construction projects, thereby providing a pathway for construction contractors to improve their CSR practice.

Originality/value

The priorities of various stakeholders described in this paper provide a useful reference for construction contractors in the selection and adoption of criteria for CSR performance. A better understanding of perceived priorities of CSR factors from different participating parties also serves useful inputs to construction contractors in their stakeholder management process.
Smart morphing based on shape memory alloy plate
Authors: Msomi Velaphi , Oliver Graeme John
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This article reports on the possibility of using nickel titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi SMA) plates rather than NiTi SMA wire for actuation application in the aerospace industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A scaled-down model of smart aileron was constructed based on NiTi SMA plate and aluminium plate. Prior to the manufacturing process, NiTi SMA plates had to be trained to suit our application. The leading edge was constructed using trained NiTi SMA plates, whereas the trailing edge was constructed using aluminium plates. Pop rivets were used in joining the parts or in the construction of the smart aileron, and riveting was preferred as it is mostly used in the aerospace industry for surface construction. The constructed smart aileron was tested for vertical upward and downward deflection using heat application, and the deflection was measured using deflection transducer. The heat was sourced from heater mat kits that were laminated inside the smart aileron. The temperature and the deflection data were recorded and analyzed.

Findings

It was found that NiTi SMA plates could give a deflection on the trailing edge of the smart aileron. The current maximum deflection was found to be 3 mm, which corresponds to aileron rotation of about 0.57 degrees.

Originality/value

The paper presents a hinge-less alternative in bringing the rolling motion of the flight. The constructed model of smart aileron can be used to replace the existing aileron, which is activated through hydraulic systems. So, the newly constructed smart aileron can be used with the benefit of reducing weight, because it does not use the hydraulic systems like the existing one.
Modularity in nuclear power plants: a review
Authors: Upadhyay Ashok Kumar , Jain Karuna
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Modularity in design and construction of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is widely used for reduction in project construction time and cost. This paper aims to improve understanding of existence, rationale, relevance, types and definitions of modularity in NPPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper approaches study of modularity in NPPs through review of existing literature. The objective of this paper is to answer the questions such as “what is the meaning of module in the context of NPPs?”, “what is the meaning of modularity in the context of NPPs?”, “why modularity is considered in the design and construction of NPPs?”, “what are the types of modules and modularity?” and “what are the emerging trends?”

Findings

Findings of the paper indicate towards widespread use of modularity to reduce construction time and cost, improve safety performance and enable smarter applications of NPPs. Large NPPs tend to use modularity to shorten the project gestation period, and thereby reduce capital cost. Small and medium size NPPs plan to use modularity for simpler and safer reactors that can be factory manufactured, transported, installed and scaled up as permitted by the economic environment.

Research limitations/implications

This being a review, it has the usual limitations associated with the literature review papers.

Practical implications

Findings of the paper may influence policy regarding option, type, size, design, engineering, procurement and construction of NPPs.

Social implications

Findings of the paper may influence the safety, cost, time and quality performance of future NPPs and facilitate cheaper and more reliable supply of electricity to consumers.

Originality/value

The systematic literature review presents issues and emerging trends in modularity of NPPs, enabling the future work to progress as modularity continues to develop and evolve. The paper also proposes a comprehensive classification and definitions of modules and modularity in NPPs that may facilitate understanding of these terms precisely and uniformly by researchers and practitioners alike.
New developments in Hong Kong’s anti-money laundering laws
Authors: Kwok David
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss briefly new developments in Hong Kong’s (HK) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, both in terms of case law and legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

In terms of case law, the author discusses two decisions given by HK’s Court of Final Appeal relating to the dealing of proceeds of crime offence. Also, a guideline case on sentencing is also examined. In terms of legislation, the author briefly outlines the main provisions of the newly enacted AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing (Financial Institutions) Ordinance.

Findings

As suggested by the Financial Action Task Force, new measures need to be put in place. The AML laws, as they presently stand, need further improvement.

Originality/value

A good AML regime is necessary as HK continues to thrive as a major financial/banking centre in Asia. This paper seeks to encourage more discussion on the topic.
Rethinking money laundering and drug trafficking
Authors: Soudijn Melvin R.J.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

In accordance with the literature on money laundering, policymakers and researchers often use a model which distinguishes three successive stages: placement, layering and integration. But how well does this model compare to actual investigations of money laundering in relation to large-scale drug trafficking?

Design/methodology/approach

The basis is formed by data collected in 2012 for that year’s crime pattern analysis (CPA) for money laundering and cocaine trafficking. In all, 46 structured interviews were conducted. These interviews mostly centred around money laundering, involving the proceeds of drugs crime. As a result of the interviews, the dossiers from 16 criminal investigations were also obtained for further analysis.

Findings

Comparing the three-phase model with Dutch investigations on drug trafficking, three observations can be made. First of all, cash plays a larger role than the theoretical model would suggest. Second, the proceeds of crime are often moved abroad, circumventing the legal financial system. And third, money laundering often occurs in much simpler forms than the theory would lead one to suspect.

Research limitations/implications

The sources mainly involve criminal investigations into organized drug trafficking. Investigations involving white collar crime and fraud will probably generate different outcomes. Another caveat is that the situation in other countries may differ from the picture that emerges from the Dutch data.

Practical implications

Combating money laundering is sometimes a job for specialists, but many forms (involving cash and moving money around) can easily be left to ordinary investigative officers with no financial background. Money laundering therefore needs to be demystified to broaden the opportunities for investigating analyzing and researching money laundering. Furthermore, it is not always practical to depend on Financial Intelligence Unit’s information to start an investigation or to evaluate anti-money laundering efficiency.

Originality/value

The literature on money laundering often centres around judicial system, legal issues and theoretical solutions. Empirical data is hard to come by. This article uses information from actual investigations to illustrate aspects of money laundering that can be overlooked.
Motivations of SME entrepreneurs to become halalpreneurs
Authors: Soltanian Moloud , Zailani Suhaiza , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Aziz Azmin Azliza
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to address the factors associated with a propensity for halal entrepreneurship among small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from SMEs in Malaysia by conducting a survey with 209 respondents. Data were analyzed with the partial least squares technique.

Findings

Results indicated that halal entrepreneurship, intrinsic motivation, effort to seek out opportunity, perceived desirability, peer influence, perceived feasibility and perceived governmental support significantly affected halalpreneurial propensity among SME entrepreneurs. On the other hand, the effects of creativity and innovation, honesty and integrity, risk taking attitude, relative advantage and family supports on halalpreneurial propensity were not supported.

Practical implications

Through identification of the motivational factors to be recognized as a halapreneurs, policyholders in Malaysia would be able to successfully promote halal entrepreneurship in this country. In this regard, policymakers can adjust their tactics and strategies in a way which encourage halal entrepreneurship among SME entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study aimed to serve as an initial step in understanding the cognitive process of SME managers in embarking on halal business.
Union members at the polls in diverse trade union landscapes
Authors: ARNDT CHRISTOPH , RENNWALD LINE
Published: July 2016

This article investigates to what extent social democratic parties still benefit from the support of union members at the polls. Not only are social democratic parties confronted with new competitors in the party systems, but also the union confederations of the socialist labour movement are in some countries losing their dominant position due to the rise of separate professional confederations. It is argued in the article that the effect of union membership on voting choice is conditioned by the structure of the trade union movement. The support of union members for social democracy is fostered by the strength of the confederations historically close to this party family, while it is hampered when strong separate (or politically unaffiliated) white‐collar confederations exist. Using European Social Survey and Swedish Public Opinion data, the article shows that social democratic parties still enjoy important support from trade union members, but at the same time are under fierce competition from bourgeois and green parties among members of white‐collar confederations. This reinforces the challenges for social democracy to build new voters’ coalitions in post‐industrial societies.
Identification of copy number variations in three Chinese horse breeds using 70K single nucleotide polymorphism BeadChip array
Authors: Kader Adiljan , Liu Xuexue , Dong Kunzhe , Song Shen , Pan Jianfei , Yang Min , Chen Xiaofei , He Xiaohong , Jiang Lin , Ma Yuehui
Published: July 2016

Copy number variation (CNV), an essential form of genetic variation, has been increasingly recognized as one promising genetic marker in the analysis of animal genomes. Here, we used the Equine 70K single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping array for the genome‐wide detection of CNVs in 96 horses from three diverse Chinese breeds: Debao pony (DB), Mongolian horse (MG) and Yili horse (YL). A total of 287 CNVs were determined and merged into 122 CNV regions (CNVRs) ranging from 199 bp to 2344 kb in size and distributed in a heterogeneous manner on chromosomes. These CNVRs were integrated with seven existing reports to generate a composite genome‐wide dataset of 1558 equine CNVRs, revealing 69 (56.6%) novel CNVRs. The majority (69.7%) of the 122 CNVRs overlapped with 438 genes, whereas 30.3% were located in intergenic regions. Most of these genes were associated with common CNVRs, which were shared by divergent horse breeds. As many as 60, 42 and 91 genes overlapping with the breed‐specific ss were identified in DB, MG and YL respectively. Among these genes, FGF11, SPEM1, PPARG, CIDEB, HIVEP1 and GALR may have potential relevance to breed‐specific traits. These findings provide valuable information for understanding the equine genome and facilitating association studies of economically important traits with equine CNVRs in the future.
El Helicoide and La Torre de David as Phantom Pavilions: Rethinking Spectacles of Progress in Venezuela
Authors: BLACKMORE LISA
Published: July 2016

This article explores El Helicoide and La Torre de David as remnants of the recurrent boom‐and‐bust cycles and spectacles of progress associated with Venezuela's ‘magical state’ (Coronil). Their redefinition as ‘phantom pavilions’—constructions designed to symbolise development but haunted by crisis and precariousness—serves as a conceptual tool against the amnesia and hysteria these sites provoke. First, I use it to track the buildings' grandiose designs, subsequent curtailment and modified uses through political and economic history. Second, the concept informs the analysis of recent artworks that summon monumentality and ruination to envisage alternate forms of public engagement with truncated sites.
Sarcolemmal dependence of cardiac protection and stress‐resistance: roles in aged or diseased hearts
Authors: See Hoe Louise E , May Lauren T , Headrick John P , Peart Jason N
Published: July 2016

Disruption of the sarcolemmal membrane is a defining feature of oncotic death in cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion (I‐R), and its molecular makeup not only fundamentally governs this process but also affects multiple determinants of both myocardial I‐R injury and responsiveness to cardioprotective stimuli. Beyond the influences of membrane lipids on the cytoprotective (and death) receptors intimately embedded within this bilayer, myocardial ionic homeostasis, substrate metabolism, intercellular communication and electrical conduction are all sensitive to sarcolemmal makeup, and critical to outcomes from I‐R. As will be outlined in this review, these crucial sarcolemmal dependencies may underlie not only the negative effects of age and common co‐morbidities on myocardial ischaemic tolerance but also the on‐going challenge of implementing efficacious cardioprotection in patients suffering accidental or surgically induced I‐R. We review evidence for the involvement of sarcolemmal makeup changes in the impairment of stress‐resistance and cardioprotection observed with ageing and highly prevalent co‐morbid conditions including diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia. A greater understanding of membrane changes with age/disease, and the inter‐dependences of ischaemic tolerance and cardioprotection on sarcolemmal makeup, can facilitate the development of strategies to preserve membrane integrity and cell viability, and advance the challenging goal of implementing efficacious ‘cardioprotection’ in clinically relevant patient cohorts.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.20/issuetoc