bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dust charging processes with a Cairns-Tsallis distribution function with negative ions
Authors: Abid A. A. , Khan M. Z. , Yap S. L. , Terças H. , Mahmood S.
Published: January 2016

Dust grain charging processes are presented in a non-Maxwellian dusty plasma following the Cairns-Tsallis (q, α)–distribution, whose constituents are the electrons, as well as the positive/negative ions and negatively charged dust grains. For this purpose, we have solved the current balance equation for a negatively charged dust grain to achieve an equilibrium state value (viz., qd = constant) in the presence of Cairns-Tsallis (q, α)–distribution. In fact, the current balance equation becomes modified due to the Boltzmannian/streaming distributed negative ions. It is numerically found that the relevant plasma parameters, such as the spectral indexes q and α, the positive ion-to-electron temperature ratio, and the negative ion streaming speed (U0) significantly affect the dust grain surface potential. It is also shown that in the limit q → 1 the Cairns-Tsallis reduces to the Cairns distribution; for α = 0 the Cairns-Tsallis distribution reduces to pure Tsallis distribution and the latter reduces to Maxwellian distribution for q → 1 and α = 0.
Method for determining the residual electron- and hole-densities about the neutrality point over the gate-controlled n ↔ p transition in graphene
Authors: Mani Ramesh G.
Published: January 2016

The Hall effect and the diagonal resistance, which indicates a residual resistivity ρxx≈h/4e2, are experimentally examined over the p ↔ n transition about the nominal neutrality point in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown graphene. A distribution of neutrality potentials is invoked in conjunction with multi-carrier conduction to model the experimental observations. From the modeling, we extract the effective residual electron- and hole-densities around the nominal neutrality point. The results indicate mixed transport due to co-existing electrons and holes in large area zero-band gap CVD graphene devices, which indicates domain confined ambipolar currents broadly over the gate-induced n ↔ p transition.
Theoretical impurity-limited carrier mobility of monolayer black phosphorus
Authors: Bohloul S. , Zhang L. , Gong K. , Guo H.
Published: January 2016

Monolayer black phosphorus (MBP) is a strong candidate for applications in emerging electronic devices. In this work, we report theoretical calculations of impurity limited carrier mobility of MBP using a state-of-the-art first principles quantum transport method where density functional theory is carried out within nonequilibrium Green's function formalism and multiple impurity scattering is calculated by coherent potential approximation. We predict mobilities of both hole and electron carriers due to carbon (C) and sulfur (S) impurity atoms. For impurities concentrations ranging from 0.6% to very high 2.0%, the mobilities drop from several hundreds (in cm2/Vs) to less than 100 in the armchair direction (AC) and show less variation in the zigzag (ZZ) one. The mobilities at smaller impurity concentration range are consistent with the various experimentally reported values. For the entire range, hole mobility is slightly larger than electron mobility in the AC direction and an order of magnitude smaller in the ZZ direction.
Asymmetric valley-resolved beam splitting and incident modes in slanted graphene junctions
Authors: Hsieh S. H. , Chu C. S.
Published: January 2016

Electron injection into a graphene sheet through a slanted armchair graphene nanoribbon (AGNR) is investigated. An incident mode, or subband, in the AGNR is valley-unpolarized. Our attention is on the valley-resolved nature of the injected electron beams and its connection to the incident mode. It is known for a normal injection that an incident mode will split symmetrically into two valley-resolved beams of equal intensity. We show, in contrast, that slanted injections result in asymmetric valley-resolved beam splitting. The most asymmetric beam splitting cases, when one of the valley-resolved beams has basically disappeared, are found and the condition derived. This is shown not due to trigonal warping because it holds even in the low incident energy regime, as long as collimation allows. These most asymmetric beam splitting cases occur at energies within an energy interval near and include the subband edge of an incident mode. The physical picture is best illustrated by a projection of the slanted AGNR subband states onto that of the 2D graphene sheet. It follows that the disappearing of a valley-resolved beam coincides with the situation that the group velocities of the projected states in the corresponding valley are in backward directions.
Magnetic surface domain imaging of uncapped epitaxial FeRh(001) thin films across the temperature-induced metamagnetic transition
Authors: Zhou Xianzhong , Matthes Frank , Bürgler Daniel E. , Schneider Claus M.
Published: January 2016

The surface magnetic domain structure of uncapped epitaxial FeRh/MgO(001) thin films was imaged by in-situ scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis (SEMPA) at various temperatures between 122 and 450 K. This temperature range covers the temperature-driven antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic phase transition in the body of the films that was observed in-situ by means of the more depth-sensitive magneto-optical Kerr effect. The SEMPA images confirm that the interfacial ferromagnetism coexisting with the antiferromagnetic phase inside the film is an intrinsic property of the FeRh(001) surface. Furthermore, the SEMPA data display a reduction of the in-plane magnetization occuring well above the phase transition temperature which, thus, is not related to the volume expansion at the phase transition. This observation is interpreted as a spin reorientation of the surface magnetization for which we propose a possible mechanism based on temperature-dependent tetragonal distortion due to different thermal expansion coefficients of MgO and FeRh.
Continuous wave operation of quantum cascade lasers with frequency-shifted feedback
Authors: Lyakh A. , Barron-Jimenez R. , Dunayevskiy I. , Go R. , Tsvid G. , Patel C. Kumar N.
Published: January 2016

Operation of continuous wave quantum cascade lasers with a frequency-shifted feedback provided by an acousto-optic modulator is reported. Measured linewidth of 1.7 cm−1 for these devices, under CW operating conditions, was in a good agreement with predictions of a model based on frequency-shifted feedback seeded by spontaneous emission. Linewidth broadening was observed for short sweep times, consistent with sound wave grating period variation across the illuminated area on the acousto-optic modulator. Standoff detection capability of the AOM-based QCL setup was demonstrated for several solid materials.
Measurements of the linewidth enhancement factor of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers by different optical feedback techniques
Authors: Jumpertz L. , Michel F. , Pawlus R. , Elsässer W. , Schires K. , Carras M. , Grillot F.
Published: January 2016

Precise knowledge of the linewidth enhancement factor of a semiconductor laser under actual operating conditions is of prime importance since this parameter dictates various phenomena such as linewidth broadening or optical nonlinearities enhancement. The above-threshold linewidth enhancement factor of a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser structure operated at 10∘C is determined experimentally using two different methods based on optical feedback. Both Fabry-Perot and distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers based on the same active area design are studied, the former by following the wavelength shift as a function of the feedback strength and the latter by self-mixing interferometry. The results are consistent and unveil a clear pump current dependence of the linewidth enhancement factor, with values ranging from 0.8 to about 3.
Teacher deliberation within the context of Singaporean curricular change: pre‐ and in‐service PE teachers’ perceptions of outdoor education
Authors: Atencio Matthew , Tan Yuen Sze Michelle
Published: January 2016

The study featured in this paper investigates pre‐ and in‐service Physical Education (PE) teachers' diverse views of OE (Outdoor Education) against the backdrop of numerous curricular changes underpinning Singaporean education. We highlight the potential challenges Singaporean schools and teachers may face in implementing the newly formalized OE curriculum. Findings revealed the teachers' prioritization of high elements and adventure activities within residential camps. Then, the teachers linked these ‘risky’ and ‘unfamiliar’ activities with transferrable learning outcomes, mostly in line with students' personal and social development. The more experienced teachers in the cohort tended to advocate that OE could be situated within local school and community environs. Yet, this envisioning of OE within a place‐based learning model reflected limited understanding of this concept. We conclude by suggesting that curriculum designers and teacher educators should draw upon pre‐ and in‐service PE teachers' perceptions of OE. It is imperative that these teachers' key concerns and beliefs, which currently structure their work in this recently formalized subject area, are used to contextualize the extensive curricular change and professional learning endeavors that are being implemented by the education ministry.
The Wheel of Writing: a model of the writing domain for the teaching and assessing of writing as a key competency
Authors: Berge Kjell Lars , Evensen Lars Sigfred , Thygesen Ragnar
Published: January 2016

The model presented in this article aspires to represent a theoretically valid and coherent definition and description of writing, as a basis for teaching and assessing writing as a key competency in school. It represents a critique as well as an extension of previous alternatives in that it views writing as a culturally and individually intentional act of semiotic mediation. Its perspective is sociocultural and functional; focussing on the relation between writing acts and their purposes, and its dynamic construction captures flexible relations between these. The communicative aspects encapsulate semiotic tools which written mediation affords. A discussion of curricular and didactic potentials finishes the article, illustrating how the model may form a basis for a varied teaching of writing, as well as being a tool for learning and assessment within and across school subjects.
Estimated Survival of Subadult and Adult Atlantic Sturgeon in Four River Basins in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Hightower Joseph E. , Loeffler Michael , Post William C. , Peterson Douglas L.
Published: January 2016

Prompted by concerns about the status of Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, in 2012 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration listed one distinct population segment (DPS) as threatened (Gulf of Maine) and listed the remaining four DPSs as endangered (New York Bight, Chesapeake Bay, Carolina, and South Atlantic). To provide information for recovery planning, we estimated the survival of subadult and adult Atlantic Sturgeon in two river basins within the Carolina DPS (Roanoke and Cape Fear rivers, North Carolina) and two basins within the South Atlantic DPS (Ashepoo–Combahee–Edisto rivers [ACE], South Carolina; Altamaha River, Georgia). Estimated detection probability varied strongly by season but was similar among river basins, likely reflecting a winter migration into marine waters with minimal receiver coverage. Apparent monthly survival was very high and precisely estimated for the Roanoke River (0.985; 95% credible interval [CI] = 0.970–0.995), Cape Fear River (0.979; 95% CI = 0.971–0.986), ACE (0.989; 95% CI = 0.979–0.993), and Altamaha River (0.985; 95% CI = 0.973–0.994) basins. A pooled estimate for 87 adults from all four basins was 0.988 (95% CI = 0.982–0.992). The monthly rates implied annual apparent survival rates of 0.839 (Roanoke River basin), 0.778 (Cape Fear River basin), 0.871 (ACE basin), and 0.842 (Altamaha River basin); the pooled estimate for adults was 0.860. Our estimated survival rates were similar to other recent estimates for Atlantic Sturgeon but lower than recent estimates for several populations of Gulf Sturgeon A. oxyrinchus desotoi. Recovery of Atlantic Sturgeon in these southeastern rivers will occur more quickly if survival can be increased to a level that is consistent with published estimates of true natural mortality (0.03–0.07; annual survival ≥ 0.93).

Received March 18, 2015; accepted August 26, 2015
Cardiac Catheterization in Children with Pulmonary Hypertensive Vascular Disease: Consensus Statement from the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute, Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Task Forces
Authors: del Cerro Maria Jesus , Moledina Shahin , Haworth Sheila G. , Ivy Dunbar , Dabbagh Maha Al , Banjar Hanaa , Diaz Gabriel , Heath‐Freudenthal Alexandria , Galal Ahmed Nasser , Humpl Tilman , Kulkarni Snehal , Lopes Antonio , Mocumbi Ana Olga , Puri G. D. , Rossouw Beyra , Harikrishnan S. , Saxena Anita , Udo Patience , Caicedo Lina , Tamimi Omar , Adatia Ian ,   PVRI Pediatric Task Force members Steven Abman, Vera Aiello, Rolf Berger, Patricia Cortez, Jeffrey Fineman, Marilyne Le′vy, Marlene Rabinovitch, J. Usha Raj, Irwin Reiss, Julio Sandoval, Kurt Stenmark, and Rao Sureshi
Published: January 2016

Cardiac catheterization is important in the diagnosis and risk stratification of pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease (PHVD) in children. Acute vasoreactivity testing provides key information about management, prognosis, therapeutic strategies, and efficacy. Data obtained at cardiac catheterization continue to play an important role in determining the surgical options for children with congenital heart disease and clinical evidence of increased pulmonary vascular resistance. The Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Task Forces of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute met to develop a consensus statement regarding indications for, conduct of, acute vasoreactivity testing with, and pitfalls and risks of cardiac catheterization in children with PHVD. This document contains the essentials of those discussions to provide a rationale for the hemodynamic assessment by cardiac catheterization of children with PHVD.
Estimating productivity, technical and efficiency changes in the Western Pacific purse-seine fleets
Authors: Tidd Alex N. , Reid Chris , Pilling Graham M. , Harley Shelton J.
Published: January 2016

The purse-seine tuna fleet in the Western Pacific Ocean has undergone an accelerated expansion since the 1980s. The fishery is primarily managed using fishing effort limits. Constraining effort to ensure the biological health of the stock, while enhancing economic benefits generated by the fishery, is a major challenge faced by fisheries managers in this region. To maintain effort levels that achieve those objectives, there is a need to take into account technical and efficiency changes over time that influence the productivity of fleets. This study evaluates how the productivity of four of the region's purse-seine fleets has changed year on year between 1993 and 2010 using a robust bootstrapped Malmquist index approach. This index is separated into: technical change, which represents the change in productivity due to the introduction of new technology and efficiency change, the change in productivity resulting from a change in the level of efficiency in the use of inputs. The results show that half of the 56 purse-seine vessels examined displayed significant gains in productivity, which appeared to be driven primarily by technical change. The technical efficiency of fleets showed less marked changes, potentially due to the practical inability to maximize performance in the face of dramatic technological advances.
Outcomes of Older Adults With Sepsis at Admission to an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Rowe Theresa , Araujo Katy L. B. , Van Ness Peter H. , Pisani Margaret A. , Juthani-Mehta Manisha
Published: January 2016

Background.  Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. The main goals of this study were to assess the association of sepsis at intensive care unit (ICU) admission with mortality and to identify predictors associated with increased mortality in older adults.

Methods.  We conducted a prospective cohort study of 309 participants ≥60 years admitted to an ICU. Sepsis was defined as 2 of 4 systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria plus a documented infection within 2 calendar days before or after admission. The main outcome measure was time to death within 1 year of ICU admission. Sepsis was evaluated as a predictor for mortality in a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results.  Of 309 participants, 196 (63%) met the definition of sepsis. Among those admitted with and without sepsis, 75 (38%) vs 20 (18%) died within 1 month of ICU admission (P < .001) and 117 (60%) vs 48 (42%) died within 1 year (P < .001). When adjusting for baseline characteristics, sepsis had a significant impact on mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–2.52; P < .001); however, after adjusting for baseline characteristics and process covariates (antimicrobials and vasopressor use within 48 hours of admission), the impact of sepsis on mortality became nonsignificant (HR = 1.26; 95% CI, .87–1.84; P = .22).

Conclusions.  The diagnosis of sepsis in older adults upon ICU admission was associated with an increase in mortality compared with those admitted without sepsis. After controlling for early use of antimicrobials and vasopressors for treatment, the association of sepsis with mortality was reduced.
Tramadol-Paracetamol Combination for Postoperative Pain Relief in Elective Single-level Microdisectomy Surgery
Authors: Dogar Samie A. , Khan Fauzia A.
Published: January 2016

Background:

The tramadol and paracetamol combination is used frequently for postoperative pain management. The literature on the use of this combination for vertebral surgery is limited. Our objective was to compare a combination of paracetamol 1 g and a lower dose of tramadol (1 mg/kg: group 1T) with a combination of paracetamol 1 g and a higher dose of tramadol (1.5 mg/kg: group 1.5T) for postoperative pain after microdisectomy surgery. Our main outcome measure was Visual Analogue Scale pain scores for 4 hours postoperatively.

Methods:

This prospective randomized triple-blind clinical trial was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Ninety-four patients aged between 18 and 50 years scheduled for elective single-level microdisectomy were allocated randomly into 1 of 2 groups. Twenty minutes before the end of the surgery, patients received the study drugs.

Results:

There was no significant demographic difference between groups. None of the patients experienced severe pain (VAS>6). There was no significant difference in the mean pain score between groups. The mean score at 4 hours was 2.17 (1.38) in group 1.5T and 1.74 (1.37) in group 1T. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.14). In group 1.5T, 13 patients reported having nausea and vomiting compared with 2 patients in group 1T. This was a statistically significant difference (P=0.004). The sedation score was similar between groups.

Conclusions

The combination of low-dose tramadol (1 mg/kg) and paracetamol has comparable analgesia and a decreased incidence of nausea and vomiting compared with the higher dose of tramadol (1.5 mg/kg) and paracetamol combination.
Development and Validation of a Clostridium difficile Health-related Quality-of-Life Questionnaire
Authors: Garey Kevin W. , Aitken Samuel L. , Gschwind Liliane , Goddu Sumana , Xie Yang , Duff Catherine , Barbut Frédéric , Shah Dhara N. , DuPont Herbert L.
Published: January 2016

Goals and Background:

Patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) can experience long-term symptoms and poor quality of life due to the disease. Despite this, a health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instrument specific for patients with CDI does not exist. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a disease-specific instrument to assess HRQOL in patients with CDI.

Study:

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify HRQOL instruments and questions related to general health (n=3) or gastrointestinal disease (n=12) potentially related to CDI HRQOL. Removing duplicate questions and using direct patient or clinician interviews, a 36-item survey was developed. The survey was then tested using 98 patients with CDI and compared with the RAND Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Psychometric analysis techniques were used to identify domains and remove redundant items.

Results:

Exploratory factor analysis identified 3 major domains (physical, mental, and social) with 4 associated subdomains. Survey overall and domain scores displayed good internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient >0.87) and concurrent validity evidenced by significant correlation with SF-36 scores. The C. difficile survey scores were better able than the SF-36 to discriminate quality-of-life score differences in patients with primary versus recurrent CDI and increasing time since last episode of CDI. The final version contained 32 items related to the physical, mental, and social health of CDI patients.

Conclusion:

The properties of the newly developed Cdiff32 should make it appropriate to assess changes over time in HRQOL in patients with CDI.
Reporting on Outcome Measures of Functional Constipation in Children—A Systematic Review
Authors: Kuizenga‐Wessel Sophie , Heckert Sascha L. , Tros Willemijn , van Etten‐Jamaludin Faridi S. , Benninga Marc A. , Tabbers Merit M.
Published: January 2016

Objective:

Standardized outcome measures provide a basis for comparing outcomes of different clinical trials. Consequently, they can serve as the foundation for determining which therapeutic interventions are most effective. The aim of the present study is to systematically assess how definitions and outcome measures are defined in therapeutic randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of children with functional constipation (FC).

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched. Studies were included if it was a (systematic review of) therapeutic RCT, concerning children from 1 to 18 years old with FC, a definition of FC was provided, and if they were written in English. The Delphi list was used for quality assessment.

Results:

A total of 4092 articles were found but only 45 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. In these 45 trials, 22 different definitions of FC were used (17 studies used the Rome III‐criteria), 27 different interventions were investigated, and 29 different definitions of treatment success were used. Thirty RCTs (57%) reported primary outcomes of which treatment success was the most frequently used. Most trials (80%) used parental diaries of which only 2 RCTs stated that their instrument was validated. Twenty‐four trials (53%) were of good methodological quality.

Conclusions:

Inconsistency and heterogeneity exist in definitions and outcome measures used in RCTs on childhood FC. Standard definitions, outcome measures, and also validated instruments are needed. We recommend the development of a minimum core outcome set for clinical research in children with FC to make comparison possible between the effects of different therapeutic interventions across studies.
The Mini-BESTest: a review of psychometric properties
Authors: Di Carlo Silvia , Bravini Elisabetta , Vercelli Stefano , Massazza Giuseppe , Ferriero Giorgio
Published: January 2016

The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) has been identified as the most comprehensive balance measure for community-dwelling adults and elderly individuals. It can be used to assess balance impairments in several other conditions, mainly Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Despite increasing use of the Mini-BESTest since it was first published 5 years ago, no systematic review synthesizing its psychometric properties is available. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest when administered to patients with balance deficits because of different diseases. A literature search was performed on articles published before July 2015 in journals indexed by MEDLINE and Scopus databases. The search produced 98 papers, 24 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. Most papers (n=19) focused on patients affected by neurological diseases, mainly Parkinson’s disease. In 21 papers, the psychometric characteristics were analyzed using Classical Test Theory methods and in only three papers was Rasch analysis carried out. This review shows the interest of researchers in the Mini-BESTest despite the short time frame since its first publication. The Mini-BESTest is used widely in both clinical practice and research. The results support the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of this instrument and it can be considered a standard balance measure. However, it would be valuable to learn more about how this scale performs in different diseases causing balance deficits and to better define the minimal clinically important difference for each disease.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Quality of Life following DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Hunsinger Vincent , Hivelin Mikael , Derder Mohamed , Klein Delphine , Velten Michel , Lantieri Laurent
Published: January 2016

Background:

Sequelae resulting from breast cancer negatively impact patients’ quality of life. Although the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has become a standard for autologous breast reconstruction, there are limited data regarding long-term quality of life. The authors studied patients’ quality of life more than 5 years after DIEP flap breast reconstruction and compare it with two French reference samples.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of quality of life was performed in women who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction between 1995 and 2007 using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Health Survey (Short Form-36). The first reference sample included subjects from the French general population (n = 3308), and the second included cancer survivors who underwent mastectomy with (n = 70) or without (n = 135) breast reconstruction.

Results:

One hundred eleven respondents were analyzed among 186 eligible women. The mean follow-up period after reconstruction was 8.6 years (range, 5 to 15 years). There were no statistically significant differences in the quality of life between women from 45 to 64 years old who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction and from the French general population. Five of the eight Short Form-36 dimensions were significantly better in the DIEP flap breast reconstruction group in the 65- to 74-year-old cohort. In addition, quality of life of our study population was significantly higher than that of women who underwent mastectomy with or without any type of breast reconstruction.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that DIEP flap breast reconstruction allows patients with breast cancer to maintain a good postoperative quality of life comparable to that of the general population.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Classification and Algorithmic Management of Constricted Ears: A 22-Year Experience
Authors: Park Chul , Park Jung Youl
Published: January 2016

Background:

The classification and corrective methods for the constricted ears continue to be controversial. To clarify them, the authors have reviewed and analyzed cases operated on at their Center from January of 1992 to January of 2014.

Methods:

A total of 164 ear cases (involving 139 patients), showing features of lidded helix, compression of scapha and fossa triangularis, and/or cup-like protrusions, were included in their study (microtias with constricted ear features were excluded) and reviewed through medical records, photographs, analysis of surgical methods, and postoperative outcomes.

Results:

The deformed ears were classified into four graded types by means of the antihelical tubing test and the scapha-helix push test as follows: type I (n = 21), type II (n = 63), type III (n = 38), and type IV (n = 42). Throughout this series, the authors have continued the improvement and performance of consistent operative techniques. Antihelical tubing, concha cartilage grafting, tumbling concha-cartilage flap, antihelical wrapping, and helical expansion were the preferred techniques. A total of 144 ear cases (88 percent) were followed for 1 month to 14 years (average, 13.2 months). The average score of aesthetic outcomes, rated on a four-point Likert scale (i.e., 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, and 4 = excellent), was 3.3. Corrective methods and aesthetic outcomes for patients with each graded type of deformity were described.

Conclusions:

Constricted ears were effectively corrected by a graded surgical approach. All corrections were performed in one stage, without removal of deformed auricular cartilage.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Importance-performance analysis of service quality dimensions for the customer groups segmented by DEA
Authors: Dabestani Reza , Shahin Arash , Saljoughian Mohammad , Shirouyehzad Hadi
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to prioritize service quality dimensions (SQDs) using importance-performance analysis (IPA) and to compare the results for the customer groups segmented by data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Design/methodology/approach

– Customers of three four-star hotels located in Isfahan have been asked to report on their expectation of service prior to receiving it as well as their perception of the service after receiving it. Afterwards, DEA has been used to assign the customers into two groups of fastidious (with relatively high expectations but low perceptions) and ordinary (with relatively low expectations but high perceptions). Next, IPA has been exploited for prioritizing SQDs in each group. Eventually, the prioritized SQDs in each group have been compared and insightful information has been extracted for further research and practical purposes.

Findings

– Findings imply that despite occasional similarities, there is a significant difference in the way the two groups value SQDs. Also, the segmented groups have different priorities of SQDs.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings revealed that in order to decrease the ambiguity of customer voice in prioritizing SQDs, it might be helpful to first segregate the participants based on their attitudes towards the quality of service to have a more congruent sample and then, to analyze the data.

Practical implications

– In this study, a smarter approach for prioritizing SQDs based on the data of two major groups of customers has been proposed, which can help hoteliers in devoting their resources more efficiently.

Originality/value

– The combination of DEA and IPA in homogenizing the sample and prioritizing SQDs for each homogenized group within the sample seems relatively novel.
A nonparametric approach for optimal reliability allocation in health services
Authors: Aksezer Çağlar  Sezgin
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Reliability evaluation of healthcare services has been a challenging task for both operations managers and system engineers working in the respective field. The purpose of this paper is to develop a data envelopment analysis-based reliability allocation model.

Design/methodology/approach

– A two-phase optimization scheme for the reliability evaluation and allocation of homogeneous system entities, namely, hospitals, operating in a healthcare network is proposed. First, reliability evaluation is performed nonparametrically through the frontier estimation technique data envelopment analysis by considering several failure modes and failure free discharged patients as the inputs and output of the service system. Subsequently, optimal reliability allocation that maximizes the overall network reliability subject to a budget constraint is carried out by utilizing weights of the inputs and output calculated on the Pareto optimal frontier, which is constructed from the most reliable hospitals operating in the network.

Findings

– The popular performance assessment methodology DEA is found to be an invaluable reliability assessment and allocation tool, where optimal weights of the associated envelopment model, under certain budget restrictions, are used to maximize overall network reliability.

Originality/value

– An empirical illustration of the proposed model is presented on a set of hospital network data from Turkey. Modeling implications can be carried out on similar service operations where identification of the critical performance indicator costs is possible.
The development of a work environment framework for ISO 9000 standard success
Authors: Denton Paul David , Maatgi Musbah Kharis
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present exploratory research with respect to the development of a novel classification and framework capable of evaluating the influence and maturity of work environment on the implementation of ISO 9000 standards within advanced engineering and manufacturing SMEs. Work environment definitions, references and factors are now common across a broad range of international quality standards, but these are not consistently defined or effectively assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The successful implementation of international quality standards and models can be viewed as an important key for contemporary SMEs to maintain competitive advantage. As such this research aims to build upon existing literature and to examine the effect of work environment on the successful implementation of ISO 9000. An initial industrial survey is combined with an exploration of contemporary SME case studies, prior to the proposal of a novel classification and framework.

Findings

– Current work environment terminology is not consistent and capable of effective assessment. Internal SMEs motivation for ISO 9000 certification can lead to improved results than those pressured by external reasons. The deployment of an integrated work environment classification and framework may lead to tangible improvements to ISO 9000 and SME success.

Practical implications

– This investigation opens a further opportunity for research into the body of knowledge on manufacturing SME orientated quality management standards and systems. This research will be of particular interest to enterprise managers, practicing production managers, quality auditors, and human resource professionals, as it examines work environment factors that may drive improvements in competitive performance.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper presented in open literature which investigates the wider concept of work environment with a manufacturing SME context, together with proposal of a novel work environment classification and framework approach.
Sensemaking of post-acquisition changes in accounting and control
Authors: Moilanen Sinikka
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how softer issues such as emotions function in the alignment of a management accounting and control system (MCS) following an international acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

– To tap into the interplay of softer issues and formal structures, the paper compares the sensemaking of the changes in the structures related to and following an acquisition in the acquiring firm and the acquired firm.

Findings

– The results show that the people in the acquiring firm take the company perspective and identify the processes of change and technical matters affecting consolidation. Their interpretative frames are thus more rational than the emotional frames of the people in the acquired firm, who explain the changes in terms of their personal experiences. Accordingly, softer issues, such as emotions, affect how structural changes are interpreted.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the existing research on the post-acquisition integration of MCSs by showing that not only do the basic assumptions of MCSs challenge the alignment, but the positions of individuals also create certain perspectives that may evoke emotions and affect sensemaking. In this specific situation emotions may already be evoked by the changes in work, not only by accounting figures and technologies. The contradiction between rational and emotional frames may cause difficulties in alignment, since introducing new formal accounting structures does not provide any unambiguous frame for sensemaking. These structures may be interpreted through their content or through the effects on daily work.
Ghrelin‐related peptides do not modulate vasodilator nitric oxide production or superoxide levels in mouse systemic arteries
Authors: Ku Jacqueline M , Sleeman Mark W , Sobey Christopher G , Andrews Zane B , Miller Alyson A
Published: January 2016

The ghrelin gene is expressed in the stomach where it ultimately encodes up to three peptides, namely, acylated ghrelin, des‐acylated ghrelin and obestatin, which all have neuroendocrine roles. Recently, the authors' reported that these peptides have important physiological roles in positively regulating vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) production in the cerebral circulation, and may normally suppress superoxide production by the pro‐oxidant enzyme, Nox2‐NADPH oxidase. To date, the majority of studies using exogenous peptides infer that they may have similar roles in the systemic circulation. Therefore, this study examined whether exogenous and endogenous ghrelin‐related peptides modulate NO production and superoxide levels in mouse mesenteric arteries and/or thoracic aorta. Using wire myography, it was found that application of exogenous acylated ghrelin, des‐acylated ghrelin or obestatin to mouse thoracic aorta or mesenteric arteries failed to elicit a vasorelaxation response, whereas all three peptides elicited vasorelaxation responses of rat thoracic aorta. Also, none of the peptides modulated mouse aortic superoxide levels as measured by L‐012‐enhanced chemiluminescence. Next, it was found that NO bioactivity and superoxide levels were unaffected in the thoracic aorta from ghrelin‐deficient mice when compared with wild‐type mice. Lastly, using novel GHSR‐eGFP reporter mice in combination with double‐labelled immunofluorescence, no evidence was found for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR1a) in the throracic aorta, which is the only functional ghrelin receptor identified to date. Collectively these findings demonstrate that, in contrast to systemic vessels of other species (e.g. rat and human) and mouse cerebral vessels, ghrelin‐related peptides do not modulate vasodilator NO production or superoxide levels in mouse systemic arteries.
Non‐violent resistance parent training for the parents of young adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Golan Ofer , Shilo Hila , Omer Haim
Published: January 2016

A ‘dependence trap’ between parents and young adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF‐ASD) develops when parents accommodate to the needs of their grown‐up child in ways that may hinder development and cause distress. Non‐Violent Resistance (NVR) parent training may help parents reduce their accommodation, manage arising conflicts through de‐escalation techniques, and amass external support for themselves and their child. Parents of four young adults with HF‐ASD received a ten‐week modified NVR parent training. Cases were evaluated through semi‐structured interviews and self‐report questionnaires. The parents reported improved independent functioning, reduced parental helplessness and accommodation, and enhanced support. Questionnaires showed improvements in reported parental hopefulness and reduced parental depression.

Practitioner points

Families with a grown‐up child with HF‐ASD may be characterised by excessive parental accommodation that is detrimental to optimal functioning

Accommodation increases dependence, which in turn requires continued accommodation, forming a ‘dependence trap’

NVR parent training may help parents to young adults with HF‐ASD reduce parental accommodation, helplessness and depression, while improving hopefulness and adaptation
Controlling infestation of a chocolate factory by Plodia interpunctella by combining mating disruption and the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor
Authors: Trematerra Pasquale , Oliviero Annachiara , Savoldelli Sara , Schöller Matthias
Published: January 2016

A field experiment of 4 years’ duration was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of combining the mating disruption (MD) formulation Dismate ZETA ((9Z,12E)‐tetradecadienyl acetate), with the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor against the Indianmeal moth Plodia interpunctella in a chocolate factory. The experimental period began early in 2011 and ended in late 2014. Begane Dismate dispensers were placed in the facility from 2011 to 2014 and H. hebetor was released in 2014. Pheromone‐baited traps were used to monitor the flight activity of the male moths and oviposition Petri dish traps were placed to assess the progeny production of P. interpunctella females. Following the start of MD, a decrease in the number of P. interpunctella males caught in monitoring traps was observed from 2011 to 2013. A further decline in the moth population was noted in 2014, when MD was combined with the release of parasitoids. The presence of larvae in the oviposition cups was occasionally observed throughout the monitoring period, from 2011 to 2014. This study demonstrates that the combined system of MD and parasitoids is an effective and reliable technique that can be used to successfully control P. interpunctella.
Does Change in Risk Matter?
Authors: Cohen Thomas H. , Lowenkamp Christopher T. , VanBenschoten Scott W.
Published: January 2016

Research Summary

The Post Conviction Risk Assessment (PCRA) is a correctional assessment tool used by federal probation officers that identifies offenders most likely to commit new crimes and the criminogenic characteristics that, if changed, could reduce the likelihood of recidivism. We explored how changes in offender risk influence the likelihood of recidivism by tracking a population of 64,716 offenders placed on federal supervision with multiple PCRA assessments. In general, offenders scoring in the high‐, moderate‐, and low/moderate‐risk categories at their initial assessment and experiencing decreases in their risk classifications were less likely to recidivate compared with their counterparts whose risk levels remained unchanged or increased. Conversely, increases in offender risk were associated with higher rates of reoffending behavior. Notably, we saw no recidivism reduction for offenders in the lowest risk category if they received decreases in their overall PCRA scores.

Policy Implications

This analysis provides officers with crucial information about how changes in offender risk can influence the likelihood of arrest. Probation officers should consider adjusting downward the amount of time and resources devoted to offenders with decreasing risk levels once those decreases have stabilized. Alternatively, probation officers should pay particular attention and allocate more resources to those offenders reclassified into higher risk categories. Finally, probation officers should be cautious about providing resources to low‐risk offenders who do not seem to benefit from efforts aimed at reducing their criminal risk factors.
Rural–urban disparities in stage of breast cancer at diagnosis in Australian women
Authors: Leung Janni , Martin Jennifer , McLaughlin Deirdre
Published: January 2016

Objective

To examine urban–rural differences and individual risk factors for a late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis in Australian women.

Design

Individual‐level longitudinal data were linked with cancer registry data from New South Wales (New South Wales Cancer Registry linked by the Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL)), Queensland (Queensland Cancer Registry) and Victoria (The Cancer Council Victoria).

Setting

Participants were drawn from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health 1946‐1951 cohort (n = 13 715).

Participants

The sample included 195 women identified from the linked cancer registry data with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Interventions

Rural or urban residence was measured using Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia Plus (ARIA+). Individual characteristics and socio‐demographic variables examined included survey year, menopausal status, country of birth, education and marital status.

Main outcome measures

A late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis was defined based on the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours.

Results

A late stage of breast cancer diagnosis was observed in 36% of women residing in urban areas and 40% of women residing in rural areas. After adjusting for individual characteristics, we found that obesity was the strongest risk factor for a late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Given that women are becoming increasingly obese, and that the rate of obesity is higher in the Australian rural population, this paper provides further evidence for targeting interventions for obesity, particularly in rural Australia, as a public health priority.
Personality characteristics and attributes of international medical graduates in general practice training: Implications for supporting this valued Australian workforce
Authors: Laurence Caroline O. , Eley Diann S. , Walters Lucie , Elliott Taryn , Cloninger Claude Robert
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To describe the personality profiles of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) undertaking General Practice (GP) training in Australia. A better understanding of the personal characteristics of IMGs may inform their training and enhance support for their vital contribution to the Australian rural workforce.

Design

Cross‐sectional self‐report questionnaires. Independent variables included socio‐demographics, prior training, the Temperament and Character Inventory, and the Resilience Scale.

Setting and participants

GP registrars (IMGs = 102; AMGs = 350) training in the Australian General Practice Training rural and general pathway and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine independent pathway.

Main outcome measures

Univariate analysis explored the differences in levels of traits between IMG and AMG registrars.

Results

Compared to the general population both groups have moderately high resilience, and well‐organised characters with high Self‐directedness, high Cooperativeness and low Self‐transcendence, supported by temperaments which were high in Persistence and Reward Dependence. IMGs were different than AMGs in two temperament traits, Novelty Seeking and Persistence and two character traits, Self‐directedness and Cooperativeness.

Conclusions

Factors such as cultural and training backgrounds, personal and professional expectations, and adjustments necessary to assimilate to a new lifestyle and health system are likely to be responsible for differences found between groups. Understanding the personality profiles of IMGs provides opportunities for targeted training and support which may in turn impact on their retention in rural areas.