bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the consumer-perceived benefits of a mass-customized product through its online sales configurator
Authors: Sandrin Enrico , Trentin Alessio , Grosso Chiara , Forza Cipriano
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on online sales configurators (SCs), also known as mass-customization toolkits, which enable consumers to self-customize their product solutions online. The paper aims to provide new insights into which characteristics of an online SC increase the consumer-perceived benefits of possessing a mass-customized product.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous studies on mass customization (MC), sales configuration, and learning psychology are used to develop the research hypotheses, which are tested by analyzing data from 675 configuration experiences from a convenience sample of potential consumers using 31 real online SCs for laptops/notebooks, economy cars, and sport shoes/sneakers.

Findings

The paper finds support for the hypotheses that SCs with higher flexible-navigation, focused-navigation, and easy-comparison capabilities enhance not only the traditionally considered utilitarian benefit (UT), but also the consumer-perceived uniqueness benefit (UN) and self-expressiveness (SE) benefit (SE). Furthermore, consistent with the study’s hypotheses, SCs with higher benefit-cost communication and user-friendly product-space description capabilities are found to improve UT. The hypotheses that these two capabilities enhance UN and SE, however, are not supported. Post-hoc analyses suggest that the examined SCs are generally UT-centered and need improvement of their ability to communicate the UN and the SE a consumer could derive from the purchase of his/her configured product.

Originality/value

While prior research has primarily been concerned with conceptually arguing and empirically showing that uniqueness and self-expressiveness are two additional sources of consumer value in business-to-consumer MC, this is the first empirical study that offers insights into which characteristics online SCs should have in order to draw from these two value sources.
Mitigating hidden costs in service offshoring: a strategic management perspective
Authors: Zheng Songyue , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

IT-enabled service offshoring has become a vital and widespread practice for firms seeking to realize various advantages. However, many firms suffer from “hidden costs” (the discrepancies between the expected and actual costs of offshoring), and these firms often find a disappointing outcome from their offshoring decisions. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether and how the adoption of an offshoring strategy can reduce such hidden costs and how this effect can be moderated by contextual factors, including the complexity of tasks and the accumulation of experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data from the Offshoring Research Network, this study uses hierarchical regression analysis to empirically test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

A corporate-wide strategy for guiding offshoring decisions may effectively reduce cost-estimation errors. This effect is amplified by increasing task complexity, but decreases with growing offshoring experience. Regardless of whether a strategy is initially in place, most firms learn to avoid cost-estimation errors only after several years. This finding suggests that firms have a limited ability to mitigate hidden costs in the short term.

Practical implications

The guidelines specified by an overarching strategy can better rationalize cost estimation and goal setting for individual offshoring projects, provide incentives for project participants to achieve preset aspirations, and enhance cost-efficiency in fulfilling offshoring activities and in coping with emerging contingencies. Firms tend to benefit more from establishing a formal strategy to reduce the hidden costs of more complex projects, especially if the firms involved have little offshoring experience.

Originality/value

This study empirically examines the hidden costs in offshoring from a strategic management perspective. This approach extends our understanding of cost estimates in offshoring, and it explores the influence of corporate strategy in the alignment of expected and achieved performances from IT-enabled service offshoring. The study also examines the boundaries of strategy’s ability to affect hidden costs, and it expands our knowledge of the relationship between strategy and experience.
RES-E capacity investment under uncertain renewable energy supply and volatile electricity spot price
Authors: Kong Lingcheng , Li Zhong , Liang Ling , Xie Jiaping
Published: May 2017

Purpose

When the power generator faces uncertain and independent electricity spot price and renewable energy source supply, two different conditions need to be considered: the distributions of renewable energy source electricity and electricity spot price are independent or dependent. The purpose of this paper is to explore the capacity investment strategy under volatile electricity spot price when renewable energy penetration rate is low, taking into account these two conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors design a capacity investment model under dual uncertainties and consider how to optimize the investment capacity in order to maximize profit under two different conditions.

Findings

The authors find that when renewable energy supply fluctuation is unrelated to spot electricity price fluctuation, the renewable energy power profitability is determined by the average cost of spot electricity price and equivalent cost. When renewable energy supply fluctuation is related to spot electricity price fluctuation, the renewable energy power profitability is determined by the market value and the construction and maintenance cost.

Practical implications

Faced with the conflict of the renewable energy supply, the authors need to understand how to plan the generation capacity with intermittent renewable sources. The result helps renewable energy become competitive in the electricity market under loose regulations.

Originality/value

The authors compare two capacity investment strategies that the renewable energy supply fluctuation is related and unrelated to spot electricity price.
Rapid satellite capture by a space robot based on delay compensation
Authors: Li Zhenyu , Wang Bin , Yang Haitao , Liu Hong
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Rapid satellite capture by a free-floating space robot is a challenge problem because of no-fixed base and time-delay issues. This paper aims to present a modified target capturing control scheme for improving the control performance.

Design/methodology/approach

For handling such control problem including time delay, the modified scheme is achieved by adding a delay calibration algorithm into the visual servoing loop. To identify end-effector motions in real time, a motion predictor is developed by partly linearizing the space robot kinematics equation. By this approach, only ground-fixed robot kinematics are involved in the predicting computation excluding the complex space robot kinematics calculations. With the newly developed predictor, a delay compensator is designed to take error control into account. For determining the compensation parameters, the asymptotic stability condition of the proposed compensation algorithm is also presented.

Findings

The proposed method is conducted by a credible three-dimensional ground experimental system, and the experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Practical implications

Because the delayed camera signals are compensated with only ground-fixed robot kinematics, this proposed satellite capturing scheme is particularly suitable for commercial on-orbit services with cheaper on-board computers.

Originality/value

This paper is original as an attempt trying to compensate the time delay by taking both space robot motion predictions and compensation error control into consideration and is valuable for rapid and accurate satellite capture tasks.
A four-point measurement model for evaluating the pose of industrial robot and its influence factor analysis
Authors: Yang Chuangui , Wang Junwen , Mi Liang , Liu Xingbao , Xia Yangqiu , Li Yilei , Ma Shaoxing , Teng Qiang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a four-point measurement model for directly measuring the pose (i.e. position and orientation) of industrial robot and reducing its calculating error and measurement uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-point measurement model is proposed for directly measuring poses of industrial robots. First, this model consists of a position measurement model and an orientation model gotten by the position of spherically mounted reflector (SMR). Second, an influence factor analysis, simulated by Monte Carlo simulation, is performed to investigate the influence of certain factors on the accuracy and uncertainty. Third, comparisons with the common method are carried out to verify the advantage of this model. Finally, a test is carried out for evaluating the repeatability of five poses of an industrial robot.

Findings

In this paper, results show that the proposed model is better than the three-SMRs model in measurement accuracy, measurement uncertainty and computational efficiency. Moreover, both measurement accuracy and measurement uncertainty can be improved by using the proposed influence laws of its key parameters on the proposed model.

Originality/value

The proposed model can measure poses of industrial robots directly, accurately and effectively. Additionally, influence laws of key factors on the accuracy and uncertainty of the proposed model are given to provide some guidelines for improving the performance of the proposed model.
Development and implementation of a robotic inspection system for power substations
Authors: Zhang Haojie , Su Bo , Meng Hong
Published: May 2017

Purpose

With the dramatically increasing number of substations, robots are expected to inspect equipment in the power industry. However, a traditional robotic system cannot work stably because of the strong electromagnetic field in substation. The purpose of this paper is to present a robust and stable robotic system for inspecting the substation equipment without the involvement of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents in detail a robotic system that consists of a monitor center and a robot. With the monitor center, the workers could send inspection tasks and monitor status of the robot timely. Once a fault is detected, the alarm message will flash immediately to remind the workers. The patrol mode of the robot comprises teleoperation, regular inspection, special inspection and a key return mode. The robot only relies on a low-cost magnetic sensor for lateral positioning and radio frequency identification technology for longitudinal positioning when working under patrol mode. At each stop point, the substation equipment can be recognized quickly through accurate matching with the template image stored in the database.

Findings

It is shown that the robot could work efficiently and reliably in power substations. The positioning error is proved to be within 5 mm, compared to that of 20 cm by implementing integrated global positioning system-dead reckoning navigation. Because of the high positioning accuracy, it is much easier to recognize the substation equipment. It is observed that nearly 99 per cent of equipments can be recognized.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed robotic system is tested in a simple substation environment. While the proposed system shows satisfactory positioning results, further studies considering changeable weather condition will focus on improving the equipment recognition rate in such environment, such as rainy, snowy and strong sunlight.

Practical implications

The key contribution of this paper is that it provides a robotic system to inspect substation equipment instead of workers, to improve working efficiency and to reduce manpower cost.

Originality/value

This paper presents a robotic system to inspect substation equipment instead of workers. Four patrol modes are designed to meet the inspection demand. Comparing with the previous robotic systems, this system contributes to higher position accuracy and higher equipment recognition rate.
How to use analogies for creative business modelling
Authors: Rumble Ryan , Minto Niall Anthony
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a method for interpreting and reinterpreting business models as analogies to support the creation of new business model ideas.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the literature on cognitive frames and attention to demonstrate the often-overlooked potential of analogies. From this, the authors derive practical recommendations for the use of analogies in creative business model design.

Findings

Managers can design creative business models by seeking multiple interpretations of the way other businesses create and capture value.

Originality/value

Business model frameworks are commonplace, but there is little discussion on how to use them effectively. Furthermore, while analogies are helpful in inspiring novel ideas, their creative potential is limited if the questions asked of and insights found in the case study are not reimagined. The authors provide a practical solution to increase creativity in business model design by recursively reflecting upon issues and solutions.
The foreign policy tool of sanctions, conflict and ensuring continued access to finance
Authors: Walker Justine Suzanne
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper argues that the current framework permitting humanitarian transactions into sanctioned and conflict environments needs re-thinking and updating.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on in-depth interviews conducted with banks, humanitarian actors, regulators and government officials. It incorporates a review of relevant literature and has involved extensive field-based observations including with jurisdictions experiencing conflict or subject to sanctions.

Findings

This paper finds that a recalibration of the sanctions architecture is required and that a new equilibrium needs to be created to ensure the ability of international banks to support permissible humanitarian and development payments. It further sets out that the foreign policy intention of economic sanctions, when combined with licensing complexity and other risk factors, such as terrorist financing, are not achieving their intended goals.

Originality/value

Assessment on the strategic importance of ensuring access to financial services for jurisdictions subject to sanctions and in conflict.
Currency demand stability in the presence of seasonality and endogenous financial innovation
Authors: Singh Sunny Kumar
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the stability of the currency demand function for India with private consumption expenditure, tax–gross domestic product ratio and deposit rate as explanatory variables for the period 1996:1 to 2014:4. Additionally, this paper also tries to detect the presence of endogenous financial innovation in the currency demand function.

Design/methodology/approach

For the theoretical foundation of the study, this paper has used a modified version of money-in-the-utility function. To examine the stability of currency demand function empirically, seasonal cointegration technique developed by HEGY (1990) and EGHL (1993) was applied. Finally, to detect the presence of endogenous financial innovation in the currency demand equation, the Gurley and Shaw (1960) hypothesis was tested by presenting the currency demand equation in a state–space form.

Findings

The empirical findings show that there is the absence of long-run cointegrationg relationship among the variables at the zero and annual frequency; however, there is evidence of a relationship among the variables at the biannual frequency. Moreover, the time-varying coefficient of deposit rate elasticity, used to test the Gurley–Shaw hypothesis, suggests that innovations in financial markets, especially improvements in the payment technology, raise the deposit-rate elasticity, beginning from 2010 onward.

Practical implications

The empirical results of the paper suggest that there would be shrinkage of currency demand in future. From the monetary policy angle, the Reserve Bank of India needs to adapt adequately to a situation of shrinking demand for currency.

Originality/value

Apart from using seasonally unadjusted data to examine currency demand function for India, this study, for the first time, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, tries to test the evidence of financial innovation in India by testing the Gurley–Shaw hypothesis. The findings of the study will have significant implication in the planning of the issue and distribution of currency in the fast-changing economic environment.
Why RMB should be more flexible
Authors: Kan Yoke Yue
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This report examines the recent developments and trends relating to the Chinese government’s policy actions and the key issues that determine the choice of exchange rate regime in China. An up-to-date “stock-take” of the economic indicators is conducted to determine what is suitable for China in light of the rapidly evolving nature of the world economy and trading environment. This paper discusses the role of economic development, trade competitiveness, capital flow, foreign exchange reserve, and RMB internationalization in the determination of the RMB exchange rate regime.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses an inductive approach to gain a fine-grained understanding of the complex, multifaceted aspects of China’s exchange rate policy. A combination of statistical analysis, including basic descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and a correlation study are used to explore the association between various indicators and their implications. The report also draws on analysis of a broad range of data sources and the work of numerous researchers and research institutions.

Findings

A more flexible exchange rate regime can play a complementary role towards rebalancing the Chinese economy by raising the buying capacity of families, rebalancing growth towards domestic consumption, and reducing reliance on export. China’s price elasticity of the demand for exports was relatively low that the appreciation of the Chinese currency has almost no influence on optimizing China’s trade balance. A more flexible two-way flow in RMB would be suitable under the current cash flow scenario in China. Reduced intervention will facilitate further adjustment in reserves. Lastly, in the early stage of RMB internationalization, flexibility in the exchange rate is one of the factors that influences its growth prospect as a reserve currency.

Research limitations/implications

The findings and conclusion are derived based on the latest empirical information, statistical evidence, and economic theory. This inquiry does not build on a theory, and aims to neither verify a theory, nor test hypotheses. Rather, it aims to demonstrate, assess, and explain significant roles that various economic factors play in shaping the future exchange rate regime of China.

Originality/value

This paper presents the rationale behind a more flexible two-way exchange rate, by assessing the latest empirical data and theoretical explanation that support such a move.
Growth-enhancing economic freedom
Authors: Ghosh Sriparna , McCannon Bryan C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

We explore how economic freedom measurements can be used to guide policy.

Design/methodology/approach

We propose a method for creating a growth-enhancing economic freedom index, which allows for nonlinearities and interaction effects between the components to economic freedom. We use this method to illustrate that US states differ in which policy area generates the greatest gains.

Findings

To validate the method presented, we apply our index to state bond markets. Financial market participants have the incentive to properly evaluate states’ policies. If our measurement is useful, then it should correlate with bond ratings. Consistent with this hypothesis, we present evidence that state bond ratings are strongly correlated with our growth-enhancing economic freedom index.

Originality/value

It has been well-established that economic freedom is associated with good economic outcomes. Economic freedom is comprised of numerous dimensions. Thus, the marginal benefit of improving policy in one area can be expected to depend on the amount of freedom in the other dimensions. Which policy improvement is most impactful depends on the entire menu of current policies and, therefore, differs between states. Our new method can then be used as a guide to determining for a particular state which policies can be expected to impact economic well-being the most.
Iceland: how social mechanisms drove the financial collapse and why it’s a wicked problem
Authors: Duffy Sarah Maree , Northey Gavin , van Esch Patrick
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the macro-social marketing approach by detailing a framework to better understand the driving forces of wicked problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that uses the financial crisis in Iceland as a demonstrative example to show how social mechanism theory can help social marketers and policy makers overcome complexity and strive for the social transformation they seek.

Findings

This paper suggests the utility of social mechanism theory for understanding wicked problems, how they came to be and how social marketing practices can be applied to resolve market complexities.

Research limitations/implications

Social marketers need to identify what is driving what, to plan and implement interventions that will lead to the social change desired. This paper presents a framework that guides the analyst through this social change process.

Originality/value

This work provides social marketers with the means to understand the “moving parts” of a wicked problem to identify where an intervention is required to achieve the social change sought.
Worksite weight management program
Authors: Kong Jian Pei , Jok Linda , Ayub Azlee Bin , Bau Rawa Ak
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to pilot test a new multi-component worksite intervention for weight loss in a primary healthcare setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This randomized trial involved 88 participants (43, 45; intervention, control group). The intervention group enrolled in a 12-week lifestyle program that involved modification of dietary intake by community Registered Dietitian (RDs) and increasing high-intensity interval training (HITT) with motivational interviewing (MI) to support changes. The control group received traditional counselling and weekly aerobic exercise from Medical Officer and physiotherapist. The primary outcome measure was the changes in body weight. Secondary measures were changes in blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting blood lipid and dietary changes. Assessments were repeated at a three-month interval.

Findings

There was a significant reduction in body weight and waist circumference within groups. Intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in all cardiometabolic risk factors. This study showed that primary healthcare setting can be successful locations in promoting short-term health benefits. RDs were more successful and HITT appeared to be a favorable workout with MI in achieving drastic weight loss.

Research limitations/implications

The short-term worksite intervention and not recording of body composition were the major drawbacks in this study.

Originality/value

The efficacy of multi-component worksite intervention (Diet–HITT–MI) in primary healthcare setting has not been clearly defined.
Antioxidant activity of health tea infusions and effect of sugar and milk on in-vitro availability of phenolics in tea, coffee and cocoa drinks
Authors: Otemuyiwa Israel Olusegun , Williams Mary Funmilayo , Adewusi Steve Adeniyi
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Tea contains high content of phenolics which are well-known to act as antioxidants. As such, there are claims that the consumption of infusion of tea could help ameliorate free radical-induced diseases; this therapeutic activity would depend on the amount of phenolics that is soluble and the amount that is absorbed and available for metabolic activity when consumed. The purpose of this study is to analyze the content of phenolics and antioxidant activity of some health tea and also to study the effect of addition of sugar and milk on in-vitro availability of phenolics in tea, cocoa and coffee drinks.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven brands of health tea, two brands of cocoa drink, one brand each of coffee, powdered milk and sugar were selected. The tea samples were analyzed for pH, titratable acidity, total phenol and antioxidant activity using Folin–Ciocalteau and 202-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil 28DPPH-29-20 reagents. In-vitro simulated digestion modeling stomach and small intestine were carried out on tea infusion, coffee and cocoa drinks with or without sugar, and phenolic availability was analyzed.

Findings

The result indicated that pH, titratable acidity and total phenolics ranged from 4.5 to 5.6, 0.167 to 0.837 (as maleic acid) and 1.15 to 1.17 mg/g gallic acid equivalent, respectively. Black tea recorded the highest phenolic content, in-vitro phenolic availability and antioxidant activity. Addition of sugar to black tea and chocolate drink caused a significant decrease in the in-vitro available phenolics, while the addition of milk leads to a significant enhancement.

Research limitations/implications

The data obtained in this study can be used nutritionally and commercially to show the impact of adding sugar or milk on the content of phenolics and their bioavailability in-vitro. The study justifies the claim that tea could help ameliorate free radical-induced health defects.

Practical implications

Assessment of antioxidant activity of food should not be based only on the content of total phenolics but on the amount that is bioavailable in the body system when the food is consumed.

Social implications

Consumption of tea, cocoa and coffee drinks with milk and sugar have been found to enhance or inhibit phenolics. Therefore, the optimum level of these additives should be determined if the drinks were meant for therapeutic purposes.

Originality/value

Results obtained may provide some useful information for considering the bioavailability of phenolics present in tea and beverages in view of consumption/digestion in our body as well as interference of sugar and milk as the additives.
The effect of various cooking methods on resistant starch content of foods
Authors: Inan Eroglu Elif , Buyuktuncer Zehra
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Resistant starch, defined as all starch and starch-degradation products not absorbed by small intestine of healthy individuals, is included in the diet of individuals due to its prebiotic characteristics and protective effects against diseases like colon cancer, type II diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Some cooking methods are known as effective on resistant starch content of foods. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of various cooking methods on resistant starch content of foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Potential health benefits and functional features of the resistant starch have been emphasized in the recent years. This review includes up-to-date scientific findings in different studies on the effect of various cooking methods on resistant starch content of foods. Advantages and nutritional quality of resistant starch are included to topic.

Findings

Cooking methods including baking, steaming and autoclave cooking increased the amount of the resistant starch of foods, but cooking method such as pressure cooking decreased the amount of the resistant starch of foods. Boiling, frying, microwave cooking and extrusion cooking have the potential of increasing the amount of resistant starch, which depends on the source of starch and the process conditions. Although frying method has a high potential to increase the resistant starch content of foods, it is inconvenient to recommend frying to modify resistant starch content of foods due to detrimental effects of frying and products on health.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the effects of various cooking methods on resistant starch content of foods, which offers a promising future for the inartificial development of the prebiotic content of diet. Due to its potential health benefits, appropriate cooking methods should be preferred to increase resistant starch content of foods.
Advances in bio-nanocomposite materials for food packaging: a review
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Kaur Preetinder , Bhatia Surekha
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to acquaint the readers with recent developments in biopolymer-based food packaging materials like natural biopolymers (such as starches and proteins), synthetic biopolymers (such as poly lactic acid), biopolymer blending and nanocomposites grounded on natural and synthetic biopolymers. This paper is an attempt to draw the readers towards the advantages and attributes of new era polymers to diminish the usage of traditional non-biodegradable polymers.

Design/methodology/approach

Plastic packaging for food and associated applications is non-biodegradable and uses up valuable and treasured non-renewable petroleum products. With the current focus on researching alternatives to petroleum, research is progressively being channelized towards the development of biodegradable food packaging, thereby reducing adverse impact on the environment.

Findings

Natural biopolymer-based nanocomposite packaging materials seem to have a scintillating future for a broad range of applications in the food industry, including advanced active food packaging with biofunctional attributes. The present review summarizes the scientific information of various packaging materials along with their attributes, applications and the methods for production.

Originality/value

This is an apropos review as there has been a recent renewed concern in research studies, both in the industry and academe, for development of new generation biopolymer-based food packaging materials, with possible applications in many areas.
Diet quality, disordered eating and health-related quality of life in Greek adolescents
Authors: Zervaki Katerina , Yiannakouris Nikolaos , Sdrali Despina , Costarelli Vassiliki
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a subjective multi-dimensional concept referring to an individual’s perception of health and well-being in domains related to physical, mental, emotional and social functioning. The current study aims at investigating possible associations between dietary quality, disordered eating attitudes and HRQOL in Greek adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 400 students (198 boys; 202 girls), 14-17 years old, were recruited from five high schools in the area of Kallithea in Athens, Greece. Standard anthropometric measurements were taken, and obesity classification was conducted using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. Students completed the KIDMED index, which evaluates the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) as a diet quality index, the EAT-26 questionnaire, which assesses disordered eating attitudes and the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire for children and adolescents assessing perceived HRQOL.

Findings

Disordered eating attitudes are significantly negatively correlated with the total score of HRQOL (p < 0.01) and with the subcategories: psychological well-being (p < 0.01), parents and autonomy (p < 0.01) and school environment (p < 0.001), whereas adherence to the MedDiet was positively correlated with all the components and total score of HRQOL. Linear regression analysis revealed that adherence to the MedDiet (p < 0.05), total number of meals/day (p < 0.01) and number of meals with the family (p < 0.05) were significant predictors of HRQOL in adolescents.

Research limitations/implications

The convenient sampling of 400 students was conducted from five schools, from one municipality of Athens, Greece.

Originality/value

Adherence to the MedDiet positively affects important components of HRQOL in adolescents, whereas disordered eating attitudes has a negative effect. Identifying adolescents with low HRQOL is highly important because it could result in an early detection of individualised healthcare needs and possible non-diagnosed ill-health problems.
Hearing the voice of looked after children: challenging current assumptions and knowledge about pathways into offending
Authors: Day Anne-Marie
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the early findings of research which aims to hear the voice of looked after children about their pathways into offending and subsequent entry into the youth justice system, and the implications that this may have for policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

One-to-one semi-structured interviews have taken place with 19 looked after children, who are also subject to youth justice supervision. The interviews have been analysed to identify emerging themes, using broadly grounded approaches.

Findings

Three important findings arise from the interviews with the participants. First, children in care are being labelled and removed from the mainstream due to problematic behaviours, rather than searching for the underlying cause of the behaviour. Second, significant anger and frustration is expressed towards residential care staff and the child’s social worker, due to several reasons relating to the institutional environment within residential care, and a lack of trust for those professionals with whom control over the child’s life rests. Finally, the children describe feeling powerless whilst in care, and within this context, the peer group plays a crucial role within the lives of the children interviewed.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on the subjective views of 19 interviewees. The sample is not representative, and has not been compared with other forms of data. Rather, it provides the reader with the perspectives of some of the most challenging and vulnerable children in the youth justice system, and places their voice at centre stage.

Practical implications

This paper points to several challenges within current youth justice and social work practice which led to the interviewees feeling disempowered and ambivalent about their future. A number of recommendations for policy and practice are made in the concluding sections of the paper which may assist those in policy and practice.

Originality/value

The voice of the looked after child who is also subject to youth justice has not been given centre stage within research to date. The findings are based on this voice and offer a different perspective about a looked after child’s pathways into offending. A number of potential implications for policy and practice, which could be considered and implemented to deal with this problem, are then discussed.
Fate and Behavior of Gunshot Residue—A Review
Authors: Blakey Lauren S. , Sharples George P. , Chana Kal , Birkett Jason W.
Published: May 2017

A review of the literature concerning the fate and behavior of gunshot residue (GSR) is presented. A number of concomitant parameters including firearm and ammunition type, plume and GSR material characteristics, travel distances, chemical composition and GSR morphology are critically discussed in relation to their effects on the distribution and deposition, transfer and persistence processes of GSR. The underlying mechanisms associated with such processes are also considered. Knowledge of these processes on GSR materials could provide valuable information concerning scene preservation and subsequent forensic sampling. The number of GSR particles deposited can vary significantly with each firearm discharge, highlighting the potential to produce distinctive data in each individual case. With the continual development and compositional changes of new ammunition types, further evaluation of the effect these processes may have on GSR evidence and their possible influence on the interpretation of the analytical results should be given due consideration.
Ganglioside GM3 content in skeletal muscles is increased in type 2 but decreased in type 1 diabetes rat models: Implications of glycosphingolipid metabolism in pathophysiology of diabetes
Authors: Bozic Josko , Markotic Anita , Cikes‐Culic Vedrana , Novak Anela , Borovac Josip A. , Vucemilovic Hrvoje , Trgo Gorana , Ticinovic Kurir Tina
Published: May 2017

Background

Ganglioside GM3 is found in the plasma membrane, where its accumulation attenuates insulin receptor signaling. Considering the role of skeletal muscles in insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake, the aim of the present study was to determine the expression of GM3 and its precursors in skeletal muscles of rat models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM, respectively).

Methods

Diabetes was induced in male Sprague‐Dawley rats by streptozotocin injection (55 mg/kg, i.p., for T1DM induction; 35 mg/kg, i.p., for T2DM induction), followed by feeding of rats with either a normal pellet diet (T1DM) or a high‐fat diet (T2DM). Rats were killed 2 weeks after diabetes induction and samples of skeletal muscle were collected. Frozen quadriceps muscle sections were stained with a primary antibody against GM3 (Neu5Ac) and visualized using a secondary antibody coupled with Texas Red. The muscle content of ganglioside GM3 and its precursors was analyzed by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) followed by GM3 immunostaining.

Results

Muscle GM3 content was significantly higher in T2DM compared with control rats (P < 0.001). Furthermore, levels of the GM3 precursors ceramide, glucosylceramide, and lactosylceramide were significantly higher in T2DM compared with control rats (P < 0.05), whereas ceramide content was significantly lower in T1DM rats (P < 0.05). The intensity of the GM3 band on HPTLC was significantly higher in T2DM rats (P < 0.001) and significantly lower in T1DM rats (P < 0.05) compared with control.

Conclusions

The expression patterns of GM3 ganglioside and its precursors in diabetic rats suggest that the role of glycosphingolipid metabolism may differ between T2DM and T1DM.
Assessment of factors determining an HbA1c concentration ≤7.5% in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Yamada Eijiro , Okada Shuichi , Nakajima Yasuyo , Bastie Claire , Tagaya Yuko , Osaki Aya , Shimoda Yoko , Shibusawa Ryo , Saito Tsugumichi , Ozawa Atsushi , Yamada Masanobu
Published: May 2017

Background

Establishing an optimal insulin regimen is crucial for maintaining glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of the present study was to determine the insulin dose required to achieve an HbA1c concentration ≤7.5% in Japanese patients with T1D.

Methods

The present multicenter cross‐sectional study was performed at three institutes in Japan. Information was collected regarding patient age, sex, body weight, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, total daily insulin dose (TDD), and total basal insulin dose (TBD), and the effects of these factors on achieving HbA1c ≤7.5% were investigated.

Results

Of 107 patients with T1D, 92 had no detectable endogenous insulin secretion: 39 had HbA1c ≤7.5% (well‐controlled group) and 53 had HbA1c >7.5% (poorly controlled group). No significant differences in age, sex, height, body weight, BMI, diabetes duration, stage of diabetic kidney disease, treatment, or TDD were noted between the poorly and well‐controlled groups. The TBD as a percentage of TDD (%TBD) was lower in patients with well‐controlled diabetes (
P
< 0.05) after adjustment for age, gender, and diabetes duration. In the well‐controlled group, TDD was correlated with body weight (
R
= 0.51), BMI (
R
= 0.44), body surface area (
R
= 0.41), and TBD (
R
= 0.73;
P
< 0.01 for all), but TBD was not correlated with BMI or body surface area. In our population, a %TBD of approximately 30% was appropriate, without considering BMI.

Conclusions

To achieve HbA1c ≤7.5 in patients with T1D, TDD should be calculated based on body weight, and the %TBD should be set at 30% in the Japanese population.
Interferon induced transmembrane protein 3 regulates the growth and invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Dong , Wang Huimin , He Huijie , Niu Haiying , Li Yu
Published: May 2017

Background

Interferon induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) plays an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of multiple cancers. This study investigated the expression and function of IFITM3 in human lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Fifty human lung adenocarcinoma tissues were collected. IFITM3 expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The clinicopathologic characteristics of all patients were analyzed.

Results

IFITM3 was mainly detected in the cytoplasm of advanced cancer tissues and its expression was correlated with tumor malignancy grade. Knockdown of IFITM3 in vitro markedly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Conclusion

IFITM3 represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
Nursing Diagnosis Risk for Delayed Surgical Recovery (00246): Concept Clarification and Definition of Empirical Referents
Authors: Rembold Simone Martins , Santana Rosimere Ferreira , de Souza Priscilla Alfradique , Schwartz Sócrates Miranda de Oliveira Xavier
Published: May 2017

PURPOSE

To clarify the concept of risk for delayed surgical recovery (00246) and to define the empirical referents for identification of predictive factors of delay in recovery.

METHOD

A concept analysis was developed based on the eight steps proposed by Walker and Avant.

RESULTS

Defining attributes were determined and antecedents and consequents identified. Cases were proposed cases and empirical referents established.

CONCLUSION

The results provided evidences and instrumentalize empirical referents, which may support an accurate nursing diagnosis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This clarification may contribute to the return to daily activities in a shortest time and promote surgical safety of the patient.

OBJETIVOS

Clarificar o conceito de risco de recuperação cirúrgica retardada (00246) e definir as referências empíricas para a identificação dos fatores preditores de atraso na recuperação.

MÉTODO

Foi desenvolvida a análise de conceito desse fenômeno, com base nas oito etapas propostas por Walker e Avant.

RESULTADOS

Foram determinados os atributos definidores e identificados seus antecedentes e consequentes. Foram propostos casos e estabelecidas as referências empíricas.

CONCLUSÕES

Os resultados proporcionaram evidências e instrumentalização das referências empíricas, o que pode auxiliar na acurácia do diagnóstico de enfermagem.

IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA DE ENFERMAGEM

Esta clarificação poderá contribuir para o retorno do paciente às atividades diárias em um tempo mais curto e promoção da segurança cirúrgica.
Norepinephrine reduces arterial compliance less than phenylephrine when treating general anesthesia‐induced arterial hypotension
Authors: Vallée F. , Passouant O. , Le Gall A. , Joachim J. , Mateo J. , Mebazaa A. , Gayat E.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

During general anesthesia, arterial hypotension is frequent and may be an important contributor to perioperative morbidity. We assessed the effect of a 5 μg bolus of Norepinephrine (NA) when compared with 50 μg bolus of Phenylephrine (PE) administered to treat hypotension during maintenance anesthesia, on MAP, derived cardiac output and arterial stiffness parameters.

Methods

Patients scheduled for a neurosurgical procedure under general anesthesia were prospectively included. Monitoring included invasive blood pressure, esophageal Doppler, and arterial tonometer used to estimate central aortic pressure with arterial stiffness parameters, such as augmentation index (Aix). After initial resuscitation, hypotensive episodes were corrected by a bolus administration of NA or PE in a peripheral venous line.

Results

There were 269 bolus administrations of vasopressors (149 NA, 120 PE) in 47 patients with no adverse effects detected. A decrease in stroke volume (SV) was observed with PE compared with NA (−18 ± 9% vs. −14 ± 7%, P < 0.001). This decrease was associated with an increase in Aix, which was greater for PE than for NA (+10 ± 8% vs. +6 ± 6%, P < 0.0001), and a decrease in total arterial compliance greater for PE compared to NA (Ctot = SV/Central Pulse Pressure) (−35 ± 9% vs. −29 ± 10%, P < 0.001).

Discussion

This study suggests that 5 μg of NA administered as a bolus in a peripheral venous line could treat general anesthesia‐induced arterial hypotension with a smaller decrease in SV and arterial compliance when compared to PE.
Estimations of linkage disequilibrium, effective population size and ROH‐based inbreeding coefficients in Spanish Churra sheep using imputed high‐density SNP genotypes
Authors: Chitneedi P. K. , Arranz J. J. , Suarez‐Vega A. , García‐Gámez E. , Gutiérrez‐Gil B.
Published: May 2017

In this study, the availability of the Ovine HD SNP BeadChip (HD‐chip) and the development of an imputation strategy provided an opportunity to further investigate the extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD) at short distances in the genome of the Spanish Churra dairy sheep breed. A population of 1686 animals, including 16 rams and their half‐sib daughters, previously genotyped for the 50K‐chip, was imputed to the HD‐chip density based on a reference population of 335 individuals. After assessing the imputation accuracy for beagle v4.0 (0.922) and fimpute v2.2 (0.921) using a cross‐validation approach, the imputed HD‐chip genotypes obtained with beagle were used to update the estimates of LD and effective population size for the studied population. The imputed genotypes were also used to assess the degree of homozygosity by calculating runs of homozygosity and to obtain genomic‐based inbreeding coefficients. The updated LD estimations provided evidence that the extent of LD in Churra sheep is even shorter than that reported based on the 50K‐chip and is one of the shortest extents compared with other sheep breeds. Through different comparisons we have also assessed the impact of imputation on LD and effective population size estimates. The inbreeding coefficient, considering the total length of the run of homozygosity, showed an average estimate (0.0404) lower than the critical level. Overall, the improved accuracy of the updated LD estimates suggests that the HD‐chip, combined with an imputation strategy, offers a powerful tool that will increase the opportunities to identify genuine marker‐phenotype associations and to successfully implement genomic selection in Churra sheep.