bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Exposure to Underserved Patients and Its Impact on Initial Employment Decisions Regarding Physician Assistants
Authors: Feldman Corinne T. , Morici Bobbie , Goodrich Samantha
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study explored the impact of early, repetitive, and required participation in a homeless shelter–based, student-run free clinic (SRC) on career choice in primary care, underserved medicine, and future volunteerism in physician assistants (PAs). The investigators hypothesized that students required to participate in the SRC would be more likely to select a career in primary care, be providers to underserved populations, and to volunteer.

Methods

A 30-question online survey, which included open- and closed-ended questions, was administered to alumni of the DeSales University PA program from January 2015 to April 2015. Alumni who had and had not been exposed to the SRC were included in the sample.

Results

Completed surveys were obtained from 43 graduates who attended the university before the opening of the SRC and from 114 graduates who were required to participate in the SRC, for an overall response rate of 31.2%. Graduates who were exposed to the SRC were significantly more likely to have an initial and current career in primary care. Furthermore, alumni who had worked in the SRC were more likely to report that they believed their DeSales University experience influenced their decision to enter primary care as compared to those who did not have exposure to the SRC.

Conclusion

This study provides initial evidence that early, repetitive, and required exposure to a student-run free clinic impacts graduates' decisions on career choice and volunteerism. The structure of this particular clinic and its location in a homeless shelter may have provided an opportunity for students to explore how social determinants affect health in an underserved population.
Effect of Institutional Case Volume on In-hospital Mortality After Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Analysis of 7073 Cases Between 2007 and 2016 in Korea
Authors: Yoo Seokha , Jang Eun Jin , Yi Nam-Joon , Kim Ga Hee , Kim Dal Ho , Lee Hannah , Jung Chul-Woo , Ryu Ho Geol
Published: August 2018

Background.

The relationship between institutional case volume and clinical outcomes after living donor liver transplantation is not clarified.

Methods.

We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using the database of Korean National Healthcare Insurance Service. Between January 2007 and December 2016, 7073 adult living donor liver transplantations were performed at 50 centers in Korea. Centers were categorized according to the average annual number of liver transplantations: >50, 10 to 50, and <10.

Results.

In-hospital mortality rates in the high-, medium-, and low-volume centers were 2.8%, 4.1%, and 6.7%, respectively. After adjustment, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in low-volume centers (adjusted odds ratio, 2.287; 95% confidence interval, 1.471-3.557; P < 0.001) and medium-volume centers (adjusted odds ratio, 1.676; 95% confidence interval, 1.089-2.578; P = 0.019) compared with high-volume centers. Long-term survival for up to 9 years was better, and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were shorter in high-volume centers.

Conclusions.

Centers with higher case volume (>50 liver transplantations/year) had better outcomes after living donor liver transplantation, including in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality compared with centers with lower case volume (≤50 liver transplantations/year).
A survey of influenza subtypes in olive baboons in selected areas in Kenya
Authors: Bunuma Emmanuel Kulwa , Ochola Lucy , Nyerere Andrew K
Published: August 2018

3.

Background

Worldwide infections with influenza A viruses are associated with substantial illness and death among mammals and birds, in humans it accounts for 250,000-500,000 deaths per year its continuous mutation in different hosts poses a threat that can result in the emergence of a novel virus with an ability to cause a widespread pandemic. Surveillance of Influenza A viral genome from diverse hosts and subtyping is critical in understanding of the antigenic shift and drift of the influenza virus especially in hosts that are closely related to human beings like the Non-Human Primates (NHPs),pigs and birds. This study therefore identified the influenza subtypes circulating in Papio anubis (Olive baboons) at the interface of human and NHPs in Kenya.

Methods

Fifty nasal swabs samples were collected from baboons from the colony at the Institute of Primate Research (IPR), these animals were originally collected from Olorbototo, Yatta, Aberdares, Movoloni and Laikipia. The nasal swabs were collected in viral transport media using sterile dacron swabs and stored at −80°C. In this study, samples were screened initially using real time RT-PCR-CDC protocol for influenza A virus detection that targets the matrix gene and twenty five were found to be positive.

Results

The proportion positive were as follows, Olorbototo (75%), Ngurumani (44%) Aberdares (43%), Mavoloni (37.5%), Yatta (14%), and Laikipia (9%). These samples were taken through conventional PCR to amplify the haemagglutinin, neuraminidase and the matrix genes and eight samples were successfully amplified and later sequenced through 24-capillaries ABI 3500 XL Genetic Analyzer.Upon BLAST of these sequences, influenza subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 were detected. It was observed that the subtypes in baboons were as follows Olorbototo H1N1,Yatta H3N2, Aberdares H3N2, Mavoloni H1N1, Ngurumani H1N1 and Laikipia H1N1.Upon further analysis, the influenza positive Olive baboons were found to have been reared in the colony at at IPR colony for between 1-2 years and were in close contact with personnel.

Coclusion

Given the presence of H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes in baboons suggests that baboons can be naturally infected with seasonal endemic human influenza viruses, avian emerging pandemic or pandemic swine flu origin.
Neuronal distribution across the cerebral cortex of the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Atapour Nafiseh , Majka Piotr , Wolkowicz Ianina H. , Malamanova Daria , Worthy Katrina H. , Rosa Marcello G.P.
Published: August 2018

Using stereological analysis of NeuN-stained sections, we investigated neuronal density and number of neurons per column throughout the marmoset cortex. Estimates of mean neuronal density encompassed a greater than threefold range, from >150,000 neurons/ mm3in the primary visual cortex to ~50,000 neurons/ mm3in the piriform complex. There was a trend for density to decrease from posterior to anterior cortex, but also local gradients, which resulted in a complex pattern; for example, in frontal, auditory and somatosensory cortex neuronal density tended to increase towards anterior areas. Anterior cingulate, motor, premotor, insular and ventral temporal areas were characterized by relatively low neuronal densities. Analysis across the depth of the cortex revealed greater laminar variation of neuronal density in occipital, parietal and inferior temporal areas, in comparison with other regions. Moreover, differences between areas were more pronounced in the supragranular layers than in infragranular layers. Calculations of the number of neurons per unit column revealed a pattern that was distinct from that of neuronal density, including local peaks in the posterior parietal, superior temporal, precuneate, frontopolar and temporopolar regions. These results suggest that neuronal distribution in adult cortex result from a complex interaction of developmental/ evolutionary determinants and functional requirements.
GT-TS: Experimental design for maximizing cell type discovery in single-cell data
Authors: Dumitrascu Bianca , Feng Karen , Engelhardt Barbara E
Published: August 2018

We present the Good-Toulmin like estimator via Thompson sampling, a computational method for iterative experimental design in multi-tissue single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data. Given a budget and modeling cell type information across tissues, GT-TS estimates how many cells are required for sampling from each tissue with the goal of maximizing cell type discovery across samples from multiple iterations. In both real and simulated data, we demonstrate the advantages of GT-TS in data collection planning when compared to a random strategy in the absence of experimental design.
Featherweight long read alignment using partitioned reference indexes
Authors: Gamaarachchi Hasindu , Parameswaran Sri , Smith Martin A.
Published: August 2018

The advent of nanopore sequencing has realised portable genomic research and applications. However, state of the art long read aligners and large reference genomes are not compatible with most mobile computing devices due to their high memory requirements. We show how memory requirements can be reduced through parameter optimization and reference genome partitioning, but highlight the associated limitations and caveats of these approaches. We then demonstrate how these issues can be overcome through an appropriate merging technique. We extend the Minimap2 aligner and demonstrate that long read alignment to the human genome can be performed on a system with 2GB RAM with negligible impact on accuracy.
EGFR confers exquisite specificity of Wnt9a-Fzd9b signaling in hematopoietic stem cell development
Authors: Grainger Stephanie , Nguyen Nicole , Richter Jenna , Setayesh Jordan , Lonquich Brianna , Oon Chet Huan , Wozniak Jacob M. , Barahona Rocio , Kamei Caramai N. , Houston Jack , Carrillo-Terrazas Marvic , Drummond Iain A. , Gonzalez David , Willert Karl , Traver David
Published: August 2018

The mechanisms of Wnt-Frizzled (Fzd) signaling selectivity and their biological implications remain unclear. We demonstrate for the first time that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is required as a co-factor for Wnt signaling. Using genetic studies in zebrafish, paired within vitrocell biology and biochemistry, we have determined that Fzd9b signals specifically with Wnt9ain vivoandin vitroto elicit β-catenin dependent Wnt signals that regulate hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) development in the dorsal aorta. This requirement is conserved in the derivation of HSPCs from human embryonic stem cells. Wnt9a-Fzd9b specificity requires two intracellular domains in Fzd9b, which interact with EGFR as a required co-factor to promote signal transduction. EGFR phosphorylates one tyrosine residue on Fzd9b, a requirement for the Wnt signal. These findings indicate that Wnt signaling interactions can be exquisitely specific and inform protocols for derivation of HSPCsin vitro.

Highlights

Anin vitrosignaling screen identifies Fzd9b as a Wnt9a-specific receptor.

Fzd9b and Wnt9a regulate hematopoietic stem cell development as a cognate pair.

WNT9A and FZD9 are required for HSPC derivation from human pluripotent cellsin vitro.

EGFR confers specificity to Wnt9a-Fzd9b signaling in zebrafish and human cells.
Predicting cell-cycle expressed genes identifies canonical and non-canonical regulators of time-specific expression inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Panchy Nicholas L , Lloyd John P. , Shiu Shin-Han
Published: August 2018

The collection all TFs, target genes and their interactions in an organism form a gene regulatory network (GRN), which underly complex patterns of transcription even in unicellular species. However, identifying which interactions regulate expression in a specific temporal context remains a challenging task. With multiple experimental and computational approaches to characterize GRNs, we predicted general and phase-specific cell-cycle expression inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeusing four regulatory data sets: chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), TF deletion data (Deletion), protein binding microarrays (PBMs), and position weight matrices (PWMs). Our results indicate that the source of regulatory interaction information significantly impacts our ability to predict cell-cycle expression where the best model was constructed by combining selected TF features from ChIP and Deletion data as well as TF-TF interaction features in the form of feed-forward loops. The TFs that were the best predictors of cell-cycle expression were enriched for known cell-cycle regulators but also include regulators not implicated in cell-cycle regulation previously. In addition, ChIP and Deletion datasets led to the identification different subsets of TFs important for predicting cell-cycle expression. Finally, analysis of important TF-TF interaction features suggests that the GRN regulating cell cycle expression is highly interconnected and clustered around four groups of genes, two of which represent known cell-cycle regulatory complexes, while the other two contain TFs that are not known cell-cycle regulators (Ste12-Tex1 and Rap1-Hap1-Msn4), but are nonetheless important to regulating the timing of expression. Thus, not only do our models accurately reflect what is known about the regulation of theS. cerevisiaecell cycle, they can be used to discover regulatory factors which play a role in controlling expression during the cell cycle as well as other contexts with discrete temporal patterns of expression.
Zika viruses of both African and Asian lineages cause fetal harm in a vertical transmission model
Authors: Jaeger Anna S. , Murreita Reyes A. , Goren Lea R. , Crooks Chelsea M. , Moriarty Ryan V. , Weiler Andrea M. , Rybarczyk Sierra , Semler Matthew R. , Huffman Christopher , Mejia Andres , Simmons Heather A. , Fritsch Michael , Osorio Jorge E. , O’Connor Shelby L. , Ebel Gregory D. , Friedrich Thomas C. , Aliota Matthew T.
Published: August 2018

Congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was first linked to birth defects during the American outbreak 1–3. It has been proposed that mutations unique to the Asian/American-genotype explain, at least in part, the ability of Asian/American ZIKV to cause congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) 4,5. Recent studies identified mutations in ZIKV infecting humans that arose coincident with the outbreak in French Polynesia and were stably maintained during subsequent spread to the Americas 5. Here we show that African ZIKV can infect and harm fetuses and that the S139N mutation that has been associated with the American outbreak is not essential for fetal harm. Our findings, in a vertical transmission mouse model, suggest that ZIKV will remain a threat to pregnant women for the foreseeable future, including in Africa, southeast Asia, and the Americas. Additional research is needed to better understand the risks associated with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, both in areas where the virus is newly endemic and where it has been circulating for decades.
Cortex-wide neural interfacing via transparent polymer skulls
Authors: Ghanbari Leila , Carter Russell E. , Rynes Matthew L. , Dominguez Judith , Chen Gang , Naik Anant , Hu Jia , Kader Sagar Md Abdul , Haltom Lenora , Mossazghi Nahom , Gray Madelyn M. , West Sarah L. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Ebner Timothy J. , Kodandaramaiah Suhasa B.
Published: August 2018

Neural computations occurring simultaneously in multiple cerebral cortical regions are critical for mediating cognition, perception and sensorimotor behaviors. Enormous progress has been made in understanding how neural activity in specific cortical regions contributes to behavior. However, there is a lack of tools that allow simultaneous monitoring and perturbing neural activity from multiple cortical regions. To fill this need, we have engineered “See-Shells” – digitally designed, morphologically realistic, transparent polymer skulls that allow long-term (>200 days) optical access to 45 mm2 of the dorsal cerebral cortex in the mouse. We demonstrate the ability to perform mesoscopic imaging, as well as cellular and subcellular resolution two-photon imaging of neural structures up to 600 µm through the See-Shells. See-Shells implanted on transgenic mice expressing genetically encoded calcium (Ca2+) indicators allow tracking of neural activities from multiple, non-contiguous regions spread across millimeters of the cortex. Further, neural probes can access the brain through perforated See-Shells, either for perturbing or recording neural activity from localized brain regions simultaneously with whole cortex imaging. As See-Shells can be constructed using readily available desktop fabrication tools and modified to fit a range of skull geometries, they provide a powerful tool for investigating brain structure and function.
Hybrid solutions obtained via integral transforms for magnetohydrodynamic flow with heat transfer in parallel-plate channels
Authors: Pontes Fabio Andrade , Macêdo Emanuel Negrão , Batista Clauderino da Silva , Lima João Alves de , Quaresma João Nazareno Nonato
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to show the procedure, application and main features of the hybrid numerical-analytical approach known as generalized integral transform technique by using it to study magnetohydrodynamic flow of electrically conductive Newtonian fluids inside flat parallel-plate channels subjected to a uniform and constant external magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical formulation of the analyzed problem is given in terms of a streamfunction, obtained from the Navier–Stokes and energy equations, by considering steady state laminar and incompressible flow and constant physical properties.

Findings

Convergence analyses are performed and presented to illustrate the consistency of the integral transformation technique. The results for the velocity and temperature fields are generated and compared with those in the literature as a function of the main governing parameters.

Originality/value

A detailed analysis of the parametric sensibility of the main dimensionless parameters, such as the Reynolds number, Hartmann number, Eckert number, Prandtl number and electrical parameter, for some typical situations is performed.
Re-imagining mentoring as a dynamic hub in the transformation of initial teacher education
Authors: Lofthouse Rachel M.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Teacher education in many countries is under reform with growing differences in its form and function. This is indicative of the ongoing negotiations around the place of theory, research and practice in teachers’ professional learning. However, the demand for mentoring of trainee teachers during often extended and multiple school-based placements is a relative constant. Indeed, with the trend towards greater school-based professional experience mentoring practices become ever more critical. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper written from the perspective of an experienced teacher educator in England, drawing on both practical experience and a body of associated research. It can be conceptualised as related to cases of practice, linked to episodes of practitioner research grounded in the ethics of the improvability of practice, the desire to meet the needs of the professional communities and a deep understanding of the demands and cultures of their workplaces.

Findings

Mentoring can be re-imagined as a dynamic hub within a practice development-led model for individual professional learning and institutional growth. Acting on this conceptualisation would allow mentors, trainees and other supporting teacher educators to contribute to the transformation of professional learning practices and educational contexts.

Originality/value

This paper goes beyond offering merely helpful guidance to participants and stakeholders in mentoring, or stipulating standards to be achieved, to considering what might be described as a hopeful or transformational stance in relation to mentoring. Teacher educators can continue to bring value to the transformation of teacher education through a focus on mentoring as an educative process.
Store attributes, relationship investment, culture, religiosity and relationship quality
Authors: Deb Madhurima
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of store-level attributes, relationship investment, culture and religiosity on relationship quality.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain the above objective, data were collected from 350 customers from India and Nigeria. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS.

Findings

In the present study, empirical evidence was found for the impact of most of the store’s positioning attributes on perceived relationship investment and relationship quality, in India and Nigeria. Factors like personalization and their impact on relationship investment and quality were not supported in Nigeria. Additionally, religiosity was found to impact relationship quality only in case of Nigerian customers. Cultural differences were also found between consumers of both these countries.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the theory of consumer behavior and cross-cultural studies by examining the effect of the relationship between various cultural dimensions and religiosity on customer’s commitment with a store, which to the author’s best knowledge is not done before. The present study makes important contribution to the existing literature of relationship quality in three ways: first, by specifying important store-level attributes that impact customer’s perception about relationship investment. By applying these practices, retailers can guide customer’s perception of relationship investment, second, this study confirmed the impact of relationship investment on relationship quality, thus demonstrating the retailers as to why should they invest time and effort in building positive perception about relationship investment, third, this study is first of its kind to have investigated the impact of culture and religiosity on the perception of relationship investment and relationship quality.
Dynamics of unidimensional and multidimensional inequality in Pakistan
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Waqas , Zahid Junaid , Ahad Muhammad , Shah Aadil Hameed , Ashfaq Fakhra
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the unidimensional and multidimensional inequality in the case of Pakistan and compare their results at the provincial as well as regional (urban and rural areas) level. The authors collected data from Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement and Household Integrated Economic Survey for fiscal years of 1998–1999 and 2013–2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used Gini coefficient for unidimensional inequality and multidimensional indexing approach of Araar (2009) for multidimensional inequality.

Findings

The findings predicted that unidimensional inequality is relatively high in the urban area due to uneven dissemination of income, but multidimensional inequality is quite high in rural areas because of higher disparities among all dimensions. At the provincial level, Punjab has relatively high-income inequality followed by Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering effort to compare two time periods to explore unidimensional and multidimensional inequality in all provinces of Pakistan and their representative rural-urban regions by applying Araar and Duclos’s (2009) approach. Further, this study opens some new insights for policy makers.
A Rasch analysis of the community’s preference for different attributes of Islamic banks in Indonesia
Authors: Setiawan Budi , Panduwangi Morita , Sumintono Bambang
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the degree to which the different attributes of Islamic banks in Indonesia are preferred by the community.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a quantitative approach by applying Rasch analysis to measure the relative importance of 18 attributes of Islamic banks to the community. The data were collected by questionnaires, which were distributed online and completed by 345 respondents. In addition to the Rasch model, the preference of attributes was measured by a statistical inference test, using “SPSS” software, which employs binary logic regression related to the agreement between the performance of attributes and expectations.

Findings

The instrument used in this study showed good reliability, and its validity fits the expected model. The results show that the assurance of financial security, friendliness and the application of Islamic principles in their operations are the most important attributes to be considered when people choose an Islamic bank. The degree of importance placed by the community on the various attributes of Islamic banks will have an effect upon the actual and perceived quality of those attributes. An increase in the community’s preference for a particular attribute will eventually be followed by an increased agreement between the actual performance of that attribute and the community’s expectation.

Research limitations/implications

The varied profiles of individual respondents were not explored fully: this research relies solely on quantitative analysis. So, there is no empirical information to inform the Islamic banks as to which segments of the community should be the focus of their promotional activities.

Originality/value

The use of Rasch analysis to measure the community’s preference for various attributes of Islamic banks has not been done previously.
Did FDI increase wage inequality in transition economies?
Authors: Zulfiu Alili Merita , Adnett Nick
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The last two decades have been characterised by a rise in income and wage inequality in a wide range of countries, including European transition countries. The rise in globalisation is one major factor explaining this increasing wage inequality. International trade and FDI have increased significantly since the beginning of transition and the purpose of this paper is to focus on whether FDI plays an important role in explaining the pattern of wage inequality in selected transition countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-country empirical investigation has been conducted using two alternative measures of wage inequality: the Gini coefficient and the Theil index. Several model specifications and estimation strategies have been employed to obtain consistent estimates and to check for the robustness of the results.

Findings

The results indicate that a rising share of inward FDI in gross domestic product (GDP) increased wage inequality in transition economies, though its overall effect was relatively small. Considering the long run, there is no clear evidence of a concave relationship between FDI and wage inequality, which may be a consequence of the relatively low levels of FDI in many transition countries.

Practical implications

Inwards FDI has made a small contribution to increasing wage inequality in European transition economies. However, its overall beneficial effects on labour markets in these countries suggest that rather than restricting FDI governments should target increasing the supply of skilled labour.

Originality/value

This new empirical evidence supports the hypothesis that an increased inward FDI stock as a share of GDP increases wage inequality in transition economies, however, this relationship is a complex one. Differences in average wages, wage differentials, employment shares of skilled workers and relative size of the foreign-owned sector are all likely to be important for the behaviour of wage inequality.
Islamic calendar and stock market behaviour in India
Authors: Munusamy Dharani
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavior of the stock market returns in the different days of the week and different months of the year in accordance with the Islamic calendar. Further, the study estimates the risk-adjusted returns to test the performance of the indices during the Ramadan and non-Ramadan days. Finally, the study investigates the impact of Ramadan on the returns and the volatility of the stock market indices in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the study applies the Ordinary Least Square method to test the day-of-the-week and the month-of-the-year effect of the common and Shariah indices. Next, the study employs the risk-adjusted measurement to examine the underperformance and over-performance of the indices for both the periods. Finally, the study estimates the GARCH (1,1) and GJR-GARCH (1,1) models to observe the impact of Ramadan on the returns and the volatility of the Shariah indices in India.

Findings

The study finds that an average return of the indices during the Ramadan days are higher than non-Ramadan days. Further, the average returns of the Shariah indices are significantly higher on Wednesday than other days of the week. In addition, the highest and significant mean returns and mean risk-adjusted returns of the indices during the Ramadan days are observed. Finally, the study finds an evidence of the Ramadan effect on the returns and volatility of the indices in India.

Originality/value

The study observes evidence that the Ramadan effect influences the Shariah indices, but not the common indices in the stock market of the non-Muslim countries. It indicates that the Ramadan creates the positive mood and emotions in the investors buying and selling activities. The study suggests that investors can buy the shares before Ramadan period and sell them during the Ramadan days to get an abnormal return in the emerging markets.
Analysis of influencing factors on oil film shear torque of hydro-viscous drive
Authors: Cui Hongwei , Lian Zisheng , Li Long , Wang Qiliang
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The hydro-viscous drive (HVD) has been widely used in fan transmission in vehicles, fans, and scraper conveyors for step-less speed regulating and soft starting. It is an efficient method to save energy and reduce consumption. This study aims to analyze the influencing factors of oil film shear torque accurately.

Design/methodology/approach

The shear torque calculation model of double arc oil groove friction pairs was established. The influence of groove structure parameters on shear torque was analyzed. The interaction between viscosity temperature and shear torque was considered. Meanwhile, the equivalent radius was calculated when the rupture of oil film appeared. Finally, the test rig of torque characteristics was set up. The variance of shear torque with the input rotation speed under different oil film thickness, different oil temperature, and different flow rate was seen.

Findings

The results show that the shear torque increases with the growth of rotation speed. However, the increase of torque is quite gradual because of the effect of the change of viscosity, which is caused by the rise of temperature. The shear torque increases with the decrease of thickness, the increase of inlet flow rate, and the decrease of inlet oil temperature. Meanwhile, when the feeding flow rate is less than the theoretical, the oil film gets ruptured and the shear torque decreases sharply.

Originality/value

The influence on shear torque during full film shear stage in HVD can be achieved much more accurately through both experimental research and theoretical modeling in which groove parameters, influence of temperature, and oil film rupture are considered. Therefore, the shear torque of HVD can be predicted by theoretical model and experimental research in full film shear stage.
Prediction and assessment of working conditions of TiAl matrix composite containing MoO3 tabular crystals based on Newton interpolation
Authors: Lu Guanchen , Shi Xiaoliang , Zhang Ao , Huang Yuchun , Liu Xiyao
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to predict and evaluate the wear rate of TiAl-2 Wt.% MoO3 tabular crystals (TMCs) using the Newton interpolation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The friction and wear behaviors of TMC were examined using pin-on-disc apparatus at different times, namely, 1,200, 2,400, 3,600, 4,800 and 6,000 s. The wear rates of five different times as interpolation nodes were measured and calculated by electron probe microanalysis (EMPA) and field emission electron microscope (FESEM). Then, the prediction formula of wear rate was constructed using the Newton interpolation method. The accuracy of the prediction formula and the relationship with friction layer and worn surface are verified for evaluating the reliability of the prediction formula.

Findings

The prediction formula shows a similar variation trend of TMC as the experimental results, indicating that the prediction formula can forecast the wear rate and working condition of TMC. Moreover, the microstructures of friction layer and worn surface also have a strong impact on the prediction formulas.

Originality/value

The prediction formulas of the Newton interpolation polynomial can be adopted to predict working longevity in the mechanical components, which can guide the practical engineering application in industrial fields.
Interpersonal and inter-organizational relationship drivers of supply chain integration
Authors: Wang Bill , Kang Yuanfei , Childerhouse Paul , Huo Baofeng
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how interpersonal relationships (IPRs) and inter-organisational relationships (IORs) interact with each other as driving forces of supply chain integration (SCI). More specifically (the) three dimensions of IPR – personal affection, personal credibility, and personal communication – are examined in regards to how they affect inter-organisational relationships during SCI.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed an exploratory multiple case study approach with four New Zealand case companies selected as the empirical basis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of managerial executives in relation to supply chain activities, which were triangulated with company archival data.

Findings

The authors found that IPRs are able to interact with IORs to influence the integration of supply chains. More specifically, IPRs influence IORs by initiating organisational relationships in the SCI context; and influences from IPR dimensions on IORs tend to be of differing magnitudes and have different evolutional paths across the whole SCI process.

Originality/value

This research contributes to knowledge about the roles and mechanisms through which IPRs shape and enable inter-organisational level relationships within the SCI context.
A fuzzy-based House of Risk assessment method for manufacturers in global supply chains
Authors: Ma Hoi-Lam , Wong Wai-Hung Collin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Risk management is crucial for all organizations, especially those in the global supply chain network. Failure may result in huge economic loses and damage to company reputation. Risk assessment usually involves quantitative and qualitative decisions. The purpose of this paper is to apply fuzzy logic to capture and inference qualitative decisions made in the House of Risk (HOR) assessment method.

Design/methodology/approach

In the existing HOR model, aggregate risk potential (ARP) is calculated by the risk event times the risk agent value and its occurrence. However, these values are usually obtained from interviews, which may involve subjective decisions. To overcome this shortcoming, a fuzzy-based approach is proposed to calculate ARP instead of the current deterministic approach.

Findings

Risk analyses are conducted in five major categories of risk sources: internal, global environment, supplier, customer and third-party logistics provider. Moreover, each category is further divided into different sub-categories. The results indicate that the fuzzy-based HOR successfully inferences the inputs of the risk event, risk agents and its occurrence, and can prioritize the risk agents in order to take proactive decisions.

Practical implications

The proposed fuzzy-based HOR model can be used practically by manufacturers in the global supply chain. It provides a framework for decision makers to systematically analyze the potential risks in different categories.

Originality/value

The proposed fuzzy-based HOR approach improves the traditional approach by more precise modeling of the qualitative decision-making process. It contributes to a more accurate reflection of the real situation that manufacturers are facing.
Re-imagining turnaround: families and communities leading educational justice
Authors: Ishimaru Ann M.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of how minoritized families and communities contribute to equity-focused school change, not as individual consumers or beneficiaries, but as educational and community leaders working collectively to transform their schools.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study examines one poverty-impacted racially diverse high school in the US West and the changes that occurred over a seven-year period.

Findings

Minoritized families, community leaders and formal leaders leveraged conventional schooling structures – such as turnaround reforms, the International Baccalaureate program and the PTA – to disrupt the default institutional scripts of schools and drive equity-focused change for all students, particularly African-Americans from the neighborhood.

Research limitations/implications

Though one school, this case contributes insights about how families and communities can collaborate with systems actors to catalyze educational justice in gentrifying communities.

Practical implications

This study suggests strategies that families and communities used to reclaim school narratives, “infiltrate” conventional structures and reorient them toward equitable collaboration and educational justice.

Social implications

This study contributes to a body of critical scholarship on “turnaround” reform efforts in urban secondary schools and suggests ways to reshape decision making, leadership, parent engagement and student intervention to build collective agency.

Originality/value

This research raises provocative questions about the extent to which families and communities can use conventional structures and policies to pursue educational justice in the US public education. Learning from such efforts highlights strategies and practices that might begin to help us construct more decolonizing theories of change.
The formal-informal dilemma for women micro-entrepreneurs: evidence from Brazil
Authors: Marques Carla , Leal Carmem , Ferreira João , Ratten Vanessa
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The present study aims to identify women microentrepreneurs’ motivations that may influence the legalisation of their businesses and their capacity to reconcile the demands of family and work in a developing country (i.e. Brazil).

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data on women’s microentrepreneurial initiatives in three northern Brazil cities: Salvador da Bahia (Bahia), Fortaleza (Cear) and Belm (Par). Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse textual data from the 30 interviews. The content was standardised and subsequently analysed using NVivo and IBM’s Many Eyes data visualisation software.

Findings

The results suggest that these women opt for legalised individual entrepreneurship to access the benefits of formalising their businesses and to search for mechanisms that encourage a work–family balance. However, in the more rural city studied, women show greater resistance to, and more distrust of, the benefits of legalising their business, as opposed to women from the two more urban cities.

Practical implications

The results contribute to a better understanding of women’s motivations to legalise their microbusiness. In Brazil, the writing and passing of a law geared towards this type of entrepreneur (e.g. individual microentrepreneurs) has had a quite positive effect on the legalisation of businesses, in particular for women. However, this law has had a more positive effect in urban areas, which suggests that further dissemination is needed of the benefits of formalising microbusinesses in rural areas.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research that seeks to understand better entrepreneurial preferences (i.e. formal vs informal) and the role played by gender and legal, financial and family contexts.
Migration, diaspora and development: impressions from India
Authors: Singh Nishikant , Koiri Priyanka
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual overview of potential diasporic influence in India by Indian diaspora and to outline a wide spectrum of policy interventions for better utilisation of diasporic resources, which are under-exploited.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a systematic review approach to analyze the vast empirical and theoretical literature, up to 2016, and to assess the different kinds of impacts of diaspora on the homeland. A list of top-tier journals in the field of international migration, diaspora and ethnic entrepreneurship was compiled. From there, each and every paper was identified, examined, coded and classified into high-level themes. These were then reviewed, analyzed and interpreted.

Findings

Indian diasporic affair has undergone numerous changes since India’s independence. This study presents a conceptual framework on the role of migration and diaspora in the country of origin with a special focus on India and point out the possible directions for future studies.

Research limitations/implications

The systematic review approach has a qualitative nature, in which the relevant literature was interpreted based on the authors’ domain knowledge and expertise.

Practical implications

Academicians and policy practitioners can gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationships among the key influential factors in migration, diaspora and its developmental role in homeland, as presented in the conceptual framework in the study. Accordingly, policymakers will be able to develop effective strategies to leverage the positive impacts of diasporic role in India and the other South-Asian developing countries.

Originality/value

This systematic review synthesizes the findings reported in most recent publications and government reports and develops an integrated conceptual framework, anchoring on possible positive impacts of diaspora in homeland. This framework provides a visual diagram to practitioners for a better understanding of the relevant literature and assists researchers and policymakers in developing a new strategy for future diasporic affairs.
Stress and productivity in workers of textile companies
Authors: Ramos-Galarza Carlos , Acosta-Rodas Pamela
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between two psychological factors which are occupation stress and productivity, that influence workers immerse into textile production labor context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has a quantitative methodology, is cross-sectional, nonexperimental and with an explicative scope.

Findings

The results of this research allow to identify that occupational stress levels cause a negative impact on worker’s productivity in the textile production area.

Research limitations/implications

There are two limitations in this study, first is the participant’s subjectivity when filling the questionnaires because it was self-reported and the second limitation is that the sample is specifically from a city of a South American country.

Practical implications

The results of this investigation show as an evidence the need for psychological intervention within companies for occupational stress, because it will impact in a negative way the textile production of a company, which will guide future research making possible to develop and apply psychological treatment programs pro employee’s mental health.

Social implications

A textile company with low productivity will bring strong economic losses and even bankruptcy, although, thanks to this study it was possible to identify that occupational stress will have a negative impact in productivity, drawing an important based line to future research, looking to improve worker’s performance and hence, companies’ profits contributing to social economic processes.

Originality/value

In general, companies of textile industry (as many others from capitalist economic system), make substantial investments in technology instruments, specialized workers, machines’ maintenance and reparation, marketing, etc. to improve their production standards, however, there is a low investment on worker’s mental health, as it has been found in this study it generates a strong negative impact on its productivity.
Expatriated dual-career partners: hope and disillusionment
Authors: Kierner Agnieszka
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ hope theory to explain the psychological process underlying the dual-career couple (DCC) family unit, during the full cycle of international relocation.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study is based on in-depth interviews with 28 international dual-careerists. Hope theory is used to describe the evolution of their goals, pathways and agency thinking before, during, and after expatriation.

Findings

The study reveals that dual-career partners initially build goals, pathways, and agency to support family relocation to facilitate the expatriate’s career goals, but later the absence of self-career realization means hope can diminish and the partner’s career comes to drive the goals set for repatriation. Future assignments would be considered only if both partners can arrange relevant employment for themselves.

Practical implications

Companies should develop DCC support practices such as designing shorter assignments, ensuring that partners have work visas and support job seeking. Ideally, multinational corporations would employ the spouse in the DCC.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first to explore the evolution of the goals of DCCs during the entire expatriation process.
A community EQUIP treatment group
Authors: Tearle Shaw , Holt Rachel R.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

There is a pressing need to develop community forensic support for adults with intellectual disabilities and a high risk to others. Equipping youth to help one another (EQUIP) was developed for juvenile offenders in the USA and is used across Europe and North America. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate an adapted community model of EQUIP for men with intellectual disabilities and a history of sexual offending.

Design/methodology/approach

A case series design was used. The adapted EQUIP group ran for one session per week over ten months, with each participant accompanied by a support worker. Six men living in the community with intellectual disabilities and a history of sexual offending completed the programme.

Findings

Analysis of the results suggests that this adapted version of EQUIP produced similar results to the programme delivered in an inpatient setting. Participants’ reasoning and problem-solving abilities were improved post-intervention. Satisfaction levels from participant and their support workers were high. There was no evidence of recidivism during the ten months the group ran.

Research limitations/implications

The case series design utilised only allows the conclusion that the changes above occurred at the same time as the group. Further research is needed to ascertain whether it is likely that the intervention resulted in the changes.

Practical implications

There is a pressing need to develop the evidence base for interventions offered in the community to people with intellectual disabilities and a history of offending. This study provides some evidence that EQUIP can be adapted to suit this population.

Social implications

The availability of community interventions may, over time, decrease the need for detention in inpatient settings. This is in line with the transforming care agenda.

Originality/value

This is the first published research into use of EQUIP in the community with adult participants with intellectual disabilities.