bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are all signals equal? Investigating the differential effects of online signals on the sales performance of e-marketplace sellers
Authors: Li Huifang , Fang Yulin , Wang Youwei , Lim Kai H. , Liang Liang
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– In the competitive e-marketplace today, sellers are using an increasing number of signals to entice customers to make online purchases. However, how differential these signals are in terms of their capacity to improve sales performance has not yet been investigated. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on signaling theory and grounded in the context of China’s largest e-marketplace, Taobao, this study investigated the different effects of five commonly used signals on the sales performance of e-marketplace sellers.

Findings

– The authors find that warranty has the highest effect on sales performance, followed by overall rating, mean detailed seller rating, percent of positives, and web site quality.

Originality/value

– First, this study builds on signaling theory and contributes to the e-marketplace literature by providing new insights into how specific signals differentially affect sales performance in the e-marketplace (with evidence from a large-scale empirical analysis). Second, the study extends the applicability of signaling theory to the e-marketplace domain by incorporating distinctive features of the e-marketplace into the original signaling theory. Finally, the findings lend practical support to e-marketplace sellers’ investment decisions on signals and provide guidelines for deployment of such signals.
Competitive priorities and knowledge management
Authors: Hussain Matloub , Ajmal Mian M. , Khan Mehmood , Saber Hussein
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify attributes of knowledge management (KM) for large and small manufacturing companies in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to propose a process to evaluate the competitive priorities of these companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research is designed by composing multi criteria decision making of KM attributes in order to identify competitive priorities of large and small manufacturing companies to achieve better customer focus. To deal with this complexity of multi criteria decision-making process, Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) method has been used in this research.

Findings

– Results show that large manufacturing companies are putting more emphasis on “Know-Why” knowledge attribute in all four competitive priorities for achieving customer focus. While, small size manufacturing companies put higher weight on “Know-What” knowledge attribute by focussing on two competitive priorities (flexibility and quality).

Research limitations/implications

– Results are derived from a limited number of empirical data only in one country, therefore these cannot be generalized. Future research with larger samples of small and large manufacturing firms from other countries is needed.

Practical implications

– To be competitive, manufacturing companies must reshuffle their production strategies to allow them to play a role in global knowledge-intensive market. Therefore, they must incorporate knowledge attributes as a way to achieve higher levels of performance.

Originality/value

– This study is among the first and most exhaustive ones carried out in the small and large size firms operating in the manufacturing sector of UAE. It provides a systematic approach to identify the operational competencies and knowledge attributes being followed by large and small manufacturing companies.
Critical factors analysis and its ranking for implementation of GSCM in Indian dairy industry
Authors: Sharma Vijay Kumar , Chandana pankaj , Bhardwaj Arvind
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Sustainability in food sector is the need of the hour. It has been revealed that Green supply chain management (GSCM) is an emerging new and effective approach to improve the productivity, efficiency of any enterprises and to achieve sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to rank the key performance indicators which are responsible for implementation of GSCM in Indian dairy sector. Ranking is done by giving weightage to them based on survey reports. The study includes literature review, personal interviews and surveys using the detailed questionnaire. Since food processing industry, e.g. dairy industry is the major energy user and directly affecting the health of public is being chosen for implementing GSCM practices. The approach is to form an effective framework for successful implementation of GSCM in dairy sector. Grouping of key performance indicators has been done using factor analysis and thereafter Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method has been applied to determine the suitable framework based on relative importance of critical factors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The first step was to identify critical factors through extensive literature review, personal interviews, etc. The personal interviews has been carried out by contacting executives, managers, professionals of various dairy industries. Data has also been collected by interviewing auditors of ISO 14001 which was responsible for implementation of Environmental management system. Questionnaire used for collecting data has been formulated based on critical factors. It is also used to study minute details of the process being used in dairy industry. After collection of sufficient data SPSS is used for grouping of data through factor analysis. Thereafter AHP method has been used to identify the relative importance of these factors by ranking it which can be used by the managers in developing model/framework for implementing GSCM.

Findings

– The work aims to examine the critical factors of GSCM and its ranking so as to implement GSCM practices in dairy industry in Indian context. Detailed questionnaire based on 79 parameters has been used for survey in dairy industry in northern India. Grouping of these parameters has been done using factor analysis. The ranking of these identified critical factors has been used by using AHP which is used to see the relative importance of these eight factors. These ranked factors would be used by the managers of the dairy industry to implement GSCM. The work is limited to Indian dairy industry but it can be extended to other industry also after identification of critical factors.

Originality/value

– It is certified that this research work is original and has never been submitted or published in any journal.
Modelling and analysis of network design for a reverse supply chain
Authors: John Sajan T , Sridharan R
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for the design of a multi-stage reverse supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed-integer linear programming formulation is used to model the network. Different data sets are generated randomly. Lingo, an optimisation package is used to solve the model developed.

Findings

– The model is able to provide optimum solutions regarding the number and location of different facilities to be established in the network. The flow of different items through the network is also obtained. Analysis of the results shows the sensitivity of design decisions with respect to the changes in the input parameter value.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors consider only a single-product and single-period situation for this study. Further research can be done by considering a multi-product and multi-period situation. Uncertainty in data can also be included for future research.

Practical implications

– The developed model can aid the managers in taking optimum decisions regarding the network design of a reverse supply chain. The analysis of the model for the variations in the input parameter values can also help the decision makers to take better decisions in a reverse supply chain.

Originality/value

– The present research simultaneously considers two types of product return, namely, end-of-life and end-of-use product return, in a seven stage supply chain. Different recovery options such as recycling and remanufacturing are also incorporated into the model.
Modelling of critical factors for responsiveness in supply chain
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– In globalized economy, product life cycle is reducing continuously, customers demands are changing fast, and lead time for response is decreasing. In such scenario, ability of firms to quickly respond to changes in their external environment is a primary determinant of firm’s performance. This can be only possible when whole of the supply chain (SC) is responsive. For this, firms have to manage internal operations effectively to enable SC, responsive for market requirements. The purpose of this paper is to identify different factors for responsive SC.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on literature review, total 17 critical factors for the responsive SC have been identified. Some of these factors are process oriented and some are result oriented. To develop structural relationship among these factors from strategic perspective, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach has been applied.

Findings

– It is observed that top management commitment, strategy development, resource development, use of technology, risk and reward sharing are major drivers for responsive SC. By managing these enablers, organizations can also benefit in terms of inventory management, lead time reduction and agility.

Research limitations/implications

– ISM has got some limitations. Major limitation is that the relationships developed are subjective and there are chances of biasing. Therefore findings need to be validated with case studies and empirical findings.

Practical implications

– Top management should strive for effective use of resources and technology to improve SC capabilities to meet market changes.

Originality/value

– This study develops structural relationships between different factors and it will help organizations in taking initiatives for improving responsiveness.
Improving to Smart Organization
Authors: Khan Urfi , Haleem Abid
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on studying the concept of “Smart Organization” and providing a comprehensive framework for the various factors as barriers for the smart organization, identifying and classifying the key criterion of these factors based on their direct and indirect relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper an extensive literature survey and experts’ opinion have been used to identify major barriers of smart organization. These barriers are then modeled using interpretative structural modeling (ISM) methodology. The model so developed has been further improved and an integrated model has been developed using fuzzy-MICMAC.

Findings

– Various barriers of smart organization have been identified and a structural model has been developed for barriers using the ISM methodology. The critical barriers have been found out by fuzzy-MICMAC analysis. The driver power and dependence graph has been plotted for barriers. The barriers are classified into four categories which are, autonomous, linkage, dependent and independent according to their driver power and dependence. From the ISM model and the integrated model, and from further discussions with the experts, it has been found that the barriers “(B1) organizational structure” and “(B6) Managerial actions” are the two most important barriers, every other barrier is directly or indirectly driven by these.

Research limitations/implications

– The basis of developing the ISM model, i.e, the structural self-interaction matrix is based on experts’ opinion, therefore the result may get influenced if there is any biasing in judging the barriers. The future research scope for this paper will be to test the model generated in this paper. The testing of the model can be done by applying structural equation modeling technique, it has the capability of testing the hypothetical model. Further a framework of smart organizations can be created to find out the smartness of different organizations.

Practical implications

– The paper can be used by organizations in understanding the barriers in becoming “smart” on the basis of their inter-relationships. This model can help manufacturing organization of North India in understanding the barriers which needs to be worked upon and the inter-relationship among these factors. This model-based study may be helpful in understanding and implementing the practices of smart organization by removing the possible critical barriers.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to identify the barriers of smart organizations and to develop a model of these barriers using ISM and fuzzy-MICMAC.
What drives tail risk in aggregate European equity markets?
Authors: Kinateder Harald
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to analyse the drivers of changes in European equity tail risk.

Design/methodology/approach

– For this purpose, the paper uses a panel data model with fixed effects based on five explanatory variables including the VIX, the variance risk premium (VRP), the one-year lagged slope of the riskless term-structure, the default spread and market-specific illiquidity via the measure of Bao et al. (2011). The study analyses a comprehensive database of representative European equity indices from February 2003 to December 2013. The database just contains markets of euro member states to avoid biases due to different currencies. To measure equity tail risk, the ex post realized value-at-risk was used.

Findings

– There is empirical evidence that the VIX, the VRP and the default spread are key determinants of equity tail risk changes across all markets. Moreover, the results reveal that market-specific illiquidity is an important determinant in PIIGS markets and the one-year lagged term-structure slope in core markets. The analysis also documents that market-specific risk premia are a relevant determinant of equity tail risk changes. Another finding is that risk premia in PIIGS markets are basically higher as in core markets, which reflect the higher risk involved in investing in PIIGS markets.

Originality/value

– The paper offers a unique perspective on equity tail risk in aggregate equity markets and helps both investors and risk managers to get a comprehensive understanding of relevant drivers.
The dynamics of risk premium: the case of the Taiwan real estate market
Authors: Vishwakarma Vijay Kumar
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the risk premium for investors in a changing information environment in the Taiwan, New York and London real estate markets from March 2006 to November 2014. This study attempts to quantify behavioral expectations regarding (or motivation for) investment in the Taiwanese real estate in a changing information environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses the rolling generalised autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic in mean (GARCH-M) methodology which fixes the problem of conventional GARCH-M methodology.

Findings

– Empirical evidence suggests that the time-varying risk premium changed for the Taiwan real estate market with a new information set. The risk premium changed from 1.305 per cent per month to −7.232 per cent per month. The study also found persistent volatility shocks from March 2006 to November 2014. No such evidence was found for the New York and London real estate markets. Overall, this study finds evidence of a time-varying risk premium, partly explainable by governmental policies and partly unexplainable.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of the index of Standard and Poor’s Taiwan Real Estate Investment Trusts to study the Taiwan real estate industry may have aggregation effects in result.

Practical implications

– The present study will provide guidance to investors as well as policymakers regarding the Taiwan real estate market.

Originality/value

– This study uses the rolling GARCH-M model, which is a first for the Taiwan real estate market.
Regulation of uncovered sovereign credit default swaps – evidence from the European Union
Authors: Kiesel Florian , Lücke Felix , Schiereck Dirk
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to analyze the impact and effectiveness of the regulation on the European sovereign Credit Default Swap (CDS) market. The European sovereign debt crisis has drawn considerable attention to the CDS market. CDS have the ability of a speculative instrument to bet against a sovereign default. Therefore, the Regulation (EU) No. 236/2012 was introduced as the worldwide first uncovered CDS regulation. It prohibits buying uncovered sovereign CDS contracts in the European Union (EU).

Design/methodology/approach

– First, this paper measures spread changes of sovereign CDS of the EU member states around regulation specific event dates to detect whether and when European sovereign CDS reacts to regulation announcements and the enforcement of regulation. Second, it compares the CDS long-term stability of the EU sample with a non-EU sample based on 44 non-EU sovereign CDS entities.

Findings

– The results indicate widening CDS spreads prior to the regulation, and stable CDS spreads following the introduction of the regulation. In particular, sovereign CDS of European crisis-hit entities are stable since the regulation was introduced.

Originality/value

– The results show that since the regulation of uncovered CDS in the EU has been enacted, the sovereign CDS market is stable and less volatile. Based on the theory about speculation on uncovered sovereign CDS by betting on the reference entity’s default, the introduction of Regulation (EU) No. 236/2012 appears to be an appropriate measure to stabilize markets and reduce speculation on sovereign defaults.
Are credit rating agency analysts valuable?
Authors: Aktug Rahmi Erdem , Nayar Nandu (Nandkumar) , Salas Jesus M
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to determine the equity and debt market reactions of firms to the news of their hiring a credit rating agency (CRA) analyst. Due to recent controversies related to CRAs, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires disclosure of the hiring of an analyst if the analyst recently worked for a rating agency that previously provided a rating for the hiring firm. The authors use those filings to estimate the market value of a credit rating analyst to the hiring firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper examines the impact of analyst transfers from rating agencies to financial firms in the USA between 2006 and 2014.

Findings

– The authors find that the hiring of such analysts suggests a value increase for the debt securities of the hiring firm but no such value phenomenon for the equity of the employer firm.

Research limitations/implications

– Thus, markets apparently perceive that credit analysts bring valuable inside knowledge about potential clients and about the credit rating formation process to their employer.

Practical implications

– This study confirms the need for additional disclosure from CRAs. This study could help the SEC as it discusses ways to require additional disclosure (those discussions are already taking place. New regulations will come out some time in the next couple of years).

Originality/value

– This study is the first to examine the impact of such transfers on the prices of marketed securities of firms hiring such analysts.
Resource-based co-innovation through platform ecosystem: experiences of mobile payment innovation in China
Authors: Zhong Junying , Nieminen Marko
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the RISE model on service innovation in coopetitive business environment. The case study illustrates why and how Chinese providers utilize ecosystems for innovative mobile payment service development to achieve coopetitive advantage based on firms’ superior resources.

Design/methodology/approach

– The companies in the case study include Alipay (third-party actor), Bestpay (mobile operator), and UnionPay (banking). Empirical data comes from semi-structured interviews complemented with observations and documents. The analysis of the data follows grounded theory guidelines: creation of a theoretical framework, data collection, and interpretation of the data using the coding strategies of open coding, axial coding, and selected coding.

Findings

– Inter-organizational co-innovation appears as a successful strategy for mobile payment service innovation. In addition to strategic choice on this, understanding of superior and inferior resources and capabilities influence firms’ coopetitive advantages in a coopetitive service development environment. Ecosystems are formed along with the innovating activities, and difficulties are caused by coopetition challenges. The RISE model enables the analysis and selection of strategic patterns for service innovation in a coopetitive environment.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to resource-advantage theory and platform ecosystem theory. The theories are used to analyze and model the effects of strategy execution for achieving win-win relationships in inter-organizational co-innovation. This paper helps executives to match their service innovation strategies to platform ecosystem architectures, as well as to understand how resource-advantage challenges affect the execution strategy of setting up their platform ecosystems.
Wave propagation in a generalized piezothermoelastic rotating bar of circular cross section
Authors: Selvamani Rajendran , Ponnusamy Palaniyandi
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the wave propagation in a generalized piezothermoelastic rotating bar of circular cross-section using three-dimensional linear theory of elasticity.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mathematical model is developed to study the wave propagation in a generalized piezothermelastic rotating bar of circular cross-section by using Lord-Shulman (LS) and Green-Lindsay (GL) theory of thermoelasticity. After developing the formal solution of the mathematical model consisting of partial differential equations, the frequency equations have been derived by using the thermally insulated/isothermal and electrically shorted/charge free boundary conditions prevailing at the surface of the circular cross-sectional bar. The roots of the frequency equation are obtained by using the secant method, applicable for complex roots.

Findings

– In order to include the time requirement for the acceleration of the heat flow and the coupling between the temperature and strain fields, the analytical terms have been derived for the non-classical thermo-elastic theories, LS and GL theory. The computed physical quantities such as thermo-mechanical coupling, electro-mechanical coupling, frequency shift, specific loss and frequency have been presented in the form of dispersion curves. From the graphical patterns of the structure, the effect of thermal relaxation times and the rotational speed as well as the anisotropy of the of the material on the various considered wave characteristics is more significant and dominant in the flexural modes of vibration. The effect of such physical quantities provides the foundation for the construction of temperature sensors, acoustic sensor and rotating gyroscope.

Originality/value

– In this paper, the influence of thermal relaxation times and rotational speed on the wave number with thermo-mechanical coupling, electro-mechanical coupling, frequency shift, specific loss and frequency has been observed and are presented as dispersion curves. The effect of thermal relaxation time and rotational speed on wave number for the case of generalized piezothermoelastic material of circular cross-section was never reported in the literature. These results are new and original.
Computational investigation of foreign object damage sustained by environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) and SiC/SiC ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs)
Authors: Grujicic Mica , Snipes Jennifer , Yavari Ramin , Ramaswami S. , Galgalikar Rohan
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to prevent their recession caused through chemical reaction with high-temperature water vapor, SiC-fiber/SiC-matrix ceramic-matrix composite (CMC) components used in gas-turbine engines are commonly protected with so-called environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). EBCs typically consist of three layers: a top thermal and mechanical protection coat; an intermediate layer which provides environmental protection; and a bond coat which assures good EBC/CMC adhesion. The materials used in different layers and their thicknesses are selected in such a way that the coating performance is optimized for the gas-turbine component in question.

Design/methodology/approach

– Gas-turbine engines, while in service, often tend to ingest various foreign objects of different sizes. Such objects, entrained within the gas flow, can be accelerated to velocities as high as 600 m/s and, on impact, cause substantial damage to the EBC and SiC/SiC CMC substrate, compromising the component integrity and service life. The problem of foreign object damage (FOD) is addressed in the present work computationally using a series of transient non-linear dynamics finite-element analyses. Before such analyses could be conducted, a major effort had to be invested toward developing, parameterizing and validating the constitutive models for all attendant materials.

Findings

– The computed FOD results are compared with their experimental counterparts in order to validate the numerical methodology employed.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, the present work is the first reported study dealing with the computational analysis of the FOD sustained by CMCs protected with EBCs.
Sperm production characteristics vary with level of sperm competition inCataglyphisdesert ants
Authors: Aron Serge , Lybaert Pascale , Baudoux Claire , Vandervelden Morgane , Fournier Denis
Published: August 2015

Under polyandry, males are selected to produce more competitive ejaculates. Theoretical models have explored how the mechanism of sperm competition drives males to partition investment within an ejaculate between sperm quantity and quality. The raffle‐based competition model predicts that increased level of sperm competition selects for larger numbers of sperm in ejaculates. Sperm competition is also thought to promote the evolution of longer sperm, because longer sperm could be faster.

In eusocial Hymenoptera, the mating system imposes unique selective pressures on male ejaculates. Males are short lived; they reach adulthood with a finite amount of spermatozoa, and they mate typically with a single or a few females and die. The actual number of spermatozoa stored in their accessory testes at emergence is thus a reliable measure of total investment into sperm production. In a comparative study of 15 species ofCataglyphisdesert ants, we used phylogenetically controlled analyses to investigate relationships between levels of sperm competition, sperm production and sperm length. We measured sperm production by quantifying the number of spermatozoa present in testes, instead of using a proxy measure such as size of testes. Multiple queen mating is the ancestral state in the genus but reduction in mating frequency evolved secondarily and independently in some clades, providing a unique opportunity to examine how reduction from multiple to single mating influences sperm traits.

Our results provide phylogenetically robust evidence that species experiencing greater levels of sperm competition produce more sperm. After controlling for male size, investment in sperm production decreases significantly according to the sequence obligatory multiple queen mating > multiple–single queen mating > single–double queen mating. Furthermore, the number of spermatozoa produced per male decreases significantly with reduction in paternity frequency for each species. In contrast, neither sperm length nor male size was significantly associated with the mating system classes or the number of patrilines.

Our measures of sperm number provide the first direct evidence that sperm production covaries with the level of sperm competition in a eusocial insect. Given the reversal from multiple to single mating inCataglyphis, our comparative analysis also shows convincingly that reduction in sperm competition influences sperm traits.
Context and complexity: the meaning of self‐management for older adults with heart disease
Authors: Moore Lucy , Frost Julia , Britten Nicky
Published: August 2015

Self‐management policies have presented opportunities for patients with long‐term conditions to take control and actively improve their health. However, the work of self‐management appears to be packaged in the form of essential and desirable skills and attributes required for success. This article presents the findings of a qualitative study, employing longitudinal diary interviews with 21 patients aged between 60 and 85 years diagnosed with coronary heart disease from three contrasting general practice areas. Drawing on concepts of the care of the self and the reflexive self, this article presents the diversity of self‐management practices by older patients in the context of their lifeworld. Illustrated through individual case studies, it clearly identifies where patients are engaged self‐managers with the agency, knowledge and self‐discipline to modify their behaviour for an improved health outcome. This study highlights their life and illness perspectives as well as those of patients who are burdened with emotional insecurity, comorbidities and caring responsibilities. It shows the spectrum of relationships with health professionals that influence engaged self‐management. We suggest that policy initiatives that favour behavioural change neglect social context and the individualised practices that are a necessary response to structural and psychosocial constraints.
Why Sugar Is Added to Food: Food Science 101
Authors: Goldfein Kara R. , Slavin Joanne L.
Published: August 2015

Avoiding too much sugar is an accepted dietary guidance throughout the world. The U.S. Nutrition Facts panel includes information on total sugars in foods. A focus on added sugars is linked to the concept of discretionary calories and decreasing consumption of added sugars or free sugars as a means to assist a consumer to identify foods that are nutrient‐dense. On March 14, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed that including “added sugars” declaration on the Nutrition Facts panel would be another tool to help consumers reduce excessive discretionary calorie intake from added sugars. Through deductive reasoning, labeling added sugars is one tactic to potentially curb the obesity epidemic in the United States. This review discusses the functions of sugar in food and shows that the methods used to replace added sugars in foods can result in no reduction in calorie content or improvement in nutrient density. Without clear benefit to the consumer for added sugars labeling, this review highlights the complex business obstacles, costs, and consumer confusion resulting from the proposed rule.
Educating Jurors about Forensic Evidence: Using an Expert Witness and Judicial Instructions to Mitigate the Impact of Invalid Forensic Science Testimony
Authors: Eastwood Joseph , Caldwell Jiana
Published: August 2015

Invalid expert witness testimony that overstated the precision and accuracy of forensic science procedures has been highlighted as a common factor in many wrongful conviction cases. This study assessed the ability of an opposing expert witness and judicial instructions to mitigate the impact of invalid forensic science testimony. Participants (N = 155) acted as mock jurors in a sexual assault trial that contained both invalid forensic testimony regarding hair comparison evidence, and countering testimony from either a defense expert witness or judicial instructions. Results showed that the defense expert witness was successful in educating jurors regarding limitations in the initial expert's conclusions, leading to a greater number of not‐guilty verdicts. The judicial instructions were shown to have no impact on verdict decisions. These findings suggest that providing opposing expert witnesses may be an effective safeguard against invalid forensic testimony in criminal trials.
Chemical Differentiation of Osseous and Nonosseous Materials Using Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy‐Dispersive X‐Ray Spectrometry and Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Meizel‐Lambert Cayli J. , Schultz John J. , Sigman Michael E.
Published: August 2015

Identification of osseous materials is generally established on gross anatomical features. However, highly fragmented or taphonomically altered materials may be problematic and may require chemical analysis. This research was designed to assess the use of scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX), elemental analysis, and multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis) for discrimination of osseous and nonosseous materials of similar chemical composition. Sixty samples consisting of osseous (human and nonhuman bone and dental) and non‐osseous samples were assessed. After outliers were removed a high overall correct classification of 97.97% was achieved, with 99.86% correct classification for osseous materials. In addition, a blind study was conducted using 20 samples to assess the applicability for using this method to classify unknown materials. All of the blind study samples were correctly classified resulting in 100% correct classification, further demonstrating the efficiency of SEM/EDX and statistical analysis for differentiation of osseous and nonosseous materials.
Human Identification via Lateral Patella Radiographs: A Validation Study,
Authors: Niespodziewanski Emily , Stephan Carl N. , Guyomarc'h Pierre , Fenton Todd W.
Published: August 2015

This research examines the utility of patella outline shape for matching 3D scans of patellae to knee radiographs using elliptical Fourier analysis and subjective methods of human visual comparison of patellae across radiographs for identification purposes. Repeat radiographs were captured of cadaver's knees for visual comparison before patellae were extracted and skeletonized for quantitative comparisons. Quantitative methods provided significant narrowing down of the candidate pool to just a few potential matches (<5% of original sample), while the human analysts showed high capacity for correctly matching radiographs, irrespective of educational level (positive predictive value = 99.8%). The successful computerized matching based on a single quantified patella trait (outline shape) helps explain the potency achieved by subjective visual examination. This work adds to a growing body of studies demonstrating the value of single isolated infracranial bones for human identification via radiographic comparison.
A Simple and Green Route for Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Selective Colorimetric Detection of Cysteine
Authors: Bagci Pelin Onsekizoglu , Wang Yi‐Cheng , Gunasekaran Sundaram
Published: August 2015

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized at room temperature following a simple, rapid, and green route using fresh‐squeezed apple juice as a reducing reagent. The optimal AuNPs, based on the particle color, stability, and color change suitable for colorimetric detection of cysteine (Cys), are synthesized using 5 mL of 10% apple juice, 1 mL of 10 mM gold precursor solution, and 1 mL of 0.1 M NaOH. Under this set of parameters, the AuNPs are synthesized within 30 min at room temperature. The average size (11.1 ± 3.2 nm) and ζ potential (–36.5 mV) of the AuNPs synthesized were similar to those of AuNPs prepared via the conventional citrate‐reduction method. In the presence of Cys, unlike with any other amino acid, the AuNPs aggregated, possibly due to the gold–sulfur covalent interaction, yielding red‐to‐purple color change of the sample solution. The red‐shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance peak of the AuNPs responsible for the color change was recorded by UV‐vis spectrometer. The effect of other potential interferents such as glucose, ascorbic acid, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Co2+, and Hg2+ were also examined. The results show that AuNPs can be used to selectively detect and measure Cys with a linear dependency in the range of 2 to 100 μM and a limit of detection (signal‐to‐noise ratio > 3) of 50 nM. The results suggest that the green‐synthesized AuNPs are useful for simple, rapid, and sensitive colorimetric detection of Cys, which is an essential amino acid in food and biological systems.
Owl pellets: a more effective alternative to conventional trapping for broad‐scale studies of small mammal communities
Authors: Heisler Leanne M. , Somers Christopher M. , Poulin Ray G.
Published: August 2015

Small mammal community composition is almost universally estimated from conventional trapping, which is logistically difficult to scale up for landscape‐level assessments. Owl pellets may be a more effective alternative for measuring small mammal community composition over large geographic areas due to the relative ease and low cost of field collections. However, owl pellets may introduce sampling biases that differ from those associated with conventional trapping. A thorough comparison to conventional traps is required before owl pellets can be widely adopted as an alternative research tool for small mammal studies.

We conducted a literature review of owl diet‐prey availability studies to: (i) compare small mammal community composition between owl pellets and trapping when the two methods were used simultaneously and (ii) assess the influence of owl genus and habitat type on community composition estimated by these two methods. We used data from 27 published studies, which allowed for 32 comparisons between owl pellets and trapping conducted simultaneously. These studies included 15 owl species from five common genera from different major habitats.

Rarefied estimates showed that owls consistently sampled identical or higher species richness compared to conventional trapping. Richness estimates rarefied to the lowest sample size per study were not statistically identical (μΔrichness = 0·20 ± 0·09 SE, P = 0·30); on average, 0·95 ± 0·13 SE additional species were identified from pellets compared to trapping. Measures of species dominance and evenness estimated from both methods were statistically identical (μΔ1‐D = 0·02 ± 0·03 SE; μΔPIE = 0·004 ± 0·04 SE). Species lists, relative species composition and species rank‐order abundance were in moderate agreement between sampling methods (Jaccard = 0·62 ± 0·04 SE; Bray–Curtis = 0·53 ± 0·04 SE; Spearman rho = 0·41 ± 0·07 SE). Linear regression and AIC model selection showed that the performance of pellets versus traps did not differ based on owl genus or habitat type.

Small mammal community composition estimated via pellets was better represented compared to estimates from conventional trapping. Composition metrics from the two methods were consistent and not affected by owl genera or habitat type. Thus, owls are an effective alternative for landscape‐level assessments of small mammal communities.
The duration and course of opioid therapy in patients with chronic non‐malignant pain
Authors: Mellbye A. , Karlstad Ø. , Skurtveit S. , Borchgrevink P. C. , Fredheim O. M. S.
Published: August 2015

Background

Prescription databases provide the opportunity for investigating opioid treatment and co‐medication within large populations. So far, few studies have investigated the duration of opioid therapy, and large differences in discontinuation rates have been reported.

Methods

Data from the Norwegian Prescription Database were used to follow the study population of all adult persistent opioid users with non‐malignant pain in Norway in 2005 (n = 44,867) for 6 years. Persistent opioid use was defined as being dispensed ≥ 180 defined daily doses (DDD) or 4500 mg oral morphine equivalents (OMEQ) during a 365‐day period. The study population was stratified according to previous opioid use into new persistent opioid users, without previous persistent opioid use, and previous low‐dose or previous high‐dose persistent opioid users, having earlier persistent opioid use and received less or more than 120 mg OMEQ/day in 2005, respectively.

Results

Twenty‐seven percent of new, 59% of previous low‐dose, and 55% of previous high‐dose users met the criteria of persistent use of opioids each year. Exactly, 22%, 11%, and 3% increased their cumulative yearly opioid dose by 200% or more during the study period. With 80% still being regular users of either drugs, 6 years later, long‐term persistent opioid users were more likely to continue concomitant use of benzodiazepines or z‐hypnotics than other users,

Conclusion

The findings confirm high discontinuation rates in patients receiving opioids for chronic non‐malignant pain. However, a clinically significant number of patients increase their doses over 6 years and many patients combine long‐term opioid treatment with benzodiazepines and z‐hypnotics.
Enhanced microglial pro‐inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide correlates with brain infiltration and blood–brain barrier dysregulation in a mouse model of telomere shortening
Authors: Raj Divya D. A. , Moser Jill , van der Pol Susanne M. A. , van Os Ronald P. , Holtman Inge R. , Brouwer Nieske , Oeseburg Hisko , Schaafsma Wandert , Wesseling Evelyn M. , den Dunnen Wilfred , Biber Knut P. H. , de Vries Helga E. , Eggen Bart J. L. , Boddeke Hendrikus W. G. M.
Published: August 2015

Microglia are a proliferative population of resident brain macrophages that under physiological conditions self‐renew independent of hematopoiesis. Microglia are innate immune cells actively surveying the brain and are the earliest responders to injury. During aging, microglia elicit an enhanced innate immune response also referred to as ‘priming’. To date, it remains unknown whether telomere shortening affects the proliferative capacity and induces priming of microglia. We addressed this issue using early (first‐generationG1mTerc−/−)‐ and late‐generation (third‐generationG3 andG4mTerc−/−) telomerase‐deficient mice, which carry a homozygous deletion for the telomeraseRNAcomponent gene (mTerc). Late‐generationmTerc−/−microglia show telomere shortening and decreased proliferation efficiency. Under physiological conditions, gene expression and functionality ofG3mTerc−/−microglia are comparable with microglia derived fromG1mTerc−/−mice despite changes in morphology. However, after intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS),G3mTerc−/−microglia mice show an enhanced pro‐inflammatory response. Nevertheless, this enhanced inflammatory response was not accompanied by an increased expression of genes known to be associated with age‐associated microglia priming. The increased inflammatory response in microglia correlates closely with increased peripheral inflammation, a loss of blood–brain barrier integrity, and infiltration of immune cells in the brain parenchyma in this mouse model of telomere shortening.
Recurrence in patients with stage I colorectal cancer
Authors: Teloken Patrick Ely , Ransom David , Faragher Ian , Jones Ian , Gibbs Peter , Platell Cameron
Published: August 2015

Background

Outcomes of patients with stage I colorectal cancer submitted to surgery with curative intent have not been thoroughly explored in contemporary series.

Methods

All patients with colon or rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent resection from the St John of God Hospital (1996–2013) and BioGrid (1991–2013) databases were identified. Patients submitted to local excision, polypectomies or neoadjuvant treatment were excluded. Outcomes included recurrence (combined local and systemic), recurrence‐free and overall survival, and survival after recurrence.

Results

A total of 1193 patients with stage I disease were included. Median age was 67 (interquartile range 59–75) and median follow‐up was 3.2 years (interquartile range 1.4–5.8). Five‐year recurrence rate was 7.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.4–9.4%; 5.0% for colon and 11.1% for rectal cancer). Rectal location was an independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio (HR) 1.97, 95% CI 1.09–3.55; P = 0.024). Lymphovascular invasion was an independent predictor of recurrence only in patients with rectal cancer (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–7.6; P = 0.018). Five‐year recurrence‐free survival was 83.2% (95% CI 80.3–85.4%). Age (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07; P < 0.001), elective surgery (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21–0.80; P = 0.011) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (HR 3.08, 95% CI 1.51–6.31; P < 0.001) were independently associated with recurrence‐free survival. Median survival after recurrence was 41 months. Resection of recurrence was attempted in 39% of patients.

Conclusion

Patients with stage I colorectal cancers still have a clinically significant risk of recurrence. Rectal location is independently associated with higher recurrence. Age, elective surgery and ASA are independently associated with recurrence‐free survival. A significant proportion of patients with recurrence underwent further resection.
Animal Experiments of the Helical Flow Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Abe Yusuke , Isoyama Takashi , Saito Itsuro , Inoue Yusuke , Ishii Kohei , Sato Masami , Hara Shintaro , Yurimoto Terumi , Li Xinyang , Murakami Haruka , Ariyoshi Koki , Kawase Yukino , Ono Toshiya , Fukazawa Kyoko , Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: August 2015

Severe cardiac failure patients require a total artificial heart (TAH) to save life. To realize a TAH that can fit a body of small stature and has high performance, high durability, good anatomical fitting, good blood compatibility, and physiological control, we have been developing the helical flow TAH (HFTAH) with two helical flow pumps with hydrodynamic levitation impeller. Animal experiments of the HFTAH were conducted to perform in vivo studies. The HFTAH was implanted in 13 adult female goats weighing 45.0–64.0 kg. After surgery, neither anti‐coagulant nor anti‐platelet medication was given systemically. The HFTAH was usually driven with a quasi‐pulsatile mode. The 1/R control or ΔP control was applied to control the circulation. The ΔP control is a new method using simplified equation of the 1/R control. The HFTAH could be implanted in all goats with good anatomical fitting. Two goats survived for a long time (100 and 68 days). Major causes of termination were device failure and surgical complications. In the device failure, trouble with hydrodynamic bearing was conspicuous. In the two long‐term survived goats, experiments were terminated with bearing instability that was probably caused by the suction effect. In these goats, hemolysis occurred on postoperative day 88 and 44, which was considered to be relevant to the bearing trouble. Thrombus was found at the broken right bearing of the 100‐day survived goat. However, antithrombogenicity of the pump is expected to be good unless bearing trouble occurs. In two long‐term survived goats, the 1/R control or ΔP control worked appropriately to prevent the elevation of right atrial pressure. In both goats, hemodynamic parameters changed with the condition of the animals, liver and kidney functions remained almost normal except when recovering from surgery and during hemolysis, and total protein recovered 2 weeks after surgery. Although instability of the hydrodynamic bearing should be improved, performance of the HFTAH with physiological control could be demonstrated.