bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography for the detection of residual shunts after percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure
Authors: Zhao Hongling , Yue Qingxiong , Wang Tao , Wang Lin , Pang Zhanqi , Dong He , Yang Jian , Li Yawen , Li Shijun
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study is to investigate the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (c-TTE) versus transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to detect a residual right-to-left shunt (RLS) following a transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure.

A self-controlled study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. 57 patients with PFO who had experienced migraines underwent percutaneous PFO closure. c-TTE, TEE, and contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler (c-TCD) at resting and Valsalva maneuver were performed during the 3-month follow-up after the closure.

The closure devices were successfully implanted in all patients without complications. Three months after closure, TEE did not detect residual Valsalva shunts in any of the 57 patients; residual valsalva shunts were found via c-TTE in 15 of the 57 patients and were also observed via c-TCD. When c-TTE and/or c-TCD were used, the rate of residual RLSs detected in patients who underwent PFO closure was 26.32%, which was significantly different than the rate detected using TEE (P < .05)

c-TTE and c-TCD showed equivalent sensitivity in evaluating transcatheter closure of a PFO. c-TTE could be a more cost-effective and reliable method to detect the residual shunt after PFO closure.
Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of complicated biliary calculus
Authors: Jin Penghui , Jing Wutang , Zhan Weipeng , Han Caiwen , Si Moubo , Yang Jia , Li Yiping , Gu Yuanhui , Ma Yuntao , Guo Tiankang
Published: January 2019

Backgroud:

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (LHLL) in the treatment of complicated biliary calculus.

Methods:

We systematically searched the electronic database (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of science, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database) up to May 2018 to identify case-controlled studies that compared LHLL with laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) for complicated biliary calculus.

Results:

Five case-controlled studies were included, with 541 patients (273 in the LHLL group and 268 in the LBDE group). Compared with LBDE, LHLL was associated with shorter operative time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -40.04, P < .001) and lower estimated blood loss (EBL) (WMD = -56.42, P < .001), lesser duration of hospitalization (WMD = -3.93, P < .001) and lower rate of residual stone (OR = 0.13, P < .001). There was no statistically significant differences in bile leakage (OR = 0.48, P = .23) and hemobilia (OR = 0.49, 0.41).

Conclusion:

Current evidence suggests that the efficacy of LHLL is superior to that of LBDE but they are similarly safe for the treatment of complicated biliary calculus. Limited by the quantity and quality of the studies included, these conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies.
Oral cavity infection by Enterococcus faecalis: virulence factors and pathogenesis
Authors: Najafi Khadijeh , Ganbarov Khudaverdi , Gholizadeh Pourya , Tanomand Asghar , Rezaee Mohammad Ahangarzadeh , Mahmood Suhad Saad , Asgharzadeh Mohammad , Kafil Hossein Samadi
Published: January 2019

Enterococcus faecalis plays an important role in human oral cavity infections and may be one of the important species in endodontic treatment failure. In this review article, we provide an overview on the occurrence of the virulence factors associated with E. faecalis in oral infections. Seven virulence factors of E. faecalis have been associated with oral infections including extracellular surface protein (esp), gelatinase (GelE), aggregation substance (Asa), adhesion of collagen from E. faecalis (Ace), Serine protease (Spr), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and E. faecalis antigen A (efaA). The absence of these factors leads to depletion of strains in attachment and biofilm formation procedure in oral infections. The virulence factors facilitate adherence, colonization and resistance of organisms against the host immune response. Each of the virulence factors may be associated with various stages of infection. Some products of the bacteria may be directly linked to damaging of the host tissues; most of the tissue damage is probably mediated by the host response to the bacteria and its products. Our knowledge regarding exact pathogenic factors is incomplete but it seems to be a sophisticated and tangled mechanism. Developing immunization against virulence factors of E. faecalis might be one of the effective prophylactic tool to prevent chronic infections in oral, dental and other sites of the body, such as endocardia.
The Sodium Conundrum
Authors: Leahy Marge
Published: January 2019

The potential contribution of sodium to chronic disease risk has been an area of exploration for many years. Currently, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee is working to update the 2005 Dietary Reference Intakes for sodium and potassium, evaluating the latest evidence with a look to excesses, inadequacies, and chronic disease risk reduction. Two recent reports will support the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine review: a systematic review of the science related to sodium, potassium, and chronic disease and guidelines for considering chronic disease in setting dietary reference intakes. While sodium intake reduction initiatives have been underway for years, current intake estimates significantly exceed recommendations. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidance on voluntary sodium reduction targets for 150 food categories. This review is based on a session at the American Society for Nutrition 2018 Annual Meeting, which brought together stakeholders to discuss these developments, progress, conundrums, and opportunities toward reducing sodium intakes.
Nurses’ Perspectives of Person-Centered Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation in a Digital Hospital
Authors: Burridge Letitia Helen , Foster Michele , Jones Rachel , Geraghty Timothy , Atresh Sridhar
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Nurses’ perspectives on electronic medical record (eMR) use and compatibility with person-centered care (PCC) in rehabilitation were explored.

Design

This cross-sectional, qualitative study involved nurses practicing in a spinal cord injury service within the first Australian tertiary hospital to implement a large-scale eMR system.

Methods

Ten focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis.

Findings

The three themes were (1) discovering how eMR fits in a specialty setting, (2) making eMR work through adaptability, and (3) realizing the impact of eMR inclusion in the nurse–patient relationship.

Conclusions

The eMR introduction triggered compensatory practices to manage the complexities and shortcomings of electronic documentation. Nurses adapted routines and reoriented workflows to preserve PCC.

Clinical Relevance

While absorbing eMR-driven changes in documentation, rehabilitation nurses must in parallel manage evolving nursing practice norms in the digital environment in order to sustain PCC. This requires strategic foresight and commitment.
Hospital Length of Stay Reduction Over Time and Patient Readmission for Severe Adverse Events Following Surgery
Authors: Pascal Léa , Polazzi Stéphanie , Piriou Vincent , Cotte Eddy , Wegrzyn Julien , Carty Matthew J. , Chollet François , Sanchez Stéphane , Lifante Jean-Christophe , Duclos Antoine
Published: January 2019

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate whether patients who undergo surgery in hospitals experiencing significant length of stay (LOS) reductions over time are exposed to a higher risk of severe adverse events in the postoperative period.

Summary Background Data:

Surgical care innovation has encouraged hospitals to shorten LOS under financial pressures with uncertain impact on patient outcomes.

Methods:

We selected all patients who underwent elective colectomy or urgent hip fracture repair in French hospitals between 2013 and 2016. For each procedure, hospitals were categorized into 3 groups according to variations in their median LOS as follows: major decrease, moderate decrease, and no decrease. These groups were matched using propensity scores based on patients’ and hospitals’ potential confounders. Potentially avoidable readmission for severe adverse events and death at 6 months were compared between groups using Cox regressions.

Results:

We considered 98,713 patients in 540 hospitals for colectomy and 206,812 patients in 414 hospitals for hip fracture repair before matching. After colectomy, patient outcomes were not negatively impacted when hospitals reduced their LOS [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.93 (0.78–1.10)]. After hip fracture repair, patients in hospitals with major decreases in LOS had a higher risk of severe adverse events [1.22 (1.11–1.34)] and death [1.17 (1.04–1.32)].

Conclusions:

Patients who underwent surgical procedures in hospitals experiencing major decreases in LOS were demonstrated worse postoperative outcomes after urgent hip fracture repair and not after elective colectomy. Development of care bundles to enhance recovery after emergency surgeries may allow better control of LOS reduction and patient outcomes.
Reporting National Outcomes After Esophagectomy and Gastrectomy According to the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group (ECCG)
Authors: van der Werf Leonie R. , Busweiler Linde A. D. , van Sandick Johanna W. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L.
Published: January 2019

Objective:

This nation-wide population-based study aimed to report postoperative morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy and gastrectomy in the Netherlands according to the definitions of the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG).

Background:

To standardize international outcome reporting in esophageal surgery, the ECCG developed a standardized outcomes set.

Methods:

For this national cohort study, all patients undergoing esophagectomy or gastrectomy for cancer between 2016 and 2017 were selected from the Dutch Upper gastrointestinal Cancer Audit. In a random sample of hospitals, data completeness and accuracy were validated by reabstraction of the data. The investigated outcomes in the present study were postoperative complications, major complications (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥III), and 30-day mortality, according to definitions of the ECCG.

Results:

A total of 2545 patients from 22 hospitals were included. The completeness of the Dutch Upper gastrointestinal Cancer Audit was estimated at 99.8%. Data accuracy on different items was 94% to 100%. After esophagectomy, 1046 of 1617 patients (65%) had a postoperative complication including 468 patients (29%) with a major complication. Most common complications were pneumonia (21%), esophago-enteric leak from anastomosis, staple line or localized conduit necrosis (19%), and atrial dysrhythmia (15%). The 30-day mortality was 1.7%. After gastrectomy, 397 of 928 patients (42%) had a postoperative complication including 180 patients (19%) with a major complication. Most common complications were pneumonia (12%), esophago-enteric leak from anastomosis, staple line or localized conduit necrosis (9%), and acute delirium (5%). The 30-day mortality was 4.4%.

Conclusions:

Reporting complications according to the ECCG platform is feasible in the Netherlands and facilitates international benchmarking.
The Impact of Benson's Relaxation Technique on the Quality of Sleep in the Elderly
Authors: Habibollahpour Mitra , Ranjkesh Fatemeh , Motalebi Seyedeh Ameneh , Mohammadi Fatemeh
Published: January 2019

Objective:

This study examined the effect of Benson's relaxation technique in the quality of sleep of the elderly.

Method:

The study employed a randomized clinical trial design. A total of 75 elderly suffering from sleep disorder were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 38) or control (n = 37) group. The intervention group received Benson's relaxation technique twice a day for 20 minutes through 4 weeks. Petersburg Sleep Quality Index was used to collect the data. Independent and paired t tests were employed to analyze the data.

Findings:

The results of the paired t tests showed significant improvements in intervention group on quality of sleep and its 5 subscales including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency, and the daytime dysfunction improved significantly (P < .000). In addition, independent t tests showed significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the quality of sleep and its 4 subscales including the subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, and habitual sleep efficiency after implementation of intervention (P < .000).

Conclusion:

The results of the present study may support the efficacy of this simple, available, and cost-effective technique on the quality of sleep of elderly people.
The Therapist's Role in the Medical and Pharmacological Management of Heart Failure
Authors: Walters Amy , Ferreira Germaine
Published: January 2019

The incidence and prevalence of heart failure continue to increase, as many patients survive previously fatal cardiac conditions. While many new medications have come on the market, there has not been a significant reduction in mortality in this population. Many heart failure medications have significant side effects that may interfere with a patient's quality of life. Physical therapists need to be aware of these side effects and understand the importance of patient education regarding self-care and medication adherence. This article educates physical therapists about current medical and pharmacological treatment in the management of heart failure.
Copper in Glucose Intolerance, Cognitive Decline, and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Squitti Rosanna , Mendez Armando , Ricordi Camillo , Siotto Mariacristina , Goldberg Ron
Published: January 2019

Trace metal dyshomeostasis has been linked to loss of cognitive performance. In particular, a disturbance in the regulation of copper (Cu), characterized by an increase in circulating Cu not bound to ceruloplasmin (non-Cp Cu), is thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases in the aging population. Non-Cp Cu is redox active and its toxicity is thought to result from its ability to accelerate oxidative stress and advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) formation, leading to extracellular matrix damage in tissues including the brain. Cognitive loss is increasingly recognized to be a feature of type 2 diabetes and the increased AGE formation characteristic of diabetes may play a role in the development of this complication. There also is evidence for copper dyshomeostasis in type 2 diabetes, and therefore this could contribute to the cognitive deterioration associated with this disease. Demonstrating that disturbances of copper homeostasis correlate with an increased rate of cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes patients, and that they correlate with an increased rate of conversion from prediabetes to diabetes would bring almost immediate benefits in the clinical community in terms of treatment efficacy, AD prevention, and cost savings.
Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Ferrari Camilla , Polito Cristina , Vannucchi Sara , Piaceri Irene , Bagnoli Silvia , Lombardi Gemma , Lucidi Giulia , Berti Valentina , Nacmias Benedetta , Sorbi Sandro
Published: January 2019

Background/Aims:

Few longitudinal studies have explored the progression of cognitive and functional impairment of patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The aims of the study were to describe the clinical, neuroimaging, and genetic features of a cohort of 68 PPA patients, and to outline the natural history of the disease.

Materials and Methods:

A sample of 23 patients with the logopenic variant, 26 with the nonfluent/agrammatic variant, and 19 with the semantic variant was retrospectively collected and followed-up for a maximum of 6 years. Clinical-neuropsychological assessment, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomographic imaging, and genetic analyses were acquired at baseline. Disease progression was evaluated in terms of language impairment, global cognitive decline, and functional dependency.

Results:

During follow-up, one third of subjects presented total language loss, and 20% severe functional dependency. Global cognitive decline after the first year (hazard ratio, 5.93; confidence interval, 1.63-21.56) and high schooling (hazard ratio, 0.07; confidence interval, 0.008-0.74) represented risk factors for functional impairment. The apolipoprotein E status was associated with the progression of cognitive decline. Positive family history for dementia was frequent and 3 genetic autosomal dominant mutations were identified.

Conclusions:

There were no differences in the progression of PPA subtypes. Genetics plays an important role in disease onset and progression.
Depth image super-resolution reconstruction based on a modified joint trilateral filter
Authors: Zhou Dongsheng , Wang Ruyi , Yang Xin , Zhang Qiang , Wei Xiaopeng
Published: January 2019

Depth image super-resolution (SR) is a technique that uses signal processing technology to enhance the resolution of a low-resolution (LR) depth image. Generally, external database or high-resolution (HR) images are needed to acquire prior information for SR reconstruction. To overcome the limitations, a depth image SR method without reference to any external images is proposed. In this paper, a high-quality edge map is first constructed using a sparse coding method, which uses a dictionary learned from the original images at different scales. Then, the high-quality edge map is used to guide the interpolation for depth images by a modified joint trilateral filter. During the interpolation, some information of gradient and structural similarity (SSIM) are added to preserve the detailed information and suppress the noise. The proposed method can not only preserve the sharpness of image edge, but also avoid the dependence on database. Experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to some state-of-the-art depth image SR methods.
Ionic strength and calcium regulate the membrane interactions of myelin basic protein and the cytoplasmic domain of myelin protein zero
Authors: Raasakka Arne , Jones Nykola C. , Hoffmann Søren Vrønning , Kursula Petri
Published: January 2019

The formation of a mature myelin sheath in the vertebrate nervous system requires specific protein-membrane interactions. Several myelin-specific proteins are involved in the stacking of lipid membranes into multilayered structures around neuronal axons, and misregulation of these processes may contribute to chronic demyelinating diseases. Two key proteins functioning in myelin membrane binding and stacking are the myelin basic protein (MBP) and protein zero (P0). Other factors, including Ca2+, are important for the regulation of myelination. Here, we studied the effects of ionic strength and Ca2+on the direct molecular membrane interactions of MBP and the cytoplasmic domain of P0 (P0ct). While both MBP and P0ct bound and aggregated negatively charged lipid vesicles, while simultaneously folding, both ionic strength and calcium had systematic effects on these interactions. Especially when decreasing membrane net negative charge, the level and kinetics of vesicle aggregation, which is a functional assay for myelin membrane-stacking proteins, were affected by both salt and Ca2+. The results indicate that the effects on lipid membrane surfaces by ions can directly affect myelin protein-membrane interactions at the molecular level, in addition to signalling effects in myelinating glia.
High functional diversity among Nitrospira populations that dominate rotating biological contactor microbial communities in a municipal wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Spasov Emilie , Tsuji Jackson M. , Hug Laura A. , Doxey Andrew C. , Sauder Laura A. , Parker Wayne J. , Neufeld Josh D.
Published: January 2019

Nitrification, the oxidation of ammonia to nitrate via nitrite, is an important process in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Members of the Nitrospira genus that contribute to complete ammonia oxidation (comammox) have only recently been discovered and their relevance to engineered water treatment systems is poorly understood. This study investigated distributions of Nitrospira, ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in biofilm samples collected from tertiary rotating biological contactors (RBCs) of a municipal WWTP in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metagenomics, our results demonstrate that Nitrospira species strongly dominate RBC biofilm samples and that comammox Nitrospira outnumber all other nitrifiers. Genome bins recovered from assembled metagenomes reveal multiple populations of comammox Nitrospira with distinct spatial and temporal distributions, including several taxa that are distinct from previously characterized Nitrospira members. Diverse functional profiles imply a high level of niche heterogeneity among comammox Nitrospira, in contrast to the sole detected AOA representative that was previously cultivated and characterized from the same RBC biofilm. Our metagenome bins also reveal two cyanase-encoding populations of comammox Nitrospira, suggesting an ability to degrade cyanate, which has not been shown previously for Nitrospira that are not strict nitrite oxidizers. This study demonstrates the importance of RBCs as model systems for continued investigation of environmental factors that control the distributions and activities of AOB, AOA, comammox Nitrospira, and other nitrite oxidizers.
Locating suspicious lethal genes by abnormal distributions of SNP patterns
Authors: Ding Xiaojun
Published: January 2019

A gene, a locatable region of genomic sequence, is the basic functional unit of heredity. Differences in genes lead to the various congenital physical conditions of people. One kind of these major differences are caused by genetic variations named single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs). SNPs may affect splice sites, protein structures and so on, and then cause gene abnormities. Some abnormities will lead to fatal diseases. People with these diseases have a small probability of having children. Thus the distributions of SNP patterns on these sites will be different with distributions on other sites. Based on this idea, we present a novel statistical method to detect the abnormal distributions of SNP patterns and then to locate the suspicious lethal genes. We did the test on HapMap data and found 74 suspicious SNPs. Among them, 10 SNPs can map reviewed genes in NCBI database. 5 genes out of them relate to fatal children diseases or embryonic development, 1 gene can cause spermatogenic failure, the other 4 genes are also associated with many genetic diseases. The results validate our idea. The method is very simple and is guaranteed by a statistical test. It is a cheap way to discover the suspicious pathogenic genes and the mutation site. The mined genes deserve further study.

Author summary

Xiaojun Ding received the BS, MS and PhD degrees in computer science from Central South University. Now he is a assistant professor in Yulin Normal University. His research interests include computational biology and machine learning.
High-throughput functional analysis of lncRNA core promoters elucidates rules governing tissue specificity
Authors: Mattioli Kaia , Volders Pieter-Jan , Gerhardinger Chiara , Lee James C. , Maass Philipp G. , Melé Marta , Rinn John L.
Published: January 2019

Transcription initiates at both coding and noncoding genomic elements, including mRNA and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) core promoters and enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). However, each class has a different expression profile with lncRNAs and eRNAs being the most tissue specific. How these complex differences in expression profiles and tissue specificities are encoded in a single DNA sequence remains unresolved. Here, we address this question using computational approaches and massively parallel reporter assays (MPRA) surveying hundreds of promoters and enhancers. We find that both divergent lncRNA and mRNA core promoters have higher capacities to drive transcription than nondivergent lncRNA and mRNA core promoters, respectively. Conversely, intergenic lncRNAs (lincRNAs) and eRNAs have lower capacities to drive transcription and are more tissue specific than divergent genes. This higher tissue specificity is strongly associated with having less complex transcription factor (TF) motif profiles at the core promoter. We experimentally validated these findings by testing both engineered single-nucleotide deletions and human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MPRA. In both cases, we observe that single nucleotides associated with many motifs are important drivers of promoter activity. Thus, we suggest that high TF motif density serves as a robust mechanism to increase promoter activity at the expense of tissue specificity. Moreover, we find that 22% of common SNPs in core promoter regions have significant regulatory effects. Collectively, our findings show that high TF motif density provides redundancy and increases promoter activity at the expense of tissue specificity, suggesting that specificity of expression may be regulated by simplicity of motif usage.
Wide-angle X-ray scattering combined with pair distribution function analysis of pyrolyzed wood
Authors: Poulain Agnieszka , Dupont Capucine , Martinez Pablo , Guizani Chamseddine , Drnec Jakub
Published: January 2019

A combination of wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and pair distribution function analysis was used to investigate the structural changes occurring in beech wood and apricot tree pruning samples during slow and fast pyrolysis up to 1400°C (1673 K). WAXS curve modeling with the program CarbX provides unique information about the arrangement of graphene layers described by intralayer, interlayer, disorder and dispersion structural parameters. Pair distribution function modeling in PDFgui revealed imperfections in single graphene sheets, such as bond shortening and curvature, when refinement is performed in different r ranges. The concentration of inorganic species, along with heating rate, influences the final structure of pyrolysis products. The heating rate was more important than sample composition for an increase in extent of the single graphene layer and average chord length, while the average graphene coherent stack height depended on both composition and heating rate. Higher fractions of inorganic material increased the average interlayer spacing and the number of graphene layers per stack.
Reassessment of evaluation methods for the analysis of near-surface residual stress fields using energy-dispersive diffraction
Authors: Klaus Manuela , Genzel Christoph
Published: January 2019

In this paper two evaluation methods for X-ray stress analysis by means of energy-dispersive diffraction are reassessed. Both are based on the sin2ψ measuring technique. Advantage is taken of the fact that the d
ψ

hkl
–sin2ψ data obtained for the individual diffraction lines E

hkl
not only contain information about the depth and orientation dependence of the residual stresses, but also reflect the single-crystal elastic anisotropy of the material. With simulated examples, it is demonstrated that even steep residual stress gradients could be determined from sin2ψ measurements that are performed up to maximum tilt angles of about 45°, since the d
ψ

hkl
–sin2ψ distributions remain almost linear within this ψ range. This leads to a significant reduction of the measuring effort and also makes more complex component geometries accessible for X-ray stress analysis. Applying the modified multi-wavelength plot method for data analysis, it turns out that a plot of the stress data obtained for each reflection hkl by linear regression versus the maximum information depth τψ=0

hkl
results in a discrete depth distribution which coincides with the actual Laplace space stress depth profile σ(τ). The sensitivity of the residual stress depth profiles σ(τψ=0

hkl
) to the diffraction elastic constants ½S
2

hkl
used in the sin2ψ analysis can be exploited to refine the grain-interaction model itself. With respect to the universal plot method the stress factors F

ij
which reflect the material's anisotropy on both the microscopic scale (single-crystal elastic anisotropy) and the macroscopic scale (anisotropy of the residual stress state) are used as driving forces to refine the strain-free lattice parameter a
0 during the evaluation procedure.
Crystal structure of 6-(4-chlorophenyl)-6a-nitro-6a,6b,8,9,10,12a-hexahydro-6H,7H-spiro[chromeno[3,4-a]indolizine-12,11′-indeno[1,2-b]quinoxaline]
Authors: Syed Abuthahir S. , NizamMohideen M. , Viswanathan V. , Velmurugan D. , Nagasivarao J.
Published: January 2019

The title compound, C35H27ClN4O3, crystallized with two independent molecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. In both molecules, the pyran and pyridine rings adopt envelope and chair conformations, respectively. The conformation of the pyrrolidine and cyclopentene rings differ in the two molecules; twisted and flat, respectively, in molecule A, but envelope and twisted, respectively, in molecule B. In both molecules, there is a C—H...N intramolecular hydrogen bond present. In both molecules, the oxygen atoms of the nitro groups are disordered as is the chlorine atom in molecule B. In the crystal, the B molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming –B–B–B– chains along [010], and by C—H...π interactions. The A and B molecules are also linked by a number of C—H...π interactions, resulting in the formation a supramolecular three-dimensional structure. In molecule A, the nitro group oxygen atoms are disordered over two positions with refined occupancy ratios of the nitro group oxygen atoms O3A and O4A in 0.59 (2):0.41 (2) while in molecule B one of the nitro O atoms is disordered over two positions with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.686 (13):0.314 (13) and the chlorine atoms is disordered over two positions with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.72 (3):0.28 (3).
Embodying circularity through usable relocatable modular buildings
Authors: Kyrö Riikka , Jylhä Tuuli , Peltokorpi Antti
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Global megatrends such as urbanization and ageing of the population result in fast-paced demographic changes, which pose different types of challenges for different regions. While many rural municipalities bear the burden of under-used buildings, cities are in a hurry to develop new ones to meet new space demands. The purpose of this paper is to assess the potential of relocatable modular buildings to address these challenges, following the principles of circular economy, while at the same time offering usability.

Design/methodology/approach

This multiple case study explores existing relocatable modular health-care buildings in Finland. The case buildings host hospital support functions, imaging services, a health-care centre and a care home. The primary data comprise 21 semi-structured interviews and observation during factory and site visits.

Findings

Based on the findings, relocatable modular buildings have many benefits and provide a viable option for cities and municipalities struggling to meet their fluctuating space demands. Some challenges were also identified, mainly derived from the dimensional restrictions of the modules.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the emerging body of knowledge on circular economy in the built environment. More specifically, the research provides a very concrete example of circularity and details a framework for usable and relocatable modular buildings. In conclusion, relocatable modular buildings could solve the challenges posed by quickly changing demographics in different types of regions and deliver both usability and circularity.
Decoding behavioural responses of green hotel guests
Authors: Olya Hossein G.T. , Bagheri Pourya , Tümer Mustafa
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aims to present a unique perspective on the application of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in the context of the green lodging industry via configurational modelling of three TPB dimensions in formulating hotel visitors’ behavioural responses. Attitude towards behaviour, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are the three indicators of TPB used to predict guests’ continued intention to use and recommend green hotels on Cyprus, a Mediterranean island with a fragile ecological system.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey is used to evaluate the study’s objectives. A total of 320 guests of green hotels were approached between June and July 2017 and invited to participate. Among them, 260 valid cases were obtained and used for data analysis. The structural model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM), the configurational model was assessed using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and the necessary predictor was evaluated using the necessary condition analysis (NCA).

Findings

The SEM results revealed that attitudes regarding behaviour increased the continued intention to visit and recommend green hotels. Similarly, subjective norms enhanced the guests’ desired behavioural responses. Perceived behavioural control boosted their continued intention to visit, but this was insufficient for predicting green hotel guests’ intention to recommend. The fsQCA results indicated that two causal models explained the conditions of both high and low levels of behavioural responses. The NCA results showed that attitude towards behaviour was the only necessary condition of the two expected behavioural responses.

Originality/value

Several previous studies have tried to modify, decompose or merge the TPB to provide theoretical support for proposed conceptual models indicating visitors’ behaviours. Beyond such attempts, pragmatic analytical approaches (e.g. set-theoretic method) should be applied to present a comprehensive perspective on the association of TPB indicators in decoding the complexity of customers’ behaviours. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first in hospitality research to use three TPB indicators and three analytical approaches to extend the knowledge of guests’ behaviours related to green hotels.
Against all odds: refugees bricoleuring in the void
Authors: Heilbrunn Sibylle
Published: January 2019

Purpose

In an extreme and intentional institutional void, African refugees in Israel are bricoleuring by building an entrepreneurship market next to an “open” detention camp. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how refugee entrepreneurs overcome institutional voids through bricolage in an illegal marketplace outside the detention camp.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to deal with the question of why and how people act entrepreneurial under extreme circumstances, the interpretive/social constructionist paradigm is applied in form of the multiple stories milieu case study pattern. Data were gathered via official reports, interviews and observations.

Findings

Outside the detention camp it is via bricolage that entrepreneurs address the economic detour in the intentional institutional void. At a place which is meant to make asylum seekers leave Israel by coining them “infiltrators” and by “making their lives miserable,” bricoleurs attend their own and the needs of fellow detainees providing goods and service and community space.

Originality/value

By contextualizing entrepreneurial practices, the paper contributes to the understanding of refugee entrepreneurship by demonstrating how refugees – within the pressure and constraints of context – initiate entrepreneurial activities. Theoretically the paper extends knowledge of minority entrepreneurs who are acting as bricoleurs, explaining how their entrepreneuring can be a kind of space creation process.
MOOCS for teacher professional development: exploring teachers’ perceptions and achievements
Authors: Koukis Nikolaos , Jimoyiannis Athanassios
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a study concerning a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), designed to support Greek-language teachers in secondary-education schools in implementing collaborative writing activities with Google Docs (GDs) in their classrooms. Data recorded from a post-survey were used to investigate teachers’ views and perceptions about MOOC design features, their personal achievements and the overall outcomes for their professional work and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The design framework of the particular teacher professional development MOOC was determined by the connectivist principles and addressed three main dimensions of teachers’ active participation: a) individual engagement; b) peer interaction and mutual support; and c) collaborative creation of educational scenarios and artefacts. The analysis used a mixed method that combines data from teachers’ active engagement through the MOOC platform records and quantitative and qualitative data from their responses to a post-survey questionnaire.

Findings

The analysis of the research data provided supportive evidence that the design framework was effective towards promoting teachers’ active engagement, peer interaction and support and development of learning design abilities to integrate collaborative writing with GDs in their classrooms. The findings showed that the majority of participants conceptualized this MOOC as an efficient environment to enhance their pedagogical knowledge and classroom practices and to support continuous professional development.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study may be limited by the specific sample and the context of implementation. Future research is expected to critically analyse existing results in combination with qualitative data from detailed interviews of participants in this teacher professional development MOOC.

Practical implications

The results provided supportive evidence that successful MOOCs for teacher professional development are determined by four key design features: a) connecting course content and teacher learning practices to the educational reality of the classroom; b) defining concrete learning objectives of the course; c) promoting teachers’ collaborative learning; and d) creating a learning community among peers.

Originality/value

This paper presents a systematic analysis of teachers’ engagement in a teacher professional development MOOC, designed to support collaborative and self-directed learning. The results are expected to be significant and valuable for wider educational contexts, as MOOCs for teacher professional development is a new, ambitious topic for both research and educational policies.
A case for early semester utilization of business simulations
Authors: Angolia Mark , Reed April Helene
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to encourage the use of simulations early in a semester, rather than as a course capstone activity, in an effort to utilize simulations as a foundational experience. The intent is to support teaching and learning, as opposed to using simulations as a capstone assignment or assessment tool.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review synthesizing higher education business simulation effectivity and evaluation methods provides support for the analysis of 60 undergraduate supply chain management students and 96 surveys conducted over two years. The research question explores effectiveness based on the point of time during a semester a simulation was used.

Findings

The analysis of simulation effectiveness, based on the impact of course enjoyment and assistance with learning key course competencies, showed no significant differences for simulations used early in a semester or as an end-of-semester capstone event.

Practical implications

Simulations are effective tools regardless of when they are employed, but there may be significant benefits to using a simulation early in a semester by capitalizing on the tool’s inherent experiential learning functionality, active learning theory and the Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle. Early use of simulations provides common student experiences and creates a foundation for educators to develop a deeper understanding of course concepts. Additional instructor effort is needed to develop external, course specific student work to supplement and enhance the simulation experience. Early use also creates post-simulation debriefing benefits that may be precluded by the end-of-semester simulation events.

Originality/value

Evidence suggests that simulations are primarily utilized as course capstone events and/or serve as comprehensive tools to integrate/assess a semester’s worth of conceptual learning. This work fills a gap in the research concerning time frames within a semester when simulations are traditionally employed, presenting a paradigm shift toward early utilization.
Students’ perception and use of English in higher education institutions
Authors: Adi Badiozaman Ida Fatimawati , Leong Hugh John , Jikus Olivia
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore students’ perception and use of English in higher education (HE) institutions in Malaysia. In doing so, it aims to better understand the relationship between students’ perception of English and academic self-efficacy, particularly since English is used as a medium of instruction in HE institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Approximately, 980 questionnaires were distributed to four HE institutions to explore relationships and patterns of students perceived English language proficiency and academic self-efficacy as potential variables shaping their academic performance. About 838 students participated.

Findings

The findings revealed that although students did not rate their English proficiency very highly, they placed high value on English in regards to their academic performance and job prospects upon graduation. More importantly, the findings also show that the majority of the students had high academic self-efficacy beliefs in L2, and were more accurate at calibrating their efficacy beliefs with subsequent performance in academic settings, unlike typical research findings on Asian students as generally holding lower self-efficacy beliefs. This finding was evidenced by the strong and positive relationship between perceived English language competence and academic self-efficacy in L2.

Practical implications

It is imperative that students’ academic self-efficacy beliefs be enhanced as it has been revealed to mobilise motivation and cognitive resources. It is also necessary to offer targeted support services specifically designed to further help students to improve their English academic skills.

Originality/value

In this study, rewards offered by instrumental motivation in terms of increased academic literacy and career appear to supersede the motive of identification with the L2 language community. It is likely that students in Malaysian HE institutions are becoming increasingly motivated to study due to their own visions and desires, rather than as a result of external requirements. Such findings should be capitalised since self-efficacy is predictive of academic performance.
Consumer perceptions of genetically modified foods: a mixed-method approach
Authors: Lefebvre Sarah , Cook Laurel Aynne , Griffiths Merlyn A.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine consumers’ opinions and behavioral intentions toward foods labeled as containing genetically modified (GM) (transgenic) ingredients across plant and animal-based categories. In light of marketplace changes (i.e. labeling requirements), we explore behavioral measures based on labeling options.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies, one online projective survey using a convenience sample of consumers and two experiments conducted with Amazon mTurk adult US participants, are included.

Findings

Consumers have negative associations with GM products vs non-GM and are more likely to purchase unlabeled GM products. GM products may offer positive economic, societal and environmental benefits. However, the need for labeling overshadows these benefits and presence of GM labeling increased avoidance. Furthermore, changes in product opinion mediate consumers’ purchase intention and willingness to pay.

Research limitations/implications

GM labeling negatively influences consumers’ opinions and behavioral intentions. This is important for legislators and marketers concerned with counter-labeling effects (e.g. Non-GMO Project Verified).

Practical implications

Debates on efficacy of labeling, inclusion disclosure of ingredients, short-term risks and long-term implications are ongoing globally. Consumer reception and purchase intention can only be changed through governmental and corporate transparency.

Social implications

Widespread misinformation about GM foods, presence in our food supply, impact on health, economy, environment and the marketplace still exists. The findings reflect consumers’ responses to changes proposed by the 2016 National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard legislation.

Originality/value

With the paucity of research on consumer response to the release of a GM animal product into the food supply, this work breaks new ground as the first to examine the impact of disclosure of GM animal-based food type.
Obtaining reasonable assurance on cyber resilience
Authors: Caron Filip
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential of cyber-testing techniques in assessing the effectiveness of cyber-security controls and obtaining audit evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts with an identification of the applicable cyber-testing techniques and evaluates their applicability to generally accepted assurance schemes and cyber-security guidelines.

Findings

Cyber-testing techniques are providing insight in the effectiveness of the actual implementation of cyber-security controls, which may significantly deviate from the conceptual designs of these controls. Furthermore, cyber-testing techniques could provide concise input for cyber-risk management and improvement recommendations.

Originality/value

The presented cyber-testing techniques could complement traditional process-oriented assurance techniques with specialized technical analyses of real-world implementations that focus on the adversaries’ viewpoint.