bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Temporal Brow Lift: Surgical Indications, Technique, and 10-Year Outcome Analysis
Authors: Rohrich Rod J. , Cho Min-Jeong
Published: November 2019

Background:

Brow-lift techniques have evolved from the most invasive approach, such as a coronal brow lift, to a minimally invasive technique, such as an endoscopic brow lift over the past century. Although an endoscopic brow lift offers the advantage of being minimally invasive, it suffers from a high recurrence rate. The authors present their experience of combining an endoscopic and temporal brow lift approach for long-lasting results, and discuss the surgical indication, techniques, and outcome of an endoscopic temporal brow lift.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent brow rejuvenation from 2008 to 2018. Demographic, surgical procedure, complication, and outcome data were collected.

Results:

Of the 159 patients who underwent a brow lift from 2008 to 2018, the mean patient age was 59.1 years, and 96 percent were women. Of the 159 patients, 71 underwent endoscopic temporal brow lift; their average age was 56.6 years, with an average body mass index of 22.9 kg/m2, and 99 percent were women. The average brow elevation was 1.8 ± 1.7 mm at the midpupil, 1.9 ± 1.8 mm at the medial canthus, and 1.8 ± 1.7 mm at the lateral canthus. There was no difference in the amount of brow elevation at the three locations (p = 0.48). The complication rate for endoscopic temporal brow lift was 1.4 percent, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 231.7 days; one relapse required a repeated procedure.

Conclusions:

The authors’ study reveals that an endoscopic temporal brow lift can elevate the medial and lateral brow effectively, with a low complication rate of 1.4 percent. This technique is an evolution from the more aggressive coronal brow lift and combines the strength of endoscopic and temporal techniques with less invasive incisions. The authors recommend this technique for patients with mild to moderate brow ptosis.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
The Cutting Edge of Headache Surgery: A Systematic Review on the Value of Extracranial Surgery in the Treatment of Chronic Headache
Authors: Bink Thijs , Duraku Liron S. , Ter Louw Ryan P. , Zuidam J. Michiel , Mathijssen Irene M. J. , Driessen Caroline
Published: November 2019

Background:

Migraine is a debilitating neurologic condition, with a large socioeconomic impact. There is a subgroup of patients that does not adequately respond to pharmacologic management and may have underlying neuralgia. Surgical decompression of extracranial sensory nerves has been proposed as an alternative therapy. The aim of this article is to review the evidence for the surgical treatment of neuralgias.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted to study the efficacy of decompression of extracranial sensory nerves as a treatment for neuralgia. Clinical studies were included that studied patients, aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with any definition of headache and were treated with extracranial nerve decompression surgery. Outcome parameters included intensity (on a 10-point scale), duration (in days), and frequency (of headaches per month).

Results:

Thirty-eight articles were found describing extracranial nerve decompression in patients with headaches. Postoperative decrease in headache intensity ranged from 2 to 8.2, reduction of duration ranged from 0.04 to 1.04 days, and reduction in frequency ranged between 4 and 14.8 headaches per month. Total elimination of symptoms was achieved in 8.3 to 83 percent of cases. A detailed summary of the outcome of single-site decompression is described. Statistical pooling and therefore meta-analysis was not possible, because of articles having the same surgeon and an overlapping patient database.

Conclusions:

Nerve decompression surgery is an effective way of treating headaches in a specific population of patients with neuralgia. Although a meta-analysis of the current data was not possible, the extracranial decompression of peripheral head and neck sensory nerves has a high success rate.
Does fibrosis really regress in HIV/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients after treatment with direct antiviral agents?
Authors: Rial-Crestelo David , Sepúlveda María Antonia , González-Gasca Francisco Javier , Geijo-Martínez Paloma , Martínez-Alfaro Elisa , Barberá José Ramón , Yzusqui Miguel , Casallo Sonia , García María , Hornero Constanza Muñoz , Espinosa-Gimeno Alfredo , Torralba Miguel
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the progression of liver stiffness after treatment with direct antiviral agents (DAAs), to identify predictive factors of fibrosis regression and to analyze the changes of scores AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) after treatment.

Design:

Multicenter prospective cohort study of HIV/HCV co-infected patients conducted within the GECMEI cohort, Spain.

Methods:

Individuals were eligible if they were willing to start DAAs and underwent two transient elastographies: at baseline and after the end of treatment (EOT). All patients with detectable HCV RNA naïve to DAAs were consecutively enrolled from nine medical hospitals. Liver stiffness results were categorized in four Metavir stages (F1: <7.1; F2 : 7.1--9.5; F3 : 9.5--2.4; F4: >12.4 kPa). The APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated at baseline, EOT and 12 weeks after EOT.

Results:

One hundred and seventy-eight patients were examined throughout a follow-up of 16.3 months (IQR: 12.5–25). The median of liver stiffness decrease was 2.6 kPa (IQR: 0–6.3). A greater improvement was observed in F3–F4 compared with F1–F2, (6.4 vs. 0.91 kPa, P < 0.001; P = 0.001, respectively). A decline between baseline and EOT measures was observed in APRI and FIB-4 (P < 0.001). Sustained virological response (SVR12) achievement was the only predictor of fibrosis regression [OR:17.4 (95% CI: 1.8–164.6; P = 0.013)].

Conclusion:

Most patients experienced a significant reduction of liver stiffness and APRI and FIB-4 scores. This improvement was greater in those with advanced liver disease. SVR12 was the only predictor of fibrosis regression. The significance of this reduction is unclear and could reflect a decline in inflammation rather than true fibrosis regression.
Applying the Exploration Preparation Implementation Sustainment (EPIS) Framework to the Kigali Imbereheza Project for Rwandan Adolescents Living With HIV
Authors: Donenberg Geri R. , Cohen Mardge H. , Ingabire Charles , Fabri Mary , Emerson Erin , Kendall Ashley D. , Remera Eric , Manzi Olivier , Nsanzimana Sabin
Published: November 2019

Background:

Sub-Saharan African adolescents living with HIV face challenges to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Poor mental health drives nonadherence but can be improved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT delivered by peers may strengthen effects while building capacity for sustainment in low-income countries. This case study retrospectively applied the Exploration Preparation Implementation Sustainment framework to characterize the execution of the Kigali Imbereheza Project, a 2-arm individually randomized group controlled trial of Trauma-Informed Adherence-Enhanced CBT (TI-CBTe) delivered by Rwandan youth leaders (YLs) to adolescents living with HIV.

Methods:

YL (n = 14, 43% female, M = 22.71 years) had confirmed HIV and self-reported ART adherence >95%. Participants (n = 356, 51% female, M = 16.78 years) living with HIV were randomized to TI-CBTe or usual care. Two YLs co-led TI-CBTe sessions over 2 months for a total of 12 hours, while other YL observed and rated fidelity. Participants reported on YL competence. Additional data evaluated feasibility, acceptability, uptake, and fidelity.

Results:

In the Exploration phase, focus groups, stakeholder meetings, and individual interviews revealed strong consensus for delivering TI-CBT to reduce adolescent depression and trauma and improve ART adherence. In the Preparation phase, curriculum revisions were made, YLs were successfully trained, and a cascading supervision model was established. In the Implementation phase, YL delivered TI-CBTe with close monitoring and supervision. Findings revealed strong feasibility, acceptability, uptake, and fidelity, increasing the likelihood of Sustainment.

Conclusions:

Exploration Preparation Implementation Sustainment can guide implementation planning and delivery and evaluate implementation outcomes.
Repositioning Implementation Science in the HIV Response: Looking Ahead From AIDS 2018
Authors: Hargreaves James , Dalal Shona , Rice Brian , Anderegg Nanina , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Gafos Mitzy , Hensen Bernadette , Mangenah Collin , Quaife Matthew , Padian Nancy
Published: November 2019

Background:

Implementation science (IS) occupies a critical place in HIV/AIDS research, reflected by a scientific track (“Track E”) at the biannual International AIDS Conference. IS seeks to identify health delivery strategies that cost-effectively translate the efficacy of evidence-based interventions for HIV prevention, testing, and treatment into impact on HIV incidence, quality of life, and mortality.

Method:

We reviewed the content of Track E, and other presentations relevant to IS, at the 22nd International AIDS Conference held in Amsterdam in 2018. We identified key findings and themes and made recommendations for areas where the field can be strengthened by the 2020 meeting.

Results:

Trials of “treat all” strategies in Africa showed mixed evidence of effect. Innovations in HIV testing included expanding self-testing and index testing, which are reaching groups, such as men, where previously testing rates have been low. Adherence clubs and other innovations are being trialed to improve retention in care, with mixed findings. The implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention continues but with many challenges remaining in identifying implementation strategies that strengthen demand and support continuation.

Discussion:

IS for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention continues to expand. IS for primary HIV prevention must be prioritized with a dearth of rigorous, intersectoral studies in this area. The weakness of routine data must be addressed. Costing and financing studies should form a stronger component of the conference agenda. Implementation scientists must continue to grapple with the methodological challenges posed by the real-world context for their research.
Delayed Infection Occurring Seventeen Years After Cranioplasty: Are Previously Implanted Materials Permanently Safe?
Authors: Li Zhongying , Ye Lei , Cheng Hongwei , Gao Peng , Mao Xiang , Qi Hao , Wang Jingtao , Wang Weihong
Published: November 2019

Crainoplasty following decompressive craniotomy is widely applied clinically. Here, a 55-year-old male had clinical presentation of fever, headache, and ulceration at the anterior scalp of left ear, with 4 to 5 mL pus induction per day, where he accepted cranioplastic surgery 17 years ago using the material of medical silicone rubber. The results of experimental test and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a sign of infection. The authors reported a rarely delayed infection 17 years after cranioplastic surgery. The over long-term risks for the previously transplanted materials should be recognized.
Comorbid personality disorders in manic bipolar I disorder patients is associated with increased use of long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatment and higher rates of rehospitalization
Authors: Goren Yaron , Krivoy Amir , Gur Shay , Valevski Avi , Weizman Abraham , Hochman Eldar
Published: November 2019

Personality disorder comorbidity is considered a poor prognostic factor among bipolar disorder patients. However, an evidence-based pharmacological treatment for this sub-population is lacking, and only few studies investigated the impact of personality disorder on bipolar disorder-I course. Here, we studied the effect of comorbid personality disorder on the administrated psychopharmacotherapy and rehospitalization risk among manic bipolar disorder-I patients. A sample of 340 patients with bipolar disorder-I, who were hospitalized with acute manic episode between 2005 and 2013, were retrospectively followed for a mean duration of 1129 days. Drug treatment at discharge and rehospitalization rates during follow-up time were compared between bipolar disorder-I patients with (n = 55) or without (n = 285) personality disorder comorbidity. Multivariate survival analyses adjusted for covariates were conducted. During the study period, 39.4% of bipolar disorder-I patients were rehospitalized due to a mood episode. Comorbid personality disorder was significantly associated with higher rates of long-acting injectable antipsychotics administration at discharge from hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio 2.66, 95% confidence interval: 1.19–5.94, P = 0.017). Comorbid personality disorder significantly increased the adjusted risk of rehospitalization due to a mood episode (hazard ratio = 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–3.23, P = 0.002). In conclusion, comorbid personality disorder in manic bipolar disorder-I patients is associated with increased use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics and higher rates of rehospitalization.
Schizophrenia in a genomic era: a review from the pathogenesis, genetic and environmental etiology to diagnosis and treatment insights
Authors: Zamanpoor Mansour
Published: November 2019

Schizophrenia is a common multigenic and debilitating neurological disorder characterized by chronic psychotic symptoms and psychosocial impairment. Complex interactions of genetics and environmental factors have been implicated in etiology of schizophrenia. There is no central pathophysiology mechanism, diagnostic neuropathology, or biological markers have been defined for schizophrenia. However, a number of different hypotheses including neurodevelopmental and neurochemical hypotheses have been proposed to explain the neuropathology of schizophrenia. This review provides an overview of pathogenesis, genetic and environmental etiologies to diagnosis and treatment insights in clinical management of schizophrenia in light of the recent discoveries of genetic loci associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia.
Strongly anisotropic surface elasticity and antiplane surface waves
Authors: Eremeyev V. A.
Published: November 2019

Within the new model of surface elasticity, the propagation of anti-plane surface waves is discussed. For the proposed model, the surface strain energy depends on surface stretching and on changing of curvature along a preferred direction. From the continuum mechanics point of view, the model describes finite deformations of an elastic solid with an elastic membrane attached on its boundary reinforced by a family of aligned elastic long flexible beams. Physically, the model was motivated by deformations of surface coatings consisting of aligned bar-like elements as in the case of hyperbolic metasurfaces. Using the least action variational principle, we derive the dynamic boundary conditions. The linearized boundary-value problem is also presented. In order to demonstrate the peculiarities of the problem, the dispersion relations for surface anti-plane waves are analysed. We have shown that the bending stiffness changes essentially the dispersion relation and conditions of anti-plane surface wave propagation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 2)’.
Internal resonances and relaxation memory kernels in composites
Authors: Cherkaev Elena
Published: November 2019

In heterogeneous composite materials, the behaviour of the medium on larger scales is determined by the microgeometry and properties of the constituents on finer scales. To model the influence of the microlevel processes in composite materials, they are described as materials with memory in which the constitutive relations between stress and strain are given as time-domain convolutions with some relaxation kernel. The paper reveals the relationship between the viscoelastic relaxation kernel and the spectral measure in the Stieltjes integral representation of the effective properties of composites. This spectral measure contains all information about the microgeometry of the material, thus providing a link between the relaxation kernel and the microstructure of the composite. We show that the internal resonances of the microstructure determine the characteristic relaxation times of the fading memory kernel and can be used to introduce a set of internal variables that captures dissipation at the microscale.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 2)’.
Applying an iterative method numerically to solve
n
×
n
matrix Wiener–Hopf equations with exponential factors
Authors: Priddin Matthew J. , Kisil Anastasia V. , Ayton Lorna J.
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a generalization of a recent iterative approach to solving a class of 2 × 2 matrix Wiener–Hopf equations involving exponential factors. We extend the method to square matrices of arbitrary dimension
n
, as arise in mixed boundary value problems with
n
junctions. To demonstrate the method, we consider the classical problem of scattering a plane wave by a set of collinear plates. The results are compared to other known methods. We describe an effective implementation using a spectral method to compute the required Cauchy transforms. The approach is ideally suited to obtaining far-field directivity patterns of utility to applications. Convergence in iteration is fastest for large wavenumbers, but remains practical at modest wavenumbers to achieve a high degree of accuracy.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 2)’.
eMAGMA: An eQTL-informed method to identify risk genes using genome-wide association study summary statistics
Authors: Gerring Zachary F , Mina-Vargas Angela , Derks Eske M
Published: November 2019

Identifying genes underlying genetic associations of complex disease is challenging because most common risk variants reside in non-protein coding regions of the genome and likely alter the expression of target genes by disrupting tissue and cell-type specific regulatory elements. To address this challenge, we developed a methodological framework, eQTL-MAGMA (eMAGMA), that converts SNP-level summary statistics into gene-level association statistics by assigning non-coding SNPs to their putative genes based on tissue-specific eQTL information. We compared eMAGMA to three eQTL informed gene-based approaches—S-PrediXcan, FUSION, and SMR—using simulated phenotype data. Phenotypes were simulated based on eQTL reference data using GCTA for all genes with at least one eQTL at chromosome 1 (651 genes). We performed 10 simulations per gene. The eQTL-h2 (i.e., the proportion of variation explained by the eQTLs was set at 1%, 2%, and 5%. We found eMAGMA outperforms other gene-based approaches across a range of simulated parameters (e.g. the number of identified causal genes). When applied to genome-wide association summary statistics for major depression, eMAGMA identified substantially more putative candidate causal genes compared to other eQTL-based approaches. By integrating tissue-specific eQTL information, these results show eMAGMA will help to identify novel candidate causal genes from genome-wide association summary statistics and thereby improve the understanding of the biological basis of complex disorders.
Synthesis and structural characterization of iridium(I) complexes of 20-membered macrocyclic rings bearing chelating bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligands
Authors: Thapa Rajesh , Kilyanek Stefan M.
Published: November 2019

The reactivities of two 20-membered macrocyclic ligands, each containing two N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and two amine groups, towards [IrCl(COD)]2 (COD is cycloocta-1,5-diene) were investigated. Macrocycles containing imidazolin-2-ylidene groups formed the monometallic complex [(1,2,5,6-η)-cycloocta-1,5-diene](5,16-dibenzyl-1,5,9,12,16,20-hexaazatricyclo[18.2.1.19,12]tetracosa-10,21-dien-21,22-diylidene)iridium(I) bromide dichloromethane monosolvate, [Ir(C8H12)(C32H42N6)]Br·CH2Cl2, 2a. The structure of iridium complex 2a at 100 K has triclinic P\overline{1} symmetry. The ligand in 2a coordinates to the Ir center through the NHC moieties in a cis fashion. Additionally, the ligand adopts an umbrella-like structure that appears to envelope the Ir center. The structure displays C—H...Br interactions. Macrocycles containing benzimidazolin-2-ylidene groups formed the bimetallic complex [μ-5,20-dibenzyl-1,5,9,16,20,24-hexaazapentacyclo[22.6.1.19,16.010,15.025,30]dotriaconta-10(15),11,13,25(30),26,28-hexaene-31,32-diylidene]bis{bromido[(1,2,5,6-η)-cycloocta-1,5-diene]iridium(I)}, [Ir2Br2(C8H12)2(C40H46N6)], 2b. The structure of complex 2b at 100 K has orthorhombic Pbca symmetry. Each NHC moiety in 2b coordinates in a monodentate fashion to an Ir(COD) fragment. The structure exhibits disorder of the main molecule. This disorder is found in the portion of the macrocycle containing an amine group. This structure also displays C—H...Br interactions. Finally, the structure of the hexafluorophosphate salt of the imidazolin-2-ylidene-containing macrocycle, namely 5,16-dibenzyl-1λ5,5,9,12λ5,16,20-hexaazatricyclo[18.2.1.19,12]tetracosa-1(23),10,12(24),21-tetraene-1,12-diium bis(hexafluorophosphate), C32H44N6
2+·2PF6
−, 1c, was determined. The structure of macrocycle 1c at 100 K has triclinic P\overline{1} symmetry and was found to contain C—H...F interactions.
Competence trust, goodwill trust and negotiation power in auditor-client relationships
Authors: Maresch Daniela , Aschauer Ewald , Fink Matthias
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how competence trust (i.e. trust regarding the ability of the counterpart) and goodwill trust (i.e. trust regarding the benevolence and integrity of the counterpart) affect the probability that the auditor or the client stand up to the respective negotiation partner’s position in situations of disagreement in the auditing relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were conducted, one with 149 auditors and one with 116 chief financial officers (CFOs). Both auditors and CFOs had to indicate the likelihood that they stand up to the other party’s preferred position in a disagreement on the materiality of unrecorded liabilities. The data derived from these experiments were analyzed using hierarchical OLS.

Findings

The results indicate that both auditors and CFOs who take their respective negotiation partner in the audit for highly competent are less likely to stand up to them in situations of disagreement. Interestingly, goodwill trust appears to be irrelevant for the negotiation outcome.

Practical implications

The findings are highly relevant for regulators, because they inform about the crucial importance of competence trust for the auditing negotiation outcome and thus put the so-called “trust-threat” into perspective.

Originality/value

The study adds to the literature on the role of the context for auditor-client negotiations by exploring the role of two distinct forms of trust on the outcome of these negotiations.
Media, independent non-executive directors and strategy disclosure by non-financial listed firms in the UAE
Authors: Hassan Mostafa Kamal , Lahyani Fathia Elleuch
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of media coverage, negative media tone and the interaction between negative media tone and independent non-executive directors (INEDs) on strategic information disclosure (SD).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on media agenda-setting theory, agency theory and a panel data set of 52 UAE non-financial listed firms from 2009 to 2016. Multivariate regressions examine the effect of media coverage and negative media tone on SD and examine the moderation of INEDs on the effect of negative media tone on SD while controlling for firm size, board size, board meeting frequency, firm profitability and leverage.

Findings

The results show that negative media tone has a negative effect on SD, and there is no association between media coverage and SD. The results show that INEDs are negatively associated with SD and have a negative moderating effect on the negative media tone–SD relationship. INEDs follow a conservative approach, encouraging less SD when their firms face negative media tone.

Research limitations/implications

The authors measured media coverage and negative media tone by the number of news articles. In the robustness test, they use media tone score. They measured SD using an index that captures firm strategy dimensions. Though these measures are inherently subjective, they were used to measure variation in media coverage, media tone and SD across listed UAE non-financial firms. Mitigation of subjectivity was achieved through rigorous cross-checking measurements.

Practical implications

Findings assist UAE policymakers and the international business community with insights related to articulation of media to SD and INEDs’ role in moderating the effect of media on SD.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that combines media agenda-setting theory with agency theory and SD in an emerging market economy (the UAE). The study is also among the few studies that illustrate the possible role of INEDs under different media tones in emerging markets.
Municipal challenges in managing a building with noted health symptoms
Authors: Uotila Ulrika , Saari Arto , Junnonen Juha-Matti
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to present property management challenges that municipalities have encountered regarding a public building with noted building-related symptoms. The study goes on to provide reasons for the failure of attempts to manage the symptoms and discusses the current challenges concerning the process.

Design/methodology/approach

A participatory case study was used as the research methodology to identify the current challenges concerning a municipal approach to managing the building-related symptoms in a case-study building. The researchers scrutinised the history of the health symptom management process and attended the project planning meetings focused on the investigation of the condition of the building.

Findings

Multiple challenges concerning maintenance and omitted or postponed repair actions, as well as vagueness in the management process were found. In addition to this, it was noted that the complexity of the initial design of the building and vandalism have resulted in challenges for the maintenance and moisture performance of the building structures. According to the study, more orderliness and a more systematic process is needed when managing a municipal property.

Practical implications

The identified property management challenges may be of practical value for the facility managers and the property owners, especially when managing the building-related symptoms and a damaged building.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of having an in-depth understanding of condition assessments as well as proper maintenance and timely repairs for the successful management of the building-related symptoms in a municipal building. This is a pilot project in a larger project of management of building refurbishment.
Country of manufacture in garment marketability by Japanese and Chinese experts
Authors: Kim KyoungOk , Toyomaru Yuta , Li Hong-Wei , Takatera Masayuki
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The authors compared garments made in Poland, Japan and China to investigate the effect of country of manufacture (COM) on garment marketability by Japanese and Chinese experts. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences between the Japanese and Chinese experts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compared ten jackets and ten skirts manufactured by four factories in Poland, Japan and China and one Japanese sample maker using five different textiles. The authors provided the same specifications and sample pattern to each of the garment makers. The garment’s marketability was evaluated by 16 Japanese and 18 Chinese experts using a questionnaire survey, considering garment shape, silhouette, face fabric, sub-materials, anticipated appeal to consumers, sewing and ironing skills, and estimated selling price.

Findings

There were high correlations between the Japanese experts’ estimated selling price and evaluation scores in relation to shape, silhouette and face fabric. There were high correlations between the Chinese experts’ estimated selling price and evaluation scores in relation to all items except for face fabric and buttons. However, there were no significant differences between manufacturing countries. Therefore, the garment quality was not dependent on COM because the manufacturing skills of all selected factories were adequate.

Originality/value

This study experimentally investigated the effect of COM on garment marketability by evaluating garments manufactured in Japan, China and Poland using the same pattern and specification sheet. Moreover, these results show differences between the Japanese and Chinese experts for the COM effect.
An integrated approach for healthcare services risk assessment and quality enhancement
Authors: Pourmadadkar Mahdad , Beheshtinia Mohammad Ali , Ghods Kamran
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an integrated approach using failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM), mathematical modeling and quality function deployment (QFD) techniques, for risk assessment and service quality enhancement in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as a treatment for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the disruptions in the CABG process are identified and prioritized following FMEA instructions, using two MCDM techniques, called analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and TOPSIS. Consequently, several corrective activities are identified and weighted on the basis of QFD. Finally, a mathematical model is established to determine the most cost-effective activities for implementation. The approach is developed in a fuzzy environment to reflect the uncertainty and ambiguity of human reasoning.

Findings

Regarding the CABG process disruption, a total of 30 failure modes in four main categories were identified and prioritized. Moreover, eight corrective activities were devised and ranked according to their impact on the failure modes. Finally, considering a limited amount of budget, a sensitivity analysis on the mathematical model’s objective function indicated that using 30 percent of the total budget, required to implement all corrective activities, was enough to cover more than 70 percent of the effects of corrective activities on the failure modes.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the quality risk assessment knowledge by introducing an integrated approach to evaluate and improve healthcare services quality. Also, the case study conducted on the CABG process has not been done by other related studies in the literature.
Dynamic behaviour of composite panels under acoustic loading
Authors: Běhal Jiří , Zděnek Pavel
Published: November 2019

Purpose

There are structural elements on the aircraft that may be exposed to high-intensity sound levels. One of them is an air inlet duct of the jet engine. To prepare data for the air duct damage tolerance analysis, flat panels were tested under acoustic loading. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The acoustic fatigue test equipment for grazing wave’s incidence was designed based on the FE analyses. Flat composite panels were designed and manufactured using the Hexply 8552/AGP193-PW prepreg with the simulation of production imperfections or operational damage. The dynamic behaviour of panels has been tested using three regimes of acoustic loading: white noise spectrum, engine noise spectrum and discrete harmonic frequencies. The panel deflection was monitored along its longitudinal axis, and the ultrasonic NDT instruments were used for the monitoring of relevant delamination increments. The FE model of the panel was created in Abaqus to study panel dynamic characteristics.

Findings

No delamination progress was observed by NDT testing even if dynamic characteristics, especially modal frequency, of the panel changed during the fatigue test. Rayleigh damping coefficients were evaluated for their use in FE models. Significant differences were found between the measured and computed panel deflection curves near the edge of the panel.

Originality/value

The research results underscored the signification of the FE model boundary conditions and the element type selections when the panel works like a membrane rather than a plate because of their low bending stiffness.
R&D tax incentive scheme and in-house R&D expenditure: evidences from Indian firms
Authors: Jose Manu , Sharma Ruchi , Dhanora Madan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of research and development (R&D) tax credit scheme on participating firm’s R&D expenditure in Indian manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Tobit model is used to estimate the impact of R&D tax credit scheme on R&D expenditure.

Findings

The results suggest that there is a positive and significant effect of R&D tax incentive scheme on R&D. The introduction of the R&D tax credit scheme and the policy amendment are positively influencing R&D investment of the participating firms. However, industry-specific results suggest that these positive results are mainly driven by electronic and pharmaceutical industries. The study reveals that import of technology, import of raw materials, competition, profitability, age and leverage position of the firm also positively influence the R&D intensity of the firm.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the listed manufacturing firms in India.

Practical implications

The study evaluates the innovation policy to help the policymakers in designing an effective policy.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence on the impact of R&D tax incentive scheme on firm innovation to explain the factors that contribute to the R&D expenditure of the participating firms. It also summarises the effectiveness of tax incentive scheme on different industry groups and firm size.
Recovering co-created service failures: the missing link of perceived justice and ethicalness
Authors: Wei Shuqin , Ang Tyson , Anaza Nwamaka A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Drawing on the fairness theory, this paper aims to propose a conceptual framework that investigates how co-creation in the failed service delivery (coproduction intensity) and co-creation in the service recovery affect customers’ evaluation of the firm’s competence, justice and ethicalness, and ultimately their willingness to co-create in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Tax services were chosen as the research context. A consumer panel consisting of individuals who live in the USA and have used tax preparation services within the past year was recruited. The first study explores what happens to customers’ ethical perceptions during a failed co-created service encounter. A secondary study investigates what happens to customers’ ethical perceptions in the event that the failed co-created service is recovered.

Findings

The findings show that customers’ perceptions of the firm’s abilities and ethics are impeded by coproduction intensity but favorably influenced by co-creation of recovery.

Practical implications

A sense of ethicalness and fairness is violated when co-created service failure occurs, but fortunately, practitioners can count on engaging customers in the service recovery process as co-creators of the solution to positively alter perceived ethicalness and fairness.

Originality/value

Failed co-created services represent an under-researched area in the marketing literature. Current investigations of co-created service failures have largely approached the notion of fairness from a perceived justice perspective without referencing ethical judgments. However, fairness is grounded in basic ethical assumptions of normative treatment. This research is among the first to highlight the importance of perceived ethicalness in the context of co-created service failure and recovery.
Pilgrimage tourism-past, present and future rejuvenation: a perspective article
Authors: Collins-Kreiner Noga
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the development of the pilgrimage phenomenon over the past few decades. Pilgrimage was the first tourism mobility to come into existence thousands of years ago. In recent decades, its significance has decreased, as other tourism segments have gained prominence. Although modern tourism is regarded as a relatively new phenomenon, its origins are clearly rooted in the age-old practice of pilgrimage. Indeed, the development of tourism is difficult to understand without a thorough comprehension of the practice of pilgrimage in ancient times.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the development of the pilgrimage phenomenon over the past few decades. The phenomenon of Pilgrimage Tourism and the nexus between the two mobilities has been experiencing tremendous changes over the past few decades and is still in the midst of an on-going process of transformation.

Findings

This paper concludes with the prediction that pilgrimage will re-emerge when the many similar segments – particularly, spiritual tourism, heritage tourism, religious tourism, dark tourism and secular pilgrimage – are re-identified as pilgrimage: a mobility for the search for meaning that contains an element of transformation that is often deep and enduring (as they were viewed at the dawn of humanity and for thousands of years).

Originality/value

This review has examined the development of pilgrimage tourism as a research topic, highlighting the importance of re-examining our contemporary usage of terms in order to allow for broader interpretations of different phenomena in the field of tourism. These conclusions are consistent with the current calls for a fundamental rethinking of the paradigms and the norms shaping scholarship on pilgrimage, dark tourism and tourism as a whole from a post-disciplinary perspective based on synthesis and synergy.
Invertebrate phenology modulates the effect of the leaf economics spectrum on litter decomposition rate across 41 subtropical woody plant species
Authors: Guo Chao , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Tuo Bin , Ci Hang , Yan En‐Rong
Published: November 2019

Litter quality and decomposers are critical to carbon and nutrient cycling through litter decomposition. However, how relationships between litter quality and invertebrate detritivores change litter mass loss through time is poorly known. Species’ initial leaf litter quality, as a legacy of their position on the ‘leaf economics spectrum’ (LES), may determine the invertebrate contribution to litter mass loss. This contribution may change through time, as both population peaks of invertebrate detritivores and litter quality of given species will change through time.

Here we introduce invertebrate phenology into a conceptual model of drivers of litter mass loss. We hypothesized that in the early decomposition period, LES can predict litter decomposability with or without a strong invertebrate contribution, that is, litter with higher nutrient content would decompose faster. But in the later decomposition period, when higher quality litter will already have decomposed too much and lower quality litters have still been less degraded, a strong invertebrate peak would coincide with relatively more consumption of initially lower quality litters; this would lead to a humpback relationship between leaf litter mass loss and initial LES position in this period.

We tested our hypothesis through a 1‐year field decomposition experiment using leaf litter of 41 woody species in each of two sites in subtropical forest in China; only one of these sites had a strong late peak of leaf litter‐feeding moth larvae in the litter layer.

LES score of litter species had a positive linear relationship with litter mass loss before the key invertebrate consumer peaks in the litter layer. However, with the invertebrates peaking later into the decomposition process, the invertebrate consumption peaked at initially lower quality litters, which altered the species’ decomposability trajectory on the LES, consistent with the hypothesized humpback relationship between leaf litter mass loss and LES. This phenomenon resulted in a strongly reduced slope of cumulative mass loss on initial LES score across species.

Our finding highlights the importance of considering interactions between the timing of detritivore activities and the timing of litter quality for better understanding the relationships between soil animals and ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Including dynamics in the equation: Tree growth rates and host specificity of vascular epiphytes
Authors: Wagner Katrin , Zotz Gerhard
Published: November 2019

The forest canopy is home to a rich biota. One salient feature are the dynamics of the habitat‐building trees, which are growing and eventually vanishing. Tree species strongly differ in growth rates, final size and longevity. Nevertheless, these inherent dynamics have been a blind spot in studies on host specificity of vascular epiphytes (vascular plants dwelling on trees without parasitizing them)—not least because tree growth rates and longevity are usually unknown in highly diverse tropical forests. The present study aims at tackling this blind spot.

We compared epiphyte abundances (>23,000 individuals) found on 285 individuals of four focal tree species in a lowland moist forest in Panama. Data on repeated dbh censuses from a permanent tree plot provided the unique opportunity to estimate the age of our sampled trees. We compared the relative importance of tree longevity for host biases with that of other host tree characteristics, namely microclimatic conditions and bark acidity, rugosity and stability.

The studied tree species differ in host quality and epiphyte species partly differ in host preferences. The conclusions concerning relative host tree quality depend hugely on whether or not different tree growth rates are considered. Comparing these conclusions allows important insights into the role of tree longevity in shaping epiphyte communities. Relating tree trait differences to the observed distributions of epiphytes among the focal tree species shows how the simultaneous action of various tree characteristics causes host biases.

Synthesis. This study highlights the substantial but, up to now, hidden role of different tree growth rates for host tree specificity of vascular epiphytes. Future investigations need to consider this possibly confounding factor adequately to avoid spurious conclusions.
Ecophysiological responses of the biocrust moss Syntrichia caninervis to experimental snow cover manipulations in a temperate desert of central Asia
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Yuanming
Published: November 2019

Global warming has given rise to variations in winter weather patterns, including changes in snow cover and soil hydrothermal properties. Biocrust mosses are a major component of desert ecosystems and are relatively sensitive to environmental change, yet the knowledge of possible ecophysiological responses of biocrust mosses to variations in annual snow cover is limited. The aim of this study was to understand how Syntrichia caninervis responds to simulated snow cover alterations in a temperate desert. Ecophysiological indicators of S. caninervis affected by snow manipulation were investigated in early winter (December), mid‐winter (January and February) and snow melt (March). Three levels of snow manipulations were complete removal of snow (−S), ambient snow cover (control, S), and double layer of snow (+S). Two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that most of the ecophysiological indices measured were significantly affected by the snow manipulation treatments, the actual time period of the snow cover and the interaction between both snow manipulation and time period. Soluble protein decreased with reduced snow cover especially during periods of snow melt. In contrast, antioxidant enzyme activity and malonydialdehyde (MDA) increased with reduced snow cover, but an exception to this trend was observed for peroxidase in early winter and MDA during snow melt. The results may indicate that biocrust moss has the ability to adapt to changes in snow cover by adjusting the physiological activities.
Carbendazim‐resistance associated β2‐tubulin substitutions increase deoxynivalenol biosynthesis by reducing the interaction between β2‐tubulin and IDH3 in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zhou Zehua , Duan Yabing , Zhou Mingguo
Published: November 2019

Microtubule is a well‐known structural protein participating in cell division, motility and vesicle traffic. In this study, we found that β2‐tubulin, one of the microtubule components, plays an important role in regulating secondary metabolite deoxynivalenol (DON) biosynthesis in Fusarium graminearum by interacting with isocitrate dehydrogenase subunit 3 (IDH3). We found IDH3 negatively regulate DON biosynthesis by reducing acetyl‐CoA accumulation in F. graminearum and DON biosynthesis was stimulated by exogenous acetyl‐CoA. In addition, the expression of IDH3 significantly decreased in the carbendazim‐resistant mutant nt167 (Fgβ2F167Y). Furthermore, we found that carbendazim‐resistance associated β2‐tubulin substitutions reducing the interaction intensity between β2‐tubulin and IDH3. Interestingly, we demonstrated that β2‐tubulin inhibitor carbendazim can disrupt the interaction between β2‐tubulin and IDH3. The decreased interaction intensity between β2‐tubulin and IDH3 resulted in the decreased expression of IDH3, which can cause the accumulation of acetyl‐CoA, precursor of DON biosynthesis in F. graminearum. Thus, we revealed that carbendazim‐resistance associated β2‐tubulin substitutions or carbendazim treatment increases DON biosynthesis by reducing the interaction between β2‐tubulin and IDH3 in F. graminearum. Taken together, the novel findings give the new perspectives of β2‐tubulin in regulating secondary metabolism in phytopathogenic fungi.