bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Tissue Expanders as a Choice for the Treatment of Congenital Facial Nevus in the Young Child
Authors: Sánchez Galán Alba , Miguel Miriam , Nuñez Cerezo Vanesa , Noriega Rebolledo Bryant , Dore Mariela , Triana Junco Paloma , Barrena Saturnino , Diaz Mercedes , Lopez-Gutierrez Juan , Romo Muñoz Martha
Published: January 2018

Objective One of the principal objectives in treatment of facial nevus is to minimize psychological damage and encourage the child's schooling by the best possible cosmetic result. There are several therapeutic techniques: grafts, flaps, dermal regenerator, and tissue expanders.

Materials and Methods We reviewed 10 patients with facial nevus higher than 10 cm treated in the past 8 years. Our treatment protocol includes serial expander implant to remove everything that does not involve the eyelid and nasal pyramid. Ten patients were included, between 8 and 36 months of age. A median of 4 (2–6) surgeries were conducted, and the number of implanted expanders was 1 to 3 in each session. There were only minor complications in two patients, infection that responded to antibiotic therapy and minimal dehiscence of incision forcing resuturing. The median follow-up was 1.6 (1.3–3.4) years.

Conclusion Tissue expansion has become in recent years the treatment of choice for facial nevus in children, obtaining the best aesthetic result because the defect is covered with similar characteristics in color, texture, and relief skin. It is essential that the reconstruction is done by specialized units and we recommend complete surgical excision before starting school.
Stationäre Palliativmedizin – Analyse der medizinischen Versorgung onkologischer und nichtonkologischer Patienten einer universitären Palliativstation
Authors: Geist Marcus , Keßler Jens , Bardenheuer Hubert
Published: January 2018

Hintergrund Palliativstationen stellen die Akutversorgung von Palliativpatienten mit besonders komplexer Symptomatik sicher. Die Anzahl der Palliativstationen hat in den vergangenen Jahren in Deutschland deutlich zugenommen. Um der wachsenden Nachfrage an Palliativbetten für die Akutversorgung adäquat zu begegnen und optimale Bedingungen für eine klinische Palliativversorgung zu gewährleisten, ist die differenzierte Analyse der aktuellen Versorgungsstrukturen zwingend erforderlich. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, mit den Daten einer 10 Jahre bestehenden universitären Palliativstation Diagnosen, Mortalität, Verlegungsorte und Liegedauer der auf der Station behandelten Patienten zu untersuchen. Darüber hinaus sollte geprüft werden, ob sich onkologische von nichtonkologischen Patienten bezüglich ihres Alters und des Allgemeinzustands unterscheiden.

Methodik Im Rahmen einer retrospektiven epidemiologischen Untersuchung wurden Diagnosen, Mortalität, Verlegungsorte und Liegedauer der von 2007 bis 2016 auf der Station behandelten Patienten mittels deskriptiver Statistik ausgewertet. Darüber hinaus wurden Unterschiede onkologischer und nichtonkologischer Patienten in den Jahren 2015 und 2016 bezüglich ihres Alters sowie des Karnofsky- und Barthel-Index bei Klinikaufnahme betrachtet und mittels ungepaartem t-Test auf statistische Signifikanz geprüft.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt konnten 2360 Patienten untersucht werden. Davon waren 94 % Tumorpatienten und 6 % Nichttumorpatienten. Die Gesamtmortalität betrug 55 %, wobei nichtonkologische eine sehr viel höhere Sterberate als onkologische Patienten hatten (73 % vs. 54 %). Nichtonkologische Patienten waren um 11,9 Jahre älter und zeigten bei Aufnahme einen 13,2 % niedrigeren Karnofsky-Index sowie einen um 23,4 Punkte erniedrigten Barthel-Index. Von den entlassenen Patienten konnten 61 % im häuslichen Umfeld weiter versorgt werden, 23 % wurden in ein Hospiz verlegt. Die mittlere Liegedauer aller Patienten betrug 11 Tage.

Schlussfolgerungen Obwohl auf der untersuchten Palliativstation außerordentlich viele Tumorpatienten behandelt wurden, ist der in den letzten Jahren gestiegene Versorgungsbedarf von Nichttumorpatienten deutlich identifizierbar. Nichtonkologische Patienten benötigten eine merklich komplexere palliativmedizinische Versorgung, da diese im Vergleich zu Tumorpatienten erst in einem weitaus fortgeschritteneren Krankheitsstadium in die Palliativbetreuung integriert werden.
A tunable microfluidic 3D stenosis model to study leukocyte-endothelial interactions in atherosclerosis
Authors: Venugopal Menon Nishanth , Tay Hui Min , Pang Kuin Tian , Dalan Rinkoo , Wong Siew Cheng , Wang Xiaomeng , Li King Ho Holden , Hou Han Wei
Published: January 2018

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by endothelial dysfunction and blood vessel narrowing, is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases including heart attack and stroke. Herein, we present a novel tunable microfluidic atherosclerosis model to study vascular inflammation and leukocyte-endothelial interactions in 3D vessel stenosis. Flow and shear stress profiles were characterized in pneumatic-controlled stenosis conditions (0%, 50% and 80% constriction) using fluid simulation and experimental beads perfusion. Due to non-uniform fluid flow at the 3D stenosis, distinct monocyte (THP-1) adhesion patterns on inflamed [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) treated] endothelium were observed, and there was a differential endothelial expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) at the constriction region. Whole blood perfusion studies also showed increased leukocyte interactions (cell rolling and adherence) at the stenosis of healthy and inflamed endothelium, clearly highlighting the importance of vascular inflammation, flow disturbance, and vessel geometry in recapitulating atherogenic microenvironment. To demonstrate inflammatory risk assessment using leukocytes as functional biomarkers, we perfused whole blood samples into the developed microdevices (80% constriction) and observed significant dose-dependent effects of leukocyte adhesion in healthy and inflamed (TNF-α treated) blood samples. Taken together, the 3D stenosis chip facilitates quantitative study of hemodynamics and leukocyte-endothelial interactions, and can be further developed into a point-of-care blood profiling device for atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases.
Thermochemical nonequilibrium parameter modification of oxygen for a two-temperature model
Authors: Kim Jae Gang , Park Gisu
Published: January 2018

Thermochemical nonequilibrium parameters of oxygen, O2, for a two-temperature model are proposed in the present work. The rovibrational nonequilibrium and chemical reactions of three low-lying electronic states of O2(X3Σg−, a1Δg, and b1Σg+) are investigated in one-dimensional post-shock flow environments, including the rovibrational state-to-state kinetics and electronic excitations due to heavy-particle collisions. Based on the results of rigorous state-resolved calculations and state-of-the-art shock-tube experimental data, the nonequilibrium parameters of O2 are proposed to improve the two-temperature model accuracy. For shock wave velocities above 3 km/s, the proposed nonequilibrium parameters of the two-temperature model better reproduce the results of the rigorous state-resolved calculations and shock-tube experimental data than do the previous parameters.
Photolithographic patterned surface forms size-controlled lipid vesicles
Authors: Gertrude Gutierrez M. , Yoshida Shotaro , Malmstadt Noah , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: January 2018

Using traditional 2-D photolithographic methods, surface patterns are made on agarose and used to form lipid vesicles with controlled size and layout. Depending on the size and layout of the patterned structures, the lipid bilayer vesicle size can be tuned and placement can be predetermined. Vesicles formed on 2-D patterned surfaces can be harvested for further investigations or can be assayed directly on the patterned surface. Lipid vesicles on the patterned surface are assayed for unilamellarity and protein incorporation, and vesicles are indeed unilamellar as observed from outer leaflet fluorescence quenching. Vesicles successfully incorporate the integral membrane protein α-hemolysin and maintain its membrane transport function.
Strain tunable magnetic properties of 3d transition-metal ion doped monolayer MoS2: A first-principles study
Authors: Zhu Yupeng , Liang Xiao , Qin Jun , Deng Longjiang , Bi Lei
Published: January 2018

In this article, a systematic study on the magnetic properties and strain tunability of 3d transition metal ions (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) doped MoS2 using first-principles calculations is performed. Antiferromagnetic coupling is observed between Mn, Fe ions and the nearest neighbor Mo ions; whereas ferromagnetic coupling is observed in Co and Ni systems. It is also shown that by applying biaxial tensile strain, a significant change of the magnetic moment is observed in all transition metal doped MoS2 materials with a strain threshold. The changes of total magnetic moment have different mechanisms for different doping systems including an abrupt change of the bond lengths, charge transfer and strain induced structural anisotropy. These results demonstrate applying strain as a promising method for tuning the magnetic properties in transition metal ion doped monolayer MoS2.
Repeated-batch fermentation by immobilization of Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 in a fibrous bed bioreactor for ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) production
Authors: Liu Jun , Liu Zuojun , Guo Ting
Published: January 2018

In this study, a fibrous bed bioreactor (FBB) system was used to produce ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) by immobilized cells of Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. To obtain the maximum ABE productivity and yield and maintain the stability of a repeated-batch fermentation process in the FBB system, the optimal dilution rate (0.17 min−1) and initial glucose concentration (18 g/l) in the bioreactor were determined. When the repeated-batch fermentation was maintained at 11 cycles under the optimal conditions, an average of 4.9 g/l butanol (maximum 5.3 g/l) was achieved with an average solvent productivity of 1.0 g/l/h and a yield of 0.41 g/g (maxima of 1.1 g/l/h and 0.43 g/g, respectively). However, the solvent productivity and yield in batch fermentation of free cells were just 0.29 g/l/h and 0.36 g/g, respectively. In addition, scanning electron micrographs demonstrated that C. beijerinckii cells can be adsorbed onto a cotton towel and they exhibited a significantly different morphology compared to immobilized Clostridium acetobutylicum.
New methods for probing and exploring magnetoelastic properties of amorphous ferromagnetic alloys
Authors: Gray Lindsey J. , Nowak Kamil , Sydoryk Ihor , Martin Catalin , Anderson Philip M.
Published: January 2018

We describe two new methods for investigating and exploring magnetoelastic properties of ribbons of amorphous magnetic alloys. One consists of exciting the ribbon mechanically while detecting the electromagnetic response, and the second method involves the use of a radiofrequency resonator as a contactless technique for measuring magneto-impedance [C. A. Grimes, S. C. Roy, S. Rani, and Q. Cai, Sensors 11, 2809–2844 (2011)]. The electromagnetic response to mechanical vibration is discussed in connection with the possibility of observing Fano resonance in a classical system, and the magneto-impedance is found to be highly sensitive to magnetic domains formation and their dynamics.
Role of dislocations and carrier concentration in limiting the electron mobility of InN films grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Tangi Malleswararao , De Arpan , Shivaprasad S. M.
Published: January 2018

We report the molecular beam epitaxy growth of device quality InN films on GaN epilayer and nano-wall network (NWN) templates deposited on c-sapphire by varying the film thickness up to 1 μm. The careful experiments are directed towards obtaining high mobility InN layers having a low band gap with improved crystal quality. The dislocation density is quantified by using high resolution X-ray diffraction rocking curve broadening values of symmetric and asymmetric reflections, respectively. We observe that the dislocation density of the InN films grown on GaN NWN is less than that of the films grown on the GaN epilayer. This is attributed to the nanoepitaxial lateral overlayer growth (ELOG) process, where the presence of voids at the interface of InN/GaN NWN prevents the propagation of dislocation lines into the InN epilayers, thereby causing less defects in the overgrown InN films. Thus, this new adaptation of the nano-ELOG growth process enables us to prepare InN layers with high electron mobility. The obtained electron mobility of 2121 cm2/Vs for 1 μm thick InN/GaN NWN is comparable with the literature values of similar thickness InN films. Furthermore, in order to understand the reasons that limit electron mobility, the charge neutrality condition is employed to study the variation of electron mobility as a function of dislocation density and carrier concentration. Overall, this study provides a route to attaining improved crystal quality and electronic properties of InN films.
Bacteremia and Septic Arthritis due to a Nontoxigenic Strain of Clostridium difficile in a Patient With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Hill Emilie , Workman Adrienne D , Lee Francesca , Hollaway Rita , Cavuoti Dominick , Prokesch Bonnie C
Published: January 2018

A 22-year-old female with sickle cell disease presented with fevers, bilateral knee pain, and lethargy. Laboratory data revealed a leukocytosis and lactic acidosis. Blood and synovial fluid cultures grew a non-toxin-producing strain of Clostridium difficile. This case highlights the fact that nontoxigenic Clostridium difficile can cause significant disease.
Acoustically Targeted Chemogenetics for Noninvasive Control of Neural Circuits
Authors: Szablowski Jerzy O. , Lue Brian , Lee-Gosselin Audrey , Malounda Dina , Shapiro Mikhail G.
Published: January 2018

Neurological and psychiatric diseases often involve the dysfunction of specific neural circuits in particular regions of the brain. Existing treatments, including drugs and implantable brain stimulators, aim to modulate the activity of these circuits, but are typically not cell type-specific, lack spatial targeting or require invasive procedures. Here, we introduce an approach to modulating neural circuits noninvasively with spatial, cell-type and temporal specificity. This approach, called acoustically targeted chemogenetics, or ATAC, uses transient ultrasonic opening of the blood brain barrier to transduce neurons at specific locations in the brain with virally-encoded engineered G-protein-coupled receptors, which subsequently respond to systemically administered bio-inert compounds to activate or inhibit the activity of these neurons. We demonstrate this concept in mice by using ATAC to noninvasively modify and subsequently activate or inhibit excitatory neurons within the hippocampus, showing that this enables pharmacological control of memory formation. This technology allows a brief, noninvasive procedure to make one or more specific brain regions capable of being selectively modulated using orally bioavailable compounds, thereby overcoming some of the key limitations of conventional brain therapies.
Using insects to detect, monitor and predict the distribution ofXylella fastidiosa:a case study in Corsica
Authors: Cruaud Astrid , Gonzalez Anne-Alicia , Godefroid Martin , Nidelet Sabine , Streito Jean-Claude , Thuillier Jean-Marc , Rossi Jean-Pierre , Santoni Sylvain , Rasplus Jean-Yves
Published: January 2018

We sampledca2500 specimens ofPhilaenus spumariusthroughout Corsica withouta priorion the presence of symptoms on plants. We screened 448 specimens for the presence ofXylella fastidiosa (Xf)using qPCR and a custom nested PCR. qPCR appeared versatile and under-estimated the prevalence ofXf. Nested PCR showed thatXfwas present in all populations. Molecular results were validated by prediction on the distribution ofXfmade from tests conducted on plants, which shows the pertinence of using vectors in risk assessment studies.Xfwas detected in tenerals and adults. Thus,P. spumariuscould acquireXffrom its host plant, mostlyCistus monspeliensisin Corsica, which may act as reservoir for the next season. This contrasts with other observations and suggests that management strategies may have to be adapted on a case-by-case basis. At least two genetic entities and several variants ofXfnot yet identified on plants were present in the insects, which suggests ancient introductions ofXfand a probable underestimation of the current diversity of the strains present in Corsica. Interestingly 6% of the specimens carried two subspecies. Studies are wanted to better characterize the strains present in Corsica and know how the disease was introduced, spread and why no sign of a potential epidemic was detected earlier. This study shows that, when sensitive enough methods are implemented, insects can be used to predict and better assess the exact distribution ofXf. Insects are indeed easy to collect,Xfmultiply only in their foregut and does not become circulative, which facilitates its detection.

Key message

Insect vectors can be used to detect, monitor and predict the distribution ofXylella fastidiosa

The widely used qPCR approach is not sensitive enough to detect low bacterial load

Different strains/subspecies ofXfare widely distributed in Corsica which suggests old introduction(s)

Strategies to manageXfmay need to be set up on a case-by-case basis

There is an urgent need to take stock of the situation in Europe to avoid unnecessary economic pressure on certain geographical areas and agricultural sectors.
The influence of cortical depth on neuronal responses in mouse visual cortex
Authors: O’Herron Philip , Woodward John , Kara Prakash
Published: January 2018

With the advent of two-photon imaging as a tool for systems neuroscience, the mouse has become a preeminent model system for studying sensory processing. One notable difference that has been found however, between mice and traditional model species like cats and primates is the responsiveness of the cortex. In the primary visual cortex of cats and primates, nearly all neurons respond to simple visual stimuli like drifting gratings. In contrast, imaging studies in mice consistently find that only around half of the neurons respond to such stimuli. Here we show that visual responsiveness is strongly dependent on the cortical depth of neurons. Moving from superficial layer 2 down to layer 4, the percentage of responsive neurons increases dramatically, ultimately reaching levels similar to what is seen in other species. Over this span of cortical depth, neuronal response amplitude also increases and orientation selectivity moderately decreases. These depth dependent response properties may be explained by the distribution of thalamic inputs in mouse V1. Unlike in cats and primates where thalamic projections to the granular layer are constrained to layer 4, in mice they spread up into layer 2/3, qualitatively matching the distribution of response properties we see. These results show that the analysis of neural response properties must take into consideration not only the overall cortical lamina boundaries but also the depth of recorded neurons within each cortical layer. Furthermore, the inability to drive the majority of neurons in superficial layer 2/3 of mouse V1 with grating stimuli indicates that there may be fundamental differences in the role of V1 between rodents and other mammals.
Administration of Gonadotropins for Superovulation in Mice
Authors: Behringer Richard , Gertsenstein Marina , Nagy Kristina Vintersten , Nagy Andras
Published: January 2018

For experiments that require large numbers of preimplantation mouse embryos, such as microinjection of zygotes, gonadotropins are administered to females before mating to increase the number of oocytes that are ovulated (i.e., to induce superovulation). Pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) is used to mimic the oocyte maturation effect of the endogenous follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used to mimic the ovulation induction effect of luteinizing hormone (LH).
Preparation of Plasmid DNA by Alkaline Lysis with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: Maxipreps
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: January 2018

In recent years, with the advent of polymerase chain reaction and the development of highly efficient methods of cloning and DNA sequencing, the need to prepare large quantities of plasmid vectors and recombinants has greatly diminished. In consequence, this protocol, at one time in common use, has been largely replaced by faster and easier column-based purification methods. In this protocol, plasmid DNA is purified from the cleared bacterial lysate by centrifugation to equilibrium in CsCl gradients containing ethidium bromide. These gradients have an aesthetic quality that justifies the continued presentation of a protocol that in many other respects is an antique. The typical yield of high-copy-number plasmid vectors or of amplified low-copy-number vectors prepared by this method is ∼3–5 µg of DNA/mL of original bacterial culture. The yield of recombinant plasmids containing inserts of foreign DNA is usually slightly lower, depending on the size and nature of the cloned DNA fragment.
Assessment of Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death) by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Duensing Thomas D. , Watson Susan R.
Published: January 2018

A useful feature of therapeutic antibodies is the ability to kill the cells to which they bind. Antibodies are capable of mediating cell killing in a variety of ways. Apoptosis, complement-mediated mechanisms, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity are all effects that can be assayed to characterize lead antibody candidates. Extensive, multidose characterizations of a series of candidates can be performed in a short amount of time using assays developed for high-throughput flow cytometry systems. Here, we describe a simple multiplexed flow assay performed using Annexin V and propidium iodide that measures an early marker of apoptosis. When cells enter apoptosis, phosphatidyl serine (PS), which is normally found on the inside of the cytoplasmic membrane, is found on the extracellular surface of the membrane, thus revealing Annexin V–binding sites. Because binding of Annexin V to PS is calcium dependent, the buffers used for this assay must contain 1 mm calcium. The calcium dependence can also be used to test whether the Annexin V staining is specific. Thus, if the staining is performed in the presence of 1 mm EDTA, binding of Annexin V should be inhibited. The addition of propidium iodide allows subsequent stages of apoptosis and eventual cell death to be distinguished. For flow cytometry, this assay is best performed on suspension cells.
Generating an Open Reading Frame (ORF) Entry Clone and Destination Clone
Authors: Reece-Hoyes John S. , Walhout Albertha J.M.
Published: January 2018

This protocol describes using the Gateway recombinatorial cloning system to create an Entry clone carrying an open reading frame (ORF) and then to transfer the ORF into a Destination vector. In this example, BP recombination is used to clone an ORF from a cDNA source into the Donor vector pDONR 221. The ORF from the resulting Entry clone is then transferred into the Destination vector pDEST-15; the product (the Destination clone) will express the ORF as an amino-terminal GST-fusion. The technique can be used as a guide for cloning any other DNA fragment of interest—a promoter sequence or 3′ untranslated region (UTR), for example—with substitutions of different genetic material such as genomic DNA, att sites, and vectors as required. The series of constructions and transformations requires 9–15 d, not including time that may be required for sequence confirmation, if desired/necessary.
Antibody Screening Using High-Throughput Flow Cytometry
Authors: Duensing Thomas D. , Watson Susan R.
Published: January 2018

Because molecular targets addressable with antibody therapeutics are present on the surface of cells or in circulation, they are ideal for screening by cell- or bead-based assays using flow cytometry, a powerful, high-content analysis technique for cells, beads, and other particles in suspension. The ability to analyze thousands of cells per second, combined with multiplexing capabilities, has made this technology indispensable for laboratories performing antibody development work. Advances in this field, particularly in the areas of plate-based sampling and high-throughput flow cytometry, are enabling the use of this technology earlier in the antibody development and discovery process.
CONTIN XPCS: software for inverse transform analysis of X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy dynamics
Authors: Andrews Ross N. , Narayanan Suresh , Zhang Fan , Kuzmenko Ivan , Ilavsky Jan
Published: January 2018

X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) reveal materials dynamics using coherent scattering, with XPCS permitting the investigation of dynamics in a more diverse array of materials than DLS. Heterogeneous dynamics occur in many material systems. The authors' recent work has shown how classic tools employed in the DLS analysis of heterogeneous dynamics can be extended to XPCS, revealing additional information that conventional Kohlrausch exponential fitting obscures. The present work describes the software implementation of inverse transform analysis of XPCS data. This software, called CONTIN XPCS, is an extension of traditional CONTIN analysis and accommodates the various dynamics encountered in equilibrium XPCS measurements.
Segmentation of organic food buyers: an emergent market perspective
Authors: Peštek Almir , Agic Emir , Cinjarevic Merima
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain empirical understanding of organic food buyers in the context of emergent organic food market (i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina) by using a segmentation approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administrated online survey was carried out among organic food buyers (n=202) using the snowball sampling technique. Measurement items were mainly adapted from the prior studies.

Findings

The authors analysed the heterogeneity of organic food buyers with latent class model. Four distinct latent classes (i.e. segments) of organic food buyers were identified. Those segments were named as enthusiastic social-seekers, enthusiastic moralists, hostile seldom shoppers, and hostile heavy shoppers.

Originality/value

Though the study was exploratory, the identified segments of organic food buyers can enhance our knowledge about differing characteristics of organic food buyers in the context of the country where the organic food industry is in the early stages of development. The findings of this study will give organic food producers and marketers a much better framework for making product, pricing, distribution and marketing communications decision. Moreover, the identification of organic food consumer profiles will provide an insight into how policymakers should tailor their public policy and strategies to expand the size of the organic food market.
Attitude towards soft drinks and its consumption pattern: a study of Gen Y consumers of India
Authors: Kumar Niraj , Ray Subhajyoti
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the consumption patterns and attitudes towards soft drinks among Indian youth.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used to investigate consumption patterns, attitudes, and socio-demographic profiles of college-attending respondents between the ages of 18 and 30. Cluster analysis and factor analysis were undertaken to obtain a better understanding of the attitudes among young consumers towards soft drinks. A logistic regression model was used as a predictor to distinguish between frequent and non-frequent soft drink consumers.

Findings

Indian youths preferred diet drinks and fruit juices more than regular soft drinks. Soft drinks were mostly consumed as distinct drinks (not as substitutes) and on specific occasions. Easy availability of soft drinks at the locations closure to consumers was a critical factor in determining consumers’ purchase and consumption level. Attitude towards the utility and nutritional dimensions of soft drinks had a positive and significant influence on the frequency of consumption.

Practical implications

To remain competitive, soft drinks’ companies need to focus more on healthy products and those that are refreshing and relaxing.

Social implications

Regulating the availability of soft drinks in and around educational institutions will affect consumption of soft drinks and reduce diseases.

Originality/value

Only a few studies investigating consumption patterns and attitudes among Indian youth towards soft drinks. This study attempts to fill the gap.
Evolving food consumption patterns of rural and urban households in developing countries
Authors: Mottaleb Khondoker Abdul , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Kruseman Gideon , Erenstein Olaf
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Population and income are growing rapidly in South Asia, spurring the demand for food in general, and the demand for higher-valued food items in particular. This poses particular food security challenges for densely populated and emerging countries, such as Bangladesh. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the increasing and changing cereal consumption pattern in developing countries using Bangladesh as a case.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Bangladesh’s Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2000, 2005a, b data, and applying a two-stage quadratic almost ideal system estimation procedure, the present study separately estimates the expenditure elasticities for rural and urban households for five food items: rice, wheat and rice and wheat products, pulses, fish and vegetables. Second, using the estimated elasticities, projected population and the per capita GDP growth rates, this study projects the consumption of the sampled food items by 2030.

Findings

This study demonstrates that in 2030 both rural and urban households in Bangladesh will consume more wheat, pulses and fish, but the urban households will consume less rice compared to the current levels of consumption in 2015.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on developing countries that examines the evolving food items consumption separately by rural and urban households. Using Bangladesh as a case, this study warns that with rapid urbanization and income growth, developing countries need to supply more wheat, fish and pulses. The provision of the maximum usage of scarce resources, such as arable land, the development and dissemination of improved varieties and the best management practices must be ensured to boost domestic food production in developing countries to cater to the future evolving food consumption.
The relationship between ownership structure and firm financial performance
Authors: Alabdullah Tariq Tawfeeq Yousif
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Previous studies that dealt with corporate governance have witnessed gradually significant growth that created some new trends. The purpose of this paper is to be involved in such trends through examining the link between ownership structure as one of the important corporate governance mechanisms and firm performance in Jordan as one of emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study used the multiple regression method to analyze available data for non-financial firms listed in the Amman Stock Exchange for the fiscal year 2012.

Findings

The findings revealed that managerial ownership has a positive impact on performance. On the other hand, the findings surprisingly showed no evidence to support the impact of foreign ownership on performance. Moreover, there is a significant evidence to support the fact that company size has no impact on firm performance. The findings also revealed that industry type has no impact on firm performance.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the current study demonstrated that good corporate governance is imperative to all organizations and must be encouraged for the interest of all stakeholders. Unlike the majority of the previous studies, the current study unexpectedly found that foreign ownership is not significantly contributing to the firm performance. Thus, Jordanian Government and other related/responsible parties should formulate policies for the foreign investors.

Originality/value

Interestingly, from developed and developing countries perspective, the study is the first of its kind that exclusively chose the mechanisms of ownership structure in its relationship with firm performance represented by market share, where no previous study has tested foreign ownership in such relationship. In that, this study is the first study in emerging economies to investigate such a link. Such new insights on this relationship by current study provide helpful information that is of great value to the government, academics, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
Exposing organizational tensions with a non-traditional budgeting system
Authors: Berland Nicolas , Curtis Emer , Sponem Samuel
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The Beyond Budgeting movement has argued that traditional budgets failed to contribute to the management of tensions associated with the increasing complexity of business models. The literature has reported a range of budgeting practices developed to address these problems, which the authors refer to collectively as “non-traditional (NT) budgets.” The purpose of this paper is to consider how the design and use of a NT budgeting system facilitates the management of multiple organizational tensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports the findings of an in-depth case study on three business units (BUs) of the French chemical giant SSB, a company that implemented a NT budget inspired by the Beyond Budgeting Round Table model.

Findings

The authors provide detailed empirical insights into the design and use of a NT budgeting system and analyze the manner in which the new system exposes organizational tensions across multiple axes.

Research limitations/implications

It is a limitation of the study that only three of SSB 21 BU’s which implemented the NT budget project were examined in depth. This limitation is mitigated to some extent by the review of audit reports in respect of the implementation of the NT budget in a total of 15 BU’s.

Practical implications

The study contributes a means of analyzing NT budgets in terms of the different types of organizational tensions generated, which should be of use to both researchers and practitioners in researching, designing, and evaluating NT budgets.

Originality/value

This study provides detailed empirical insights into the design and use of a NT budgeting system and evidence of the success of this system in exposing organizational tensions across multiple axes. The study illustrates how productive tensions can be generated through the analysis of discrepancies between alternative views of organizational performance.
Next level of board accountability in health care quality
Authors: Pronovost Peter J. , Armstrong C. Michael , Demski Renee , Peterson Ronald R. , Rothman Paul B.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer six principles that health system leaders can apply to establish a governance and management system for the quality of care and patient safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Leaders of a large academic health system set a goal of high reliability and formed a quality board committee in 2011 to oversee quality and patient safety everywhere care was delivered. Leaders of the health system and every entity, including inpatient hospitals, home care companies, and ambulatory services staff the committee. The committee works with the management for each entity to set and achieve quality goals. Through this work, the six principles emerged to address management structures and processes.

Findings

The principles are: ensure there is oversight for quality everywhere care is delivered under the health system; create a framework to organize and report the work; identify care areas where quality is ambiguous or underdeveloped (i.e. islands of quality) and work to ensure there is reporting and accountability for quality measures; create a consolidated quality statement similar to a financial statement; ensure the integrity of the data used to measure and report quality and safety performance; and transparently report performance and create an explicit accountability model.

Originality/value

This governance and management system for quality and safety functions similar to a finance system, with quality performance documented and reported, data integrity monitored, and accountability for performance from board to bedside. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of how a board has taken this type of systematic approach to oversee the quality of care.
US Table Tennis Association
Authors: Omondi-Ochieng Peter
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the 2004-2015 financial performance (FP) of the national non-profit US Table Tennis Association using financial effectiveness (FE) indicators and financial efficiency (FY) ratios.

Design/methodology/approach

Archival data were used together with a case study method. FP was evaluated by net income; FE was indicated by total assets and total revenues while FY was examined by program services ratios and support services ratios.

Findings

On an average, the FP of the organization was poor ($6,475.00 net loss per year), FE was moderate (50 percent increases in assets and revenues), and the FY was poor (80 percent revenues spent on program services with a return on asset of 201.5 percent).

Research limitations/implications

By using case study method, the results may not be generalizable to other national non-profit sports organizations with non-financial goals.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that national non-profit organizations can enhance their FP by focusing on both FE and FY.

Originality/value

The study utilized both FE and FY measures to evaluate the FPs – a major shortfall in similar studies.
Cornerstones of talent management as a strategic priority in the hospitality
Authors: D’Annunzio-Green Norma
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the theme issue and the rationale for the theme issue question: Is talent management a strategic priority in the hospitality sector?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper re-visits the conclusions of an earlier theme issue on aspects of talent management and reflects on their contemporary relevance with reference to the emerging concept of strategic talent management (STM).

Findings

This paper identifies the cornerstones of STM: concern for employee well-being; developing positive relationships and positive work attitudes; being authentic and building trust and sincerity; and providing organisational support.

Originality/value

This paper outlines the focus of theme issue and the approach taken that incorporates conceptual papers together with academic and practitioner viewpoints, perspectives, consultation and roundtable discussion. This paper observes that the issue reflects the views of multi-level line managers across a number of functions, including senior leaders, middle managers, supervisors, managers and marketing managers of human resources and that the papers all have a strong action orientation as a platform for learning, conversation and debate.
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: D’Annunzio-Green Norma , Teare Richard
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to profile the WHATT theme issue “Is talent management a strategic priority in the hospitality sector?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editor and writing team.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

It identifies five re-occurring themes as being particularly relevant to hospitality organizations when considering a strategic approach to talent management. They are the role of line managers in employee development and well-being; talent management being used as a lever for culture change; the importance of contextualizing approaches to talent management; the need for new and innovative ways of working to achieve a strategic approach to talent management; and barriers to development of a strategic approach caused by economic and day-to-day operational pressures.

Practical implications

The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore and reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing.

Originality/value

The collaborative work reported in this theme issue offers fresh insights on the current practice and future priorities for talent management in an industry that struggles to attract and retain employees.
The optimization of the operational parameters of a rotary percussive drilling machine using the Taguchi method
Authors: Derdour Fatima Zohra , Kezzar Mohamed , Bennis Ouafae , Khochmane Lakhdar
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the rational operating regime of a rotary percussive drilling machine under optimal conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

An orthogonal array of Taguchi, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, ANOVA Pareto analysis and regression analysis are used to investigate the effect of drilling operational factors on the penetration rate. A series of experiments based on orthogonal arrays L27 was carried out, and the results were collected and analyzed using the statistical software Minitab.

Findings

The statistical analysis (ANOVA Pareto) of the results showed that among all setting parameters, air pressure is the most essential element that affects the penetration rate. The rational operating regime of the rotary percussive drilling machine was determined with optimum air pressure values of 17 bar (Level 3), rotation speed of 60 rpm (Level 3) and a thrust of 825 kgf (Level 2), which maximize the penetration rate. A quadratic regression model was developed for the penetration rate. The predicted values are compared with the experimental data and are considered to be in good agreement.

Originality/value

The study uses the orthogonal array of Taguchi, S/N ratio, ANOVA Pareto analysis and regression analysis to investigate the effect of drilling operational factors on the penetration rate.
Parameter estimation of single diode PV module based on Nelder-Mead optimization algorithm
Authors: Mohapatra Alivarani , Nayak Byamakesh , Mohanty Kanungo Barada
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a simple, derivative-free novel method named as Nelder–Mead optimization algorithm to estimate the unknown parameters of the photovoltaic (PV) module considering the environmental conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

At a particular temperature and irradiation, experimental current-voltage (I-V) and power-voltage (P-V) characteristics are drawn and considered as a reference model. The PV system model with unknown model parameters is considered as the adaptive model whose unknown model parameters are to be adapted so that the simulated characteristics closely matches with the experimental characteristics. A single diode (Rsh) model with five unknown model parameters is considered here for the parameter estimation.

Findings

The key advantages of this method are that parameters are estimated considering environmental conditions. Experimental characteristics are considered for parameter estimation which gives accurate results. Parameters are estimated considering both I-V and P-V curves as most of the applications demand extraction of the actual power from the PV module.

Originality/value

The proposed model is compared with other three well-known models available in the literature considering various statistical errors. The results show the superiority of the proposed model with a minimum error for both I-V and P-V characteristics.
Experimental investigation of bearing wear of a gear unit DMGH 25.4 of horizontal cement mill
Authors: Noureddine Menasri , Ali Bouchoucha
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Rotating machines play a strategic role in the process; it is the case of a gear unit of a cement mill. These machines are composed of tribo-pairs (bearings and gears, etc.) subjected to mechanical stress and harsh industrial environments. This study aims to make an experimental investigation of bearing wear of a gear unit DMGH 25.4 of a horizontal cement mill.

Design/methodology/approach

Several tests were carried out in collaboration with industrial Algerian companies, for example, spectroscopy, micro hardness, X-Ray diffraction analysis and microscopic examination of wear-characterized QJ1244 N2MA bearing.

Findings

Experimental results reveal that there are two types of bearing wear: the first is a continuous mode of damage. The second mode is the wear by a third body (wear debris in suspension in oil). The spalling results from the propagation of cracks through the thickness of the material generally give rise to cracks in the sub-layer depth hertz. An unusual hardening observed suggests that the damage was caused by the dissipation of a large surge of frictional energy lasting several milliseconds. It is found also that heating due to insufficient lubrication of the bearing led to the formation of high-density fine carbides in the microstructure of 100Cr6, which tends to decelerate the movement of dislocations during plastic deformation.

Practical implications

This study allowed the characterization of bearings wear in industrial mechanical systems.

Originality/value

Characterization of the bearings showed that the unusual hardening observed suggests that the damage was caused by the dissipation of a large surge of frictional energy lasting several milliseconds. The microhardness of the worn bearing is very high compared to the beginning wear bearing, which is due to the quantity of carbides formed. The thermo-mechanical stresses do not affect the main phases such as martensite, but they accelerate the fracture propagation at the surface.
DSM‐5 Alcohol Use Disorder Severity in Puerto Rico: Prevalence, Criteria Profile, and Correlates
Authors: Caetano Raul , Gruenewald Paul , Vaeth Patrice A. C. , Canino Glorisa
Published: January 2018

Background

Our aim was to examine lifetime criteria profiles and correlates of severity (mild, moderate, severe) of DSM‐5 alcohol use disorders (AUD) in Puerto Rico.

Methods

Data are from a household random sample of individuals 18 to 64 years of age in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The survey response rate was 83%. DSM‐5 AUD was identified with the Spanish version of the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The analyses also identify correlates of each severity level using an ordered logistic regression model.

Results

The prevalence of lifetime DSM‐5 AUD among men and women was 38 and 16%, respectively. Mild lifetime DSM‐5 AUD was the most prevalent severity level among both men (18%) and women (9%). The most common criteria, independent of gender and severity level, were drinking larger quantities and for longer than planned (men range: 80 to 97%; women range: 78 to 91%) and hazardous use (men range: 56 to 91%; women range: 42 to 74%). Results from ordered logistic regression showed that the adjusted odds ratio for weekly drinking frequency, greater volume of alcohol consumed per drinking occasion, positive attitudes about drinking, drinking norms, and male gender invariantly increased risks across all DSM‐5 AUD severity levels (mild, moderate, severe). Greater negative attitudes about drinking, low family cohesion, and Protestant religion were related to greater risks at higher AUD severity levels.

Conclusions

AUD prevalence is high in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Prevalence rates for some criteria are equally high across severity levels and poorly differentiate between mild, moderate, or severe DSM‐5 AUD. The sociodemographic and alcohol‐related risks vary across DSM‐5 severity levels.