bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive innovation resistance – a conservative consumer perspective
Authors: Van Tonder Estelle
Published: August 2017

Purpose

More research is required into the underlying reasons for passive innovation resistance. This paper aims to propose that consumers who passively resist innovation may merely be conservative in nature and explore a conceptual framework that could explain and predict such behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Theories from the political sciences, social psychology and marketing were studied in trying to understand why some consumers are more conservative in nature and how their attitudes may affect their thoughts, feelings and actions in the marketplace.

Findings

Consumers may develop conservative attitudes, such as a need for cognitive closure, nostalgia, authoritarianism, a social dominance orientation, ethnocentrism and an anti-hedonic approach towards life to combat their fear of ambiguous situations and chaos associated with deviance from in-group values. Ultimately, these attitudes may influence consumer behaviour, such as being brand loyal, unwilling to try new options and preferring nostalgic products that would lead to lower levels of ambiguity and less disruption of the status quo. Conservative consumers may also act as authoritarian parents, prefer to purchase durable materialistic products, support locally manufactured goods and refrain from purchasing products for purely hedonic pleasure in an attempt to preserve their in-group values.

Originality/value

The proposed framework offers more insight into the nature and consequences of passive innovation resistance and may serve as a starting point for further exploration on the fundamental characteristics of conservative consumers. The research findings may also assist marketers in managing their new product innovations strategies more successfully.
The innovation capacity of small food firms in Italy
Authors: De Martino Marcella , Magnotti Fabio
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the innovation capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro enterprises through a theoretical framework that addresses the influence of some internal and external resources – derived from the literature review – on the development of innovation activities and on innovative firm’s results.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a structured questionnaire, the empirical survey has involved 122 SMEs and micro enterprises of the most representative agrifood supply chains in the Campania region: dairy, wine, pasta and olive oil. The data have been then elaborated through the cluster analysis technique in order to explore any meaningful patterns that may exist in terms of the innovation capacity.

Findings

This study shows the existence of three clusters/innovation modes: collaborative innovators (CIs), non-collaborative innovators (NCIs), and non-innovators (NIs). Even though CIs represent 16.2 percent of the sample, this cluster shows an increased or stable revenue during 2011-2013 in comparison to the other two clusters.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a static view in comparison to the longitudinal analysis which could have provided a more dynamic view of the innovation capacity of agrifood SMEs and micro enterprises.

Originality/value

This is the first quantitative study focusing on the factors related to the innovation capacity of agrifood firms in the Campania Region. The study specifically analyses the innovation capacity of SMEs and micro enterprises. Moreover, it offers a comprehensive analysis of internal and external drivers to innovation.
The influence of government support and awareness on rural farmers’ intention to adopt mobile government services in Tanzania
Authors: Mandari Herman Eliewaha , Chong Yee-Lee , Wye Chung-Khain
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Generally, this paper aims to develop a model by identifying factors which will assist policy makers in implementing m-government in Tanzania. The paper identifies direct and indirect factors which may influence adoption of m-government among the rural farmers in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducted a survey by using Drop Off/Pick Up method to collect data from rural farmers. Stratified and multi-stage sampling were used to collect 407 valid responses from rural farmers in Tanzania. Data collected were analyzed by using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results show that government support has direct influence, while awareness has indirect influence through relative advantage, ease of use, compatibility and visibility. Furthermore, relative advantage, compatibility, ease of use, visibility and results demonstrability have direct influence on rural farmers intention to adopt m-government.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge because no study in this area has been conducted in developing countries to examine factors that influence adoption of m-government. Furthermore, this study tests the mediating effects of perceived characteristics of innovation which have not yet been investigated to date.
Asset management the track towards quality documentation
Authors: Tyler Jacqueline Edana
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experience of the document discovery process, during the implementation of an asset management system for a rail company. This system will deliver comprehensive enterprise asset management information from a single source, with information provided to mobile devices, for use by field workers. This case study presents the challenges encountered in the search, retrieval and management of documentation for use on a daily basis for civil standard maintenance tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence gathered for this paper was a result of direct and participant observation over a period of 18 months from 2014 to 2016. As a member of the project team, certain privileges were accorded to the researcher who was placed in a unique position to act as the main research instrument, able to collect data on the systems used as well as the everyday practices on information capture and document production.

Findings

Document quality and standards can be overlooked or deemed as not crucial; the value, significance and importance of documentation are lost when no one takes ownership; the understanding and application of standards, quality management and governance can have a direct bearing on the effective management and control of documents and subsequent records produced.

Research limitations/implications

Research is limited, as this is a single case study.

Practical implications

By highlighting the challenges faced and the resolutions used, this paper hopes to offer a level of practical guidance with the detection process for maintenance tasks for the civil assets discipline for a rail network.

Originality/value

This case study contributes to the understanding of quality management and the role it plays in document management and in turn the search and retrieval process. It provides evidence that documents must be systematically managed and controlled to limit risk both internally and externally.
Investigating the interlinkages between infrastructure development, poverty and rural–urban income inequality
Authors: Chotia Varun , Rao N.V.M.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between infrastructure development, rural–urban income inequality and poverty for BRICS economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Pedroni’s panel co-integration test and panel dynamic ordinary least squares (PDOLS) have been used to carry out the analysis.

Findings

The empirical findings confirm a long-run relationship among infrastructure development, poverty and rural–urban inequality. The PDOLS results suggest that both infrastructure development and economic growth lead to poverty reduction in BRICS. However, rural–urban income inequality aggravates poverty in these nations. The paper advocates for adopting policies aimed at strengthening infrastructure and achieving economic growth to reduce the current levels of poverty prevailing in the BRICS nations.

Originality/value

Significant limitations exist in the literature in terms of not clearly defining the nature of relationship and interlinkages between infrastructure development, poverty and inequality, with regard to the BRICS nations. The available studies mainly focus on the relationship between infrastructure and growth, with the universal agreement being that these two are positively related. However, it is still not right to assume that economic growth attributable to infrastructure development will, therefore, subsequently lead to a reduction in inequality. This forms the basis for this study, that is, to critically examine the relationship between infrastructure development, inequality and poverty for BRICS nations.
Global financial crisis, ownership structure and firm financial performance
Authors: Saleh Ali Salman , Halili Enver , Zeitun Rami , Salim Ruhul
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the financial performance of listed firms on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) over two sample periods (1998-2007 and 2008-2010) before and during the global financial crisis periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The generalized method of moments (GMM) has been used to examine the relationship between family ownership and a firm’s performance during the financial crisis period, reflecting on the higher risk exposure associated with capital markets.

Findings

Applying firm-based measures of financial performance (ROA and ROE), the empirical results show that family firms with ownership concentration performed better than nonfamily firms with dispersed ownership structures. The results also show that ownership concentration has a positive and significant impact on family- and nonfamily-owned firms during the crisis period. In addition, financial leverage had a positive and significant effect on the performance of Australian family-owned firms during both periods. However, if the impact of the crisis by sector is taking into account, the financial leverage only becomes significant for the nonmining family firms during the pre-crisis period. The results also reveal that family businesses are risk-averse business organizations. These findings are consistent with the underlying economic theories.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the debate whether the ownership structure affects firms’ financial performance such as ROE and ROA during the global financial crisis by investigating family and nonfamily firms listed on the Australian capital market. It also identifies several influential drivers of financial performance in both normal and crisis periods. Given the paucity of studies in the area of family business, the empirical results of this research provide useful information for researchers, practitioners and investors, who are operating in capital markets for family and nonfamily businesses.
Inter-dependencies among Asian bond markets
Authors: Subramaniam Sowmya , Prasanna Krishna P.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the global and regional influences on the domestic term structure of nine Asian economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic Nelson Siegel model was used to extract the latent factors of a country’s yield curve movements in a state-space framework using the Kalman filter. The global and regional factors of the yield curve were extracted using the dynamic factor model. Further, the Bayesian inference of Gibbs sampling approach was used to identify the influence of global and regional factors on the domestic yield curve.

Findings

The results suggest that financial integration does not reduce the control of monetary authorities on the front end of the yield curve, and long-term interest rate is the potential transmission channel through which the contagion of the financial crisis spreads.

Practical implications

The results of this study would help the monetary authorities to understand the efficacy of the monetary policy transmission mechanism. It also offers the global investors diversification opportunities for investing in the Asian bond markets.

Originality/value

It is one of the earliest attempts to capture the global and regional yield curve movements and their impact on the emerging Asian economies yield curve. It contributes to literature by identifying the linkages in the long-term factor that is the potential channel through which crisis spreads.
Ontogenetic changes in the phenotypic integration and modularity of leaf functional traits
Authors: Damián Xóchitl , Fornoni Juan , Domínguez César A. , Boege Karina
Published: August 2017

Changes in resource availability, functional demands, hormonal regulation and developmental constraints can promote differences in the expression of leaf traits during plant development and foster changes in the targets of natural selection. As a consequence, the pattern and magnitude of covariation among traits, and therefore their phenotypic integration and modularity are equally expected to change throughout ontogeny. However, these changes have not been described yet.

We measured leaf economic, defensive and morphological traits in plants ofTurnera velutinaand estimated the magnitude and pattern of foliar integration and modularity for juvenile and reproductive individuals. In addition, we assessed the relationship between plant biomass and foliar integration within and among ontogenetic stages.

Both the pattern and magnitude of foliar integration changed across plant ontogeny. Foliar integration was lower in juvenile than in reproductive plants, and the pattern of phenotypic integration and modularity was different between ontogenetic stages, whereas leaves from juvenile plants showed two functional modules related to plant defence and leaf economy, traits from reproductive plants had greater interconnectivity and hence lower modularity.

The relationship between plant biomass and foliar integration was negative within each ontogenetic stage but positive between ontogenetic stages, suggesting that processes intrinsic to plant development influenced the magnitude of foliar integration to a greater extent than plant size.

Our findings indicate that plants can change the patterns of covariation among leaf traits during their development. However, a lower foliar integration in juvenile plants could allow for greater lability to explore a multi‐trait phenotypic space, canalisation of leaf attributes along ontogeny should promote greater phenotypic integration, constraining the number of multi‐trait combinations that plants can express. Hence, we suggest that ontogenetic changes in foliar integration allow plants to deal with changing selective dynamics and physiological priorities along their development.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Variation of stomatal traits from cold temperate to tropical forests and association with water use efficiency
Authors: Liu Congcong , He Nianpeng , Zhang Jiahui , Li Ying , Wang Qiufeng , Sack Lawren , Yu Guirui
Published: August 2017

Stomata control carbon and water vapour exchange between leaves and the atmosphere, thus it can influence water use efficiency (WUE) and reflect plant adaptation to climate. However, the spatial patterns of leaf stomatal traits and relationships between stomatal trait and WUE across natural communities remain unclear.

We measured stomatal density, stomatal size and stomatal area fraction for 737 plant species from nine forests ranging from tropical to cold temperate forests.

Stomatal density, stomatal size and stomatal area fraction were all log‐normally distributed, and different across species, plant functional groups (trees, shrubs, and herbs), and communities. At the regional scale, variation in stomatal traits was primarily related to species, followed by climate and soil types.

The community‐weighted mean of stomatal size increased linearly with latitude, whereas those of stomatal density and stomatal area fraction showed humpbacked relationship. The community‐weighted mean of stomatal area fraction was correlated with climatic aridity, consistent with the adaptation strategies of plant species to achieve high maximum rates of gas exchange in arid regions when water is available. Further, community‐weighted mean of stomatal area fraction was positively correlated with WUE in natural forest communities, indicating that plants have lower stomatal conductance in order to adapt greater aridity conditions.

These findings highlight the strong associations of stomatal traits with plant functional group and climate at a regional scale, representing the adaptation strategies of stomatal traits across natural forest communities to climate.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Sense‐making in social media during extreme events
Authors: Stieglitz Stefan , Bunker Deborah , Mirbabaie Milad , Ehnis Christian
Published: August 2017

During an extreme event, individuals use social media to communicate, self‐organize, manage, and mitigate risks (crisis‐related communications) but also to make sense of the event (commentary‐related communications). This study focuses on commentary‐based social media communication practices of Twitter users to understand the processes and patterns of inter‐subjective sense‐making during an extreme event. We analyse Twitter communication generated during three events: The Sydney Lindt Café Siege (2014), the Germanwings plane crash (2015), and the Brussels Terror Attacks (2016). We focus on the (i) communication structure, (ii) emotionality of the content via sentiment analyses, and (iii) influence of Twitter users on communications via social network analyses. We identified differences in the communication structures between the three events, which suggests a research agenda focussed on inter‐subjective sense‐making through the use of social media platforms, would make a significant contribution to knowledge about social media adoption and use in extreme events.
Thoracoscopic correction of pectus excavatum: Nuss procedure technique
Authors: Lau Chin‐Tung , Yu Michelle O.N. , Wong Kenneth K.Y.
Published: August 2017

The Nuss procedure has revolutionised the surgical correction of pectus excavatum. In this video, we provide the readers with our technique of thoracoscopic‐assisted Nuss procedure.
Surgical robots for radical cystectomies in a medium‐volume hospital
Authors: Chan Eddie Shu‐Yin , Ng Chi‐Fai , Yee Chi‐Hang , Chiu Peter Ka‐Fung , Wong Hon‐Ming , Tam Mandy , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Hou See‐Ming
Published: August 2017

Aim

The use of surgical robots for radical cystectomies is increasing. In the present study, we evaluated the surgical outcomes after the transition from open radical cystectomy (ORC) to robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in a medium‐volume hospital.

Patients and Methods

The present study was a retrospective review of radical cystectomies undertake at a university hospital. Ninety radical cystectomies were identified between 2006 and 2014, and divided into three cohorts of 30 cases. The surgical approach changed gradually from ORC to RARC. Patients’ demographic data, length of hospital stay and surgical outcomes were reviewed and compared across the three periods.

Results

In cohorts 1, 2 and 3, radical cystectomies were robot assisted in 13.3, 33.3 and 83.3 per cent of cases, respectively. The overall length of stay (LOS) was similar in all cohorts. The median LOS after cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion reduced significantly from 19 to 12 days (P < 0.0005). The rate of positive surgical margins was 20, 3.3 and 3.3 per cent in cohorts 1, 2 and 3, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.046). There was no difference in the rate of severe complications (Clavien grades 3–5) at 30 and 90 days.

Conclusion

RARC can be safely applied in medium‐volume hospitals. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the advantages of RARC over ORC and laparoscopic approaches.
Performance of non‐conventional yeasts in co‐culture with brewers’ yeast for steering ethanol and aroma production
Authors: van Rijswijck Irma M. H. , Wolkers – Rooijackers Judith C. M. , Abee Tjakko , Smid Eddy J.
Published: August 2017

Increasing interest in new beer types has stimulated the search for approaches to extend the metabolic variation of brewers’ yeast. Therefore, we tested two approaches using non‐conventional yeast to create a beer with lower ethanol content and a complex aroma bouquet. First, the mono‐culture performance was monitored of 49 wild yeast isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (16 strains), Cyberlindnera fabianii (9 strains) and Pichia kudriavzevii (24 strains). Interestingly, both C. fabianii and P. kudriavzevii isolates produced relatively more esters compared with S. cerevisiae isolates, despite their limited fermentation capacity. Next, one representative strain of each species (Sc131, Cf65 and Pk129) was applied as co‐culture with brewers’ yeast (ratio 1:1). Co‐cultures with Cf65 and Pk129 resulted in a beer with lower alcohol content (3.5, 3.8 compared with 4.2% v/v) and relatively more esters. At higher inoculum ratios of Cf65 over brewers’ yeast, growth inhibition of brewers’ yeast was observed, most likely caused by competition for oxygen between brewers’ yeast and Cf65 resulting in a reduced level of ethanol and altered aroma profiles. With this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of using non‐conventional yeast species in co‐cultivation with traditional brewers’ yeast to tailor aroma profiles as well as the final ethanol content of beer.
Patient and System Factors Related to Missed Opportunities for Screening in an Electronic Medical Record–driven, Opt‐out HIV Screening Program in the Emergency Department
Authors: Lin Janet , Baghikar Sara , Mauntel‐Medici Cammeo , Heinert Sara , Patel Daven
Published: August 2017

Objective

Emergency departments (EDs) have implemented HIV screening using a variety of strategies. This study investigates how specific patient and health system factors in the ED impact who is and is not screened in a combined targeted and nontargeted, electronic medical record (EMR)‐driven, opt‐out, HIV screening program.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of ED visits where patients were determined eligible for HIV screening by an EMR algorithm between November 18, 2014, and July 15, 2015. The HIV screening workflow included three sequential events, all of which were required to get screened for HIV at the ED visit. The events were having a blood draw, being informed of the HIV screening policy by an ED nurse at the point of blood draw, and the patient consenting to the HIV test. Each event represented a dichotomous outcome and its association with six patient factors (age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, preferred language, and Emergency Severity Index [ESI]) and two health system factors (ED crowding and program phase) was investigated using multivariable modeling.

Results

A total of 15,918 ED visits were analyzed. Blood was drawn in 8,388 of 15,918 visits (53%). Of 8,388 visits where blood was drawn, there were 5,947 (71%) visits where ED nurses documented informing patients of the HIV screening policy. Of those visits, patient consent to the HIV test was documented at 3,815 (64%) visits. Patients between 13 and 19 years of age were significantly less likely to have blood drawn, to be informed of the screening policy, and to consent to the HIV test compared to other age groups. Both ED crowding and a patient's ESI were associated with decreased odds of having a blood draw and being informed of HIV screening by an ED nurse, but showed no association with patients consenting to the HIV test.

Conclusion

Many patients, particularly adolescents and young adults, are missed in ED HIV screening programs that require blood draw and depend on providers to obtain consent for testing. To ensure that these patients are reached, future ED screening programs should strive to develop innovative workflows that allow for blood draws for HIV screening only and streamline the processes of obtaining informed consent and ordering tests for all eligible patients.
Pediatric Emergency Department Utilization and Reliance by Insurance Coverage in the United States
Authors: Schlichting Lauren E. , Rogers Michelle L. , Gjelsvik Annie , Linakis James G. , Vivier Patrick M.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

For many children, the emergency department (ED) serves as the main destination for health care, whether it be for emergent or nonurgent reasons. Through examination of repeat utilization and ED reliance (EDR), in addition to overall ED utilization, we can identify subpopulations dependent on the ED as their primary source of health care.

Methods

Nationally representative data from the 2010 to 2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used to examine the annual ED utilization of children age 0 to 17 years by insurance coverage. Overall utilization, repeat utilization (two or more ED visits), and EDR (percentage of all health care visits that occur in the ED) were examined using multivariate models, accounting for weighting and the complex survey design. High EDR was defined as having > 33% of outpatient visits in a year being ED visits.

Results

A total of 47,926 children were included in the study. Approximately 12% of children visited an ED within a 1‐year period. A greater number of children with public insurance (15.2%) visited an ED at least once, compared to privately insured (10.1%) and uninsured (6.4%) children. Controlling for covariates, children with public insurance were more likely to visit the ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–1.73) than children with private insurance, whereas uninsured children were less likely (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.51–0.81). Children age 3 and under were significantly more likely to visit the ED than children age 15 to 17, whereas female children and Hispanic and non‐Hispanic other race children were significantly less likely to visit the ED than male children and non‐Hispanic white children. Among children with ED visits, 21% had two or more visits to the ED in a 1‐year period. Children with public insurance were more likely to have two or more visits to the ED (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.19–1.98) than children with private insurance whereas there was no significant difference in repeat ED utilization for uninsured children. Publicly insured (aOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.47–1.97) and uninsured children (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.49–2.42) were more likely to be reliant on the ED than children with private insurance.

Conclusions

Health insurance coverage was associated with overall ED utilization, repeat ED utilization, and EDR. Demographic characteristics, including sex, age, income, and race/ethnicity were important predictors of ED utilization and reliance.
Staff perceptions of challenging parent–staff interactions and beneficial strategies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Friedman Joshua , Friedman Susan Hatters , Collin Marc , Martin Richard J.
Published: August 2017

Aim

To characterise neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff perceptions regarding factors which may lead to more challenging staff–parent interactions, and beneficial strategies for working with families with whom such interactions occur.

Methods

A survey of 168 physician and nursing staff at two NICUs in American teaching hospitals inquired about their perceptions of challenging parent–staff interactions and situations in which such interactions were likely to occur.

Results

From a medical perspective, staff perceptions of challenging interactions were noted when infants had recent decompensation, high medical complexity, malformations or long duration of stay in the NICU. From a psychological/social perspective, a high likelihood of challenging interactions was noted with parents who were suspicious, interfere with equipment, or parents who hover in the NICU, express paranoid or delusional thoughts, repeat questions, perceive the staff as inaccessible, are managing addictions, or who require child protective services involvement. Frequent family meetings, grieving opportunities, education of parents, social work referrals, clearly defined rules, partnering in daily care and support groups were perceived as the most beneficial strategies for improving difficult interactions.

Conclusion

This study delineates what staff perceive as challenging interactions and provides support for an educational and interventional role that incorporates mental health professionals.
DNA methylation profiles between airway epithelium and proxy tissues in children
Authors: Brugha Rossa , Lowe Robert , Henderson A. John , Holloway John W. , Rakyan Vardhman , Wozniak Eva , Mahmud Nadiya , Seymour Kay , Grigg Jonathan , Shaheen Seif O.
Published: August 2017

Aim

Epidemiological studies of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation in airway disease have largely been conducted using blood or buccal samples. However, given tissue specificity of DNA methylation, these surrogate tissues may not allow reliable inferences about methylation in the lung. We sought to compare the pattern of DNA methylation in blood, buccal and nasal epithelial cells to that in airway epithelial cells from children.

Methods

Samples of blood, and buccal, nasal and airway epithelium were obtained from six children undergoing elective anaesthesia for adenotonsillectomy. DNA methylation was assessed at 450 000 5′‐C—phosphate—G‐3′ (CpG) sites using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 array.

Results

Eighteen samples from all sites were suitable for analysis. Hierarchical clustering demonstrated that the methylation profile in nasal epithelium was most representative of that in airway epithelium; the profile in buccal cells was moderately similar and that in blood was least similar.

Conclusion

DNA methylation in blood poorly reflects methylation in airway epithelium. Future epidemiological studies of DNA methylation and airway diseases should consider measurement of methylation either in buccal cells or, preferably, in nasal epithelial cells.
The dynamics of prehistoric burial mounds of Ploieşti metropolitan area (Romania) as reflected by cartographic documents of the 18th–20th centuries
Authors: Frînculeasa Alin , Nicoleta Frînculeasa Mădălina , Dumitru Ionel Florin , Buterez Cezar
Published: August 2017

This paper draws attention to the unexploited potential of cartographic material related to Ploieşti city, Romania, from the oldest reports to the modern. The cartographic document may bring valuable, more often than not original, information in order to improve understandings of behavioural patterns and the evolution of prehistoric communities. The study of the distribution and dynamics of burial mounds (tumuli) associated with the Bronze Age, within the perimeter of Ploieşti city and its metropolitan area, is one of the first applications of this kind of analysis made in Romania, and succeeds in showing the importance of using direct or indirect data from this category of cartographic documents for archaeological studies. Moreover, it demonstrates that, because geosystems and social systems are not static in space and time, a diachronic cartographic study provides the opportunity for a phenomenological focus on the evolutional issues of tumuli – spatiality, boundaries, distances and density.
Towards a spatialised understanding of reconciliation
Authors: Harrowell Elly
Published: August 2017

This paper argues that we should conceive of reconciliation spatially in order to unlock new insights into the process of reconciling divided societies. It seeks to respond to recent calls to put peace at the heart of geographical research, and suggests that one way in which the challenge of developing peace geographies can be meaningfully progressed is by exploring the spatial elements of the notion of reconciliation. The paper identifies four areas where a spatialised approach to reconciliation is beginning to emerge across the disciplines of urban planning, legal geographies, political science and international development. These include the role of the built environment as a facilitator of reconciliation, the existence of spatial barriers to reconciliation, the role of formalised spaces of reconciliation and the impact of everyday spaces of reconciliation. The paper interrogates the way that space creates possibilities for processes of reconciliation, and the ways that distinctive types of space are in turn created by these processes. Finally, it suggests fruitful avenues for future research, including by working across disciplines.
The underlying structure of visuospatial working memory in children with mathematical learning disability
Authors: Mammarella Irene C. , Caviola Sara , Giofrè David , Szűcs Dénes
Published: August 2017

This study examined visual, spatial‐sequential, and spatial‐simultaneous working memory (WM) performance in children with mathematical learning disability (MLD) and low mathematics achievement (LMA) compared with typically developing (TD) children. Groups were matched on reading decoding performance and verbal intelligence. Besides statistical significance testing, we used bootstrap confidence interval estimation and computed effect sizes. Children were individually tested with six computerized tasks, two for each visuospatial WM subcomponent. We found that both MLD and LMA children had low visuospatial WM function in both spatial‐simultaneous and spatial‐sequential WM tasks. The WM deficit was most expressed in MLD children and less in LMA children. This suggests that WM scores are distributed along a continuum with TD children achieving top scores and MLD children achieving low scores. The theoretical and practical significance of findings is discussed.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Working memory plays an important role in mathematical achievement.

Children with mathematical learning disability (MLD) usually have low working memory resources.

Conflicting results have been reported concerning the role of VSWM in individuals with MLD.

What the present study adds?

Children with different degree of impairment in math achievement and typically developing children were tested.

Visual, spatial‐sequential, and spatial‐simultaneous working memory tasks were examined.

Only spatial‐sequential and spatial‐simultaneous working memory tasks discriminated the two impairments groups.
COGNITIVE ABILITIES, ANALYTIC COGNITIVE STYLE AND OVERCONFIDENCE: A COMMENTARY ON DUTTLE (2016)
Authors: Białek Michał , Domurat Artur
Published: August 2017

In his recent paper, Duttle (2016) showed that individuals with higher cognitive abilities show less overconfidence. In these findings, cognitive abilities were equated with an analytic cognitive style (as measured by a cognitive reflection test, or CRT), although recent works in the field of cognitive psychology suggest separating these two constructs. In particular, it is argued that the analytic cognitive style, but not cognitive abilities, decreases susceptibility to cognitive biases. Analyses of data from Duttle's study support this assertion. Implications for cognitive psychology and behavioural economics are discussed.
Potential savings in the diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Scholte M. , Hentschel M.A. , Kunst H.P. , Steens S.C.A. , Rovers M.M. , Grutters J.P.C.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to screen patients at risk for vestibular schwannoma (VS). These MRIs are costly and have an extremely low yield; only 3% of patients in the screening population has an actual VS. It might be worthwhile to develop a test to predict VS and refer only a subset of all patients for MRI.

Objective

To examine the potential savings of such a hypothetical diagnostic test before MRI.

Design

We built a decision analytical model of the diagnostic strategy of VS. Input was derived from literature and key opinion leaders. The current strategy was compared to hypothetical new strategies, assigning MRI to the following: (i) all patients with pathology, (ii) all patients with important pathology and (iii) only patients with VS. This resulted in potential cost savings for each strategy. We conducted a budget impact analysis to predict nationwide savings for the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (UK), and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis to address uncertainty.

Results

Mean savings ranged from €256 (95%CI €250 ‐ €262) or approximately US$284 (95%CI US$277 ‐ US$291) per patient for strategy 1 to €293 (95%CI €290 ‐ €296) or approximately US$325 (95%CI US$322 ‐ US$328) per patient for strategy 3. Future diagnostic strategies can cost up to these amounts per patient and still be cost saving. Annually, for the Netherlands, €2.8 to €3.2 million could be saved and €10.8 to €12.3 million for the UK.

Conclusions

The model shows that substantial savings could be generated if it is possible to further optimise the diagnosis of VS.
SOCIAL SECURITY DEPENDENT BENEFITS, NET PAYROLL TAX, AND MARRIED WOMEN'S LABOR SUPPLY
Authors: Yang Hee‐Seung
Published: August 2017

This paper examines how Social Security dependent benefits impact the labor supply of married women aged 25–54. Specifically, I investigate whether the decrease in the rate of return to women's work discourages them from participating in the labor force by simulating expected net payroll tax rates and dependent benefits. Dependent benefits may reduce the net return to women's work, as they usually pay the full payroll tax without receiving marginal benefits for additional earnings if they claim benefits based on their husbands' earnings records. The results show that high net payroll tax rates reduce married women's work incentives, particularly those near retirement age. (JEL H24, H55, J22)
Do Italians Really Do It Better? Evidence of Migrant Pay Disparities in the Top Italian Football League
Authors: Della Torre Edoardo , Giangreco Antonio , Legeais William , Vakkayil Jacob
Published: August 2017

This study contributes to research on migrant pay disparities by analysing the impact of players' domestic/foreign status on performance‐based pay offered to professional footballers, to understand if foreign players benefit from a preferential labour market. We used information from publicly available data of 275 footballers who played for two consecutive seasons in the Italian league Serie A. We found that the relationship between previous and current performance was partially mediated by the current salary. This result reinforced earlier findings on the pay‐performance relationship, where seasonal performance is particularly relevant. Moreover, our results show that pay discrimination does not indicate a straightforward (dis)advantage for one group, but presents a more complex picture. We have examined possible underlying reasons for these disparities and offered suggestions for further research. We conclude by discussing how clubs and managers could consider incentives to strengthen pay‐performance relationships by being sensitive to the complex influence of players' origins.
Recovery‐related indicators of motor network plasticity according to impairment severity after stroke
Authors: Lee J. , Park E. , Lee A. , Chang W. H. , Kim D.‐S. , Kim Y.‐H.
Published: August 2017

Background and purpose

Brain connectivity analysis has been widely used to investigate brain plasticity and recovery‐related indicators of patients with stroke. However, results remain controversial because of interindividual variability of initial impairment and subsequent recovery of function. In this study, we aimed to investigate the differences in network plasticity and motor recovery‐related indicators according to initial severity.

Methods

We divided participants (16 males and 14 females, aged 54.2 ± 12.0 years) into groups of different severity by Fugl‐Mayer Assessment score, i.e. moderate (50–84), severe (20–49) and extremely severe (<20) impairment groups. Longitudinal resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired at 2 weeks and 3 months after onset. The differences in network plasticity and recovery‐related indicators between groups were investigated using network distance and graph measurements.

Results

As the level of impairment increased, the network balance was more disrupted. Network balance, interhemispheric connectivity and network efficiency were recovered at 3 months only in the moderate impairment group. However, this was not the case in the extremely severe impairment group. A single connection strength between the ipsilesional primary motor cortex and ventral premotor cortex was implicated in the recovery of motor function for the extremely severe impairment group. The connections of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex–ventral premotor cortex were positively associated with motor recovery as the patients were more severely impaired.

Conclusions

Differences in plasticity and recovery‐related indicators of motor networks were noted according to impairment severity. Our results may suggest meaningful implications for recovery prediction and treatment strategies in future stroke research.
Male tree weta are attracted to cuticular scent cues but do not discriminate according to sex or among two closely related species
Authors: Wehi Priscilla M. , Monks Adrian , Morgan‐Richards Mary
Published: August 2017

Recognition of conspecifics is an essential precursor of successful mating. Where related species coexist, species discrimination might be important, but because related species are similar, species signal recognition may actually be low. Chemical cues such as cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are frequently used by insects to identify suitable sexual partners. We predicted that New Zealand tree weta (Hemideina spp.), a genus of nocturnal ensiferan Orthoptera that live both allopatrically and sympatrically, use chemical signals from either frass or CHCs to find mates. In a series of six laboratory trials using both H. thoracica and H. crassidens, we found that male tree weta, but not female tree weta, occupied cavities primed with female cuticular cues more often than cavities without. However, males did not discriminate between chemical cues of male and female conspecifics, or between conspecifics and heterospecifics. In field trials, tree weta did not occupy artificial cavities primed with either female frass or female cuticular cues more often than unscented cavities. However, in both trials weta preferentially returned to cavities that had already been occupied earlier in the trials. A final field trial confirmed the presence of mixed species harems during the mating season in one region of sympatry. Our results suggest that selection on sex and species specific chemical cues that could be used to find conspecific mates is weak. Mixed species aggregations suggest that identification of conspecific mating cues has not evolved to be species specific. We infer that for male tree weta, the cost of mating with heterospecifics is likely less than not mating at all.
Endoscopic characteristics of infection‐associated peptic ulcers
Authors: Choi Seong‐Hyung , Kim Dong‐Min , Lee Jun , Yun Na Ra
Published: August 2017

Background

Aside from Helicobacter pylori, another cause for the development or worsening of gastrointestinal ulcers is scrub typhus, an acute febrile disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. We aimed to compare the endoscopic characteristics of peptic ulcers caused by these infectious agents.

Methods

This retrospective case‐control study involved patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Chosun University Hospital in Korea. We compared endoscopic features and demographic characteristics between patients with H. pylori infection and those with O. tsutsugamushi infection.

Results

A total of 141 patients with peptic ulcer were included in the study. Compared to patients with O. tsutsugamushi infection (n = 62; age, 63.8 ± 12.1 years; male sex, 42%), those with H. pylori infection (n = 79; age, 53.0 ± 14.8 years; male sex, 81%) were younger and more likely to be male (P < .001 for both). Patients with O. tsutsugamushi infection were more likely to have multiple lesions (40/62, 64.5% vs 37/79, 46.8%; P = .042) and irregular‐shaped lesions (27/62, 43.6% vs 20/79, 25.3%; P = .031). Patients with H. pylori infection had higher incidence of hemorrhagic ulcers (26/79, 32.9% vs 8/62, 12.9%; P = .007), and lesions occurred most often in the duodenum (43.0%), followed by the antrum (36.7%), body (34.2%), and angle (12.7%) of the stomach. In patients with O. tsutsugamushi infection, lesions occurred most often in the antrum (70.97%), followed by the duodenum (35.5%), body (22.6%), and angle (14.5%) of the stomach. In both groups, gastric ulcer lesions occurred most often in the antrum, followed by the body and angle of the stomach (36.7% vs 70.97%, 34.2% vs 22.6%, and 12.7% vs 14.5% for gastric ulcers associated with H. pylori and O. tsutsugamushi infection, respectively). Patients with O. tsutsugamushi infection had significantly higher incidence of ulcers on the antrum (70.97% vs 36.7%, P < .001) and the greater curvature (45.2% vs 24.0%, P = .012). Finally, 35.5% of patients with gastric ulcer caused by scrub typhus also had duodenal ulcer.

Conclusion

This is the first study to compare endoscopic features of peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori and O. tsutsugamushi. Peptic ulcers in patients with H. pylori infection occurred predominantly in the antrum/body/lesser curvature and presented with single, round/oval lesions, while ulcers in patients with scrub typhus occurred predominantly in the antrum/greater curvature and presented with multiple, irregular lesions. Scrub typhus should be considered as a cause of duodenal ulcer in scrub typhus‐endemic areas.
A severely cholestatic liver graft can be successfully used in deceased donor liver transplantation
Authors: Sakamoto Seisuke , Sasaki Kengo , Uchida Hajime , Narumoto Soichi , Kitajima Toshihiro , Irie Rie , Fukuda Akinari , Yoshioka Takako , Kasahara Mureo
Published: August 2017

The shortage of deceased organs is still a serious issue in Japan. A proactive approach to using liver grafts from extended criteria donors (ECDs) may be one way of expanding the donor pool; however, if it is recklessly attempted, a recipient receiving such a marginal graft can be at risk of mortality due to primary non‐function or delayed graft function. We herein report the successful outcome of a recipient receiving a severely cholestatic graft that was considered transplantable because it lacked features characteristic of a long duration of “cholestasis” according to the precise interpretation of a donor biopsy. Plasma exchange was intentionally introduced to prevent toxic insult by hyperbilirubinemia immediately after transplant. Despite transient acute kidney injury immediately after transplant, the patient's renal impairment was well managed with a renal‐sparing immunosuppressive regimen consisting of basiliximab and mycophenolate mofetil. Although the use of liver grafts from ECDs still needs to be discussed, especially regarding graft selection and allocation policies, efforts not to discard valuable grafts should be undertaken in our country.