bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking the monolith
Authors: Miner Michael A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The term STEM often remains an undifferentiated category, especially at the graduate level. Conceptualizing STEM as a monolithic category, rather than as a combination of distinct fields, prevents researchers from understanding and documenting the full range of persistent inequality within scientific disciplines at the graduate level and throughout the lifespan. The purpose of this paper is to address two oversights prior to degree completion within the context of the USA by asking two specific questions: To what extent is gender associated with choice of discipline within STEM graduate education? In the USA, do gender differences in STEM fields depend on citizenship status?

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the 2015 International STEM Graduate Student in the US Survey, this study employs multinomial logistic regression analyses and presents predicted probabilities to assess differences of enrollment in STEM fields by gender and citizenship status.

Findings

Results show that domestic women were less likely to enroll in computer sciences and engineering when compared to domestic men. However, in contrast to domestic students, there were no gender differences among international students’ enrollment in engineering.

Research limitations/implications

This paper shows the importance and complexity of how gender intersects with citizenship status in enrollment patterns in STEM graduate fields. The survey included the top 10 universities in the USA based on the total enrollment of international students, and it is unclear if there exists differences in these selected students and schools when compared to students at colleges and universities that enroll less international graduate students.

Originality/value

The author makes the case to disaggregate STEM to better assess how specific fields can be modified to attract graduate students worldwide. This paper accentuates the significance of gender and citizenship status for understanding differences in choice of discipline among graduate students in STEM.
Comparing the service experience of satisfied and non-satisfied customers in the context of wine tasting rooms using the SERVQUAL model
Authors: Haverila Matti , Haverila Kai , Arora Mehak
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare satisfied and non-satisfied customers in the context of wine tasting rooms using the SERVQUAL model and to examine the relationships in the model in terms of service experience to better understand customer needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this study were derived from a survey conducted among wineries in British Columbia, Canada. Analysis of survey results using the partial least squares structural equation modeling was undertaken. Sample size was 402.

Findings

The findings show that the SERVQUAL constructs that had the most impact on customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction were tangibility and assurance. Somewhat surprisingly, the perceived value for money construct was not significantly related to customer satisfaction but was significantly related to repurchase intent. Furthermore, all SERVQUAL constructs, except the reliability construct, were significantly related to customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study provides an overview of how wineries can improve their services to increase the number of satisfied customers.
The students’ readiness to engage with mobile learning apps
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony , Camilleri Adriana Caterina
Published: September 2019

Purpose

A relevant literature review suggests that today’s children are increasingly immersing themselves in ubiquitous technologies, including interactive media and digital games. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the primary school students’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivations toward learning via gameplay through their mobile devices, at home and at school.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out among primary school students in a small European state. It used valid and reliable measures that comprised the technology acceptance model’s key constructs. However, the empirical investigation also explored the students’ perceived enjoyment and social influences, as plausible antecedents for their behavioral intention to engage with the educational applications (apps).

Findings

The findings reported that there were strong correlations between the students’ perceived usefulness of the mobile technologies and their behavioral intention to use them for their learning. The results also indicated that there was no significant relationship between the perceived ease of use and the children’s enjoyment in engaging with the educational apps that were used at school.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no other study in academia that has explored the children’s technology acceptance, normative pressures and their intrinsic motivations to use mobile learning technologies in the context of primary education. Therefore, this contribution opens future research directions, as this study can be replicated in other contexts.
A strategic managerial approach to corporate sports hospitality: the case of Belgian football
Authors: Balliauw Matteo , Verlinden Thomas , De Croocq Lisa , Fobe Aline , Van Den Spiegel Tomas
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Corporate sports hospitality (CSH) is a relationship marketing tool whereby customers and other stakeholders are invited by a company buying CSH from a club to attend a sports event. The CSH product involves premium seating and optional services such as catering. This industry has been perceived to be in decline, especially in times of economic downturn. The purposes of this paper are a quantification of the CSH industry’s value and the development of a formal CSH management process for both companies and clubs.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study from the highest division in Belgian football (soccer) is conducted, involving interviews and quantitative data collection as the primary data source, in addition to secondary data and insights from the literature. As opposed to literature, this paper uses a holistic approach, combining the perspective of the club and the CSH buying company with attention for customers.

Findings

CSH returns account for an important share of club revenues (>10%), despite the smaller market compared to the American major sports leagues. Since a club experiences the strongest competitive impact from substitutes and other clubs in the league, and CSH is often managed on anad hocbase, disposing of a formal management process is crucial for both clubs and companies. For companies buying CSH, not only return on investment but also return on other objectives matters. Moreover, CSH is at least as effective to deepen existing business relationships as to create new ones.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides clubs and companies with a theoretic background and practical key performance indicators (KPIs) to base their managerial decisions on. Although external validity to other Belgian venue-based sports can reasonably be assumed, translating the findings to other countries or non-venue based sports requires caution.

Originality/value

Little academic research about the CSH industry is available. Specific KPIs to define objectives and measure output, as well as feedback loops for clubs and companies, are developed. The proposed CSH management process follows the same high-level steps, but with different specific actions per actor, leading to a better understanding of similarities and differences of both processes, and a better co-creation of the CSH event.
The mediating effect of satisfaction on trust-commitment and relational outcomes in manufacturer–supplier relationship
Authors: Mungra Yogesh , Yadav Prabhat Kumar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of commitment and trust on satisfaction and sequential effect of satisfaction on relational outcomes (i.e. performance and governance cost) in a manufacturer–supplier relationship. Authors of this paper explore the relationship quality parameters such as trust, commitment and satisfaction and its effect on improving the performance and reducing the governance cost between the partners, as well as the effect of relationship duration on the antecedents and relational outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the conceptual framework developed by authors, hypotheses were formulated, to test the effect of trust and commitment to performance and governance cost through the mediating effect of satisfaction in the manufacturer–supplier relationship. Data were collected from 196 manufacturers from the western part of India, through a structured questionnaire, and collected quantitative data were analyzed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The analysis of the sample of 196 manufacturers suggests a positive relationship between satisfaction and commitment and between satisfaction and trust. The study suggests that increased satisfaction lowers governance cost as well as suggests a positive relationship between satisfaction and performance in a manufacturer–supplier relationship. As a relationship grows in an early stage, relationship performance improves, and as the relationship matures, the relationship performance diminishes.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that managers in business and industrial markets shall focus on commitment in the relationship rather than just trust that leads to satisfaction. It also suggests that a higher level of satisfaction enhances the performance and reduces the governance cost in a manufacturer–supplier relationship.

Originality/value

This research makes four contributions: first, it enquires the direct impact of trust and commitment to a manufacturer’s satisfaction; second, it investigates the indirect impact of trust on a manufacturer’s satisfaction through commitment in the relationship; third, it investigates the mediating satisfaction between trust-commitment and relationship outcomes (relationship performance and governance cost); fourth, the research shows the impact of relationship duration regarding the relational outcomes and the dimensions of relationship quality into a short-term and long-term relationship. It also uniquely suggests that the presence of commitment has a catalytic effect on satisfaction. Research offers managerial implication to increase the performance and to reduce the governance cost in the relationship.
Co-creation of value-in-use through big data technology- a B2B agricultural perspective
Authors: Jayashankar Priyanka , Johnston Wesley J. , Nilakanta Sree , Burres Reed
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the concepts of co-creation and value-in-use with a specific focus on big data technology in agriculture. The authors provide a unique narrative of how farmers experience co-creation and value-in-use in monetary and non-monetary forms.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews with mid-Western farmers. The constant comparative method was used for coding the data. Results were analyzed through open and axial coding, and matrix queries helped establish linkages between different concepts via NVivo 12.

Findings

The paper provides rich insight into co-creation through direct and indirect interaction, autonomous co-creation and epistemic, monetary and environmental value-in-use in the digital agriculture sector. Interestingly, co-creation through indirect interaction gives rise to epistemic value-in-use. Also, value-co-destruction can undermine co-creation, while relational actors and the concept of psychological ownership are very relevant to the process of co-creation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors build on the extant literature on co-creation in knowledge-intensive B2B sectors with the unique findings linking different forms of co-creation with value-in-use.

Practical implications

The findings on co-creation and value-in-use are beneficial to diverse agriculture stakeholders such as farmers, agriculture technology providers, extension agents and policymakers. Agricultural technology providers can determine how to make the co-creation process more meaningful for farmers and also create suitable technology tools that enrich farmers’ knowledge about crop management. Agricultural stakeholders can learn how to develop big data analytic tools and marketing narratives to maximize value-in-use and pre-empt value co-destruction.

Social implications

The research can impact policy, as it addresses a very relevant issue of how farmers relate to big data technology amidst growing consolidation and privacy concerns in the digital agriculture sector.

Originality/value

Our work is both theoretically and contextually relevant. We incorporate elements of service-dominant and customer-dominant logic while analyzing farmers’ perspectives of co-creation and value-in-use.
Theory of advice as an information object targeted at an unmade decision
Authors: Flynn Allen J.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance an understanding of the concept of advice and its relationship to documents, information and knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual analysis of a sample of 48 relevant advice studies and two books, directly informed by documentation and information theories, was conducted to find out how researchers have approached advice conceptually since 1940. Further gains in understanding advice came from analyzing its relationship with environmental uncertainty.

Findings

Researchers have studied advice in the context of human-human, machine-machine and information and communication technology-intermediated interactions. Advice has been conceptualized and categorized in many different ways. Over time, conceptualizations of advice have broadened and become more general. In this light, it is theorized that advice is as an information object targeted at an unmade decision. This conceptualization of advice permits situated and momentary advice documents. A newly developed content-based framework of advice leads to an advice typology with four content-based categories of best possible advice: correct answers, probabilities, possibilities, and acknowledgments of the unknown.

Research limitations/implications

The refined advice theory, content-based advice framework and related typology of advice contributed here are small steps toward improved clarity about the nature of advice. These findings are limited in their focus to advice theory and advice categorization.

Practical implications

Scholars, practitioners and information system developers may reconsider advice theory and make use of the content-based framework and related advice typology in their work. These contributions will help advice-givers and the developers of advice-giving information systems and advice networks to provide better advice.

Originality/value

This paper fills a need for a clear and straightforward overall conceptualization of advice that accounts for advice documents and is informed by how advice has been previously conceptualized in multiple scientific fields.
Perceived university support, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, heterogeneous entrepreneurial intentions in entrepreneurship education
Authors: Shi Liangxing , Yao Xinying , Wu Wenqing
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The study clarifies the relationship between students’ perceptions of university support and heterogeneous entrepreneurial intentions in the Chinese context. It proposes a new construct with the classification of growth- and independence-oriented intentions and examines the moderating role of the Chinese sense of face. This study aims to enrich entrepreneurship education research by incorporating cultural factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a questionnaire survey to examine the research hypotheses. Further, the authors collected data from 374 students from Mainland China and applied a regression analysis.

Findings

The study clarifies the positive relationship between perceived university support and growth-oriented/independence-oriented entrepreneurial intentions. Further, it proposes the differences in the moderating role of the Chinese sense of face in the relationships between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and growth- and independence-oriented intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen method, the study results may lack generalizability. Hence, future studies are encouraged to test the proposed hypotheses.

Practical implications

The study results have important implications for entrepreneurship education development.

Social implications

The study is conducted against the background of the “mass entrepreneurship and innovation” policy in China and combines country-specific characteristics to enrich entrepreneurial education and social entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This study fulfills the intention to examine the influence of cultural factors on entrepreneurship education and identify the heterogeneous entrepreneurial intentions in a single construct.
A multi-criteria assessment of alternative sustainable solid waste management of flexible packaging
Authors: Pongpimol Somying , Badir Yuosre F. , Erik Bohez L.J. , Sukhotu Vatcharapol
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the issues affecting end of life (EOL) management of flexible packaging. It focuses on Sustainable Solid Waste Management by using multi-criteria decision making, analytic network process (ANP), and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 33 expert stakeholders, though a series of interviews and questionnaires. The subject seven aspects were applied from integrated sustainable waste management with 19 sub-criteria identified. Criteria were prioritized by using ANP and SWOT to the internal and external environments of organizations directly responsible for waste management.

Findings

The five most important factors in the management of flexible packaging waste include: techniques for waste management, material and design, management support, legislation and rule, and environmental care and environmental health, respectively. Solutions addressing flexible packaging waste were identified, including reuse and recycle, waste to energy, biopolymers, new innovative materials and material recovery.

Research limitations/implications

Data were derived from the national authorities and large companies. The findings may not represent local authorities and small-scale manufacturers. Future research should be conducted, in order to investigate and focus around small manufacturing enterprises.

Practical implications

The findings provide a strategic framework for policy makers and industrial manufacturers. The benefits of this will enable them to address flexible packaging waste, by using qualitative and quantitative criteria.

Originality/value

This is the first paper developing a multi-criteria assessment model to specifically manage EOL flexible packaging, a possible pioneering piece of research in this field.
Flesh-and-blood knowing
Authors: Bispo Marcelo de Souza , Gherardi Silvia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a perspective to interpret qualitative data drawing on the introduction of the notion of “embodied practice-based research”.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a comprehensive literature review to support a meta-theoretical approach, we developed a theoretical essay.

Findings

The body is not only a field of studies but a mean of study as well. The embodied practice-based research is an inquiry style to access the tacit texture of social action and cognition.

Practical implications

Embodied practice-based research may impact qualitative researchers’ education and the way to report methodological proceedings and data report.

Originality/value

The core contribution of the paper is the introduction of a new research style able to change how researchers’ bodies may be used in qualitative management research.
Managing risk in green building projects: toward a dedicated framework
Authors: Javed Nida , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Bakhtawar Beenish , Nasir Abdur Rehman , Khan Khurram Iqbal Ahmad , Gabriel Hamza Farooq
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The formal application of project risk management (PRM) in green building projects is still an emergent part of project management. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual PRM framework that increases the probability of success in green building projects by minimizing unexpected events.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper interprets the related literature and uses the opinion of green building experts. It exposes some pertinent elements needed for structuring the PRM framework and suggests some mitigation actions for high-ranked risks. It also performs ex-post analysis on a case study to practically validate the proposed framework.

Findings

It is found that high initial cost, lack of experienced contractors and subcontractors, consideration of lifecycle inflation and experience in green building project management are the most significant risks. To address them, the framework proposes a rigorous selection of contractors, provision of financial incentives from the government, setting of a time buffer to accommodate legal process and development of a deliberate proactive financial model.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge and practice by providing a reasonable strategy for employing the PRM framework capable of effectively managing risk in green building projects to keep organizations competitive within the business environment. The overall aim of this study is to contribute to the further development of the area of risk assessment and risk management from a knowledge-based perspective.
Key genes and pathways in tumor‐educated dendritic cells by bioinformatical analysis
Authors: Ma Chenglong , Su MingMing , Shen Kai , Chen Jie , Ning Yongling , Qi Chunjian
Published: September 2019

Specific tumor microenvironment signaling might prevent the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) with tolerogenic and immunosuppressive potential accounting for antigen‐specific unresponsiveness in the lymphoid organs and in the periphery. In the present study, dendritic cells treated with LLC lung cancer cell or 4T1 breast cancer cell culture supernatants significantly down‐regulated the expression of co‐stimulatory molecules MHC‐II, CD40, CD80, but up‐regulated the inhibitory molecule PD‐L1/L2, VISTA, and increased the messengerRNA levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, arginase I, and IL‐10, but decreased tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐12a. RNA was isolated from the dendritic cells with or without tumor supernatant stimulation and RNA sequencing was done. Then the differential expression genes were sorted, the candidate genes were analyzed and pathway enrichment analysis was done, and the associated protein–protein interaction network (PPI) was established. After integrated bioinformatical analysis, 405 (279 up‐regulated and 126 down‐regulated) consistently differential expression genes were identified. Using gene ontology and pathway analysis, it was found that differential expression genes were mainly enriched in the immune response, cell–cell interaction, hemostasis, and cell surface interactions with the vascular wall. The PPI data demonstrated that 236 nodes were classified with 1072 edges, and the most remarkable three modules involved 53 central node genes associated with cell survival, cell‐substrate adhesion, chemotaxis, migration, immune response, and complement receptor mediated signaling pathway. These findings revealed the immune status of dendritic cells in the tumor environment.
Conversations between people with aphasia and speech pathology students via telepractice: A Phase II feasibility study
Authors: Finch Emma , Lethlean Jennifer , Rose Tanya , Fleming Jennifer , Theodoros Deborah , Cameron Ashley , Coleman Adele , Copland David , McPhail Steven M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Speech pathology students can experience low confidence when communicating with people with aphasia. Communication partner training (CPT) is one method to increase confidence and skills when communicating with people with aphasia. There is a paucity of research exploring the effects of delivering CPT to students via technology, such as telepractice.

Aims

To explore the feasibility (acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, limited efficacy) of a conversation with a person with aphasia via telepractice as part of a CPT programme with speech pathology students. A secondary aim was to explore the effects of feedback from the people with aphasia (i.e., patient feedback) on students’ perceived confidence and proficiency in communicating with people with aphasia.

Methods & Procedures

A Phase II feasibility study design was used, where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. A total of 33 speech pathology students attended a lecture about the strategies used to communicate effectively with people with aphasia. They then participated in a 10‐min conversation via videoconferencing with a person with aphasia 1 week later. Students were randomly allocated to patient feedback or no patient feedback conditions. They completed a custom designed questionnaire pre‐ and post‐conversation.

Outcomes & Results

The study had a low recruitment rate but good retention. The programme was delivered as intended. Students reported that they found the conversations to be a positive but challenging experience. Post‐conversation, statistically significant increases were found in students’ self‐rated confidence communicating with people with aphasia, proficiency at engaging in an everyday conversation and proficiency obtaining a case history (all p < 0.001). There were no significant differences for these ratings between the groups according to feedback condition (all p > 0.01).

Conclusions & Implications

CPT involving a conversation with a person with aphasia via telepractice is feasible and can provide a valuable learning experience for students. Further research is required.
The social life of self‐injury: exploring the communicative dimension of a very personal practice
Authors: Steggals Peter , Lawler Steph , Graham Ruth
Published: September 2019

This article makes the case for a sociological focus on the communicative, relational and interactional dimensions of nonsuicidal self‐injury. While current research tends to be dominated by highly individual and intrapsychic models, it is increasingly observed that such models leave a social dimension to the practice unexplained. A burgeoning sociological literature has begun to address this paradox of the social in self‐injury; however, we argue that the role of the social must be considered beyond the issues of aetiology, social learning and social construal/construction that are typically covered in this literature. Specifically, we argue that, since the lived meanings of self‐injury directly implicate the interactional along with the intrapsychic, a more systematic focus on the role of social relations and social communication is vital. To illustrate this conceptual argument and embed it in the lived experiences of self‐injury, we draw on two case studies taken from pilot research conducted by the authors. The more thoroughly sociological approach to self‐injury that we present here offers an important compliment to the existing evidence base by reframing the absent presence of social communication contained within it, and suggesting important future directions for research.
How to speak like a spirit medium
Authors: TOMLINSON MATT
Published: September 2019

In the movement known as Spiritualism, successful performances of “mental mediumship” are rarely smooth. At services held by the Canberra Spiritualist Association, mediums attempt to provide evidence of life after death by describing a deceased person's character in ways recognizable to audience members. A medium's verbal performance de‐emphasizes heteroglossia while developing vivid spirit characters. Audience members sometimes do not understand or accept what the medium says, but small “failures” in performance help build a larger sense that mediums and audiences are working to gather evidence. As they work, mediums foreground and background their agency at the same time, displaying their fluency in spirit communication while identifying spirits as ultimately responsible for being present, and offering messages to the living. [ritual,dialogue,Spiritualism,mediumship,voice,evidence,Australia]
It's not me, it's you: Testing a moderated mediation model of subordinate deviance and abusive supervision through the self‐regulatory perspective
Authors: Shillamkwese Samson Samwel , Tariq Hussain , Obaid Asfia , Weng Qingxiong , Garavan Thomas Noel
Published: September 2019

Synthesizing self‐regulatory theories, we provide new insights into the antecedents of abusive supervision. We, from the perspective of supervisor's self‐regulatory resources depletion or impairment, introduce supervisor hindrance stress as an underlying mechanism of the subordinate deviance–abusive supervision relationship: this mediated relationship will be intensified at the level of high subordinate job performance. In addition, we develop a complex contingency model and propose a three‐way interaction (i.e., subordinate deviance, job performance, supervisor outcome dependence) to obtain the complete understanding of the subordinate deviance–abusive supervision relationship facilitated through the supervisors’ hindrance stress. To test our moderated moderated mediation model, we gathered time‐lagged and multisource data from a large food service company located in southern China. We collected data at two different points (i.e., Time 1 and Time 2) from supervisors and their direct reports (N = 298 responses from 68 supervisors and 298 direct reports), and findings provide support for the hypothesized moderated moderated mediation model of our study. We highlight the implications of our study for theory, research, and practice.
Driver gene alterations and activated signaling pathways toward malignant progression of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Ohshima Keiichi , Fujiya Keiichi , Nagashima Takeshi , Ohnami Sumiko , Hatakeyama Keiichi , Urakami Kenichi , Naruoka Akane , Watanabe Yuko , Moromizato Sachi , Shimoda Yuji , Ohnami Shumpei , Serizawa Masakuni , Akiyama Yasuto , Kusuhara Masatoshi , Mochizuki Tohru , Sugino Takashi , Shiomi Akio , Tsubosa Yasuhiro , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Terashima Masanori , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: September 2019

Mutually exclusive KIT and PDGFRA mutations are considered to be the earliest events in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), but insufficient for their malignant progression. Herein, we aimed to identify driver genes and signaling pathways relevant to GIST progression. We investigated genetic profiles of 707 driver genes, including mutations, gene fusions, copy number gain or loss, and gene expression for 65 clinical specimens of surgically dissected GIST, consisting of six metastatic tumors and 59 primary tumors from stomach, small intestine, rectum, and esophagus. Genetic alterations included oncogenic mutations and amplification‐dependent expression enhancement for oncogenes (OG), and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and expression reduction for tumor suppressor genes (TSG). We assigned activated OG and inactivated TSG to 27 signaling pathways, the activation of which was compared between malignant GIST (metastasis and high‐risk GIST) and less malignant GIST (low‐ and very low‐risk GIST). Integrative molecular profiling indicated that a greater incidence of genetic alterations of driver genes was detected in malignant GIST (96%, 22 of 23) than in less malignant GIST (73%, 24 of 33). Malignant GIST samples groups showed mutations, LOH, and aberrant expression dominantly in driver genes associated with signaling pathways of PI3K (PIK3CA, AKT1, and PTEN) and the cell cycle (RB1, CDK4, and CDKN1B). Additionally, we identified potential PI3K‐related genes, the expression of which was upregulated (SNAI1 and TPX2) or downregulated (BANK1) in malignant GIST. Based on our observations, we propose that inhibition of PI3K pathway signals might potentially be an effective therapeutic strategy against malignant progression of GIST.
The impact of diabetes mellitus and hypertension on clinical outcomes in a population of Iranian patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zibaeenezhad Mohammad Javad , Mohammadi Seyyed Saeed , Sayadi Mehrab , Khorshidi Soorena , Bahramali Ehsan , Razeghian‐Jahromi Iman
Published: September 2019

There are heterogeneous data regarding the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study explored the effect of history of DM (hDM) and HTN (hHTN), separately and in combination with each other, on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in short‐, mid‐, and long‐term intervals after PCI. Between 2000 and 2017, 1799 patients who had PCI were registered. They were categorized in four different groups: hDM, hHTN, hDM + hHTN, and no hDMQuery no hHTN. Incidence of myocardial infarction, revascularization, and coronary death totally considered as MACE was sought in short‐ (<24 hours), mid‐ (24 hours up to 6 months), and long‐term (more than 6 months) intervals after PCI. Among the subjects, 176 had hDM, 648 had hHTN, 370 had hDM + hHTN, and 605 were in no hDM no hHTN group. The median follow‐up time was 66.5 months. Time‐to‐event (time to the first MACE) was not significantly different between four groups. hHTN group was older and hDM group was younger at the time of enrollment PCI. Female gender was dominant only in hDM + hHTN group. Of the total, 130 patients (7.22%) experienced MACE. There was no MACE in short term, 23.07% of the MACEs were in mid‐term, and the remaining happened in long term. However, according to the rate ratio, incidence rate of MACE in mid‐tem was significantly higher than the long term. Also, MACE occurrence was significantly higher in hDM + hHTN and hHTN groups than the no hDM no hHTN group. Our study showed that the history of HTN significantly increases post‐PCI MACE rather than the history of DM. Having history of both DM and HTN synergistically raised MACE incidence. Incidence of MACE per month was higher in mid‐term than the long‐term interval.
Excess hair, hair removal methods, and barriers to care in gender minority patients: A survey study
Authors: Marks Dustin H. , Hagigeorges Dina , Manatis‐Lornell Athena J. , Dommasch Erica , Senna Maryanne M.
Published: September 2019

Background

In gender minority patients, electrolysis and laser hair removal may be necessary to reduce facial and body hair in individuals seeking a more feminine appearance and/or modified gender expression. These procedures may also be required preoperatively for some gender‐affirming surgeries.

Aims

To identify (a) the frequency of unwanted facial and body hair, (b) the use of various hair removal methods, and (c) associated barriers to care in gender minority patients.

Methods

An online‐based patient survey was distributed via social media on Facebook®, YouTube®, and Instagram® in fall 2018. Respondents were at least 18 years old and self‐identified as a gender minority.

Results

In total, 991 responses were recorded with a completion rate of 77%. Considering excess hair, 84% of transwomen on feminizing hormone therapy (FHT: estrogen and anti‐androgen therapy), 100% of transwomen not on FHT, and 100% of nonbinary individuals on FHT reported excess facial/body hair. Laser hair removal (18%) and electrolysis (17%) had similar rates of use in this cohort and were more commonly reported for nonsurgical gender‐affirming purposes than preoperative preparation. Cost was the most frequently cited barrier to care.

Conclusion

As the majority of transwomen and nonbinary people on feminizing hormone therapy had persistent excess facial/body hair, routine use of gender‐affirming hormones is not sufficient to fully eliminate unwanted hair. There remains a critical need to advocate for more comprehensive insurance coverage for laser hair removal and electrolysis in gender minority patients.
Russell y Hegel, una discusión sobre deícticos
Authors: Gómez Gutiérrez Susana
Published: September 2019

En este trabajo examino las maneras contrapuestas como Bertrand Russell, en varios de sus escritos, y Hegel, en la Fenomenología del espíritu, entienden los llamados deícticos. Intento mostrar que Russell, aun conociendo bien la obra de Hegel, no responde a la propuesta de este último, sino que adopta una posición que lo mantiene atrapado en lo que, desde un punto de vista hegeliano, podría denominarse el autoengaño de la certeza sensible. Al final, sugiero que las diferencias entre Hegel y Russell, a propósito de los deícticos, pueden deberse al
A Loss and Deflection Model for Compressor Blading at High Negative Incidence
Authors: Ferrer-Vidal Luis E. , Schneider Marc , Allegretti Alessandro , Pachidis Vassilios
Published: September 2019

While significant advances have come about for turbomachinery off-design performance characterization using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the need for quick performance estimates at challenging off-design conditions still requires the use of lower-order models, such as mean-line analyses and through-flow tools. These inviscid tools require blade performance correlations formulated in terms of loss and turning angle as a function of blade geometric and aerodynamic parameters. Traditionally, such correlations have relied on the empirical data from blade cascade tests at nominal incidence conditions. This limitation on the applicability of the blade correlations has caused performance modeling of the sub-idle regime to be off-limits to this type of correlation-based approaches. This paper addresses the development of blade loss and deviation models applicable to the sub-idle regime using a parametric numerical approach. 2D CFD results are used to generate a model that is then applied to mean-line and through-flow analyses aimed at predicting the sub-idle map of an axial flow compressor. The model proves to be a valuable tool for quick sub-idle performance estimates and allows existing correlation-based performance prediction methods to be extended into the sub-idle regime.
Professional Female Athletes Are at a Heightened Risk of Iron-Deficient Erythropoiesis Compared With Nonathletes
Authors: Ponorac Nenad , Popović Mira , Karaba-Jakovljević Dea , Bajić Zorislava , Scanlan Aaron , Stojanović Emilija , Radovanović Dragan
Published: September 2019

This study primarily aimed to quantify and compare iron status in professional female athletes and nonathletes. Furthermore, this study also aimed to identify differences in iron status according to sporting discipline and explore the relationship between ferritin concentration and weekly training volume in professional athletes. A total of 152 participants were included in this study, including 85 athletes who were members of senior teams (handball, n = 24; volleyball, n = 36; soccer, n = 19; and judo, n = 6) involved at the highest level of competition and 67 nonathletes. A significantly greater proportion (p = .05) of athletes (27%) demonstrated iron-deficient erythropoiesis (IDE) compared with nonathletes (13%). There were nonsignificant differences (p > .05) in the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID; 49% vs. 46%) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA; 2% vs. 4%) between athletes and nonathletes. Similarly, the prevalence of ID, IDE, and IDA was not significantly different between sports (p > .05). Furthermore, training volume was negatively correlated with ferritin concentration in athletes (r: −.464, moderate, p < .001). Professional female athletes are at a heightened risk of IDE compared with nonathletes; therefore, they should be periodically screened for ID to reduce the deleterious effects on training and performance. The similar prevalence of ID, IDE, and IDA found across athletes competing in different sports suggests that overlaps exist between handball, volleyball, soccer, and judo athletes regarding risk of disturbance in iron metabolism.
Effectiveness of the 5A’s Model for Changing Physical Activity Behaviors in Rural Adults Recruited From Primary Care Clinics
Authors: Reed Jill R. , Estabrooks Paul , Pozehl Bunny , Heelan Kate , Wichman Christopher
Published: September 2019

Background: Most rural adults do not meet current guidelines for physical activity (PA). A 12-week feasibility study tested the effectiveness of using the 5A’s model for PA counseling on rural adults’ PA behaviors.Methods: Inactive rural adults recruited from a primary care clinic were randomized to an intervention (n = 30) or control (n = 29) group. All subjects wore a Fitbit to track steps and active minutes. The intervention group completed action plans to improve self-regulatory PA strategies and received weekly motivational text messages to improve PA behaviors. Theory of planned behavior constructs and self-regulatory strategies of planning, goal setting, and tracking (steps and active minutes) were measured with both groups. The control group received the Fitbit only.Results: All individuals became more physically active; however, no significant differences between groups in active minutes or steps were found. All subjects, regardless of group, increased steps (P > .05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups on any of the theoretical variables.Conclusions: It is vitally important to continue to find ways to make PA a priority to improve the overall health and well-being of rural adults. Future research warrants adjusting the intervention dose and strategies to increase PA that can be maintained long term.
Wrangling RNA: Antisense oligonucleotides for neurological disorders
Authors: Talbot Kevin , Wood Matthew J. A.
Published: September 2019

Effective treatment of spinal muscular atrophy with antisense oligonucleotide therapy opens the door to treating other neurological disorders with this approach.
Shedding light on implant-associated infection
Authors: O’Cearbhaill Eoin
Published: September 2019

A coating on titanium-based orthopedic implants can be remotely activated using near-infrared light to kill bacteria growing on the implant surface.
Quantifying changes in global health inequality: the Gini and Slope Inequality Indices applied to the Global Burden of Disease data, 1990–2017
Authors: Steinbeis Fridolin , Gotham Dzintars , von Philipsborn Peter , Stratil Jan M
Published: September 2019

Background

The major shifts in the global burden of disease over the past decades are well documented, but how these shifts have affected global inequalities in health remains an underexplored topic. We applied comprehensive inequality measures to data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study.

Methods

Between-country relative inequality was measured by the population-weighted Gini Index, between-country absolute inequality was calculated using the population-weighted Slope Inequality Index (SII). Both were applied to country-level GBD data on age-standardised disability-adjusted life years.

Findings

Absolute global health inequality measured by the SII fell notably between 1990 (0.68) and 2017 (0.42), mainly driven by a decrease of disease burden due to communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases (CMNN). By contrast, relative inequality remained essentially unchanged from 0.21 to 0.19 (1990–2017), with a peak of 0.23 (2000–2008). The main driver for the increase of relative inequality 1990–2008 was the HIV epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. Relative inequality increased 1990–2017 within each of the three main cause groups: CMNNs; non-communicable diseases (NCDs); and injuries.

Conclusions

Despite considerable reductions in disease burden in 1990–2017 and absolute health inequality between countries, absolute and relative international health inequality remain high. The limited reduction of relative inequality has been largely due to shifts in disease burden from CMNNs and injuries to NCDs. If progress in the reduction of health inequalities is to be sustained beyond the global epidemiological transition, the fight against CMNNs and injuries must be joined by increased efforts for NCDs.
Haematocrit in <35 weeks preterm infants who received at least 60 seconds of delayed cord clamping: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Nudelman Matthew JR , Goel Keshav , Jegatheesan Priya , Song Dongli , Huang Angela , Govindaswami Balaji
Published: September 2019

Objective

To describe haematocrit at birth in preterm infants who received ≥60 s of delayed cord clamping (DCC).

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

A California public hospital with an American Academy of Pediatrics level 4 neonatal intensive care unit, with 3500–4000 deliveries annually.

Participants

467 preterm infants born at <35 weeks’ gestational age (GA) between January 2013 and December 2018.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Haematocrit reference ranges for 0–4 hours after birth and paired haematocrit differences between 0–4 and 4–24 hours.

Methods

Haematocrits were obtained when clinically indicated and collected from arterial, venous and capillary sources. Haematocrits obtained after packed red blood cell transfusions were excluded. We summarised the first available haematocrit between 0 and 4 hours by GA strata. We used mixed-effects linear regression to describe the associations between haematocrit and predictor variables including GA, male sex and hours after an infant’s birth. We also compared paired haematocrits at 0–4 and 4–24 hours after birth.

Results

The median GA of the 467 included infants was 33.3 weeks, birth weight was 1910 g and DCC duration was 60 s. The mean (95% CI) first haematocrit at 0–4 hours was 46.6 (45.0% to 48.1%), 51.2 (49.6% to 52.8%), 50.6 (49.1% to 52.1%), 54.3 (52.8% to 55.8%) and 55.6 (54.6% to 56.6%) for infants 23–29, 30–31, 32, 33 and 34 weeks’ GA strata, respectively. The subanalysis of 174 infants with paired haematocrits at 0–4 and 4–24 hours showed that for each additional hour after birth, the mean (95% CI) haematocrit increased by 0.2 (0.1% to 0.3%), 0.2 (0.1% to 0.4%) and 0.1 (0.0% to 0.2%) for infants in 23–29, 30–31 and 32 weeks’ GA strata, respectively. The subanalysis showed no change between the paired haematocrits in the 33 and 34 weeks’ GA strata.

Conclusions

Our study describes haematocrit in preterm infants who received ≥60 s DCC as standard of care. Haematocrit during the first 0–4 hours in our study is higher than the previously described reference ranges prior to DCC becoming routine clinical practice. The paired second haematocrit at 4–24 hours is higher than haematocrit at 0–4 hours.