bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The flipped university: exploring student progression in football coaching and development
Authors: Griffiths Robert , Probert Jay , Cropley Brendan
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of a foundation degree programme, delivered via a flipped university approach, on student learning, development and employability in the sector of football coaching and development.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method design was adopted, whereby current (n=106) and graduate (n=41) students from the programme completed an online course evaluation questionnaire and then follow-up interviews were conducted with 12 of the initial sample to explore the impact of the programme in more detail.

Findings

Participants reported significant benefits of the flipped university approach on their career development, improvement in their inter- and intra-personal skills (e.g. communication, reflection, confidence) and the acquisition of industry relevant knowledge. Recommendations include a greater provision of tailored study support for individuals and broadening the coaching portfolio of students to help address the diversification in Football Community Trust remits.

Research limitations/implications

This study has indicated that new approaches to student learning and development are better suited to preparing young people for the industry in which they seek to gain employment post-education. Sampling a wider range of student perspectives qualitatively would have provided a more thorough insight into their experiences. However, this provides an avenue for future research that seeks to explore the mechanisms through which such approaches to learning facilitate development.

Originality/value

The novel flipped university concept is one that should be considered as a way of better educating and preparing students for employment in the sports industry. It is an approach that could be explored by a wide range of sectors as an alternative to both campus-based higher education and degree apprenticeships.
Sports university education and entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: González-Serrano María Huertas , Valantine Irena , Hervás Josep Crespo , Pérez-Campos Carlos , Moreno Ferran Calabuig
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how the nationality and the sport education system could affect the entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of undergraduate sport science students in two different countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 249 undergraduate sport sciences (SS) students from Spain and Lithuania were analysed. The EI questioner questionnaire by Liñán and Chen (2009) was used to compile the data during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Findings

There are significant differences between the sport science students of Spain and Lithuania. The Lithuanian students have significantly higher means in the variables of EI, perceived behaviour control and professional attraction. Moreover, the variables that predict EI are different, and certain path coefficients of the variables are also significantly different.

Research limitations/implications

The sample originates from one university in each country; therefore, these results may not be generalisable to the entire population.

Practical implications

The SS degrees in Lithuania and Spain should follow different educational policies with the objective of fostering EI and increasing the number of entrepreneurs.

Social implications

Creating adequate educational policies to foster entrepreneurship in sports across countries could improve the number of entrepreneurs in the sports sectors; thus, the youth unemployment rate will decrease.

Originality/value

There has been no previous research that analyses the EI of sport science students across contexts through the theory of planned behaviour. Moreover, there are no studies that compare the EI of university students between Spain (Western Europe) and Lithuania (Eastern Europe).
Slack resources and quality performance: case of a mega health care organization
Authors: Ng Artie , Wang Wai Ming
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Prior studies have examined the relationship between budgetary slack and short-termism of management within a profit-seeking business environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of slack resources in relation to quality performance of heath care services delivered by a publicly funded organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal regression analysis of resource utilization, productivity and the quality of health care services delivered is performed to reveal evidence about the underlying dynamics of heterogeneous slack resources. It attempts to study slack resources in the case of a “mega” health care service provider based in Hong Kong.

Findings

The results suggest that the organization’s cost containment culture, with a strategic focus on productivity measures, has augmented cost effectiveness; however, not all slack resources would enhance quality performance.

Originality/value

This study of a mega health care service provider complements the prior studies of slack resources and points out the challenges of proactively managing any slack resources toward quality performance beyond productivity.
Bounds for increasing multi-state linear k-within-(r,s)-of-(m,n):F lattice system
Authors: Radwan Taha
Published: March 2018

Purpose

A multi-state linear k-within-(r, s)-of-(m, n): F lattice system consists of m×n components arranged in m rows and n columns. The possible states of the system and its components are: 0, 1, 2, …, H. According to k values, the system can be categorized into three special cases: decreasing, increasing and constant. The system reliability of decreasing and constant cases exists. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the system reliability in increasing case with i.i.d components, where there is no any algorithm for evaluating the system reliability in this case.

Design/methodology/approach

The Boole-Bonferroni bounds were applied for evaluating the reliability of many systems. In this paper, the author reformulated the second-order Boole-Bonferroni bounds to be suitable for the evaluation of the multi-state system reliability. And the author applied these bounds for deriving the lower bound and upper bound of increasing multi-state linear k-within-(r, s)-of-(m, n): F lattice system.

Findings

An illustrated example of the proposed bounds and many numerical examples are given. The author tested these examples and concluded the cases that make the new bounds are sharper.

Practical implications

In this paper, the author considered an important and complex system, the multi-state linear k-within-(r, s)-of-(m, n): F lattice system; it is a model for many applications, for example, telecommunication, radar detection, oil pipeline, mobile communications, inspection procedures and series of microwave towers systems.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a method for the computation of the bounds of increasing multi-state linear k-within-(r,s)-of-(m,n): F lattice system. Furthermore, the author concluded that the cases that make these bounds are sharper.
The effect of strategic knowledge management on the universities’ performance: an empirical approach
Authors: Fernández-López Sara , Rodeiro-Pazos David , Calvo Nuria , Rodríguez-Gulías María Jesús
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the availability and use of IT solutions for strategic knowledge management (SKM) and the universities’ performance, measured in terms of scientific production.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and the knowledge-based theory, the authors develop a conceptual framework for exploring the effect of SKM based on IT on the organisation’s performance that they empirically test by applying panel data methodology to a sample of 70 Spanish universities over the period 2011-2014.

Findings

The authors confirm that the SKM based on IT influences the university’s performance. This effect is positive in the case of the IT solutions referred to the infrastructure of data grouping and more evident when the university’s performance is measured by indicators more directly related to scientific quality. Contrary to expected, the percentage of training and research staff that uses institutional tools of collaborative work is negatively related with the universities’ capacity of publication.

Practical implications

The authors followed the system dynamics approach to identify a causal diagram and a flow sequence that lets them group universities in three different profiles in the knowledge management (KM) flow diagram.

Originality/value

First, the authors develop a conceptual framework for exploring the effect of SKM based on IT on the organisation’s performance that could be applicable to analyse the case of other knowledge-driven organisations. Second, in contrast with the large number of studies dealing with SKM and performance focused on firms, the authors analyse universities. Third, the authors’ empirical approach used the panel data methodology with a large sample of universities over the period 2011-2014.
Fabrication of interview data
Authors: Blasius Jörg
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Evidence from past surveys suggests that some interviewees simplify their responses even in very well-organized and highly respected surveys. This paper aims to demonstrate that some interviewers, too, simplify their task by at least partly fabricating their data, and that, in some survey research institutes, employees simplify their task by fabricating entire interviews via copy and paste.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the principal questionnaires in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 and the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) data, the author applies statistical methods to search for fraudulent methods used by interviewers and employees at survey research organizations.

Findings

The author provides empirical evidence for potential fraud performed by interviewers and employees of survey research organizations in several countries that participated in PISA 2012 and PIAAC.

Practical implications

The proposed methods can be used as early as the initial phase of fieldwork to flag potentially problematic interviewer behavior such as copying responses.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology may help to improve data quality in survey research by detecting fabricated data.
New data strategies: nonprobability sampling, mobile, big data
Authors: Link Michael
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Researchers now have more ways than ever before to capture information about groups of interest. In many areas, these are augmenting traditional survey approaches – in others, new methods are potential replacements. This paper aims to explore three key trends: use of nonprobability samples, mobile data collection and administrative and “big data.”

Design/methodology/approach

Insights and lessons learned about these emerging trends are drawn from recent published articles and relevant scientific conference papers.

Findings

Each new trend has its own timeline in terms of methodological maturity. While mobile technologies for data capture are being rapidly adopted, particularly the use of internet-based surveys conducted on mobile devices, nonprobability sampling methods remain rare in most government research. Resource and quality pressures combined with the intensive research focus on new sampling methods, are, however, making nonprobability sampling a more attractive option. Finally, exploration of “big data” is becoming more common, although there are still many challenges to overcome – methodological, quality and access – before such data are used routinely.

Originality/value

This paper provides a timely review of recent developments in the field of data collection strategies, drawing on numerous current studies and practical applications in the field.
Interviewer variance and its effects on estimates
Authors: Loosveldt Geert , Wuyts Celine , Beullens Koen
Published: March 2018

Purpose

In survey methodology, it is well-known that interviewers can have an impact on the registered answers. This paper aims to focus on one type of interviewer effect that arises from the differences between interviewers in the systematic effects of each interviewer on the answers. In the first case, the authors evaluate interviewer effects on the measurement of alcohol consumption in European countries. The second case is about the interviewer effects on the respondents’ tendency to (non)differentiate their responses and the consequences of this response style for the correlation between variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The interviewer effects are evaluated by means of interviewer variance analysis. Because respondents are nested within interviewers, we can specify a two- or three-level random intercept model to calculate the proportion of variance explained by the interviewers. Data from the seventh round of the European Social Survey are used.

Findings

The results in the first case show that the substantive conclusions about the effect of gender and education on the alcohol measures continue to hold when interviewer effects are taken into account. The results of the second case make clear that interviewer effects on attitudinal questions are considerable. There is also a significant effect of the interviewers on the degree that respondents differentiate their responses. The results also illustrate that correlations between attitudinal variables are influenced. This also implies that the results of statistical procedures using a correlation or covariance matrix can be strongly influenced by the tendency to (non)differentiate and the interviewers’ impact on this tendency.

Originality/value

The results clearly demonstrate that there are considerable differences between countries concerning the impact of the interviewers on substantive variables. Cross-national differences are striking and the importance and necessity to evaluate interviewer effects in a cross-national survey becomes clear.
Applying the total survey error framework to PIAAC
Authors: Lyberg Lars , Cibelli Hibben Kristen , Pennell Beth-Ellen
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Surveys in multinational, multiregional and multicultural contexts (or “3MC” surveys) are becoming increasingly important to global and regional decision-making and theory building. To serve this purpose, the surveys need to be well managed, with an awareness of key sources of survey error and how to minimize them, mechanisms in place to control the implementation process and an ability to intervene in that process when necessary in a spirit of continuous improvement (Pennell et al., 2017). One key approach for managing and assessing the quality of 3MC surveys is the total survey error (TSE) framework and associated survey process quality. This paper aims to examine the application of the TSE framework and survey process quality to the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors begin with a background on TSE and discuss recent adaptations of TSE and survey process quality for 3MC surveys. They then presents a TSE framework tailored with examples of potential contributions to error for PIAAC and ways to address those through effective quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) approaches.

Findings

Overall, the authors find that the design and implementation of the first cycle of PIAAC largely reflect the current best practice for 3MC surveys. However, the authors identify several potential contributions to error that may threaten comparability in PIAAC and ways these could be addressed in the upcoming cycle.

Originality/value

With a view toward continuous improvement, the final section draws on the survey process quality approach adapted from Hansen et al.’s study (2016) to summarize the recommendations in terms of additional QA elements (inputs and activities) and associated QC elements (measures and reports) for PIAAC’s consideration in the next cycle.
Detecting and treating errors in tests and surveys
Authors: von Davier Matthias
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Surveys that include skill measures may suffer from additional sources of error compared to those containing questionnaires alone. Examples are distractions such as noise or interruptions of testing sessions, as well as fatigue or lack of motivation to succeed. This paper aims to provide a review of statistical tools based on latent variable modeling approaches extended by explanatory variables that allow detection of survey errors in skill surveys.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews psychometric methods for detecting sources of error in cognitive assessments and questionnaires. Aside from traditional item responses, new sources of data in computer-based assessment are available – timing data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and data from questionnaires – to help detect survey errors.

Findings

Some unexpected results are reported. Respondents who tend to use response sets have lower expected values on PIAAC literacy scales, even after controlling for scores on the skill-use scale that was used to derive the response tendency.

Originality/value

The use of new sources of data, such as timing and log-file or process data information, provides new avenues to detect response errors. It demonstrates that large data collections need to better utilize available information and that integration of assessment, modeling and substantive theory needs to be taken more seriously.
Selective laser melting of maraging steel: mechanical properties development and its application in mold
Authors: Bai Yuchao , Yang Yongqiang , Xiao Zefeng , Wang Di
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to verify whether selective laser melting (SLM) could be used for manufacturing mold with conformal cooling channels and determine whether the mechanical properties development of SLM manufacturing maraging steel mold would be beneficial to improve the quality of mold.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of block specimens and cylindrical tensile specimens are manufactured by SLM, and then are heat treated by solution treatment (ST) and solution treatment + aging treatment (ST + AT), respectively. The development of microstructure, microhardness and tensile strength of specimens is investigated. Then, a mold with conformal cooling channels is designed and manufactured by SLM and machined after ST with microhardness decreasing.

Findings

The morphology of microstructure varies widely under different heat treatment. The microhardness and tensile strength decrease after ST with cellular structure broken, which is conducive to mechanical finishing for mold to improve surface accuracy. After that, the hardness and strength of the mold increase significantly by AT with the precipitation of Ni3Mo, Fe2Mo and Ni3Ti particles. The maraging steel mold with conformal cooling channels can be manufactured by SLM successfully. And the surface accuracy of mold could be improved easily by machining.

Originality/value

Compared with the traditional mold with simple cooling channels, the mold with conformal cooling channels can be manufactured by SLM directly. The hardness of maraging steel mold manufactured by SLM can be reduced through ST, which is conducive to mechanical finishing for overcoming the defect of low precision of SLM directly manufacturing mold. This provides a new way for manufacturing mold of high quality.
Comparative Analysis of the Antioxidant Capacities and Phenolic Compounds of Oat and Buckwheat Vinegars During Production Processes
Authors: Yu Xiao , Yang Mei , Dong Jilin , Shen Ruiling
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to explore the dynamic changes in the antioxidant activities and phenolic acid profiles of oat and buckwheat vinegars during different production stages. The results showed that both oat and buckwheat vinegar products comparably attenuated D‐galactose‐induced oxidative damage in mice serum and liver, indicating no obvious dose dependence within the tested concentrations. However, oat vinegar product revealed more favorable in vitro antioxidant activities than those in buckwheat vinegar product as evaluated by 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging abilities. Moreover, the alcoholic fermentation, acetic acid fermentation and fumigating induced successive increase in DPPH radical scavenging abilities and phenolic acid contents of the fermentation substrates of oat and buckwheat vinegars. Importantly, the different fermentation processes of oat and buckwheat vinegars were accompanied by the dynamic migration and transformation of specific phenolic acids across bound, esterified and free fractions. Thus, the antioxidant activities of oat and buckwheat vinegars could be improved through targeted modulation of the generation of specific phenolic acid fractions during production processes.

Practical Application

We had evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities and phenolic acid contents of oat and buckwheat vinegars, and further explored the dynamic changes of bound, esterified and free phenolic acid fractions during successive fermentation processes of oat and buckwheat vinegars. This study provided the theoretical guidance for obtaining minor grain vinegar with the optimal antioxidant activities through targeted modulation of fermentation processes.
Comparing three types of dietary samples for prey DNA decay in an insect generalist predator
Authors: Kamenova Stefaniya , Mayer Rebecca , Rubbmark Oskar R. , Coissac Eric , Plantegenest Manuel , Traugott Michael
Published: March 2018

The rapidly growing field of molecular diet analysis is becoming increasingly popular among ecologists, especially when investigating methodologically challenging groups, such as invertebrate generalist predators. Prey DNA detection success is known to be affected by multiple factors; however, the type of dietary sample has rarely been considered. Here, we address this knowledge gap by comparing prey DNA detection success from three types of dietary samples. In a controlled feeding experiment, using the carabid beetle Pterostichus melanarius as a model predator, we collected regurgitates, faeces and whole consumers (including their gut contents) at different time points postfeeding. All dietary samples were analysed using multiplex PCR, targeting three different length DNA fragments (128, 332 and 612 bp). Our results show that both the type of dietary sample and the size of the DNA fragment contribute to a significant part of the variation found in the detectability of prey DNA. Specifically, we observed that in both regurgitates and whole consumers, prey DNA was detectable significantly longer for all fragment sizes than for faeces. Based on these observations, we conclude that prey DNA detected from regurgitates and whole consumers DNA extracts are comparable, whereas prey DNA detected from faeces, though still sufficiently reliable for ecological studies, will not be directly comparable to the former. Therefore, regurgitates and faeces constitute a useful, nonlethal source for dietary information that could be applied to field studies in situations when invertebrate predators should not be killed.
Combining network theory and reaction–advection–diffusion modelling for predicting animal distribution in dynamic environments
Authors: Prima Marie‐Caroline , Duchesne Thierry , Fortin André , Rivest Louis‐Paul , Fortin Daniel
Published: March 2018

Movement is a key process driving animal distributions within heterogeneous landscapes. Graph (network) theory is increasingly used to understand and predict landscape functional connectivity, as network properties can provide crucial information regarding the resilience of a system to landscape disturbances, e.g. removal of habitat patches. The temporal dimension of movement patterns, however, is not generally included in network analysis, which can lead to a discrepancy between observed space use and landscape connectivity. Reaction–advection–diffusion models, when coupled with network analysis, could provide a powerful mechanistic framework based upon spatio‐temporal dimensions of animal movement, but this approach remains poorly developed for ecological studies.

We developed a mechanistic space use model that considers both residency time in resource patches and movement amongst those patches within a spatial network. The framework involves two main steps: first, the network topology that best reflects functional connectivity for the study system is identified; second, a spatio‐temporal flow dynamic is implemented within the network using reaction–advection–diffusion modelling. To illustrate the approach, we used observations of radiocollared plains bison Bison bison bison that were travelling in a meadow network within a forest matrix.

In the model application, we found that the graph best reflecting the functional connectivity of bison was a complex graph of ultra‐small world scale‐free network type. The reaction–advection–diffusion model involved the effect of meadow area and inter‐meadow distance on bison travels. Simulations showed that a simple graph or distance‐based graphs provided less accurate predictions of bison distribution, while also predicting different management actions to effectively impact bison space use.

Our study demonstrates how reaction–advection–diffusion modelling, coupled with network theory, can provide a robust mechanistic framework for predicting animal distribution in dynamic environments. The modelling approach can be applied to a large range of systems that are subjected to rapid environmental changes due to habitat management or natural resource extraction, for example. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that management and conservation planning can strongly depend upon network structure, and that a faulty assessment of network topology can result in poor planning, with potential unexpected impacts on animal distributions.
Genomic signatures reveal selection of characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations
Authors: Sun H. , Wang Z. , Zhang Z. , Xiao Q. , Mawed S. , Xu Z. , Zhang X. , Yang H. , Zhu M. , Xue M. , Liu X. , Zhang W. , Zhen Y. , Wang Q. , Pan Y.
Published: March 2018

The Chinese Meishan pig breed is well known for its high prolificacy. Moreover, this breed can be divided into three types based on their body size: big Meishan, middle Meishan (MMS) and small Meishan (SMS) pigs. Few studies have reported on the genetic signatures of Meishan pigs, particularly on a genome‐wide scale. Exploring for genetic signatures could be quite valuable for revealing the genetic architecture of phenotypic variation. Thus, we performed research in two parts based on the genome reducing and sequencing data of 143 Meishan pigs (74 MMS pigs, 69 SMS pigs). First, we detected the selection signatures among all Meishan pigs studied using the relative extended haplotype homozygosity test. Second, we detected the selection signatures between MMS and SMS pigs using the cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity and FST methods. A total of 111 398 SNPs were identified from the sequenced genomes. In the population analysis, the most significant genes were associated with the mental development (RGMA), reproduction (HDAC4, FOXL2) and lipid metabolism (ACACB). From the cross‐population analysis, we detected genes related to body weight (SPDEF, PACSIN1) in both methods. We suggest that rs341373351, located within the PACSIN1 gene, might be the causal variant. This study may have achieved consistency between selection signatures and characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations. These findings can provide insight into investigating the molecular background of high prolificacy and body size in pig.
Afatinib for an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation: A case report of progressive stage IV metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with 54 months’ survival
Authors: Chan Raymond Tsz‐Tong
Published: March 2018

Non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) harboring the uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations are generally thought to be unresponsive to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Presented here is a case of stage IV NSCLC harboring an uncommon EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation that was maintained at minimal progressive disease for 54 months, with 36 months on the second‐generation TKI afatinib. Contrary to the existing literature, the patient in this case demonstrated a long, durable response to the EGFR‐TKI, which was exhibited by a long survival endpoint. This suggests that stability in clinical symptoms might be sufficient to warrant continuation of therapy.
The role of bacteria in the inflammatory bowel disease development: a narrative review
Authors: Azimi Taher , Nasiri Mohammad Javad , Chirani Alireza Salimi , Pouriran Ramin , Dabiri Hossein
Published: March 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term used for the ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD); in addition, IBD principally refers to a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract in which mediated by immune system. Consequently, IBD could progress in individuals who are genetically prone. Infections role in the development of inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract has been studied by quite many clinical studies; furthermore, the possible role of some pathogens in the development and exacerbation of the inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract have been described. Evidently, the most indispensable pathogens that could be associated with the IBD disease, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter concisus; as well as viruses, such as, cytomegalovirus, Epstein‐Barr Virus, and measles virus are notable. A number of pathogenic parasites may also be involved in the development and progression of the disease. As a matter of fact, overexposure of immune system in the presence of excessive bacterial substances could also lead to the loss of immunological tolerance to the bacteria, which are commonly considered as the normal flora in the intestine; furthermore, it may subsequently elicit bowel inflammation and IBD development. In the current study, we discussed the most common bacterial pathogens that may be involved in the development of IBD; as well as, a comprehensive narrative review related to the evidences which support or ignore the possible role of bacteria in progression of IBD, indeed.
Copper Production and Trade in the Niari Basin (Republic of Congo) During the 13th to 19th Centuries ce: Chemical and Lead Isotope Characterization
Authors: Rademakers F. W. , Nikis N. , De Putter T. , Degryse P.
Published: March 2018

In Central Africa, copper ore occurs in only a few locations and copper appears to have been a scarce commodity in the past—contrary to iron, which is attested more widely and earlier in the sub‐Saharan archaeological record. This paper presents the first detailed characterization of an early copper‐working region in Central Africa. Located along the southern border of the Republic of the Congo, the Niari Basin has revealed several copper production sites ranging from the 13th to the 19th century ce. The evidence, specifically in the Mindouli, Mfouati and Boko‐Songho areas, includes various production remains as well as different types of copper ingots and artefacts. In the context of a broader copper technology study, the chemical and lead isotope characteristics of the ore deposits in this region are presented. The results of the chemical and lead isotope analyses of copper objects and production remains from archaeological sites are then interpreted against this geological background data, with an emphasis on copper provenance features. Combining these results with archaeological and historical evidence for regional metallurgical activity, new and significant insights are given on the production of copper in the Niari Basin, emphasizing the potential of this research for forthcoming work on copper use and trade in a wider Central African context.
Scaffolding for motivation by parents, and child homework motivations and emotions: Effects of a training programme
Authors: Moè Angelica , Katz Idit , Alesi Marianna
Published: March 2018

Background and aims

Based on the principles of scaffolding for motivation and on the assumptions of self‐determination theory, two studies aimed to assess the role played by perceived parental autonomy‐supportive scaffolding on child homework autonomous motivation, self‐efficacy, affect, and engagement.

Samples and results

The results of Study 1, which involved 122 parents and their children, showed that the higher the parental autonomous motivation, the more their children perceived them as autonomy‐supportive while scaffolding for motivation, and hence developed autonomous motivation, self‐efficacy, and engagement in homework. In Study 2, 37 parents were involved in a four‐session training programme that focused on sustaining autonomy‐supportive scaffolding modalities. The training decreased parental negative affect, prevented child negative affect increase, and maintained child homework motivation.

Conclusions

The discussion focuses on the strength that parents have with regard to helping their children develop less negative, and potentially also more positive attitude towards homework, through autonomy support as a scaffold for motivation.
Creutzfeldt astrocytes may be seen in IDH‐wildtype glioblastoma and retain expression of DNA repair and chromatin binding proteins
Authors: Ballester Leomar Y. , Boghani Zain , Baskin David S. , Britz Gavin W. , Olsen Randall , Fuller Gregory N. , Powell Suzanne Z. , Cykowski Matthew D.
Published: March 2018

Astrocytes with multiple micronuclei (“Creutzfeldt cells”) in a brain biopsy are classically associated with demyelinating disease. However, glioblastoma may also have prominent Creutzfeldt astrocytes, along with granular mitoses. Therefore, Creutzfeldt cells may raise the diagnostic dilemma of high‐grade glioma vs tumefactive demyelination. While cases of glioblastoma (GBM) with Creutzfeldt astrocytes have been reported, their clinicopathologic spectrum and genetic features are not understood. Studies have proposed that micronuclei in Creutzfeldt cells are a consequence of DNA damage, or may be susceptible to DNA damage and chromothripsis, but their biology in the context of glioblastoma remains unclear. Based on a challenging index case of GBM with mild hypercellularity, Creutzfeldt astrocytes, and granular mitoses on biopsy, we searched our archives for additional cases with similar histopathologic features. We identified 13 cases, reviewed their clinico‐radiologic and pathologic features, and examined them for recurrent genetic alterations via NGS (9 cases) and for evidence of DNA damage by immunohistochemistry for DNA repair and chromatin remodeling proteins. We found that Creutzfeldt cell‐rich GBMs were IDH‐wildtype with no recurring genetic alterations. To test our hypothesis that micronuclei demonstrate loss of DNA repair or chromatin remodeling proteins, we examined the expression of various proteins (MDM2, p53, MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6, ATRX, INI1, SATB2, Ki67, pHH3) in Creutzfeldt cell rich‐GBM. There was intact expression of DNA repair and chromatin remodeling proteins, with accumulation of p53 and reduced MDM2 expression within micronuclei. In contrast, granular mitoses showed pHH3 expression, confirming these cells are undergoing mitotic division, with no accumulation of p53 and reduced expression of DNA repair proteins. Our results emphasize that Creutzfeldt cells are part of the morphologic spectrum of IDH‐wildtype glioblastoma. We did not find a role for DNA damage in the generation of Creutzfeldt cells, as both DNA repair and chromatin remodeling protein expression was retained in these cells.
Measuring and modelling the land‐use intensity and land requirements of utility‐scale photovoltaic systems in the Canadian province of Ontario
Authors: Calvert Kirby E.
Published: March 2018

This paper summarizes the land‐use impacts and land requirements of utility‐scale photovoltaic (U‐PV) systems in the Canadian province of Ontario. The empirical research is based on an analysis of approximately 95 projects representing over 1000 MW of U‐PV systems province‐wide. Findings from this empirical assessment are combined with information about future technological advances in order to develop a modelling framework that can forecast land requirements of U‐PV systems within evolving market and technology contexts. Specifically, the model is used to estimate the land requirements of U‐PV systems in a hypothetical future in which U‐PV systems supply all mid‐day electricity needs in Ontario, including added demands from a completely electrified light‐duty vehicle fleet. Under this scenario, on an installed capacity basis and assuming that 20% of mid‐day electricity demand is met with rooftop PV, an area equivalent to 0.5% to 8.5% of Ontario's agricultural land would be required, depending on panel efficiencies and system packing factors. These land requirements are manageable, particularly as more land‐efficient technologies are deployed and as regulations are designed to mitigate the land‐use impacts of U‐PV systems.
Analysis of crestal bone loss around single piece ball attachment implant placed bilaterally in canine region and wear of O‐ring in implant supported overdenture: Three year follow‐up
Authors: Raza Fathima Banu , Vaidyanathan Anand Kumar , Veeravalli Padmanabhan T. , Ravishankar Subhiksha , Ali Aashique S.
Published: March 2018

Background

Single piece implant in fixed prosthesis is widely been evaluated, however, long term evaluation of crestal bone loss and the wear of O‐ring in single piece ball attachment implant supported overdenture is yet to be evaluated

Purpose

The present article evaluates the crestal bone loss around single piece ball attachment implants placed bilaterally in the canine region and the wear of O‐ring in implant supported overdenture over a period of three years.

Materials and Methods

Twelve completely edentulous patients between the age group of 55‐65 years were selected. Two 3.3 mm × 13 mm myriad snap fit implants were placed in the mandibular interforaminal region. All the implants were conventionally loaded at three months after surgical placement. Intra‐oral periapical radiographs were made and crestal bone loss was measured at the end of one year and three years. The elasticity and wear of O‐Ring was assessed after three years of usage.

Results

The crestal bone loss showed no significant difference between the first and third year after implant placement. The mean bone loss at the end of third year was 1.5 mm. Analysis of O‐ring for change in the elasticity showed reduction in displacement and a significant increase in maximum displacement and elongation. The area of O‐ring and yield stress did not show any changes from the standard value. Compression set damage was observed in the O‐ring at the end of three years.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the bilateral single piece implant supported overdenture has a success rate equivalent to the two piece implant supported overdenture and is a viable treatment option.
Quality of life assessment of patients utilizing orbital implant‐supported prostheses
Authors: de Oliveira Fernando Moreno , Salazar‐Gamarra Rodrigo , Öhman David , Nannmark Ulf , Pecorari Vanessa , Dib Luciano Lauria
Published: March 2018

Statement of Problem

Evaluate the effect of orbital prosthesis retained by implants through a specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaire provides important information on patients QOL, great incentive for the multidisciplinary team and public health support to continue work in this area.

Purpose

The objective of the study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with orbital implant‐supported prostheses using an adapted quality of life questionnaire.

Materials and Methods

Forty five patients using orbital implant‐supported prostheses for a period ranging from six to 120 months. The subjects answered a questionnaire that consisted of 10 questions covering appearance, retention, conspicuousness, self‐confidence, difficulty of placement, difficulty of removal, cleaning, limitation of activities, discomfort of tissues, and recommendation of the method to other patients. Answers were expressed using a visual 100‐mm scale. The arithmetic mean of the responses was converted into a percentage to represent the satisfaction index.

Results

Patients demonstrated a high level of satisfaction on all items, with the lowest rate being for aesthetics and the highest being for recommending the method to other patients. High satisfaction rates regarding the placement and removal of the prosthesis, discomfort to the tissues, and cleaning suggest the ease of handling of the prosthesis. High satisfaction with retention, self‐confidence, conspicuousness of the prosthesis, and limitation of activities indicated an association with a better social life.

Conclusions

The results showed that use of bone anchorage technique of extraoral prostheses provided a high level of satisfaction among patients, confirming that osseointegrated implants are a very important resource for the rehabilitation of orbital deformities.
Forgiveness as singularity: The “Allah” controversy in Malaysia and the church's public discourse of cheek‐turning
Authors: Lau Alwyn
Published: March 2018

This paper adopts a Lacanian motif to present the world as being psycho‐theologically characterized by sacrifice and loss, with its subjects (including, more often than not, Christians) remaining in bondage to a vicious cycle of tit‐for‐tat violence and retribution. The chief solution to this situation is for the church to mimic the mercy, forgiveness, and cheek‐turning displayed by Jesus. Through via unconditional forgiveness in the face of injustice and oppression, the community defined by the enemy‐loving work of Christ can exemplify an unravelling of the present diabolical world system. In Lacanian terms, the church is responsible to initiate an ongoing assault of the Real (of peace‐making and forgiveness) upon the Symbolic Order (of rights‐seeking and oppression). This article argues that turning the cheek is no mere political tactic, but is indeed the church's singularity, that is, that aspect of a subject whose jouissance (or enjoyment) refuses the validation of the Other. It concludes by highlighting two episodes from the “Allah” controversy in Malaysia where Christian leaders prioritized forgiveness and reconciliation over legal reprisal.
Diversity and diversification in ECEC practices: Considerations from Serbia
Authors: Miškeljin Lidija , Sharmahd Nima
Published: March 2018

Focusing on diversity represents a step forward towards a complex concept of quality in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) system. The diversification of programmes and services takes shape within this framework, bringing a shift from purely technical issues towards a joint construction of the community's culture. Its complexity is visible in its conceptualisation, which combines theoretical and ideological key points concerning childhood, learning, development, well‐being and the role of adults and of public policy. This article presents the process and results of a project that included a study to better understand the perspective of professionals, parents and representatives of local policymakers on the meanings given to the diversification of programmes in the ECEC system in Serbia. The method was participatory, with focus groups supporting participants in expressing their opinions and in co‐creating meanings and knowledge, linking research to group reflection. The aim was to identify practices related to these meanings in a coherent way, focusing on the concepts of well‐being and respect for diversity. The main conclusion is a strong need for a multilevel network to: (a) support policymakers and professionals in creating socially‐mixed contexts, (b) support parents by making them feel that they are partners in the educational system, and (c) invest in continuous professional development (CPD) programmes for professionals to train them and encourage them to co‐reflect on practice.
Equine cheek teeth occlusal fissures: Prevalence, association with dental wear abnormalities and occlusal angles
Authors: Pollaris E. , Haspeslagh M. , Van den Wyngaert G. , Vlaminck L.
Published: March 2018

Background

Fissures of the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth are commonly encountered during oral examination but their aetiology is unknown.

Objectives

To examine the prevalence and characteristics of occlusal fissures in cadaver teeth. It is hypothesised that their prevalence is influenced by masticatory forces. Consequently, their possible association with wear disorders and occlusal angles were examined.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

The dental abnormalities and occlusal fissure findings in the cheek teeth of 143 cadaver heads were recorded. The cheek teeth occlusal angles were measured using the stiff‐hinge technique. Multiple regression analyses were performed to establish possible relationships between age, sex, dental wear, occlusal angle and fissure prevalence.

Results

Occlusal fissures were found in 103/143 (72%) heads. Sex and age were determining factors in the prevalence of fissures. A similar prevalence was found in mandibular (54.1%) and maxillary teeth (45.9%, OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.95–1.29, P = 0.2). Mandibular fissures were more commonly located on the buccal aspect (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.16–1.65, P < 0.001), whereas for maxillary fissures there was no difference in prevalence between palatal and buccal aspects (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.97–1.46, P = 0.1). Two main fissure types were identified. Type 1a fissures were the most prevalent type (39.5%). No significant correlation was found between the presence of wear abnormalities or the occlusal angle of cheek teeth, and the prevalence of fissures.

Main limitations

No dental histories were available.

Conclusion

Equine cheek teeth show a high prevalence of occlusal fissures. Despite some evidence of predilection sites on the tooth surface that might indicate a mechanical aetiology for these lesions, no associations were found with wear abnormalities or occlusal angles of affected cheek teeth. Further histological and ultrastructural studies are warranted to elucidate their aetiology and possible role in other dental diseases.
Evaluating Micrometeorological Estimates of Groundwater Discharge from Great Basin Desert Playas
Authors: Jackson Tracie R. , Halford Keith J. , Gardner Philip M. , Garcia Amanda
Published: March 2018

Groundwater availability studies in the arid southwestern United States traditionally have assumed that groundwater discharge by evapotranspiration (ETg) from desert playas is a significant component of the groundwater budget. However, desert playa ETg rates are poorly constrained by Bowen ratio energy budget (BREB) and eddy‐covariance (EC) micrometeorological measurement approaches. Best attempts by previous studies to constrain ETg from desert playas have resulted in ETg rates that are within the measurement error of micrometeorological approaches. This study uses numerical models to further constrain desert playa ETg rates that are within the measurement error of BREB and EC approaches, and to evaluate the effect of hydraulic properties and salinity‐based groundwater density contrasts on desert playa ETg rates. Numerical models simulated ETg rates from desert playas in Death Valley, California and Dixie Valley, Nevada. Results indicate that actual ETg rates from desert playas are significantly below the uncertainty thresholds of BREB‐ and EC‐based micrometeorological measurements. Discharge from desert playas likely contributes less than 2% of total groundwater discharge from Dixie and Death Valleys, which suggests discharge from desert playas also is negligible in other basins. Simulation results also show that ETg from desert playas primarily is limited by differences in hydraulic properties between alluvial fan and playa sediments and, to a lesser extent, by salinity‐based groundwater density contrasts.