bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anemia Diagnosis on a Simple Paper-based Assay
Authors: Biswas Sujay K , Bandyopadhyay Soumya , Kar Shantimoy , Som Nirmal K , Chakraborty Suman
Published: October 2018

In developing countries, the maternal and neonatal mortality rate is often affected by prenatal period anemia, a preventable and ubiquitous impairment attributed due to low hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration. We report the development of a simple, frugal (~ 0.02 $ per test), rapid and high fidelity paper-based colorimetric microfluidic device for point-of-care (POC) detection of anemia. We validate our findings with 32 blood samples collected from different patients covering a wide spectrum of anemia and subsequently, compare with standard pathological results measured using a hematology analyzer. POC based Hgb estimates are correlated with the pathological gold standard estimates of Hgb levels (r = 0.909), and the POC test method yielded similar sensitivity and specificity for detecting mild anemia (n = 8) (<11 g/dl) (sensitivity: 87.5%, specificity: 100 %) and for severe anemia (n = 3) (<7 g/dl) (sensitivity: 100 %, specificity: 100 %). The estimated Hgb levels are, within 1.5 g/dl from the pathological estimate, for 91 % of the blood samples. Results demonstrate the elevated efficacy and viability of this POC colorimetric diagnostic test, in comparison to the state-of-the-art complex and expensive diagnostic tests for anemia detection.
Reaffirming the importance of managerial discretion in corporate governance: a comment on Andersen (2017)
Authors: Haj Youssef Moustafa Salman , Teng Da
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to refute the work of Andersen (2017) by suggesting a different theoretical view and to argue that the concept of managerial discretion is one of the core dimensions that cannot be discarded when studying corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses theoretical frameworks from recent literature, definitions and empirical studies on the concept of managerial discretion and corporate governance.

Findings

Several studies have empirically tested and measured the concept of managerial discretion, some have provided validity and reliability of the concept and others have showed the direct impact of discretion on firm performance.

Practical implications

Research on managerial discretion provides owners and board of directors a clear advice on how much discretion can be granted to top executives by taking into consideration the different dimensions of the external and internal environment.

Originality/value

This paper concludes that corporate governance research will not improve if it abandons the concept of managerial discretion.
Readability, governance and performance: a test of the obfuscation hypothesis in Qatari listed firms
Authors: Hassan Mostafa Kamal , Abu Abbas Bassam , Garas Samy Nathan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the readability of annual reports and corporate performance in Qatari listed firms while controlling for a firm’s competitive position, governance structure and specific features such as size, age and industry type.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on both agency theory and legitimacy theory to develop testable hypotheses. It uses a sample of 126 firm-year listed companies in the Qatar Stock Exchange to test obfuscation in the annual reports through examining the association between the readability of Narrative Disclosures (NDs) and corporate profitability, financial risk and agency costs for the period from 2014-2016.

Findings

The findings show that firms with higher annual report readability are more profitable and have lower agency costs, which is an indication of the existence of “obfuscation.” Qatari firms may use narrative complexity as a disclosure strategy to enhance their image and consequently maintain their social legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study findings suffer from limited global generalization, they can be generalized across Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Thus, future cross-country research is encouraged.

Practical implications

The findings encourage Qatari policymakers to instate a policy for “Plain English” writing to make NDs easy to read by international investors.

Originality/value

This study is one of very few studies that examines the readability of annual reports in emerging market economies, i.e. Qatar. The study contributes to the paucity of research that examines English-written annual reports in non-English speaking countries.
Self-facilitation framework for developing soft skills – FSIAR
Authors: Sethi Deepa
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate various ways in which soft skills can be developed. It proposes a self-facilitation framework to develop and enhance soft skills.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was developed based on a pilot study with reference to key components of an individual’s life which can be instrumental in developing soft skills. Study was conducted on participants of Management Development Program (MDP) in a business school in India between June 2017 and March 2018. Participants who had attended a session on soft skills were selected for the study. In all, 180 participants from 12 programs filled the responses based on a five-point Likert scale. Of all, 167 responses were complete and deemed fit for analysis. Factor analysis using SPSS 22 resulted in five factors, namely, family, self, industry, academia, and resources.

Findings

Findings indicated that irrespective of gender, age categories, type of organizations working in, and the years of work experience, majority respondents accepted that soft skills could be developed through a holistic approach with the help of a self-facilitation framework (FSIAR) comprising family, self, industry, academia, and resources.

Research limitations/implications

The framework can be generalized by testing the questions with a larger number of respondents. A further research could be to delve into the cultural factors while using this framework in various countries.

Practical implications

The study is extremely beneficial for heads of organizations, working executives, educational institutions, scholars, faculty, and trainers.

Originality/value

This study for the first time has proposed a self-facilitation framework – FSIAR for developing and enhancing soft skills of an individual.
Sonalika’s foray into passenger vehicles
Authors: Pandit Deepak , Tiwari Shalini Rahul , Sahay Arun
Published: October 2018

Subject area

This case is most suited for the course on Strategic Management.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used for post graduate management students and executive education participants. It should be used in the section dealing with capabilities of an organization.

Case overview

Sonalika Group, situated in Punjab, India, started its operations in 1969 by manufacturing agricultural implements and equipment’s. By 1990, the firm graduated into manufacturing tractors. It gradually expanded its wings in countries like Nigeria, Argentina and Brazil and became the third largest tractor manufacturer of India in FY 2012. The year 2005 was a landmark year when it entered the passenger vehicle segment through its subsidiary International Cars and Motors Limited that launched a multi-utility vehicle (MUV) named Rhino. The vehicle was expected to fill up the vacant spot created by the withdrawal of “Qualis”, which was a highly popular MUV manufactured by Toyota. However, the enthusiasm of launching Rhino waned with time because its sales did not pick up as expected. After selling around 5,000 units of Rhino, the company stopped its production as the product had started showing up teething problems. The marketers and designers burnt midnight oil to bring out an improved version of Rhino. This version was christened “Extreme” and launched in 2012. Despite all marketing, sales and service efforts, “Extreme” also failed to take off. The group is wondering when it was so successful in tractors why it has not been successful in passenger vehicle category. It has to work out a strategy to be successful in passenger vehicle segment as well.

Expected learning outcomes

Expected learning outcomes are as follows: to analyse the external and internal environment for a business and understand its impact on business decision-making; to understand the relationship between operational capabilities and dynamic capabilities; to identify opportunities and match it with internal capabilities; to analyse the reasons for product failure and identify remedial measures; to understand the process of technology diffusion and thereby strategic planning.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject Code:

CSS 11: Strategy
Gender performativity and hegemonic masculinity in investment management
Authors: Sheerin Corina , Linehan Margaret
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Through an examination of the everyday organisational and social practices, this paper aims to consider gender performativity and hegemonic masculinity within front office investment management. At the core of this research is the need to understand the interactions between gender, power and patriarchy.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretivist philosophical stance underpins the study. A theory-building approach using 19 semi-structured interviews with investment management employees based in Ireland was undertaken.

Findings

The findings highlight a sector in which gender is performed in line with sectoral expectations, which place men in positions of dominance with hegemonic masculinity inherent. The organisational structures and daily interactions are imbued with male norms, which dictate how gender is to be performed, and which places women firmly as “different” and “outsiders”. These mechanisms of inequality are further supported by men’s “blocked reflexivity”.

Practical implications

The findings of this study indicate clear evidence of a “patriarchal dividend”, which is underpinned by the maintenance of closure regimes and gender blindness particularly, among senior male gatekeepers. Such results call for policymakers to go beyond goals of numerical parity and ensure transparency and equality across all aspects of work. A holistic and multifaceted approach to addressing issues of gendered culture and the normalisation of men’s privileged relationship with power positions is needed.

Originality/value

This paper is situated within a relatively under-researched labour market space, that of investment management. The findings conceptualise gender as a social process, thus facilitating traditional assumptions about gender at work as a single entity to be challenged. The results also advance theoretical insights of misogynistic work cultures and hegemonic masculinity through the analysis of gendered behaviours within this traditionally male environment.
Factors impacting the usage of academic journal articles by PhD students in India
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to underline the factors impacting the usage of academic journal articles by PhD students in Indian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a detailed literature review, the paper bases itself on a grounded theory and provides insights drawn from structured interviews conducted via email with 134 PhD students who were based in public and private universities in India.

Findings

The paper underlines that there are five factors (institutional; task complexity; relevance and application; information quality; and technical) that are responsible for impacting the usage of academic journal articles by PhD students in their scholarly work. Such factors are linked with resource constraints faced by universities, lack of motivation on the part of teachers and students, non-availability of an electronic library, etc.

Originality/value

The present study is a major contribution to the extant literature on the usage of academic journal articles for pursuing scholarly activities.
Measuring the content characteristics of videos featuring augmented reality advertising campaigns
Authors: Feng Yang , Xie Quan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Over the past few years, advertisers have adopted augmented reality (AR) technology in advertising campaigns. To overcome the geographic limit, advertisers record the interaction between people and virtual objects in AR campaigns and upload promotional videos on social media, such as YouTube. This study aims to develop and validate a measurement instrument to gauge the content characteristics of YouTube videos featuring AR ad campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, possible items were generated via a review of prior literature, and supplemented by content analysis and a free association task. The measurement instrument was then refined and validated using a pretest of a general consumer sample, and further validated using a second general consumer sample with two online experiments.

Findings

Results indicate that the content characteristics of YouTube AR campaigns can be measured using a 15-item, four-construct (informativeness, novelty, entertainment and complexity) instrument. This study also found the direct and indirect relationships between each content characteristic and ad efficacy variables.

Practical implications

The measurement instrument provides practitioners with a broad measure of the content characteristics of YouTube AR campaigns. The results also reveal the effect of different content features of YouTube AR campaigns on the outcome of successful advertising execution.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge in marketing communications via exploring the primary content characteristics of AR advertising campaign videos uploaded on YouTube. It also develops an understanding of the impact of AR technology on consumer behavior and on the experience that it delivers.
Physical-mechanical characterization of biodegradable Mg-3Si-HA composites
Authors: Prakash Chander , Singh Sunpreet , Farina Ilenia , Fraternali Fernando , Feo Luciano
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Porous implant surface is shown to facilitate bone in-growth and cell attachment, improving overall osteointegration, while providing adequate mechanical integrity. Recently, biodegradable material possessing such superior properties has been the focus with an aim of revolutionizing implant’s design, material and performance. This paper aims to present a comprehensive investigation into the design and development of low elastic modulus porous biodegradable Mg-3Si-5HA composite by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering (MA-SPS) technique.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the design and development of low elastic modulus porous biodegradable Mg-3Si-5HA composite by MA-SPS technique. As the key alloying elements, HA powders with an appropriate proportion weight 5 and 10 are mixed with the base elemental magnesium (Mg) particles to form the composites of potentially variable porosity and mechanical property. The aim is to investigate the performance of the synthesized composites of Mg-3Si together with HA in terms of mechanical integrity hardness and Young’s moduli corrosion resistance and in-vitro bioactivity.

Findings

Mechanical and surface characterization results indicate that alloying of Si leads to the formation of fine Mg2 Si eutectic dense structure, hence increasing hardness while reducing the ductility of the composite. On the other hand, the allying of HA in Mg-3Si matrix leads to the formation of structural porosity (5-13 per cent), thus resulting in low Young’s moduli. It is hypothesized that biocompatible phases formed within the composite enhanced the corrosion performance and bio-mechanical integrity of the composite. The degradation rate of Mg-3Si composite was reduced from 2.05 mm/year to 1.19 mm/year by the alloying of HA elements. Moreover, the fabricated composites showed an excellent bioactivity and offered a channel/interface to MG-63 cells for attachment, proliferation and differentiation.

Originality/value

Overall, the findings suggest that the Mg-3Si-HA composite fabricated by MA and plasma sintering may be considered as a potential biodegradable material for orthopedic application.
Navigating disruption with ecosystems, partners and platforms
Authors: Berman Saul , Davidson Steven , Ikeda Kazuaki , Marshall Anthony
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The IBM Institute for Business Value, which has been conducting Global Chief Executive Officers studies for 15 years, has been reporting on CEO concerns about business and economic disruption and described their efforts to respond to it. But surprisingly, in the 2018 study CEOs also indicate that the shock of disruption is waning. Only 26 percent of the CEOs say new entrants are actually taking market share. 10; 10; 10;

Design/methodology/approach

This report is based on input from 2,148 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), who were interviewed as part of the 19th IBM Global C-suite Study. Both quantitative and qualitative responses were collected from 346 face-to-face meetings and 1,802 in-person phone interviews. To understand how top-performing organizations navigate disruption differently, IBM researchers applied cluster analysis to examine the approaches of three groups of CEOs – Reinventors,. Practitioners and Aspirationals. 10;

Findings

Most CEOs see the emergence of platforms and the growing importance of network economics – both scale and scope – as the crucial drivers of future growth.

Practical implications

Almost six in ten Reinventors co-create new products, services or experiences with their customers.

Originality/value

Today’s CEOs have learned to not only accommodate but embrace disruption. Anticipating and responding to sudden and dramatic change has become standard operating procedure. Chief executives from top performing businesses understand that success requires collaboration with partners within ecosystems and on platforms. Indeed, Checklists for leaders are included.
Use of Natural Antioxidants in the Inhibition of Cholesterol Oxidation: A Review
Authors: de Oliveira Vanessa Sales , Ferreira Fernanda Silva , Cople Maria Clara Ramos , Labre Tatiana da Silva , Augusta Ivanilda Maria , Gamallo Ormindo Domingues , Saldanha Tatiana
Published: October 2018

Synthetic antioxidants are widely used in the food industry. However, the potential toxicity, carcinogenic effects, and possible health damage caused by the ingestion of synthetic compounds, and also consumer concern about the safety of such additives has motivated the food industry to search for natural alternatives. Natural compounds with antioxidant properties are able to retard or prevent lipid oxidation in food. Animal sources like fish, eggs, meats, and dairy products are essential foods for human health due to their lipid fraction with high contents of unsaturated compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. However, these unsaturated lipids when exposed to favorable factors can become oxidized, which leads to sensory and nutritional losses as well as the formation of oxidized compounds known as cholesterol oxidation products or COPs. COPs are associated with deleterious health effects, such as inflammation, cytotoxicity, atherogenesis, carcinogenesis, and alterations in cell membrane properties, as well as the development of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and other chronic diseases. Thus, the use of natural antioxidants can be an alternative to synthetics to prevent the formation of COPs and extend the shelf life of foods susceptible to oxidative deterioration. This review brings together information concerning the use of natural antioxidants as a strategy to control cholesterol oxidation.
Meat Color Stability of Ovine Muscles Is Related to Glycolytic Dehydrogenase Activities
Authors: Xin Jianzeng , Li Zheng , Li Xin , Li Meng , Li Guixia , Rao Weili , Zhang Dequan
Published: October 2018

The relationship between glycolytic dehydrogenase, including glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and meat color stability was studied in this study using ovine muscle. Three different ovine muscles, including M. longissimus lumborum (LL), M. semimembranosus (SM), and M. psoas major (PM), were obtained (n = 10, respectively), and then displayed for 7 days at 4 °C. The LL and SM muscle had higher surface redness, higher (P < 0.05) GAPDH activity, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) content, and lower (P < 0.05) LDH‐B activity than PM muscles during display. The PM muscle had the worst color stability and lowest NADH content. These results suggest that variation in color stability of physiologically different muscles may be affected by glycolysis dehydrogenases. Comparatively, our data showed that GAPDH may play a more important role than LDH‐B to maintain meat color stability.
Alliances and evidence: Building the capacity and effectiveness of rural health advocacy in Australia
Authors: Barclay Lesley , Gregory Gordon
Published: October 2018

This article describes two strategies that have strengthened the capacity and effectiveness of rural health advocacy in Australia over the past nearly three decades. The first is the development of the National Rural Health Alliance, an organisation that grew from strategic efforts to develop relationships between rural and remote health practitioners and organisations. The second is the development, organisation and use of data and evidence to highlight rural health needs. There has been important synergy between these two streams of activity, with research and evidence providing the tools and the National Rural Health Alliance providing the strategy and techniques to influence the rural and remote health care agenda.
Two decades of building capacity in rural health education, training and research in Australia: University Departments of Rural Health and Rural Clinical Schools
Authors: Lyle David , Greenhill Jennene
Published: October 2018

This review article reports on the contribution of university Departments of Rural Health and Rural Clinical Schools to the development of rural health and the rural health workforce and is set at the Australian Government's university Departments of Rural Health and Rural Clinical Training and Support Programs. The main outcome measures include educational infrastructure, clinical academic workforce, student numbers, community engagement, research outputs, rural health and workforce outcomes. As a result, university Departments of Rural Health and Rural Clinical Schools have established a substantial geographical footprint covering most of the rural and remote populations and regions across Australia. They have a large distributed rural clinical academic workforce that exceeds 1300. Medical student numbers on long‐term placements have increased threefold from inception to 1200 annually. Allied health and nursing numbers doubled over 10 years to 4000 in 2013 and are projected to double again by 2018. In 2013, they published 363 peer‐reviewed papers – half of which specifically addressed rural and/or remote health issues. High levels of intention to practise rurally and uptake of rural and remote practice following exposure to rural training have been reported, especially for medicine. Thus, university Departments of Rural Health and Rural Clinical Schools constitute a national network of academic units that deliver academically enriched clinical education and training for medical, nursing and allied health students and fulfil an essential academic role for the health system in rural and remote Australia. Community engagement and accountability to region are hallmarks of the program. Early evidence of the uptake of rural and remote practice following exposure to rural training has set expectations for the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program.
Framework for examining the spatial equity and sustainability of general practitioner services
Authors: Whitehead Jesse , Pearson Amber L. , Lawrenson Ross , Atatoa‐Carr Polly
Published: October 2018

Objective

To propose a framework for examining both the spatial equity and sustainability of GP services.

Design

A conceptual discussion based on a systematic literature review of spatial equity definitions and methods.

Setting

Improving the spatial equity of health services is a key step in achieving health equity. Health systems should contribute to achieving health equity and maintain equitable services into the future. The GP services are a key component of primary health care, which often aims to promote health equity. Despite the importance of spatially equitable and sustainable GP services, a framework for analysis has not yet been established.

Main outcome measure

Examples of how the proposed framework could be implemented are provided from the New Zealand health care context.

Result

The framework entails three steps: (i) defining spatial equity and sustainability; (ii) estimating current and future distributions of health services and needs; and (iii) quantifying spatial equity and sustainability. In step (i), a needs‐based distribution is the most common definition of spatial equity, while sustainability is the ability to provide ongoing equitable access. Step (ii) depends on current and future estimates of access and need within a well‐defined geographical area. In step (iii), spatial equity and sustainability should be quantified through measures, such as the Gini coefficient. Current and future levels of spatial equity should then be compared to assess the sustainability of equitable GP services.

Conclusion

This article outlines a novel conceptual framework for examining the spatial equitability and sustainability of GP services.
Epac1−/− mice have elevated baseline permeability and do not respond to histamine as measured with dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with contrast agents of different molecular weights
Authors: Curry Fitz‐Roy E. , Taxt Torfinn , Rygh Cecilie Brekke , Pavlin Tina , Bjørnstad Ronja , Døskeland Stein Ove , Reed Rolf K.
Published: October 2018

Aim

Epac1−/− mice, but not Epac2−/− mice have elevated baseline permeability to albumin. This study extends the investigations of how Epac‐dependent pathways modulate transvascular exchange in response to the classical inflammatory agent histamine. It also evaluates the limitations of models of blood‐to‐tissue exchange in transgenic mice in DCE‐MRI measurements.

Methods

We measured DCE‐MRI signal intensity in masseter muscle of wt and Epac1−/− mice with established approaches from capillary physiology to determine how changes in blood flow and vascular permeability contribute to overall changes of microvascular flux. We used two tracers, the high molecular weight tracer (Gadomer‐17, MW 17 kDa, apparent MW 30‐35 kDa) is expected to be primarily limited by diffusion and therefore less dependent on changes in blood flow and the low molecular weight tracer (Dotarem (MW 0.56 kDa) whose transvascular exchange is determined by both blood flow and permeability. Paired experiments in each animal combined with analytical methods provided an internally consistent description of microvascular transport.

Results

Epac1−/− mice had elevated baseline permeability relative to wt control mice for Dotarem and Gadomer‐17. In contrast to wt mice, Epac1−/− mice failed to increase transvascular permeability in response to histamine. Dotarem underestimated blood flow and vascular volume and Gadomer‐17 has limited sensitivity in extravascular accumulation.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the normal barrier loosening effect of histamine in venular microvessels do not function when the normal barrier tightening effect of Epac1 is already compromised. The study also demonstrated that the numerical analysis of DCE‐MRI data with tracers of different molecular weight has significant limitations.
Leveraging satellite technology to create true shark sanctuaries
Authors: Bradley Darcy , Mayorga Juan , McCauley Douglas J. , Cabral Reniel B. , Douglas Patric , Gaines Steven D.
Published: October 2018

Shark sanctuaries are an ambitious attempt to protect huge areas of ocean space to curtail overfishing of sharks. If shark sanctuaries are to succeed, effective surveillance and enforcement is urgently needed. We use a case study with a high level of illegal shark fishing within a shark sanctuary to help motivate three actionable opportunities to create truly effective shark sanctuaries by leveraging satellite technology: (1) require vessel tracking systems; (2) partner with international research organizations; and (3) ban vessels previously associated with illegal fishing from shark sanctuaries. Sustaining the level of fishing mortality observed in our case study would lead even a healthy shark population to collapse to <10% of its unfished state in fewer than five years. We outline implementations pathways and provide a roadmap to pair new and emerging satellite technologies with existing international agreements to offer new hope for shark conservation successes globally.
Labour Bureaucracy and Labour Officialdom in Evo Morales's Bolivia
Authors: McNelly Angus
Published: October 2018

Evo Morales has labelled his government the ‘government of social movements’, and much has been written on relations between social movements and the state in Bolivia since the turn of the century. The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) — Bolivian Workers’ Central — has, however, remained largely absent from discussions in much of the literature. This article seeks to analyse the position of the COB under Morales, and to explore the nature and consequences of its relationship with the government over the past 12 years. The article differentiates between the concepts of labour bureaucracy and labour officialdom and examines how they can be used as analytical lenses that shed light on the position of the COB today. The author argues that during Bolivia's neoliberal period (1985–2005) the need to look after the COB bureaucratized union structures, as personal needs of the leadership were placed above those of the Bolivian working classes. This then allowed Morales's government to easily co‐opt sections of the labour movements’ leadership to form a labour officialdom, leaving the COB unable to challenge the continuation of the neoliberal structure of the economy and represent the majority of the country's working classes.
The productivity trend in Iran Evidence from manufacturing firms
Authors: Rahmati Mohammad H. , Pilehvari Asal
Published: October 2018

Iran has been experiencing slow growth for the past ten years. Using plant‐level information, we show that on average firm‐specific productivity in manufacturing sectors declined at the rate of 2.6% annually, while large top decile firms experienced a modest growth in productivity between 2005 and 2011. We decompose this trend and find that within‐plant variation is its main driving force while the between firms and industries component is insignificant. We test several alternative explanations that may contribute to these negative trends. We show that the subsidy reform had a negative effect, while privatization seems to have had no effect. Private management not affected productivity growth, while firm size is associated with higher productivity growth. Also, we find that productivity growth decreases with the energy intensity of the firm. We also find that R&D expenditures significantly increase productivity growth, while the R&D sales ratio is about 0.5% in manufacturing sectors, which is about one‐fifth of the world average. A one‐percent point increase in R&D expenditures increases productivity growth by 0.5%.
Shanghai Studies: An evolving academic field
Authors: Jin Yan
Published: October 2018

The field of Shanghai Studies has a history of more than a century. It evolves along with the unfolds of modern history of Shanghai. The city's dramatic growth in the late 19th century aroused early scholarly attempts in writing the history of the city. In the following half century, however, due to the chaotic socio‐political context, the studies of Shanghai had never really taken off. After 1949, when the Chinese communists took power, the studies of Shanghai was forced to conform with major political themes of modern Chinese history. Broad political ideas always superseded local history. It was not until the late 1980s, when the study of Shanghai history began to surge and immediately grew into one of the most vibrant and prolific subfields of historical studies. It has no sign of crescent so far, with an ever growing research community and the openness towards new perspective and methodology.
Adjustment processes of mountainous rivers affected by tilting uplift: Laboratory experiments and a case study of Yakushima Island, Japan
Authors: Genno Reiko , Endo Noritaka
Published: October 2018

Mountainous river basins are one of the main sources of sediment. Over long time scales, sediment production is sustained by the persistent dissection of river basins, which is promoted by tectonic activity. The response or adjustment of rivers to forcing factors such as uplift is based on the concept of the graded river and a feedback mechanism between the incision and uplift. Although the development of graded rivers under natural circumstances has been discussed for a long time, knowledge about the transition of river basins under heterogeneous uplift is not enough. To understand the development of a river basin with a non‐uniform uplift rate, two simple cases are examined: landward and seaward tilting uplift, where the uplift rate varies linearly in space. For our study, laboratory experiments were conducted and the results were compared with those of natural river basins; two river basins in Yakushima Island were selected for this purpose. In both the laboratory and Yakushima, the longitudinal profile of the river basin under landward‐tilting uplift has a convex‐up zone and a specific knickpoint is formed at the upstream end of this zone. This knickpoint is inactive with respect to migration and incision owing to the insufficient cumulative uplift to the equilibrium state. It was also observed in both the experimental and natural cases that the profile of the river basin under seaward tilting is unlikely to have such a convex‐up zone in the long term, and will instead have a smooth concave profile. Therefore, the spatiotemporal pattern of dissection differs depending on the type of tilting uplift, which suggests that sediment production also varies in time and space according to the type of uplift.
Bone health in chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder: a clinical case seminar and update
Authors: Aleksova Jasna , Ng Kong W. , Jung Caroline , Zeimer Howard , Dwyer Karen M. , Milat Frances , MacIsaac Richard J.
Published: October 2018

The metabolic abnormalities affecting bone in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are complex with overlapping and interacting aetiologies and have challenging diagnostic and management strategies. Disturbances in calcium, phosphate, fibroblast growth factor 23, parathyroid hormone concentrations and vitamin D deficiency are commonly encountered and contribute to the clinical syndromes of bone disorders in CKD, including hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia, osteoporosis and adynamic bone disease. Mineral and bone abnormalities may also persist or arise de novo post‐renal transplantation. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes organisation describes these mineral metabolism derangements and skeletal abnormalities as ‘CKD Mineral and Bone Disorder’. Patients with this disorder have an increased risk of fracture, cardiovascular events and overall increased mortality. In light of the recently updated 2017 guidelines from the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes, we present a clinical case‐based discussion to highlight the complexities of investigating and managing the bone health of patients with CKD with a focus on these updates.
An inexpensive method of negative pressure wound therapy for extremities
Authors: Gopal Sri Vengadesh , Solomon Ashley
Published: October 2018

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an established method for the faster wound healing of chronic non‐healing wounds. It is also used for laparostomy wounds and healing of split skin grafts. The commercially available machine and the consumables for NPWT are very expensive and economically not feasible in developing and underdeveloped countries. So, we devised a NPWT system for wounds of the extremity using inexpensive, readily available materials in any hospital. The materials used are sterile glove, autoclaved sponge, Foley catheter, and a wall suction unit. The sponge was placed over the wound, and a sterile glove was pulled over it. A Foley catheter was placed over the sponge and taken out through one of the fingers of the glove. Adhesive plaster was used to air‐seal the glove. The Foley catheter was fixed with silk ties and connected to wall suction. Granulation and wound healing was faster in this system. This system was safe and inexpensive for the treatment of wounds of the extremity.
Parents' Perceptions and Use of School‐Based Body Mass Index Report Cards
Authors: Jones Marla M. , Carnes Michael C. , Adams Thomas , Bryant Lance G. , Church Brian , Stillwell Jimmy L.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Obesity in children and adolescents has become one of the most critical public health problems in the United States. Schools may play an important role in raising awareness and possibly slowing the obesity epidemic.

METHODS

The purpose of this study was to gather information on parents' perception and use of body mass index (BMI) report cards provided by public schools through the administration of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed with the assistance of physical educators, pediatricians, and exercise scientists. The questionnaires were backpacked home with 1127 students in 6 Arkansas public schools. Parents completed and returned 404 questionnaires.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that parents are supportive of schools reporting BMI and providing information on healthier lifestyles. However, most parents reported not making any adjustment to their child's diet and physical activity habits based on the BMI reports. Approximately half of parents (55%) thought the BMI report accurately reflected their child's health status. Approximately half of the parents reported their child's BMI report led them to think about their family's health habits.

CONCLUSIONS

Although parents do support receiving BMI information from schools, many did not indicate using the data to initiate changes such as increased physical activity or healthy eating.
Theology, Metaphysics, and Realism about Truth
Authors: Slater Michael R.
Published: October 2018

This essay examines the theological grounds for rejecting metaphysics and the correspondence theory of truth, and argues that while there are good grounds for rejecting a certain kind of metaphysically oriented theology, metaphysics per se is neither objectionable nor avoidable in Christian theology. In the process, it also defends a realist conception of truth against some recent theological criticisms, and argues that a commitment to a modest version of metaphysical realism and realism about truth is not only philosophically tenable, but also theologically preferable to non‐realist views.
In‐hospital usability and feasibility evaluation of Panda, an app for the management of pain in children at home
Authors: Sun Terri , Dunsmuir Dustin , Miao Ian , Devoy Gregor M. , West Nicholas C. , Görges Matthias , Lauder Gillian R. , Ansermino J. Mark
Published: October 2018

Background

Postoperative pain in children is often poorly managed at home, leading to slower functional recovery, poor oral intake, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes. Panda is a smartphone application (app) designed to support parents in assessing their child's pain and managing medications.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Panda app's usability and feasibility in hospital prior to testing the app at home.

Methods

The study comprised two phases. Phase I evaluated Panda's usability with nurses, parents, and adolescents using simulated scenarios. Usability was measured by task completion rate, user error rates, and the Computer Systems Usability Questionnaire. Phase II evaluated Panda's feasibility by observing parents/guardians of pediatric patients using the app on the postsurgical ward. Feasibility was measured using response frequency and delay following app notifications from an audit trail of app function, and parental satisfaction from an interview. Feedback was used to guide iterative app improvements.

Results

In Phase I, 13 nurses, 12 parents, and 5 adolescents evaluated the app. A total of 103 usability issues were identified, analyzed, and addressed. In Phase II, 29 parents responded to a total of 151 app notifications, with 84% responding within 1 hour in the final round of testing; 93% of participants reported the app was easy to use, and rated the app with a median [interquartile range] Computer Systems Usability Questionnaire score of 2 [1‐4]. Significant barriers to use included lack of flexibility in the medication scheduling, low volume of alert sounds, and the extra time spent on medication safety checks.

Conclusion

Panda's usability was improved and its feasibility demonstrated in the controlled hospital environment. The next step is to evaluate its feasibility for use at home.
The whisperings of ghosts: Loss, longing, and the return in Stolen Generations stories
Authors: Murphy Fiona
Published: October 2018

This article examines the telling of ghost stories of Indigenous Australians who were removed from their families during Australia's assimilation era. Known as the Stolen Generations, this group of people were subjected to institutionalisation, adoption, and forced removals from their families, communities and Aboriginal country. In many of my ethnographic encounters with Stolen Generations, I was steadily drawn into their world of ghosts and hauntings. This article reflects on the challenge for the ethnographer in thinking with and through such encounters with the uncanny. It asks how we should approach the ghost as a real entity as well as a metaphorical, interpretative lens through which to understand the transgenerational trauma and suffering inflicted by settler colonial violence.
Fluoroscopically guided wide‐bore thoracostomy tube placement: Description of the technique and comparison to blind placement
Authors: Barker David A. , Trinterud Tonje , Demetriou Jackie L.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To describe and compare fluoroscopic guidance for placement of wide‐bore thoracostomy tubes (FGTT) to traditional, blind placement of thoracostomy tubes (BPTT).

Study design

Prospective clinical trial.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs requiring medical management of pleural effusion received a BPTT, whereas dogs undergoing postoperative management of pneumothorax and/or pleural fluid after lateral thoracotomy received an FGTT. Time of placement, accuracy of positioning, radiation exposure, and complications were compared between groups.

Results

Initial placement of BPTT took a mean of 168 seconds (range, 89‐197), whereas adequate placement was radiographically confirmed at 20 minutes and 38 seconds (range, 7 minutes and 57 seconds to 39 min). Initial placement of FGTT took a mean time of 108 seconds (range, 50‐341, P = .17), and adequate placement was confirmed at 125 seconds (range, 50‐341, P < .001). Major errors in placement requiring removal and replacement occurred in 2 dogs for BPTT and in none for FGTT. Procedural complications did not differ between groups, and no postoperative complication occurred within the first 12 hours after placement. Radiation entrance surface dose was lower in the BPTT group (P = .004), but stochastic radiation doses did not differ.

Conclusion

Fluoroscopic guidance of wide‐bore thoracostomy tubes accelerated the time to accurate tube placement and alleviated the requirement for removal and replacement in this population. Although use of fluoroscopy increased radiation entrance surface dose, the dose was not clinically significant.

Clinical significance

Fluoroscopic guidance of wide‐bore thoracostomy tubes should be considered as an alternative to traditional, blind placement.
Objective effectiveness of and indications for laser‐assisted turbinectomy in brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
Authors: Liu Nai‐Chieh , Genain Marie‐Aude , Kalmar Lajos , Sargan David R. , Ladlow Jane F.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of laser‐assisted turbinectomy (LATE) in treating brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and to investigate the potential indications.

Study design

Prospective clinical study.

Sample population

Client‐owned pugs, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs (n = 57).

Methods

A BOAS index was obtained from whole‐body barometric plethysmography before BOAS conventional multilevel surgery (CMS) and 2–6 months post‐CMS. Dogs with BOAS index >50% and BOAS functional grades II‐III after CMS were considered candidates for LATE. A BOAS index was repeated 2–6 months after LATE. Intranasal lesions and a measurement of soft tissue proportion at the rostral entrance of choanae (STC) were recorded on the basis of computed tomography images. Logistic regressions were used to assess the intranasal predictors for being LATE candidates.

Results

Twenty‐nine of 57 dogs were candidates for LATE, all of which were pugs or French bulldogs. The median BOAS index of dogs that were operated on (20/29 candidates) decreased from 67% post‐CMS to 42% after LATE (P < .001). Soft tissue proportion at the rostral entrance of choanae was the only predictor for candidacy for LATE. Pugs (P = .021; cutoff = 64%) and French bulldogs (P = .008; cutoff = 55%) with higher STC were more likely to be candidates for LATE. After LATE, 12 of 20 dogs had temporary episodes of reverse sneezing, and nasal noise was noted in 8 of 20 dogs when sniffing and excited.

Conclusion

Laser‐assisted turbinectomy was an effective treatment for dogs with intranasal abnormalities and a poor response to CMS. Soft tissue proportion at the rostral entrance of choanae was a predictor of candidacy for LATE in pugs and French bulldogs.

Clinical significance

Computed tomography‐based measurement of STC can be used to predict whether LATE is required in addition to CMS in pugs and French bulldogs with BOAS.
EFFECT OF CNTS ON THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMERIC COMPOSITE AS PEM FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE
Authors: Bairan A. , Selamat M. Z. , Sahadan S. N. , Malingam S. A/L , Mohamad N.
Published: October 2018

The use of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) as a reinforcement in conductive polymer composite (CPCs) of bipolar plates nowadays attracts a great deal of attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the most effective and suitable ratio of CNTs loading in multi filler Graphite (G), Carbon Black (CB) composite using a medium crystallinity and low crystallinity Polypropylene (PP) denoted as MC-PP and LC-PP respectively. The composite were developed through compression molding technique with dry mixing method by using a ball mill to investigate the influence of crystallinity on the dispersion of CNTs in PP matrix. Incorporating CNTs as a third filler in G/CB/CNTs/PP nanocomposites produces a synergistic effect that enhances the electrical conductivity, flexural strength, bulk density and hardness of the nanocomposite which exceeded U.S. DOE requirement. The results indicated that CNTs was given more affect in MC-PP than LC-PP due to better electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of G/CB/CNTs/PP composite as bipolar plate.