bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary-Secondary Diamine Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Substituted Cyclohex-2-enones by Cascade Michael–Aldol–­Dehydration of Ketones with Chalcones
Authors: Wagh Sandip , Dhage Ganesh
Published: March 2017

A simple primary-secondary diamine organocatalyst catalyzes the cascade Michael–aldol–dehydration of chalcones and unmodified ketones to produce substituted cyclohex-2-enones under mild conditions with good yields and high enantio- and/or diastereoselectivities. The success of the catalyst system is possibly due to simultaneous activation of the electrophilic chalcone by iminium formation and the nu­cleophilic ketone by enamine formation with an overall intramolecular iminium–di-enamine mechanism.
Distance between Active Electrode Contacts and Dentatorubrothalamic Tract in Patients with Habituation of Stimulation Effect of Deep Brain Stimulation in Essential Tremor
Authors: Steib Kathrin , Lange Max , Rothenfusser Eva , Fellner Claudia , Brawanski Alexander , Schlaier Juergen , Anthofer Judith
Published: March 2017

Background Some patients under thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor (ET) experience habituation of tremor reduction. The nucleus ventralis intermedius (Vim) is the current main target side for ET in DBS. However, the dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT) is considered the relevant structure to stimulate. We investigated the distance between the active contact of the DBS electrode and the DRTT and compared this distance in patients with habituation of tremor reduction and good responders.

Material and Methods In this retrospective study, we performed deterministic fiber tracking of the DRTT in 6 patients (12 hemispheres) with ET who underwent DBS in the Vim. We subsequently measured the distance between the active contact of the electrode and the ipsilateral DRTT in both hemispheres. The clinical tremor response of those 6 patients was analyzed accordingly.

Results The distance between the active contact and the DRTT in patients with better and constant clinical tremor reduction was shorter (mean distance: 2.9 ± 2.2 mm standard deviation [SD]) than in patients who showed habituation of their response (mean distance: 6.1 ± 3.9 mm SD). After re-placement of a thalamic electrode inside the DRTT in one patient who experienced unsatisfying tremor reduction due to habituation of stimulation, the tremor alleviation was significant and persistent at a 13-month follow-up.

Conclusion This retrospective analysis suggests that recurrence of ET tremor under chronic DBS might be associated with a larger distance between the DRTT and the active lead contact, in comparison with the smaller distances in patients with persistently good tremor control.
Changes in Regulatory T-Cell Levels in Acute Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Pang Xuerui , Qian Weidong
Published: March 2017

Background Acute stroke causes intense and significant changes in the immune system as well as in the number and the ratio of various immune cells.

Material and Methods Several large-scale studies have shown that ischemic stroke leaves the human body in a state of immunodepression. The regulatory T (Treg) cells may be strongly associated with a change of immune status. In this trial, we collected venous blood from a cohort of patients who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke within the last 24 hours (n = 139). We obtained their Treg cells/CD4+ T-cell ratio (Treg%) on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 using flow cytometry.

Results We divided the patients into groups A and B based on the cerebral infarct volume being lesser or greater than 28.6 mL (the median infarct volume), respectively (calculated using the Pullicino formula). We also divided them per the trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) criteria. Compared with the controls, group A patients showed a slight increase on day 1 and an increase on days 3, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05). group B patients showed a decrease on days 1 and 3 and an increase on days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). Group B patients showed higher infection rates than group A patients. We used repeated analysis of variance to confirm that gender, cerebral hemisphere, and infection had no influence on the frequency of Treg cells.

Conclusion Our findings indicate that the Treg cells/CD4+ T-cell ratios undergo different changes in frequency in small- and large-volume strokes.
Current Status of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy for the Management of Cholecystitis
Authors: Dai Ying , Arellano Ronald
Published: March 2017

Acute cholecystitis is a disease frequently encountered in daily practice. As an inflammatory disease of the gallbladder, > 90% of acalculous cholecystitis (AC) cases are associated with gallstones. In the remaining 10% of cases, cholecystitis occurs in the absence of gallstones, which is termed AC
Nasal Lobular Capillary Hemangioma as a Complication after an Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Gonadotrophin-Producing Pituitary Adenoma Resection
Authors: Forte Dalila , Irañeta Amets , Nabais Anabela , Figueiredo António , Mafra Manuela , Gonçalves Victor
Published: March 2017

Background Lobular capillary hemangioma is a rare benign tumor, most frequently located in the head or neck region, the nasal cavity being uncommonly affected. Its etiopathogenesis is not fully established, although traumatic and hormonal factors have been implied.

Case Description A 50-year-old female patient underwent an uneventful endoscopic transsphenoidal removal of a pituitary cystic macroadenoma at our institution. Nasal packing was used in postoperative hemostasis. Histopathology was compatible with a gonadotrophin-producing adenoma. One month after the surgery, the patient presented with frequent episodes of epistaxis and a progressively growing nasal mass, which was removed endoscopically. Its pathological examination confirmed a lobular capillary hemangioma.

Conclusions The authors present a clinical case combining two possible predisposing factors to the development of a nasal lobular capillary hemangioma: local traumatic injury through surgery and postoperative nasal packing and hormonal influence. This lesion is a rare complication of endoscopic transsphenoidal resections of pituitary adenomas.
Near-Complete Hand Loss Following an Unintentional, Intra-arterial Medicine Injection in an Infant
Authors: Bulic Kresimir , Antabak Anko , Lorencin Mia
Published: March 2017

Unintentional, intra-arterial administration of medicines can lead to very serious sequelae, including limb loss. We present a case of a 13-week-old boy who was unintentionally given phenobarbital into his right radial artery, which resulted in a near-complete hand amputation. Pediatric patients are under increased risk of such injuries due to their small vessel size and their inability to express immediate complaints, which often leads to a delayed recognition of the condition. As no specific treatment algorithms have been established, the mainstay of therapy is supportive care aimed at maintaining vascular patency. Prompt recognition is imperative in avoiding potentially detrimental effects; therefore, all personnel administering intravenous therapy should be aware of this possibility and be acquainted with the initial supportive measures.
The Role of Peganum harmala Ethanolic Extract and Type II Toxin Antitoxin System in Biofilm Formation
Authors: Valizadeh Nasrin , Valian Firuzeh , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Karami Shahriar , Pakzad Iraj , Kazemian Hossein , Ghafourian Sobhan
Published: March 2017

Toxin antitoxin system is a regulatory system that antitoxin inhibits the toxin. We aimed to determine the role of TA loci in biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae clinical and environmental isolates; also inhibition of biofilm formation by Peganum harmala. So, 40 K. pneumoniae clinical and environmental isolates were subjected for PCR to determine the frequency of mazEF, relEB, and mqsRA TA loci. Biofilm formation assay subjected for all isolates. Then, P. harmala was tested against positive biofilm formation strains. Our results demonstrated that relBE TA loci were dominant TA loci; whereas mqsRA TA loci were negative in all isolates. The most environmental isolates showed weak and no biofilm formation while strong and moderate biofilm formation observed in clinical isolates. Biofilm formations by K. pneumoniae in 9 ug/ml concentration were inhibited by P. harmala. In vivo study suggested to be performed to introduce Peganum harmala as anti-biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae.
Chemically induced structural heterogeneities and their relationship with component dynamics in a binary metallic liquid
Authors: Pasturel A. , Jakse N.
Published: March 2017

We performed ab initio molecular dynamic simulations and evidenced a clear connection between chemical short-range order (CSRO) and dynamic properties in the liquid and undercooled Al93Cr7 alloy. In the liquid phase, we find that the interplay between CSRO and icosahedral short-range order leads to a strong decoupling of component diffusion. Upon cooling, this interplay induces the development of an icosahedral-based medium range order referring to Cr atoms which can be correlated to the occurrence of dynamic heterogeneities (DHs) characterized by Al fast-dynamics regions and Cr-rich slow-dynamics regions. All these results yield a possible scenario of the structural origin of DHs in a metallic liquid which presents a decoupling of component diffusion.
Annealing stability of magnetic tunnel junctions based on dual MgO free layers and [Co/Ni] based thin synthetic antiferromagnet fixed system
Authors: Devolder T. , Couet S. , Swerts J. , Liu E. , Lin T. , Mertens S. , Furnemont A. , Kar G.
Published: March 2017

We study the annealing stability of bottom-pinned perpendicularly magnetized magnetic tunnel junctions based on dual MgO free layers and thin fixed systems comprising a hard [Co/Ni] multilayer antiferromagnetically coupled to thin a Co reference layer and a FeCoB polarizing layer. Using conventional magnetometry and advanced broadband ferromagnetic resonance, we identify the properties of each sub-unit of the magnetic tunnel junction and demonstrate that this material option can ensure a satisfactory resilience to the 400 °C thermal annealing needed in solid-state magnetic memory applications. The dual MgO free layer possesses an anneal-robust 0.4 T effective anisotropy and suffers only a minor increase of its Gilbert damping from 0.007 to 0.010 for the toughest annealing conditions. Within the fixed system, the ferro-coupler and texture-breaking TaFeCoB layer keeps an interlayer exchange above 0.8 mJ/m2, while the Ru antiferrocoupler layer within the synthetic antiferromagnet maintains a coupling above −0.5 mJ/m2. These two strong couplings maintain the overall functionality of the tunnel junction upon the toughest annealing despite the gradual degradation of the thin Co layer anisotropy that may reduce the operation margin in spin torque memory applications. Based on these findings, we propose further optimization routes for the next generation magnetic tunnel junctions.
CARBONYL HALIDES OF THE GROUP VII TRANSITION METALS II.* COMPLEXES WITH BIS(DIPHENYLARSIN0)METHANE
Authors: Colton R , Garrard Janice E
Published: March 2017

Complexes of the general formulae Re(C0)4(dam)X, Re(CO),(dam)X,
Re2(C0)6(dam)X2, Re(CO)3(dam)2X, and Re(CO)2(dam)X [dam = bis(dipheny1-
arsino)methane; X = C1, Br, I] have been prepared by direct interaction of the
ligand with the rhenium(1) pentacarbonylhalides, Re(CO)5X. In each case the rate
of substitution is in the order C1 > Br > I. The particular complex which is formed
depends on the mole ratio of Re(CO),X to dam, the solvent used, and the refluxing
time.
Infrared and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been used to
determine the composition and structure of the complexes.
Synthesis of 3-O-methylsericetin and related compounds
Authors: Jain AC , Zutshi MK
Published: March 2017

3-O-Methylgalangin on
reaction with prenyl bromide in the presence of methanolic methoxide gives
6,8-di-C-prenyl and 6-C-prenyl derivatives in 17% and 10% yields respectively;
with 2-hydroxy-2-methylbut-3-ene it affords an 8-C-prenyl derivative besides
the above two compounds. The above di-C-prenyl derivative on oxidative
cyclization with DDQ yields a mixture of a linear pyran (3-O-methylsericetin)
and an angular pyran (3-O-methylisosericetin).
Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with Schiff base ligands containing remote substituents
Authors: Fee WW , Pulsford JD , Vowles PD
Published: March 2017

The preparations of a
series of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes containing tridentate and
tetradentate Schiff base ligands are reported. Some solid and solution
characterization studies are included.
Irradiated betaine hydrochloride: the free radical, N(CH3)3+
Authors: Whelan DJ
Published: March 2017

The e.s.r. parameters for
the free radical, N(CH3)3+, trapped in
monoclinic single crystals of γ-irradiated betaine hydrochloride, have
been investigated. The hyperfine splittings have isotropic values, ANiso
= 2.26 mT and Aβ-Hiso = 2.79 mT, and the isotropic
value of the g-tensor is 2.0039. A critical analysis of previously reported
data on this free radical is presented.
Chinese interrogative particles as talk coordinators at the right periphery
Authors: Chor Winnie Oi-Wan , Yap Foong Ha , Wong Tak-Sum
Published: March 2017

This paper examines how utterance-final interrogative particles in Chinese contribute to the management of local and global coherence in conversational discourse. Using Schiffrin’s (1987) model of discourse coherence, and focusing in particular on the Cantonese particleho2we show how an interrogative particle is often also used as an interactional particle. In the case ofho2, we show how this information-seeking particle is frequently recruited as an affirmation-seeking and solidarity-enhancing device. Special attention is given to the extended uses ofho2in terms of Schiffrin’s exchange and action structures, as well as participation frameworks and information states. Our analysis highlights how speakers effectively use utterance particles as exemplified byho2to convey their (inter)subjective footing and in the process negotiate meaningful affiliative/disaffiliative interaction among interlocutors, and thereby achieve discourse coherence for effective communication.
Alors/donc/thenat the right periphery
Authors: Beeching Kate
Published: March 2017

This paper compares the functions and development of right peripheral (RP)alors,doncandthenin French and English. These items developed historically from temporal expressions, they express consequence and can serve, intersubjectively, as an appeal to the addressee to confirm previous assumptions. An analysis of the frequency and positions ofalors,donc,soandthenin contemporary spoken corpora of standard British English and French shows that, though these terms are similar in consequential function, they have different distributions. From a diachronic perspective, drawing on recent theories which highlight the crucial role of contact with Anglo-French in the history of the English language (e.g., Ingham 2012a,b), this paper adduces evidence from theManières de langage(1396; see Kristol 1995), which suggests that the final positioning ofthenin English may have arisen as a sense/pragmatic extension on analogy with Frenchdonques.
Reconceptualizing foregrounding
Authors: Bálint Katalin , Hakemulder Frank , Kuijpers Moniek M. , Doicaru Miruna M. , Tan Ed S.
Published: March 2017

The experience of deviation is often referred to as foregrounding and contrasted with the experience of feeling absorbed in a narrative. However, instead of simply assuming that foregrounding and absorption are mutually exclusive, they should also be considered as co-occurring: being absorbed as a result of a deviating aspect of a story. In the present paper we examine the co-occurrence of responses by means of a data-driven qualitative approach. The analysis of interviews about absorbed experiences with written and cinematic fictional narratives focused on occurrences of and responses to perceived deviation. We identified seven strategies in response to deviation that may be described through three underlying dimensions: absorption, agency, and valence. Findings suggest that perceived deviation, rather than obstructing absorption, is associated with intense and meaningful engagement with narratives.
Structure of the RZZ complex and molecular basis of its interaction with Spindly
Authors: Mosalaganti Shyamal , Keller Jenny , Altenfeld Anika , Winzker Michael , Rombaut Pascaline , Saur Michael , Petrovic Arsen , Wehenkel Annemarie , Wohlgemuth Sabine , Müller Franziska , Maffini Stefano , Bange Tanja , Herzog Franz , Waldmann Herbert , Raunser Stefan , Musacchio Andrea
Published: March 2017

Kinetochores are macromolecular assemblies that connect chromosomes to spindle microtubules (MTs) during mitosis. The metazoan-specific ≈800-kD ROD–Zwilch–ZW10 (RZZ) complex builds a fibrous corona that assembles on mitotic kinetochores before MT attachment to promote chromosome alignment and robust spindle assembly checkpoint signaling. In this study, we combine biochemical reconstitutions, single-particle electron cryomicroscopy, cross-linking mass spectrometry, and structural modeling to build a complete model of human RZZ. We find that RZZ is structurally related to self-assembling cytosolic coat scaffolds that mediate membrane cargo trafficking, including Clathrin, Sec13–Sec31, and αβ’ε-COP. We show that Spindly, a dynein adaptor, is related to BicD2 and binds RZZ directly in a farnesylation-dependent but membrane-independent manner. Through a targeted chemical biology approach, we identify ROD as the Spindly farnesyl receptor. Our results suggest that RZZ is dynein’s cargo at human kinetochores.
Dynein at kinetochores: Making the connection
Authors: McHugh Toni , Welburn Julie P.I.
Published: March 2017

Dynein removes the checkpoint proteins from kinetochores once chromosomes are bioriented. In this issue, Gama et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201610108) and Mosalaganti et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201611060) reveal the molecular basis for how dynein and its adaptor protein Spindly are recruited to the ROD–Zw10–Zwilch complex in the fibrous corona of unattached kinetochores.
Caltrop particles synthesized by photochemical reaction induced by X-ray radiolysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Akinobu , Fukuoka Takao , Okada Iukuo , Ishihara Mari , Sakurai Ikuya , Utsumi Yuichi
Published: March 2017

X-ray radiolysis of a Cu(CH3COO)2 solution was observed to produce caltrop-shaped particles of cupric oxide (CuO, Cu2O), which were characterized using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectrometry. X-ray irradiation from a synchrotron source drove the room-temperature synthesis of submicrometer- and micrometer-scale cupric oxide caltrop particles from an aqueous Cu(CH3COO)2 solution spiked with ethanol. The size of the caltrop particles depended on the ratio of ethanol in the stock solution and the surface of the substrate. The results indicated that there were several synthetic routes to obtain caltrop particles, each associated with electron donation. The technique of X-ray irradiation enables the rapid synthesis of caltrop cupric oxide particles compared with conventional synthetic methods.
Enhancing self-esteem in adults with autism spectrum disorders: a pilot cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) group intervention
Authors: Spain Debbie , Blainey Sarah H.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Psychosocial risk factors and high rates of psychiatric comorbidity render individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) vulnerable to developing low self-esteem (LSE). Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) interventions are effective for enhancing self-esteem in typically developing populations, but the degree to which they are clinically beneficial for individuals with ASD has been little explored. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot group intervention was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of CBT for LSE in adults with ASD. Adaptations to standard protocols were made, in order to accommodate core ASD characteristics.

Findings

Four participants attended eight sessions: these comprised formulation of causal and maintaining mechanisms for LSE, cognitive interventions designed to reduce self-criticism and promote a more balanced self-view, and behavioural interventions intended to increase engagement in enjoyable activities, and enhance problem-solving skills and assertiveness. Self-report questionnaires were completed at four time points: baseline, at the first and last sessions, and at one-month follow-up. Data analysis indicated no change in the primary self-esteem outcome measure. Some improvements were noted on secondary outcomes, specifically in social anxiety and depressive symptoms, and general functioning.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are needed to determine how to design and deliver CBT interventions and techniques which target LSE in individuals with ASD.

Originality/value

This is one of the first CBT group interventions designed to address LSE in adults with ASD.
Parental perceptions on the transition to secondary school for their child with autism
Authors: Cremin Katie , Healy Olive , Gordon Michael
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the transition to and early experience of secondary school for students with autism from the perspective of their parents. It aimed to gather the parents’ personal accounts of their views of the transition experience for their child and of their perceptions of both the positive and the negative factors inherent in the process of transition. There was an emphasis on seeking useful information for others from the parent’s perception, views and choices.

Design/methodology/approach

As parents were reporting on their own perceptions and also their child’s experiences, a qualitative exploratory descriptive method was required. Thematic analysis was used as a pragmatic method to report on the experiences, meanings and the reality of the transition to secondary school from a parent’s perspective (Braun and Clarke, 2012).

Findings

A variety of supports and strategies were described, parents were unanimous in their emphasis of the importance of communication to them. Parents were concerned about secondary schools not fully understanding the nature of autism, and the impact this can have on their child as an individual. Despite differing perceptions and views on the purpose or end product of secondary educations for their child, all the parents communicated a desire for their child to reach their potential and make progress within the secondary school system.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small qualitative study with a self-selected group of parents in the Republic of Ireland, with fathers underrepresented. It did not take any account from any other stakeholders or the students themselves.

Practical implications

Parents would benefit from more practical support and communication during this time in the child’s education. Their recommendations and personal experiences may serve as a useful reference point for parents preparing for this time in their child’s school life.

Social implications

The study highlights the need to better understand how children with autism can be supported in making social attainments and connections within mainstream secondary schools in Ireland.

Originality/value

There is a small body of knowledge related to the secondary school experience for students with autism. It contributes the parental perspective and highlights areas for further research and practice.
The dynamics of sheep welfare in Norway – between idealised images and practical realities
Authors: Amilien Virginie , Kjærnes Unni
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper is based on three social scientific studies of animal welfare and local food products in Norway, of which two focussed on sheep in particular. It addresses the widespread belief that Norwegian sheep farming is “the best” but is confronted with a meat industry that emphasises economic efficiency. A few years after a new Norwegian law on animal welfare acknowledged animals as sentient beings came into force in 2010 (LOVdata, 2009), the purpose of this paper is to better understand ongoing debates on the welfare of sheep by exploring how sheep welfare is understood and regulated in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework draws on convention theory, especially referring to the four “possible worlds of production” (Salais and Storper, 1993). The authors argue that animal welfare may be analysed in parallel to product quality, focussing on three major perspectives of sheep welfare: animal treatment, product quality, and an abstract conceptualisation in public discourse. The empirical analysis is based on interviews with key players in the sector and central documents.

Findings

Convention theory points to several general difficulties in reaching an agreement on what is “good quality” and welfare. First, the authors find difficulty in how to implement new regulatory conceptualisations with dominant ways of understanding welfare within the industry. Second, the idealised images of sheep welfare of an immaterial possible world dominating public discourse have very little interaction with the real world of farms and abattoirs.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that rather than addressing and handling the potential tension between the legal recognition of animal as sentient being and the economic demands of the industry, key actors keep the potentially conflicting understandings apart in different “worlds of production” (Salais and Storper, 1993). Nevertheless, the authors observe that interactions between possible worlds, as well as translation from one possible world to another, not only could be promising but would be fundamental to concretise improvements in the real world.
Effects of third-party certification on patrons’ service quality evaluation in the luxury-restaurant industry
Authors: Jun Jinhyun , Kang Juhee , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to incorporate third-party certification to test a theoretical model that demonstrates the effects of third-party certification on perceived food quality, perceived service quality, and trust and the effects of these factors on word of mouth (WOM) intentions in the context of luxury restaurants. It also investigates the moderating roles of attention to social comparison information (ATSCI) and the education level.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey sent to customers who are patronizing luxury restaurants in the US 317 empirical data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Third-party certification facilitated patrons’ positive evaluation of food and service quality. In addition, this positive evaluation fostered trust in the restaurant. Finally, ATSCI and the education level had significant moderating effects on the relationship between third-party certification and patrons’ trust in the restaurant.

Originality/value

This study proposes risk-reducing effect of third-party certification on the luxury-restaurant business. Third-party certification is employed as a mechanism for communicating restaurant quality in food and service to patrons. Both stakeholders and patrons in the restaurant industry can obtain benefits from the third-party certification because it minimizes uncertainties and information asymmetries in luxury restaurants’ quality and service, and thus generating likelihood of WOM intentions.
Evaluating the nutritional and sensory quality of bread, cookies and noodles made from wheat supplemented with root tuber flour
Authors: Dankwa Kwame Obeng , Liu Yu-Jiao , Pu Zhi-En
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Due to the rise in urbanization, demand for easily prepared foods such as pastries and noodles has risen. But the high price of wheat in the global market puts financial stress on low-income people, especially on those living in tropical regions, where wheat does not thrive well. They depend solely on imported wheat, which is expensive due to importation cost, or seek other relatively less-nutritious cereals. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility of supplementing wheat flour with flour from relatively cheap and easy-to-produce root tuber, such as cassava, potato and sweet potato.

Design/methodology/approach

Strong-, medium- and weak-gluten wheat flours were supplemented with flour from cassava, potato and sweet potato at 10, 20 and 30 percent. Strong gluten composites were used to make bread, whereas medium and weak gluten composites were used for cookie and noodle production, respectively. Protein, ash, fat, crude fiber, moisture, carbohydrate, gluten, zeleny and energy contents of each composite were tested.

Findings

The nutritional and sensory quality of bread, cookies and noodles made from wheat flour supplemented with root tuber flour at 10, 20 and 30 percent was assessed. Results revealed that mixing wheat flour and root tuber flour has important effects on the moisture, protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, gluten, zeleny sedimentation value and crude fiber content of the resulting mixture. Moisture and carbohydrate increased while protein and fat significantly (p<0.05) decreased with increasing root tuber flour levels in formulations. Gluten content also decreased significantly with rising root tuber flour concentrations. There was a mild reduction in bread’s general acceptability at 10 and 20 percent in potato composites; thus potato flour was still acceptable at 20 percent. Cassava flour composite also topped with a general acceptability score of 69.26 at 20 percent in cookies, whereas sweet potato composite achieved a score of 84.81 in noodles.

Originality/value

This work has successfully confirmed that wheat flour could be supplemented up to 20 percent with root tuber flour without compromising the nutritional and sensory quality of products. It has also demonstrated that different products require different root tuber flour substitution for optimum results. Potato at 10 percent substitution was found to be best for bread production. Cassava and sweet potato at 10 percent substitution were also best for cookies and noodles, respectively. With respect to protein content only, sweet potato substitution is better than cassava and potato.
Gaining insights into the measurement of value in industrial service network
Authors: Saunila Minna , Rantala Tero , Ukko Juhani , Pekkola Sanna
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Nowadays, maintenance companies form networks, where multiple organizations and actors can deliver value to the customers. Current literature does not take into account how the value created by the entire network can be measured. The purpose of this paper is to address this research gap by identifying how the value created by the maintenance network as well as the participating individual organization can be measured simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has been carried out using the qualitative research approach. The findings of the study are based on literature search as well as research processes carried out in two maintenance service networks.

Findings

The study presents a framework and propositions on how to measure network value in maintenance services. According to the results, the network value can be measured from the following five perspectives: financial capital, i.e., savings or growth; end customer capital such as the end customer satisfaction and recommending customers; network capital, i.e., know-how development and learning; sustainable capital such as business continuity and environmental safety; and relationship capital, such as reputation and new contacts.

Originality/value

Despite the increasing amount of literature on performance measurement in networks, theory is still lacking that reflects the complexity and dynamism when value is delivered to customers through maintenance networks. Significant novelty of the research is based on combining network, service, and value perspectives in performance measurement.
Safety management system in automotive and energy industries
Authors: Phusavat Kongkiti , Vongvitayapirom Bordin , Kess Pekka , Lin Binshan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the key results and lessons of a study in Thailand. Occupational safety and health is the foundation of ISO 26000, which emphasizes on corporate social responsibility. This study underlines the needs on gradually preparing the industries for market integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Two leading companies in automotive and energy industries are selected. The automotive industry is one of Thailand’s largest clusters in terms of investment, employment, and sale turnovers. On the other hand, the energy industry is critical as Thailand seeks to import energies from neighboring and other countries. The in-depth analysis aims to identify excellent practices, elements, and success factors commonly shared by the two selected companies. The interviews with the companies’ executives follow this identification for the findings’ confirmation and possible extension.

Findings

The findings provide a description of the process of how an integrated safety management system is implemented and reports results such as the following. The two leading companies apparently share many common practices, elements, and success factors. They include safety culture (empowerment, behavior, communication, etc.), system and structure (processes, instruction, documentations, records, etc.), and use of external influences (e.g. safety audits by international partners and customers) to sustain the safety management system.

Originality/value

This study should inform executives and managers who are concerned with how to prepare an organization when attempting to adapt to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems 18000 and subsequently to ISO 26000. Building a strong safety culture should be considered as the foundation, while relying on regulatory compliance and enforcement alone is not adequate.
Perceived quality of administrative services and its consequences on students’ behavioral intentions
Authors: Al-Kilani Mohammad Hani , Twaissi Naseem
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to assess students’ perceived quality of university administrative services, and reconnoiter the disparities in their perceptions according to their gender and college. This study also scrutinizes the influences of students’ perceived quality of university administrative services on their behavioral intentions, and examines the moderating effects of students’ gender on these influences.

Design/methodology/approach

Achieving a reply rate of 68 per cent, this study was carried out in a public university in Jordan by using a stratified systematic random sample consisting of 10 per cent of the population, where 572 usable questionnaires were returned. Reliabilities of scales were assessed via Cronbach’s alpha, and hypotheses were tested via t-test, analysis of variance and hierarchical regressions.

Findings

The results showed that after controlling for other studied variables, students’ perceived quality of university administrative services explains 5.6 and 4.1 per cent of their behavioral intentions to transfer to a different university and to recommend their university, respectively. Further, when considering individually the five dimensions of students’ perceived quality of university administrative services, they explain 7.1 and 16.4 per cent of students’ behavioral intentions to transfer to a different university and to recommend their university, respectively. Furthermore, students’ gender moderates the influence of assurance on students’ intentions to recommend, as this moderating effect explains 2.7 per cent of students’ intentions to recommend.

Originality/value

This study addresses for the first time the influences for the perceived quality of the administrative services provided by a Jordanian public university on the behavior intentions after controlling for several variables including intention to leave university study and finding a moderating role for students’ gender.
PRIX – A risk index for global private investors
Authors: Stöckl Sebastian , Hanke Michael , Angerer Martin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a universal (asset-class-independent) portfolio risk index for a global private investor.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first discuss existing risk measures and desirable properties of a risk index. Then, they construct a universal (asset-class-independent) portfolio risk measure by modifying Financial Turbulence of Kritzman and Li (2010). Finally, the average portfolio of a representative global private investor is determined, and, by applying the new portfolio risk measure, they derive thePrivate investorRiskIndeX.

Findings

The authors show that this index exhibits commonly expected properties of risk indices, such as proper reaction to well-known historical market events, persistence in time and forecasting power for both risk and returns to risk.

Practical implications

A dynamic asset allocation example illustrates one potential practical application for global private investors.

Originality/value

As of now, a risk index reflecting the overall risk of a typical multi-asset-class portfolio of global private investors does not seem to exist.
Wear analysis on EN8, EN9 and EN24
Authors: R. Suraj , K.S. Jithish
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a comparative study of the wear properties of ferrous welded materials like EN8, EN9 and mild steel (MS).

Design/methodology/approach

The material is cut into specific dimension after hardfacing and is studied for the wear properties of the material. The wear testing is done on a pin-on-disc apparatus. The microhardness of the material is studied using the Vickers microhardness measuring apparatus.

Findings

The wear properties of ferrous welded materials like EN8, EN9 and MS are studied. It is found the MS has the least wear when compared to EN8 and EN9. The microhardness of MS is higher than EN8 and EN9, thus making it more wear-resistant than EN8 and EN9. The coefficient of friction in the dry sliding condition is found to be constant throughout the experiment.

Research limitations/implications

Major restriction is the amount of time required for use-wear analysis and replication experiments that are necessary to produce reliable results. These limitations mean that the analysis of total assemblages with the intention of producing specific results, especially of worked materials, is not feasible.

Practical implications

Generally, the complexity and rigour of the analysis depend primarily on the engineering needs and secondarily on the wear situation. It has been the author’s experience that simple and basic wear analyses, conducted in the proper manner, are often adequate in many engineering situations. Integral and fundamental to the wear analysis approach is the treatment of wear and wear behaviour as a system property. As a consequence, wear analysis is not limited to the evaluation of the effects of materials on wear behaviour. Wear analysis often enables the identification of nonmaterial solutions or nonmaterial elements in a solution to wear problems. For example, changes in or recommendations for contact geometry, roughness, tolerance and so on are often the results of a wear analysis.

Originality/value

The value of the work lies in the utility of the results obtained to researchers and users of the EN8, EN9 and EN24 material for their components.
Avian keratin fibre-based bio-composites
Authors: Pourjavaheri Firoozeh , Mohades Farzad , Jones Oliver , Sherkat Frank , Kong Ing , Gupta Arun , Shanks Robert A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to use the solvent–casting–evaporation method to prepare new bio-composites with thermoplastic poly(ether urethane) (TPU-polyether) as the polymer matrix and reinforced with natural chicken feather fibre (CFF).

Design/methodology/approach

To produce the bio-composites, 0 to 60 per cent·w/w of fibres in steps of 30 per cent·w/w were added to the polymer matrix. The uniformity of distribution of the keratin fibres in the polymer matrix was investigated via scanning electron microscopy, and the results suggested compatibility of the TPU-polyether matrix with the CFFs, thereby implying effective fibre–polymer interactions.

Findings

Addition of natural fibres to the polymer was found to decrease the mass loss of the composites at higher temperatures and decrease the glass transition temperature, as well as the storage and loss modulus, at lower temperatures, while increasing the remaining char ratio, storage modulus and loss modulus at higher temperatures.

Originality/value

The investigation confirmed that waste keratin CFF can improve the thermo-mechanical properties of composites, simply and cheaply, with potentially large environmental and economic benefits.
The design of visco‐acoustic weighted L1‐error frequency–space wavefield extrapolators
Authors: Abdul Salam Syed , Mousa Wail A.
Published: March 2017

Seismic imaging is an important step for imaging the subsurface structures of the Earth. One of the attractive domains for seismic imaging is explicit frequency–space (f – x) prestack depth migration. So far, this domain focused on migrating seismic data in acoustic media, but very little work assumed visco‐acoustic media. In reality, seismic exploration data amplitudes suffer from attenuation. To tackle the problem of attenuation, new operators are required, which compensates for it. We propose the weighted L1‐error minimisation technique to design visco‐acoustic f – x wavefield extrapolators. The L1‐error wavenumber responses provide superior extrapolator designs as compared with the previously designed equiripple L4‐norm and L∞‐norm extrapolation wavenumber responses. To verify the new compensating designs, prestack depth migration is performed on the challenging Marmousi model dataset. A reference migrated section is obtained using non‐compensating f – x extrapolators on an acoustic dataset. Then, both compensating and non‐compensating extrapolators are applied to a visco‐acoustic dataset, and both migrated sections are then compared. The final images show that the proposed weighted L1‐error method enhances the resolution and results in practically stable images.
Practical and robust experimental determination of c13 and Thomsen parameter δ
Authors: Yan Fuyong , Han De‐Hua , Chen Xue‐Lian
Published: March 2017

We analysed the complications in laboratory velocity anisotropy measurement on shales. There exist significant uncertainties in the laboratory determination of c13 and Thomsen parameter δ. These uncertainties are primarily related to the velocity measurement in the oblique direction. For reliable estimation of c13 and δ, it is important that genuine phase velocity or group velocity be measured with minimum uncertainty. The uncertainties can be greatly reduced if redundant oblique velocities are measured. For industrial applications, it is impractical to make multiple oblique velocity measurements on multiple core plugs. We demonstrated that it is applicable to make multiple genuine oblique group velocity measurements on a single horizontal core plug. The measurement results show that shales can be classified as a typical transversely isotropic medium. There is a coupling relation between c44 and c13 in determining the directional dependence of the seismic velocities. The quasi‐P‐wave or quasi‐S‐wave velocities can be approximated by three elastic parameters.
Inadvertent P‐hacking among trials and systematic reviews of the effect of progestogens in pregnancy? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Prior M , Hibberd R , Asemota N , Thornton JG
Published: March 2017

Background

Progestogens have been evaluated in numerous trials and meta‐analyses, many of which concluded they were effective. However, two large trials PROMISE and OPPTIMUM have recently concluded that progesterone was ineffective. This raises the possibility that earlier studies and reviews had been biased by either selective publication or selective choice of outcomes, so called “P‐hacking”.

Objectives

To compare the findings all progestogen trials and systematic reviews with those of trials with pre‐registered primary outcomes which avoided selective outcome reporting.

Search strategy

Search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library and trial registries. Registration PROSPERO CRD42016035303.

Selection criteria

Systematic reviews of randomised trials comparing progestogen with placebo in pregnancy and the individual trials included in those reviews. The subset of trials reporting a pre‐registered primary outcome were compared with the totality of trials and reviews.

Data collection and analysis

For reviews all outcomes were included. For individual trials all outcomes reported in the systematic reviews were included. For the comparison group we recorded the registered primary outcome from trials that were either registered before they started, or registered during the recruitment phase and also double blind.

Main results

Nineteen of twenty‐nine meta‐analyses concluded that progestogens were effective. Twenty‐two trials reported their pre‐registered primary outcomes. There was no effect of progesterone on primary registered dichotomous outcome RR 1.00 (95% CI 0.94–1.07). Only one of the 22 showed a nominally statistically significant benefit.

Author's conclusions

When evaluated in registered double‐blind trials with analysis restricted to predefined primary outcomes, progestational agents in pregnancy are ineffective.

Tweetable abstract

Progestogens to prevent pregnancy loss, an example of P‐hacking.
Does antenatal care timing influence stillbirth risk in the third trimester? A secondary analysis of perinatal death audit data in South Africa
Authors: Lavin T , Pattinson RC
Published: March 2017

Objective

To explore stillbirth risk across gestation in three provinces of South Africa with different antenatal care schedules.

Design

Retrospective audit of perinatal death data using South Africa's Perinatal Problem Identification Programme.

Setting

In 2008, the Basic Antenatal Care Programme was introduced in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, reducing appointments to five visits at booking, 20, 26, 32, 38 weeks and 41 weeks if required. In the Western Cape province seven appointments remained at booking, 20, 26, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 41 weeks if required.

Population

All audited stillbirths (n = 4211) between October 2013 to August 2015 in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Western Cape.

Methods

Stillbirth risk (26–42 weeks of gestation, >1000 g) across gestation was calculated using Yudkin's method. Stillbirth risk was compared between provinces and relative risks were calculated between Limpopo/ Mpumalanga and Western Cape.

Main outcome measures

Stillbirth risk across gestation.

Results

Stillbirth risk peaked at 38 weeks of gestation in Limpopo (relative risk [RR] 3.11, 95% CI 2.40–4.03, P < 0.001)and Mpumalanga (RR 3.09, 95% CI 2.37–4.02, P < 0.001) compared with Western Cape, where no peak was observed. Stillbirth risk at 38 weeks gestation in Limpopo and Mpumalanga were statistically greater than both the 37 and 39 weeks gestation within provinces (P < 0.001). As expected, a peak at 41 weeks of gestation was observed in all provinces.

Conclusions

The increased period of stillbirth risk occurs after a 6‐week absence of antenatal care. This calls for a refocus on the impact of reduced antenatal care visits during the third trimester.

Tweetable abstract

Reduced antenatal care in the third trimester may increase stillbirth risk.