bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future thinking: the role of marketing in healthcare
Authors: Anderson Sidney , Rayburn Steven W. , Sierra Jeremy J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how, using a futures studies perspective, marketing is uniquely positioned to address future challenges facing health-care service systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The futures studies perspective involves predicting probable, preferable and possible futures. Using digital and face-to-face data collection methods, health-care professionals, academics and patients were asked about their perspectives and expectations of health care’s future. Using grounded theory, responses were analyzed to a point of thematic saturation to expose the immediate probable future and a preferred future of health care.

Findings

Patients expressed a desire to participate in health-care delivery, impacting caregivers’ roles. Thus, co-creation of value in this context is contingent on the relationship among stakeholders: patients, patients’ families, caregivers and health-care organizations. Concordance, a type of value co-creation, is an effective way for physicians and patients to ameliorate health outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Although a more diverse sample would be ideal, insight from health-care professionals, academics and patients across global regions was obtained.

Practical implications

To achieve a preferred future in health care, practitioners should implement a three-pronged approach, which includes health promotion and prevention, appropriate use of technology in health care and concordance.

Originality/value

Using patients, health-care professionals and academics, this research broadens the concept of value co-creation in health care. Additionally, paths (i.e. promotion and prevention, technology use and concordance) to a preferred health-care future are uncovered.
Trends of library-associated mobile learning based on a review of academic studies published from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Tu Yun-Fang , Hwang Gwo-Jen
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the trends and potential research issues involved with library-supported mobile learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Publications in the Scopus database from 2007 to 2016 are analyzed on various aspects, such as the adopted research methods, technologies, participants, application domains and research issues.

Findings

In addition to the awareness of the increasing number of digital library-associated mobile learning in the past decade, there are several interesting findings in this paper, such as most research mainly focused on investigating the affective domain of participants and assessing the effects of mobile learning. Most of the library-supported mobile learning research was conducted at special libraries, followed by academic libraries.

Practical implications

Potential applications and research directions of library-supported mobile learning are suggested based on the findings of the present paper.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight in relation to library-associated mobile learning. The findings and suggestions can serve as a good reference for researchers and school teachers when conducting mobile learning studies and to develop quality learning activities with access to library facilities using mobile and wireless communication technologies.
Assessing the information quality of phishing-related content on financial institutions’ websites
Authors: Butler Rika , Butler Martin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Phishing attacks exploit social vulnerabilities and remain a global concern. Financial institutions often use their websites as part of their online awareness and education efforts. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of phishing-related information made available by financial institutions to raise awareness and educate customers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this mixed methods research, a survey of online consumers was first performed and analysed. Second, the information available on the websites of major financial institutions was analysed. Using the construct of information quality (IQ), content analysis was performed to determine whether the phishing-related information meets the IQ criteria.

Findings

The survey confirmed that consumers are indeed targeted by phishers. It established that they turn to their financial institutions, more often than any other source, for anti-phishing information. When analysing the IQ of phishing-related information, significant deficiencies as well as different levels of performance between the financial institutions, emerged. In general, the worst performing IQ criteria was information being current and fit for purpose.

Research limitations/implications

As the research is conducted within South Africa, the results cannot be generalised. The ethical clearance did not allow for identification of the different financial institutions and thus comparing consumers’ perceptions with the observed IQ from the content analysis to determine correlation.

Practical implications

Protecting consumers against phishing attacks remains critical, and this paper confirms that users turn to their financial institutions for information. Yet, the phishing-related information made available on the websites of financial institutions has severe deficiencies. Practitioners should use IQ to determine the appropriateness of phishing-related information and focus on improving customer awareness and education.

Originality/value

Researchers often highlight the importance of awareness and education programmes in protecting consumers, but rarely investigate if consumers access publicly available information and express an opinion on the quality of this information. Although the results should not generalised, the recommendations, if necessary through similar analysis, has an impact beyond the geographical constraints of the study.
Lean Six Sigma effect on Jordanian pharmaceutical industry’s performance
Authors: Alkunsol William Hanna , Sharabati Abdel-Aziz Ahmad , AlSalhi Nidal Amin , El-Tamimi Hamza Sultan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of Lean Six Sigma elements on the Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing organizations’ business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 120 managers out of about 300 managers by means of questionnaire. After confirming normality, validity and reliability of the study tool, correlation analysis was carried out, and then multiple regressions were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that there is an agreement on high implementation of Lean Six Sigma variables among Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing organizations; there are strong relationships among Lean Six Sigma variables, except between non-utilized talent and transportation; there are strong relationships between Lean Six Sigma variables and business performance. All Lean Six Sigma variables have effect on business performance, except extra processing and waiting time.

Research limitations/implications

This study was carried out on the pharmaceutical industry in Jordan, generalizing results of one industry and/or one country to other industries and/or countries may be questionable. Extending the analyses to other industries and countries represents future research opportunities.

Practical implications

Implementing Lean Six Sigma variables in all Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing organizations can improve their business performance; also, it can be applied to other manufacturing industry.

Social implications

The aim of all organizations is to reduce waste, which leads to reserve the natural resources, which is considered as a corporate social responsibility.

Originality/value

Only few studies related to Lean or Six Sigma have been carried out in pharmaceutical industry in Jordan. Therefore, this study might be considered as an initiative study, which studies the effect of both Lean and Six Sigma on pharmaceutical industry in Jordan.
Innovative austerity management
Authors: Overmans Tom
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the right type of organizational slack for innovation. It examines how city managers conceive slack, and how they create slack to facilitate innovation while dealing with fiscal stress.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is built around a comparative case study approach to uncover contrasts, similarities and patterns of slack-building for innovation in austere times. It relies on the experiences of 12 experienced city managers. Data are sought from elite interviews and one focus group.

Findings

The main finding is that innovation in the public sector does not benefit from slack in general, but from a specific type of slack. The evidence shows that useful slack for innovation is not so much about financial slack or HR slack, but about psychological slack.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the literature that the key questions of slack research should not only focus on identifying the “right amount” of slack but also on identifying of the “right type” of slack.

Practical implications

Public managers who want to deal with (fiscal) crises more innovatively might reconsider their perceptions of slack and its value. Rather than operating on a pure cost effectiveness paradigm, they should balance the costs of slack and its innovative abilities.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the social/psychological side of austerity management. It concludes that increasing the ability of public organizations to innovatively cope with fiscal stress is not so much about increasing predictive capacity or financial buffers, but about increasing the mental leeway of coworkers.
Fortification of tempeh with encapsulated iron improves iron status and gut microbiota composition in iron deficiency anemia condition
Authors: Jati Kusuma Rio , Ermamilia Aviria
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most major micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. Food fortification is one strategy for reducing IDA in the population despite concern regarding the gut pathogenic bacteria overgrowth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of iron encapsulation in banana peel matrix on iron status and gut microbiota composition in iron deficiency anemia.

Design/methodology/approach

Anemia was induced in 35 male Sprague Dawley rats of age two weeks by the administration of iron-free diet for two weeks. Rats then randomly divided into control, iron-fortified tempeh (temFe) dose 10 and 20 ppm, iron matrix-fortified tempeh dose 10 and 20 ppm and iron matrix fortified tempeh dose 10 and 20 ppm with probiotic mixture. Blood was drawn at Weeks 2 and 6 for hemoglobin and serum iron analysis. Rats were sacrificed at the end of Week 6, and cecal contents were collected for Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria and Enterobactericeae analysis.

Findings

Hemoglobin and serum iron were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in all iron-fortified group with the highest value found in iron matrix dose 20 ppm (10.71 ± 0.15 g/dl and 335.83 ± 2.17 µg/dl, respectively). The cecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria did not differ significantly between groups. Cecal Enterobactericeae was significantly different (p < 0.05) among groups with the lowest level in the temFe-20 (2.65 ± 0.78 log CFU) group.

Research limitations/implications

The use of commercial inoculum instead of pure Rhizopus oligosporus mold for developing the fortified tempeh may impact the effect of product on cecal gut microbiota composition, as different molds and lactic acid bacteria can grow in tempeh when using commercial inoculum.

Social implications

In Indonesia, iron fortification is conducted primarily in noodles and flour that limits the impact of iron fortification for reducing IDA in population. Iron fortification in food that was daily consumed by people, that is, tempeh, is potential strategy in reducing IDA in population.

Originality/value

Tempeh fortification using encapsulated iron improved iron status and gut microbiota composition in iron deficiency anemia.
Institutional and regulatory constraints in managing procurement records
Authors: Mohamed Bakari Maligwa , Rasheli Geraldine Arbogast , Mwagike Leonada Rafael
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify and assess the regulatory and institutional constraints in managing procurement records in Tanzania’s procuring entities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed study design. There were explorative case study and questionnaire survey study methods used sequentially. In total, 15 procuring entities were used for exploratory case study, while 200 respondents were administered with questionnaires. A 75 per cent response rate was realised.

Findings

Results indicated that management and care of procurement records is constrained by regulatory and institutional constraints. The identified and assessed constraints were inter alia: incapacity of institutional actors, inadequate regulatory and institutional arrangements, inadequacy of storage space, equipment and facilities and insufficiency of security and safety measures.

Research limitations/implications

This research focussed on the procuring entities found in Dar es Salaam, which accounts for 40.72 per cent of the total procuring entities in Tanzania. Based on this, the generalisation of research ﬁndings can be sought in that particular context.

Practical implications

Findings imply that procurement records management and care is highly influenced by the constraining factors that hinder efficient records keeping in most procuring entities in Tanzania.

Social implications

Majority of procurement management units and user departments’ staff were found to possess inadequate knowledge, skills and competences in management and care of procurement records. The procuring entities should ensure that procurement staffs are trained in records and archives management practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes towards adding knowledge to the existing body of knowledge on the procurement records and archives management systems.
Business crime reduction partnerships: examining a holistic approach
Authors: Stafford Andrew B. , Hobson Jonathan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

There has been a widespread move in England’s city centres to a business crime reduction partnership (BCRP) model that welcomes businesses from all commercial sectors and that operate during day time and night time trading hours, and that seeks to tackle a broad range of crimes and associated behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to consider whether this new holistic approach offers benefits that narrower models do not.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws upon data from a multi-year examination of the Gloucester City Safe BCRP, including quantitative analysis of 4,523 offences recorded by the partnership and qualitative analysis of 149 interviews with its members.

Findings

In Gloucester there was a small minority of offenders who commit offences against more than one type of business, who offend during both the day time and night time trading hours and who commit more than one type of offence. There is value, therefore, in partnerships bringing together businesses from different commercial sectors and that operate in the day and night time economies to coordinate their efforts to tackle such activity.

Practical implications

Sharing information among partnership members via e-mail and secure web-based platforms helps raise awareness concerning offenders and the offences that they commit which in turn can be used to prevent offences from occurring.

Social implications

This inclusive holistic BCRP model can lead to an increased sense of community cohesion for its members arising from the collective effort of multiple types of businesses.

Originality/value

The authors are not aware of other studies that have considered these issues.
Trump, Montenegrins and the third world war
Authors: Banović Branko
Published: October 2018

Thanks to President Trump's controversial interview in which he described the Montenegrin people as very aggressive, suggesting that Montenegro could be the cause of a third world war, this small Balkan nation got more attention than it had ever had before. Effectively, Trump exaggerated a historical stereotype of Montenegrins and based his comment on Montenegro's political behaviour from several centuries ago when they developed a warlike ethos. How this awareness of Montenegro's aggressive nature as a warrior people made its way to Donald Trump and how exactly he thinks Montenegrin bellicosity could be the cause of a third world war, we can only speculate. Montenegro has fewer than 700,000 inhabitants. The Montenegrin army counts some 1,800 soldiers. Most of the soldiers in active service see the job as a secure source of income, not a chance to prove their combat skills. Montenegro is therefore most unlikely to be the source of aggression itself. Starting from President Trump's statement regarding Montenegro, in this article, the author problematizes the historical roots of Montenegrin traditional masculinity, the reasons why the question of NATO membership still provokes controversies over Montenegrin identity and the position of Montenegro in contemporary geopolitics.
The Drivers of Life‐Cycle Wage Inequality in Australia
Authors: Freestone Owen
Published: October 2018

Why does wage inequality rise with age? Using panel data on male wages, we explore the relative importance of unobserved worker heterogeneity versus random wage shocks in explaining this life‐cycle trend in Australia. While we find significant heterogeneity in wage levels (via differences in starting wages), we find no evidence of systematic heterogeneity in wage growth. Instead, highly persistent wage shocks are found to account entirely for the rise in wage inequality with age. We also find evidence that the upward trend in wage inequality since the early 2000s reflects an increase in permanent rather than transitory wage inequality.
Association of Anaesthetists: anaesthesia and peri‐operative care for Jehovah's Witnesses and patients who refuse blood
Authors: Klein A. A. , Bailey C. R. , Charlton A. , Lawson C. , Nimmo A. F. , Payne S. , Ruck Keene A. , Shortland R. , Smith J. , Torella F. , Wade P.
Published: October 2018

There are approximately 8.5 million Jehovah's Witnesses and around 150,000 live in Great Britain and Ireland. Based on their beliefs and core values, Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood component transfusion (including red cells, plasma and platelets). They regard non‐consensual transfusion as a physical violation. Consent to treatment is at the heart of this guideline. Refusal of treatment by an adult with capacity is lawful. The reasons why a patient might refuse transfusion and the implications are examined. The processes and products that are deemed acceptable or unacceptable to Jehovah's Witnesses are described. When a team is faced with a patient who refuses transfusion, a thorough review of the clinical situation is advocated and all options for treatment should be explored. After discussion, a plan should then be made that is acceptable to the patient and appropriate consent obtained. When agreement cannot be reached between the doctor and the patient, referral for a second opinion should be considered. When the patient is a child, the same strategy should be used but on occasion the clinical team may have to obtain legal help.
Hemodynamic Evaluation of Avalon Elite Bi‐Caval Dual Lumen Cannulas and Femoral Arterial Cannulas
Authors: Wang Shigang , Force Madison , Kunselman Allen R. , Palanzo David , Brehm Christoph , Ündar Akif
Published: October 2018

Translational research is a useful tool to provide scientific evidence for cannula selection during extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The objective of this study was to evaluate four Avalon Elite bi‐caval dual lumen cannulas and nine femoral arterial cannulas in terms of flow range, circuit pressure, pressure drop, and hemodynamic energy transmission in a simulated adult ECLS model. A veno‐venous ECLS circuit was used to evaluate four Avalon Elite bi‐caval dual lumen cannulas (20, 23, 27, and 31 Fr), and a veno‐arterial ECLS circuit was used to evaluate nine femoral arterial cannulas (15, 17, 19, 21, and 23 Fr). The two circuits included a Rotaflow centrifugal pump, a Quadrox‐D adult oxygenator, and 3/8 in ID tubing for arterial and venous lines. The circuits were primed with lactated Ringer’s solution and packed human red blood cells (hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at rotational speeds from 1000 to 5000 RPM (250 rpm increments) for each Avalon cannula, and at different flow rates (0.5–7 L/min) for each femoral arterial cannula. Real‐time pressure and flow data were recorded for analysis. Small caliber cannulas created higher circuit pressures, higher pressure drops and higherM‐numbers compared with large ones. The inflow side of Avalon dual lumen cannula had a significantly higher pressure drop than the outflow side (inflow vs. outflow: 20 Fr‐100.2 vs. 49.2 mm Hg at 1.1 L/min, 23 Fr‐93.7 vs. 41.4 mm Hg at 1.6 L/min, 27 Fr‐102.3 vs. 42.8 mm Hg at 2.6 L/min, 31 Fr‐98.1 vs. 44.7 mm Hg at 3.8 L/min). There was more hemodynamic energy lost in the veno‐arterial ECLS circuit using small cannulas compared to larger ones (17 Fr vs. 19 Fr vs. 21 Fr at 4 L/min—Medtronic: 71.0 vs. 64.8 vs. 60.9%; Maquet: 71.4 vs. 65.6 vs. 62.0%). Medtronic femoral arterial cannulas had lower pressure drops (Medtronic vs. Maquet at 4 L/min: 17 Fr‐121.7 vs. 125.0 mm Hg, 19 Fr‐71.2 vs. 73.7 mm Hg, 21 Fr‐42.9 vs. 47.4 mm Hg) and hemodynamic energy losses (Medtronic vs. Maquet at 4 L/min: 17 Fr‐43.6 vs. 44.4%, 19 Fr‐31.0 vs. 31.4%, 21 Fr‐20.8 vs. 22.4%) at high flow rates when compared with the Maquet cannulae. The results for this study provided valuable hemodynamic characteristics of all evaluated adult cannulas with human blood in order to guide ECLS cannula selection in clinical practice. Use of larger cannulas are suggested for VV‐ and VA‐ECLS.
Mutational analysis of the CYP1B1 gene in Pakistani primary congenital glaucoma patients: Identification of four known and a novel causative variant at the 3′ splice acceptor site of intron 2
Authors: Afzal Rabia , Firasat Sabika , Kaul Haiba , Ahmed Bashir , Siddiqui Sorath N. , Zafar Saemah N. , Shahzadi Misbah , Afshan Kiran
Published: October 2018

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) causes blindness in early age. It has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, hence is more prevalent in populations with frequent consanguineous marriages that occur in the Pakistani population. Mutations in the CYP1B1 gene are commonly associated with PCG. The aim of the present study was to identify genetic mutations in the CYP1B1 gene in PCG cases belonging to 38 Pakistani families. DNA was extracted using blood samples collected from all enrolled patients, their available unaffected family members and controls. Direct sequencing of the CYP1B1 gene revealed a novel 3' splice acceptor site causative variant segregating in an autosomal recessive manner in a large consanguineous family with four PCG‐affected individuals. The novel variant was not detected in 93 ethnically matched controls. Furthermore, four already reported mutations, including p.G61E, p.R355X, p.R368H, and p.R390H were also detected in patients belonging to nine different families. All identified causative variants were evaluated by computational programs, that is, SIFT, PolyPhen‐2, and MutationTaster. Pathogenicity of the novel splice site variant identified in this study was analyzed by Human Splicing Finder and MaxEntScan. Ten out of 38 families with PCG had the disease due to CYP1B1 mutations, suggesting CYP1B1 was contributing to PCG in these Pakistani patients. Identification of this novel 3' splice acceptor site variant in intron 2 is the first report for the CYP1B1 gene contributing to genetic heterogeneity of disease.
Multiple cellular neurothekeomas in a middle‐aged woman including the lower extremity: A case report and review of the current literature
Authors: Gill Pavandeep , Abi Daoud Marie S.
Published: October 2018

Cellular neurothekeoma is a benign cutaneous neoplasm that typically occurs on the head, neck, and upper body of young adults with a slight female predominance. It is a rare lesion to diagnose and multiple neurothekeomas in one patient are even more uncommon finding. We present a case of multiple neurothekeomas in a middle‐aged woman with lower extremity involvement and summarize the current literature on multiple neurothekeoma patients. A 46‐year‐old female presented with nearly one dozen skin‐colored papules on the head, upper limb, and lower limb. The lesions were clinically diagnosed as dermatofibromas and a nevus. Eight lesions were biopsied and confirmed to be cellular neurothekeomas, with one initially misinterpreted on histology as a dermatofibroma. Awareness of cellular neurothekeoma as a diagnostic entity and the possibility of atypical presentations as seen in our case (eg, in multiple numbers, in older adults, and on the lower extremity) are important in allowing for accurate clinical and histological diagnosis of these lesions. The possibility of a syndromic association with multiple cellular neurothekeomas should be explored further.
Provocative induction of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Noninferiority of an induction technique without versus with placebo
Authors: Chen David K. , Dave Hina , Gadelmola Kareem , Jeroudi Myrtle , Fadipe Melissa
Published: October 2018

We aim to demonstrate, in a sufficiently powered and standardized study, that the success rate of inducing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) without placebo (saline infusion) is noninferior to induction with placebo. The clinical data of 170 consecutive patients with suspected PNES who underwent induction with placebo from January 21, 2009 to March 31, 2013 were pair‐matched with 170 consecutive patients with suspected PNES who underwent the same induction technique but without addition of placebo from April 1, 2013 to February 7, 2018 at the same center. The success rates of induction were 79.4% (135/170) without placebo and 73.5% (125/170) with placebo. The difference of these two proportions was 5.9%, with two‐sided 95% confidence interval ranging from −3.6% to 15.2%, indicating a non–statistically significant difference. The lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (−3.6%) was above the noninferiority margin (δ = −5%), hence inferring noninferiority of induction without versus with placebo. The greater cumulative induction experiences of the clinician performer (influencing the manner/presentation of induction) may supplant the potential advantage from addition of placebo (the means utilized). Among experienced performers, provocative induction without placebo should be the preferred diagnostic approach, given more ethically acceptable transparency and the noninferior success rate when compared to the same induction technique with placebo.
Examination of risk scores to better predict hospital‐related harms
Authors: Than Stephanie , Crabtree Amelia , Moran Chris
Published: October 2018

Background

Many hospitals use predictive scores to identify a person's risk of inpatient falls, pressure injury and malnutrition despite evidence of limited predictive accuracy.

Aim

To examine whether we could improve predictive accuracy by generating a score combining all components of currently used tools.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, cross‐validation study in a single sub‐acute (geriatrics and rehabilitation) hospital, extracting data regarding hospital risk scores, and incidence of falls, pressure injury and malnutrition from January 2014 to June 2016. The sample was randomly halved into training and testing data sets. For each harm outcome, model fit was examined using area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and proportions of people reclassified based on a combined score were calculated. Secondary analyses explored the predictive performance of individual question‐responses.

Results

Data were available for 4487 admissions (median age 83.0 years). A total of 667 (15%) people had at least one fall, 499 (11%) had at least one pressure injury and 20 (0.4%) malnutrition. The currently used tools had, at best, moderate ability to predict risk of harm outcomes (AUC 0.56–0.73). Testing of the combined score models resulted in minimal change in AUC (<5.1%) and did not add value to risk category reclassification. Most of the predictive ability of the currently used tools relied on the performance of two individual question‐responses.

Conclusion

Combining scores or reducing to two‐item question‐responses did little to change predictive accuracy. This study highlights the limitations of hospital harm predictive scores and emphasises the importance of rigorous testing of predictive scores.
Unveiling Contemporaneous Relations Between Jump Risk and Cross Section of Stock Returns
Authors: Kshatriya Saranya , Prasanna Krishna
Published: October 2018

This study analyzes the impact of time varying jump risk on aggregate returns. We, in particular, examine the pricing of jump size and intensity components in the cross section of stock returns for four Asian markets. We use stochastic volatility model with jumps to estimate jump size and intensity. Fama–MacBeth regression results indicate that both jump size and intensity have statistically significant effect on expected returns. A one standard deviation increase in jump intensity beta lowers the expected annual returns by 1% for Japan, 2% for China, 5% for India, and 7% for South Korea. The results are consistent even after controlling for the Fama and French three factors, firm size, and liquidity proxies.
Psychological disorders and oral lichen planus: A systematic review
Authors: Cerqueira Joana D. M. , Moura Jamille R. , Arsati Franco , Lima‐Arsati Ynara B. de O. , Bittencourt Roberto A. , Freitas Valéria S.
Published: October 2018

The aim of the present study was to identify and analyze scientific evidence available in the literature to answer the following question: Are psychological disorders associated with the development of oral lichen planus (OLP)? Using scientific databases (PubMed, LILACS, and Science Direct), a literature search was conducted between December 2016 and January 2017, using previously selected keywords. Two independent reviewers critically assessed the results in three stages, strictly obeying the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined in the study protocol. We assessed paper quality based on STROBE (Strengthening The Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology). After analysis, we selected 14 papers, of which 10 showed evidence of association between psychological disorders (in particular, stress, anxiety, and depression) and the development of OLP. The paper‐quality assessment by means of STROBE showed that 13 papers presented intermediate quality and one paper presented high quality. In the present systematic review, we found an association between psychological disorders and the development of OLP.
Dietary protein requirement for juvenile mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri
Authors: Sankian Zohreh , Khosravi Sanaz , Kim Yi‐Oh , Lee Sang‐Min
Published: October 2018

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the dietary protein requirement of juvenile mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri, a demersal freshwater piscivore with high commercial value in East Asia. Five isolipidic (100 g/kg) and isoenergetic (20 MJ/kg) practical diets were formulated to contain graded levels of 450, 500, 550, 600, and 650 g/kg crude protein, using mackerel fishmeal as the sole source of protein. Each of the five test diets was fed to visual satiety to triplicate groups of fish (initial mean body weight ± SE; 20.1 ± 0.2 g) reared in a recirculating freshwater system over the experimental period. Fish growth performance in terms of weight gain tended to improve with increasing dietary protein level, and the highest values were observed in those fish fed the 600–650 g/kg diets. Feed intake significantly declined as the protein content of the diet increased. Feed efficiency and protein retention tended to increase with increasing dietary protein levels, from 450 to 600 g/kg, and then declined when dietary protein content further increased to 650 g/kg. A similar trend was also found for the protein efficiency ratio, although the observed changes did not reach statistical significance. Whole‐body composition and plasma biochemical parameters were not significantly affected by the dietary protein content. Based on these findings and a broken‐line model of growth, 614.4 g/kg seems to be the proper amount of protein in a practical diet for >20 g mandarin fish.
MEDIATOR18 influences Arabidopsis root architecture, represses auxin signaling and is a critical factor for cell viability in root meristems
Authors: Raya‐González Javier , Oropeza‐Aburto Araceli , López‐Bucio Jesús S. , Guevara‐García Ángel A. , de Veylder Lieven , López‐Bucio José , Herrera‐Estrella Luis
Published: October 2018

The Mediator (MED) complex plays a key role in the recruitment and assembly of the transcription machinery for the control of gene expression. Here, we report on the role of MEDIATOR18 (MED18) subunit in root development, auxin signaling and meristem cell viability in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Loss‐of‐function mutations in MED18 reduce primary root growth, but increase lateral root formation and root hair development. This phenotype correlates with alterations in cell division and elongation likely caused by an increased auxin response and transport at the root tip, as evidenced by DR5:GFP, pPIN1::PIN1‐GFP, pPIN2::PIN2‐GFP and pPIN3::PIN3‐GFP auxin‐related gene expression. Noteworthy, med18 seedlings manifest cell death in the root meristem, which exacerbates with age and/or exposition to DNA‐damaging agents, and display high expression of the cell regeneration factor ERF115. Cell death in the root tip was reduced in med18 seedlings grown in darkness, but remained when only the shoot was exposed to light, suggesting that MED18 acts to protect root meristem cells from local cell death, and/or in response to root‐acting signal(s) emitted by the shoot in response to light stimuli. These data point to MED18 as an important component for auxin‐regulated root development, cell death and cell regeneration in root meristems.
Parametric Investigation of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle for High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR)
Authors: Zhao Gang , Ye Ping , Yang Xiaoyong , Wang Jie
Published: October 2018

High-temperature Gas-cooled Reactor Pebble-bed Module (HTR-PM) is under construction in Shidao Bay, Shandong of China. It is supposed to be the world’s first pebble-bed modular commercial demonstration plant for High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR). In HTR-PM project, water-Rankine cycles have been used in the power conversion system. Meanwhile, supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle has shown great potentials for future HTGR technology.

Comparing with typical helium Brayton cycle, in S-CO2 cycle where critical properties of carbon dioxide are utilized, compressor work may reduce significantly and thermal efficiency may improve greatly. Furthermore, the general sizes of S-CO2 cycle equipment, such as heat exchanger and turbine, would be orders of magnitude smaller than water-Rankine system at similar power output. Therefore, parameters study of S-CO2 were conducted in this paper for future HTGR.

Firstly, a physical model of S-CO2 Brayton cycles was built and the performance of cycles were analyzed. Secondly, compression ratio, temperature ratio, the inlet temperature of turbine, inlet parameters of compressor, and recuperated effectiveness were discussed as key cycle parameters. For heat capacities of CO2 are significantly different as a function of temperature and pressure, flow recompression was considered. Calculation was based on a split-flow cycle configuration. The split flow ratio was also analyzed. Finally, the parameters of S-CO2 cycle were optimized for HTGR. In conclusion, S-CO2 Brayton cycle will be a good option for future HTGR.
Case Study: Enhancing Human Reliability With Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality Tools for Nuclear Maintenance
Authors: Momin Geoffrey , Panchal Raj , Liu Daniel , Perera Sharman
Published: October 2018

Human error accounts for about 60% of the annual power loss due to maintenance incidents in the fossil power industry. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that 80\% of industrial accidents in the nuclear industry can be attributed to human error and 20\% to equipment failure. The Personal Augmented Reality Reference System (PARRS) is a suite of computer-mediated reality applications that looks to minimize human error by digitizing manual procedures and providing real-time monitoring of hazards present in an environment. Our mission is to be able to provide critical feedback to inform personnel in real-time and protect them from avoidable hazards. PARRS aims to minimize human error and increase worker productivity by bringing innovation to safety and procedural compliance by leveraging technologies such as augmented reality, LiDAR, computer machine learning and particulate mapping using remote systems.
Medical Parasitology Taxonomy Update, 2016–2017
Authors: Mathison Blaine A. , Pritt Bobbi S.
Published: October 2018

Parasite taxonomy continues to change as molecular and morphologic studies enhance our understanding of parasite relatedness. This minireview builds on the information provided in the last taxonomy update in this journal to summarize new and revised clinically relevant human parasite taxonomic changes that have occurred in 2016 and 2017.
An Introduced Crop Plant Is Driving Diversification of the Virulent Bacterial Pathogen Erwinia tracheiphila
Authors: Shapiro Lori R. , Paulson Joseph N. , Arnold Brian J. , Scully Erin D. , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Pierce Naomi E. , Rocha Jorge , Klepac-Ceraj Vanja , Holton Kristina , Kolter Roberto
Published: October 2018

Erwinia tracheiphila
is a virulent phytopathogen that infects two genera of cucurbit crop plants,
Cucurbita
spp. (pumpkin and squash) and
Cucumis
spp. (muskmelon and cucumber). One of the unusual ecological traits of this pathogen is that it is limited to temperate eastern North America. Here, we complete the first large-scale sequencing of an
E. tracheiphila
isolate collection. From phylogenomic, comparative genomic, and empirical analyses, we find that introduced
Cucumis
spp. crop plants are driving the diversification of
E. tracheiphila
into multiple lineages. Together, the results from this study show that locally unique biotic (plant population) and abiotic (climate) conditions can drive the evolutionary trajectories of locally endemic pathogens in unexpected ways.
Exploration of the Biosynthetic Potential of the
Populus
Microbiome
Authors: Blair Patricia M. , Land Miriam L. , Piatek Marek J. , Jacobson Daniel A. , Lu Tse-Yuan S. , Doktycz Mitchel J. , Pelletier Dale A.
Published: October 2018

The plant root microbiome is one of the most diverse and abundant biological communities known. Plant-associated bacteria can have a profound effect on plant growth and development, and especially on protection from disease and environmental stress. These organisms are also known to be a rich source of antibiotic and antifungal drugs. In order to better understand the ways bacterial communities influence plant health, we evaluated the diversity and uniqueness of the natural product gene clusters in bacteria isolated from poplar trees. The complex molecule clusters are abundant, and the majority are unique, suggesting a great potential to discover new molecules that could not only affect plant health but also could have applications as antibiotic agents.
Hypoxic hepatitis and furosemide
Authors: Pizzarossa Ana Carina , Rebella Martín
Published: October 2018

Hypoxic hepatitis is a rather common complication of heart, circulatory or respiratory failure. We present the case of a patient with hypoxic hepatitis in the setting of heart failure and dehydration from furosemide as a reminder of an important clinical lesson. The pathogenesis of hypoxia (especially in the case of heart failure) is explained by a two-hit mechanism in which the liver at risk of hypoxic injury by passive hepatic congestion (right heart failure) is subsequently exposed to systemic hypoperfusion, which leads to a marked and transient elevation of aminotransferases. In the case presented, the use of furosemide (at least partially) promoted the second hit because it helped to generate hypotension and splanchnic hypovolaemia and favoured hepatic hypoxia.
Use of long saphenous vein graft in acute on chronic mesenteric ischaemia
Authors: Fadel Michael G , Andrews Brian
Published: October 2018

Acute mesenteric ischaemia is a relatively rare surgical emergency, but despite advances in diagnostic tests, the mortality of this condition remains stubbornly high (50%–80%). This is principally because of the non-specific nature of the presenting symptoms and subsequent delay in diagnosis. We report an unusual case of acute mesenteric ischaemia treated by emergency laparotomy, small bowel resection and revascularisation using reversed long saphenous vein graft.
Giant left breast hamartoma in a 45-year-old woman
Authors: Ghaedi Yasmin , Howlett David
Published: October 2018

This is a case of a woman in her fifth decade of life who presented with a lump in her left breast. The patient underwent extensive breast investigations which did not confirm one particular diagnosis. The lesion was excised, and histological findings confirmed the diagnosis of a giant breast hamartoma. This case is interesting due to the largeness. As well as this, giant breast hamartomas are uncommon, and this case highlights the difficulty in their diagnosis and frequent misdiagnoses, potentially contributing to their reported low incidence rates. Diagnosis is difficult due to the complex appearance of the mass on imaging, raising the possibility of malignancy. Core biopsy is unremarkable, with the final diagnosis only possible on histological examination of the resected mass.
Intravenous methadone in a patient with advanced cancer
Authors: Picco Brunetto Alba Gabriela
Published: October 2018

A patient receiving maintenance treatment with methadone (MTM) was treated with parenteral methadone for intense pain crises in cancer of the tongue with severe mucositis and dysphagia. Authors like Manfrediet aldescribe good results in the use of methadone as an analgesic in patients with MTM. The difficulties which arise with parenteral use derive from the drug itself and from those to whom the treatment is administered: serious side effects like malignant arrhythmias and respiratory depression and the complex nature of these patients, addicted to opiates with a terminal illness and pain which is difficult to treat. It should be administered by experts in palliative care in a healthcare unit where it can be successfully monitored.
Outcomes of idiopathic chronic large pericardial effusion
Authors: Imazio Massimo , Lazaros George , Valenti Anna , De Carlini Caterina Chiara , Maggiolini Stefano , Pivetta Emanuele , Giustetto Carla , Tousoulis Dimitris , Adler Yehuda , Rinaldi Mauro , Brucato Antonio
Published: October 2018

Objective

Aim of this paper is to evaluate the outcomes of ‘idiopathic’ chronic large pericardial effusions without initial evidence of pericarditis.

Methods

All consecutive cases of idiopathic chronic large pericardial effusions evaluated from 2000 to 2015 in three Italian tertiary referral centres for pericardial diseases were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. The term ‘idiopathic’ was applied to cases that performed a complete diagnostic evaluation to exclude a specific aetiology. A clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was performed every 3–6 months.

Results

100 patients were included (mean age 61.3±14.6 years, 54 females, 44 patients were asymptomatic according to clinical evaluation) with a mean follow-up of 50 months. The baseline median size of the effusion (evaluated as the largest end-diastolic echo-free space) was 25 mm (IQR 8) and decreased to a mean value of 7 mm (IQR 19; p<0.0001) with complete regression in 39 patients at the end of follow-up. There were no new aetiological diagnoses. Adverse events were respectively: cardiac tamponade in 8 patients (8.0%), pericardiocentesis in 30 patients (30.0%), pericardial window in 12 cases (12.0%) and pericardiectomy in 3 patients (3.0%). Recurrence-free survival and complications-free survival was better in patients treated without interventions (log rank p=0.0038).

Conclusions

The evolution of ‘idiopathic’ chronic large pericardial effusions is usually benign with reduction of the size of the effusion in the majority of cases, and regression in about 40% of cases. The risk of cardiac tamponade is 2.2%/year and recurrence/complications survival was better in patients treated conservatively without interventions.
Setting up a service for a faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT): a review of considerations, challenges and constraints
Authors: Godber Ian M , Benton Sally C , Fraser Callum G
Published: October 2018

Quantitative faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin (FIT) have now been advocated by the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE: DG30) to assist in the triage of patients presenting with symptoms that suggest a low risk of colorectal (bowel) cancer. The evidence is that FIT provides a good rule out test for significant bowel disease. However, a small number of cases will be missed, and robust safety-netting procedures are required to follow up some FIT-negative patients. A range of diagnostic pathways are possible, and there is no best approach at present. Introduction of FIT requires careful consideration of the logistics of supply of devices and information to requesting sites and of transport to the laboratory. A number of FIT analytical systems are available. Three are documented as appropriate for use in assessment of patients with symptoms. However, preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical challenges remain. The methods have different specimen collection devices. The methods use polyclonal antibodies and there is no primary reference material or method to which FIT methods are standardised. Third-party internal quality control is lacking, and external quality assessment schemes have many difficulties in providing appropriate materials. Reporting of results should be done using µg Hb/g faeces units and with knowledge of the limit of detection and limit of quantitation of the analytical system used. FIT can be used successfully in an agreed diagnostic pathway, along with other clinical and laboratory information: this requires a multidisciplinary approach, providing opportunities for professionals in laboratory medicine involvement.
Photogrammetric surveying forests and woodlands with UAVs: techniques for automatic removal of vegetation and digital terrain model production for hydrological applications
Authors: Giagkas Fotis , Patias Petros , Georgiadis Charalampos
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is the photogrammetric survey of a forested area using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and the estimation of the digital terrain model (DTM) of the area, based on the photogrammetrically produced digital surface model (DSM). Furthermore, through the classification of the height difference between a DSM and a DTM, a vegetation height model is estimated, and a vegetation type map is produced. Finally, the generated DTM was used in a hydrological analysis study to determine its suitability compared to the usage of the DSM. The selected study area was the forest of Seih-Sou (Thessaloniki). The DTM extraction methodology applies classification and filtering of point clouds, and aims to produce a surface model including only terrain points (DTM). The method yielded a DTM that functioned satisfactorily as a basis for the hydrological analysis. Also, by classifying the DSM–DTM difference, a vegetation height model was generated. For the photogrammetric survey, 495 aerial images were used, taken by a UAV from a height of ∼200 m. A total of 44 ground control points were measured with an accuracy of 5 cm. The accuracy of the aerial triangulation was approximately 13 cm. The produced dense point cloud, counted 146 593 725 points.