bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects of the Extremities in Children Using the Kiss Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap to Achieve Primary Closure of Donor Site
Authors: Luo Zhenhua , Qing Liming , Zhou Zhengbing , Wu Panfeng , Yu Fang , Tang Juyu
Published: December 2018

Background

The closure of massive skin defects remains challenging, particularly in children. In this report, we describe a technique to achieve primary donor site closure using the kiss deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for the reconstruction of large soft tissue defects located in the extremities of children.

Methods

From May 2011 to May 2016, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 10 pediatric patients with extensive soft tissue defects and reconstruction with double-skin paddle DIEP flap. After harvesting the flap, the skin paddle was divided into 2 separate paddles with a common vascular supply, and then the 2 paddles were sutured side by side through translating 2 paddles or rotating one of the paddles by 90 or 180 degrees, effectively doubling the width of the flap and rejoining it at the recipient site. Data on patient age, medical history, defect size, flap dimensions, recipient vessels, donor site closure, complications, and follow-up were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Nine children had major soft tissue defects of the lower limb, and the remaining one had an upper limb defect. Only 1 case was complicated by partial necrosis of 1 paddle. Primary donor site closure was accomplished in all cases. The flaps were well matched on texture and contour, except that the 2 flaps were bulky at postoperative follow-up. There was no donor site breakdown, with only a slightly noticeable linear scar.

Conclusion

The kiss DIEP flap could be an alternative for reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of the extremities in children, with lower morbidity and improved cosmetic of the donor site.
Maxillofacial Fractures Associated With Laryngeal Injury
Authors: Wu John Chung-Han , Chen Hsin-Yu , Liao Chien-Hung , Wang Shang-Yu , Fu Chih-Yuan , Chen Chih-Hao , Chen Chien-Tzung
Published: December 2018

Objective

Maxillofacial fractures with concomitant laryngeal injuries put both the quality and maintenance of life in jeopardy. Because of its low incidence, it is often overlooked in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study is to review the incidence, clinical presentations, managements, and outcomes of these patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of medical records from 2008 to 2015 was conducted at a single institute. A case series (n = 12, which contributed 22.2% of laryngeal injuries in our institute) of these patients was presented, and propensity score matching was applied for further statistical analysis.

Results

When comparing patients who sustained maxillofacial fractures with concomitant laryngeal injuries with patients with only maxillofacial fractures and no laryngeal injuries, subcutaneous emphysema (83.3% vs 4.2%,P< 0.001), neck pain (75.0% vs 6.3%,P< 0.001), dyspnea (75.0% vs 0%,P< 0.001), hoarseness (41.7% vs 0%,P< 0.001), neck swelling (66.7% vs 4.2%,P= 0.012), stridor (16.7% vs 0%,P= 0.037), hemoptysis (16.7% vs 0%,P= 0.037), and thoracic trauma (58.3% vs 10.4%,P= 0.001) all showed significant differences. The length of intensive care unit stay (7.42 days vs 3.21 days,P= 0.008), ventilator use (66.7% vs 18.8%,P= 0.002), and tracheostomy (58.3% vs 0%,P< 0.001) were also significantly different.

Conclusions

A significant portion of laryngeal injuries is concurrent with maxillofacial fractures. As a craniofacial surgeon, we should be alert to the signs of laryngeal injury. Diagnosis of laryngeal injuries should be established before definitive surgery for maxillofacial fractures.
Potential retinal biomarkers for dementia: what is new?
Authors: Cheung Carol Y. , Chan Victor T.T. , Mok Vincent C. , Chen Christopher , Wong Tien Y.
Published: December 2018

Purpose of review

To summarize the current findings on clinical retinal diseases and retinal imaging changes with dementia, focusing on Alzheimer's disease.

Recent findings

Studies observed that clinical retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, open-angle glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are related to dementia, but the associations are not entirely consistent. In terms of the retinal neuronal structure, multiple retinal neuronal layers are significantly thinner in Alzheimer's disease dementia, such as the parapapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL). Recent studies further demonstrated that macular GC-IPL and macular RNFL are also significantly thinner in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease. A thinner RNFL is also associated with a significantly increased risk of developing both cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease dementia. In addition, studies consistently showed that retinal vascular changes are associated with poorer cognitive performance, as well as prevalent and incident Alzheimer's disease dementia.

The current findings support the concept that changes in the retina, particular in retinal neuronal structure and vasculature, can reflect the status of cerebral neuronal structure and vasculature, highlighting the potential role of retinal changes as biomarkers of dementia.
Advances in the understanding of headache in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Mollan Susan P. , Hoffmann Jan , Sinclair Alexandra J.
Published: December 2018

Purpose of review

To review the most relevant developments in the understanding of headache in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Recent findings

The phenotype of the typical IIH headache is diverging from the historical thinking of a raised intracranial pressure headache, with the majority being classified as having migraine. A larger proportion of those with IIH have a past medical history of migraine, compared with the general population, highlighting the importance of re-examining those who have a change or escalation in their headache. The mechanisms underlying headache in IIH are not understood. Additionally, factors which confer a poor headache prognosis are not established. It is clear, however, that headache has a detrimental effect on all aspects of the patient's quality of life and is currently ranked highly as a research priority by IIH patients to better understand the pathophysiology of headache in IIH and identification of potential headache specific therapeutic agents.

Headache remains the predominate morbidity in the majority of those with IIH. Headache management is an unmet need in IIH and future studies are required to investigate the probable complex mechanisms, as well as effective management.
Culturomics of Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria in Wheat Phyllosphere Revealed a Divergent Evolutionary Pattern of Photosynthesis Genes in Methylobacterium spp.
Authors: Zervas Athanasios , Zeng Yonghui , Madsen Anne Mette , Hansen Lars H.
Published: December 2018

The phyllosphere is a habitat to a variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, which play a fundamental role in maintaining the health of plants and mediating the interaction between plants and ambient environments. A recent addition to this catalogue of microbial diversity was the aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs (AAPs), a group of widespread bacteria that absorb light through bacteriochlorophyll α (BChl a) to produce energy without fixing carbon or producing molecular oxygen. However, culture representatives of AAPs from phyllosphere and their genome information are lacking, limiting our capability to assess their potential ecological roles in this unique niche. In this study, we investigated the presence of AAPs in the phyllosphere of a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Denmark by employing bacterial colony based infrared imaging and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. A total of ~4480 colonies were screened for the presence of cellular BChl a, resulting in 129 AAP isolates that were further clustered into 25 groups based on MALDI-TOF MS profiling, representatives of which were sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq and Oxford Nanopore MinION platforms. Twenty draft and five complete genomes of AAPs were assembled belonging in Methylobacterium, Rhizobium, Roseomonas and a novel strain in Methylocystaceae. We observed a diverging pattern in the evolutionary rates of photosynthesis genes among the highly homogenous AAP strains of Methylobacterium (Alphaproteobacteria), highlighting an ongoing genomic innovation at the gene cluster level.
Prediction of a plant intracellular metabolite content class using image-based deep learning
Authors: Krishnan Neeraja M , Panda Binay
Published: December 2018

Plant-derived secondary metabolites play a vital role in the food, pharmaceutical, agrochemical and cosmetic industry. Metabolite concentrations are measured after extraction, biochemistry and analyses, requiring time, access to expensive equipment, reagents and specialized skills. Additionally, metabolite concentration often varies widely among plants, even within a small area. A quick method to estimate the metabolite concentration class (high or low) will significantly help in selecting trees yielding high metabolites for the metabolite production process. Here, we demonstrate a deep learning approach to estimate the concentration class of an intracellular metabolite, azadirachtin, using models built with images of leaves and fruits collected from randomly selected Azadirachta indica (neem) trees in an area spanning >500,000 sqkms and their corresponding biochemically measured metabolite concentrations. We divided the input data randomly into training- and test-sets ten times to avoid sampling bias and to optimize the model parameters during cross-validation. The training-set contained >83,000 fruit and >86,000 leaf images. The best models yielded prediction errors of 19.13% and 15.11% (for fruit), and 8% and 26.67% (for leaf), each, for low and high metabolite classes, respectively. We further validated the fruit model using independently collected fruit images from different locations spanning nearly 130,000 sqkms, with 70% accuracy. We developed a desktop application to scan offline image(s) and a mobile application for real-time utility to predict the metabolite content class. Our work demonstrates the use of a deep learning method to estimate the concentration class of an intracellular metabolite using images, and has broad applications and utility.
Muscle-secreted G-CSF as a metabolic niche factor ameliorates loss of muscle stem cell in aged mice
Authors: Li Hu , Chen Qian , Li Changyin , Zhong Ran , Zhao Yixia , Zhang Qianying , Tong Weimin , Zhu Dahai , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2018

Function and number of muscle stem cells (satellite cells, SCs) declines with muscle aging. Although SCs are heterogeneous and different subpopulations have been identified, it remains unknown if a specific subpopulation of muscle SCs selectively decreases during aging. Here, we find Pax7Hi cells are dramatically reduced in aged mice and this aged-dependent loss of Pax7Hi cells is metabolically mediated by myofiber-secreted granulocyte-colony stimulating factor G-CSF as the Pax7Hi SCs are replenished by exercise-induced G-CSF in aged mice. Mechanistically, we show that transcription of G-CSF (Csf3) gene in myofibers is regulated by MyoD in a metabolism-dependent manner and the myofibers-secreted G-CSF acts as a metabolic niche factor required for establishing and maintaining the Pax7Hi SC subpopulation in adult and physiological aged mice by promoting the asymmetric division of Pax7Hi and Pax7Mi SCs. Together, our findings uncover a metabolic niche role of muscle metabolism in regulating Pax7 SC heterogeneity in mice.

Highlights

Single cell RNA-seq unveils Pax7Hi and Pax7Lo cells are two distinct subpopulations.

Pax7Hi SCs are enriched in glycolytic fibers and reduced in aging muscle.

Metabolic niche factor G-CSF is required for regulating dynamic change of Pax7 SCs.

G-CSF replenishes Pax7Hi cells by stimulating asymmetric division of Pax7Mi cells.
Ecosystem models of Lake Victoria (East Africa): exploring the sensitivity of ecosystem effects of fishing to model choice
Authors: Natugonza Vianny , Ainsworth Cameron , Sturludóttir Erla , Musinguzi Laban , Ogutu-Ohwayo Richard , Tomasson Tumi , Nyamweya Chrisphine , Stefansson Gunnar
Published: December 2018

Ecosystem simulation models are valuable tools for strengthening and promoting ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM). However, utility of these models in practical fisheries management is often undermined by lack of simple means to test the effect of uncertainty on model outputs. Recently, the use of multiple ecosystem models has been recommended as an ‘insurance’ against effects of uncertainty that comes with modelling complex systems. The assumption is that if models with different structure and formulation give consistent results, then, policy prescriptions are robust (i.e. less sensitive to model choice). However, information on the behaviour of trends from structurally-distinct ecosystem models with respect to changes in fishing conditions is limited, especially for freshwater systems. In this study, we compared outputs of two ecosystem models, Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) and Atlantis, for Lake Victoria under different fishing pressure scenarios. We compared model behaviour at the ecosystem level, and also at a level of functional groups. At functional group level, we determined two questions: what is the change in the targeted group, and what are the consequent effects in other parts of the system? Overall results suggest that different model formulations can provide similar qualitative predictions (direction of change), especially for targeted groups with similar trophic interactions and adequate data for parameterization and calibration. However, considerable variations in predictions (where models predict opposite trends) may also occur due to inconsistencies in the strength of the aggregate multi-species interactions between species and models, and not necessarily due to model detail and complexity. Therefore, with more information and data, especially on diet, and comparable representation of feeding interactions across models, ecosystem models with distinct structure and formulation can give consistent policy evaluations for most biological groups.
A priori bond-valence and bond-length calculations in rock-forming minerals
Authors: Gagné Olivier Charles , Mercier Patrick H. J. , Hawthorne Frank Christopher
Published: December 2018

Within the framework of the bond-valence model, one may write equations describing the valence-sum rule and the loop rule in terms of the constituent bond valences. These are collectively called the network equations, and can be solved for a specific bond topology to calculate its a priori bond valences. A priori bond valences are the ideal values of bond strengths intrinsic to a given bond topology that depend strictly on the formal valences of the ion at each site in the structure, and the bond-topological characteristics of the structure (i.e. the ion connectivity). The a priori bond valences are calculated for selected rock-forming minerals, beginning with a simple example (magnesiochromite, = 1.379 bits per atom) and progressing through a series of gradually more complex minerals (grossular, diopside, forsterite, fluoro-phlogopite, phlogopite, fluoro-tremolite, tremolite, albite) to finish with epidote (= 4.187 bits per atom). The effects of weak bonds (hydrogen bonds, long Na+—O2− bonds) on the calculation of a priori bond valences and bond lengths are examined. For the selected set of minerals, a priori and observed bond valences and bond lengths scatter closely about the 1:1 line with an average deviation of 0.04 v.u. and 0.048 Å and maximum deviations of 0.16 v.u. and 0.620 Å. The scatter of the corresponding a priori and observed bond lengths is strongly a function of the Lewis acidity of the constituent cation. For cations of high Lewis acidity, the range of differences between the a priori and observed bond lengths is small, whereas for cations of low Lewis acidity, the range of differences between the a priori and observed bond lengths is large. These calculations allow assessment of the strain in a crystal structure and provide a way to examine the effect of bond topology on variation in observed bond lengths for the same ion-pair in different bond topologies.
Neutral 4-phenyl-1-[phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]semicarbazide and its salt forms with inorganic anions
Authors: Araujo Vinicius Oliveira , Tirloni Bárbara , Streit Lívia , Schwade Vânia Denise
Published: December 2018

Semicarbazones can exist in two tautomeric forms. In the solid state, they are found in the keto form. This work presents the synthesis, structures and spectroscopic characterization (IR and NMR spectroscopy) of four such compounds, namely the neutral molecule 4-phenyl-1-[phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]semicarbazide, C19H16N4O, (I), abbreviated as HBzPyS, and three different hydrated salts, namely the chloride dihydrate, C19H17N4O+·Cl−·2H2O, (II), the nitrate dihydrate, C19H17N4O+·NO3
−·2H2O, (III), and the thiocyanate 2.5-hydrate, C19H17N4O+·SCN−·2.5H2O, (IV), of 2-[phenyl({[(phenylcarbamoyl)amino]imino})methyl]pyridinium, abbreviated as [H2BzPyS]+·X
−·nH2O, with X = Cl− and n = 2 for (II), X = NO3
− and n = 2 for (III), and X = SCN− and n = 2.5 for (IV), showing the influence of the anionic form in the intermolecular interactions. Water molecules and counter-ions (chloride or nitrate) are involved in the formation of a two-dimensional arrangement by the establishment of hydrogen bonds with the N—H groups of the cation, stabilizing the E isomers in the solid state. The neutral HBzPyS molecule crystallized as the E isomer due to the existence of weak π–π interactions between pairs of molecules. The calculated IR spectrum of the hydrated [H2BzPyS]+ cation is in good agreement with the experimental results.
The corrosion behavior of X65 steel in CO2/oil/water environment of gathering pipeline
Authors: Cheng Yuanpeng , Bai Yu , Li Zili , Liu JianGuo
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the corrosion behavior of X65 steel in the CO2/oil/water environment using mass loss method, potentiodynamic polarization technique and characterization of the corroded surface techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The weight loss analysis, electrochemical study and surface investigation were carried out on X65 steel that had been immersed in the CO2/oil/water corrosive medium to understand the corrosion behavior of gathering pipeline steel. The weight loss tests were carried out in a 3L autoclave, and effects of flow velocity, CO2 partial pressure and water cut on the CO2 corrosion rate of X65 steel were studied. Electrochemical studies were carried out in a three-electrode electrochemical cell with the test temperature of 60°C and CO2 partial pressure of 1 atm by recording open circuit potential/time and potentiodynamic polarization characteristics. The surface and cross-sectional morphologies of corrosion product scales were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The phases of corrosion product scales were investigated using X-ray diffraction.

Findings

The results showed that corrosion rates of X65 steel both increased at first and then decreased with the increase of flow velocity and CO2 partial pressure, and there were critical velocity and critical pressure in the simulated corrosive environment, below the critical value, the corrosion products formed on the steel surface were loose, porous and unstable, higher than the critical value, the corrosion product ?lms were dense, strong adhesion, and had a certain protective effect. Meanwhile, when the flow velocity exceeded the critical value, oil film could be adsorbed on the steel surface more evenly, corrosion reaction active points were reduced and the steel matrix was protected from being corroded and crude oil played a role of inhibitor, thus it influenced the corrosion rate. Above the critical CO2 partial pressure, the solubility of CO2 in crude oil increased, the viscosity of crude oil decreased and its fluidity became better, so that the probability of oil film adsorption increased, these factors led to the corrosion inhibition of X65 steel reinforced. The corrosion characteristics of gathering pipeline steel in the corrosive environment containing CO2 would change due to the presence of crude oil.

Originality/value

The results can be helpful in selecting the suitable corrosion inhibitors and targeted anti-corrosion measures for CO2/oil/water corrosive environment.
Food-system actors’ perspectives on trust: an international comparison
Authors: Tonkin Emma , Wilson Annabelle M. , Coveney John , Henderson Julie , Meyer Samantha B. , McCarthy Mary Brigid , O’Reilly Seamus , Calnan Michael , McGloin Aileen , Kelly Edel , Ward Paul
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the perspectives of actors who contribute to trust in the food system in four high income countries which have diverse food incident histories: Australia, New Zealand (NZ), the United Kingdom (UK) and the Island of Ireland (IOI), focussing on their communication with the public, and their approach to food system interrelationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in two separate studies: the first in Australia, NZ and the UK (Study 1); and the second on the IOI (Study 2). In-depth interviews were conducted with media, food industry and food regulatory actors across the four regions (n=105, Study 1;n=50, Study 2). Analysis focussed on identifying similarities and differences in the perspectives of actors from the four regions regarding the key themes of communication with the public, and relationships between media, industry and regulators.

Findings

While there were many similarities in the way food system actors from the four regions discussed (re)building trust in the context of a food incident, their perceptions differed in a number of critical ways regarding food system actor use of social media, and the attitudes and approaches towards relationships between food system actors.

Originality/value

This paper outlines opportunities for the regions studied to learn from each other when looking for practical strategies to maximise consumer trust in the food system, particularly relating to the use of social media and attitudes towards role definition in industry–regulator relationships.
Evaluation of provincial integration degree of “internet + industry” based on matrix grey relational analysis
Authors: Yang Lu , Xie Naiming
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a new evaluation system to assess the degree of integration between industry and the internet. And use the gray correlation matrix method to evaluate the “internet + industry” integration degree of China’s provinces.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper establishes a new evaluation system to assess the degree of integration between industry and the internet using the matrix gray relational analysis method.

Findings

The main indexes and its rankings of the provinces’ integration degree and the rankings of the provinces’ integration degree are obtained.

Practical implications

The ranking of the degree of integration of various provinces in the country has certain guiding significance in promoting the development of “internet +” and “industry 4.0.”

Originality/value

Establishing a new model for the quantitative assessment of the degree of fusion, this method has a positive impact on the quantitative assessment of “internet + industrial” integration.
Effects of dissolved solute on unsteady double-diffusive mixed convective flow of a Buongiorno’s two-component nonhomogeneous nanofluid
Authors: Aliakbarzadeh Kashani Davood , Dinarvand Saeed , Pop Ioan , Hayat Tasawar
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to numerically study the unsteady double-diffusive mixed convective stagnation-point flow of a water-based nanofluid accompanied with one salt past a vertical flat plate. The effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters are also introduced through Buongiorno’s two-component nonhomogeneous equilibrium model in the governing equations.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present explanation of double-diffusive mixed convective model, there are four boundary layers entitled: velocity, thermal, solutal concentration and nanoparticle concentration. The resulting basic equations are solved numerically via an efficient Runge–Kutta fourth-order method with shooting technique after the governing nonlinear partial differential equations are converted into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by the use of similarity transformations.

Findings

To avail the physical insight of problem, the effects of the mixed convection parameter, unsteadiness parameter and salt/nanoparticle parameters on the boundary layers behavior are investigated. Moreover, four possible types of diffusion problems entitled: double-diffusive nanofluid (DDNF), double-diffusive regular fluid (DDRF), mono-diffusive nanofluid (MDNF) and mono-diffusive regular fluid (MDRF) are considered to analyze and compare them in concepts of heat and mass transfer.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate that, for a regular fluid, without nanoparticle and salt (MDRF), the dimensionless heat transfer rate is smaller than other diffusion cases. As we include nanoparticle and salt (DDNF), the rate of heat transfer increases due to an increase in thermal conductivity and rate of diffusion of salt. Moreover, it is observed that the highest heat transfer rate is obtained for the situation that the thermophoretic effect of nanoparticles is negligible. Besides, the heat transfer rate enhances with the increase in the regular double-diffusive buoyancy parameter of salt.
Financial inclusion and land ownership status of women
Authors: Balasubramanian Senthil Arasu , Kuppusamy Thenmozhi , Natarajan Thamaraiselvan
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the influence of women’s land ownership status on their inclusion in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional analysis. Data were taken from Global Findex data of World Bank and Indices of social development. Data were analysed using limited information maximum likelihood to establish the relationship between usage of basic financial services and women’s land ownership status variables. The study considers different demographic, social and economic factors as control variables. Socio-economic gender equality index and land ownership status of men are considered as instrumental variables in the estimations for controlling endogeneity problem.

Findings

The study proves that there is a significant influence of women’s land ownership status on their demand and usage of basic financial services. The results show that women who own land alone have a significant relationship for formal account ownership and formal savings but are deprived of formal and informal credit. The results find that women are more likely to avail of formal credit when they are backed by someone else in the family especially men. Irrespective of the wealth quintile to which women belong, they are deprived of credit if they do not own any land. The findings also show that women in higher wealth quintiles are more active in availing credit.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the extent of influence of women’s land ownership status on their demand for basic financial services.

Practical implications

The study recommends appropriate economic and financial policies to encourage women to own, possess and use their land for personal as well as entrepreneurial activities. The study also suggests for policies to encourage women for joint ownership of land for better credit availability.

Social implications

Formal institutions must be more favourable for women in providing credit facilities because women play an essential role in economic development in developing economies.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its type in providing empirical evidence that women’s land ownership status influences their demand for basic financial services in developing countries.
Resource-based theory of college football team competitiveness
Authors: Omondi-Ochieng Peter
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to predict a college football team’s competitiveness using physical resources, human resources and organizational resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by the resource-based theory, the study used archival data of 101 college football teams. The dependent variable was competitiveness (indicated by win-loss records), the independent variables were physical resources (operationalized as home attendance and total revenues), human resources (measured as coaches’ salary and coaches’ experience) and organizational resources (specified as conference rankings and the number of sports). Kendall Tau correlation and binary logistic regression were used to examine the associative and predictive competitive advantages.

Findings

The binary logistic regression model showed an overall percentage predictive correctness of 71.3%, with a NegelkerkeR2of 41.1% of the variance of all predictors – with coaches’ experience, total revenues and home attendance being the best predictors of generating competitive advantages that produced superior win-loss records.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused exclusively on physical, organizational and human resources as sources of competitive advantage and not physiological and/or psychological variables.

Practical implications

College football teams aspiring to be competitive may benefit from this study by applying a three-fold strategy of hiring well-paid high performing and experienced coaches who can increase attendance and revenues.

Originality/value

The study was unique in two ways – one, it made clear the positive significance of coaches’ experience as a source of competitive advantage, and second, it highlighted the catalytic effects of revenues and attendance in fueling competitiveness.
The “next day, free delivery” myth unravelled
Authors: Buldeo Rai Heleen , Verlinde Sara , Macharis Cathy
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Currently, it is unclear how omnichannel retailers can create a last mile offer that is both attractive and sustainable from an economic and environmental point of view. The purpose of this paper is to explore to which extent consumers are willing to adopt last mile options that are more sustainable and how these options should be composed to remain attractive.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, the authors surveyed a representative sample of Belgian consumers, using choice-based conjoint experiments, and analysed their preferences structures.

Findings

Consumers’ preference goes out to free, next day delivery to an address of choice, on regular office hours during the week. However, when free delivery and return are offered, consumers are willing to collect their orders themselves or wait longer for their orders to arrive.

Practical implications

The research findings are important for retailers that (plan to) operate an omnichannel model. For omnichannel retailers with a dense store network, the results indicate that consumers accept their store network as pick-up and return locations, allowing retailers to create a more efficient and sustainable supply chain in which their online and offline activities can be combined.

Originality/value

The research findings contribute to current literature and practice by combining “planet” and “profit” components of sustainability in last mile transport and applying it in the novel omnichannel environment.
A tale of complexity
Authors: Carvalho Hamilton Coimbra , Mazzon José Afonso , Santos Joaquim Rocha
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the development of a framework to address complex social problems. The paper proposes an integrative framework inspired in complexity sciences, using it to explain the demise of cigarettes in recent decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the method of system dynamics to represent the complexity inherent in most social ecosystems where social marketers operate.

Findings

The framework identifies the major determinants of complex problems in social ecosystems, giving emphasis to the role performed by endogenous social structures. The paper presents the results of a simulation replicating the evolution of perceived attractiveness of cigarettes in recent decades, highlighting the role of the Surgeon General’s 1964 report in the USA as a catalyst force that accelerated the process of change.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations derive from the use of the system dynamics method, in particular the high level of aggregation of variables. Implications include the potential for increased cross-fertilization between social marketing and other disciplines concerned with social change.

Practical implications

The eight elements that compose the proposed framework can be identified or applied to any social ecosystem, helping in the identification of points with high leverage for social change.

Social implications

Proper understanding of how complex social problems arise is vital to increase the odds of success of social marketing interventions. The paper also highlights common threads in the development of problems in different social ecosystems.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel framework for addressing the complexity inherent to the social ecosystems where social marketers operate.
Knowledge management as a critical success factor in developing international companies’ organizational learning capability
Authors: Dahou Khadra , Hacini Ishaq , Burgoyne John
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Organizational learning (OL) represents the real value and the heart of strategic management, the focal point to keep track of international development. This paper aims to investigate the effect of knowledge management (KM) on the development of OL capability (OLC) in international hotels installed in Algeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This deductive descriptive case study research examines the impact of KM, using knowledge conversion process (KCP) on the development of OLC. In all, 70 expatriates were targeted to respond to questionnaires, while only 47 were valid for analysis. Multiple regression analysis is used to analyze the influential processes on OLC.

Findings

The socialization, externalization and internalization have a direct positive significant effect on the development of OLC. Socialization is the major influencing factor. However, the combination has no effect on OLC. In sum, KM has an impact on the development of OLC in international hotels in Algeria.

Practical implications

Exhibiting the strong interdependency between KM and OL, expatriates emphasize on KM as the learning facilitator. The international hotels keen to realize KM as major process to build OLC. Socialization and internalization reinforce learning by providing primordial sophisticated tacit knowledge. Externalization generates expertise and strategic knowledge.

Originality/value

First, the research confirms the effect of KM process using KPC on OLC, stimulating learning at all levels; especially, in a developing Arab country, emphasizing the research’s theoretical contribution. The research is of high contribution, first of a kind in exploring the development of OLC in international hotels in the Algerian context; it is a newly emergent market, in its infancy stage, and an alternative that Algeria tries to boost to steer away from petroleum dependency.
The experiences of grandparents raising grandchildren in Indonesia
Authors: Fauziningtyas Rista , Indarwati Retno , Alfriani Delisa , Haryanto Joni , Ulfiana Elida , Efendi Ferry , Nursalam Nursalam , Abdullah Khatijah Lim
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The raising of grandchildren by grandparents is a global phenomenon, and it is common in Indonesia. This is because parents are often unable or unwilling to raise their own children. However, the debate around “grandparenting” is still limited in Indonesia. The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the experience and views of grandparents on “grandparenting.”

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed was qualitative and informed by phenomenology. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 13 grandparents who were raising their grandchildren who were under five years old. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Findings

5 main themes and 13 subthemes emerged from the analysis of the data. The themes were responses, strategies for overcoming negative responses, the grandparents’ role, the reason for raising grandchildren, and the cultural aspect of “grandparenting” in Java. All of the grandparents enjoyed their roles as grandparents. They felt that they helped fulfill their grandchildren’s physical and educational needs.

Social implications

The experience of raising a grandchild can be both positive and negative, depending on the cultural aspects in the Java and the family as a whole system. Grandparents require healthcare and informal support to maintain their well-being.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights into “grandparenting” closely related to social and cultural aspect within the community. Grandparents enjoy being a part of the Javanese tradition. The supportive role of grandparents in Indonesia is important. However, older adults need to balance the role of “grandparenting” and rest time so that they remain healthy and happy.
Retracted: Transforming Growth Factor Beta‐1 Promotes Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration in an Arteriovenous Fistulae: The Role of Wall Shear Stress
Authors: Jia Lan , Wei Fang , Wang Lihua , Chen Haiyan , Yu Haibo , Wang Zhe , Jiang Aili
Published: December 2018

Retraction: Lan Jia, Fang Wei, Lihua Wang, Haiyan Chen, Haibo Yu, Zhe Wang and Aili Jiang “Transforming Growth Factor Beta‐1 Promotes Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration in an Arteriovenous Fistulae: The Role of Wall Shear Stress” Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1744‐9987.12781).

The above article, published online on 06 December 2018 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Tadao Akizawa, and John Wiley and Sons Australia Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to major overlap with a previously published article.
Emerging concepts and challenges in implementing the exposome paradigm in allergic diseases and asthma: a Practall document
Authors: Agache Ioana , Miller Rachel , Gern James E. , Hellings Peter W. , Jutel Marek , Muraro Antonella , Phipatanakul Wanda , Quirce Santiago , Peden David
Published: December 2018

Exposome research can improve the understanding of the mechanistic connections between exposures and health to help mitigate adverse health outcomes across the life span. The exposomic approach provides a risk profile instead of single predictors and thus is particularly applicable to allergic diseases and asthma. Under the PRACTALL collaboration between the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), we evaluated the current concepts and the unmet needs on the role of the exposome in allergic diseases and asthma.
Reproducibility of measuring QRS duration and implications for optimization of interventricular pacing delay in cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Stephansen Charlotte , Kronborg Mads Brix , Witt Christoffer Tobias , Kristensen Jens , Gerdes Christian , Sommer Anders , Jensen Jesper Møller , Nielsen Jens Cosedis
Published: December 2018

Background

QRS narrowing after CRT is a predictor of patient outcome. Further narrowing can be obtained by interventricular pacing delay (VVd) optimization, raising interest to inter and intraobserver variation in manual measurements of QRS duration.

Methods

(a) Variation in intrinsic rhythm QRS duration in CRT patients with LBBB: In 40 intrinsic 12‐lead ECGs, six observers measured QRS duration defined as widest QRS in any lead. In 20 of these ECGs, two observers repeated the measurements. (b) Variation in paced QRS duration at different VVd settings and agreement in selecting the narrowest QRS: In 20 CRT patients, five paced ECGs were recorded at different VVds. The most frequently selected VVd(s) estimated to cause the narrowest QRS in each patient defined the optimal VVd. Two observers repeated the measurements and VVd selections.

Results

Absolute interobserver difference in measured QRS duration in intrinsic rhythm ECGs was mean 2 ms, range (−40; 40 ms), mean limits of agreement (LoA): −21; 25 ms. Absolute interobserver difference in measured QRS duration in paced ECGs was mean 3 ms, range (−50; 60 ms), mean LoA: −20; 27 ms. There was no difference in LoA between intrinsic and paced QRS duration (lower limit p = 0.68; upper limit p = 0.44). The optimal VVd was included in 17/20 (85%) of the VVd selections by six observers. Interobserver variation was comparable with the intraobserver variation.

Conclusions

Interobserver variation and intraobserver variation in manually measured paced and intrinsic rhythm QRS duration are clinically acceptable and comparable in a cohort of CRT patients. Inter and intraobserver reproducibility for selecting the optimal VVd is good and warrants manual VVd optimization for QRS narrowing in CRT.
Enhancing Understanding of the Emergence of Global Trade: Analysis of 17th‐ to 19th‐Century Spanish Coins Recovered from Western Australian Shipwrecks Using Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS)
Authors: Gentelli L.
Published: December 2018

This research uses legacy data from shipwrecks to further our understanding of global silver movement in the 17th to 19th centuries by analysing a collection of silver coins held by the Western Australian Museum. Three hundred and eighty‐nine silver coins were analysed for their trace element fingerprint in order to identify provenance. The coins are a selection from the ships Batavia, Vergulde Draeck, Zuytdorp, Rapid and Correio da Azia, all wrecked off the coast of Western Australia between 1629 and 1816. Analysis was undertaken using laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS), a relatively non‐destructive technique with a sensitivity of parts per million to parts per billion. Data were interpreted using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), which allowed the coins of known provenance to be sorted into identifiable subgroups on the basis of their trace and minor elemental fingerprints, while 27 unidentified coins were compared with this database and their mint of origin predicted. These results have implications for the provenance determination of archaeological artefacts of many materials.
Effect of microbial inoculants on the fermentation characteristics, nutritive value, and in vitro digestibility of various forages
Authors: Wang Siran , Li Junfeng , Dong Zhihao , Chen Lei , Shao Tao
Published: December 2018

This study was aimed to examine the characteristics of three isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains (HG24, M1, and TG1), and to evaluate their effects on fermentation characteristics, nutritive value, and in vitro digestibility in a variety of substrates. The experiments were conducted with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schred.), and oat (Avena sativa L.) in laboratory silo (1 L) for ensiling 30 days. All the treated silages had significantly (p < 0.05) higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and lower undesirable microorganism populations compared with controls. In Italian ryegrass and oat silages, all the inoculants improved the fermentation quality, evidenced by distinctly (p < 0.05) higher LA contents and ratios of LA to acetic acid, and lower pH, butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen contents. Strains HG24 and commercial inoculant G (Lactobacillus plantarum MTD‐1) performed better than strains M1 and TG1, indicated by obviously (p < 0.05) higher LA contents, LAB numbers, and IVDMD. In tall fescue silage, all the isolated LAB strains (HG24, M1 and TG1) markedly (p < 0.05) increased IVDMD compared with strain G. Strain HG24 is recommended as a good LAB inoculant for ensiling in various forages.
Particle size and gastrointestinal absorption influence tiotropium pharmacokinetics: a pilot bioequivalence study of PUR0200 and Spiriva HandiHaler
Authors: Perry Jason , Trautman Brian , Takher‐Smith Joe , Kramer Steve , Kane Katie , Silverman Michael , Tan Lisa , Haughie Scott , Richter Wolfram , Kirkov Valentin , Arsova Sacha , Ward Jonathan , Hava David L.
Published: December 2018

Aims

Plasma pharmacokinetics permit the assessment of efficacy and safety of inhaled drugs, and possibly their bioequivalence to other inhaled products. Correlating drug product attributes to lung deposited dose is important to achieving equivalence. PUR0200 is a spray‐dried formulation of tiotropium that enables more efficient lung delivery than Spiriva® HandiHaler® (HH). The ratio of tiotropium lung‐to‐oral deposition in PUR0200 was varied to investigate the impact of particle size on tiotropium pharmacokinetics, and the contribution of oral absorption to tiotropium exposure was assessed using charcoal block.

Methods

A seven‐period, single‐dose, crossover study was performed in healthy subjects. PUR0200 formulations differing in dose and aerodynamic particle size were administered in five periods and Spiriva HH in two periods. In one period, Spiriva HH gastrointestinal absorption was blocked with oral charcoal. Tiotropium plasma concentrations were assessed over 8 h after inhalation.

Results

PUR0200 pharmacokinetics were influenced by aerodynamic particle size and the ratio of lung‐to‐oral deposition, with impactor sized mass (ISM) correlating most strongly with exposure. Formulation PUR0217a (3 μg tiotropium) lung deposition was similar to Spiriva HH (18 μg) with and without charcoal block, but total PUR0200 exposure was lower without charcoal. The Cmax and AUC0–0.5h of Spiriva HH with and without charcoal block were bioequivalent; however, Spiriva HH AUC0–8h was lower when gastrointestinal absorption was inhibited with oral charcoal administration.

Conclusions

Pharmacokinetic bioequivalence indicative of lung deposition and efficacy can be achieved by matching the reference product ISM. Due to reduced oral deposition and more efficient lung delivery, PUR0200 results in a lower AUC0–t than Spiriva HH due to reduced absorption of drug from the gastrointestinal tract.