bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lean Six Sigma education in manufacturing companies: the case of transitioning markets
Authors: Kavčič Klemen , Gošnik Dušan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

In the global economy, managers are constantly innovating with their use of available Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools. Some factors, such as training and the right educational goals, have gained strong global acceptance. The purpose of this paper is to focus on contributions to organizational factors that predict organizations usage of LSS management tools to investigate expectations of project managers prior to LSS education and the extent of fulfilment of those expectations following LSS education in Slovenia, an East European country.

Design/methodology/approach

This research provides an empirical analysis of LSS as a learning structure and the characteristics of LSS project managers, followed by the results of an analysis of LSS usage in manufacturing companies in Slovenia following comparative surveys carried out in 2008 and 2013.

Findings

The top four essential characteristics for LSS organizations in 2013 include: being an innovative LSS project manager; being an effective communicator; having networking ability; and being a positive thinker. Results from 2008 to 2013 have shown differences in the stages of LSS implementation in Slovenia in these years. Differences were also seen in the level of participants’ LSS training in the studies performed.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first ever comparison study regarding the status of LSS education in transition countries, such as in Slovenian manufacturing companies. The study shows the expectations of participants before LSS education and their fulfilment following it. The research is original in many aspects: it includes aspects of external and internal LSS training in companies, it focusses on the manufacturing companies in the transition country of Slovenia and it provides a comparison of results in 2008 and in 2013 and an overview of the progress of LSS education. The paper will be of great value to academics, consultants, researchers, practitioners of LSS, current and future management and owners of companies in Slovenia and other similar East European transition countries. The findings will be useful in business practice for understanding the influences of education and training factors on LSS management tool usage.
Advertising decisions of new and remanufactured products under direct sales model
Authors: Li Wei , Ouyang Mi
Published: December 2016

Purpose

There are manufacturer, remanufacturer and advertising agency in the study. The first manufacturer is a traditional manufacturer that produces new product, while the second one operates a reverse channel producing remanufactured products from used cores. Both manufacturers bundle their products with advertisement and outsource advertising services to agents. The agents independently determine the advertising levels and take the advertising prices from manufacturers. The purpose of this paper is to study the advertising decisions of new and remanufactured products under direct-sales model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, it is assumed that the remanufacturer invests extra effort in facilitating the remanufacturing process. First, the authors establish a noncooperative Stackelberg model, where the manufacturers are the leaders and the agents are the followers. And the authors solve the equilibrium strategies backward in this two-stage model. Second, the authors observe the equilibrium characteristics with respect to the advertising price and level decisions for all members in the supply chain. The third, the authors also investigate the competition between two products and the profits of chain members. Based on the theoretical and numerical analysis, the authors derive economic and managerial insights for chain members.

Findings

The analysis generates the following insights. First, advertising prices and levels decrease with the increase of ultimate cost of advertising and product unit cost. Second, with greater cost-savings, remanufactured products have advantages over new products in advertising price, level and market demand. Third, when advertising elasticity is greater, remanufactured products are superior to new products in demand, advertising price and level, and remanufactured products become more competent than new products. Manufacturers and agents would like to choose the products with high advertising elasticity for remanufacturing or advertising, respectively, to pursue their maximum profits.

Originality/value

The contribution is constructive as no prior research has abstracted advertising service and regarded agents as chain members in a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with remanufacturing. Besides, the results also provide guidelines for choosing marketing strategies for advertising price and level decisions under CLSC condition.
Non-linear study of delamination cracks in multilayered beams
Authors: Rizov Victor
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with an analytical investigation of delamination fracture in the mixed-mode bending (MMB) multilayer beam configurations taking into account the material non-linearity.

Design/methodology/approach

The J-integral approach was applied in fracture analysis. The beam layers non-linear mechanical response was described by using a power-law stress-strain relation with four material constants. Analytical solutions of the J-integral were derived by using the technical beam theory. The fracture analysis developed is valid for MMB beams whose layers may have different thicknesses. Also, the values of material constants in the non-linear stress-strain equation may be different for each layer.

Findings

The effect of material constants, crack location and layer thicknesses on the non-linear fracture was evaluated. The analytical solutions obtained are very suitable for parametric studies of non-linear fracture behaviour. The approach developed here can be used for optimization of multilayered beam structures with respect to the delamination fracture performance. The present study can also be useful for the understanding of fracture in multilayered beams exhibiting material non-linearity.

Originality/value

For the first time, an analytical study was performed of the delamination fracture behaviour of the MMB multilayered beam configuration taking into account the material non-linearity.
On optimization of growth from gas phase in a vertical reactor with account native convection to improve properties of films
Authors: Pankratov Evgeny L. , Bulaeva Elena A.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: analyze the changing properties of epitaxial layers, manufactured in the considered reactor, with the changing parameters of the growth taking into account native convection; and development of the most common analytical approach to describe the technological process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a vertical reactor for gas phase epitaxy is considered that consists of an external casing, a keeper of substrate with a substrate and a spiral around the casing in area of the growth zone to generate induction heating in order to activate the chemical reactions in the decay of reagents and the growth of the epitaxial layer by using the reagents. The authors introduce an analytical approach to analyze nonlinear mass and heat transport with account variation in space and time parameters.

Findings

The authors find conditions to improve properties of epitaxial layers.

Originality/value

Growth regimes at atmospheric and low pressure have been compared and analyzed for their influence of the native convection on the growth of the epitaxial layers. Accounting for the calculated results, recommendations have been formulated to improve the properties of the epitaxial layers.
An analytical approach for analysis and optimization of formation of field-effect heterotransistors
Authors: Pankratov Evgeny L. , Bulaeva Elena A.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and optimize the formation of field-effect heterotransistors using analytical approach. The approach makes it possible to analyze mass and heat transport in a multilayer structure without cross-linking of solutions on interfaces between layers of the multilayer structure. The optimization makes it possible to decrease dimensions of the heterotransistors and to increase speed of transport of charge carriers during functioning of the transistors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce an analytical approach for analysis of mass and heat transport, which makes it possible to take into account at one time varying in space and time parameters of the transports (diffusion coefficient, heat conduction coefficient, etc.) and nonlinearity of processes. The approach enables analysis of mass and heat transport in a multilayer structure without cross-linking of solutions on interfaces between layers of the multilayer structure and optimises the technological process. The optimization means it is possible to decrease dimensions of field-effect heterotransistors.

Findings

In this paper the authors introduce an approach to manufacture a field-effect heterotransistor with inhomogeneous doping of channel. Some recommendations to optimize technological process to manufacture more compact distribution of concentration of dopant have been formulated.

Originality/value

The results are original and the paper provides an approach to the manufacture of a field-effect heterotransistor.
Do bank lending relationships affect corporate cash policy?
Authors: Hu Huajing , Lian Yili , Su Chih-Huei
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether prior bank lending relationships affect firms’ liquidity management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors mainly work on evaluating first, whether prior lending relationships affect corporate cash holdings? and second, whether the cash flow sensitivity of cash varies systemically with lending relationships. Three different ways are used to define lending relationships, including the lending relationship dummy, a firm’s maximum relationship intensity in terms of number of deals across all lenders and a firm’s maximum relationship intensity in terms of dollar amounts across all lenders. In addition, the paper applies two-stage least squares (2SLS) to address the concern of endogeneity between firms’ liquidity management and banking relationships.

Findings

The authors find that firms with lending relationships maintain a lower level of cash holdings and save less cash out of cash flow. Furthermore, the effect of lending relationships is more profound for firms with high cash flow. The results suggest that prior lending relations alleviate information asymmetry, lower the cost of capital and therefore affect firms’ propensity to retain cash and maintain a high level of cash holdings.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to both the liquidity management literature and the literature on the value of maintaining lending relationships with banks. Researchers should take into consideration the lending relationships built over the course of the lending when assessing firms’ cash policies.

Social implications

Bank lending relationship mitigates the information asymmetry problem, one type of market friction, and facilitates firms’ future external financing, thereby affecting firms’ cash policies and giving more flexibility in liquidity management. The value of lending relationships distinguishes bank loans from public bonds. Therefore, firms, especially those facing more information asymmetry issue, should take into account the benefits from lending relationships in their future debt financing.

Originality/value

Extant literature examines how firm characteristics affect firms’ cash holdings. This paper introduces a new factor that could explain corporate cash policy.
A day in the life of a Ménière's patient: understanding the lived experiences and mental health impacts of Ménière's disease
Authors: Bell Sarah L. , Tyrrell Jessica , Phoenix Cassandra
Published: December 2016

Concepts of social practice are increasingly being used to understand experiences of everyday life, particularly in relation to consumption and healthy lifestyles. This article builds on this in the context of lives disrupted and reshaped by chronic illness. It uses social practice theory to examine the lived experiences of individuals with Ménière's disease; a long‐term progressive vestibular disorder, defined by episodes of severe and debilitating vertigo, aural fullness, tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss. Drawing on the findings of 20 in‐depth narrative interviews with Ménière's patients, and eight spousal/partner interviews, we explore the impacts of the condition on sensory, temporal, spatial and social dimensions of the body. In doing so, we highlight the intensely embodied sensory and emotional work required to maintain connections between the ‘competences’, ‘materials’ and ‘meanings’ that constitute and sustain the performance of both mundane and meaningful social practices over time. As connections between these elements of social practice are disrupted during more active phases of the condition, affected individuals may be defected from old practices and recruited to new ones, often requiring both time and social support to find meaning or pleasure in these alternative ways of being in the world.
Influence of the addition of microencapsulated Swiss cheese bioaroma on the technical and sensory qualities of cheese bread
Authors: Silva Eric Keven , Toledo Hijo Ariel Antonio C , da Costa Joyce Maria G , Marques Gerson R , Pereira Joelma , Borges Soraia V
Published: November 2016

This study evaluated the influence of the powdered bioaroma of Swiss cheese on the technical and sensory qualities of cheese bread. The methodology of the internal preference mapping was applied. The results revealed that cheese breads containing powdered bioaroma of Swiss cheese showed high sensorial quality in terms of aroma, flavour, global acceptance and intent to purchase. The addition of the powdered bioaroma positively influenced the texture, the main parameter of acceptance. The technical quality parameters of density and water activity were constant with increasing flavouring concentration, except for samples with 6.6% Swiss cheese bioaroma powder that showed higher values of density. The multidimensional preference analysis confirmed the anova results, allowing for the clear observation of the segmentation of consumers according to the sensory characteristics of the samples (0.0, 2.2, 4.4 and 6.6% bioaroma). Sensory analysis showed that consumers preferred samples having 6.6% bioaroma.
Risk Behaviours and Grazing Land Management: A Framed Field Experiment and Linkages to Range Land Condition
Authors: Gregg Daniel , Rolfe John
Published: November 2016

We use a framed field experiment considering hypothetical stocking rate decisions made by grazing enterprise managers and estimate non‐linear multinomial logit models for a range of nested non‐expected utility and expected utility models. The risk and decision‐bias parameters for five models estimated for individual responses are shown to be significantly related to land condition but in ways which suggest behavioural aspects of decision making are critical in understanding land management and stocking rate decisions. Our results show that individual heterogeneity in decision making amongst farming groups is likely to be a significant source of variation in farming intensity and technology adoption decisions. This heterogeneity does not appear to be a reflection of socio‐demographic characteristics. Furthermore, decision functions appear to be biased toward selection of simpler representative functions (e.g. Expected Utility) for sample averages. This suggests that experimental findings that Expected Utility is representative for actual decisions may be due to sample averaging rather than reflect actual behaviour.
Cardiovascular and Stroke Risk in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hasegawa Jumpei , Bieber Brian , Larkina Maria , Robinson Bruce M. , Wakai Sachiko , Akizawa Tadao , Saito Akira , Fukuhara Shunichi , Akiba Takashi
Published: November 2016

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias in hemodialysis patients. We evaluated its clinical outcomes among hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation in Japan. Using data derived from the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study, we analyzed backgrounds and outcomes among hemodialysis patients with and without atrial fibrillation in Japan. Among 7002 hemodialysis patients, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 5.7% and the incidence was 0.2 per 100 patient‐years. Atrial fibrillation was independently associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.71) and cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.68), but not with stroke events (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–1.06) after adjustment for other variables. We conclude that patients with atrial fibrillation experienced higher mortality and more cardiovascular events than did patients without atrial fibrillation, although the risk of stroke was lower than expected.
Bixalomer in Hyperphosphatemic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Not on Dialysis: Phase 3 Randomized Trial
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Origasa Hideki , Kameoka Chisato , Tsukada Junko , Kuroishi Kentarou , Yamaguchi Yusuke
Published: November 2016

Currently, calcium‐ or metal‐containing phosphate binders are available to treat hyperphosphatemia in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. Bixalomer, a non‐calcium, metal‐free phosphate binder, has not been studied in these patients. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of bixalomer versus placebo for treatment of hyperphosphatemia in Japanese predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. This multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, phase 3 trial, randomized eligible patients 1:1 to receive bixalomer or placebo for 12 weeks. Bixalomer was started at 1500 mg/day and adjusted up to 7500 mg/day depending on serum phosphorus concentrations. The primary endpoint was change in serum phosphorus concentration from baseline to end of treatment. After a 4‐week pre‐investigational period, 163 patients (bixalomer: N = 81; placebo: N = 82) were randomized. The adjusted mean change (95% confidence interval) from baseline to end of treatment in serum phosphorus was significantly greater with bixalomer (–0.78 [–0.98, –0.57] mg/dL) versus placebo (0.20 [–0.00, 0.41] mg/dL); mean difference: –0.98 (–1.27, –0.69), P < 0.001. At end of treatment, 57.5% of bixalomer‐treated patients achieved target serum phosphorus concentrations, mean serum intact parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor‐23 decreased, and there were no significant changes in corrected serum calcium. The safety and tolerability of bixalomer was similar to placebo. The most common drug‐related adverse events were gastrointestinal (>24% patients per group). There was a significant increase in bicarbonate concentrations with bixalomer versus placebo (P = 0.003). Bixalomer was superior to placebo for hyperphosphatemia in Japanese predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease and may constitute a new treatment option.
Preoperative computed tomography diagnosis of non‐recurrent laryngeal nerve in patients with esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Niu Zhong‐Xi , Zhang Hang , Chen Long‐Qi , Shi Hui , Peng Jun , Su Li‐Wei , Li Wei , Xiao Bo , He Shu , Yue Hong‐Xu
Published: December 2016

Background

The non‐recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare but potentially serious anomaly that is commonly associated with the aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). It is easy to damage during surgical resection of esophageal cancer, leading to severe complications.

Methods

Preoperative enhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans of 2697 patients with esophageal carcinoma treated in our hospital between January 2010 and December 2013 were examined. We classified the positional relationship between the right subclavian artery and the membranous wall of the trachea into two types and used this method to predicate NRLN by identifying ARSA.

Results

Twenty‐six patients (0.96%) were identified with ARSA, all of which were cases of NRLN by CT. NRLN was identified during surgery in the 26 patients, and a normal right recurrent laryngeal nerve was observed in 2671 patients. The ARSA was detected on the dorsal side of the membranous wall of the trachea in all 26 NRLN cases, while it was detected on the ventral side in all 2671 recurrent laryngeal nerve cases.

Conclusion

Enhanced CT scanning is a reliable method for predicting NRLN by identifying ARSA. Preoperative recognition of this nerve anomaly allows surgeons to avoid damaging the nerve and abnormal vessels during esophagectomy.
The evolving role of large and medium farms on Brazilian agriculture
Authors: Ferreira Filho Joaquim Bento de Souza , Vian Carlos Eduardo de Freitas
Published: November 2016

We use Brazilian agricultural censuses data since 1970 to describe land structure evolution in Brazil, focusing on the most important agricultural commodities and livestock products across regions. The analysis reveals a remarkable stability in the number of farms in the period, as well as in the structure of land distribution across farm sizes, with a persistence of a dual agricultural structure. Land distribution, as measured by the GINI index, has changed very little and is still very high. The number of large farms is increasing significantly in time, while the number of farms with area below 500 ha changed little in the 1970–2006 period. Medium‐sized and large farms, although heavily outweighed in numbers, account for the highest share of annual crop production currently, and their share in crop (annual plus permanent) production value increased between 1980 and 2006, while the same share decreased for smaller farms. We conclude that the observed stability will probably reduce in the future, as economic forces will likely change the balance in favor of an increase in the number of large farms. This is an issue of obvious political importance, especially considering the importance of the smaller farms for employment in agriculture.
Improving the speed of adoption of agricultural technologies and farm performance through farmer groups: evidence from the Great Lakes region of Africa
Authors: Ainembabazi John Herbert , van Asten Piet , Vanlauwe Bernard , Ouma Emily , Blomme Guy , Birachi Eliud Abucheli , Nguezet Paul Martin Dontsop , Mignouna Djana Babatima , Manyong Victor M.
Published: December 2016

The article examines the effect of membership in farmer groups (MFG) on adoption lag of agricultural technologies and farm performance in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. We use duration and stochastic production frontier models on farm household data. We find that the longer the duration of MFG, the shorter the adoption lag and much more so if combined with extension service delivery. Farmer groups function as an important mechanism for improving farm productivity through reduced technical inefficiency in input use. We discuss policy implications under which farmer groups are a useful channel to reduce adoption lag, and the means through which improved farm performance can be achieved.
The cost‐effectiveness of testing for NS5a resistance‐associated polymorphisms at baseline in genotype 1a‐infected (treatment‐naïve and treatment‐experienced) subjects treated with all‐oral elbasvir/grazoprevir regimens in the United States
Authors: Elbasha E. H. , Robertson M. N. , Nwankwo C.
Published: December 2016

Background

The presence of baseline NS5A resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) impacted treatment response in HCV genotype 1a (GT1a)‐infected patients treated with elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) for 12 weeks, but not patients treated with EBR/GZR and ribavirin (RBV) for 16 weeks.

Aims

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of baseline testing for NS5A RAVs in EBR/GZR‐treated patients compared without testing, and with current treatments for GT1a patients.

Methods

We simulated the course of treatment with EBR/GZR, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir+dasabuvir (3D) with or without RBV and natural history of disease of GT1a patients. Treatment‐related data from clinical trials were used in a state‐transition model of the natural history of chronic HCV GT1a infection and liver disease to project lifetime costs (US$2015) and quality‐adjusted life years (QALY). Other clinical and economic inputs were estimated from published sources. We conducted base case and sensitivity analyses.

Results

RAVs testing‐guided treatment with EBR/GZR resulted in more QALYs than EBR/GZR without testing, 3D+RBV, or LDV/SOF8. This strategy was cost‐saving relative to 3D+RBV or LDV/SOF8 and was cost‐effective compared with EBR/GZR without testing. LDV/SOF12 was not cost‐effective compared with the EBR/GZR RAVs testing‐based strategy. Treatment with EBR/GZR guided by RAVs testing is the most effective regimen among treatment‐experienced patients without cirrhosis and cirrhotic patients. In sensitivity analysis, RAVs testing was cost‐effective in 48–55% and 63–85% among noncirrhotic and cirrhotic patients respectively.

Conclusions

RAVs testing before treatment with EBR/GZR is likely to be a cost‐effective alternative to the use of EBR/GZR without testing, LDV/SOF, or 3D among GT1a treatment‐naïve or treatment‐experienced patients.
Effects of dietary heme iron and exercise training on abdominal fat accumulation and lipid metabolism in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Katsumura Masanori , Takagi Shoko , Oya Hana , Tamura Shohei , Saneyasu Takaoki , Honda Kazuhisa , Kamisoyama Hiroshi
Published: December 2016

Animal by‐products can be recycled and used as sources of essential nutrients. Water‐soluble heme iron (WSHI), a functional food additive for supplementing iron, is produced by processing animal blood. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of 3% WSHI and exercise training for 4 weeks on the accumulation of abdominal fat and lipid metabolism in mice fed high‐fat diet. Exercise‐trained mice had significantly less perirenal adipose tissue, whereas WSHI‐fed mice tended to have less epididymal adipose tissue. In addition, total weight of abdominal adipose tissues was significantly decreased in the Exercise + WSHI group. Dietary WSHI significantly increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of lipoprotein lipase and hormone‐sensitive lipase. WSHI‐fed mice also tended to show increased mRNA levels of adipose triglyceride lipase in their epididymal adipose tissue. Dietary WSHI also significantly decreased the mRNA levels of fatty acid oxidation‐related enzymes in the liver, but did not influence levels in the Gastrocnemius muscle. Exercise training did not influence the mRNA levels of lipid metabolism‐related enzymes in the epididymal adipose tissue, liver or the Gastrocnemius muscle. These findings suggest that the accumulation of abdominal fat can be efficiently decreased by the combination of dietary WSHI and exercise training in mice fed high‐fat diet.
Meat quality and intramuscular fatty acid composition of Catria Horse
Authors: Trombetta Maria Federica , Nocelli Francesco , Pasquini Marina
Published: December 2016

In order to extend scientific knowledge on autochthonous Italian equine meat, the physical–chemical parameters of Catria Horse Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle and its nutritional characteristics have been investigated. Ten steaks of Catria foal raised at pasture and fattened indoors for 2 months were dissected, and LT muscle was analyzed for chemical composition, total iron, drip loss, colorimetric characteristics, intramuscular fat, fatty acid profile and nutritional indexes. Steak dissection showed that LT muscle accounted for 36.78% and fat accounted for 9.19% of weight of steak. Regarding chemical composition, protein and fat content was 20.31% and 2.83%, respectively. Total iron content (1.95 mg/100 g) was lower than data reported in the literature. Color parameters showed a luminous and intense red hue muscle. The sum of unsaturated fatty acid composition (50.3%) was higher than the sum of saturated fatty acids (46.64 %). The fatty acid profile and nutritional values of Catria Horse meat could be modified adopting extensive rearing systems and grazing. The data suggests that further investigation on the composition of Catria Horse meat should be carried out to valorize this autochthonous breed, reared in sustainable livestock systems, and its meat in local short‐chain systems.
The structure of anoline (Reptilia: Dactyloidae: Anolis) toe pads in relation to substratum conformity
Authors: Russell Anthony P.
Published: December 2016

Adhesive toe pads of geckos house modified components of vascular and/or connective tissues that promote conformity of the setal fields with the locomotor substratum. Similar modifications have been claimed for the digits of Anolis, but evidence for them is not compelling. Angiographic and histological investigations of Anolis failed to identify any evidence of either an intralamellar vascular reticular network or a central sinus. Instead, their vascularity more closely resembles that of lizards in general than that of pad‐bearing geckos. The loose connective tissue of the toe pads likely contributes to their general pliability and flexibility, promoting localized compliance with the substratum. Through the shedding cycle, the lamellae change shape as the replacing setae elongate. The outer epidermal generation lacunar cells on the inner lamellar faces simultaneously hypertrophy, providing for compatibility between overlapping lamellae, enabling reciprocity between them. This contributes to continuing compliance of the setal fields with the substratum. Overall, digital structure and attachment and release kinematics of the toe pads of Anolis are very similar to those of geckos exhibiting an incipient adhesive mechanism. Both lack major anatomical specializations for promoting conformity of the setae with the locomotor substratum beyond those of the seta‐bearing portions of the epidermis.
The Federal Dilemma: Organisational Strategies and the Consolidation of Parties in Mexico and Argentina
Authors: OLMEDA JUAN C. , SUAREZ‐CAO JULIETA
Published: November 2016

What accounts for the consolidation of party organisations? The specialised literature has stressed the importance of institutions in shaping the ways in which political parties organise. However, little attention has been paid to the role of federalism. We argue that in federal settings, party territorial organisational strategies condition their capacity to become consolidated parties. We illustrate our theory with an analysis of the development of conservative parties in Argentina and Mexico to explain their different levels of consolidation.
Restructuring development expertise and labour in the CIDA‐DFAIT merger
Authors: Essex Jamey , Carmichael Logan
Published: December 2016

Key Messages

In 2013, the Canadian federal government amalgamated its development, foreign, and trade policy institutions into a single department.

We examine this merger by focusing on development experts from the Canadian International Development Agency who have moved into the amalgamated department.

The merger is producing far‐reaching changes in institutional culture, bureaucratic structures, and labour relations as the new department takes shape.
Slow science, the geographical expedition, and Critical Physical Geography
Authors: Lane Stuart N.
Published: December 2016

Key Messages

Isabelle Stengers' critique of 21st‐century science points to the need to change how we relate to the subjects that we study, under the umbrella of “slow science.”

Human geographer William Bunge's notion of geographical expedition may be a means of doing this, even if “expedition” is a term to be used cautiously.

Slow science may allow a more creative and critical Physical Geography centred on the very curiosity that makes being a scientist so interesting.
Graph theoretical analysis, insilico modeling, design, and synthesis of compounds containing benzimidazole skeleton as antidepressant agents
Authors: Theivendren Panneerselvam , Subramanian Arumugam , Murugan Indhumathy , Joshi Shrinivas D. , More Uttam A.
Published: December 2016

In this study, drug target was identified using KEGG database and network analysis through Cytoscape software. Designed series of novel benzimidazoles were taken along with reference standard Flibanserin for insilico modeling. The novel 4‐(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐N‐(substituted phenyl)‐4‐oxobutanamide (3a–j) analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their antidepressant activity. Reaction of 4‐(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐4‐oxobutanoic acid (1) with 4‐(1H‐benzo [d] imidazol‐2‐yl)‐4‐oxobutanoyl chloride (2) furnished novel 4‐(1H‐benzo [d] imidazol‐2‐yl)‐N‐(substituted phenyl)‐4‐oxobutanamide (3a–j). All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, and mass spectral analysis. The antidepressant activities of synthesized derivatives were compared with standard drug clomipramine at a dose level of 20 mg/kg. Among the derivatives tested, most of the compounds were found to have potent activity against depression. The high level of activity was shown by the compounds 3d, 3e, 3i, and it significantly reduced the duration of immobility time at the dose level of 50 mg/kg.
Leaving foster or residential care: a participatory study of care leavers' experiences of health and social care transitions
Authors: Liabo K. , McKenna C. , Ingold A. , Roberts H.
Published: November 2016

Background

Young people in residential or foster care experience multiple transitions around their 18th birthday without the long term and consistent support from their family of origin that most of their peers can expect. We report a mixed methods qualitative study of transitions across health and social care services for children leaving care, providing narratives of what young people described as positive, and what they and professionals think might be improved.

Methods

Data were collected in participatory meetings and individual interviews between young people and researchers (n = 24) and individual interviews with practitioners (n = 11). In addition to discussion and interview techniques, we used pictorial and other participatory methods. Interviews were coded by three members of the team and differences resolved with a fourth. Our analysis draws on thematic and framework approaches.

Results

Health was rarely at the top of any young person's agenda, although gaps in health care and exceptional care were both described. Housing, financial support and education took priority. Young people and professionals alike emphasized the importance of workers prepared to go the extra mile; of young people being able to contact professionals; and professionals being able to contact one another.

Conclusions

Policy and practice aspirations for care leavers recommend gradual change but transfer rather than transition continues to be described by care leavers. Our data support the need for transition as a long‐term process, with children and young people having early opportunities to prepare for citizenship.
Infant Attention Is Dynamically Modulated With Changing Arousal Levels
Authors: de Barbaro Kaya , Clackson Kaili , Wass Sam V.
Published: December 2016

Traditional accounts of developing attention and cognition emphasize static individual differences in information encoding; however, work from Aston‐Jones et al. suggests that looking behavior may be dynamically influenced by autonomic arousal. To test this model, a 20‐min testing battery constituting mixed photos and cartoon clips was shown to 53 typical 12‐month‐olds. Look duration was recorded to index attention, and continuous changes in arousal were tracked by measuring heart rate, electrodermal activity, and movement levels. Across three analyses, we found that continuous changes in arousal tracked simultaneous changes in attention measures, as predicted by the Aston‐Jones model. It was also found that changes in arousal tended to precede (occur before) subsequent changes in attention. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Representation of an Action: Tragedy between Kant and Hegel
Authors: Cooper Andrew
Published: December 2016

Hegel's theory of tragedy has polarized critics. In the past, many philosophers have claimed that Hegel's theory of tragedy removes Kant's critical insights and returns to pre‐critical metaphysics. More recently, several have argued that Hegel does not break faith with tragic experience but allows philosophy to be transformed by tragedy. In this paper I examine the strength of this revised position. First I show that it identifies Hegel's insightful critique of Kant's theoretical assumptions. Yet I then argue that it fails to note the practical importance of Kant's separation of knowledge and aesthetics. I propose an alternative approach to tragedy that builds from the revised view and yet maintains the autonomy of aesthetics. Tragedy represents an action, a set of events that are internally unified and yet cannot be reduced to theory. This is to say that tragedy confronts us with an aesthetic sphere of making and doing that, while constrained, is incessantly open and free.
Nutritional considerations for horses with colitis. Part 2: Parenteral nutrition, new nutritional considerations and specific dietary recommendations
Authors: Magdesian K. G. , Bozorgmanesh R.
Published: December 2016

Horses with colitis often do not have adequate voluntary intake of feeds to support recovery. In addition, they may not tolerate forced enteral feeding, due to ileus, abdominal distention, or colic. Parenteral nutrition is the appropriate form of nutritional support in these cases. This review provides guidelines for selection of cases for parenteral nutrition (PN), as well as steps to institute it. Guidelines for dextrose and insulin therapy are also provided. New nutritional considerations, as well as probiotics, for critically ill horses are discussed. Recommendations are provided for specific forms of colonic disorders.
Key Elements of a Family Intervention for Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Analysis of an RCT
Authors: Grácio Jaime , Gonçalves‐Pereira Manuel , Leff Julian
Published: November 2016

Schizophrenia is a complex biopsychosocial condition in which expressed emotion in family members is a robust predictor of relapse. Not surprisingly, family interventions are remarkably effective and thus recommended in current treatment guidelines. Their key elements seem to be common therapeutic factors, followed by education and coping skills training. However, few studies have explored these key elements and the process of the intervention itself. We conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the records from a pioneering family intervention trial addressing expressed emotion, published by Leff and colleagues four decades ago. Records were analyzed into categories and data explored using descriptive statistics. This was complemented by a narrative evaluation using an inductive approach based on emotional markers and markers of change. The most used strategies in the intervention were addressing needs, followed by coping skills enhancement, advice, and emotional support. Dealing with overinvolvement and reframing were the next most frequent. Single‐family home sessions seemed to augment the therapeutic work conducted in family groups. Overall the intervention seemed to promote cognitive and emotional change in the participants, and therapists were sensitive to the emotional trajectory of each subject. On the basis of our findings, we developed a longitudinal framework for better understanding the process of this treatment approach.
Density‐dependent effects on reproductive performance in a recovering population of White‐tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla
Authors: Heuck Christian , Herrmann Christof , Schabo Dana G. , Brandl Roland , Albrecht Jörg
Published: December 2016

Understanding the mechanisms that shape density‐dependent processes and population dynamics is often essential for species conservation. Two key mechanisms of density‐dependent reductions in reproductive performance are a limited access to foraging habitats (the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis) and territorial aggression towards conspecifics (the interference competition hypothesis) at high population densities. Disentangling the relative importance of these mechanisms within populations below their carrying capacity is important for the evaluation of the success of conservation measures. However, relatively few studies have attempted to quantify the relative importance of both mechanisms for the reproductive performance of a population. Many raptor populations are ideal model systems to investigate density‐dependent effects because they are currently recovering from human‐induced reductions during the last decades. Using a 14‐year dataset, we combined analyses of individual reproductive performance with a mechanistic population model to investigate early signs of density‐dependent regulation in a population of White‐tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla in north‐east Germany. We found a negative effect of the number of neighbouring breeding pairs and a positive effect of water surface area (as a proxy for the availability of favourable foraging habitat) on breeding success and on the average number of nestlings. The mean nearest neighbour distance between breeding pairs has decreased, and the mean distance of nests to the nearest water body has increased over the last 14 years. Moreover, the population model indicates that even though the population is still growing, carrying capacity could be reached at about 500–950 territorial pairs. These results suggest that the selection of nesting sites is determined by a trade‐off between the distance to favourable foraging habitat and the distance to neighbouring breeding pairs. To avoid increasing competition with conspecifics, due to continued population growth, breeding pairs seem to select increasingly suboptimal habitats. Therefore, our results suggest that the habitat heterogeneity and interference competition hypotheses are not necessarily mutually exclusive as mechanisms of density‐dependent population regulation, but can determine the reproductive performance of a raptor population simultaneously. Thus, a future decline in breeding success does not necessarily reflect a decrease in habitat quality but may rather be a consequence of density‐dependent mechanisms. This information may be useful for the interpretation of population trends and for the development of appropriate management strategies for recovering raptor populations.
From threat to gradual lifestyle changes: Iranians’ experiences with chronic illnesses
Authors: Vahedparast H. , Mohammadi E. , Ahmadi F.
Published: November 2016

Aim

This study aimed to explore and describe the experience of making a healthy lifestyle change among the patients with chronic illness.

Background

Despite the existence of different evidence on the critical role of lifestyle in the prevention and management of chronic diseases, many people face challenges in terms of starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study with in‐depth semi‐structured interviews was carried out in 2015 in Iran. Thirty‐four patients with common chronic illnesses were invited to the study using purposive sampling. The collected data were analysed by content analysis.

Findings

The main themes were: trying to remove the perceived threat, considering and trying to do physical activities, considering and planning for a healthy diet, striving to manage stress and having gradual acceptance of new habits and coping with them.

Limitations

The participants were selected from among those with chronic illness. However, there is also a need to assess the family and healthcare providers’ perspectives.

Conclusion and implications for nursing

The perceived threat of the disease plays an important role in the process of changing to a healthy lifestyle in Iranian with chronic illnesses. It is necessary for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to use this threat as a golden opportunity to accelerate changes in patients’ behaviours.

Implications for nursing policy

Findings may help policy makers become aware of the need for nurses to create community‐based nursing in Iran. Community nurses can remind patients of perceived threats to their health to motivate them for continued healthy behaviours. Therefore, nursing curricula should be revised and educational programs utilise a community‐based health approach.
A policy analysis of teamwork as a proposal for healthcare humanization: implications for nursing
Authors: da Silva R.N. , de Freitas F.D. da S. , de Araújo F.P. , Ferreira M. de A.
Published: November 2016

Aim

To analyse the implications of the political devices of the Brazilian National Humanization Policy, Singular Therapeutic Project and Reference Team and Matrix Support, for nursing as a professional discipline.

Background

The Brazilian Unified Health System, SUS‐Brazil, has as its principles regarding health care: universal access at all levels of care; equality and non‐discrimination; integrality; community participation; and political and administrative decentralization, regionalization, and hierarchization. The National Humanization Policy is a public health policy that serves as the methodological apparatus for the application of the SUS‐Brazil principles. Reference Teams refers to inter‐ and transdisciplinary/professional teams. These team approaches are associated with increased quality of care.

Methods

Qualitative lexical content policy analysis of the official documents for the Brazilian National Humanization Policy.

Findings

The Reference Team model that is used to carry out Singular Therapeutic Projects leads to discussion of disciplinary boundaries in the context of health care.

Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policy

The Brazilian National Humanization Policy demands inclusion of various kinds of knowledge and networking. Research is needed to elucidate the nature of nursing care and its distinctive character in relation to the work objectives of other professional disciplines.
Metaphors in managerial and employee sensemaking in an information systems project
Authors: Hekkala Riitta , Stein Mari‐Klara , Rossi Matti
Published: November 2016

This longitudinal study looks at the metaphors used in a public sector information systems development project from the perspective of cognitive metaphor theory (Lakoff & Johnson, ). We examine the use of metaphors by project team members, including representatives of the users, software developers and the managers guiding the project work. The findings indicate that project team members and managers use a rich set of metaphors to make sense of the project and the records management system they are working on. Notably, distinct sets of metaphors are used in different project phases and among the project personnel and management. As the differences in the metaphors also coincide with key events in the trajectory of the project, we contend that metaphors have significant power in sensemaking, influencing action and project outcomes. In particular, we find that in highly ambiguous, knowledge‐intensive situations, metaphor use with unclear intentions and purpose hinders learning and creates more chaos than order. From a practical perspective, our study highlights the relevance of metaphor use for project management. We suggest that intentional selection of metaphors by management could be beneficial for many complex information systems projects. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd