bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge-based aircraft fuel system integration
Authors: Munjulury Raghu Chaitanya , Staack Ingo , Sabaté López Adrián , Krus Petter
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a knowledge-based fuel system, implementation and application, oriented towards its use in aircraft conceptual design.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology and software tools oriented to knowledge-based engineering applications (MOKA) is used as a foundation for the implementation and integration of fuel systems.

Findings

Including fuel systems earlier in the design process creates an opportunity to optimize it and obtain better solutions by allocating suitable locations in an aircraft, thereby reflecting on the centre of gravity of the aircraft.

Research limitations/implications

All geometries are symbolic, representing a space allocation inside the aircraft for the fuel system. A realistic representation of the real components could be realized in detail design.

Practical implications

Fuel weight is a significant part of take-off weight and decisive in aircraft sizing and range estimations. The three-dimensional geometry provides a better estimation of the volume that is available to allocate the necessary entities. It also provides fast measures for weight and balance, fuel capacity, relative tank positions and a first estimation of piping length.

Originality/value

Fuel systems appear early in the design process, as they are involved in several first estimations. By using a knowledge-based engineering approach, several alternatives can be visualized and estimated in the conceptual design process. Furthermore, using the weights and centre of gravity at different angles of pitch and roll of each fuel tank, the aircraft could be optimized for handling qualities by using automatically generated system simulation models.
Source term model for rod vortex generator
Authors: Kwiatkowski Tomasz , Flaszyński Pawel , Zoltak Jerzy
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The simulations of grid-resolved rod vortex generators (RVGs) require high computational cost and time. Additionally, the computational mesh topology must be adjusted to rods geometries. The purpose of this study is to propose the new source term model for RVG.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was proposed by modification of Bender, Anderson, Yagle (BAY) model used to predict flows around different type of vortex generators (VGs) – vanes. Original BAY model was built on lifting line theory. The proposed model was implemented in ANSYS Fluent by means of the user-defined function technique. Additional momentum and energy sources are imposed to transport equations.

Findings

The computational results of source term model were validated against experimental data and numerical simulation results for grid-resolved rod. It was shown that modified BAY model can be successfully used for RVG in complex cases. An example of BAY model application for RVG on transonic V2C airfoil with strongly oscillating shock waves is presented. Aerodynamic performance predicted numerically by means of both approaches (grid resolved RVG and modeled) is in good agreement, what indicates application opportunity of the proposed model to complex cases.

Practical implications

Modified BAY model can be used to simulate the influence of RVGs in complex real cases. It allows for time/cost reduction if the location or distribution of RVG has to be optimized on a profile, wing or in the channel.

Originality/value

In the paper, the new modification of BAY model was proposed to simulate RVGs. The presented results are innovative because of original approach to model RVGs.
Consumers profile analysis towards chicken, beef, mutton, fish and egg consumption in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Jakiul , Sayeed Md Abu , Akhtar Shakil , Hossain Md Sakhawat , Liza Afroza Akter
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct consumer profile analysis for chicken, beef, mutton, fish and egg to better adapt the marketing mix for each type of food in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the mean consumption frequency of chicken, beef, mutton, fish and egg, following 658 questionnaire survey results. The sociodemographic variables used in this study were: sex, age, gender, educational level, social class, number of family members in the home, the presence of minors less than 18 years in the home and geographical area. Frequency distribution, factor and cluster analysis were performed to understand the food consumption frequency and food-related lifestyle segment, respectively. The statistical significance for differences among the mean values of different foods was tested by Snedecor’s F-test.

Findings

Egg was the most frequently consumed; 77 per cent of respondents ate egg once daily. Chicken was the second most consumed (62 per cent), whereas fish was third (59 per cent). Mutton was in the fourth place of consumption frequency level. However, 24 per cent of respondents did not consume mutton. The same types of behaviour were observed for beef, which was the least consumed (7 per cent) once daily, 48 per cent once a week, whereas 13 per cent did not consume it. There was no specific consumer behaviour pattern for the sociodemographic variables and types of food studied here.

Originality/value

This research provides the status of consumer preferences towards chicken, beef, mutton, fish and egg consumption in Bangladesh.
Emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intentions: an exploratory meta-analysis
Authors: Miao Chao , Humphrey Ronald H. , Qian Shanshan , Pollack Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The topic of entrepreneurial intention, which refers to a person’s degree of interest in creating a new business venture, has received close scrutiny in the entrepreneurship literature. The empirical results regarding the relation between emotional intelligence (EI) and entrepreneurial intention were nevertheless mixed across studies. Based on fit theory and trait activation theory, the purpose of this paper is to explain the fundamental reason for the mixed findings in the extant literature thus far.

Design/methodology/approach

Random-effects meta-analyses, based on 12 studies (along with 12 effect sizes), were performed to not only investigate the overall relation between EI and entrepreneurial intention but also to examine the moderators (i.e. individualism (vs collectivism), masculinity (vs femininity), power distance, long-term orientation (vs short-term orientation), uncertainty avoidance, and indulgence (vs restraint)) that influence this relation.

Findings

The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated that EI is positively related to entrepreneurial intention; the positive relationship between EI and entrepreneurial intention is stronger in long-term-oriented cultures; and the positive relationship between EI and entrepreneurial intention does not significantly differ based on a culture’s level of collectivism, masculinity, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and indulgence.

Originality/value

This meta-analysis advances the current understanding of the relation between EI and entrepreneurial intention from cross-cultural perspectives.
Finite element modeling of nonlinear reaction–diffusion–advection systems of equations
Authors: Komala Sheshachala Sanjay , Codina Ramon
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a finite element formulation to approximate systems of reaction–diffusion–advection equations, focusing on cases with nonlinear reaction. The formulation is based on the orthogonal sub-grid scale approach, with some simplifications that allow one to stabilize only the convective term, which is the source of potential instabilities. The space approximation is combined with finite difference time integration and a Newton–Raphson linearization of the reactive term. Some numerical examples show the accuracy of the resulting formulation. Applications using classical nonlinear reaction models in population dynamics are also provided, showing the robustness of the approach proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A stabilized finite element method for advection–diffusion–reaction equations to the problem on nonlinear reaction is adapted. The formulation designed has been implemented in a computer code. Numerical examples are run to show the accuracy and robustness of the formulation.

Findings

The stabilized finite element method from which the authors depart can be adapted to problems with nonlinear reaction. The resulting method is very robust and accurate. The framework developed is applicable to several problems of interest by themselves, such as the predator–prey model.

Originality/value

A stabilized finite element method to problems with nonlinear reaction has been extended. Original contributions are the design of the stabilization parameters and the linearization of the problem. The application examples, apart from demonstrating the validity of the numerical model, help to get insight in the system of nonlinear equations being solved.
Leveraging national tourist offices through data analytics
Authors: Moro Sérgio , Rita Paulo , Oliveira Cristina , Batista Fernando , Ribeiro Ricardo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to propose a data-driven approach, based on open-source tools, that makes it possible to understand customer satisfaction of the accommodation offer of a whole country.

Design/methodology/approach

The method starts by extracting information from all hotels of Portugal available at TripAdvisor through Web scraping. Then, a support vector machine is adopted for modeling the TripAdvisor score, which is considered a proxy of customer satisfaction. Finally, knowledge extraction from the model is achieved using sensitivity analysis to unveil the influence of features on the score.

Findings

The model of the TripAdvisor score achieved a mean absolute percentage error of around 5 per cent, proving the value of modeling the extracted data. The number of rooms of the unit and the minimum price are the two most relevant features, showing that customers appreciate smaller and more expensive units, whereas the location of the hotel does not hold significant relevance.

Originality/value

National tourist offices can use the proposed approach to understand what drives tourists’ satisfaction, helping to shape a country’s strategy. For example, licensing new hotels may take into account the unit size and other characteristics that make it more attractive to tourists. Furthermore, the procedure can be replicated at any time and in any country, making it a valuable tool for data-driven decision support on a national scale.
Service dominant logic and primary care services
Authors: Vespestad May-Kristin , Clancy Anne
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of successful collaboration by a group of professionals in primary health care, using service-dominant logic (SDL) as a theoretical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This study carries out secondary analysis of the results from a Norwegian national survey on collaboration amongst professionals in primary health care services.

Findings

Findings illustrate that SDL can provide a theoretical framework for understanding health and social care services. The study provides evidence for the relevance of the theory at micro level. Viewing primary care through the lens of SDL enables an understanding of the applicability of market principles to health and social care. The study illustrates the relevance of the following principles: services are the fundamental basis of exchange; indirect exchange can mask the fundamental basis of exchange. Operant resources are the fundamental source of strategic benefit; actors cannot deliver value but can participate in the creation and offering of value propositions.

Social implications

Awareness of the use of SDL in health care services can be positive for service provision and it could be incorporated as a supplementary perspective in educational programs for health care professionals.

Originality/value

Applying principles from SDL as a theoretical framework for primary care services challenges the conventional understanding of marketing in health services. This paper responds to the need for a more in-depth understanding of how SDL can help health care professionals recognize their role as participants in providing seamless health care at micro level.
Men who experience domestic abuse: a service perspective
Authors: Wallace Sarah , Wallace Carolyn , Kenkre Joyce , Brayford Jo , Borja Simon
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the needs of men experiencing domestic abuse from the perspective of the professionals supporting them.

Design/methodology/approach

An all Wales qualitative study, 20 semi-structured interviews were completed with managers and practitioners of domestic abuse services supporting men. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Analysis identified six themes: against the tide of recognition, a need to recognise and accept domestic abuse, knowledge of provision, low numbers of men, resources (time and funding) and rebuilding. However, against the tide of recognition was central. Domestic abuse is understood as a heteronormative and gendered experience; abused men defy these notions.

Research limitations/implications

Findings cannot be generalised across the UK. This study offers a valuable base on which to build future knowledge. Future research might consider recruiting larger samples or follow up qualitative findings with a larger quantitative survey.

Practical implications

This paper presents the manager and practitioner views of the service needs and solutions for men. They perceive that abused men need to recognise and accept victimisation, have knowledge of provision and know it is acceptable to seek help and receive practical support.

Social implications

Increasing recognition cannot be achieved in isolation. A shared commitment is required from policy, practice and research to raise the agenda for abused men.

Originality/value

This is an under-researched area. This paper is the first to explore the needs of men through the lens of domestic abuse professionals.
Micro-credit as catalyst for improving rural livelihoods through agribusiness sector in Indonesia
Authors: Mariyono Joko
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse a simultaneous role of micro-credit in intensive farming to improve rural prosperity and to determine factors affecting farmers to access micro-credit and to adopt technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a concept of technological change as the underlying theory. The analysis is conducted using structural equation modelling based on data compiled from a survey that interviewed 220 of farm-households. Samples of the study were randomly selected from chili farming community in three regions of Java in 2013-2014.

Findings

The results show that micro-credit provides positive direct and indirect impacts on rural prosperity. The indirect effect of micro-credit was due to a mediation of technology adoption. Farmers’ personalities and agribusiness environment determined farmers’ decision to access micro-credit and to adopt the technology.

Practical implication

Policymakers should introduce more advanced technology and provide credit facilities at the same time to ensure technology adoption and welfare improvement of the community.

Originality/value

Using structural equation modelling enables analysis of simultaneous regression models. Along with technology here, micro-credit played roles as catalyst and reagent in improving rural livelihood.
Financial crime, corruption and tax evasion: a cross-country investigation
Authors: Amara Ines , Khlif Hichem
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the financial crime and tax evasion and tests whether corruption moderates such a relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Tax evasion measure is based on Schneider et al. (2010). Financial crime is collected from Basel anti-money laundering (AML) report.

Findings

Using a sample of 120 countries, the authors find that the level of financial crime is positively associated with tax evasion. When testing for the moderating effect of corruption, they document that the positive relationship between financial crime and tax evasion is more pronounced for high corrupt environments.

Originality/value

The findings have policy implications for governments aiming to combat tax evasion and financial crimes.
The big bath of demonetization in India: strike on black money for corporate governance
Authors: Goel Sandeep
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the concept of abolition of black money and the demonetization movement started in India for cleaning black money and its impact on corporate world and Indian economy. It discusses the corporate governance effect of the demonetization scheme and various policy measures taken by the government to unearth and curb the black money in the country. It also states the challenges in its process of implementation and implications for future.

Design/methodology/approach

It appraises and reviews the concept of demonetization and its process in India since its implementation on November 8, 2016.

Findings

The biggest positive effects of this move were eradication of stocked and staked up money, cleansing of the financial system and improving governance in India. But its implementation had mix outcomes with its own challenges for future improvement.

Practical implications

The lessons drawn from the experience are expected to pave way for the countries at large.

Originality/value

It is an original paper on demonetization in India, and it is hoped that the lessons learnt thereof will pave the way for the world at large.
To be or not to be…at work while ill
Authors: MacGregor James , Cunningham J. Barton
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the results from two public sector organizations to test a model of the organizational antecedents and health consequences of sickness presenteeism (SP) in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports on two surveys of public employees, one including 237 respondents and another of 391 employees. The combined sample allowed for the testing of a model of organizational antecedents and the health consequences of SP.

Findings

The results supported the model, indicating that increased leader support and goal clarity decrease SP indirectly through increased trust. Decreasing presenteeism is associated with decreased sickness absence and better health.

Practical implications

The key practical application is in encouraging managers and scholars to recognize that the costs of presenteeism are as higher or higher than the costs of absenteeism.

Social implications

The social implications are clear in helping us recognize that when people come to work sick, they are not productive and are endangering the productivity of others.

Originality/value

This is the first time that research had defined and operationalized a causal model linking antecedents such as leader-member relations, goal clarity and trust with SP and absenteeism.
Organizational recidivism’ and trust repair: a story of failed detectives
Authors: Siebert Sabina , Martin Graeme , Bozic Branko
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Over the last decade, trust repair has become an important theoretical and practical concern in HRM. The purpose of this paper is to explain why organisations fail to repair their stakeholders’ trust following a series of trust breaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Archival data is used to investigate the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Using the analytical frame of the detective novel, the authors analyse reputational scandals in RBS, and in doing so, they explore the interweaving of two stories: the story of the “crime” (the bank's actions which led to breaches of trust) and the story of the “detectives” (parliamentary, regulatory and press investigators).

Findings

Based on their analysis, the authors argue that the organisation's failure to repair trust is associated with ineffective detection of what went wrong in the bank and why.

Practical implications

HR practitioners dealing with similar situations should understand the complicated and unfolding nature of repeated transgressions, and the reasons why previous trust repair efforts may have failed.

Social implications

An organisation may be showing willingness to accept responsibility for the violation of trust, but while new transgressions happen, trust repair efforts may fail. Therefore, what is needed in organisations is a longitudinal analysis that takes into account organisational history, including earlier wrongdoings.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few analysing trust repair from a process perspective and using the metaphor of the detective novel to provide insights into organizational reintegration.
Labor markets: preventing rivalry and myopia through HRM
Authors: Opengart Rose , M. Ralston Peter , LeMay Steve
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the concept of myopia and introduce the concept of labor market myopia (LMM), as well as the role that human resources management (HRM) plays in its prevention and resolution. LMM, a more specific form of factor market myopia (FMM), is a myopic view of labor needs. LMM is only going to increase as human capital becomes increasingly scarce due to labor shortages.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual review focuses on research on factor market rivalry (FMR) in the supply chain. Using three sample job categories, the concept of myopia is applied toward the human resources context to propose a new term describing a failure to consider future labor needs.

Findings

The authors position HRM/talent management as critical in preventing and addressing LMM at both firm and industry levels and the critical role of labor markets in FMR. HR strategies are suggested to prevent LMM include: expansion of the available workforce; increasing current workforce productivity, economic remedies like paying higher wages and proactively assessing and forecasting the current and future human resource capacity and needs.

Practical implications

Labor needs to be considered as a factor in the same realm of importance as other resources. The HR strategies discussed are key to preventing LMM and improving organizational performance and effectiveness.

Originality/value

The authors argue that organizations not only compete for resources downstream (i.e. customers and markets) but also upstream, such as with human resources. The authors introduced a new concept/term to frame the effect on organizations when supply chain planning and HR strategy do not take labor into consideration. This was accomplished by first narrowing the concept of marketing myopia to FMM, and in this conceptual paper, it was subsequently narrowed to introduce the term LMM.
Knowledge management, workplace climate, creativity and performance
Authors: Alzghoul Amro , Elrehail Hamzah , Emeagwali Okechukwu Lawrence , AlShboul Mohammad K.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims at providing empirical evidence pertaining to the interaction among authentic leadership, workplace harmony, worker's creativity and performance in the context of telecommunication sector. These research streams remain important issues and of interest as the world continues to migrate toward a knowledge-based economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying structural equation modeling, this study diagnosed the impact of Authentic leadership (AL) on employees (n= 345) in two Jordanian telecommunication firms, specifically, how it shapes workplace climate, creativity and job performance. The study also tests the moderating role of knowledge sharing in the model, as well as the mediating role of workplace climate on the relationship between AL and positive organizational outcomes.

Findings

The empirical result suggests that AL positively influences workplace climate, creativity and job performance; workplace climate positively influences creativity and job performance; workplace climate mediates the relationship between AL and creativity, and job performance; and knowledge sharing behavior moderates the relationship between AL and workplace climate.

Originality/value

This study highlights the magnificent power of AL and knowledge sharing, not only in shaping the workplace atmosphere but also in delineating how these variables stimulate creativity and performance among employees. The implications for research and practice are discussed.
Tracking the sociomaterial traces of affect at the crossroads of affect and practice theories
Authors: Gherardi Silvia , Murgia Annalisa , Bellè Elisa , Miele Francesco , Carreri Anna
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Affect is relevant for organization studies mainly for its potential to reveal the intensities and forces of everyday organizational experiences that may pass unnoticed or pass in silence because they have been discarded from the orthodoxy of doing research “as usual.” The paper is constructed around two questions: what does affect “do” in a situated practice, and what does the study of affect contribute to practice-based studies. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors chose a situated practice – interviewing – focusing on the dynamic character of the intra-actions among its heterogeneous elements. What happens to us, as persons and researchers, when we put ourselves inside the practices we study? The authors tracked the sociomaterial traces left by affect in the transcript of the interviews, in the sounds of the voices, in the body of the interviewers, and in the collective memories, separating and mixing them like in a mixing console.

Findings

The reconstruction, in a non-representational text, of two episodes related to a work accident makes visible and communicable how affect circulates within a situated practice, and how it stiches all the practice elements together. The two episodes point to different aspects of the agency of affect: the first performs the resonance of boundaryless bodies, and the second performs the transformative power of affect in changing a situation.

Originality/value

The turn to affect and the turn to practice have in a common interest in the body, and together they contribute to re-opening the discussion on embodiment, embodied knowledge, and epistemic practices. Moreover, we suggest an inventive methodology for studying and writing affect in organization studies.
A territorial perspective of SME’s default prediction models
Authors: Gabbianelli Linda
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test whether the qualitative variables regarding the territory and the firm–territory relationship can improve the accuracy rates of small business default prediction models.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a logistic regression to a sample of 141 small Italian enterprises located in the Marche region, and the authors build two different default prediction models: one using only financial ratios and one using jointly financial ratios and variables related to the relationship between firm and territory.

Findings

Including variables regarding the relationships between firms and their territory, the accuracy rates of the default prediction model are significantly improved.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative variables data collected are affected by subjective judgments of respondents of the firms studied. In addition, neither other qualitative variables (such as those regarding competitive strategies, or managerial skills) are included nor those variables regarding the relationships between firms and financial institutions are included.

Practical implications

The study suggests that financial institutions should include territory qualitative variables, and, above all, qualitative variables regarding the firm–territory relationship, when constructing business default prediction models. Including this type of variables, it could be able to reduce the tendency to place unnecessary restrictions on credit.

Originality/value

The field of business failure prediction modeling using variables regarding the relationship between firm–territory is a unexplored area as it count of a very few studies.
Beyond market timing theory
Authors: Iyer Subramanian , Javadi Siamak
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the behavior of cash raised through market timing efforts and the success of such efforts in creating value to shareholders.

Design/methodology/approach

It is shown that in two quarters, subsequent to raising equity, cash balance of market timers is higher but after that, there is no significant difference between timers and non-timers. Results of speed of adjustment regressions indicate that market timers move faster toward their target cash levels.

Findings

Market timers are small firms that suffer from asymmetric information. They have limited access to capital market, and raising external capital is an opportunity that should be timed. The results suggest that, on average, these firms are managed by more able executives, who are 10 per cent more likely to time the market; however, it is found that timing efforts are unsuccessful in creating value to shareholders even after controlling for the mitigating effect of managerial ability. Subsequent to market timing, on average, market timers earn significantly lower abnormal return over different holding periods relative to their comparable non-timer counterparts.

Originality/value

Overall, the results undermine the validity of market timing as a value-maximizing financial policy.
South African children’s influence tactics: what works and when?
Authors: Ellis Debbie , Maikoo Mishaal
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Family consumption studies have been criticised for using an individualistic or dyadic approach to explore the types of influence strategies that children use to sway parental decisions. In this study, attention is refocused on the voices of South African families within twenty-first-century familial interactions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of pester power in South Africa, and to understand the influence strategies used by children and the different categories of products that children attempt to influence the purchasing of. Parental responses to these strategies are also explored to determine their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research design using quantitative, but mainly, qualitative data, was used to draw insights from 135 families to understand intra-familial negotiation tactics within the context of family consumption and everyday family life. Thematic content analysis was used to extract themes from the responses.

Findings

The findings suggest that children use everyday family interactions as a resource to select successful pester and negotiation tactics. These children have a relatively deep understanding of how to influence their parents by using different tactics, such as emotional appeals, product requests, purchase justifications and bad behaviour. Children were found to have an awareness regarding the circumstances during which these tactics are more effective.

Originality/value

The contribution offered by this paper is first to build on calls for perspectives in the African context, when marketing to children and second, to add deeper understanding of the categories that children from South Africa influence, and the negotiating tactics that they use. This also contributes to an understanding of the intra-familial interaction processes leading to the eventual emergence of influence strategies and concomitant consumption behaviour.
Psoriasis is associated with a greater risk for cardiovascular procedure and surgery in patients with hypertension: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chiu Hsien‐Yi , Chang Wei‐Lun , Shiu Ming‐Neng , Huang Weng‐Foung , Tsai Tsen‐Fang
Published: October 2018

Psoriasis increases the incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, its effect on the course of cardiovascular disease remains unknown. To investigate whether patients with psoriasis and hypertension have a higher requirement for cardiovascular procedure and surgery than patients with hypertension but without psoriasis, we used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to identify patients with new‐onset hypertension during 2005–2006. Among these patients, those with psoriasis (n = 4039) were matched in a 1:1 ratio by age and sex with patients without psoriasis. The association between psoriasis and cardiovascular interventions was examined using time‐varying Cox proportional hazards models. The mean follow‐up period was 5.62 years. Psoriasis was associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular procedure and surgery in patients with hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.53). When no psoriasis served as a reference group, the aHRs were higher for women than for men, and for patients aged 50–64 years than for younger and older patients. Patients with severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis tended to have higher risks of cardiovascular procedure and surgery than patients with mild psoriasis (aHR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.98–1.51) or patients without psoriatic arthritis (aHR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.84–1.58), respectively, did, although not reaching statistical significance. In conclusion, patients with hypertension and psoriasis had a greater requirement for cardiovascular interventions than hypertensive patients without psoriasis. More intense assessments for cardiovascular interventions may be necessary in patients with concurrent hypertension and psoriasis than general hypertension patients.
An extensive suite of functional traits distinguishes Hawaiian wet and dry forests and enables prediction of species vital rates
Authors: Medeiros Camila D. , Scoffoni Christine , John Grace P. , Bartlett Megan K. , Inman‐Narahari Faith , Ostertag Rebecca , Cordell Susan , Giardina Christian , Sack Lawren
Published: October 2018

The application of functional traits to predict and explain plant species’ distributions and vital rates has been a major direction in functional ecology for decades, yet numerous physiological traits have not yet been incorporated into the approach.

Using commonly measured traits such as leaf mass per area (LMA) and wood density (WD), and additional traits related to water transport, gas exchange and resource economics, including leaf vein, stomatal and wilting traits, we tested hypotheses for Hawaiian wet montane and lowland dry forests (MWF and LDF, respectively): (1) Forests would differ in a wide range of traits as expected from contrasting adaptation; (2) trait values would be more convergent among dry than wet forest species due to the stronger environmental filtering; (3) traits would be intercorrelated within “modules” supporting given functions; (4) relative growth rate (RGR) and mortality rate (m) would correlate with a number of specific traits; with (5) stronger relationships when stratifying by tree size; and (6) RGR and m can be strongly explained from trait‐based models.

The MWF species’ traits were associated with adaptation to high soil moisture and nutrient supply and greater shade tolerance, whereas the LDF species’ traits were associated with drought tolerance. Thus, on average, MWF species achieved higher maximum heights than LDF species and had leaves with larger epidermal cells, higher maximum stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation rate, lower vein lengths per area, higher saturated water content and greater shrinkage when dry, lower dry matter content, higher phosphorus concentration, lower nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, high chlorophyll to nitrogen ratio, high carbon isotope discrimination, high stomatal conductance to nitrogen ratio, less negative turgor loss point and lower WD. Functional traits were more variable in the MWF than LDF, were correlated within modules, and predicted species’ RGR and m across forests, with stronger relationships when stratifying by tree size. Models based on multiple traits predicted vital rates across forests (R2 = 0.70–0.72; p < 0.01).

Our findings are consistent with a powerful role of broad suites of functional traits in contributing to forest species’ distributions, integrated plant design and vital rates.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Integrating social media features into a cell phone alert system for emergency situations
Authors: van Dijl Daniëlle E. M. , Zebel Sven , Gutteling Jan M.
Published: October 2018

In times of emergency, people include social networking sites (SNS) in their search for information and support. An online survey with an embedded experiment with two conditions focused on understanding whether and how SNS functions have a positive influence on perceived self‐efficacy, risk perception, and reported information sufficiency when integrated into a current emergency alert system like NL‐Alert. Participants were randomly assigned to a control condition showing the classical format of NL‐Alert or the expanded condition with added SNS functions (a newsfeed and marking oneself as safe). Results show that self‐efficacy and risk perception did not differ between conditions. Significantly higher degrees of information sufficiency were reported in the expanded condition. Consequences for emergency risk communication are discussed.
Effect of Dual Use of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Part D Drug Benefits on Antihypertensive Medication Supply in a National Cohort of Veterans with Dementia
Authors: Thorpe Carolyn T. , Gellad Walid F. , Mor Maria K. , Cashy John P. , Pleis John R. , Van Houtven Courtney H. , Schleiden Loren J. , Hanlon Joseph T. , Niznik Joshua D. , Carico Ronald L. , Good Chester B. , Thorpe Joshua M.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the effect of dual use of VA/Medicare Part D drug benefits on antihypertensive medication supply in older Veterans with dementia.

Data Sources/Study Setting

National, linked 2007–2010 Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare utilization and prescription records for 50,763 dementia patients with hypertension.

Study Design

We used inverse probability of treatment (IPT)‐weighted multinomial logistic regression to examine the association of dual prescription use with undersupply and oversupply of antihypertensives.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Veterans Affairs and Part D prescription records were used to classify patients as VA‐only, Part D‐only, or dual VA/Part D users of antihypertensives and summarize their antihypertensive medication supply in 2010: (1) appropriate supply of all prescribed antihypertensive classes, (2) undersupply of ≥1 class with no oversupply of another class, (3) oversupply of ≥1 class with no undersupply, or (4) both undersupply and oversupply.

Principal Findings

Dual prescription users were more likely than VA‐only users to have undersupply only (aOR = 1.28; 95 percent CI = 1.18–1.39), oversupply only (aOR = 2.38; 95 percent CI = 2.15–2.64), and concurrent under‐ and oversupply (aOR = 2.89; 95 percent CI = 2.53–3.29), versus appropriate supply of all classes.

Conclusions

Obtaining antihypertensives through both VA and Part D was associated with increased antihypertensive under‐ and oversupply. Efforts to understand how best to coordinate dual‐system prescription use are critically needed.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: The evolving role of surgeons and challenges ahead
Authors: Chow Simon C.Y. , Wan Innes Y.P. , Wong Randolph H.L. , Underwood Malcolm J.
Published: October 2018

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis. Multiple seminal trials have firmly established TAVI as an effective and the preferred treatment in patients at high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Following the success of the Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER(PARTNER) 1 trial, TAVI was further proven to be a viable alternative to SAVR, with patients found to be at lower risk in the PARTNER 2 and Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic‐Valve Replacement (SURTAVI) trials. Contrary to the development of coronary intervention, surgeons from many parts of the world have adopted an active role in TAVI, rather than merely providing access. Moreover, as the use of TAVI has increased worldwide, and with developments in techniques and devices, experts are trying to expand the indications of TAVI to patients who are younger, fitter and at low risk for SAVR. Nonetheless, important questions concerning the risks and durability of TAVI remain unanswered. As the evolution of TAVI continues to gather pace, it is important for clinicians to critically evaluate the merits and shortcomings of TAVI to determine its suitability for low‐risk patients. The present review serves to highlight and discuss some of the challenges TAVI needs to overcome before its role in low risk patients can be established.
Emergency management and HRM in local governments: HR professionals as network managers
Authors: De Sisto Marco , Cavanagh Jillian , McMurray Adela , Bartram Timothy
Published: October 2018

This study examines the relationship between human resource management (HRM) and emergency management (EM) within two local governments. We examine the processes and associated challenges of HRM supporting EM practitioners to develop the skills to engage with the local community. Social exchange theory provides the theoretical foundation to explore and report the qualitative data. Research findings indicate that the relationship between HRM and EM is fragmented, and there is no comprehensive understanding among HRM and EM practitioners of the entire EM process. We suggest that enhancing collaboration between HRM and EM professionals within local governments may be achieved through greater formal and informal network management. HRM professionals must invest in developing managerial practices that engage key EM stakeholders, and mobilise their knowledge and resources to frame and co‐create solutions for EM challenges.
Some guidance on using mathematical notation in ecology
Authors: Edwards Andrew M. , Auger‐Méthé Marie
Published: October 2018

Mathematical modelling is playing an increasing role in studies of ecological systems. This requires the communication of the details of a mathematical model, including the use of mathematical notation to represent ecological variables, parameters and processes.

In our experience, the clarity of mathematical notation varies between papers and can often be inconsistent with general conventions. Poor notation can impede communication and understanding of ideas, and make models appear more complicated than necessary.

Here, we present some guidelines, including: (a) define every term in an equation, (b) use fonts appropriately (italicise mathematical symbols, use bold lower case for vectors and bold upper case for matrices), (c) use subscripts appropriately (to index quantities, for example, by year), (d) use superscripts appropriately (to indicate a power, the transpose of a matrix or the steady‐state value of a quantity), (e) avoid multiletter variable names, and (f) revisit notation early on in a project to see if it should be refined.

Although we focus mainly on ecology, our guidelines should be of interest to researchers applying models in evolutionary biology and broader areas of biology.
blockCV: An r package for generating spatially or environmentally separated folds for k‐fold cross‐validation of species distribution models
Authors: Valavi Roozbeh , Elith Jane , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta
Published: October 2018

When applied to structured data, conventional random cross‐validation techniques can lead to underestimation of prediction error, and may result in inappropriate model selection.

We present the r package blockCV, a new toolbox for cross‐validation of species distribution modelling. Although it has been developed with species distribution modelling in mind, it can be used for any spatial modelling.

The package can generate spatially or environmentally separated folds. It includes tools to measure spatial autocorrelation ranges in candidate covariates, providing the user with insights into the spatial structure in these data. It also offers interactive graphical capabilities for creating spatial blocks and exploring data folds.

Package blockCV enables modellers to more easily implement a range of evaluation approaches. It will help the modelling community learn more about the impacts of evaluation approaches on our understanding of predictive performance of species distribution models.
An association between YKL‐40 and type 2 diabetes in psychotic disorders
Authors: Dieset I. , Mørch R. H. , Hope S. , Hoseth E.Z. , Reponen E. J. , Gran J. M. , Aas M. , Michelsen A. E. , Reichborn‐Kjennerud T. , Nesvåg R. , Agartz I. , Melle I. , Aukrust P. , Djurovic S. , Ueland T. , Andreassen O. A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study examines if YKL‐40 is increased in individuals with psychotic disorders and if elevated YKL‐40 levels at baseline is associated with subsequent development of type 2 diabetes.

Method

A total of 1383 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or affective psychosis and 799 healthy controls were recruited in the period 2002–2015. Plasma YKL‐40 and metabolic risk factors were measured and medication was recorded. Using national registry data, association between baseline risk factors and later development of type 2 diabetes was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Plasma YKL‐40 was higher in patients vs. healthy controls also after adjusting for metabolic risk factors, with no difference between the schizophrenia and affective psychosis groups. Patients were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a significantly younger age. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that elevated YKL‐40 (hazard ratio (HR) = 5.6, P = 0.001), elevated glucose (HR = 3.6, P = 0.001), and schizophrenia diagnosis (HR = 3.0, P = 0.014) at baseline were associated with subsequent development of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

Patients with psychotic disorders have at baseline increased levels of YKL‐40 beyond the effect of comorbid type 2 diabetes and metabolic risk factors. Elevated YKL‐40 level at baseline is associated with later development of type 2 diabetes.