bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of surface insulation resistance related failures in electronics by circuit simulation
Authors: Verdingovas Vadimas , Joshy Salil , Jellesen Morten Stendahl , Ambat Rajan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to show that the humidity levels for surface insulation resistance (SIR)-related failures are dependent on the type of activators used in no-clean flux systems and to demonstrate the possibility of simulating the effects of humidity and contamination on printed circuit board components and sensitive parts if typical SIR data connected to a particular climatic condition are available. This is shown on representative components and typical circuits.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of SIR values obtained on SIR patterns with 1,476 squares was used as input data for the circuit analysis. The SIR data were compared to the surface resistance values observable on a real device printed circuit board assembly. SIR issues at the component and circuit levels were analysed on the basis of parasitic circuit effects owing to the formation of a water layer as an electrical conduction medium.

Findings

This paper provides a summary of the effects of contamination with various weak organic acids representing the active components in no-clean solder flux residue, and demonstrates the effect of humidity and contamination on the possible malfunctions and errors in electronic circuits. The effect of contamination and humidity is expressed as drift from the nominal resistance values of the resistors, self-discharge of the capacitors and the errors in the circuits due to parasitic leakage currents (reduction of SIR).

Practical/implications

The methodology of the analysis of the circuits using a range of empirical leakage resistance values combined with the knowledge of the humidity and contamination profile of the electronics can be used for the robust design of a device, which is also important for electronic products relying on low current consumption for long battery lifetime.

Originality/value

Examples provide a basic link between the combined effect of humidity and contamination and the performance of electronic circuits. The methodology shown provides the possibility of addressing the climatic reliability of an electronic device at the early stage of device design by using typical SIR data representing the possible climate exposure.
Information systems architecture for fire emergency response
Authors: Prasanna Raj , Yang Lili , King Malcolm , Huggins Thomas J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

There has been a lack of meaningful information systems architecture, which comprehensively conceptualise the essential components and functionality of an information system for fire emergency response addressing needs of different job roles. The purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive information systems architecture which would best support four of the key firefighter job roles.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has built on the outcomes of two previous preliminary studies on information and human-computer interaction needs of core firefighter job roles. Scenario-based action research was conducted with firefighters in a range of roles, to evaluate human-computer interaction needs while using various technology platforms.

Findings

Several key themes were identified and led us to propose several layers of an integrated architecture, their composition and interactions.

Research limitations/implications

The selected fire scenarios may not represent every type of fire expected in high-risk built environments.

Practical implications

The current paper represents a shared discussion between end users, system architects and designers, to understand and improve essential components. It therefore provides a reference point for the development of information system architecture for fire emergency response.

Originality/value

The proposed information system architecture is novel because it outlines specific architectural elements required to meet the specific situation awareness needs of different firefighters job roles.
Promoting integration within the public health domain of physical activity promotion
Authors: Whitelaw Sandy , Topping Chris , McCoy Michele , Turpie Lindsay
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report and critically reflect on the methodological processes involved in a formal attempt to promote health and social integration in the rarely reported public health domain of physical activity promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

A quality improvement (QI) methodology was deployed, comprising three elements: a diagnostic tool that assessed strategic and practice positions; a half-day workshop that brought senior leaders together for to reflect this evidence; and a structured process that sought to generate proposals for future integrated action. A mixed-method evaluative approach was used, capturing insights of the integration processes via quantitative and qualitative data collection pre-event, in-event, immediate post-event and at six-month follow-up.

Findings

Insights suggested that despite some critical concerns, this QI process can be considered as robust, offering pointers to elements required to successfully promote integration in this domain, including the significance of leadership, the preparatory contribution of a diagnostic tool and position paper, the opportunities for active exchange and planning within a workshop situation and the initiation of a process of integrated work via tangible “pledges”.

Originality/value

The paper offers originality in two respects. Generally, it describes and reflects on the relationship between theoretical and empirical dimensions of a model of integration promotion. Specifically, in offering an account of integrative public health work across health service, local authority and third sector partners, it addressed an area that has received relatively limited prior attention.
One Ilfracombe
Authors: Beacham Andrea
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a horizontal integration programme in the South West of England. The programme was unusual insofar as it included the full range of public services being provided in a single town. It was a place-based system framed by the concept that a person’s wellbeing includes their health, economic status and living environment and that they are inextricably linked. As well as aiming for broader system integration, the programme utilised a person-centred approach using service-user perceptions to influence design. It was implemented through a local governance structure using a set of collaborative principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents personal reflections of the programme manager about the efficacy of the model, its sustainability and the problems encountered. It sets out the principles defining the model and the extent to which the principles were followed in practice.

Findings

Creating a holistic public service based on integration to tackle deep seated problems within a population requires reducing complexity at the interface between citizens and services. A local system model that includes all public services allows for collective responsibility for meeting the service needs of the population augmenting the connections and bridging the gaps between services. There was a recognition amongst participants that service redesign does not require wholesale organisational restructuring but does require creating shared aims and objectives and the participation of leaders with the ability to implement change within their services. A user-led, bottom-up approach provides deeper understanding and traction on the ground but should be combined with top-down strategic support to provide structural sustainability and the ability to scale out.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that horizontal service integration based on the concept of wellbeing is possible but faces significant challenges. The benefits and complexities of inter-agency collaboration multiply when enhancing the outcome focus from improving population health to general wellbeing. New theories of implementation and transformation are needed that relate to this important emerging service theme.
Care transitions as street-level work
Authors: Foster Michele , Harvey Desley , Quigley Rachel , Strivens Edward
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Quality care transitions of older people across acute, sub-acute and primary care are critical to safety and cost, which is the reason interventions to improve practice are a priority. Yet, given the complexity of providers and services involved it is often difficult to know the types of tensions that arise in day-to-day transition work or how front-line workers will respond. To that end, this innovative study differs from the largely descriptive studies by conceptualising care transitions as street-level work in order to capture how transition practice takes shape within the complexities and dynamics of the local setting. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 23 hospital health professionals and community service providers across primary, sub-acute and acute care through focus groups. A thematic analysis and interrogation of themes using street-level concepts derived three key themes.

Findings

The themes of risk logics and dilemmas of fragmentation make explicit both the local constraints and opportunities of care transitions and how these intersect to engender a particular logic of practice. By revealing the various discretionary tactics adopted by front-line providers, the third theme simultaneously highlights how discretionary spaces might represent both possibilities and problematics for balancing organisational and patient needs.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the knowledge of street-level work in health settings and specifically, the nature of transition work. Importantly, it benefits policy and practice by uncovering mechanisms that could facilitate and impede quality transitions in discrete settings.
Care coordination agreements in the Veterans Healthcare Administration
Authors: Ball Sherry , Montpetite Michelle , Kowalski Christine , Gerdes Zach , Graham Glenn , Kirsh Susan , Lowery Julie
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) has promoted Specialty Care Neighborhoods (SCN) to enhance the coordination of services between primary and specialty care. Care coordination agreements (CCAs) were included as a critical element in the SCN program. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of these documents in the successful implementation of SCNs.

Design/methodology/approach

Content, quality, and perceived usefulness of CCAs from 19 SCN sites were evaluated. CCA content was defined as the presence or absence of eight key components: contact information, process for urgent consults, process for e-consults, content of consults, primary and specialty care responsibilities, expected response time, discharge criteria, and review criteria. CCA quality was based on a qualitative assessment of CCA content; and perceived usefulness was based on a qualitative assessment of interview responses from CCA users. CCA characteristics were compared to SCN implementation levels using descriptive statistics. SCN implementation level was defined and measured by VHA Specialty Care Services.

Findings

Participating sites with medium-high or high SCN implementation levels had CCAs with more key components and of higher quality than sites with medium-low to medium SCN implementation levels. Perceived usefulness of CCAs was not associated with implementation level.

Research limitations/implications

Since this study built on a quality improvement effort to facilitate care coordination, a rigorous research approach was not used. Specific CCA components could not be examined nor could specific hypotheses be tested due to the small and diverse sample. Findings presented are only preliminary.

Practical implications

The examination of CCAs suggests that these documents may be helpful to improve communication among primary and specialty care providers by explicitly stating agreed upon processes, mechanisms and criteria for referrals, roles and responsibilities for the co-management of patients, and timelines for review of CCAs.

Originality/value

This small study suggests that high-quality CCAs, which include a number of key components, can facilitate the implementation of coordinated care. Key characteristics of CCAs are identified in this study, including measures of CCA content, quality, and usefulness, which can be used in future efforts to develop and evaluate efforts to improve care coordination.
Early findings from the evaluation of the Integrated Care and Support Pioneers in England
Authors: Erens Bob , Wistow Gerald , Mounier-Jack Sandra , Douglas Nick , Manacorda Tommaso , Durand Mary Alison , Mays Nicholas
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Integrating health and social care is a priority in England, although there is little evidence that previous initiatives have reduced hospital admissions or costs. In total, 25 Integrated Care Pioneers have been established to drive change “at scale and pace”. The early phases of the evaluation (April 2014-June 2016) aimed to identify their objectives, plans and activities, and to assess the extent to which they have overcome barriers to integration. In the longer term, the authors will assess whether integrated care leads to improved outcomes and quality of care and at what cost. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods involving documentary analysis, qualitative interviews and an online key informant survey.

Findings

Over time, there was a narrowing of the integration agenda in most Pioneers. The predominant approach was to establish community-based multi-disciplinary teams focussed on (older) people with multiple long-term conditions with extensive needs. Moving from design to delivery proved difficult, as many barriers are outside the control of local actors. There was limited evidence of service change.

Research limitations/implications

Because the findings relate to the early stage of the 5+ years of the Pioneer programme (2014-2019), it is not yet possible to detect changes in services or in user experiences and outcomes.

Practical implications

The persistence of many barriers to integration highlights the need for greater national support to remove them.

Originality/value

The evaluation demonstrates that implementing integrated health and social care is not a short-term process and cannot be achieved without national support in tackling persistent barriers.
People powered primary care: learning from Halton
Authors: Swift Mark
Published: May 2017

Purpose

A community-centred approach to health called Community Wellbeing Practices (CWP) is being offered to patients at all 17 GP practices in Halton in order to respond more appropriately to patients’ social needs, which are often an underlying reason for their presentation at primary care services. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Delivered in partnership with a local social enterprise this approach is centred on the integration of community assets and non-medical community-based support provided by the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. The core elements include community navigation, social prescribing and social action approaches.

Findings

The CWP initiative has supported more than 5,000 patients over the last four years and has evidenced demonstrable improvements in a range of health and social outcomes for patients.

Research limitations/implications

The initiative has been well received by clinicians and social care professionals and has contributed to a cultural transformation in the way health and care professionals are responding to the identified needs of the community.

Practical implications

Using community-centred approaches in this way may help to augment clinical outcomes as well as reduce demand on over stretched public services.

Social implications

Community-centred models such as the one in Halton have the potential to empower citizens to play an active role in creating healthier communities by catalysing a “people powered” social movement for health.

Originality/value

The CWP model in Halton is a good example of the way community-centred approaches to health can be integrated with health and care pathways to augment clinical outcomes and reduce demand on over stretched services.
Information asymmetry leads to underpricing: validation through SEM for Indian IPOs
Authors: Chhabra Sheena , Kiran Ravi , Sah A.N.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance of information, transparency and information efficiency in short-run performance of new issues. The current research evaluates the short-run performance of IPOs during 2005-2012, which even includes the recessionary period. The present study evaluates the impact of informational variables on first-day returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The short-run performance of the IPOs is measured through market adjusted excess return. A structural equation model (SEM) has been designed to identify how information influences the short-run performance of IPOs.

Findings

The results of structural model reveal that the sale of promoters’ stake and underwriters’ reputation are the major contributors towards information and are found to be highly significant statistically. The model also shows that the issue size (a component of information) is statistically insignificant at 5 per cent. The model suggests that the availability of information has negative impact on the first day returns indicating that the issuer which disclose maximum information to the public get lower returns on the listing day and hence, their issues are less underpriced.

Originality/value

The present study has a contribution in investment decisions for global investors, as the participation of international investors is common in IPOs of emerging markets. The findings of the study are expected to be useful to the practitioners in predicting the pricing of IPOs based on the informational variables influencing their performance.
A survey on units ontologies: architecture, comparison and reuse
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Li Kai , Zhao Chongchong , Pan Dongyu
Published: May 2017

Purpose

With the increasing spread of ontologies in various domains, units have gradually become an essential part of ontologies and units ontologies have been developed to offer a better expression ability for the practical usage. From the perspectives of architecture, comparison and reuse, the purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive survey on four mainstream units ontologies: quantity-unit-dimension-type, quantities, units, dimensions and values, ontology of units of measure and units ontology (UO) of the open biomedical ontologies, in order to address well the state of the art and the reuse strategies of the UO.

Design/methodology/approach

An architecture of units ontologies is presented, in which the relations between key factors (i.e. units of measure, quantity and dimension) are discussed. The criteria for comparing units ontologies are developed from the perspectives of organizational structure, pattern design and application scenario. Then, the authors compare four typical units ontologies based on the proposed comparison criteria. Furthermore, how to reuse these units ontologies is discussed in materials science domain by utilizing two reuse strategies of partial reference and complete reference.

Findings

Units ontologies have attracted high attention in the scientific domain. Based on the comparison of four popular units ontologies, this paper finds that different units ontologies have different design features from the perspectives of basis structure, units conversion and axioms design; a UO is better to be applied to the application areas that satisfy its design features; and many challenges remain to be done in the future research of the UO.

Originality/value

This paper makes an extensive review on units ontologies, by defining the comparison criteria and discussing the reuse strategies in the materials domain. Based on this investigation, guidelines are summarized for the selection and reuse of units ontologies.
Networking with a purpose: men and women’s perception of career networking in sport NGBs
Authors: Zdroik Jen , Babiak Kathy
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Networking practices are considered to be an important career advancement strategy. However, little empirical research exists which provides understanding of this phenomenon as it relates to the differences in practices and experiences between genders. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the role and nature of networking and career relationships in nonprofit sport organizations is perceived to impact career development.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 34 semi-structured interviews were conducted with male and female executives in a range of nonprofit organizations to elicit views, attitudes, and information regarding formal and informal networking strategies and practices employed in this context.

Findings

Findings highlight differences in perceptions of how networking is defined, the central role of mentors, the nature of networking relationships, and networking strategies. The authors found that there are various perceived barriers with regard to gender and organizational culture in sport national governing bodies (NGBs).

Research limitations/implications

Networking practice and policy implications are discussed for sport NGBs and other organizations. The authors offer recommendations for future research.

Originality/value

The project adds value to the understanding of the career advancement of women as it directly compares perceptions of men and women.
Sex differences in cardiovascular risk profiles of ischemic stroke patients with diabetes in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study
Authors: Madsen Tracy E. , Khoury Jane C. , Alwell Kathleen A. , Moomaw Charles J. , Demel Stacie L. , Flaherty Matthew L. , Woo Daniel , Mackey Jason , De Los Rios La Rosa Felipe , Martini Sharyl , Ferioli Simona , Adeoye Opeolu , Khatri Pooja , Kissela Brett M. , Kleindorfer Dawn
Published: May 2017

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare sex‐specific associations between cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes mellitus (DM) among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS).

Methods

The GCNKSS ascertained AIS cases in 2005 and 2010 among adult (age ≥ 20 years) residents of a biracial population of 1.3 million. Past and current stroke risk factors were compared between those with and without DM using Chi‐squared tests and multiple logistic regression analysis to examine sex‐specific profiles.

Results

There were 3515 patients with incident AIS; 1919 (55%) were female, 697 (20%) were Black, and 1146 (33%) had DM. Among both women and men with DM, significantly more were obese and had hypertension, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with those without DM. For women with AIS, multivariable sex‐specific adjusted analyses revealed that older age was associated with decreased odds of having DM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–0.98). For women with CAD, the odds of DM were increased (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.33–2.32). Age and CAD were not significant factors in differentiating the profiles of men with and without DM.

Conclusions

Women with DM had strokes at a younger age, whereas no such age difference existed in men. Compared with men, women with DM were also more likely to have CAD than those without DM, suggesting a sex difference in the association between DM and vascular disease. These findings may suggest a need for more aggressive risk factor management in diabetic women.
Severe pemphigoid gestationis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in the setting of a systemic disorder
Authors: Oumerzouk Jawad , Abida Nabil , Zaimi Achraf , Znati Kaoutar , Zbir El Mehdi , Bourazza Ahmed
Published: May 2017

Pemphigoid gestationis is a skin‐specific autoimmune disorder that can sometimes present as the cutaneous manifestation of a multiorgan disease due to potentially common pathogenic mechanisms. We report a severe form of pemphigoid gestationis in a 32‐year‐old primigravida woman, who presented at 22 weeks of gestation with headaches and blurred vision, later developing encephalitis, intrauterine fetal demise and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Cyberbullying and Cybervictimization Within a Cross‐Cultural Context: A Study of Canadian and Tanzanian Adolescents
Authors: Shapka Jennifer D. , Onditi Hezron Z. , Collie Rebecca J. , Lapidot‐Lefler Noam
Published: May 2017

This study explored cyberbullying and cybervictimization (CBCV), for adolescents aged 11–15 from Tanzania (N = 426) and Canada (N = 592). Measurement invariance and model invariance was found for CBCV. In addition, multigroup structural equation modeling was used to explore several variables: age, gender, average hours online each day, accessing the Internet in a private location, having online privacy concerns, going online for social purposes, and motivation for cyberbullying. Results found interesting patterns within each country. It was found that cellphone ownership moderated the relation between these predictor variables and reported incidences of CBCV uniquely for each country. These findings provide evidence for the global nature of cyberbullying.
Quantification of l‐carvone in toothpastes available on the Swedish market
Authors: Kroona Liv , Warfvinge Gunnar , Isaksson Marléne , Ahlgren Camilla , Dahlin Jakob , Sörensen Östen , Bruze Magnus
Published: May 2017

Background

Toothpastes have widespread use in the population, and contain flavours to give a pleasant and often minty aroma. Flavours are prevalent allergens in toothpastes, and adverse reactions often present as perioral dermatitis or stomatitis. l‐Carvone, a mint flavour found in spearmint oil, is one of these allergens. There are few studies on contact allergy to l‐carvone, and some of them have indicated a positive relationship with oral lichenoid lesions.

Objectives

To qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the presence of l‐carvone in commercially available toothpastes on the Swedish market.

Methods

l‐Carvone in 66 toothpastes was analysed with straight‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The product labels were studied with regard to limonene.

Results

l‐Carvone was found in 64 of 66 toothpastes (concentration: 0.00005–0.35%). In 10 of these, the concentration exceeded 0.1%. Higher concentrations of l‐carvone were found if limonene was listed on the label.

Conclusion

The majority of toothpastes on the Swedish market contain l‐carvone, but the concentration hardly relates to the advertised flavour or labelled ingredients. It is hitherto unknown whether the found concentrations are sufficient for induction of contact allergy in individuals with healthy oral mucosa or in those with oral lichenoid lesions or other mucosal disease.
EFFICIENCY AND EQUITY IMPLICATIONS OF CHARGING NONRESIDENTS FULL‐COST TUITIONS
Authors: Fethke Gary
Published: May 2017

With fixed costs and a break‐even constraint describing a public university, tuition and subsidy structures are endogenously determined that maximize constrained welfare, defined as students' value (net consumers' surplus) minus the taxpayer appropriation. Requiring nonresidents to pay full‐cost tuitions introduces relative deviations in demand that lead to efficiency losses and income transfers. To measure these effects, demand and cost expressions are developed to replicate standard decentralized budgeting frameworks for the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Efficiency losses associated with requiring nonresidents to pay fully allocated costs are modest (2%–6%) compared to orders of magnitude larger distributional transfers from nonresidents to residents and taxpayers. (JEL I22, I28)
THE WAGE IMPACT OF TEACHERS UNIONS: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Merkle Jessica S. , Phillips Michelle Andrea
Published: May 2017

The literature examining the impact of teachers unions on education is very large and diverse. We meta‐analyze the literature on the wage impacts of teachers unions to try to draw out general findings, the importance of empirical model specification, and samples. A key finding of this study is that the average wage impact estimated by the included papers is modest, around 2%–4.5%. Our findings also suggest that the quality of an empirical strategy significantly affects the size of the estimated impact. We find that teachers union wage impacts have varied over time. The largest impacts appear to be following the rapid expansion of teacher unionism in the 1970s. Finally, we gain new insight into the goals of teachers unions by using the increased statistical power of meta‐analytic techniques to show that unions increase the wages of new teachers and not just senior teachers. (JEL J51, I21, I30)
The impact of calcineurin inhibitors on neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and fibroblast growth factor 23 in long‐term kidney transplant patients
Authors: Bleskestad Inger Hjørdis , Thorsen Inga Strand , Jonsson Grete , Skadberg Øyvind , Gøransson Lasse Gunnar
Published: May 2017

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), a protein with bacteriostatic functions rapidly excreted from stimulated or damaged epithelial cells, is elevated in acute and chronic kidney disease. A calcineurin dependent signaling pathway for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been revealed, but the effect of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) on the levels of NGAL and markers of mineral metabolism in long‐term kidney transplant patients has not been explored.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 39 patients who received a first kidney transplant more than 10 years ago were split into two groups based on whether (n=28) or not (n=11) they used CNIs. Only patients with well‐functioning grafts defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥45 mL/min per 1.73 m2 were included.

Results

The median levels of NGAL, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and iFGF23 were significantly higher in CNI users vs CNI nonusers, 167.0 (134.0‐235.0) ng/mL vs 105.0 (91.3‐117.0) ng/mL, P<.001, 13.8 (10.0‐17.3) pmol/L vs 8.4 (6.4‐9.9) pmol/L, P=.003, and 81.6 (56.4‐116.5) pg/mL vs 61.8 (43.3‐72.1) pg/mL, P=.04 respectively.

Conclusions

The median levels of iFGF23 were higher in CNI users compared to CNI nonusers giving support to the notion of a CNI induced FGF23 resistance in the parathyroid. The net result of CNIs side effects needs to be further explored.
The development of cognitive empathy and concern in preschool children: A behavioral neuroscience investigation
Authors: Decety Jean , Meidenbauer Kimberly L. , Cowell Jason M.
Published: May 2017

This developmental neuroscience study examined the electrophysiological responses (EEG and ERPs) associated with perspective taking and empathic concern in preschool children, as well as their relation to parental empathy dispositions and children's own prosocial behavior. Consistent with a body of previous studies using stimuli depicting somatic pain in both children and adults, larger early (~200 ms) ERPs were identified when perceiving painful versus neutral stimuli. In the slow wave window (~800 ms), a significant interaction of empathy condition and stimulus type was driven by a greater difference between painful and neutral images in the empathic concern condition. Across early development, children exhibited enhanced N2 to pain when engaging in empathic concern. Greater pain‐elicited N2 responses in the cognitive empathy condition also related to parent dispositional empathy. Children's own prosocial behavior was predicted by several individual differences in neural function, including larger early LPP responses during cognitive empathy and greater differentiation in late LPP and slow wave responses to empathic concern versus affective perspective taking. Left frontal activation (greater alpha suppression) while engaging in affective perspective taking was also related to higher levels of parent cognitive empathy. Together, this multilevel analysis demonstrates the important distinction between facets of empathy in children; the value of examining neurobehavioral processes in development. It provides provoking links between children's neural functioning and parental dispositions in early development.
Iconicity in the speech of children and adults
Authors: Perry Lynn K. , Perlman Marcus , Winter Bodo , Massaro Dominic W. , Lupyan Gary
Published: May 2017

Iconicity – the correspondence between form and meaning – may help young children learn to use new words. Early‐learned words are higher in iconicity than later learned words. However, it remains unclear what role iconicity may play in actual language use. Here, we ask whether iconicity relates not just to the age at which words are acquired, but also to how frequently children and adults use the words in their speech. If iconicity serves to bootstrap word learning, then we would expect that children should say highly iconic words more frequently than less iconic words, especially early in development. We would also expect adults to use iconic words more often when speaking to children than to other adults. We examined the relationship between frequency and iconicity for approximately 2000 English words. Replicating previous findings, we found that more iconic words are learned earlier. Moreover, we found that more iconic words tend to be used more by younger children, and adults use more iconic words when speaking to children than to other adults. Together, our results show that young children not only learn words rated high in iconicity earlier than words low in iconicity, but they also produce these words more frequently in conversation – a pattern that is reciprocated by adults when speaking with children. Thus, the earliest conversations of children are relatively higher in iconicity, suggesting that this iconicity scaffolds the production and comprehension of spoken language during early development.
Cardiovascular events associated with second‐line anti‐diabetes treatments: analysis of real‐world Korean data
Authors: Ha K. H. , Kim B. , Choi H. , Kim D. J. , Kim H. C.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To compare the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all‐cause mortality associated with sulfonylurea (SU), dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP4i) and thiazolidinedione (TZD) as add‐on medications to metformin (MET) therapy in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We identified 40 263 individuals who used SU (n = 11 582), DPP4i (n = 26 623) or TZD (n = 2058) in addition to MET between January 2013 and June 2015 from the database of the Korean National Health Insurance, the single‐payer healthcare system in South Korea. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios for major CVD event (coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke or transient ischaemic attack) development and all‐cause mortality by second‐line anti‐diabetes medication type. Age, sex, duration of MET monotherapy, calendar year and comorbid conditions were adjusted as potential confounders.

Results

The observed numbers of CVD events (total observed person‐time) were 485 (18 778 person‐years) for MET + SU, 744 (40 374 person‐years) for MET + DPP4i and 60 (3014 person‐years) for MET + TZD users. Compared with MET + SU users, the fully adjusted hazard ratios for CVD events were 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71–0.89] for MET + DPP4i users and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.65–1.11) for MET + TZD users. The corresponding hazard ratios for all‐cause mortality were 0.84 (95% CI: 0.66–1.07) for MET + DPP4i users and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.35–1.28) for MET + TZD users.

Conclusion

Analysis of Korea National Health Insurance database showed that MET + DPP4i treatment for diabetes had a lower CVD risk than MET + SU treatment.
A case series of verrucae vulgares mimicking hyperkeratosis in individuals with diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Quast D. R. , Nauck M. A. , Bechara F. G. , Meier J. J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication in the advanced stages of diabetes mellitus. Certain lesions may be refractory to usual treatments with prolonged healing. In these cases, differential diagnoses to classical ulcers should be considered. Although plantar warts are a common and easy‐to‐diagnose finding in the general population, diagnosis can be challenging in people with diabetic foot ulcers, as they mimic hyperkeratosis in these people.

Case report

We report seven cases of people with diabetic foot ulcers and verrucae vulgares mimicking treatment‐refractory hyperkeratosis, presenting to our centre between 2014 and 2016. Diagnosis was aided by the clinical presentation, followed by dermoscopy and punch biopsy. Treatment included topical application of 5‐fluoruracil and salicylic acid (four people), cryotherapy (three people) and surgical excision (three people), all in combination with local pressure offloading. In five people, the verrucae were completely removed after a mean treatment period of 9.4 months; two individuals were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

Verrucae may be more common in people with diabetic foot lesions and polyneuropathy than generally assumed. Typical findings include small, pinhead‐sized bleedings within and surrounding hyperkeratous lesions. These findings should alert the clinician for the potential presence of a verruca. In such cases, biopsy should be performed to enable specific diagnosis and treatment.
Export Destination Characteristics and Markups: The Role of Country Size
Authors: Kilinç Umut
Published: May 2017

Besides exhibiting substantial heterogeneity across firms or products of different quality, markups can vary within a firm across products of the same type that are sold to different markets. This implies that part of the observed markup heterogeneity is driven by differences in market characteristics. Openness to international trade plays a crucial role in this heterogeneity by allowing firms to operate in multiple markets simultaneously. This paper aims to assess the variation in markups across export destinations of different characteristics, with a particular focus on country size. The markup variation is estimated through an export demand specification using product–firm–country matched data from Luxembourg, where prices and quantities are observed separately. The results show that markups for products exported to larger destinations are significantly lower. In addition to destination size, markups are found to vary with the export destination's productivity advantage, distance, strictness of tariffs, EU membership status and richness. Exporters’ markups also vary significantly with firm age but not with firm size.
Low genetic diversity but frequent sexual reproduction of the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica in Azerbaijan
Authors: Aghayeva D. N. , Rigling D. , Prospero S.
Published: May 2017

Chestnut blight was first recorded in Azerbaijan on the native European chestnut (Castanea sativa) in 2004, and since then, the disease is expanding in the country. In this study, chestnut blight was detected in seven of eight forest districts that were inspected. To characterize the local population structure of the chestnut blight fungus, 199 Cryphonectria parasitica isolates were collected and assessed for vc type, mating type and microsatellite genotype. Among these isolates, one dominant vc type was detected comprising 93% of the isolates. Six additional vc types were identified among the other isolates. The microsatellite analysis revealed a very similar pattern with 96.5% of the isolates belonging to the same multilocus genotype. Both mating types of C. parasitica were present in all seven districts with a mating type ratio not different from 1:1 in five districts. In accordance with the occurrence of both mating types, sexual fruiting bodies (perithecia) of C. parasitica were found in all districts with an overall prevalence on 20.6% of the cankers. The dominant vc type and microsatellite genotype in Azerbaijan do not occur in Europe, but have previously been found to be widespread in neighbouring Georgia. Our study reveals that sexual reproduction in the invasive C. parasitica population in Azerbaijan is frequent, although the population shows a low genetic diversity. This could favour the biological control of chestnut blight using hypovirulence, which so far does not seem to be present in Azerbaijan.
Evaluation of a multi‐methods approach to the collection and dissemination of feedback on OSCE performance in dental education
Authors: Wardman M.J. , Yorke V.C. , Hallam J.L.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Feedback is an essential part of the learning process, and students expect their feedback to be personalised, meaningful and timely. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) assessments allow examiners to observe students carefully over the course of a number of varied station types, across a number of clinical knowledge and skill domains. They therefore present an ideal opportunity to record detailed feedback which allows students to reflect on and improve their performance.

Methods

This article outlines two methods by which OSCE feedback was collected and then disseminated to undergraduate dental students across 2‐year groups in a UK dental school: (i) Individual written feedback comments made by examiners during the examination, (ii) General audio feedback recorded by groups of examiners immediately following the examination. Evaluation of the feedback was sought from students and staff examiners. A multi‐methods approach utilising Likert questionnaire items (quantitative) and open‐ended feedback questions (qualitative) was used. Data analysis explored student and staff perceptions of the audio and written feedback.

Results

A total of 131 students (response rate 68%) and 52 staff examiners (response rate 83%) completed questionnaires. Quantitative data analysis showed that the written and audio formats were reported as a meaningful source of feedback for learning by both students (93% written, 89% audio) and staff (96% written, 92% audio). Qualitative data revealed the complementary nature of both types of feedback. Written feedback gives specific, individual information whilst audio shares general observations and allows students to learn from others. The advantages, limitations and challenges of the feedback methods are discussed, leading to the development of an informed set of implementation guidelines.

Conclusion

Written and audio feedback methods are valued by students and staff. It is proposed that these may be very easily applied to OSCEs running in other dental schools.
How Manual Object Exploration is Associated with 7‐ to 8‐Month‐Old Infants’ Visual Prediction Abilities in Spatial Object Processing
Authors: Kubicek Claudia , Jovanovic Bianca , Schwarzer Gudrun
Published: May 2017

The present experiment examined whether infants’ visual prediction performance of the appearance of objects moving in space is related to their manual object exploration ability. Fifty‐five 7‐ to 8‐month‐old infants were tested. A visual object prediction paradigm was developed during which a three‐dimensional object was presented in a live eye‐tracking setting. During familiarization, the object rotated back and forth along the vertical axis. While the object was moving, two target parts of it were briefly occluded from view and uncovered again as the object changed its direction of motion. In the test phase, the entire object was rotated around 90° and now rotated along the horizontal axis. We recorded infants’ eye movements directed at the target locations and analyzed the prediction rates. All of the infants also participated in a manual object exploration task, in which they freely explored five toy blocks. Infants with a higher level of object exploration skill had higher prediction rates during test trials as compared to infants with less proficient object exploratory actions. The results support the interpretation that advanced manual object exploration experience is associated with infants’ advanced visual prediction ability of the appearance of objects moving in space.
Commentary: Important design features to consider in observational research on the long‐term outcomes of ADHD – reflections on Sibley et al. (2017) and Swanson et al. (2017)
Authors: Larsson Henrik
Published: May 2017

In this issue of the Journal, Sibley et al. (2017) presented some important insights into how different assessment approaches influence the apparent persistence of ADHD into adulthood, while Swanson et al. (2017) presented interesting results regarding the long‐term benefits (adult symptom reduction) and costs (adult height suppression) associated with the treatment of ADHD with stimulant medication. This commentary highlights that (a) future studies that attempt to explore the occurrence and predictors of persisting and remitting developmental trajectories of ADHD, as well as late‐onset ADHD, need to be based on thorough assessment of ADHD in adulthood using a combination of self‐ratings and other informants (parents), and that (b) observational studies of the long‐term benefits and risk associated with ADHD medications will play an important role in future research and clinical guidelines.
Clinical signs, diagnostics and successful treatment of a myocarditis in an adult chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: van Zijll Langhout Martine , Wolters Marno , Horvath Katalin M. , Thiesbrummel Harold , Smits Paul , van Bolhuis Hester , van der Hulst Victor , Riezebos Robert
Published: May 2017

A chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) was presented with lethargic behaviour. Echocardiography and abnormal cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers revealed a myocarditis. The animal fully recovered after prolonged treatment with losartan and carvedilol. This is the first report of the diagnosis and successful treatment of myocarditis in this species.