bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How hollow melanosomes affect iridescent colour production in birds
Authors: Eliason Chad M. , Bitton Pierre-Paul , Shawkey Matthew D.
Published: July 2013

Developmental constraints and trade-offs can limit diversity, but organisms have repeatedly evolved morphological innovations that overcome these limits by expanding the range and functionality of traits. Iridescent colours in birds are commonly produced by melanin-containing organelles (melanosomes) organized into nanostructured arrays within feather barbules. Variation in array type (e.g. multilayers and photonic crystals, PCs) is known to have remarkable effects on plumage colour, but the optical consequences of variation in melanosome shape remain poorly understood. Here, we used a combination of spectrophotometric, experimental and theoretical methods to test how melanosome hollowness—a morphological innovation largely restricted to birds—affects feather colour. Optical analyses of hexagonal close-packed arrays of hollow melanosomes in two species, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and violet-backed starlings (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), indicated that they function as two-dimensional PCs. Incorporation of a larger dataset and optical modelling showed that, compared with solid melanosomes, hollow melanosomes allow birds to produce distinct colours with the same energetically favourable, close-packed configurations. These data suggest that a morphological novelty has, at least in part, allowed birds to achieve their vast morphological and colour diversity.
Juvenile social experience affects pairing success at adulthood: congruence with the loser effect?
Authors: Mariette Mylene M. , Cathaud Charlène , Chambon Rémi , Vignal Clémentine
Published: July 2013

Social interactions with adults are often critical for the development of mating behaviours. However, the potential role of other primary social partners such as juvenile counterparts is rarely considered. Most interestingly, it is not known whether interactions with juvenile females improve males’ courtship and whether, similar to the winner and loser effects in a fighting context—outcome of these interactions shapes males’ behaviour in future encounters. We investigated the combined effects of male quality and juvenile social experience on pairing success at adulthood in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We manipulated brood size to alter male quality and then placed males in either same- or mixed-sex juvenile dyads until adulthood. We found that males from reduced broods obtained more copulations and males from mixed-sex dyads had more complete courtships. Furthermore, independent of their quality, males that failed to pair with juvenile females, but not juvenile males, had a lower pairing success at adulthood. Our study shows that negative social experience with peers during adolescence may be a potent determinant of pairing success that can override the effects of early environmental conditions on male attractiveness and thereby supports the occurrence of an analogous process to the loser effect in a mating context.
Beyond the Burgess Shale: Cambrian microfossils track the rise and fall of hallucigeniid lobopodians
Authors: Caron Jean-Bernard , Smith Martin R. , Harvey Thomas H. P.
Published: July 2013

Burgess Shale-type deposits are renowned for their exquisite preservation of soft-bodied organisms, representing a range of animal body plans that evolved during the Cambrian ‘explosion’. However, the rarity of these fossil deposits makes it difficult to reconstruct the broader-scale distributions of their constituent organisms. By contrast, microscopic skeletal elements represent an extensive chronicle of early animal evolution—but are difficult to interpret in the absence of corresponding whole-body fossils. Here, we provide new observations on the dorsal spines of the Cambrian lobopodian (panarthropod) wormHallucigenia sparsafrom the Burgess Shale (Cambrian Series 3, Stage 5). These exhibit a distinctive scaly microstructure and layered (cone-in-cone) construction that together identify a hitherto enigmatic suite of carbonaceous and phosphatic Cambrian microfossils—including material attributed toMongolitubulus,RushtonitesandRhombocorniculum—as spines ofHallucigenia-type lobopodians. Hallucigeniids are thus revealed as an important and widespread component of disparate Cambrian communities from late in the Terreneuvian (Cambrian Stage 2) through the ‘middle’ Cambrian (Series 3); their apparent decline in the latest Cambrian may be partly taphonomic. The cone-in-cone construction of hallucigeniid sclerites is shared with the sclerotized cuticular structures (jaws and claws) in modern onychophorans. More generally, our results emphasize the reciprocal importance and complementary roles of Burgess Shale-type fossils and isolated microfossils in documenting early animal evolution.
Clinical governance implementation: a developing country perspective
Authors: Khayatzadeh‐Mahani Akram , Nekoei‐Moghadam Mahmood , Esfandiari Atefeh , Ramezani Fatemeh , Parva Sahar
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the clinical governance policy and its main component, patient satisfaction, turned into practice and what they look like on the ground in the centralised health system of Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research stance was adopted incorporating three main sources of information: face to face in‐depth interviews and focus groups conducted with hospital senior managers at the teaching hospitals in Kerman city, Iran, as well as documentary analysis of key policy texts. Nine hospital senior managers were purposefully selected for face‐to‐face interviews as well as a purposeful sample of 15 hospital senior managers for focus groups.

Findings

The documentary analysis revealed how clinical policy has been put into practice. The interview and focus group data analysis also disclosed four key themes with respect to how policy implementers in the Iranian centralised health system perceive nationally developed policies towards clinical governance and patient satisfaction. These include: a paper exercise; opaque, ambiguous policies; unstable policies; and separation of policy making from policy implementation.

Originality/value

The study revealed a perceived mismatch between the official proposals for clinical governance and their application in practice. The findings of this research lend support to the idea that there should be no separation between policy making process and its implementation; they are inseparable and should be treated in parallel, rather than in sequence. The study further suggests more accountability of the state towards its policies and public alike as a better governance of the health system. State‐level sustainability followed by allocating proper resources to implementation fields and empowering policy implementers coupled with good systems of performance control are the keys to keep patient focus a top priority.
Crisis and disaster management in Jordanian hotels: practices and cultural considerations
Authors: Hanna Salman Sawalha Ihab , Eid Jraisat Luai , Al‐Qudah Kamal A.M.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This research aims to: identify major risks that have the potential to place Jordanian hotels in crisis or disaster situations; investigate the tools/frameworks adopted by Jordanian hotels to manage crises and disasters; and investigate the cultural factors influencing the wider adoption of crisis and disaster management best practices in Jordanian hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of “five‐star” hotels in Jordan was undertaken. Interviewer‐administered questionnaire was conducted followed by semi‐structured interviews with three General Managers from three hotels of different cultural backgrounds: local; regional; and international.

Findings

Results revealed that Jordanian hotels are exposed to a wide range of risks. Jordanian hotels lack effective and comprehensive tools/frameworks for managing crises and disasters. Organizational culture affects the wider adoption of crisis and disaster management best practices within Jordanian hotels.

Practical implications

To be successful in promoting crisis and disaster management in hotels and in the tourism industry more generally, the relevant authorities in Jordan, such as the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordanian Hotels Association, should demonstrate to hotels in Jordan how significant crisis and disaster management is, so that they can be able to cope with crises and disasters more efficiently.

Originality/value

This is the first study investigating crisis and disaster management in Jordanian hotels using quantitative and qualitative approaches. This research will be of value to those interested in crisis and disaster management in the tourism industry.
Managing temporal misfits in institutional environments
Authors: Dille Therese , Söderlund Jonas
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to conceptualize time as an important dimension of institutions and, more specifically, to develop the analysis of institutions, time, and temporal misfits. The paper explores these matters in the context of an inter‐institutional project where actors, who represent different organizational fields and respond to different institutional requirements with regards to time and timing, need to collaborate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper centers on three critical incidents taken from a study of a large‐scale telecom project in Norway. The paper is based on an analysis of public documents and 35 interviews with key stakeholders and managers in the focal project.

Findings

This research shows that temporal misfits are a critical, yet understudied, element of project organizing. The paper suggests and discusses three primary measures – detecting, correcting, and escaping – that project management makes use of to resolve temporal misfits among the actors involved. To advance the analysis of problems facing projects in institutionally‐bounded settings, the paper proposes a typology of temporal misfits (phase and tempo) and different types of complexity (analyzable and systemic).

Practical implications

Although purposeful in many instances, especially in collaborations across institutional boundaries, timing norms may cause profound organizational problems due to temporal misfits among the actors involved. The paper argues that project managers need to identify and be prepared for such organizational problem by being equipped with a repertoire of resolution strategies to handle them. New concepts and approaches are needed to identify and deal with temporal misfits among important stakeholders in projects.

Originality/value

A number of previous studies on project organizing have emphasized the critical aspects of studying institutions and time; but to date, no comprehensive efforts have been made to combine these ideas in empirical investigations. This study emphasizes the criticality of timing norms and temporal misfits to enhance our understanding of the linkages between projects, institutions, and time.
An exploratory study of project success with tools, software and methods
Authors: Jugdev Kam , Perkins David , Fortune Joyce , White Diana , Walker Derek
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between project delivery success factors, project management tools, software, and methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A statistical analysis was undertaken using data from a survey from a purposive sample of 150 participants across three countries (Australia, Canada and the UK). The findings were used to consider the relationships between project success factors, project management tools, software, and methods.

Findings

The findings reveal certain insights in the use of tools and methodologies. Of all the variables measured, the number of project management tools used and the number of risk tools used showed the highest direct correlation. It was therefore surmised that the use of tools from one of these categories is often coincident with the use of tools from the other category. Also, the use of project management tools exhibited less variability as compared to use of information communication technology support tools and risk management tools. In addition, use of formal project management methods exhibited less variability than use of formal decision‐making methods. Therefore, it is suggested that use of project management tools and methods is more consistent across the organizations studied, as compared to other tools and methods.

Originality/value

This paper extends the survey findings of an international 2011 study and sheds light on the use of project management and related tools and methods.
Temporary organizations and end states
Authors: Lundin Rolf A. , Söderholm Anders
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to respond to the research note on the article “A theory on temporary organizations” by reminding readers about the lack of timelessness in the social sciences and alluding to some alternative theory formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

By describing/analyzing the context within which “A theory” was developed, the notion that any theory is a child of its time is explicated. Thus, an understanding for the need for reconsideration and reconstruction in social science theory is created.

Findings

A necessary step in the work is to come up with ideas as to how crucial elements get transformed and is related to social development. The argument is that when it comes to the use of the word project is under change which creates a tension as to the appropriate realm for a theory of temporary organizations. A theory building on the notion of end state appears to be useful.

Practical implications

A theory incorporating the notion of end state opens up for new ideas on how to manage projects. The traditional project management guidelines might inhibit good solutions to focused behavior. An end state approach is more open for changes in the environment and in ambitions.

Originality/value

The theme opens up for less rigid approaches in relation to traditional project management. The crucial role that planning beforehand is considered to have will be transformed to other mechanisms, triggering planning and rethink.
A chunk view of research into temporary organizations
Authors: Artto Karlos
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research note is to address theory building in the field of projects and temporary organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research note builds on commenting and deriving arguments from three main sources (the Transition paper, the End‐states paper, and the Chunk paper) that all contribute to theory building in the field of temporary organizations and/or projects. In addition to an Introduction section in the beginning and Discussion section at the end, this research note is organized to comprise four sections: Time, End states, Boundaries, and Chunk.

Findings

This research note expands the temporary organization view to include dimensions that fall outside the organizational dimension. Such dimensions include logic‐related, immaterial, maybe even entrepreneurial issues that may reside outside the boundaries of any organizational entity. Furthermore, such dimensions include end states and potentially objects that (may) affect the end states such as opportunity‐seizing or risk‐taking attitudes, or accidental or serendipitous incidents/events that would occur “outside the temporary organization” in the uncertain environment (the environment being collaborative, competitive, or “random”). This discussion relates to the challenging question of defining boundaries and understanding their dynamic and ever‐changing nature. The discussion part of the paper introduces the term “business enterprise” in contrast to the terms “project” or “temporary organization”, when referring to logic‐related and other aspects that would otherwise fall outside the organizational dimension.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this paper, further conceptual and empirical research and academic debates on temporary organizations and projects is needed. This would elevate combinations of existing theories and propose several new theories, not just one theory.

Originality/value

Existing theories on temporary organizations and projects and the ways in which they are used in individual studies are too single‐sided and therefore not too helpful in explaining the new organizational forms referred to in this paper. Therefore, cross‐disciplinary combinations of several existing theories are needed, and potentially new theories also need to be developed. This research note and the three main sources (the Transition paper, the End‐states paper, and the Chunk paper) serve as a good start for such future theory‐building and theory‐combining studies.
A novel CAMHS risk assessment system: clinicians’ views
Authors: Daniel Matthew R. , Weir Steve , Tiffin Paul A.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to record and analyse clinicians’ views of the proposed FACE Child and Adolescent Risk Assessment Suite (CARAS). This is a novel risk assessment system comprising a set of screening questions and domain specific sub‐schedules intended to be implemented in electronic format within a youth mental health setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted with a series of focus groups conducted with three Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) teams drawn from general and specialised services in a large NHS Trust in North‐East England. A thematic analysis was used to explore the perceived clinical relevance, clarity and utility of the items that are contained within the FACE Child and Adolescent Risk Assessment Suite.

Findings

Emerging themes highlighted that items such as criminality and fire‐setting be added to the violence risk assessment schedule; a structured approach for risk of sexual harm be utilised; and an eating disorder risk assessment be included.

Practical implications

Clinicians viewed the FACE Child and Adolescent Risk Assessment Suite as a structured and comprehensive risk management tool that also demonstrated potential clinical utility. CAMHS clinicians’ views of the potential benefits of risk assessment schedules appear to be influenced by the perceived balance between comprehensiveness and ease and rapidity of administration. Further studies relating to validity and reliability are currently ongoing.

Originality/value

This is the first qualitative exploration of a comprehensive and flexible approach to risk assessment in a youth mental health setting.
Women who use secure services: applying the literature to women with learning disabilities
Authors: Fish Rebecca
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to review research of relevance to women with learning disabilities, focusing in particular on literature which is applicable to women with learning disabilities who use forensic services.

Design/methodology/approach

Research involving women with learning disabilities over the past 30 years was sought out and reviewed, and literature relating to women living in locked wards (including those without learning disabilities) was focused upon. Related themes such as the BPD diagnosis, self injury, and aggression are explored.

Findings

The author found very little research relating to women with learning disabilities who use secure services, particularly which included quotes from the women themselves.

Research limitations/implications

The author recommends that more research in this area is needed, primarily research which includes the voices of women service users themselves.

Originality/value

This paper will be relevant to all staff who work with women in secure services.
Design of contracts between knowledge-intensive service firms in comparative property right settings
Authors: Rosenbaum Stephen
Published: July 2013

Purpose

– This article aims to explore how knowledge-intensive service firms design inter-firm contracts to govern the exchange of highly intangible and inseparable knowledge under varying degrees of property right protection.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research uses a multiple case study of management consulting firms domiciled in Serbia and Albania.

Findings

– Firms domiciled in relatively weak property right settings prefer more informal contracts, whereas those in settings of superior property right protection favour greater formality as a means of encouraging the creation and sharing of knowledge, whilst concurrently mitigating the threat of opportunism.

Research limitations/implications

– This article contributes new knowledge with regard to the design of inter-firm contracts to govern the sharing of highly intangible and inseparable knowledge. In terms of theory, it employs a transaction cost economics approach in which inter-firm contracts are decomposed into five requisite provisions, which are then related to the degree of formality.

Practical implications

– Knowledge-intensive service firm managers should assess the degree of property right protection when considering the degree of formality of inter-firm contracts.

Originality/value

– The study constitutes the first attempt to empirically examine how knowledge-intensive service firms craft contracts in different property right settings. With the burgeoning number of cross-border collaborative partnerships between such firms, it offers important insights into the choice of governance mechanism in different property right protection settings.
A segmentation of adolescent online users and shoppers
Authors: W. Hill William , E. Beatty Sharon , Walsh Gianfranco
Published: July 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify key motivations for adolescents using and shopping on the internet, and to segment the sample based on these motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research occurs in two phases: a qualitative phase involving interviews with adolescents aged 12-15 and parents of adolescents in this age group; then, a quantitative phase using a survey (n=360) to measure the motivations and other key profiling variables identified in the qualitative phase and the literature review.

Findings

– The research identifies five basic motivations and two shopping motivations influencing adolescent online usage and shopping. Next, a cluster analysis is conducted using the motivations developed and is used to identify segments of adolescent internet users and shoppers, which are subsequently described.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample of adolescents was taken from a town in the southeast USA. Caution should be taken when generalizing to adolescents outside this region.

Practical implications

– This research identifies for internet marketers the different types of adolescent internet users and shoppers. It also recognizes key motivations that marketers should consider when targeting adolescents.

Originality/value

– This research is the first to identify important segments of adolescents based on their motivations for online usage and shopping, and builds on a limited stream of research relative to adolescents and internet shopping.
Can environmental performance rating programmes succeed in Africa? An evaluation of Ghana's AKOBEN project
Authors: Boatemaa Darko‐Mensah Adowa , Okereke Chukwumerije
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse Ghana's AKOBEN programme which is the first environmental performance rating and public disclosure programme in Africa. Furthermore, by means of a SWOT analysis, the article assesses the suitability of AKOBEN as a veritable tool for promoting good environmental governance in Ghana specifically and Africa in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The description of the design, scope and operation of the AKOBEN programme is based on 42 semi structured interviews and series of informal interactions with officials of Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – the organisation that runs the AKOBEN project, industry participants, civil society representatives and other stakeholders. This extensive interaction with relevant actors and stakeholders and the analysis of extant literature on environmental disclosure projects provided the basis for a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis of Ghana's AKOBEN programme.

Findings

AKOBEN possesses several elements that make it capable of being an effective environmental governance tool in Ghana. These include inter alia high level political support, comprehensive rating criteria and transparency in the design of the programme. However, certain weaknesses such as the absence of a specific legal and institutional framework among others could undermine the chances of the programme attaining its full potential. Other African countries can reasonably copy the AKOBEN model with success.

Originality/value

Assessment of Africa's first ever environmental rating programme provides insight that can help Ghana to consolidate on the strengths while addressing the weaknesses of the rating programme. Other African governments considering the establishment of a similar rating programme can learn a lot from the analysis of Ghana's EPA's AKOBEN programme.
Building a unique online corporate identity
Authors: Abdullah Zulhamri , Shahrina  , Abdul Aziz Yuhanis
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of mission and vision statements on corporate websites of Malaysian and Singaporean corporations based on Aaker's brand personality dimensions and analyze how the dimensions are effectively used to develop a unique corporate identity.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is employed to examine similarities and differences for 300 Malaysian and 214 Singaporean consumer corporations based on Aaker's big five brand personality framework.

Findings

Generally most companies tend to publish and communicate their mission and vision statements visibly to general stakeholders. First, both Malaysian and Singaporean companies have weak brand personality dimensions which reflect the projection of corporate identity of companies. Second, there is a significant difference in the brand personality dimensions between Malaysian and Singaporean consumer corporations. Finally, evidence showed that most Malaysian and Singaporean companies rather failed to position themselves in the marketplace using brand personality dimensions in their vision and mission statements. This may affect their overall organizational direction in building a unique corporate identity and gaining competitive advantages within the context of a global business environment.

Practical implications

The study acknowledges the increase in communicating the mission and vision statements on the corporate websites of Malaysian and Singaporean corporations. However, there is a need for corporations in Malaysia and Singapore to orchestrate their core competence in order to develop a unique corporate identity in a global business environment.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the corporate identity literature in providing an insight into how corporations communicate the desired brand personality through their websites for the critical inquiry of the dominant coalition and main stakeholders.
A framework to attain brand promise in an online setting
Authors: Alwi Sharifah , Azwan Ismail Shahril
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how price and other service brand attributes (such as website attractiveness, efficiency, privacy, fulfilment) determine e‐brand promise/reputation and the e‐loyalty of shoppers in an online setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the convenience sampling method, a survey research was carried out during a two‐day airline exhibition among experienced respondents who had purchased online tickets in the past. To identify what determines online brand reputation and its effect on e‐loyalty, structural equation modelling using the two‐step approach was performed.

Findings

Fulfilment and competitive price offers have the most significant impact on e‐loyalty, with a full mediation impact (via online brand reputation), whilst website attractiveness has a partial impact. These simultaneously confirm the role of e‐brand reputation as a mediator construct and its antecedents and its relationship with e‐loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The mediation impact further increases the strength of brand reputation as a construct when modelling consumer responses in an online setting. In particular, the full indirect impact (price and fulfilment) was able to explain how online brand reputation was formed and brand promise can be achieved.

Practical implications

The practical contribution of the study and its managerial implications can be seen in the context of defining strategy and positioning. By confirming that different brand enactments are found in different settings (for example, price, fulfilment, site's attractiveness), this study offers some insights into a company's site strategic brand positioning and differentiation. For example, appropriate enactments, such as price, fulfilment and the attractiveness of the site, could be addressed when designing and enhancing online brand reputation and e‐loyalty. Sample size limitation and generalisation is limited to within the internet airline setting.

Originality/value

While existing research mainly focuses on the effect of service quality and image attributes of e‐loyalty, the current research focuses on other aspects of brand differentiation – e‐brand reputation and the important influencing elements, such as price and website attractiveness – which hitherto have often been ignored in an online setting. In other words, this study highlights the most important attributes that will help to “meet” the online service brand promise through e‐brand reputation.
Corporate brand‐rapture theory: antecedents, processes, and consequences
Authors: Lloyd Stephen , Woodside Arch
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This study seeks to provide analytical insights into corporate brand‐rapture (CBR), its antecedents and consequences, and contributes to methodology for modeling CBRs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines the construct and develops a theory that explains how corporate brand‐rapture works and is testable empirically.

Findings

CBR merits further investigation as a potentially valid, operational concept in marketing that underpins the conscious and unconscious drivers of the corporate brand's strongest stakeholders and that lays the foundations of research into corporate brand‐rapture communication.

Research limitations/implications

The paper, while remaining conceptual, identifies a dynamic concept of interest to researchers and to corporate brand marketing management and proposes seven fundamental propositions for modeling CBR.

Practical implications

The paper provides researchers and corporate brand marketing with a more rigorous understanding of the foundations of engagement with a corporate brand.

Originality/value

This paper is the first so far on CBR theory and provides insights that are important to corporate brand marketers and their communications strategies.
Design of an FDM positioning system and application of an error‐cost multiobjective optimization approach
Authors: Wesley Machado Cunico Marlon , de Carvalho Jonas
Published: July 2013

Purpose

As a result of the increased number of applications for additive manufacturing technologies and in addition to the demand for parts produced with high accuracy and better quality, the need for the improvement of positioning and precision equipment in manufacturing has become evident. To address this needed improvement, the main goal of this work is to provide a systematic approach for designing additive manufacturing machines, allowing the identification of the relationship between estimated errors and the cost of equipment. In the same way, this study also intends to indicate a suitable configuration of a machine as a function of final accuracy and total equipment cost.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the suitable elements of the machine, a numerical model that estimates the final error and relative cost of equipment as a function of cost and tolerance of the machine elements was constructed and evaluated. After evaluating this model by comparing it with first‐generation fused deposition modelling (FDM) machines, an optimisation study was performed that focused on the minimisation of both the total cost and final equipment error. The optimisation problem was defined in accordance with the goal attainment method, which allowed identification of the Pareto optimum of the study. The optimisation results were then compared with current equipment concepts, and possible improvements and restrictions of the optimised concept were described.

Findings

With regard to the evaluation of the numerical model of final error, the general error in the x‐ and y‐direction was observed to have a deviation of 2 μm, while the numerical error in the z‐direction was found to be inferior to that of currently used equipment. The optimisation study also allowed the identification of the machine elements that provide the minimal error and cost for the equipment, identifying an optimal Pareto of the system. In such an optimal case, the average of the final errors for the balanced solution (in which the objective functions have equal importance) was found to be 141 μm. In addition, the cost of this solution was 1.57 times higher than the cheapest solution found. Finally, a comparison between the configuration of commercial FDM machines and the optimum values was found, highlighting the main points that would possibly provide an improvement to the current concepts and an increase in equipment profitability.

Originality/value

Despite the growth of additive manufacturing development, there are still several challenges to overcome to increase the accuracy of the final parts, such as the reduction of mechanical errors. However, in addition to the complexity of this subject, the cost of equipment restricts the development of new solutions. As a result, a systematic approach to identify a suitable configuration of each machine in accordance with the optimal accuracy and cost of equipment is needed.
Manufacturing of patient‐specific optically accessible airway models by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Vermeulen Mathias , Claessens Tom , Van Der Smissen Benjamin , Van Holsbeke Cedric S. , De Backer Jan W. , Van Ransbeeck Peter , Verdonck Pascal
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use rapid prototyping technology, in this case fused deposition modeling (FDM), to manufacture 2D and 3D particle image velocimetry (PIV) compatible patient‐specific airway models.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has been performed through a case study where patient‐specific airway geometry was used to manufacture a PIV compatible model. The sacrificial kernel of the airways was printed in waterworks™ which is a support material used by Stratasys Maxum FDM devices. Transparent silicone with known refractive index was vacuum casted around the kernel and after curing out, the kernel was removed by washing out in sodium hydroxide.

Findings

The resulting PIV model was tested in an experimental PIV setup to check the PIV compatibility. The results showed that the model performs quite well when the refractive index (RI) of the silicone and the fluid are matched.

Research limitations/implications

Drawbacks such as the surface roughness, due to the size of the printing layers, and the yellowing of the silicone, due to the wash out of the kernel, need to be overcome.

Originality/value

The paper presents the manufacturing process for making complex thick walled patient‐specific PIV models starting from a strong workable sacrificial kernel. This removable kernel is obtained by switching the building and the support materials of the FDM machine. In this way, the kernel was printed in support material while the building material was used to support the kernel during printing. The model was tested in a PIV setup and the results show that the airway model is suitable for performing particle image velocimetry.
The Changing Nature of Border, Scale and the Production of Hong Kong's Water Supply System since 1959
Authors: Lee Nelson K.
Published: July 2013

This article investigates the making of Hong Kong's water supply system since 1959. It starts by assessing the perspectives provided by the regime approach and the political ecology literatures. The case of Hong Kong brings in ideas from border studies and draws attention to the changing nature of the border to explain socio‐ecological and scaling interactions. The case study maps the border relationship between China and Hong Kong (and Britain), and the political tussle between them over the control of water supply to the city in the late colonial period 1959–78, which resulted in the creation of a localized self‐sufficient water supply system in Hong Kong, and the consolidation of Hong Kong's scale as a colonial city‐state under British rule. It further explicates the change in the nature of the political border since 1979, and the processes by which Hong Kong abandoned attempts to strengthen its local supply, becoming dependent on supply from the regional Dongjiang water networks, as well as the transformation of its scale to become a subordinate of the larger political unit in subsequent years.
Gentrifier? Who, Me? Interrogating the Gentrifier in the Mirror
Authors: Schlichtman John Joe , Patch Jason
Published: July 2013

Schlichtman and Patch suggest that there is an elephant sitting in the academic corner: while urbanists often use ‘gentrification’ as a pejorative term in formal and informal academic conversation, many urbanists are gentrifiers themselves. Even though urbanists have this firsthand experience with the process, this familiarity makes little impact on scholarly debate. There is, Schlichtman and Patch argue, an artificial distance in accounts of gentrification because researchers have not adequately examined their own relationship to the process. Utilizing a simple diagnostic tool that includes ten common aspects of gentrification, they compose two autoethnographic memoirs to begin this dialogue.
Trends in the cost of a healthy food basket and fruit and vegetable availability in New South Wales, Australia, between 2006 and 2009
Authors: Chapman Kathryn , Kelly Bridget , Bauman Adrian , Innes‐Hughes Christine , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret
Published: July 2013

Aim

To compare food costs and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V) available at three time points in December 2006, December 2008 and July 2009.

Methods

Data on the cost of a 44‐item food basket across the main food groups including fresh and packaged foods were collected in 2006 (149 stores), 2008 (105 stores) and 2009 (129 stores). In addition, the number of varieties of 30 different fresh F&V was surveyed. Stores included the two major supermarket chains and smaller grocery chains using a convenience sample in NSW. The effects of rural/regional differences, socioeconomic differences, and store competition on cost and variety were assessed.

Results

The mean price of the food basket increased by 3.4% between December 2006 and 2008 and was lowest in July 2009, decreasing by 6.2% from December 2006. Variation between the cheapest and most expensive individual stores resulted in a $221 price difference in 2009, $148 in 2008 and $182 in 2006. Total food and F&V costs were more expensive in remote areas compared with highly accessible areas. The number of F&V varieties was influenced by increasing remoteness, low socioeconomic area and supermarket competition.

Conclusions

There was considerable variability in food costs by geographic areas and availability of fresh F&V also varied in both geographic and socio‐demographic areas. Monitoring of food costs may help reduce price variability, enabling identification of areas where the cost of food is disproportionately high.
Nutritional management of anorexia nervosa in children and adolescent inpatients: The current practice of Australian dietitians
Authors: Rocks Tetyana , Pelly Fiona , Wilkinson Paul
Published: July 2013

Aim

To describe the reported practices of Australian dietitians in the nutritional management of anorexia nervosa (AN) in children and adolescent inpatients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of dietitians working in inpatient facilities was conducted in July–September 2012 using an eight‐part questionnaire with single‐, multi‐, open‐ended and Likert scale style questions.

Results

Seventeen dietitians from 15 facilities participated in the survey. Recommendations for energy intake at the initiation of treatment varied and were dependent on physiological needs of the inpatient. Ongoing energy requirements were commonly based on individual needs, with interim weight measurements used to determine progress. High‐energy supplements and nasogastric feeds were used as an adjunct to food to meet energy needs. The combination of prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements differed between facilities; however, multivitamins, thiamine and phosphate were used more frequently than others. Most participants (94%) reported that the current evidence for the nutritional treatment of children and adolescent inpatients with AN was insufficient or only somewhat sufficient to guide practice. The need for further research to establish the best practice approach for the treatment of AN was expressed.

Conclusion

The nutritional management of inpatient children and adolescents with AN as reported by dietitians varied, congruent with the lack of current evidence in the literature. Evaluation of existing protocols and comparative multicentre investigations are needed to inform the development of evidence‐based guidelines and ensure best practice by dietitians and other practitioners working in this field.
Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine and Primary Ovarian Failure: Another Facet of the Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants
Authors: Colafrancesco Serena , Perricone Carlo , Tomljenovic Lucija , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: July 2013

Problem

Post‐vaccination autoimmune phenomena are a major facet of the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) and different vaccines, including HPV, have been identified as possible causes.

Method of study

The medical history of three young women who presented with secondary amenorrhea following HPV vaccination was collected. Data regarding type of vaccine, number of vaccination, personal, clinical and serological features, as well as response to treatments were analyzed.

Results

All three patients developed secondary amenorrhea following HPV vaccinations, which did not resolve upon treatment with hormone replacement therapies. In all three cases sexual development was normal and genetic screen revealed no pertinent abnormalities (i.e., Turner's syndrome, Fragile X test were all negative). Serological evaluations showed low levels of estradiol and increased FSH and LH and in two cases, specific auto‐antibodies were detected (antiovarian and anti thyroid), suggesting that the HPV vaccine triggered an autoimmune response. Pelvic ultrasound did not reveal any abnormalities in any of the three cases. All three patients experienced a range of common non‐specific post‐vaccine symptoms including nausea, headache, sleep disturbances, arthralgia and a range of cognitive and psychiatric disturbances. According to these clinical features, a diagnosis of primary ovarian failure (POF) was determined which also fulfilled the required criteria for the ASIA syndrome.

Conclusion

We documented here the evidence of the potential of the HPV vaccine to trigger a life‐disabling autoimmune condition. The increasing number of similar reports of post HPV vaccine‐linked autoimmunity and the uncertainty of long‐term clinical benefits of HPV vaccination are a matter of public health that warrants further rigorous inquiry.
Comparison on the vision‐related quality of life between outpatients and general population with dry eye syndrome
Authors: Le Qihua , Ge Ling , Li Meiyan , Wu Liangcheng , Xu Jianjiang , Hong Jiaxu , Gong Lan
Published: July 2013

Purpose:  To compare the impact of dry eye syndrome (DES) on vision‐related quality of life (VR‐QoL) between outpatients and general populations.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional comparative study enrolled 154 participants, 77 outpatients and 77 general participants, all of whom met the diagnostic criteria of DES. Apart from the collection of sociodemographic and clinical data, the Chinese version of 25‐item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ‐25) and Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire (OSDI) were administered. Main outcome measures include the comparison on the OSDI score and VFQ‐25 score between two groups, and their correlation with sociodemographic and clinical data.

Results:  The two groups were comparable concerning sociodemographic parameters except that the outpatients were better educated (χ2 = 18.609, p < 0.001). The ophthalmic data related with DES did not have statistically significant differences between two groups except that the proportion of subjects with positive corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) was higher in outpatients (χ2 = 21.296, p < 0.001). The outpatients reported significantly higher OSDI scores and lower VFQ‐25 scores. The VFQ‐25 composite score had negative correlation with the OSDI score of all participants or that of outpatients solely (ρ = −0.247 and −0.397, p = 0.030 and 0.000, respectively). Among outpatients, the value of Schirmer test (ST), tear film breakup time (TBUT) and CFS in the eyes with worse DES had significant correlations with the OSDI overall scores, while TBUT and CFS of both eyes correlated with the VFQ‐25 composite score.

Conclusions:  DES exerts more adverse impact on VR‐QoL in outpatients than general patients. The impairment of VR‐QoL has a significant correlation with the severity of DES.
Inhibition of sodium‐linked glucose reabsorption normalizes diabetes‐induced glomerular hyperfiltration in conscious adenosine A1‐receptor deficient mice
Authors: Sällström J. , Eriksson T. , Fredholm B. B. , Persson A. E. G. , Palm F.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Glomerular hyperfiltration is commonly observed in diabetics early after the onset of the disease and predicts the progression of nephropathy. Sustained hyperglycaemia is also closely associated with kidney hypertrophy and increased electrolyte and glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule. In this study, we investigated the role of the increased tubular sodium/glucose cotransport for diabetes‐induced glomerular hyperfiltration. To eliminate any potential confounding effect of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism, we used adenosine A1‐receptor deficient (A1AR−/−) mice known to lack a functional TGF mechanism and compared the results to corresponding wild‐type animals (A1AR+/+).

Methods

Diabetes was induced by an intravenous bolus injection of alloxan. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined in conscious mice by a single bolus injection of inulin. The sodium/glucose cotransporters were inhibited by phlorizin 30 min prior to GFR measurements.

Results

Normoglycaemic animals had a similar GFR independent of genotype (A1AR+/+ 233 ± 11 vs. A1AR−/− 241 ± 25 μL min−1), and induction of diabetes resulted in glomerular hyperfiltration in both groups (A1AR+/+ 380 ± 25 vs. A1AR−/− 336 ± 35 μL min−1; both P < 0.05). Phlorizin had no effect on GFR in normoglycaemic mice, whereas it reduced GFR in both genotypes during diabetes (A1AR+/+ 365 ± 18 to 295 ± 19, A1AR−/− 354 ± 38 to 199 ± 15 μL min−1; both P < 0.05). Notably, the reduction was more pronounced in the A1AR−/− (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that increased tubular sodium/glucose reabsorption is important for diabetes‐induced hyperfiltration, and that the TGF mechanism is not involved in these alterations, but rather functions to reduce any deviations from a new set‐point.