bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toluidine Blue and Hematoxylin and Eosin Stains are Comparable in Evaluating Squamous Cell Carcinoma During Mohs
Authors: Styperek Andrew R. , Goldberg Leonard H. , Goldschmidt Laura E. , Kimyai-Asadi Arash
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Histologic examination of tissue is the foundation of Mohs micrographic surgery because determination of surgical margins influences whether additional tissue will be taken. Currently, there is no large focused study comparing toluidine blue (TB) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains in the evaluation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates whether TB and H&E are comparable in assessing the presence of tumor in frozen sections of SCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred eighty-six randomized slides representing 93 tissue pieces from 36 tumors were examined by 3 Mohs surgeons (1 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education fellow and 2 fellowship-trained surgeons) and compared using a template that documented the presence and location of tumor on the slides.

RESULTS

The evaluation of SCC with H&E and TB stains was highly concordant, with concordant identification of SCC in 96%, 96%, and 94% of tissue layers among the 3 Mohs surgeons ARS, LHG, and AK-A, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Toluidine blue and H&E stains are statistically similar in their ability to detect SCC and guide Mohs surgical decision-making.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Everolimus in Relation to Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Atsuko , Yano Ikuko , Shinsako Keiko , Sato Eriko , Fukudo Masahide , Masuda Satohiro , Yamasaki Toshinari , Kamba Tomomi , Ogawa Osamu , Matsubara Kazuo
Published: September 2016

Background:

Everolimus has been used for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here, we measured blood concentrations of everolimus to obtain the population pharmacokinetic parameters and to examine the relationship between blood concentration and clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Twenty-two Japanese patients were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before and 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after drug administration on days 1 and 8 of everolimus therapy (5 or 10 mg) from inpatients; occasional samples were collected from outpatients. Blood concentrations of everolimus were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using the NONMEM software.

Results:

Everolimus pharmacokinetics was best described by a 2-compartment model with population mean estimates of apparent oral clearance of 10.0 L/h and an interindividual variability of 42.4%. There was no relationship between overall best responses and the predicted trough concentrations at day 8. The predicted trough concentration in patients who terminated everolimus treatment owing to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was significantly higher than in patients who stopped the treatment owing to disease progression or other reasons (27.6 ± 3.1 versus 15.7 ± 2.3 ng/mL; mean ± SEM). Patients who terminated the treatment owing to ADRs had significantly shorter time-to-treatment failure than other patients (112 versus 187 days, median).

Conclusions:

This study reports the first population pharmacokinetic parameters of everolimus in patients with RCC. Individual dose adjustment based on everolimus blood concentrations helps to avoid early drug cessation due to ADRs.
Teaching Surgical Procedures with Movies: Tips for High-quality Video Clips
Authors: Jacquemart Mathieu , Bouletreau Pierre , Breton Pierre , Mojallal Ali , Sigaux Nicolas
Published: September 2016

Video must now be considered as a precious tool for learning surgery. However, the medium does present production challenges, and currently, quality movies are not always accessible. We developed a series of 7 surgical videos and made them available on a publicly accessible internet website. Our videos have been viewed by thousands of people worldwide. High-quality educational movies must respect strategic and technical points to be reliable.
The Plastic Surgery Compass: Navigating the Reconstructive Ladder in the Personalized Health Care Era
Authors: Sandberg Lars Johan M.
Published: September 2016

The reconstructive ladder and the reconstructive elevator have withstood the test of time as didactic tools for resident education. Over time, many alternative models have been suggested to incorporate the technological advances in plastic surgery, but none of them have focused on the patient. Changes in practice and the trend toward personalized health care demand a 360-degree evaluation and solution of surgical problems incorporating patient-specific characteristics. We, therefore, suggest the concept of the plastic surgery compass to navigate the ladder.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Chiesa Robert , Wynn Robert F. , Veys Paul
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

This review summarizes the main results of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in selected inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs).

Recent findings

Early diagnosis and immediate referral to an IEM specialist is of paramount importance to improve clinical outcome: patients who are transplanted early or in their presymptomatic phase generally achieve better correction of their somatic symptoms and neurocognitive development. Long-term outcome in children with Hurler syndrome is influenced by age at HSCT, baseline clinical status and post-HSCT enzyme levels. Myeloablative Busulfan-based conditioning regimens with therapeutic drug monitoring are recommended to achieve full donor engraftment and more robust enzyme delivery after HSCT. Gene therapy can lead to production of supranormal enzyme levels, and preliminary clinical results are also promising in IEMs historically not responsive to allogeneic HSCT.

Allogeneic HSCT has largely contributed to the improved survival and quality of life of many children affected by IEMs. Neonatal screening could enable earlier HSCT, and this might significantly reduce residual disease burden and improve clinical outcome. Novel strategies, such as gene therapy, have shown encouraging clinical results in selected IEMs and might become more widely available in the future, with potentially better enzyme delivery and reduced transplant-related toxicity.
Evaluating nested-PCR of urine to diagnose smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Ayatollahi Jamshid , Sheikhha Mohammad H. , Abna Zahra , Tafti Arefeh Dehghani , Shahcheraghi Seyed H.
Published: September 2016

The PCR and its variations such as nested-PCR are currently considered as a rapid and sensitive method for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The standard laboratory procedure for diagnosing the tuberculosis (TB) disease based on microscopic examination of acid-fast bacilli has low sensitivity, and mycobacterium culture is time-consuming. In addition, in some cases obtaining samples for smear and culture is difficult. Urine may, therefore, be a convenient, noninvasive sample to use for the identification and diagnosis of M. tuberculosis. The current study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic value of nested-PCR to detect M. tuberculosis in the urine of patients with smear positive pulmonary TB. This case–control study included 60 patients with proven smear positive pulmonary TB (according to the National TB Protocol) and 30 patients who were completely healthy. DNA extraction and nested-PCR testing were performed on all urine samples. Result of the current study indicated that nested-PCR of urine for M. tuberculosis was positive in 30% (18/60) of the patients. The control group all had negative urine PCR (sensitivity 30% and specificity 100%). Because of the ease of urine sample preparation and the 100% specificity of the PCR and nested-PCR method, a urine sample could be used as a diagnostic aid in smear positive pulmonary TB cases, in which obtaining a sputum sample is problematic.
Exploring the active site of the
Streptococcus pneumoniae
topoisomerase IV–DNA cleavage complex with novel 7,8-bridged fluoroquinolones
Authors: Laponogov Ivan , Pan Xiao-Su , Veselkov Dennis A. , Cirz Ryan T. , Wagman Allan , Moser Heinz E. , Fisher L. Mark , Sanderson Mark R.
Published: September 2016

As part of a programme of synthesizing and investigating the biological properties of new fluoroquinolone antibacterials and their targeting of topoisomerase IV from
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, we have solved the X-ray structure of the complexes of two new 7,8-bridged fluoroquinolones (with restricted C7 group rotation favouring tight binding) in complex with the topoisomerase IV from
S. pneumoniae
and an 18-base-pair DNA binding site—the E-site—found by our DNA mapping studies to bind drug strongly in the presence of topoisomerase IV (Leo
et al.
2005
J. Biol. Chem.
280
, 14 252–14 263,
doi:10.1074/jbc.M500156200
). Although the degree of antibiotic resistance towards fluoroquinolones is much lower than that of β-lactams and a range of ribosome-bound antibiotics, there is a pressing need to increase the diversity of members of this successful clinically used class of drugs. The quinolone moiety of the new 7,8-bridged agents ACHN-245 and ACHN-454 binds similarly to that of clinafloxocin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and trovofloxacin but the cyclic scaffold offers the possibility of chemical modification to produce interactions with other topoisomerase residues at the active site.
Shared genetics and couple-associated environment are major contributors to the risk of both clinical and self-declared depression
Authors: Zeng Yanni , Navarro Pau , Xia Charley , Amador Carmen , Fernandez-Pujals Ana M. , Thomson Pippa A. , Campbell Archie , Nagy Reka , Clarke Toni-Kim , Hafferty Jonathan D. , Smith Blair H. , Hocking Lynne J. , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Hayward Caroline , MacIntyre Donald J. , Porteous David J , Haley Chris S. , McIntosh Andrew M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Both genetic and environmental contributions to risk of depression have been identified, but estimates of their effects are limited. Commonalities between major depressive disorder (MDD) and self-declared depression (SDD) are also unclear. Dissecting the genetic and environmental contributions to these traits and their correlation would inform the design and interpretation of genetic studies.

Methods

Using data from a large Scottish family-based cohort (GS:SFHS, N=21,387), we estimated the genetic and environmental contributions to MDD and SDD. Genetic effects associated with common genome-wide genetic variants (SNP heritability) and additional pedigree-associated genetic variation and Non-genetic effects associated with common environments were estimated using linear mixed modeling (LMM).

Findings

Both MDD and SDD had significant contributions from effects of common genetic variants, the additional genetic effect of the pedigree and the common environmental effect shared by couples. The correlation between SDD and MDD was high (r=1⋅00, se=0⋅21) for common-variant-associated genetic effects and moderate for both the additional genetic effect of the pedigree (r=0⋅58, se=0⋅08) and the couple-shared environmental effect (r=0⋅53, se=0⋅22).

Interpretation

Both genetics and couple-shared environmental effects were the major factors influencing liability to depression. SDD may provide a scalable alternative to MDD in studies seeking to identify common risk variants. Rarer variants and environmental effects may however differ substantially according to different definitions of depression.

Funding

Study supported by Wellcome Trust Strategic Award 104036/Z/14/Z. GS:SFHS funded by the Scottish Government Health Department, Chief Scientist Office, number CZD/16/6.
Temporal regulation of epithelium formation
Authors: Von Stetina Stephen E. , Liang Jennifer , Marnellos Georgios , Mango Susan E.
Published: September 2016

Abstract/Summary

To establish the animal body plan, embryos link the external epidermis to the internal digestive tract. InCaenorhabditis elegans,this linkage is achieved by the Arcade Cells, which form an epithelial bridge between the foregut and epidermis, but little is known about how development of these three epithelia is coordinated temporally. The Arcade Cell epithelium is generated after the epidermis and digestive tract epithelia have matured, ensuring that both organs can withstand the mechanical stress of embryo elongation; mis-timing of epithelium formation leads to defects in morphogenesis. Here, we report that temporal regulation of the Arcade Cell epithelium is mediated by the pioneer transcription factor PHA-4/FoxA, the cytoskeletal regulator ZEN-4/MKLP and the polarity protein PAR-6. We find that PHA-4 activates expression of a broad cohort of epithelial genes. However, accumulation of protein is delayed by ZEN-4, acting in concert with its partner CYK-4/MgcRacGAP. Finally, PAR-6 localizes factors within adherens junctions and at the apical surface, leading to Arcade Cell polarity. The results reveal that the timing of a landmark event during embryonic morphogenesis is mediated by the concerted action of four proteins that delay the formation of an epithelial bridge. In addition, we find that FoxA associates with many epithelial genes in mammals, suggesting that regulation of epithelial identity may be a conserved feature of FoxA factors and a contributor to FoxA function in development and cancer.
Seasonal influenza circulation patterns and projections for 2016-2017
Authors: Bedford Trevor , Neher Richard A.
Published: September 2016

This is not meant as a comprehensive report, but is instead intended as particular observations that may be of relevance. Please also note that observed patterns reflect the GISAID database and may not be entirely representative of underlying dynamics. All analyses are based on the nextflu pipeline [1] with continual updates posted to Correspondence:http://nextflu.org.
Performance Evaluation of Empirical Mode Decomposition Algorithms for Mental Task Classification
Authors: Gupta Akshansh , Kumar Dhirendra , Chakraborti Anirban , Sharma Kiran
Published: September 2016

Brain Computer Interface (BCI), a direct pathway between the human brain and computer, is one of the most pragmatic applications of EEG signal. The electroencephalograph (EEG) signal is one of the monitoring techniques to observe brain functionality. Mental Task Classification (MTC) based on EEG signals is a demanding BCI. Success of BCI system depends on the efficient analysis of these signals. Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is a filter based heuristic technique which is utilized to analyze EEG signal in recent past. There are several variants of EMD algorithms which have their own merits and demerits. In this paper, we have explored three variants of EMD algorithms named Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) and Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) on EEG data for MTC-based BCI. Features are extracted from EEG signal in two phases; in the first phase, the signal is decomposed into different oscillatory functions with the help of different EMD algorithms and eight different parameters (features) are calculated for each function for compact representation in the second phase. These features are fed into Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier to classify the different mental tasks. We have formulated two different types of MTC, the first one is binary and second one is multi-MTC. The proposed work outperforms the existing work for both binary and multi mental tasks classification.
Biochemical, spectroscopic and X-ray structural analysis of deuterated multicopper oxidase CueO prepared from a new expression construct for neutron crystallography
Authors: Akter Mahfuza , Inoue Chika , Komori Hirofumi , Matsuda Nana , Sakurai Takeshi , Kataoka Kunishige , Higuchi Yoshiki , Shibata Naoki
Published: September 2016

Multicopper oxidases oxidize various phenolic and nonphenolic compounds by using molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor to produce water. A multicopper oxidase protein, CueO, fromEscherichia coliis involved in copper homeostasis in the bacterial cell. Although X-ray crystallographic studies have been conducted, the reduction mechanism of oxygen and the proton-transfer pathway remain unclear owing to the difficulty in identifying H atoms from X-ray diffraction data alone. To elucidate the reaction mechanism using neutron crystallography, a preparation system for obtaining large, high-quality single crystals of deuterated CueO was developed. Tiny crystals were obtained from the deuterated CueO initially prepared from the original construct. The X-ray crystal structure of the deuterated CueO showed that the protein contained an incompletely truncated signal sequence at the N-terminus, which resulted in the heterogeneity of the protein sample for crystallization. Here, a new CueO expression system that had an HRV3C cleavage site just after the signal sequence was constructed. Deuterated CueO from the new construct was expressed in cells cultured in deuterated algae-extract medium and the signal sequence was completely eliminated by HRV3C protease. The deuteration level of the purified protein was estimated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to be at least 83.2% compared with nondeuterated protein. Nondeuterated CueO crystallized in space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 49.51,b= 88.79,c = 53.95 Å, β = 94.24°, and deuterated CueO crystallized in space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 49.91,b= 106.92,c= 262.89 Å. The crystallographic parameters for the crystals of the new construct were different from those previously reported for nondeuterated crystals. The nondeuterated and deuterated CueO from the new construct had similar UV–Vis spectra, enzymatic activities and overall structure and geometry of the ligands of the Cu atoms in the active site to those of previously reported CueO structures. These results indicate that the CueO protein prepared using the new construct is suitable for further neutron diffraction studies.
The structure of a glycoside hydrolase 29 family member from a rumen bacterium reveals unique, dual carbohydrate-binding domains
Authors: Summers Emma L. , Moon Christina D. , Atua Renee , Arcus Vickery L.
Published: September 2016

Glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 29 consists solely of α-L-fucosidases. These enzymes catalyse the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds. Here, the structure of GH29_0940, a protein cloned from metagenomic DNA from the rumen of a cow, has been solved, which reveals a multi-domain arrangement that has only recently been identified in bacterial GH29 enzymes. The microbial species that provided the source of this enzyme is unknown. This enzyme contains a second carbohydrate-binding domain at its C-terminal end in addition to the typical N-terminal catalytic domain and carbohydrate-binding domain arrangement of GH29-family proteins. GH29_0940 is a monomer and its overall structure consists of an N-terminal TIM-barrel-like domain, a central β-sandwich domain and a C-terminal β-sandwich domain. The TIM-barrel-like catalytic domain exhibits a (β/α)8/7arrangement in the core instead of the typical (β/α)8topology, with the `missing' α-helix replaced by a long meandering loop that `closes' the barrel structure and suggests a high degree of structural flexibility in the catalytic core. This feature was also noted in all six other structures of GH29 enzymes that have been deposited in the PDB. Based on sequence and structural similarity, the residues Asp162 and Glu220 are proposed to serve as the catalytic nucleophile and the proton donor, respectively. Like other GH29 enzymes, the GH29_0940 structure shows five strictly conserved residues in the catalytic pocket. The structure shows two glycerol molecules in the active site, which have also been observed in other GH29 structures, suggesting that the enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of small carbohydrates. The two binding domains are classed as family 32 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM32). These domains have residues involved in ligand binding in the loop regions at the edge of the β-sandwich. The predicted substrate-binding residues differ between the modules, suggesting that different modules bind to different groups on the substrate(s). Enzymes that possess multiple copies of CBMs are thought to have a complex mechanism of ligand recognition. Defined electron density identifying a long 20-amino-acid hydrophilic loop separating the two CBMs was observed. This suggests that the additional C-terminal domain may have a dynamic range of movement enabled by the loop, allowing a unique mode of action for a GH29 enzyme that has not been identified previously.
Crystallographic study of the 2-thioribothymidine-synthetic complex TtuA–TtuB fromThermus thermophilus
Authors: Chen Minghao , Narai Shun , Omura Naoki , Shigi Naoki , Chimnaronk Sarin , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Yao Min
Published: September 2016

The ubiquitin-like protein TtuB is a sulfur carrier for the biosynthesis of 2-thioribothymidine (s2T) at position 54 in some thermophilic bacterial tRNAs. TtuB captures a S atom at its C-terminus as a thiocarboxylate and transfers it to tRNA by the transferase activity of TtuA. TtuB also functions to suppress s2T formation by forming a covalent bond with TtuA. To explore how TtuB interacts with TtuA and switches between these two different functions, high-resolution structure analysis of the TtuA–TtuB complex is required. In this study, the TtuA–TtuB complex fromThermus thermophiluswas expressed, purified and crystallized. To mimic the thiocarboxylated TtuB, the C-terminal Gly residue was replaced with Cys (G65C) to obtain crystals of the TtuA–TtuB complex. A Zn-MAD data set was collected to a resolution of 2.5 Å. MAD analysis successfully determined eight Zn sites, and a partial structure model composed of four TtuA–TtuB complexes in the asymmetric unit was constructed.
Neurolinguistic programming: does it have a role in supporting learning or OD interventions?
Authors: Wake Lisa
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This article provides an overview and consultant experience of using NLP in learning and organizational development situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes a theoretical discussion of NLP as a potential learning and OD tool and practical examples of how it has been utilized within the context of HR and LD practices.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that NLP can be effectively used in a learning and OD context and has both benefits and limitations.

Practical implications

NLP is a “soft skills” toolkit that develops and builds on performance excellence and as such is ideally placed to be used as an adjunct or support to standard learning and OD practices. It also provides an excellent diagnostic and change management tool to enable effective OD.

Social implications

The human potential is a core asset of many businesses. NLP works with the subjective experience of individuals and provides an opportunity to harness the strengths within the workforce and use these to maximum benefit.

Originality/value

The paper proposes that NLP is an effective support methodology to standard learning and OD practices and provides simple examples of how this has been done.
Glove-based virtual hand grasping for virtual mechanical assembly
Authors: Li JingRong , Xu YuHua , Ni JianLong , Wang QingHui
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Hand gesture-based interaction can provide far more intuitive, natural and immersive feelings for users to manipulate 3D objects for virtual assembly (VA). A mechanical assembly consists of mostly general-purpose machine elements or mechanical parts that can be defined into four types based on their geometric features and functionalities. For different types of machine elements, engineers formulate corresponding grasping gestures based on their domain knowledge or customs for ease of assembly. Therefore, this paper aims to support a virtual hand to assemble mechanical parts.

Design/methodology/approach

It proposes a novel glove-based virtual hand grasping approach for virtual mechanical assembly. The kinematic model of virtual hand is set up first by analyzing the hand structure and possible movements, and then four types of grasping gestures are defined with joint angles of fingers for connectors and three types of parts, respectively. The recognition of virtual hand grasping is developed based on collision detection and gesture matching. Moreover, stable grasping conditions are discussed.

Findings

A prototype system is designed and developed to implement the proposed approach. The case study on VA of a two-stage gear reducer demonstrates the functionality of the system. From the users’ feedback, it is found that more natural and stable hand grasping interaction for VA of mechanical parts can be achieved.

Originality/value

It proposes a novel glove-based virtual hand grasping approach for virtual mechanical assembly.
Force and position deviations estimation for ultra-thin tube assembly
Authors: Shao Chao , Ye Xin , Zhang Zhijing , Zhou Dengyu , Liu Yuhong
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Micro ultra-thin tubes have important implications in aerospace, nuclear energy and other fields. In microassembly process, these parts are characterized by following reasons: the small size can easily lead to damage when gripping, even for low intensity and the parts are mainly affected by the instability of light source, for vision-based systems, the visual information about ultra-thin tubes is difficult to gather and the contact state is hard to monitor.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a new method to adjust the position deviations based on contact forces during microassembly processes. Specific research is such that the assembly model was established based both on mechanic calculation and numerical simulation; the assembly task was carried out on an in-house microassembly system with coaxial alignment function (MSCA), the contact statements were controlled based on force sensor feedback signals and the model of the relationship between contact force and assembly deviations was established. Through a comparative study, the results of experiment and simulation differ by less than 11 per cent, validating the accuracy and feasibility of the method.

Findings

The model of assembly force and position deviations of micro ultra-thin tubes based on MSCA has been built. Besides, the assembly force threshold, and the assembly process parameters have been obtained.

Originality/value

The assembly process parameters obtained from experiments can be applied in the precision assembly and provide theoretical guidance and technical support to the precision assembly of the multi-scale parts.
The experimental and quantum chemical investigation for two isomeric compounds as aminopyrazine and 2-amino-pyrimidine against mild steel corrosion
Authors: Dogru Mert Basak , Mert Mehmet Erman , Kardas Gülfeza , Yazici Birgül
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adsorption and corrosion inhibition of two isomeric compounds (C4H5N3) as aminopyrazine (AP) and 2-amino-pyrimidine (2AP) on mild steel (MS) in 0.5 M HCl. The study was a trial to combine experimental and modelling studies and research effect of molecular geometry on inhibition effect of inhibitor molecules.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermodynamic, kinetic and quantum parameters were determined. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and anodic polarisation measurements were obtained. The scanning electron microscope was used for monitoring electrode surface. The highest occupied molecular orbital, energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, Mulliken and natural bonding orbital charges on the backbone atoms, absolute electronegativity, absolute hardness were calculated by density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP/6-311G (++ d,p).

Findings

Results showed that AP and 2AP suppressed the corrosion rate of MS. The corrosion current values were 0.530, 0.050 and 0.016 mA cm-2 in HCl, AP and 2AP containing HCl solutions, respectively. It was illustrated with the blocked fraction of the MS surface by adsorption of inhibitors which obeyed the Langmuir isotherm. The inhibition efficiency follows the order: 2AP > AP which is in agreement with experimental and quantum results.

Originality/value

This paper provides lay a bridge on the molecular geometry and inhibition efficiency by electrochemical tests and modelling study. The inhibition effect of AP and 2AP has not been compared with each other, neither experimentally nor theoretically. This study put forward possible application of 2AP as corrosion inhibitor especially for closed-circuit systems.
A failure before analysis: the soup to nuts of preparing for multicountry analyses
Authors: Karam Charlotte M. , Ralston David A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

A large and growing number of researchers set out to cross-culturally examine empirical relationships. The purpose of this paper is to provide researchers, who are new to multicountry investigations, a discussion of the issues that one needs to address in order to be properly prepared to begin the cross-cultural analyses of relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Thus, the authors consider two uniquely different but integrally connected challenges to getting ready to conduct the relevant analyses for just such multicountry studies. The first challenge is to collect the data. The second challenge is to prepare (clean) the collected data for analysis. Accordingly, the authors divide this paper into two parts to discuss the steps involved in both for multicountry studies.

Findings

The authors highlight the fact that in the process of collecting, there are a number of key issues that should be kept in mind including building trust with new team members, leading the team, and determining sufficient contribution of team members for authorship. Subsequently, the authors draw the reader’s attention to the equally important, but often-overlooked, data cleaning process and the steps that constitute it. This is important because failing to take serious the quality of the data can lead to violations of assumptions and mis-estimations of parameters and effects.

Originality/value

This paper provides a useful guide to assist researchers who are engaged in data collection and cleaning efforts with multiple country data sets. The review of the literature indicated how truly important a guideline of this nature is, given the expanding nature of cross-cultural investigations.
Why replication studies are essential: learning from failure and success
Authors: Harzing Anne-Wil
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pervasive problem of a lack of replication studies in international business based on van Witteloostuijn’s (2016) commentary “What happened to Popperian Falsification?”

Design/methodology/approach

The author presents two short case studies from her own research, one in which no replication studies took place, and one in which a replication study was conducted shortly after the original study was published.

Findings

The author shows how the lack of replication in the first case study example resulted in the creation of research myths, whereas the judicious replication in her second case study strengthened arguments for a new – less biased – measure of research performance. The author also discusses why most journals in the field are not open to replication studies and provides recommendations on how to move forward.

Originality/value

Using two real-life case studies provides a vivid illustration of the problems created by a lack of replications and illustrates the benefits of good replication studies.
Looking closer at reading comprehension
Authors: Ortlieb Evan , McDowell F.D.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Reading comprehension levels of elementary students have not significantly improved in the twenty-first century, and, as a result, the need for systematic and intensive reading interventions is as high as ever. Literacy clinics are an ideal setting for struggling readers to experience success through the implementation of a cyclical approach to individual assessment, planning, instruction and evaluation. Yet, additional research is needed to create current and relevant models of literacy clinics for today’s diverse learners. This paper aimed to measure the effects of an experimental approach to reading comprehension instruction for third graders within an off-campus literacy clinic; the intervention involved a scope and sequence of comprehension strategies in which students had to demonstrate skill mastery before progressing to the next skill.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation used a classic controlled experiment design by randomly assigning half of the literacy clinic participants (30) to either a control or experimental group. The previous year-end’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) scores of the participants were used as indicators (or base lines) of each participant’s preexisting level of reading achievement.

Findings

There was a statistically higher achievement rate in the experimental group as measured by the CRCT statewide assessment with a Cohen’s effect size value (d = 0.79) suggested a moderate to high practical significance.

Practical implications

This study’s findings are relevant to those involved in literacy remediation, including literacy clinic directors, preservice educators and curriculum directors.

Originality/value

This paper is one of a kind in that it is the first to trial a scope and sequence of evidence-based comprehension strategies for comprehension improvement in primary school students. The findings call for major changes to thinking about how we improve students’ reading skills by focusing on depth rather than breadth.
Discourses of “Crazy English”: reconciling the tensions between the nation-state and neoliberal agenda
Authors: Hamid M. Obaidul , Luo Shuqin
Published: September 2016

Purpose

While education policymakers in Asian polities find it difficult to resist the English language which has attained a new status in “late capitalism”, prevailing policy-level perceptions also suggest that a ruthless adoption of English may undermine national languages, identities and cultures. Despite the heightened commercialisation of English as a global language this policy dilemma raises some critical questions. For example, how can individual entrepreneurs also acting as “language policy actors” effectively promote for-profit English teaching ventures without being accused of compromising national interests, identities and traditions? This article makes a modest attempt towards addressing these questions by conducting a critical analysis of Li Yang’s English teaching venture called “Crazy English” in China and its underlying discourses.

Design/methodology/approach

From a sample of English teaching resources available on its official website, this paper identifies and discusses four major discourses on the relationship between English and individual entrepreneurship in English on the one hand and Chinese and China’s national values and interests on the other.

Findings

This paper argues that collectively these discourses represent a model of “edu-business” in English language teaching that reconciles the dichotomies between nationalism and post-nationalism, individualism and collectivism and public and private interests in a neoliberal world.

Originality/value

With the onset of globalisation and its impact on all aspects of life including the economy, education and communication, there have been on-going debates on the emerging tensions between the nation-state and the forces of trans/post-nationalism, the latter being underpinned by neo-liberalism. These tensions have also been observed in the fields of English and English language education. While research has examined how macro-level policymakers respond to globalisation through their English language policies, there has been limited work on how individual language policy actors engaged in the commercialisation of English reconcile the apparently irreconcilable forces of nationalism and post-nationalism. The contribution of the present article lies in illustrating a case that seeks to reconcile these forces through discourses and discursive strategies.
State fragility and transparency
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Roy Sanjukta
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between state fragility and transparency. A state is deemed fragile when it falters in its ability to manage conflict and in its capacity to deliver basic functions and implement public policy. Although minimizing fragility of the state is undoubtedly an integral component of economic development, there is a huge variation across countries in terms of where they stand with regard to fragility. Further, it also explores how educational attainment affects the relationship between state fragility and transparency.

Design/methodology/approach

Using several robust estimation methodologies and a relatively new database on transparency, the authors find that higher levels of transparency lower state fragility. They reply on fixed effect estimators, lagged one period and five periods and system GMM estimators as part of our identification strategy.

Findings

Using several robust estimation methodologies and a relatively new database on transparency, the authors find that a higher level of transparency lowers state fragility. Greater and free flow of information empowers the populace, restores trust in government, increases participation in the political arena and, thus, reduces state fragility. This paper additionally shows that higher educational attainment helps reap the benefits of transparency even more and, thus, catalyzes transparency to lower-state fragility more effectively.

Research limitations/implications

Our research shows that greater transparency leads to lower state fragility. Additionally, if the populace of the country has higher educational attainment, the benefits of transparency in reducing state fragility is enhanced. Although enhancing transparency amid high state fragility may be a challenging task, it can be achieved by providing the populace with better media access via internet and cell phones.

Originality/value

The authors use a relatively new database of transparency to show that transparency acts as an important determinant of state fragility. A state is deemed fragile when it falters in its ability to manage conflict and in its capacity to deliver basic functions and implement public policy. Given this definition, it is needless to say that what can affect state fragility and how can such fragility be lowered is an important research agenda. This paper aims to fill this gap. Additionally, it shows the importance of education while exploring such a relationship.
Optimizing preventive maintenance: a deteriorating system with buffers
Authors: Zhou Binghai , Liu Zilong
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Making decisions on preventive maintenance (PM) policy and buffer sizing, as is often studied, may not result in overall optimization. The purpose of this paper is to propose a joint model that integrates PM and buffer sizing with consideration of quality loss for a degenerating system, which aims to minimize the average operation cost for a finite horizon. The opportunistic maintenance (OM) policy which could increase the output and decrease the cost of the system is also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A joint PM and buffer size model considering quality loss is proposed. In this model, the time-based PM and the condition-based PM are taken on the upstream and the downstream machine, respectively. Further, the OM policy based on the theory of constraints (TOC) is also considered. An iterative search algorithm with Monte Carlo is developed to solve the non-linear model. A case study is conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed PM policies.

Findings

The superiority of the proposed integrated policies compared with the separate PM policy is demonstrated. Effects of the policies are testified. The advantages of the proposed TOC-based OM policy is highlighted in terms of low-cost and high-output.

Originality/value

Few studies have been carried out to integrate decisions on PM and buffer size when taking the quality loss into consideration for degenerating systems. Most PM models treat machines equally ignoring the various roles of them. A more comprehensive and integrated model based on TOC is proposed, accompanied by an iterative search algorithm with Monte Carlo for solving it. An OM policy to further improve the performance of system is also presented.
RFID impacts on barriers affecting lean manufacturing
Authors: Rafique Muhammad Zeeshan , Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam , Saibani Nizaroyani , Arsad Norhana , Saadat Waqar
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Lean manufacturing is one of the leading paradigms for fast and proficient manufacturing but its proper implementation is a foremost task due to certain barriers affecting lean and can be handled when utilized with RFID technology. With this aspect in view, the purpose of this paper is to enlighten and present a thorough literature study that can show how RFID-based lean manufacturing is helpful for handling barriers affecting lean manufacturing in light of previous literature available.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve this purpose a systematic literature review is conducted to justify the impacts of RFID technology for handling barriers. The aim of this systematic literature review is to initially find the barriers affecting lean implementation and then to explain the properties of RFID-based lean manufacturing which are highly feasible to handle detected barriers.

Findings

An interrelation is generated in this study which provides a clear indication that the properties of RFID carry significant effects to handle detected barriers in the operational, managerial and financial regime of manufacturing companies. The detected barriers that affect lean implementation are company’s cultures, top management commitment, poor employee administration, lack of finances, unbalanced inventory control, unstable customer handling and longer lead times. The properties of RFID-based lean manufacturing like operational visibility, inventory control, production control, minimized lead times and the real-time data information (to facilitate top management and employees on shop floor) are extremely helpful to control these barriers.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is the provision of clarity provided to both academicians and practitioners by citing and utilizing previous research studies which undoubtedly indicates positive impacts of RFID on lean implementation.
Predicting instructional effectiveness of cloud-based virtual learning environment
Authors: Hew Teck-Soon , Syed Abdul Kadir Sharifah Latifah
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Cloud computing technology is advancing and expanding at an explosive rate. These advancements have further extended the capabilities of the virtual learning environment (VLE) to provide accessibility anywhere, anytime where educational resources can be saved, modified, retrieved and shared on the cloud. The purpose of this paper is to examine the predictors of instructional effectiveness of cloud computing VLE by extending the Self Determination and Channel Expansion Theory with external constructs of VLE interactivity, content design, school support, trust in website, knowledge sharing attitude and demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Random sampling data were collected in two waves of nation-wide survey and analyzed with artificial neural network approach.

Findings

SDT, CET, content design, interactivity, trust in website, school support and demographics significantly predict instructional effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The study has provided a new paradigm shift from investigating the behavioral intention and continuance intention to the effectiveness of an information system. It advocates that quality of research may be improved by adhering to the basic research methodology starting from rigorous instrument development and validation to future research direction.

Practical implications

The research provides implications to Ministry of Education, the VLE content and service providers, scholars and practitioners.

Social implications

The findings of the study may further improve the quality of living of the society when the instructional effectiveness of the cloud-based VLE is further enhanced.

Originality/value

Existing grid computing VLE studies have focussed on the acceptance of students and teachers and not its instructional effectiveness. Unlike existing studies that examined extrinsic motivational factors (e.g. TAM, UTAUT), this study uses intrinsic motivational factors (e.g. relatedness, competence and autonomy) as well as perceived media richness. Malaysia is the first nation to implement the VLE at a national scale and the findings from this study will provide a new insight on the determinants of instructional effectiveness of the VLE system.
The impact of external involvement on new product market performance
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Yang Fan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap in understanding the effects of external involvement on new product market performance. Particularly, the authors investigate the mediating effects of speed-to-market of new products and moderating effects of information technology (IT) implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the high-performance manufacturing (HPM) project database collected from 366 manufacturing plants in ten countries and three representative industries. The hierarchical regression analysis is employed to explore the relationships in the model.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that speed-to-market of new products positively and significantly mediates the relationship between customer involvement and new product market performance. The results also demonstrate that IT implementation moderates the relationship between external involvement and speed-to-market of new products. More importantly, the findings reveal that supplier involvement is less likely to lead to the enhancement of speed-to-market if the firm is not able to establish a higher level of IT implementation.

Practical implications

This analysis uncovers the way of how customer and supplier involvement are related to new product market performance, and highlights the importance of IT implementation in absorbing and exploiting external resources.

Originality/value

This paper moves us from a simplistic understanding of external involvement to a more nuanced and complex model which is closer to reality. The obtained findings highlight the importance for manufacturers to establish speed advantage of new products and implement IT as an enabler.