bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A closer look at the skilled labor demand increase in Brazil
Authors: Jacinto Paulo de Andrade , Ribeiro Eduardo Pontual , Cravo Tulio
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate skilled labor demand determinants in Brazil, considering alternatives explanations: changes in relative wages, non-homothetic technology output growth and skill-biased technical change.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on a rich and unique matched employer-employee data set for manufacturing sector, from 1996 to 2003. The analysis considers a translog functional form labor demand system estimated using seemingly unrelated regression and instrumental variables to control for possible measurement errors and wages and output endogeneity.

Findings

The demand function estimates suggest that: labor demand underlying technology is non-homothetic, research and development investment is biased toward skilled workers, the non-homothetic technology is not skill biased so output changes contributed positively for skilled labor increase, relative wages played a significant role and international trade has little explanatory power explaining labor demand shifts.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that considers alternative explanations for the increase in the demand of skilled workers for manufacturing in Brazil simultaneously: changes in relative wages, output changes with non-homothetic technology, skill-biased technical change and, to a lesser extent, international trade. The study challenges current empirical evidence that considers trade and trade liberalization as the main factor explaining labor demand shifts.
Central bank opacity and inflation uncertainty
Authors: Almeida Ronaldo Trogo de , Corrêa Wilson Luiz Rotatori , de Mendonça Helder Ferreira , Simão Filho José
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper relates to the literature on central bank (CB) transparency and inflation uncertainty. Considering that opacity is a possible source for inflation uncertainty the purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that increase in the dispersion of the degree of CB opacity generates higher levels of inflation uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

In a first step, the authors present a theoretical model that shows how increase in the dispersion of the degree of CB opacity creates higher levels of inflation uncertainty. In a second step, the authors test the assumption that increase in the dispersion of the degree of CB opacity generates higher levels of inflation uncertainty in the Brazilian economy.

Findings

The findings denote that CB transparency is an important tool for guiding public expectations and thus contributes to avoiding the uncertainty caused by CB preferences.

Originality/value

This paper extends the theoretical model presented by de Mendonça and Simão Filho (2007) by the theoretical link between the forecast error and opacity. Furthermore, because the theoretical underpinning relies on the CB guiding inflation expectations, the authors construct an uncertainty measure based on survey of forecasts where such expectations can be inferred through the variability in the forecast error.
Bank competition and economic growth
Authors: Banya Roland Mwesigwa , Biekpe Nicholas
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The degree and impact of competitiveness in the banking sector is of great importance as this has great impact on the financial system and the wider economy. A question of interest here is, does competition in the commercial banking sector boost or hamper economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that competitiveness in commercial banking is linked to economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the Boone (2008) indicator to estimate competitiveness of banking markets in ten frontier countries in Africa from 2005 to 2012. This model measures banking competitiveness by assessing the relationship between relative marginal costs and relative market share. Through a panel data model, the authors examine the effect banking sector competitiveness has on economic growth.

Findings

The results of Boone (2008) indicator suggest that, to a greater extent, banks in the countries studied have a competitive banking sector. The results of the panel data estimation support the hypothesis that banking sector competition impacts positively on economic growth.

Practical implications

The paper recommends for more policy geared towards enhancing bank competition. This is because competitive banking system will allocate resources more efficiently to improve economic growth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to test the link between bank competition and economic growth in a cross-section of Frontier African countries.
Performance measurement scale for facilities management service in Lagos-Nigeria
Authors: Koleoso Hikmot Adunola , Omirin Modupe Moronke , Adewunmi Yewande Adetoro
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Literature established that applicable parameters must be used in determining facilities management (FM) performance in any market; otherwise, findings could be confusing and misleading. This is particularly relevant to Nigeria where FM application is in its infancy and seriously constrained by particular socio-economic conditions which make it prone to crises situations such as frequent power outages and surges, abundance of fake and adulterated construction materials and equipment, heavy presence of unqualified artisans, poor transparency and terribly chaotic and unpredictable traffic to mention a few. Hence, this research aims to identify contextual parameters for evaluating performance of FM service in office buildings in Lagos, reflecting these peculiarities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts survey design, using self-administered questionnaires that were served on building occupants. Means and standard deviation were used in the analyses. Factor analysis was used in identifying the important factors or constructs and to confirm the practical significance of the measures.

Findings

The study developed a multi-item scale of 41 measures for evaluating performance of facilities managers in offices in Lagos, Nigeria. The scale comprises three major dimensions, i.e. “financial”, “quality of service” and “crises response and management”. Using factor analysis, the study identified five important factors, two of which (comprising ten new measures) have not been featured in previous studies.

Practical implications

The developed performance measurement scales (PMS) can be applied to FM performance evaluation, management and control in the Nigerian context. The PMS and identified factors would also aid FM policy formulation, resource allocation and facilities review.

Originality/value

The research is considered the first to develop a PMS for FM in office facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. The new factors and measures that were uncovered in the study makes it possible to evaluate the Nigerian facility manager’s ability to manage the near-crises challenges imposed by the peculiar socio-economic context. Furthermore, the scale adopts simplistic financial success criteria, which makes it relevant and easy to use for the poor financial record disclosing and research-averse Nigerian audience. It is also more relevant to the less strategic and more operational task-based Nigerian FM context and by extension, to the context of other developing countries with similar socio-economic features.
Sexual appeal in print media advertising: effects on brand recall and fixation time
Authors: Fidelis Bruno Tomaselli , Oliveira Jorge Henrique Caldeira , Giraldi Janaina de Moura Engracia , Santos Renê Oliveira Joaquim
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of sexual appeal in print media on consumers’ brand recall. More specifically, the differences between the fixation time on the “image” and “logo” elements in advertisements, with and without sexual appeal, were verified.

Design/methodology/approach

The correct research is experimental in nature, and divided into three stages: choosing the print advertisements to be viewed by the participants with eye tracking, capturing participants’ eye movements using a special eye tracking equipment and completing the questionnaire for calculating the number of brands recalled by the participants.

Findings

The authors have identified that there are no statistically relevant differences between the number of brands recalled, whether the advertisement does or does not have any sexual appeal.

Practical implications

The use of sexual appeal in advertisements on print media must be made with caution, and several implications for the textile and apparel industry are expressed in the conclusions.

Originality/value

The study’s relevance is threefold: the authors present more recent results about the relationship between sexual appeal and brand recall, as the most recent research study of a similar type was published in the late 1990s; they adopt key concepts from the neuromarketing field in an attempt to connect memory with the capacity of different components of the advertisements, to attract the visual attention of consumers; and they present results for three different product categories (alcohol, apparel and perfume).
Harvesting biofuel grasslands has mixed effects on natural enemy communities and no effects on biocontrol services
Authors: Kim Tania N. , Fox Aaron F. , Wills Bill D. , Meehan Timothy D. , Landis Douglas A. , Gratton Claudio
Published: March 2017

Perennial bioenergy systems, such as switchgrass and restored prairies, are alternatives to commonly used annual monocultures such as maize. Perennial systems require lower chemical input, provide greater ecosystem services such as carbon storage, greenhouse gas mitigation and support greater biodiversity of beneficial insects. However, biomass harvest will be necessary in managing these perennial systems for bioenergy production, and it is unclear how repeated harvesting might affect ecosystem services.

In this study, we examined how repeated production‐scale harvesting of diverse perennial grasslands influences vegetation structure, natural enemy communities (arthropod predators and parasitoids), and natural biocontrol services in two states (Wisconsin and Michigan, USA) over multiple years.

We found that repeated biomass harvest reduced litter biomass and increased bare ground cover. Some natural enemy groups, such as ground‐dwelling arthropods, decreased in abundance with harvest, whereas others such as foliar‐dwelling arthropods increased in abundance. The disparity in responses is likely due to how different taxonomic groups utilize vegetation and differences in dispersal abilities.

At the community level, biomass harvest altered community composition, increased total arthropod abundance and decreased evenness but did not influence species richness, diversity or biocontrol services. Harvest effects varied with time, diminishing in strength both within the season (for total abundance and evenness), across seasons (for evenness) or were consistent throughout the duration of the study (for community composition). Greater functional redundancy and compensatory responses of the different taxonomic groups may have buffered against the potentially negative effects of harvest on biocontrol services.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that in the short‐term, repeated harvesting of perennial grasslands (when insect activity is low) consistently altered vegetation structure but had mixed effects on natural enemy communities and no discernible effects on biocontrol services. However, the long‐term effects of repeated harvesting on vegetation structure, natural enemies and other arthropod‐derived ecosystem services such as pollination and decomposition remain largely unknown.
Technical Efficiency among Smallholder Rice Farmers: A Comparative Analysis of Three Agro‐ecological Zones in Cameroon
Authors: Njikam Ousmanou , Alhadji Hamidou Azi
Published: March 2017

Rice production in Cameroon is characterized by smallholder type of production, disease‐plagued farms, huge inefficiency, and largely depends on agro‐ecological conditions. So, the country imports most of its domestic consumption needs of rice. Using survey data from 1,141 Cameroonian smallholder rice farmers, their scores of technical efficiency, determinants and the extent of their variability across three agro‐ecological zones are analyzed. The results suggest significant room for improvement in the farmers’ technical efficiency which varies largely across and within agro‐ecological zones. Correlates of technical efficiency differentials among the farmers differ across agro‐ecological zones, ranging from the age and experience of farmer and land ownership in the Sahel, age of farmer, land ownership and distance village‐farm in the western highland, to agricultural training in the bimodal humid rain forest zone.
Foreign Direct Investment, Democracy and Economic Growth in Southern Africa
Authors: Malikane Christopher , Chitambara Prosper
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the link between foreign direct investment (FDI), democracy and economic growth on a panel of eight Southern African countries for 1980–2014 using the system generalized method‐of‐moment (GMM) estimator. We find that FDI has a direct positive effect on economic growth and that strong democratic institutions are a significant driver of economic growth in the sample countries. The impact of FDI on economic growth is dependent on the level of democracy in the host countries. This implies that countries with strong democratic institutions are better able to absorb the positive spillovers from FDI. In policy terms, Southern African countries should sustain the institutional reform policy agenda already in place in order to benefit more from the significant inflows of FDI.
Timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration and survival in extremely preterm infants: a national population‐based cohort study
Authors: Norberg H , Kowalski J , Maršál K , Norman M
Published: March 2017

Objective

To explore the association between administration‐to‐birth interval of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) and survival in extremely preterm infants.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study.

Setting

All obstetric and neonatal units in Sweden from 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2007.

Population

All live‐born infants (n = 707) born at 22–26 completed weeks of gestation.

Methods

The relationship between time from first administration of ACS to delivery and survival was investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Main outcome measures

Neonatal (0–27 days) and infant (0–365 days) survival, and infant survival without major neonatal morbidity (intraventricular haemorrhage grade ≥ 3, retinopathy of prematurity stage ≥ 3, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotising enterocolitis, or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia).

Results

Five‐hundred and ninety‐one (84%) infants were exposed to ACS. In the final adjusted model, infant survival was lower in infants unexposed to ACS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.26; 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.43], in infants born <24 h [HR = 0.53 (0.33–0.87)] and >7 days after ACS [HR = 0.56 (0.32–0.97)], but not in infants born 24–47 h after ACS [HR = 1.60 (0.73–3.50)], as compared with infants born 48 h to 7 days after administration. The findings were similar for neonatal survival. Survival without major neonatal morbidity among live‐born infants was 14% in unexposed infants and 30–39% in steroid‐exposed groups, indicating that any ACS exposure was valuable.

Conclusions

Administration of ACS 24 h to 7 days before extremely preterm birth was associated with significantly higher survival than in unexposed infants and in infants exposed to ACS at shorter or longer administration‐to‐birth intervals.

Tweetable abstract

Timing of antenatal corticosteroids is important for extremely preterm infants’ survival.
Methodological considerations for detection of terrestrial small‐body salamander eDNA and implications for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Walker Donald M. , Leys Jacob E. , Dunham Kelly E. , Oliver Joshua C. , Schiller Emily E. , Stephenson Kelsey S. , Kimrey John T. , Wooten Jessica , Rogers Mark W.
Published: March 2017

Environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used as an assessment tool to detect populations of threatened species and provide fine‐scale data required to make management decisions. The objectives of this project were to use quantitative PCR (qPCR) to: (i) detect spiked salamander DNA in soil, (ii) quantify eDNA degradation over time, (iii) determine detectability of salamander eDNA in a terrestrial environment using soil, faeces, and skin swabs, (iv) detect salamander eDNA in a mesocosm experiment. Salamander eDNA was positively detected in 100% of skin swabs and 66% of faecal samples and concentrations did not differ between the two sources. However, eDNA was not detected in soil samples collected from directly underneath wild‐caught living salamanders. Salamander genomic DNA (gDNA) was detected in all qPCR reactions when spiked into soil at 10.0, 5.0, and 1.0 ng/g soil and spike concentration had a significant effect on detected concentrations. Only 33% of samples showed recoverable eDNA when spiked with 0.25 ng/g soil, which was the low end of eDNA detection. To determine the rate of eDNA degradation, gDNA (1 ng/g soil) was spiked into soil and quantified over seven days. Salamander eDNA concentrations decreased across days, but eDNA was still amplifiable at day 7. Salamander eDNA was detected in two of 182 mesocosm soil samples over 12 weeks (n = 52 control samples; n = 65 presence samples; n = 65 eviction samples). The discrepancy in detection success between experiments indicates the potential challenges for this method to be used as a monitoring technique for small‐bodied wild terrestrial salamander populations.
Inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase minimize ischemia‐reperfusion‐induced cardiac damage in normal, hypertensive, and diabetic rats
Authors: Islam Oliul , Patil Prashanth , Goswami Sumanta K. , Razdan Rema , Inamdar Mohammed N. , Rizwan Mohammed , Mathew Jubin , Inceoglu Bora , Stephen Lee Kin S. , Hwang Sung H. , Hammock Bruce D.
Published: March 2017

Aim

We designed a study to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of two soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors, 1‐(1‐propanoylpiperidin‐4‐yl)‐3‐(4‐trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)urea (TPPU) and trans‐4‐{4‐[3‐(4‐trifluoromethoxyphenyl)‐ureido]cyclohexyloxy}benzoic acid (t‐TUCB), in ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) model.

Methods

Cardioprotective effects of the sEH inhibitors were evaluated against IR‐induced myocardial damage in hearts from normal, hypertensive, and diabetic rats using Langendorff's apparatus. In addition, the effect of sEH inhibitors on endothelial function was evaluated in vitro and ex vivo using isolated rat thoracic aorta.

Results

Ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) increased the myocardial damage in hearts from normal rats. IR‐induced myocardial damage was augmented in hearts isolated from hypertensive and diabetic rats. Myocardial damage as evident from increase in the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) in heart perfusate was associated with significant decrease in the heart rate and developed tension, and increase in the resting tension in isolated heart. Both sEH inhibitors protected the heart in normal, hypertensive, and diabetic rats subjected to IR injury. The sEH inhibitor t‐TUCB relaxed phenylephrine precontracted aorta from normal rats. Relaxant effect of acetylcholine (ACh) was reduced in aortas from diabetic and hypertensive rats compared to normal rats. Pretreatment of sEH inhibitors to diabetic and hypertensive rats increased relaxant effect of ACh on aortas isolated from these rats.

Conclusions

Prophylactic treatment with sEH inhibitors decreased myocardial damage due to IR, hypertension and diabetes, and decreased endothelial dysfunction created by diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, inhibitors of sEH are useful probes to study cardiovascular pathology, and inhibition of the sEH is a potential approach in the management of IR‐induced cardiac damage and endothelial dysfunction‐related cardiovascular disorders.
Evaluation of a flexible bronchoscope prototype designed for bronchoscopy during mechanical ventilation: a proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Nay M.‐A. , Auvet A. , Mankikian J. , Herve V. , Dequin P.‐F. , Guillon A.
Published: March 2017

Bronchoscopy during mechanical ventilation of patients' lungs significantly affects ventilation because of partial obstruction of the tracheal tube, and may thus be omitted in the most severely ill patients. It has not previously been possible to reduce the external diameter of the bronchoscope without reducing the diameter of the suction channel, thus reducing the suctioning capacity of the device. We believed that a better‐designed bronchoscope could improve the safety of bronchoscopy in patients whose lungs were ventilated. We designed a flexible bronchoscope prototype with a drumstick‐shaped head consisting of a long, thin proximal portion; a short and large distal portion for camera docking; and a large suction channel throughout the length of the device. The aims of our study were to test the impact of our prototype on mechanical ventilation when inserted into the tracheal tube, and to assess suctioning capacity. We first tested the efficiency of the suction channel, and demonstrated that the suction flow of the prototype was similar to that of conventional adult bronchoscopes. We next evaluated the consequences of bronchoscopy when using the prototype on minute ventilation and intrathoracic pressures during mechanical ventilation: firstly, in vitro using a breathing simulator; and secondly, in vivo using a porcine model of pulmonary ventilation. The insertion of adult bronchoscopes into the tracheal tube immediately impaired the protective ventilation strategy employed, whereas the prototype preserved it. For the first time, we have developed an innovative flexible bronchoscope designed for bronchoscopy during invasive mechanical ventilation, that both preserved the protective ventilation strategy, and enabled efficient suction flow.
SOCIAL INVESTMENT IN SPAIN: HOW DO SOLIDARITY MUTUAL FUNDS DECIDE THE ALLOCATION OF SOLIDARITY FUNDING BETWEEN SOCIAL ECONOMY ORGANIZATIONS?
Authors: LÓPEZ‐ARCEIZ Francisco J. , BELLOSTAS Ana J. , RIVERA‐TORRES Pilar
Published: March 2017

Solidarity mutual funds (SMFs) are a financial product oriented toward funding social economy organizations (SEOs). The main characteristic of these mutual funds, known in other countries as social investment, is that part of their management fees is allocated to support SEOs. In Spain, the criteria used in the allocation process of these funds have not been studied. The aim of this paper is to analyze the decision model of SMFs. To this end, we developed a logit regression model. The obtained results show that the decision model of SMFs promotes the development of commercial activity and favors a specific ideology and values and an exclusive relationship with the main funders.
Determinants of adherence to lifestyle intervention in adults with obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Burgess E. , Hassmén P. , Pumpa K. L.
Published: March 2017

Lifestyle intervention programmes are efficacious in the management of obesity but often report poor attendance and adherence rates that hinder treatment effectiveness and health outcomes. The aim of this systematic review is to identify (i) barriers to behaviour change and (ii) predictors of adherence to lifestyle intervention programmes in adults with obesity. Studies were identified by systematically reviewing the literature within Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science from inception to August 2016. Barriers to behaviour change include poor motivation; environmental, societal and social pressures; lack of time; health and physical limitations; negative thoughts/moods; socioeconomic constraints; gaps in knowledge/awareness; and lack of enjoyment of exercise. The most prominent predictors of adherence include early weight loss success, lower baseline body mass index (BMI), better baseline mood, being male and older age. The findings within this review provide novel insight to clinicians working in obesity and have important implications for lifestyle intervention programme design. Barriers to behaviour change need to be addressed early in treatment, with lifestyle intervention individualized accordingly. Predictors of adherence should also be taken into careful consideration, with negative moods and unrealistic weight loss expectations discussed at the outset. If adherence is improved, treatment effectiveness, health outcomes and the ultimate burden of chronic diseases could also be improved.
How does obesity affect the endocrine system? A narrative review
Authors: Poddar M. , Chetty Y. , Chetty V. T.
Published: March 2017

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing medical condition that results from an imbalance of energy expenditure and consumption. It is a leading cause of preventable illness, disability and premature death. The causes of obesity are multifactorial and include behavioural, socioeconomic, genetic, environmental and psychosocial factors. Rarely are endocrine diseases, e.g., hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome, the cause of obesity. What is less understood is how obesity affects the endocrine system. In this review, we will discuss the impact of obesity on multiple endocrine systems, including the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis, changes in vitamin D homeostasis, gender steroids and thyroid hormones. We will also examine the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and insulin pathophysiology associated with obesity. We will provide a general overview of the biochemical changes that can be seen in patients with obesity, review possible aetiologies of these changes and briefly consider current guidelines on their management. This review will not discuss endocrine causes of obesity.
Estimating freshwater turtle mortality rates and population declines following hook ingestion
Authors: Steen David A. , Robinson Orin J.
Published: March 2017

Freshwater turtle populations are susceptible to declines following small increases in the mortality of adults, making it essential to identify and understand potential threats. Freshwater turtles ingest fish hooks associated with recreational angling, and this is likely a problem because hook ingestion is a source of additive mortality for sea turtles. We used a Bayesian‐modeling framework, observed rates of hook ingestion by freshwater turtles, and mortality of sea turtles from hook ingestion to examine the probability that a freshwater turtle in a given population ingests a hook and subsequently dies from it. We used the results of these analyses and previously published life‐history data to simulate the effects of hook ingestion on population growth for 3 species of freshwater turtle. In our simulation, the probability that an individual turtle ingests a hook and dies as a result was 1.2–11%. Our simulation results suggest that this rate of mortality from hook ingestion is sufficient to cause population declines. We believe we have identified fish‐hook ingestion as a serious yet generally overlooked threat to the viability of freshwater turtle populations.
Purchases by heavier drinking young people concentrated in lower priced beverages: Implications for policy
Authors: Wall Martin , Casswell Sally , Yeh Li‐Chia
Published: March 2017

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol is an increasingly important risk factor in the global burden of disease. The acute harms experienced and persistence of drinking patterns established in adolescence motivate investigating influences on youth drinking. The aim is to examine association between heavier drinking in young people and their choice of beverage type, purchase outlet and price.

Design and Methods

A nationally representative sample of New Zealand drinkers (N = 1056) aged 16–19 years recruited using random digit dialling was surveyed in 2012 as part of the International Alcohol Control study. Typical quantities consumed and frequency of alcohol consumption categorised respondents into lower, medium and heavier consumption groups. Beverage choice, prices paid and on or off‐premise purchase were related to consumption using univariate analysis. Logistic analysis was used to examine multivariate factors predicting membership of consumption groups.

Results

Twenty percent of the sample consumed six or more drinks at least once a week, increasing to 1 in 4 for those 18 years and older. Heavier drinkers consumed more alcohol in the form of ready to drinks (RTD) especially high‐potency RTDs. Lower consumers drank greater proportion of wine. Heavier drinkers paid less than medium consumers who paid less than lower consumers. High‐potency RTDs were cheaper per unit of alcohol than other beverages and chosen by heavier drinkers resulting in lower prices.

Discussion and Conclusions

Heavy consumption of alcohol remains common in New Zealand young drinkers. Heavier drinkers paid less to purchase alcohol and consumed more alcohol in the form of high‐potency RTDs. [Wall M, Casswell S, Yeh L‐C. Purchases by heavier drinking young people concentrated in lower priced beverages: Implications for policy. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:352–358]
Sebastian Rodrigues in Shusaku Endo's Silence as a Theologian of the Cross1
Authors: Takamura Toshihiro
Published: March 2017

In his book, On Being a Theologian of the Cross, Gerhard Forde asserts, “[T]he theology of the cross is an offensive theology. The offense consists in the fact that unlike other theologies it attacks what we usually consider the best in our religion.” If causing an offense against Christian theologians and the populace in general is considered a criterion for this theology, Shusaku Endo surely sets forth the theology of the cross in his novel, Silence. Although he would not identify his thesis by such a term, Endo presents the theology of the cross challenging the conventional understanding of the Christian faith. This short article explores Endo's book, Silence, examines how it demonstrates an articulation of the theology of the cross, and argues that Sebastian Rodrigues, the main character of the novel, is a theologian of the cross.
Plurality of Self: Buddhist Anthropology and the Two Natures of Christ
Authors: Mann Jeffrey K.
Published: March 2017

The union of divine and human in Jesus Christ was codified at the Council of Chalcedon. However, while this position makes good theological sense, in terms of soteriology, it remains a conceptual problem. How do two distinct entities combine into a single entity without the loss of their respective distinctiveness? This article recommends a move from a Greek metaphysic of “substance” to a Buddhist understanding of selfhood as emptiness. By understanding the self as an interweaving of multiple energies, rather than a fixed substance, Chalcedonian Christology can retain its soteriological integrity with a more helpful conceptual understanding of how two may become one.
The Perverse Mother: Maternal Masochism in Ira Levin'sRosemary's Baby
Authors: Hicks Charles
Published: March 2017

This essay suggests that despite the traditional viewpoint that it seemingly supplements patriarchy's consistent marginalization of maternal bodies, masochism, as formulated by Gilles Deleuze, offers the possibility of a maternal subjectivity beyond paternal domination. Deleuze's conception of masochism reveals an innovative way in which to view maternity as a tactical schema that operates through the perverse disavowal and resexualization of patriarchal law in order not only to destabilize its foundations, but to produce a maternal identity of the mother's own creation. This essay will use Ira Levin's horror novelRosemary's Babyto contextualize an adaptation of Deleuze's theory in order to account for the relationship between mother and child, and the emergent subjectivity the dyad produces. Levin's novel seamlessly showcases how the maternal body is observed and optimized by reproductive technologies in order to produce not only a heteronormative ideal of maternity, but a child who will reflect paternal law. This essay argues that the titular character, Rosemary Woodhouse, establishes a masochistic contract with her son whereby she reconfigures his identity through a perverse disavowal of the Law of the Father, replacing it with maternal authority. Most important, her performance of masochism results in the marginalization of the father, and the emergence of a new maternal identity.
Lipid‐based submicron capsules as a strategy to include high concentrations of a hydrophobic lightening agent in a hydrogel
Authors: Nguyen H. T. P. , Soucé M. , Perse X. , Vial F. , Perrier T. , Yvergnaux F. , Chourpa I. , Munnier E.
Published: March 2017

Objective

This study aimed at increasing the concentration of a hydrophobic lightening agent, Omegalight®, in a hydrophilic cosmetic product by means of encapsulation in lipid‐based submicron capsules. The core of these capsules is entirely made of the commercial lightening agent.

Methods

Lipid‐based encapsulation systems (LNC) were prepared by the PIT method. Their physicochemical properties were followed over 6 months by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements, and in parallel, the potential degradation of the active ingredient was monitored by HPLC. The stability of the capsules in a cosmetic gel was studied by spectrofluorimetry and rheology measurements. Sensory analysis was used to determine the influence of the presence of capsules in the gel on the consumer's experience.

Results

LNC encapsulating Omegalight® were prepared on a laboratory scale and then on a semi‐pilot scale. Their hydrodynamic diameters are around 230 nm. The concentration of Omegalight® in the capsules reaches about 84% w/w, which corresponds to 42% of active ingredient. LNC can be dispersed without degradation at concentrations of up to 20% w/w in a hydrogel without modification of the physicochemical or sensory properties of the gel.

Conclusion

Lipid‐based capsules (LNC), an encapsulation system useful for the epidermal delivery of hydrophobic compounds, were adapted to the encapsulation of a commercial lightening agent. The encapsulation permits the dispersion in a stable manner of a very high concentration of a hydrophobic active molecule in a hydrogel while maintaining the physicochemical and sensory properties of the gel.
Fabrication of SiC/diamond composite coatings by electrophoretic deposition and chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Yu Shengjie , Chen Zhaofeng , Wang Yang , Luo Ruiying , Xu Tengzhou , Pan Ying , Liao Jiahao
Published: March 2017

In this research, SiC/diamond composite coatings were fabricated by a novel procedure that consisted of the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of diamond particles onto graphite substrates followed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of SiC. Various concentrations of MgCl2 were employed to increase the deposition rate and uniformity of the deposits during the EPD process by giving a positive charge to diamond particles. The CVD of SiC was found to have a tightly connected diamond‐graphite interface and spherical texture. With higher weight fraction of diamond particles deposits, the wear of steel ball increased, while the wear of SiC coating decreased.
Dimensional analysis of Ni‐NiO grains at anode/electrolyte interface for SOFC during redox reaction
Authors: Liang Bo , Zhang Silong , Zhang Zefang , Lu Biao , Lu Shengguo , Kendall Michaela , Ni Meng
Published: March 2017

Upon reduction and re‐oxidization, the interface of a microtubular solid oxide fuel cell (MTSOFC) anode/electrolyte was structurally analyzed using a dual beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (STEM‐EDX). The bulk volume of the dense NiO phase dramatically contracted upon reduction, while the YSZ phases are completely unaffected. No cracks or particle detachment are observed either at the interface of the anode/electrolyte or in the anode backbone. Compared with the initial NiO state (as‐prepared), the area of Ni phase contracts by 22.6%‐83.7%, depending on the grain size.
Leadership behaviours, organizational culture and intention to stay amongst Jordanian nurses
Authors: AbuAlRub R.F. , Nasrallah M.A.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To investigate the impact of leadership behaviours of nurse managers and organizational culture on Jordanian nurses’ intention to stay at work in public, private and university hospitals.

Background

Leadership behaviours of nurses and organizational culture are considered important factors in enhancing retention of nurses.

Methods

A correlational design was used in the study. A sample of 285 Jordanian nurses was conveniently selected to complete a self‐administered questionnaire that consisted of three measures; Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Practise Inventory, Professional Organizational Culture questionnaire and McCain's Intent to Stay Scale.

Results

Nurse managers’ leadership behaviours and organizational culture were positively associated with the level of intention to stay at work. The study variables explained almost 43% of the variance in nurses’ intention to stay at work.

Limitations

The limitation of the study was the use of convenience sampling method.

Conclusion

The results asserted that transformational leadership styles of nurse managers enhance positive hospitals’ culture as well as the intention of nurses to stay at work.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nurse executives should promote leadership behaviours of nurse managers through training. The regulatory bodies of nursing profession in collaboration with nurse educators and administrators should help in developing competencies for nurse managers that are based on transformational leadership and incorporate such competencies in nursing education programs as well as continuous education programs.
Investigation of fatigue crack initiation facets in Ti‐6Al‐4V using focused ion beam milling and electron backscatter diffraction
Authors: EVERAERTS J. , VERLINDEN B. , WEVERS M.
Published: March 2017

In the very high cycle fatigue regime, internal crack initiation can occur in Ti‐6Al‐4V because of the formation of facets, which are α grains that have fractured in a transcrystalline and planar manner. Because this crack initiation phase occupies most of the fatigue life, it is essential to understand which mechanisms lead to facet formation. Fatigue tests have been performed on drawn and heat‐treated Ti‐6Al‐4V wires, and the facets at internal crack initiation sites have been analysed in detail in terms of their appearance, their spatial orientation and their crystallographic orientation. The facets were not smooth, but showed surface markings at the nanoscale. In nearly all cases, these markings followed a linear pattern. One anomalous facet, in a sample with the largest grain size, contained a fan‐shaped pattern. The facets were at relatively steep angles, mostly between 50° and 70°. Cross‐sections of the fracture surfaces have been made by focused ion beam milling and were used to measure the crystallographic orientation of facets by electron backscatter diffraction. Most facet planes coincided with a prismatic lattice plane, and the linear markings were parallel to the prismatic slip direction, which is a strong indication that prismatic slip and slip band formation led to crack initiation. However, the anomalous facet had a near‐basal orientation, which points to a possible cleavage mechanism. The cross‐sections also exposed secondary cracks, which had formed on prismatic lattice planes, and in some cases early stage facet formation and short crack growth phenomena. The latter observations show that facets can extend through more than one grain, and that there is crack coalescence between facets. The fact that drawn wires have a specific crystallographic texture has led to a different facet formation behaviour compared to what has been suggested in the literature.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder in the perinatal period: A concept analysis
Authors: Vignato Julie , Georges Jane M , Bush Ruth A , Connelly Cynthia D
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To report an analysis of the concept of perinatal post‐traumatic stress disorder.

Background

Prevalence of perinatal post‐traumatic stress disorder is rising in the USA, with 9% of the U.S. perinatal population diagnosed with the disorder and an additional 18% being at risk for the condition. Left untreated, adverse maternal–child outcomes result in increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs.

Design

Concept analysis via Walker and Avant's approach.

Methods

The databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, Academic Search Premier and PsychINFO were searched for articles, written in English, published between 2006–2015, containing the terms perinatal and post‐traumatic stress disorder.

Results

Perinatal post‐traumatic stress disorder owns unique attributes, antecedents and outcomes when compared to post‐traumatic stress disorder in other contexts, and may be defined as a disorder arising after a traumatic experience, diagnosed any time from conception to 6 months postpartum, lasting longer than 1 month, leading to specific negative maternal symptoms and poor maternal–infant outcomes. Attributes include a diagnostic time frame (conception to 6 months postpartum), harmful prior or current trauma and specific diagnostic symptomatology defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Antecedents were identified as trauma (perinatal complications and abuse), postpartum depression and previous psychiatric history. Consequences comprised adverse maternal–infant outcomes.

Conclusions

Further research on perinatal post‐traumatic stress disorder antecedents, attributes and outcomes in ethnically diverse populations may provide clinicians a more comprehensive framework for identifying and treating perinatal post‐traumatic stress disorder.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses are encouraged to increase their awareness of perinatal post‐traumatic stress disorder for early assessment and intervention, and prevention of adverse maternal–infant outcomes.
Differences in depression, treatment satisfaction and injection behaviour in adults with type 1 diabetes and different degrees of lipohypertrophy
Authors: Hernar Ingvild , Haltbakk Johannes , Broström Anders
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To assess the prevalence of lipohypertrophy, and to compare differences in external, personal and regimen factors in adults with type 1 diabetes and different degrees of lipohypertrophy.

Background

Suboptimal insulin injection behaviour is associated with lipohypertrophy, which may affect insulin absorption and lead to blood glucose fluctuations. Few, if any studies have investigated how external, personal and regimen factors differ in people with type 1 diabetes and different degrees of lipohypertrophy.

Design

A cross‐sectional study including adults with type 1 diabetes at a diabetes outpatient clinic in a Norwegian university hospital.

Methods

Participants (n = 215) were included consecutively at scheduled appointments. Sociodemographic, diabetes and insulin treatment data, and self‐report questionnaires concerning patient activation (Patient Activation Measure), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐2), diabetes distress (Diabetes Distress Scale), type D personality (14‐item Type D scale), treatment satisfaction (Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire) and motivation (Treatment Self‐Regulation Questionnaire), were collected. Lipohypertrophic injection sites were identified by palpation by diabetes specialist nurses.

Results

Lipohypertrophy was present in 53% and was more frequent in insulin pen users (63%) compared to insulin pump users (34%). Participants with two or more lipohypertrophic areas had higher depression scores, lower treatment satisfaction with glycaemic control, higher bolus doses and reported suboptimal injection behaviour compared to those with no lipohypertrophic areas. There were no differences in patient activation, diabetes distress, type D personality or motivation between the groups.

Discussion and conclusion

Compared to pump treatment, pen treatment requires greater awareness of injection technique. Symptoms of depression and lower treatment satisfaction might affect diabetes self‐management and glycaemic control, but the association with lipohypertrophy needs further exploration.

Relevance to clinical practice

Lipohypertrophy is more frequent in insulin pen users compared to pump users. Nurses should focus on injection technique education, and should also consider screening for depressive symptoms and treatment satisfaction as these factors could be associated with development of lipohypertrophy.
Vulnerability to burnout within the nursing workforce—The role of personality and interpersonal behaviour
Authors: Geuens Nina , Van Bogaert Peter , Franck Erik
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To study the combination of personality and interpersonal behaviour of staff nurses in general hospitals in relation to burnout and its separate dimensions.

Background

More research on the individual factors contributing to the development of burnout is needed to improve the risk profile of nursing staff. Therefore, a combination of Leary's interpersonal circumplex model, which depicts the interpersonal behaviour trait domain, and the five‐factor model was considered in the study at hand.

Design

A cross‐sectional research method was applied using self‐report questionnaires.

Methods

A total of 880 Belgian general hospital nurses were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected from November 2012–July 2013. The questionnaire consisted of three validated self‐report instruments: the NEO five‐factor inventory, the Dutch Interpersonal Behaviour Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Results

Of the 880 nurses invited to participate, 587 (67%) returned the questionnaire. Sex, neuroticism, submissive‐friendly behaviour, dominant‐friendly behaviour and vector length were found to be predictive factors for emotional exhaustion. For depersonalisation, sex, neuroticism, conscientiousness, friendly behaviour, submissive‐friendly behaviour, dominant‐hostile behaviour and vector length were predictive factors. Finally, personal accomplishment was determined by neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, and hostile behaviour.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the influence of the Big Five personality factors on the separate dimensions of burnout. Interpersonal behaviour made a significant contribution to the predictive capacity of the regression models of all three dimensions of burnout. Additional longitudinal research is required to confirm the causal relationship between these individual factors and burnout.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study can help to achieve a better understanding of which vulnerabilities an individual prevention programme for burnout should target. In addition, hospitals could use assessment instruments to identify nurses who are prone to burnout and thus would benefit from additional support or stress reduction programmes.