bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gray matter correlates of pressure pain thresholds and self-rated pain sensitivity: a voxel-based morphometry study
Authors: Ruscheweyh Ruth , Wersching Heike , Kugel Harald , Sundermann Benedikt , Teuber Anja
Published: March 2018

Individual differences in sensitivity to pain are large and have clinical and scientific importance. Although heavily influenced by situational factors, they also relate to genetic factors and psychological traits, and are reflected by differences in functional activation in pain-related brain regions. Here, we used voxel-based morphometry to investigate if individual pain sensitivity is related to local gray matter volumes. Pain sensitivity was determined using (1) index finger pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and (2) pain intensity ratings of imagined painful situations as assessed by the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) in 501 population-based subjects participating in the BiDirect Study. Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire scores were positively associated with gray matter in 2 symmetrical clusters, with a focus on the parahippocampal gyrus, extending to the hippocampus, fusiform gyrus, BA19, putamen, and insula (P < 0.05 corrected), but the effect was small (R
2 = 0.045-0.039). No negative associations with the PSQ and no associations with the PPT reached significance. Parahippocampal activation during pain and altered parahippocampal gray matter in chronic pain have been reported, which would be consistent with positive associations with PSQ scores. Alternatively, associations of PSQ scores with the parahippocampal and fusiform gray matter could relate to the visual imagination of painful situations required by the PSQ, not to pain sensitivity itself. Regarding PPTs, the present data obtained in a large sample strongly suggest an absence of associations of this parameter with gray matter volume. In conclusion, the present results argue against a strong association between pain sensitivity and local gray matter volumes.
Epidermis and Enamel
Authors: Barsley Robert E. , Bernstein Mark L. , Brumit Paula C. , Dorion Robert B.J. , Golden Gregory S. , Lewis James M. , McDowell John D. , Metcalf Roger D. , Senn David R. , Sweet David , Weems Richard A.
Published: March 2018

Critics describe forensic dentists' management of bitemark evidence as junk science with poor sensitivity and specificity and state that linkages to a biter are unfounded. Those vocal critics, supported by certain media, characterize odontologists' previous errors as egregious and petition government agencies to render bitemark evidence inadmissible. Odontologists acknowledge that some practitioners have made past mistakes. However, it does not logically follow that the errors of a few identify a systemic failure of bitemark analysis. Scrutiny of the contentious cases shows that most occurred 20 to 40 years ago. Since then, research has been ongoing and more conservative guidelines, standards, and terminology have been adopted so that past errors are no longer reflective of current safeguards. The authors recommend a comprehensive root analysis of problem cases to be used to determine all the factors that contributed to those previous problems. The legal community also shares responsibility for some of the past erroneous convictions. Currently, most proffered bitemark cases referred to odontologists do not reach courts because those forensic dentists dismiss them as unacceptable or insufficient for analysis. Most bitemark evidence cases have been properly managed by odontologists. Bitemark evidence and testimony remain relevant and have made significant contributions in the justice system.
Cost and Cost-Effectiveness of a Demand Creation Intervention to Increase Uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in Tanzania: Spending More to Spend Less
Authors: Torres-Rueda Sergio , Wambura Mwita , Weiss Helen A. , Plotkin Marya , Kripke Katharine , Chilongani Joseph , Mahler Hally , Kuringe Evodius , Makokha Maende , Hellar Augustino , Schutte Carl , Kazaura Kokuhumbya J. , Simbeye Daimon , Mshana Gerry , Larke Natasha , Lija Gissenge , Changalucha John , Vassall Anna , Hayes Richard , Grund Jonathan M. , Terris-Prestholt Fern
Published: March 2018

Background:

Although voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces the risk of HIV acquisition, demand for services is lower among men in most at-risk age groups (ages 20–34 years). A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of locally-tailored demand creation activities (including mass media, community mobilization, and targeted service delivery) in increasing uptake of campaign-delivered VMMC among men aged 20–34 years. We conducted an economic evaluation to understand the intervention's cost and cost-effectiveness.

Setting:

Tanzania (Njombe and Tabora regions).

Methods:

Cost data were collected on surgery, demand creation activities, and monitoring and supervision related to VMMC implementation across clusters in both trial arms, as well as start-up activities for the intervention arms. The Decision Makers' Program Planning Tool was used to estimate the number of HIV infections averted and related cost savings, given the total VMMCs per cluster. Disability-adjusted life years were calculated and used to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.

Results:

Client load was higher in the intervention arms than in the control arms: 4394 vs. 2901 in Tabora and 1797 vs. 1025 in Njombe, respectively. Despite additional costs of tailored demand creation, demand increased more than proportionally: mean costs per VMMC in the intervention arms were $62 in Tabora and $130 in Njombe, and in the control arms $70 and $191, respectively. More infections were averted in the intervention arm than in the control arm in Tabora (123 vs. 67, respectively) and in Njombe (164 vs. 102, respectively). The intervention dominated the control because it was both less costly and more effective. Cost savings were observed in both regions stemming from the antiretroviral treatment costs averted as a result of the VMMCs performed.

Conclusions:

Spending more to address local preferences as a way to increase uptake of VMMC can be cost-saving.
99mTc MDP SPECT-CT–Based Modified Mirels Classification for Evaluation of Risk of Fracture in Skeletal Metastasis
Authors: Riaz Saima , Bashir Humayun , Niazi Imran Khalid , Butt Sumera , Qamar Faisal
Published: March 2018

Mirels’ scoring system quantifies the risk of sustaining a pathologic fracture in osseous metastases of weight bearing long bones. Conventional Mirels’ scoring is based on radiographs. Our pilot study proposes 99mTc MDP bone SPECT-CT based modified Mirels’ scoring system and its comparison with conventional Mirels’ scoring. Cortical lysis was noted in 8(24%) by SPECT-CT versus 2 (6.3%) on X-rays. Additional SPECT-CT parameters were; circumferential involvement [1/4 (31%), 1/2 (3%), 3/4 (37.5%), 4/4 (28%)] and extra-osseous soft tissue [3%]. Our pilot study suggests the potential role of SPECT-CT in predicting risk of fracture in osseous metastases.
Adrenal Hemangioma Definite Diagnosis on CT, MRI, and FDG PET in a Patient With Primary Lung Cancer
Authors: Wilson Benjamin , Becker Allison , Estes Thomas , Keshavamurthy Jayanth , Pucar Darko
Published: March 2018

Distinguishing adrenal incidentalomas (5% of all abdominal CT scans) from metastasis is a frequent diagnostic challenge in primary malignancies with a propensity for adrenal spread, such as lung cancer. Adrenal myelolipoma and adenoma can be definitively characterized as benign by demonstrating gross and microscopic fat, respectively, on CT and MRI and an absence of abnormal uptake on PET. Unfortunately, adrenal sampling is frequently necessary in indeterminate cases for adequate staging of extra-adrenal primary malignancy. We present a lung cancer case in which definite characterization of a rare adrenal hemangioma with CT, PET, and MRI avoided unnecessary adrenal sampling.
Characterisation of carried and invasive Neisseria meningitidis isolates in Shanghai, China from 1950 to 2016: implications for serogroup B vaccine implementation
Authors: Chen Mingliang , Rodrigues Charlene M.C. , Harrison Odile B , Zhang Chi , Tan Tian , Chen Jian , Zhang Xi , Chen Min , Maiden Martin C.J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is increasing in China, little is known however, about these meningococci. This study characterises a collection of isolates associated with IMD and carriage in Shanghai and assesses current vaccine strategies.

Methods

IMD epidemiological data in Shanghai from 1950–2016 were obtained from the National Notifiable Diseases Registry System, with 460 isolates collected for analysis including, 169 from IMD and 291 from carriage. Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine coverage was evaluated using Bexsero® Antigen Sequence Type (BAST).

Results

Seven IMD epidemic periods have been observed in Shanghai since 1950, with incidence peaking from February to April. Analyses were divided according to the period of meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPV) introduction: (i) pre-MPV-A, 1965-1980; (ii) post-MPV-A, 1981-2008; and (iii) post-MPV-A+C, 2009-2016. IMD incidence decreased from 55.4/100,000 to 0.71 then to 0.02, and corresponded with shifts from serogroup A ST-5 complex (MenA:cc5) to MenC:cc4821 then MenB:cc4821. MenB IMD became predominant (63.2%) in the post-MPV-A+C period, of which 50% were caused by cc4821, with the highest incidence in infants (0.45/100,000) and a case-fatality rate of 9.5%. IMD was positively correlated with carriage rates. Data indicate that fewer than 25% of MenB isolates in the post-MPV-A+C period may be covered by the vaccines Bexsero®, Trumenba®, or a PorA-based vaccine, NonaMen.

Conclusions

A unique IMD epidemiology is found in China, changing periodically from hyperepidemic to low-level endemic disease. MenB IMD now dominates in Shanghai, with isolates harbouring diverse antigenic variants potentially beyond coverage with licenced OMV- and protein-based MenB vaccines.

Meningococcal disease in Shanghai, China is described and current vaccine approaches evaluated. Since 1950, MenA:cc5 shifted to MenC:cc4821 then MenB:cc4821, with MenB dominating since 2009. Distinct antigens potentially beyond coverage with licensed OMV- and protein-based MenB vaccines were found.
Idiosyncratic choice bias in decision tasks naturally emerges from intrinsic stochasticity in neuronal network dynamics
Authors: Lebovich Lior , Darshan Ran , Lavi Yoni , Hansel David , Loewenstein Yonatan
Published: March 2018

Idiosyncratic tendency to choose one alternative over others in the absence of an identified reason is a common observation in two-alternative forced-choice experiments. It is tempting to account for it as resulting from the (unknown) participant-specific history and thus treat it as a measurement noise. Here we quantify idiosyncratic choice biases in a perceptual discrimination task and a motor task. We report substantial and significant biases in both cases that cannot be accounted for by the experimental context. Then, we present theoretical evidence that even in idealized experiments, in which the settings are symmetric, idiosyncratic choice bias is expected to emerge from the dynamics of competing neuronal networks. We thus argue that idiosyncratic choice bias reflects the microscopic dynamics of choice and therefore is virtually inevitable in any comparison or decision task.
FUN-LOV: Fungal LOV domains for optogenetic control of gene expression and flocculation in yeast
Authors: Salinas Francisco , Rojas Vicente , Delgado Verónica , López Javiera , Agosin Eduardo , Larrondo Luis F.
Published: March 2018

Optogenetic switches permit accurate control of gene expression upon light stimulation. These synthetic switches have become a powerful tool for gene regulation, allowing modulation of customized phenotypes, overcoming the obstacles of chemical inducers and replacing their use by an inexpensive resource: light. In this work, we implemented FUN-LOV; an optogenetic switch based on the photon-regulated interaction of WC-1 and VVD, two LOV (Light Oxygen Voltage) blue-light photoreceptors from the fungus Neurospora crassa. When tested in yeast, FUN-LOV yields light-controlled gene expression with exquisite temporal resolution, and a broad dynamic range of over 1300-fold, as measured by a luciferase reporter. We also tested the FUN-LOV switch for heterologous protein expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where Western blot analysis confirmed strong induction upon light stimulation, surpassing by 2.5 times the levels achieved with a classic GAL4/galactose chemical inducible system. Additionally, we utilized FUN-LOV to control the ability of yeast cells to flocculate. Light-controlled expression of the flocculin encoding gene FLO1, by the FUN-LOV switch, yielded Flocculation in Light (FIL), whereas the light-controlled expression of the co-repressor TUP1 provided Flocculation in Darkness (FID). Overall, the results revealed the potential of the FUN-LOV optogenetic switch to control two biotechnologically relevant phenotypes such as heterologous protein expression and flocculation, paving the road for the engineering of new yeast strains for industrial applications. Importantly, FUN-LOV’ s ability to accurately manipulate gene expression, with a high-temporal dynamic range, can be exploited in the analysis of diverse biological processes in various organisms.

Importance

Optogenetic switches are molecular devices which allow the control of different cellular processes by light, such as gene expression, providing a versatile alternative to chemical inducers. Herein, we report a novel optogenetic switch (FUN-LOV) based on the LOV-domain interaction of two blue-light photoreceptors (WC-1 and VVD) from the fungus N. crassa. In yeast cells, FUN-LOV allowed tight regulation of gene expression, with low background in darkness and a highly dynamic and potent control by light. We used FUN-LOV to optogenetically manipulate, in yeast, two biotechnologically relevant phenotypes: heterologous protein expression and flocculation, resulting in strains with potential industrial applications. Importantly, FUN-LOV can be implemented in diverse biological platforms to orthogonally control a multitude of cellular processes.
Inexpensive, scalable camera system for tracking rats in large spaces
Authors: Saxena Rajat , Barde Warsha , Deshmukh Sachin S.
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Most studies focused on understanding the neural circuits underlying spatial navigation are restricted to small behavioral arenas (≤ 1 m2) because of the limits imposed by the cables extending from the animal to the recording system. New wireless recording systems have significantly increased the recording range. However, the size of arena is still constrained by the lack of a video tracking system capable of monitoring the animal’s movements over large areas integrated with these recording systems. We developed and benchmarked a novel, open-source, scalable multi-camera tracking system based on commercially available and low-cost hardware (Raspberry Pi computers and Raspberry Pi cameras). This Picamera system was used in combination with a wireless recording system for characterizing neural correlates of space in environments of various sizes up to 16.5 m2. Spatial rate maps generated using the Picamera system showed improved accuracy in estimating spatial firing characteristics of neurons compared to a popular commercial system, due to its better temporal accuracy. The system also showed improved accuracy in estimating head direction cell tuning as well as theta phase precession in place cells. This improved temporal accuracy is crucial for accurately aligning videos from multiple cameras in large spaces and characterizing spatially modulated cells in a large environment.
Laminar signal extraction over extended cortical areas by means of a spatial GLM
Authors: van Mourik Tim , van der Eerden Jan PJM , Bazin Pierre-Louis , Norris David G
Published: March 2018

There is converging evidence that distinct neuronal processes leave distinguishable footprints in the laminar BOLD response. However, even though the achievable spatial resolution in functional MRI has much improved over the years, it is still challenging to separate signals arising from different cortical layers. In this work, we propose a new method to extract laminar signals. We use a spatial General Linear Model in combination with the equivolume principle of cortical layers to unmix laminar signals instead of interpolating through and integrating over a cortical area: thus reducing partial volume effects. Not only do we provide a mathematical framework for extracting laminar signals with a spatial GLM, we also illustrate that the best case scenarios of existing methods can be seen as special cases within the same framework. By means of simulation, we show that this approach has a sharper point spread function, providing better signal localisation. We further assess the partial volume contamination in cortical profiles from high resolution human ex vivo and in vivo structural data, and provide a full account of the benefits and potential caveats. We eschew here any attempt to validate the spatial GLM on the basis of fMRI data as a generally accepted ground-truth pattern of laminar activation does not currently exist. This approach is flexible in terms of the number of layers and their respective thickness, and naturally integrates spatial regularisation along the cortex, while preserving laminar specificity. Care must be taken, however, as this procedure of unmixing is susceptible to sources of noise in the data or inaccuracies in the laminar segmentation.
Comparing the web and mobile platforms of a social Q&A service from the user’s perspective
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Chua Alton Y.K. , Deng Shengli
Published: March 2018

Purpose

As an increasing number of users have acquired information across the web and mobile platforms for social question and answering (Q&A), it is of interest to explore whether there are differences in social Q&A usages between the two platforms. The purpose of this paper is to compare web and mobile platforms of a social Q&A service from the user’s perspective in terms of three dimensions, namely, demographics, individual-based constructs, and information-based constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

Because Zhihu.com is one of the most popular social Q&A sites in China, the authors used online questionnaires to investigate its users’ perceptions of these three dimensions. From January to March 2016, the authors obtained 278 valid responses in total through snowball and convenient sampling. Collected data are analyzed through descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

Findings

The results indicate that there exist significant differences between web users and mobile users on Zhihu.com in terms of gender, affinity, and information seeking. More specifically, compared to the male users, more female users rely on the mobile platform to access the information service; mobile users perceive higher affinity with Zhihu.com than web users; and mobile users perceive higher information-seeking intention than web users do.

Originality/value

Regarding the theoretical aspect, this study proposes a conceptual framework for comparison between the web and mobile platforms of social Q&A from the user’s perspective. Regarding the practical aspect, the comparative results of this study could give social Q&A service providers useful information about users’ differences between web and mobile platforms of social Q&A services.
Inclusion and work: addressing the global challenges for youth employment
Authors: Dhakal Subas P. , Connell Julia , Burgess John
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the key global challenges relating to youth employment and consider some ways that they may be addressed to allow their inclusion in the contemporary workplace. Also, the paper provides a brief introduction and rationale for the other five articles comprising this special issue volume.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach concerns a review of the relevant literature and reports on the topic.

Findings

The challenges outlined in this paper and the others in this special issue volume emphasise the need for much more work to be done to address the current global challenges relating to youth unemployment. It points to: the difficulties many young workers face in taking the first step towards gaining employment; the need for stakeholder collaboration towards future policy investment as well as strategy implementation and integration.

Originality/value

To date, much of the research that has been conducted on the challenges of youth employment and inclusion appears to have focussed on Europe and the USA. This special issue volume includes countries that have been less researched to date: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, thus adding to current understanding of the topic in those contexts.
Improving patient safety in Libya: insights from a British health system perspective
Authors: Elmontsri Mustafa , Almashrafi Ahmed , Dubois Elizabeth , Banarsee Ricky , Majeed Azeem
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Patient safety programmes aim to make healthcare safe for both patients and health professionals. The purpose of this paper is to explore the UK’s patient safety improvement programmes over the past 15 years and explore what lessons can be learnt to improve Libyan healthcare patient safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Publications focusing on UK patient safety were searched in academic databases and content analysed.

Findings

Several initiatives have been undertaken over the past 15 years to improve British healthcare patient safety. Many stakeholders are involved, including regulatory and professional bodies, educational providers and non-governmental organisations. Lessons can be learnt from the British journey.

Practical implications

Developing a national patient safety strategy for Libya, which reflects context and needs is paramount. Above all, Libyan patient safety programmes should reference internationally approved guidelines, evidence, policy and learning from Britain’s unique experience.

Originality/value

This review examines patient safety improvement strategies adopted in Britain to help developing country managers to progress local strategies based on lessons learnt from Britain’s unique experience.
Extracting inflation risk premium from nominal and real bonds using survey information
Authors: Vicente José , Kubudi Daniela
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to forecast future inflation using a joint model of the nominal and real yield curves estimated with survey data. The model is arbitrage free and embodies incompleteness between the nominal and real bond markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on the affine class of term structure of interest rate. The model is estimated using the Kalman filter technique.

Findings

The authors show that the inclusion of survey data in the estimation procedure improves significantly the inflation forecasting. Moreover, the authors find that the monetary policy has significant effects on the inflation expectation and risk premium.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to estimate inflation using a joint model of nominal and real yield curves with Brazilian data. Moreover, the authors propose a simple arbitrage-free model that takes it account incompleteness between the nominal and real bond markets.
The impact of dividend announcements on share price and trading volume
Authors: Felimban Razaz , Floros Christos , Nguyen Ann-Ngoc
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stock market response to dividend announcements in high growth emerging markets of Gulf countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 1,092 dividend announcements from 299 listed firms over the period 2010-2015.

Findings

In the environment where there is an absence of capital gain and income tax, the authors find some evidence for the stock price reaction that partly supports the signaling hypothesis. The findings show that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market is inefficient because of the leakage information before the announcement in bad news, and the delay of share price adjustment in good news. In addition, the authors report significant trading volume (TV) reaction in all the three announcements clusters, where dividends increase, decrease, and are constant, lending support to the hypothesis that the dividend change announcements have an impact on the TV response due to different investors’ preferences.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical paper on market reaction in share price and TV around dividend announcement using data for the majority of GCC countries.
FDI and economic growth: the role of natural resources?
Authors: Hayat Arshad
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the foreign direct investments (FDI)-growth nexus and the impact of natural resource abundance in the host country on the FDI-growth nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

For a large data set of 104 countries for the period 1996-2015, Arellano and Bond’s GMM estimation method is applied to investigate the impact of FDI inflow on economic growth and the role of the natural resource sector on the FDI-growth relationship.

Findings

The paper found a positive and significant effect of FDI inflows on economic growth of the host country. However, the impact of FDI inflows on economic growth changes with the changes in the size of the natural resource sector. The estimated positive impact of FDI inflows on economic growth declines with the expansion in the size of natural resources. Beyond a certain limit, a further expansion in the size of natural resource sector will lead to a negative effect of FDI on economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

The paper found a positive and significant impact of FDI inflows on economic growth of the host country. However, the impact of FDI inflows on economic growth changes with the changes in the size of the natural resource sector. The estimated positive impact of FDI inflows on economic growth declines with the expansion in the size of the natural resources. Beyond a certain limit, a further expansion in the size of the natural resource sector will lead to a negative effect of FDI on economic growth. The same analysis is repeated for groups of countries divided into different income groups. FDI inflows are found to have significant growth enhancing role in all three groups of countries. However, FDI inflows-induced growth was found to be more pronounced in the middle- and low-income countries compared to high-income countries. Further, FDI-induced economic growth is slowed down in low-income and middle-income countries by the increase in size of the natural resource sector. While in high-income countries, the size of the natural resource sector has no significant role on the FDI-growth nexus.

Practical implications

While countries use their natural resource sector as an instrument to attract FDI into the countries, low- and middle-income countries face the dilemma of experiencing the resource curse in the form of watered down FDI-induced growth. Therefore, low- and middle-income countries need to try at the same time to attract FDI into the non-resources sector to keep the relative size of the natural resource sector low as to avoid hampering the FDI-induced economic growth. High-income countries, on the other hand, do not experience the FDI-induced growth hampering impact of the natural resource sector. Therefore, high-income countries should attract FDI into the countries regardless of the sector attracting the foreign investments.

Originality/value

The paper is part of the author’s PhD research and is an original contribution.
Nonmarket and market strategies, strategic uncertainty and strategic capabilities
Authors: Parnell John A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Amidst rapid development in emerging economies, greater emphasis on public–private partnerships and a more complex regulatory environment, nonmarket strategy (NMS) is now widely viewed as a key component of a firm’s overall strategy. This paper aims to investigate how nonmarket and market strategies are influenced by strategic uncertainties and capabilities and ultimately drive firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey addressing strategic uncertainties, capabilities, NMS and market strategy and firm performance was administered online to 193 practicing managers in the USA. Measures for competitive strategy (i.e. cost leadership and differentiation), NMS, management and marketing capabilities, competitive and technology uncertainties and firm performance were adopted from or based on previous work. Hypotheses were tested via SmartPLS.

Findings

Emphasis on NMS was linked to high marketing capability, high competitive uncertainty and high technology uncertainty. Cost leaders were more likely than differentiators to emphasize on NMS, although all three strategies were positive drivers of performance. NMS appears to be viewed as a part of an integrated strategic approach by managers in many organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The sample included mangers in multiple industries. Self-typing scales were used to assess strategic emphasis and firm performance.

Practical implications

Emphasis on NMS can promote firm performance, but the relationship is complex. Strategic managers should align the NMS with organizational capabilities and a market-oriented strategy appropriate for the firm.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical support for a model linking select strategic uncertainties, capabilities, market strategy and NMS and firm performance. It supports NMS as a key performance driver, but with links to uncertainties and capabilities that differ from those of market strategies.
Knowledge exploration and ICT knowledge exploitation through human resource management
Authors: Santoro Gabriele , Usai Antonio
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess the relationships among human resource management (HRM), information and communication technology (ICT), knowledge exploitation and knowledge exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach the study’s goal, The authors applied a quantitative methodology involving ordinary least squares on a sample of 129 Italian firms.

Findings

Results confirm a direct and significant effect of HRM practices on knowledge exploration and a moderation effect of ICT knowledge exploitation on the relationship between HRM practices and knowledge exploration.

Originality/value

The relationship between knowledge management (KM) and HRM is relevant given that HRM can affect organizational culture and the management of strategic knowledge within firms, which is a primary resource to achieve better positioning in the markets. Nevertheless, the implicit link between KM and HRM has been theoretically suggested, but it requires further exploration, in particular through quantitative analysis.
To Be or Not to Be an Ethnic Firm: An Analysis of Identity Strategies in Immigrant-owned Organizations
Authors: Das Diya , Kwesiga Eileen , Sardesmukh Shruti , Juma Norma
Published: March 2018

Immigrant groups often pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in their new home country. Even though both immigrant entrepreneurship and organizational identity have received scholarly attention, there has been little systematic exploration of identity strategies pursued by immigrant-owned organizations. In this article, we develop a theoretical framework that draws on the concepts of liability of foreignness and social identity theory in the context of immigrant entrepreneurship. Our framework explores how immigrant entrepreneurs may negotiate identities for their firms through the development of specific identity strategies that confirm or underplay their national/ethnic identities in order to survive in their immediate environment. We develop a model that shows how these confirmations or underplaying strategies work both for firms that have an individualistic entrepreneurial orientation, as well as those with a collective/associative entrepreneurial orientation. We also suggest two contextual moderators to this relationship: (1) the image of the founder's country of origin, and (2) the presence of immigrant networks in the host country, which may alter the effectiveness of identity strategies in terms of organizational mortality outcomes.
The Role of Trust in Social Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Global Brigades
Authors: Tack Laura , Simon Mark , Jiang Ruihua Joy
Published: March 2018

Social entrepreneurship literature acknowledges that social capital is vital to the success of social entrepreneurship efforts and trust is integral to the process of building social capital. However, there has been limited research on trust itself in social entrepreneurship literature. This article aims to begin filling this gap by utilizing a specific social entrepreneurship initiative to illustrate the role of trust in social entrepreneurship efforts. It describes the model of trust developed by Sheppard and Sherman and the social entrepreneurship initiative, Global Brigades. The article discusses the relationships between the parties involved in the initiative and applies Sheppard and Sherman's model to these relationships. It illustrates the importance of trust to social entrepreneurship efforts, as well as the need for additional research regarding social entrepreneurship and trust.
Are Relationship Enhancement and Behavior Management “The Golden Couple” for Disruptive Child Behavior? Two Meta‐analyses
Authors: Leijten Patty , Melendez‐Torres G.J. , Gardner Frances , van Aar Jolien , Schulz Susanne , Overbeek Geertjan
Published: March 2018

Parenting programs for reducing disruptive child behavior are built on two main perspectives: relationship enhancement (i.e., unconditional sensitivity diminishes disruptiveness) and behavior management (i.e., conditional rewards diminish disruptiveness). Two meta‐analyses (156 and 41 RCTs; Ntotal = 15,768; Mchildage = 1–11 years) tested the theoretical model that integrating relationship enhancement with behavior management is superior to behavior management alone. The integrative approach showed no overall superiority. Relative to behavior management, the integrative approach was superior in treatment settings, but inferior in prevention settings (Meta‐analysis 1). The integrative approach and behavior management approach did not have differential sustained effects up to 3 years after the program (Meta‐analysis 2). Findings argue against current practice to implement the same parenting programs in treatment and prevention settings.
Detecting silent seizures by their sound
Authors: Parvizi Josef , Gururangan Kapil , Razavi Babak , Chafe Chris
Published: March 2018

Objective

The traditional approach to interpreting electroencephalograms (EEGs) requires physicians with formal training to visually assess the waveforms. This approach can be less practical in critical settings where a trainedEEGspecialist is not readily available to review theEEGand diagnose ongoing subclinical seizures, such as nonconvulsive status epilepticus.

Methods

We have developed a novel method by whichEEGdata are converted to sound in real time by letting the underlying electrophysiological signal modulate a voice tone that is in the audible range. Here, we explored whether individuals without any priorEEGtraining could listen to 15‐second sonifiedEEGand determine whether theEEGrepresents seizures or nonseizure conditions. We selected 84EEGsamples to represent seizures (n = 7), seizure‐like activity (n = 25), or nonperiodic, nonrhythmic activity (normal or focal/generalized slowing, n = 52).EEGsfrom single channels in the left and right hemispheres were then converted to sound files. After a 4‐minute training video, medical students (n = 34) and nurses (n = 30) were asked to designate each audio sample as “seizure” or “nonseizure.” We then compared their performance with that ofEEG‐trained neurologists (n = 12) and medical students (n = 29) who also diagnosed the sameEEGs on visual display.

Results

Nonexperts listening to single‐channel sonifiedEEGs detected seizures with remarkable sensitivity (students, 98% ± 5%; nurses, 95% ± 14%) compared to experts or nonexperts reviewing the sameEEGs on visual display (neurologists, 88% ± 11%; students, 76% ± 19%). If theEEGs contained seizures or seizure‐like activity, nonexperts listening to sonifiedEEGs rated them as seizures with high specificity (students, 85% ± 9%; nurses, 82% ± 12%) compared to experts or nonexperts viewing theEEGs visually (neurologists, 90% ± 7%; students, 65% ± 20%).

Significance

Our study confirms that individuals withoutEEGtraining can detect ongoing seizures or seizure‐like rhythmic periodic patterns by listening to sonifiedEEG. Although sonification ofEEGcannot replace the traditional approaches toEEGinterpretation, it provides a meaningful triage tool for fast assessment of patients with suspected subclinical seizures.
Experimental analysis of soft‐tissue fossilization: opening the black box
Authors: Purnell Mark A. , Donoghue Philip J. C. , Gabbott Sarah E. , McNamara Maria E. , Murdock Duncan J. E. , Sansom Robert S.
Published: March 2018

Taphonomic experiments provide important insights into fossils that preserve the remains of decay‐prone soft tissues, tissues that are usually degraded and lost prior to fossilization. These fossils are among the most scientifically valuable evidence of ancient life on Earth, giving us a view into the past that is much less biased and incomplete than the picture provided by skeletal remains alone. Although the value of taphonomic experiments is beyond doubt, a lack of clarity regarding their purpose and limitations, and ambiguity in the use of terminology, are hampering progress. Here we distinguish between processes that promote information retention and those that promote information loss, in order to clarify the distinction between fossilization and preservation. Recognizing distinct processes of decay, mineralization and maturation, the sequence in which they act, and the potential for interactions, has important consequences for analysis of fossils, and for the design of taphonomic experiments. The purpose of well‐designed taphonomic experiments is generally to understand decay, maturation and preservation individually, thus limiting the number of variables involved. Much work remains to be done, but these methodologically reductionist foundations will allow researchers to build towards more complex taphonomic experiments and a more holistic understanding and analysis of the interactions between decay, maturation and preservation in the fossilization of non‐biomineralized remains. Our focus must remain on the key issue of understanding what exceptionally preserved fossils reveal about the history of biodiversity and evolution, rather than on debating the scope and value of an experimental approach.
Adaptive Boundary Control for a Flexible Manipulator With State Constraints Using a Barrier Lyapunov Function
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Liu Jinkun , He Wei
Published: March 2018

In this paper, the problem of state constraints control is investigated for a class of output constrained flexible manipulator system with varying payload. The dynamic behavior of the flexible manipulator is represented by partial differential equations. To prevent states of the flexible manipulator system from violating the constraints, a barrier Lyapunov function which grows to infinity whenever its arguments approach to some limits is employed. Then, based on the barrier Lyapunov function, boundary control laws are given. To solve the problem of varying payload, an adaptive boundary controller is developed. Furthermore, based on the theory of barrier Lyapunov function and the adaptive algorithm, state constraints and output control under vibration condition can be achieved. The stability of the closed-loop system is carried out by the Lyapunov stability theory. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate the performance of the closed-loop system.
Negative Input Shaped Commands for Unequal Acceleration and Braking Delays of Actuators
Authors: Sung Yoon-Gyung , Jang Wan-Shik , Kim Jae-Yeol
Published: March 2018

A negative input shaped command is presented for flexible systems to reduce the residual oscillation under unequal acceleration and braking delays of actuators that are common issues in industrial applications. Against this nonlinearity, a compensated unit magnitude zero vibration (UMZV) shaper is analytically developed with a phasor vector diagram and a ramp-step function to approximate the dynamic response of the unequal acceleration and braking delays of actuators. A closed-form solution is presented with a benchmark system without sacrificing the generality and simplicity for industrial applications. The robustness and control performance of the exact solution are numerically evaluated and compared with those of an existing negative input shaper in terms of the switch-on time, command interference, and effects of the shaper parameters. The proposed negative input shaped commands are experimentally validated with a mini-bridge crane.
Explicit Analytical Solutions for the Complete Elastic Field Produced by an Ellipsoidal Thermal Inclusion in a Semi-Infinite Space
Authors: Lyu Ding , Zhang Xiangning , Li Pu , Luo Dahui , Hu Yumei , Jin Xiaoqing , Zhang Liying , Keer Leon M.
Published: March 2018

Thermal inclusion in an elastic half-space is a classical micromechanical model for describing localized heating near a surface. This paper presents explicit analytical solutions for the complete elastic fields, including displacements, strains, and stresses, produced by an ellipsoidal thermal inclusion in a three-dimensional semi-infinite space. Unlike the famous Eshelby solution corresponding to the infinite space case, the present work demonstrates that the interior strain and stress components are no longer uniform and appear to be much more complex. Nevertheless, the results can be represented in a more compact and geometrically meaningful form by constructing auxiliary confocal ellipsoids. The derived explicit solution indicates that the shear components of the stress and strain may be represented in closed-form. The jump conditions are examined and proven to be exactly identical to the infinite space case. A purposely selected benchmark example is studied to illustrate the free boundary surface effects. The degenerate case of a spherical thermal inclusion may be derived in a closed form, and is verified by the well-known Mindlin solution.
Finite Element-Based Pelvic Injury Metric Creation and Validation in Lateral Impact for a Human Body Model
Authors: Weaver Caitlin M. , Baker Alexander M. , Davis Matthew L. , Miller Anna N. , Stitzel Joel D.
Published: March 2018

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries resulting in high mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study is to develop and validate local pelvic anatomical, cross section-based injury risk metrics for a finite element (FE) model of the human body. Cross-sectional instrumentation was implemented in the pelvic region of the Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC M50-O) 50th percentile detailed male FE model (v4.3). In total, 25 lateral impact FE simulations were performed using input data from cadaveric lateral impact tests performed by Bouquet et al. The experimental force-time data were scaled using five normalization techniques, which were evaluated using log rank, Wilcoxon rank sum, and correlation and analysis (CORA) testing. Survival analyses with Weibull distribution were performed on the experimental peak force (scaled and unscaled) and the simulation test data to generate injury risk curves (IRCs) for total pelvic injury. Additionally, IRCs were developed for regional injury using cross-sectional forces from the simulation results and injuries documented in the experimental autopsies. These regional IRCs were also evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Based on the results of all the evaluation methods, the equal stress equal velocity (ESEV) and ESEV using effective mass (ESEV-EM) scaling techniques performed best. The simulation IRC shows slight under prediction of injury in comparison to these scaled experimental data curves. However, this difference was determined not to be statistically significant. Additionally, the ROC curve analysis showed moderate predictive power for all regional IRCs.
The Stochastic Response of a Class of Impact Systems Calculated by a New Strategy Based on Generalized Cell Mapping Method
Authors: Wang Liang , Ma Shichao , Sun Chunyan , Jia Wantao , Xu Wei
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a new strategy based on generalized cell mapping (GCM) method will be introduced to investigate the stochastic response of a class of impact systems. Significant difference of the proposed procedure lies in the choice of a novel impact-to-impact mapping, which is built to calculate the one-step transition probability matrix, and then, the probability density functions (PDFs) of the stochastic response can be obtained. The present strategy retains the characteristics of the impact systems, and is applicable to almost all types of impact systems indiscriminately. Further discussion proves that our strategy is reliable for different white noise excitations. Numerical simulations verify the efficiency and accuracy of the suggested strategy.
Design Patterns of Soft Products Using Surface Flattening
Authors: Zhang Dongliang , Li Jituo , Wang Jin
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we present a pattern development method for soft product design. We utilize a surface fattening method based on a mass-spring model to create 2D patterns unfolding from a three-dimensional (3D) model. Multilevel meshes are proposed to expedite the flattening process, and a boundary optimization method is employed to guarantee 2D patterns can be sewn well. We apply the proposed method to the design of real soft products. Experimental results show that it can deal with complex surfaces efficiently and robustly, and manufactured products are satisfactory.
Comparative Evaluation Between Anatomic and Nonanatomic Lateral Ligament Reconstruction Techniques in the Ankle Joint: A Computational Study
Authors: Purevsuren Tserenchimed , Batbaatar Myagmarbayar , Khuyagbaatar Batbayar , Kim Kyungsoo , Kim Yoon Hyuk
Published: March 2018

Biomechanical studies have indicated that the conventional nonanatomic reconstruction techniques for lateral ankle sprain (LAS) tend to restrict subtalar joint motion compared to intact ankle joints. Excessive restriction in subtalar motion may lead to chronic pain, functional difficulties, and development of osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, various anatomic surgical techniques to reconstruct both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments (CaFL) have been introduced. In this study, ankle joint stability was evaluated using multibody computational ankle joint model to assess two new anatomic reconstruction and three popular nonanatomic reconstruction techniques. An LAS injury, three popular nonanatomic reconstruction models (Watson-Jones, Evans, and Chrisman–Snook) and two common types of anatomic reconstruction models were developed based on the intact ankle model. The stability of ankle in both talocrural and subtalar joint were evaluated under anterior drawer test (150 N anterior force), inversion test (3 N·m inversion moment), internal rotational test (3 N·m internal rotation moment), and the combined loading test (9 N·m inversion and internal moment as well as 1800 N compressive force). Our overall results show that the two anatomic reconstruction techniques were superior to the nonanatomic reconstruction techniques in stabilizing both talocrural and subtalar joints. Restricted subtalar joint motion, which is mainly observed in Watson-Jones and Chrisman–Snook techniques, was not shown in the anatomical reconstructions. Evans technique was beneficial for subtalar joint as it does not restrict subtalar motion, though Evans technique was insufficient for restoring talocrural joint inversion. The anatomical reconstruction techniques best recovered ankle stability.