bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical modeling of municipal waste bed incineration
Authors: Lai Adrian Chun Hin , Law Adrian Wing-Keung
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Incineration has become increasingly important in many large cities around the world because of fast urbanization and population growth. The benefits of energy production and large reduction in the waste volume to landfills also contribute to its growing adaptation for solid waste management for these cities. At the same time, the environmental impact of the pollutant gases emitted from the incineration process is a common concern for various stakeholders which must be properly addressed. To minimize the pollutant gas emission levels, as well as maximize the energy efficiency, it is critically important to optimize the combustion performance of an incinerator freeboard which would require the development of reliable approaches based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. A critical task in the CFD modeling of an incinerator furnace requires the specification of waste characteristics along the moving grate as boundary conditions, which is not available in standard CFD packages at present. This study aims to address this gap by developing a numerical incinerator waste bed model.

Design/methodology/approach

A one-dimensional Lagrangian model for the incineration waste bed has been developed, which can be coupled to the furnace CFD model. The changes in bed mass due to drying, pyrolysis, devolatilization and char oxidation are all included in the model. The mass and concentration of gases produced in these processes through reactions are also predicted. The one-dimensional unsteady energy equations of solid and gas phases, which account for the furnace radiation, conduction, convection and heat of reactions, are solved by the control volume method.

Findings

The Lagrangian model is validated by comparing its prediction with the experimental data in the literature. The predicted waste bed height reduction, temperature profile and gas concentration are in reasonable agreement with the observations.

Originality/value

The simplicity and efficiency of the model makes it ideally suitable to be used for coupling with the computational furnace model to be developed in future (so as to optimize incinerator designs).
Conquering workplace loneliness Individual or organization accountability
Authors: Sekhon Sagaljit Kaur , Srivastava Manjari
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to understand the role of an individual and the organization for managing workplace loneliness in special workplaces, giving insight into the manifestation of a negative organizational climate which may have an adverse impact on personal and organizational effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considered the existing literature and conducted an independent survey with sailors as the sample.

Findings

Individuals experience feelings of loneliness and it is the collective responsibility of both the individuals and the organizations to help alleviate these feelings.

Research limitations/implications

The present study focused on vulnerable groups of sailors as employees working in remote workplaces.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that leaders can be sensitized to include interventions to assure quality interactions among workers and be facilitators for sharing of emotions, especially in high-risk occupations.

Originality/value

Studying the existence of loneliness among employees in remote workplaces like the shipping sector has received limited attention in previous studies.
Coaching elementary preservice teachers
Authors: Wetzel Melissa , Hoffman James V. , Maloch Beth , Vlach Saba Khan , Taylor Laura A. , Svrcek Natalie Sue , Dejulio Samuel , Martinez Ashley , Lavender Haylee
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to disrupt traditional, separate roles in preservice teacher (PT) education, moving toward hybrid mentoring spaces, which is practice-based and a collaborative model of supporting PTs into teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

Design-based research was collaboratively enacted by a research team. The authors focused analysis on video-recorded collaborative coaching conferences, as well as shared discussions of those conferences between researchers, cooperating teachers (CTs) and field supervisors (FSs). At each of three iterations of coaching conversations, changes were made to the practice of collaborative coaching, allowing the research/design team to reflect upon practices and deepen the understanding of the development of design principles.

Findings

Three design principles of collaborative coaching grew through this research – a need for shared understanding and valuing of a coaching model amongst participants to guide decision making; a partnership between CTs and FSs in centering the PTs’ reflection on problems of practice, including the need for CTs and FSs to continually reflect on how their shifting roles toward this goal; and a relational framework including transparent communication. The authors extend these principles through two narrative vignettes and a framework that focuses on hybrid spaces for coaching.

Research limitations/implications

The research questions and design did not inquire into the relationship between collaborative coaching and PTs’ teaching practices.

Practical implications

Each narrative serves as a coaching model of how PTs, CTs and FSs, or triads, worked toward resolving practical challenges in coaching to better support PTs. The authors provide practical tools for teacher preparation programs to build collaborative relationships with teachers and schools.

Originality/value

Placing the PT into an active, leadership role in reflection on practice disrupts expert-novice and other binaries that may not serve programs that seek to prepare reflective practitioners. Previous studies have identified tensions when mentoring is not a collective process, but few studies have explored models that disrupt the two activity systems that often operate separately.
Stop accounting myopia: – think globally: a polemic
Authors: Hopper Trevor
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to cover issues raised in the author’s plenary address to the Journal of Accounting and Organizational Network Conference held in Melbourne in November 2017. This called for accountants, whether professionals in practice or in academia, to broaden their vision of accounting and accountability beyond the financial accountability of organisations, and serving corporate and capital market interests, to consider how it can help achieve sustainable development goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion is based on personal experience, cognate literature and policies of major global institutions.

Findings

Whilst the need for financial reporting will remain, there is a pressing need for reporting to measure, monitor and make accountable organisations’ obligations to help achieve sustainable development goals established by global institutions such as the United Nations. Areas of importance discussed are accounting for human rights, mitigation of climate change, securing decent work, increasing accountability – especially civil society democratic participation – and a greater and more equal partnership with stakeholders and developing countries to address their needs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a personal polemic intended to provoke reflection and reform amongst accountants.

Practical implications

The paper outlines the areas where accounting could and has addressed human rights and sustainability issues.

Social implications

The social implications are vast, for they extend to major issues concerning the preserving the planet, its species, humankind and enhanced democratic processes for civil society and developing countries.

Originality/value

The paper reinforces the need for policy reforms advocated by social and environmental accounting researchers.
A Delphi survey of practitioner’s understanding of mental capacity
Authors: Clerk George , Schaub Jason , Hancock David , Martin Colin
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study considering the application of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Practitioners from a range of professions were recruited to provide their views of how to respond to a variety of scenarios. GPs, nurses, social workers, physio/occupational therapists and care assistants were recruited to participate.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the Delphi method to elicit participant views and generate consensus of opinion. The Delphi method recommends a large sample for heterogeneous groups, and round one had 98 participants from six different professional groups.

Findings

Participants did not respond consistently to the scenarios, but disagreed most significantly when patient decisions conflicted with clinical advice, and when to conduct a capacity assessment. These responses suggest that clinical responses vary significantly between individuals (even within settings or professions), and that the application of Mental Capacity Act (MCA) is complicated and nuanced, requiring time for reflection to avoid paternalistic clinical interventions.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not used a Delphi method to consider the application of MCA/DoLS. Because of this methods focus on developing consensus, it is uniquely suited to considering this practice issue. As a result, these findings present more developed understanding of the complexity and challenges for practitioner responses to some relatively common clinical scenarios, suggesting the need for greater clarity for practitioners.
Online communities as a new source of exploring patient dissatisfaction
Authors: Nemec Maja , Kolar Tomaž , Rusjan Borut
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether internet forums are an appropriate source for identification of causes of dissatisfaction of patients with non-medical aspects of healthcare services.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the guidelines of netnography qualitative research the authors identify relevant posts or comments on selected online forums in which web users show their dissatisfaction with healthcare services. Five popular Slovenian forums representing different interest communities have been chosen and 42 forums’ topics have been reviewed.

Findings

Online communities have an important role in exploring patient dissatisfaction. Through content analysis comments were coded into meaningful categories and subcategories.

Research limitations/implications

Some comments were more explicit, while others have provided general and looser reasons for dissatisfaction, and in such cases coding and content analysis of comments was more difficult.

Practical implications

Contents expressed within online communities are helpful in designing improvement activities since they enable determination of concrete relevant measures aiming at eliminating and preventing the established causes of discontent, such as instituting new policies, introducing training programs, determining desired changes in culture.

Originality/value

Usefulness of the netnography as a qualitative method of research is confirmed through confirmation that causes of dissatisfaction of Slovenian patients, which have been identified in the authors research are similar to those identified in previous research in the field of patient satisfaction conducted in Slovenia. Results constitute a new form of researching patient dissatisfaction and expose the specific causes of patient dissatisfaction with healthcare services in Slovenia.
Impact of smartphone brand experience on brand equity
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Faisal , Bilal Muhammad , Xiao Jin , Yousaf Tahir
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find the influence of brand experience on brand equity with the mediation of hedonic emotions, utilitarian emotions and brand personality among the smartphone users in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey based on empirical method was used to administrate the questionnaire. The data were collected from a millennial generation in Sargodha city. Skewness, Kurtosis’s, correlation and regression techniques were used to analyze data.

Findings

The finding of this study shows that the hedonic emotions, utilitarian emotions and brand personality mediate the relation between brand experience and brand equity. The study will help brand managers and academia in understanding the hedonic and utilitarian emotional pattern, and the congruence between the personality and smartphone brand users and behavior pattern of young users.

Research limitations/implications

Research support the argument that promoting emotional aspects is significant for the sustainability of brand equity of the smart-phone brands. Segments other than young consumers would be more interesting to study.

Practical implications

This paper provides implications for smart phone marketers on smart phone consumption behavior. Marketing managers must link products attributes to the personality of the user and promote them that will emotionally attach users to the product.

Originality/value

This paper presents key findings on smart phone buying experience using utilitarian value approach followed by hedonic consumption approach and found to be significant predicators.
The impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) knowledge on corporate financial performance: evidence from the European banking industry
Authors: Gangi Francesco , Mustilli Mario , Varrone Nicola
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Assuming that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is “a process of accumulating knowledge and experience” (Tang et al., 2012, p. 1298), this paper aims to investigate whether and how CSR knowledge (Asif et al., 2013; Kim, 2017) affects financial performance in the European banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research analyses a panel of 72 banks from 20 European countries over seven years (2009-2015). The hypotheses were tested using fixed effects regression analysis and the two-stage Heckman model (1976) to address endogeneity bias.

Findings

The findings of this work are twofold. First, consistent with the concept of knowledge absorptive capacity (Cohen and Levinthal, 1990), the internal CSR of banks (Kim et al., 2010) positively affects citizenship performance (Peterson, 2004a). Second, in line with the reputational effect of CSR (Margolis et al., 2009; Bushman and Wittenberg-Moerman, 2012), citizenship performance is a positive predictor of a bank’s financial performance.

Practical implications

From a knowledge-based perspective, the analysis shows that accrued internal CSR knowledge plays a key role in implementing effective CSR programs for external stakeholders. Moreover, this study shows how CSR engagement in external initiatives can improve a bank’s competitiveness because of the relationship between citizenship performance and the positive reputation of a bank.

Social implications

The management of CSR initiatives may favor the sharing of knowledge and creation of trust relationships among banks and internal and external stakeholders. CSR knowledge contributes to expanded value creation for both society and banks.

Originality/value

The knowledge management perspective of CSR provides new insights into the sustainability of banks’ business models and contributes to advancing the debate on the governance modes and effects of CSR. Moreover, the CSR perspective offers additional opportunities for addressing the challenges associated with sharing tacit knowledge within and outside of organizations.
Internationalization of e-commerce corporations (ECCs)
Authors: Benmamoun Mamoun , Singh Nitish , Lehnert Kevin , Lee Sang Bong
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The growth of global e-commerce presents significant opportunities for global expansion. Yet it has not leveled the playing field between emerging markets e-commerce corporations (EM-ECCs) and advanced markets ECCs (AM-ECCs). While AM-ECCs have been expanding overseas with considerable success, EM-ECCs have been less disposed to internationalize and have been content to serve and defend their home turfs against foreign rivals who wield monopolistic advantages. Leveraging the network, ownership, location and internalization (N-OLI) theoretical framework, this paper aims to examine the variables affecting the internationalization of AM-ECCs and EM-ECCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted an exploratory research method using multiple corporate cases to focus on understanding the dynamics present within single settings, capture corporate context and allow comparison between cases.

Findings

The findings suggest that AM-ECCs, in comparison to EM-ECCs, are endowed with favorable and strong network-based advantages, ownership-based advantages, location-based and internalization-based advantages that make them more capable of pursuing internationalization aggressively. However, EM-ECCs are induced to pursue regionally-focused internationalization due, on the one hand, to capital scarcity, weaknesses on network-based and internalization-based advantages and, on the other hand, to geographical strength and strong location-based advantages emanating from knowledge of the home region.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the internationalization challenges that EM-ECCs face with respect to AM-ECCs. While extending the theoretical discussion of the N-OLI framework in light of EM-ECCs, this paper also extends the EM-ECC strategies within local and regional markets, including emerging markets such as India and the Middle East. This extension supports the assertion that regional focused strategies are not immune to technological advantages which support the notion of a regional strategic growth strategy because of localization advantages and capital leverage limitations. Finally, the paper expands the analysis to some emerging markets that have attracted less attention in the literature, namely, India and the Middle East.
Factors influencing customers’ willingness to participate in virtual brand community’s value co-creation
Authors: Zhao Yang , Chen Yawen , Zhou Ruoxin , Ci Yinping
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors influencing customers’ willingness to participate in virtual brand community’s value co-creation and help companies better operating the virtual brand community.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on social cognitive theory and the features of the virtual brand community, this paper constructed a model of factors influencing customers’ willingness to participate in virtual brand community’s value co-creation. Then this paper quantitatively analyzed the mediating effect and the moderating effect.

Findings

The empirical analysis came to the following conclusions: first, in virtual brand communities, customers’ willingness to participate in value co-creation would be influenced by subject factors, environment factors, brand factors and perceived value factor. Second, customer involvement is an important moderator. The more involved the customer is, the more he/she will rely on the virtual brand community. Particularly, customer involvement has a positive moderating effect on the influence of subject factors, while it has a negative moderating effect on the influence of community experience and community trust. Third, perceived value plays a significant mediating role between subject factors and customers’ willingness to participate in value co-creation.

Practical implications

The results of this study can help companies better understand the influence of external factors like environment and brand so that they can better operate the virtual brand community and encourage customers to contribute to the development of the community and the brand.

Originality/value

Most of the existing studies focused on the formation of virtual brand communities and customers’ participation behaviors, but there is limited research focusing on what contributes to customers’ participation in value co-creation of virtual brand communities. This study, therefore, attempts to bridge the research gap.
Does book genre matter? Boys' and girls' word learning from narrative and informational books in the preschool years
Authors: Bergman Deitcher Deborah , Johnson Helen , Aram Dorit
Published: November 2018

Background

The current study aims to address whether boys and girls learn words differently from shared reading of informational books, which are often perceived as ‘boys' books’.

Methods

Forty‐five mother‐child dyads (Mean age = 60.4 months,SD = 6.84) were video recorded reading sets of informational and narrative trade books at home. Children's learning of 12 target words of varying difficulty from each book was tested, controlling for initial vocabulary levels.

Results

Boys and girls learned target words from a single reading of both book genres, with no significant differences between the genders. However, gender and genre interacted with girls less likely to learn new words at the expressive level from the informational books.

Conclusions

Book genre seems to matter for preschoolers learning new vocabulary at the expressive level from shared reading, with girls at a possible disadvantage. Because of this, additional support, such as direct explanation of words, can be added when reading these books.
Psychiatric symptoms in men with hypospadias – preliminary results of a cross‐sectional cohort study
Authors: Örtqvist Lisa , Engberg Hedvig , Strandqvist Anna , Nordenström Anna , Holmdahl Gundela , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Frisén Louise
Published: November 2018

Aim

Population studies have shown an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in males born with the congenital condition hypospadias, where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis. We investigated overall psychiatric morbidity in cases and matched controls.

Methods

This study compared 167 men born with hypospadias from 1959 to 1994 in Stockholm or Gothenburg in Sweden using hospital registers. They were compared with controls from the Swedish population registry, who were contacted by regular mail and students who were recruited by local advertisements. The total sample had a mean age of 33.5 years (range: 19–54). They completed self‐rating scales for depressive, anxiety and obsessive–compulsive symptoms and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, 33 cases and 47 controls underwent psychiatric morbidity interviews that covered the 17 most common psychiatric diagnoses.

Results

A fifth (21%) of both the cases and controls reported current or previous psychiatric symptoms. There were no significant differences in self‐rated depression, anxiety or obsessive–compulsive disorder symptoms between the patients and controls or between the different phenotype groups. The distribution was not significantly affected by the severity of hypospadias.

Conclusion

Psychiatric morbidity was no higher in men with hypospadias than population‐based controls.
Soap bubbles as a distraction technique in the management of pain, anxiety, and fear in children at the paediatric emergency room: A pilot study
Authors: Longobardi Claudio , Prino Laura E. , Fabris Matteo A. , Settanni Michele
Published: November 2018

Background

Hospitals can cause anxiety, pain, and fear in children perceiving medical procedures as intrusive and painful. Among the nonpharmacological strategies, distraction techniques have proved to be effective in the management of pain and distress.

Methods

The aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of soap bubbles as a distraction technique for the management of anxiety, fear, and pain in children waiting for a medical examination at the paediatric emergency room. We employed a parallel trial design with a sample consisting of 74 children (M = 9.30; SD = 1.10; 50% female) randomly assigned to either a control or experimental group. The children in the experimental group underwent the soap bubble protocol while waiting for a medical examination at the paediatric emergency room. Anxiety, fear, and pain were assessed by self‐report administered to the children before the triage and the application of the soap bubbles (baseline), after the application of the soap bubbles (T1), and after the medical examination (T2).

Results

The children in the experimental group showed a significant reduction of perceived pain while waiting for the medical examination (T1), whereas no difference was found after the medical examination (T2). Furthermore, the children in the experimental group showed a significant reduction in fear (T1 and T2), whereas no difference was found in the anxiety scores measured by the Child Anxiety.

Conclusion

The use of soap bubbles is a good distraction technique in the reduction of fear and the perception of pain in children awaiting a medical examination at the paediatric emergency room.
Metrics of progress in the understanding and management of threats to Australian birds
Authors: Garnett S. T. , Butchart S. H. M. , Baker G. B. , Bayraktarov E. , Buchanan K. L. , Burbidge A. A. , Chauvenet A. L. M. , Christidis L. , Ehmke G. , Grace M. , Hoccom D. G. , Legge S. M. , Leiper I. , Lindenmayer D. B. , Loyn R. H. , Maron M. , McDonald P. , Menkhorst P. , Possingham H. P. , Radford J. , Reside A. E. , Watson D. M. , Watson J. E. M. , Wintle B. , Woinarski J. C. Z. , Geyle H. M.
Published: November 2018

Although evidence‐based approaches have become commonplace for determining the success of conservation measures for the management of threatened taxa, there are no standard metrics for assessing progress in research or management. We developed 5 metrics to meet this need for threatened taxa and to quantify the need for further action and effective alleviation of threats. These metrics (research need, research achievement, management need, management achievement, and percent threat reduction) can be aggregated to examine trends for an individual taxon or for threats across multiple taxa. We tested the utility of these metrics by applying them to Australian threatened birds, which appears to be the first time that progress in research and management of threats has been assessed for all threatened taxa in a faunal group at a continental scale. Some research has been conducted on nearly three‐quarters of known threats to taxa, and there is a clear understanding of how to alleviate nearly half of the threats with the highest impact. Some management has been attempted on nearly half the threats. Management outcomes ranged from successful trials to complete mitigation of the threat, including for one‐third of high‐impact threats. Progress in both research and management tended to be greater for taxa that were monitored or occurred on oceanic islands. Predation by cats had the highest potential threat score. However, there has been some success reducing the impact of cat predation, so climate change (particularly drought), now poses the greatest threat to Australian threatened birds. Our results demonstrate the potential for the proposed metrics to encapsulate the major trends in research and management of both threats and threatened taxa and provide a basis for international comparisons of evidence‐based conservation science.
Three‐dimensional finite element stress analysis of teeth adjacent to a traumatized incisor
Authors: Vilela Andomar B. F. , Soares Priscilla B. F. , Almeida Guilherme A. , Veríssimo Crisnicaw , Rodrigues Monise P. , Versluis Antheunis , Soares Carlos J.
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims

Dental trauma is the cause of several consequences to the injured tooth. However, the stresses and strains at adjacent teeth non‐directly impacted as a possible cause of sequelae are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution in incisors adjacent to an upper central incisor when it suffers a frontal impact in order to identify a potential explanation for sequelae in non‐traumatized teeth.

Materials and Methods

A three‐dimensional (3D) finite element model of the maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines was created from a cone‐beam scan of a patient with normal occlusion. Non‐linear dynamic impact analysis was performed, simulating the right central incisor being impacted by a steel ball with a velocity of 10 m/s. A functional chewing load (100 N) on the palatal surface of the central incisor was simulated for comparison. Displacements, strains and modified von Mises stresses were calculated for the adjacent teeth.

Results

During impact on the central incisor, the adjacent teeth showed root displacement. Considerable stress concentrations were observed on the palatal surfaces, proximal and labial surfaces of teeth adjacent to the traumatized incisor. Stresses in the adjacent teeth were higher than stresses calculated during functional biting. Compressive stresses were concentrated at the proximal areas of the adjacent incisors. High levels of deformation were found in the root dentin of adjacent teeth during the traumatic event.

Conclusions

A frontal impact on an anterior tooth generated stresses at the roots of adjacent teeth. These stresses may play a role in clinically observed sequelae of teeth adjacent to traumatized teeth.
Specialisation and diversity of multiple trophic groups are promoted by different forest features
Authors: Penone Caterina , Allan Eric , Soliveres Santiago , Felipe‐Lucia María R , Gossner Martin M , Seibold Sebastian , Simons Nadja K. , Schall Peter , van der Plas Fons , Manning Peter , Manzanedo Rubén D. , Boch Steffen , Prati Daniel , Ammer Christian , Bauhus Jürgen , Buscot François , Ehbrecht Martin , Goldmann Kezia , Jung Kirsten , Müller Jörg , Müller Jörg C. , Pena Rodica , Polle Andrea , Renner Swen C. , Ruess Liliane , Schönig Ingo , Schrumpf Marion , Solly Emily F. , Tschapka Marco , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Wubet Tesfaye , Fischer Markus
Published: November 2018

While forest management strongly influences biodiversity, it remains unclear how the structural and compositional changes caused by management affect different community dimensions (e.g. richness, specialisation, abundance or completeness) and how this differs between taxa. We assessed the effects of nine forest features (representing stand structure, heterogeneity and tree composition) on thirteen above‐ and belowground trophic groups of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria in 150 temperate forest plots differing in their management type. Canopy cover decreased light resources, which increased community specialisation but reduced overall diversity and abundance. Features increasing resource types and diversifying microhabitats (admixing of oaks and conifers) were important and mostly affected richness. Belowground groups responded differently to those aboveground and had weaker responses to most forest features. Our results show that we need to consider forest features rather than broad management types and highlight the importance of considering several groups and community dimensions to better inform conservation.
Proteomic analysis of dentin–enamel junction and adjacent protein‐containing enamel matrix layer of healthy human molar teeth
Authors: Jágr Michal , Ergang Peter , Pataridis Statis , Kolrosová Marta , Bartoš Martin , Mikšík Ivan
Published: November 2018

The dentin–enamel junction (DEJ) is the border where two different mineralized structures – enamel and dentin – meet. The protein‐rich DEJ, together with the inner enamel region of mature teeth, is known to exhibit higher fracture toughness and crack growth resistance than bulk phase enamel. However, an explanation for this behavior has been hampered by the lack of compositional information for the DEJ and the adjacent enamel organic matrix (EOM). We studied proteomes of the DEJ and EOM of healthy human molars and compared them with dentin and enamel proteomes from the same teeth. These tissues were cut out of tooth sections by laser capture microdissection, proteins were extracted and cleaved by trypsin, then processed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to analyze the proteome profiles of these tissues. This study identified 46 proteins in DEJ and EOM. The proteins identified have a variety of functions, including calcium ion‐binding, formation of extracellular matrix, formation of cytoskeleton, cytoskeletal protein binding, cell adhesion, and transport. Collagens were identified as the most dominant proteins. Tissue‐specific proteins, such as ameloblastin and amelogenin, were also detected. Our findings reveal new insight into proteomics of DEJ and EOM, highly mineralized tissues that are obviously difficult to analyze.
Psychological Work Environment and Suicidal Ideation Among Nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Chin Wei‐Shan , Chen Yi‐Chuan , Ho Jiune‐Jye , Cheng Nai‐Yun , Wu Hsueh‐Ching , Shiao Judith S. C.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Nurses are exposed to a poor psychological work environment; this may cause poor mental health, which is a risk factor for suicidal ideation. We investigated the association between psychological work environment and suicidal ideation among hospital nurses in Taiwan.

Design

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey in Taiwan female nurses using stratified sampling by region (north, central, south, and east) to select representative centers for this study.

Methods

A self‐report questionnaire including items on demographic data, the psychological work environment, and suicidal ideation was sent to nurses working in hospitals. Multiple logistic regression and population attributable risk analyses were performed to assess the effect of the psychological work environment on suicidal ideation.

Findings

A total of 2,734 eligible questionnaires (76.8%) were returned. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 18.3%, and higher risk was found to be associated with the educational level of junior college or below, higher personal burnout, higher client‐related burnout, and always feeling stressed at work. Estimation of population attributable risk showed that higher personal burnout, client‐related burnout, and always feeling stressed at work were the most crucial factors among nurses, accounting for 19.4%, 8.6%, and 10.5% of suicidal ideation, respectively.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of nurses developed suicidal ideation. A poor psychological work environment was a relevant factor for suicidal ideation.

Clinical Evidence

This study provides relevant knowledge for nursing management levels in preventing the development of suicidal ideation among nurses. Not only for nurses’ mental health, but for patient safety and care quality, further studies in improving nurses’ psychological work environment are warranted.
Implementation Quality: Implications for Intervention and Translational Science
Authors: Norris Anne E. , Matsuda Yui , Altares Sarik Danielle , Pettigrew Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Implementation quality (IQ), a critical concept for translational science, measures the discrepancy between an intervention's intended design and its implementation. Quantifying the impact of IQ on intervention outcomes informs efforts to improve intervention translatability. The purpose of this article is to define and describe IQ and its dimensions (content adherence, quality of delivery, and engagement) with a focus on individualized interventions being delivered in research and practice settings.

Approach

We apply IQ concepts from intervention science in two contexts: (a) an intervention currently being investigated in an efficacy trial, and (b) a practice situation involving the application of evidence‐based practice guidelines during clinic visits. IQ measurement approaches are presented using a study protocol, progress notes, interdisciplinary meeting notes, or clinical guidelines, depending upon whether the intervention is delivered during a research study or a clinical encounter.

Conclusions

The investigators describe the necessary infrastructure and support for capturing IQ data and the subsequent complexities and challenges of collecting, measuring, and analyzing these data. Understanding IQ is critical to advancing translational science. Such understanding informs application of appropriate IQ measures, and promotes effective translation of evidence‐based interventions into practice. Policy changes are needed to promote IQ assessment to ensure high‐quality clinical encounters during which interventions are effectively delivered.

Clinical Relevance

In both research and practice settings, the conceptualization and measurement of IQ will improve patient outcomes by advancing translational science and integrating evidence‐based interventions into nursing practice.
Determinants of alpha and beta vascular plant diversity in Mediterranean island systems: the Ionian islands, Greece
Authors: Valli Anna‐Thalassini , Kougioumoutzis Konstantinos , Iliadou Eleni , Panitsa Maria , Trigas Panayiotis
Published: November 2018

The Ionian archipelago is the second largest Greek archipelago after the Aegean, but the factors driving plant species diversity in the Ionian islands are still barely known. We used stepwise multiple regressions to investigate the factors affecting plant species diversity in 17 Ionian islands. Generalized dissimilarity modelling was applied to examine variation in the magnitude and rate of species turnover along environmental gradients, as well as to assess the relative importance of geographical and climatic factors in explaining species turnover. The values of the residuals from the ISAR log10‐transfomed models of native and endemic taxa were used as a measure of island floristic diversity. Area was confirmed to be the most powerful single explanatory predictor of all diversity metrics. Mean annual precipitation and temperature, as well as shortest distance to the nearest island are also significant predictors of vascular plant diversity. The island of Kalamos constitutes an important plant diversity hotspot in the Ionian archipelago. The recent formation of the islands, the close proximity to the mainland source and the relatively low dispersal filtering of the Ionian archipelago has resulted in islands with a flora principally comprising common species and a low proportion of endemics. Small islands keep a key role in conservation of plant priority sites.
Displacement of mandibular dentition during total arch distalization according to locations and types of TSADs: 3D Finite element analysis
Authors: Kim Yu B. , Bayome Mohamed , Park Jae H. , Lim Hee J. , Mo Sung‐Seo , Lee Nam K. , Kook Yoon‐Ah
Published: November 2018

Structured Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) on the mandibular dentition and mandible during total arch distalization according to locations and types of the TSADs using finite element (FE) analysis.

Setting and Sample Population

A model of the mandible and teeth was used to build an FE analysis model.

Materials and Methods

Four FE models were constructed: Ramal plate (Type A), Sugawara plate (Type B), buccal shelf miniscrew (Type C) and interradicular miniscrew (Type D). A retraction force of 300 g per side was applied to the mandibular archwire.

Results

In the sagittal plane, the plates Type A and B showed more distal displacement than the miniscrew Types C and D, especially in the posterior teeth. Type A presented the greatest amount of distal displacement, followed by Types B, C and D. Type A was closest to the line of occlusion, which showed the lowest degree of buccolingual angulations of the molar crowns. Vertically, Type A showed a greater amount of extrusive displacement of the posterior teeth than the other types of TSADs, while Type B showed intrusive displacement of the molars.

Conclusions

The ramal plate showed a greater amount of distal and extrusive displacement of the posterior teeth than the miniscrews. Therefore, clinicians should consider the displacement of mandibular dentition during total arch distalization according to types of the TSADs.
Hydrogen Peroxide Enhances the Antibacterial Effect of Methylene Blue‐based Photodynamic Therapy on Biofilm‐forming Bacteria
Authors: Yang Seung Mok , Lee Dong Won , Park Hye Ji , Kwak Moon Hwa , Park Jae Myung , Choi Myung‐Gyu
Published: November 2018

Recently, increased attention has been focused on endoscopic disinfection after outbreaks of drug‐resistant infections associated with gastrointestinal endoscopy. The aims of this study were to investigate the bactericidal efficacy of methylene blue (MB)‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), which is the major cause of drug‐resistant postendoscopy outbreak, and to assess the synergistic effects of hydrogen peroxide addition to MB‐based PDT on biofilms. In planktonic state of P. aeruginosa, the maximum decrease was 3 log10 and 5.5 log10 at 20 and 30 J cm−2, respectively, following MB‐based PDT. However, the maximum reduction of colony forming unit (CFU) was decreased by 2.5 log10 and 3 log10 irradiation on biofilms. The biofilm formation was significantly inhibited upon irradiation with MB‐based PDT. When the biofilm state of P. aeruginosa was treated with MB‐based PDT with hydrogen peroxide, the CFU was significantly decreased by 6 log10 after 20 J cm−2, by 7 log10 after 30 J cm−2 irradiation, suggesting significantly higher efficacy than MB‐based PDT alone. The implementation of the combination of hydrogen peroxide with MB‐based PDT through working channels might be appropriate for preventing early colonization and biofilm formation in the endoscope and postendoscopy outbreak.
The International Childhood Cancer Cohort Consortium (I4C): A research platform of prospective cohorts for studying the aetiology of childhood cancers
Authors: Tikellis Gabriella , Dwyer Terence , Paltiel Ora , Phillips Gary S. , Lemeshow Stanley , Golding Jean , Northstone Kate , Boyd Andy , Olsen Sjurdur , Ghantous Akram , Herceg Zdenko , Ward Mary H. , Håberg Siri E. , Magnus Per , Olsen Jørn , Ström Marin , Mahabir Somdat , Jones Rena R. , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Clavel Jacqueline , Charles Marie Aline , Trevathan Edwin , Qian Zhengmin (Min) , Maule Milena M. , Qiu Xiu , Hong Yun‐Chul , Brandelise Silvia , Roman Eve , Wake Melissa , He Jian‐Rong , Linet Martha S. ,   the International Childhood Cancer Cohort Consortium
Published: November 2018

Background

Childhood cancer is a rare but leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Established risk factors, accounting for <10% of incidence, have been identified primarily from case‐control studies. However, recall, selection and other potential biases impact interpretations particularly, for modest associations. A consortium of pregnancy and birth cohorts (I4C) was established to utilise prospective, pre‐diagnostic exposure assessments and biological samples.

Methods

Eligibility criteria, follow‐up methods and identification of paediatric cancer cases are described for cohorts currently participating or planning future participation. Also described are exposure assessments, harmonisation methods, biological samples potentially available for I4C research, the role of the I4C data and biospecimen coordinating centres and statistical approaches used in the pooled analyses.

Results

Currently, six cohorts recruited over six decades (1950s‐2000s) contribute data on 388 120 mother‐child pairs. Nine new cohorts from seven countries are anticipated to contribute data on 627 500 additional projected mother‐child pairs within 5 years. Harmonised data currently includes over 20 “core” variables, with notable variability in mother/child characteristics within and across cohorts, reflecting in part, secular changes in pregnancy and birth characteristics over the decades.

Conclusions

The I4C is the first cohort consortium to have published findings on paediatric cancer using harmonised variables across six pregnancy/birth cohorts. Projected increases in sample size, expanding sources of exposure data (eg, linkages to environmental and administrative databases), incorporation of biological measures to clarify exposures and underlying molecular mechanisms and forthcoming joint efforts to complement case‐control studies offer the potential for breakthroughs in paediatric cancer aetiologic research.
A note on the n-stage growth model. Overview
Authors: Markov Svetoslav , Iliev Anton Iliev , Rahnev Asen , Kyurkchiev Nikolay
Published: November 2018

In this paper we study the one-sided Hausdorff approximation of the generalized cut function by sigmoidal general n-stage growth model.В For some conditions of the reaction constants, the model has a certain right of existence insofar as the theory of sigmoidal functions is well developed.В The estimates of the value of the best Hausdorff approximation obtained in this article can be used in practice as one possible additional criterions in ''saturation'' and ''lag-time'' study. We examine the small data for modeling the growth of red abalone (Haliotis Rufescens) in Northern California.В  Numerical examples are presented usingВ CAS MATHEMATICA.
Using Accelerometer/GPS Data to Validate a Neighborhood-Adapted Version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Authors: Frehlich Levi , Friedenreich Christine , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Schipperijn Jasper , McCormack Gavin R.
Published: November 2018

Despite continued interest in neighborhood correlates of physical activity, few self-report questionnaires exist that capture neighborhood-based physical activity. Furthermore, there is little evidence about the measurement validity of self-report measures of neighborhood-based physical activity. Notably, self-reported neighborhood physical activity has not been validated against combined accelerometer and global positioning system (GPS)–assessed physical activity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to estimate the concurrent validity of a recently adapted tool for capturing self-reported neighborhood-based physical activity (i.e., the Neighborhood International Physical Activity Questionnaire; N-IPAQ). Adults (n = 75) from four Calgary (Alberta, Canada) neighborhoods wore an accelerometer and GPS monitor for 7 consecutive days after which they self-reported their physical activity from the past week using the N-IPAQ. Bland-Altman plots and Spearman correlations estimated the concurrent validity between N-IPAQ and accelerometer/GPS physical activity (estimated for the administrative boundary, 400-m and 800-m radial buffers). The mean (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) difference between the N-IPAQ and accelerometer/GPS estimated total daily minutes of physical activity differed for the 400-m (1.9 min, −26.2 to 29.9), 800-m (10.6 min, −16.0 to 37.1), and administrative boundary buffers (14.7 min, −11.5 to 41.0). The strongest Spearman correlations were found between the N-IPAQ and 800-m radial buffer accelerometer-captured vigorous-intensity physical activity (r = .41 [95% CI: .18 to .60]), and the N-IPAQ and administrative boundary accelerometer-captured vigorous-intensity physical activity (r = .43 [95% CI: .20 to .62]). Our findings suggest that the N-IPAQ provides good estimates of neighborhood-based physical activity and could be used when investigating neighborhood correlates of physical activity.