bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value creation logics and internationalization of service firms
Authors: Jensen Peter D. Ørberg , Petersen Bent
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– While mainstream theories in international business and management are foundedeither explicitly or implicitly on studies of manufacturing firms, prior attempts to develop theoryon the internationalization of service firms are sparse and have yet to establish solid andcomprehensive frameworks. The thrust of this study is that value creation logics, a constructoriginally developed by Stabell and Fjeldstad (1998) can assist us in better understanding why and how service firms internationalize. The authors extend this construct and propose that the internationalization of service firms must be based on a thorough understanding of the fundamental nature of these firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Theoretical study.

Findings

– The authors put forward propositions concerning the pace of internationalization and the default foreign operation modes in service firms.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of value creation logics can be a useful complement to the conventional approaches to the study of service firms’ internationalization. However, the fact that most firms encompass more than one value creation logic complicates the use of firm databases and industry statistics.

Practical implications

– The authors suggest that managers in service firms should consider primarily the nature of the value creation logic(s) in their firms when deciding and designing an internationalization strategy.

Originality/value

– The study presents a novel theoretical approach and a set of propositions on service firm internationalization founded on the specific characteristics of the service activities.
Augmenting versus exploiting entry modes in soft services
Authors: Pla-Barber Jose , Villar Cristina , León-Darder Fidel
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address foreign market entry mode as a way to enhance firm’s knowledge base, providing new insights into traditional explanations of entry mode choice for soft services. The authors offer an alternative knowledge-based approach to assess foreign investment decisions by considering the role of resource-augmenting (direct investment) and resource-exploiting strategies (licenses). In addition, the authors untie the type of experiential knowledge, i.e., host country and mode experience, to analyze its interactions with environmental uncertainties such as cultural distance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a customized database of the Spanish Global Hotel industry covering practically all foreign entries until 2012, the authors use regression analysis to test the proposal.

Findings

– The authors demonstrate how in hotel chains (a) cultural distance influences the use of high resource-augmenting modes, due to both the difficulties in transferring the knowledge to third parties but also the imperative need of learning from local markets and (b) how strong brands tend to use resource-augmenting modes in their first steps abroad as a strategy to achieve a minimum level of resource basis to exploit it in a later stage.

Originality/value

– The findings question the appropriateness of prior assumptions from traditional internationalization process theories for soft services MNE and provide an alternative approach to assess entry mode choice in this context.
Improving international students’ understanding of local culture and financial institutions
Authors: Buchanan Bonnie
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of a service learning project focusing on financial literacy. In response to the global financial crisis there has been increasing emphasis on improving financial literacy skills and education. In this paper, the author argues for service learning as a means of integrating the finance curricula with real-world applications.

Design/methodology/approach

– Initially, the author surveys the growing importance of a financial literacy education as well as integrating service learning with a business education. The author then describes the implementation of a service-learning program at a private university that provides financial literacy workshops to community partners.

Findings

– The paper concludes with a discussion of the effectiveness of the financial literacy workshops and reflections of the service-learning experience.

Research limitations/implications

– It is an opportunity for learning among culturally diverse groups and has also helped international students become more culturally involved on campus.

Practical implications

– The undergraduate service-learning program is placed in an intermediate finance class. It is also an opportunity for cultural and financial institutional learning among international students.

Social implications

– Given the diversity of community service partners in this project, the service-learning experience has become an opportunity to teach all students on international cultural differences and social justice themes.

Originality/value

– This is one of the few pedagogical examples in financial literacy with an international dimension.
L'informalité: un nouveau paradigme de développement et d'intégration « par le bas » en Afrique
Authors: Njifen Issofou
Published: November 2014

Après plusieurs décennies d'expériences d'intégration régionale en Afrique, le bilan du modèle linéaire d'intégration adopté par les Communautés Economiques Régionales est mitigé. Ce processus d'intégration orchestré par le haut c'est‐à‐dire par les règles et les institutions ne permet pas d'optimiser les résultats de l'intégration en matière de développement économique. Face à cette faible performance, un autre modèle d'intégration parallèle allait s'imposer: l'intégration par le bas c'est‐à‐dire par les peuples; laquelle se réalise en marge des institutions grâce à la volonté manifeste des groupes sociaux qui sortent des cadres réglementaires pour développer des réseaux marchands transfrontaliers. L'informalité devient une alternative capable d'engendrer un développement inclusif et dont sa formalisation peut contribuer à la transformation structurelle de l'Afrique. L'objectif de cet article est de susciter la réflexion sur le rôle que peut jouer l'informalité dans le processus de l'intégration en Afrique. Partant du principe d'individualisme méthodologique, nous montrons que l'informalité constitue un vecteur de développement local et d'intégration par le bas en Afrique. Les Etats doivent procéder à une refondation de l'intégration en Afrique et faire du secteur informel un véritable partenaire de la politique de développement et d'intégration en Afrique.
Trade in Intermediate Inputs and Trade Facilitation in Africa's Regional Integration
Authors: ‘Ofa Siope Vakataki , Karingi Stephen
Published: November 2014

Despite concerted efforts, Africa's regional integration process has encountered delays. Since the third stage of the Abuja Treaty in 2008, piecemeal progress has been observed. It therefore begs a difficult but relevant question: why is the regional integration process stalling? The conventional answer lies in challenges such as inadequate financial resources and infrastructure for trade among others. However, an approach is proposed to refocus regional integration on resource‐based industrialization. The level of industrialization is examined in Africa using Balassa's Revealed Comparative Advantage Indexes based on the BACI dataset. Further, an input‐output table analysis on production of Kenya's trade in intermediate inputs is done based on the GTAP 8 dataset. The analysis finds that while the level of industrialization is heterogeneous among African economies, the overall level is low. Also, in the case of Kenya and five regions in Africa, imported intermediate was found to be a critical input to production, lending support to the importance of trade facilitation measures in ensuring timely and cost‐effective sourcing of inputs.
The Classing Gaze and its Gendering Effects: (Dis)-Respectability, Emotional (in)-Competency, and the Counselling Experiences of Domestically Violent Taiwanese Men
Authors: Chen Bo-Wei , Tang Wen-Hui Anna , Wang g-Zen
Published: November 2014

Research on domestically violent men typically takes an oppositional logic of gender. While the significance of class in researching domestically violent men is identified, class and gender are often treated as separate entities that do not complicate each other. Drawing upon group observations and in-depth interviews, this paper identifies how intersections of class and gender manifest in the counselling experiences of domestically violent Taiwanese men. From a Bourdieusian feminist analysis, the authors analyse (1) how class distinctions serve to (re)produce gendered hierarchy; (2) how contradictory experiences of gender reveal a relational understanding of class; and (3) how the gendered nature of domestically violent men is inscribed with a meaning of (working) class specificity for maintaining middle-class ‘purity’. In analysing men's multiple and conflicting experiences, this paper contributes to research on domestically violent men by showing how class and gender are actively constructed and not produced in a monolithic/invariant way.
Reforming the Role of Magistrates: Implications for Summary Justice inEngland andWales
Authors: Donoghue Jane C.
Published: November 2014

The role of lay magistrates inEngland andWales has been progressively undermined by protracted processes of reform over the last two decades. Current government proposals aim to reorient and ‘strengthen’ their function through the creation of new magisterial responsibilities such as oversight of out of court disposals and greater involvement with local justice initiatives. This article argues that while these proposals embody necessary and important areas for reform, taken in isolation they will fail to consolidate the role of magistrates in summary justice unless they are enacted alongside other measures which aim to reaffirm the status of lay justices, and which seek to reverse the trend which has prioritised administrative efficiency at the expense of lay justice. Rapidly declining magistrate numbers together with continuous (and continuing) programs of court closures are irreconcilable with the future viability of a lay magistracy.
Adipokines in Peritoneal Dialysis: Relevant Clinical Impact According to Body Composition
Authors: Bernardo Ana Paula , Fonseca Isabel , Oliveira José Carlos , Santos Olivia , Carvalho Maria João , Cabrita António , Rodrigues Anabela
Published: November 2014

Adipokines impact on clinical outcomes is not adequately addressed in peritoneal dialysis (PD). We investigated the impact of leptin/adiponectin ratio (L/A) as a predictor of cardiovascular events (CVE) inPD, taking into consideration patient's body composition and the potential role of glucose load. We prospectively followed 66 prevalentPDpatients for 47.0 ± 28.2 months. NewCVEwere evaluated. Lean tissue index (LTI), relative fat mass (relFM) and relative overhydration (relOH) using multifrequency bioimpedance (BCM) were assessed; serum lipids, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), leptin and adiponectin were measured. We established the determinants ofL/Ausing multiple linear regression and the impact ofL/AonCVE. Obesity was present in 47 (73.4%) patients according to relFM, and in seven (10.6%) according to body mass index (BMI). Leptin andL/Aexhibited a stronger correlation with relFM(both r = 0.62,P < 0.0001) than withBMI(r = 0.46 and r = 0.51, respectively, bothP < 0.0001).L/Ashowed a significant correlation with triglycerides (r = 0.41,P = 0.001) andHDL‐cholesterol (r = −0.358,P = 0.003), better than isolated leptin or adiponectin. RelFM(RR = 0.130, 95%confidence interval [CI]:0.086–0.174,P < 0.0001) andLTI(RR = 0.194, 95%CI:0.037–0.351,P = 0.016) were independent predictors ofL/A(R2 = 0.67). Patients who suffered newCVEwere older (59.12 ± 12.41 vs. 47.52 ± 13.84years,P = 0.003) and had a higherrelOH(11.28 ± 7.29 vs. 6.60 ± 8.16%,P = 0.028).L/Awas significantly higher in patients withCVE[2.29 (1.79) vs. 0.65 (1.73),P = 0.028] but this association was only put on evidence after excluding patients with wasting.BMIis an inaccurate method to classify obesity inPDsince it underestimates its prevalence compared with body composition assessment usingBCM. High adiponectin and low leptin are associated with a more favorable metabolic risk profile in peritoneal dialysis. TheL/Ais determined by relFMand byLTI. A higherL/Ais associated withCVEinPDpatients without wasting.
Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients in Japan
Authors: Saijo Tomokatsu , Joki Nobuhiko , Inishi Yoji , Muto Mikako , Saijo Motohiko , Hase Hiroki
Published: November 2014

Hepatitis B surface antigen is widely used in hepatitis B virus surveillance; patients who test negative for the antigen are judged to be uninfected. However, occult hepatitis B virus infection has been confirmed with hepatitis B virus DNA at low levels in the liver and peripheral blood in patients positive for hepatitis B core antibody or hepatitis B surface antibody, even if they test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen. To investigate the prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus in hemodialysis patients, we performed cross‐sectional analysis of 161 hemodialysis patients in two related institutions for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antibody, and hepatitis B surface antibody. Hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antibody, or hepatitis B surface antibody was present in 45 patients (28.0%). Hepatitis B virus DNA was present in six patients (3.7%), all of whom also tested positive for hepatitis B core antibody. Hepatitis B surface antibody positivity was unrelated in only one of the six patients. Four of the six patients were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen; however, two (1.3%) of these with occult hepatitis B virus infection were found to be hepatitis B surface antigen negative. Occult hepatitis B virus infection may be missed in hepatitis B virus surveillance using hepatitis B surface antigen alone; therefore, routine hepatitis B core antibody screening is necessary. Patients who test positive for hepatitis B core antibody should undergo further hepatitis B virus DNA testing to enable accurate hepatitis B virus screening.
Carotenoids Concentration of Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) Fruit Oil Using Cross‐Flow Filtration Technology
Authors: Mai Huỳnh Cang , Truong Vinh , Debaste Frédéric
Published: November 2014

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) fruit, a traditional fruit in Vietnam and other countries of eastern Asia, contains an oil rich in carotenoids, especially lycopene and β‐carotene. Carotenoids in gac fruit oil were concentrated using cross‐flow filtration. In total recycle mode, effect of membrane pore size, temperature, and transmembrane pressure (TMP) on permeate flux and on retention coefficients has been exploited. Resistance of membrane, polarization concentration, and fouling were also analyzed. Optimum conditions for a high permeate flux and a good carotenoids retention are 5 nm, 2 bars, and 40 °C of membrane pore size, TMP, and temperature, respectively. In batch mode, retentate was analyzed through index of acid, phospholipids, total carotenoids content (TCC), total antioxidant activity, total soluble solids, total solid content, color measurement, and viscosity. TCC in retentate is higher 8.6 times than that in feeding oil. Lipophilic antioxidant activities increase 6.8 times, while hydrophilic antioxidant activities reduce 40%. The major part of total resistance is due to polarization (55%) while fouling and intrinsic membrane contribute about 30% and 24%, respectively.
The virtual heart as a platform for screening drug cardiotoxicity
Authors: Yuan Yongfeng , Bai Xiangyun , Luo Cunjin , Wang Kuanquan , Zhang Henggui
Published: November 2014

To predict the safety of a drug at an early stage in its development is a major challenge as there is a lack of in vitro heart models that correlate data from preclinical toxicity screening assays with clinical results. A biophysically detailed computer model of the heart, the virtual heart, provides a powerful tool for simulating drug–ion channel interactions and cardiac functions during normal and disease conditions and, therefore, provides a powerful platform for drug cardiotoxicity screening. In this article, we first review recent progress in the development of theory on drug–ion channel interactions and mathematical modelling. Then we propose a family of biomarkers that can quantitatively characterize the actions of a drug on the electrical activity of the heart at multi‐physical scales including cellular and tissue levels. We also conducted some simulations to demonstrate the application of the virtual heart to assess the pro‐arrhythmic effects of cisapride and amiodarone. Using the model we investigated the mechanisms responsible for the differences between the two drugs on pro‐arrhythmogenesis, even though both prolong the QT interval of ECGs. Several challenges for further development of a virtual heart as a platform for screening drug cardiotoxicity are discussed.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Chinese Innovation in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-23
Naive Probability: Model‐Based Estimates of Unique Events
Authors: Khemlani Sangeet S. , Lotstein Max , Johnson‐Laird Philip N.
Published: November 2014

We describe a dual‐process theory of how individuals estimate the probabilities of unique events, such as Hillary Clinton becoming U.S. President. It postulates that uncertainty is a guide to improbability. In its computer implementation, an intuitive system 1 simulates evidence in mental models and forms analog non‐numerical representations of the magnitude of degrees of belief. This system has minimal computational power and combines evidence using a small repertoire of primitive operations. It resolves the uncertainty of divergent evidence for single events, for conjunctions of events, and for inclusive disjunctions of events, by taking a primitive average of non‐numerical probabilities. It computes conditional probabilities in a tractable way, treating the given event as evidence that may be relevant to the probability of the dependent event. A deliberative system 2 maps the resulting representations into numerical probabilities. With access to working memory, it carries out arithmetical operations in combining numerical estimates. Experiments corroborated the theory's predictions. Participants concurred in estimates of real possibilities. They violated the complete joint probability distribution in the predicted ways, when they made estimates about conjunctions: P(A), P(B), P(A and B), disjunctions: P(A), P(B), P(A or B or both), and conditional probabilities P(A), P(B), P(B|A). They were faster to estimate the probabilities of compound propositions when they had already estimated the probabilities of each of their components. We discuss the implications of these results for theories of probabilistic reasoning.
New generation of hydraulic pedotransfer functions for Europe
Authors: Tóth B. , Weynants M. , Nemes A. , Makó A. , Bilas G. , Tóth G.
Published: November 2014

A range of continental‐scale soil datasets exists in Europe with different spatial representation and based on different principles. We developed comprehensive pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for applications principally on spatial datasets with continental coverage. The PTF development included the prediction of soil water retention at various matric potentials and prediction of parameters to characterize soil moisture retention and the hydraulic conductivity curve (MRC and HCC) of European soils. We developed PTFs with a hierarchical approach, determined by the input requirements. The PTFs were derived by using three statistical methods: (i) linear regression where there were quantitative input variables, (ii) a regression tree for qualitative, quantitative and mixed types of information and (iii) mean statistics of developer‐defined soil groups (class PTF) when only qualitative input parameters were available. Data of the recently established European Hydropedological Data Inventory (EU‐HYDI), which holds the most comprehensive geographical and thematic coverage of hydro‐pedological data in Europe, were used to train and test the PTFs. The applied modelling techniques and the EU‐HYDI allowed the development of hydraulic PTFs that are more reliable and applicable for a greater variety of input parameters than those previously available for Europe. Therefore the new set of PTFs offers tailored advanced tools for a wide range of applications in the continent.
An ex vivo human skin model for studying skin barrier repair
Authors: Danso Mogbekeloluwa O. , Berkers Tineke , Mieremet Arnout , Hausil Farzia , Bouwstra Joke A.
Published: November 2014

In the studies described in this study, we introduce a novel ex vivo human skin barrier repair model. To develop this, we removed the upper layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC) by a reproducible cyanoacrylate stripping technique. After stripping the explants, they were cultured in vitro to allow the regeneration of the SC. We selected two culture temperatures 32°C and 37°C and a period of either 4 or 8 days. After 8 days of culture, the explant generated SC at a similar thickness compared to native human SC. At 37°C, the early and late epidermal differentiation programmes were executed comparably to native human skin with the exception of the barrier protein involucrin. At 32°C, early differentiation was delayed, but the terminal differentiation proteins were expressed as in stripped explants cultured at 37°C. Regarding the barrier properties, the SC lateral lipid organization was mainly hexagonal in the regenerated SC, whereas the lipids in native human SC adopt a more dense orthorhombic organization. In addition, the ceramide levels were higher in the cultured explants at 32°C and 37°C than in native human SC. In conclusion, we selected the stripped ex vivo skin model cultured at 37°C as a candidate model to study skin barrier repair because epidermal and SC characteristics mimic more closely the native human skin than the ex vivo skin model cultured at 32°C. Potentially, this model can be used for testing formulations for skin barrier repair.
Entrainment and advection of larval sardine, Sardinops sagax, by the East Australian Current and retention in the western Tasman Front
Authors: Mullaney Thomas J. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. , Heagney Elizabeth C. , Suthers Iain M.
Published: November 2014

The poleward flowing East Australian Current (EAC) drives sporadic upwelling, entrains coastal water and forms the western Tasman Front (wTF), creating a mosaic of water types and larval transport routes along south eastern Australia. The spatial distribution, otolith chemistry and growth rates of larval sardine (Sardinops sagax) were examined to infer spawning location and larval transport. A gradient of increasing larval size from north to south along the shelf was not detected but was evident between the shelf and offshore in the wTF. Here larvae were larger and older. Based on the occurrence of newly hatched larvae, spawning by S. sagax between southern Queensland and mid New South Wales (NSW) was more extensive than previously reported. The otolith chemistry from two wTF larval size classes differed, implying different origins. The otolith chemistry of wTF post‐flexion larvae was similar to larvae from northern NSW, whereas wTF flexion larvae were similar to larvae observed nearby from mid‐NSW. Two possible larval transport routes, direct and indirect, are inferred from otolith chemistry, current velocities and a previously published particle tracking study. Either larvae from northern NSW were advected south and entrained with younger larvae directly into the wTF, or larvae from a range of shelf regions were advected around the southern edge of an anticyclonic eddy, to join younger larvae directly entrained into the wTF. Based on the co‐occurrence of larval ages and sizes in the wTF and their advection routes, the wTF appears to be an important larval retention zone.
Background characteristics, resources and volunteering among older adults (aged ≥70 years) in the community: A longitudinal study
Authors: Cramm Jane M , Nieboer Anna P
Published: November 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to describe (in)formal volunteering among older adults (aged ≥70 years) in the community, and the longitudinal relationships between background characteristics, resources (social, cognitive and physical functioning, social capital) and volunteering.

Methods

At baseline, a total of 945 (out of 1440) independently living Dutch older adults (aged ≥70 years) completed the questionnaire (66% response). Two years later, these respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire again, of which 588 (62%) responded.

Results

Of 945 respondents (43% male; mean age 77.5 ± 5.8 years, range 70–101 years), 34.7% were married and 83.3% were born in the Netherlands. Social capital, social functioning and physical functioning were significantly higher among volunteering older adults. Being born in the Netherlands, higher educational level, social capital and social functioning were related to formal volunteering activities at baseline, and also predicted these activities 2 years later. Regarding informal volunteering activities, we found a significant association with age, being born in the Netherlands, marital status, educational level, social capital and social functioning at baseline. Examining their predictive nature, we found that younger age, being born in the Netherlands, social capital and physical functioning were associated with engagement in informal volunteering activities 2 years later.

Conclusion

The present study shows that older adults remain engaged in volunteering activities, and that background characteristics (e.g. ethnic background, education) and resources (social functioning, social capital) contribute to this engagement. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1087–1095.
Cognitive function and falling among older adults with mild cognitive impairment and slow gait
Authors: Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Park Hyuntae , Makizako Hyuma , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Uemura Kazuki , Nakakubo Sho , Hotta Ryo , Suzuki Takao
Published: November 2014

Aim

To examine the association of the combination of slow gait and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with cognitive function and falling in community‐dwelling older people.

Methods

Participants were selected from the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly (n = 3400), and underwent gait examination and a battery of neuropsychological examinations, including the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool (tablet version of Trail Making Test Part A and B, Symbol Digit Substitution Task, Figure selection task, Word memory and Story memory), and were interviewed with a series of questionnaires including medical history, physical activity, geriatric depression scale and fall history.

Results

Participants were classified into control (n = 2281), slow gait speed (SG; n = 278), MCI (n = 673) and MCI with SG (MCI+SG; n = 168) groups. All cognitive functions were significantly affected by the group factor, even adjusting for participant characteristics as covariates (P < 0.001). Post‐hoc analysis showed that the control group had better performance than the other groups, and the MCI+SG group had worse performance than the other groups in all cognitive functions (all P < 0.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis, SG and MCI were independently associated with falling (all P < 0.05), and MCI+SG had a higher odds ratio for falling (adjusted OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.08–3.65).

Conclusions

Our findings support the idea that slow gait and MCI were related, and concurrently associated with falling. Motor function among MCI subjects should be focused on to assess profile risks. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1073–1078.
Naturally high heavy metal concentrations in feathers of the flightless Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus
Authors: Theuerkauf Jörn , Haneda Tokushi , Sato Nozomu J. , Ueda Keisuke , Kuehn Ralph , Gula Roman , Watanabe Izumi
Published: November 2014

We assessed heavy metal concentrations in feathers of 38 Kagus Rhynochetos jubatus living on ultramafic soils in New Caledonia. Concentrations of heavy metals in down feathers were similar to concentrations in shafts of primary or secondary feathers, whereas the concentrations in vanes were much higher, indicating that concentrations in down feathers were not due to external contamination but rather to ingestion. Although there was no anthropogenic pollution in our study area, concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr) and cobalt (Co) in feathers were 1.2–21 times higher in Kagu than the average in other bird species studied, the majority of those from polluted environments. Kagus may have specific adaptations that enable them to live in environments with naturally high heavy metal concentrations.
The Internal Tensile Strength of a Borosilicate Glass Determined from Laser Shock Experiments and Computational Analysis
Authors: Holmquist Timothy J. , Wereszczak Andrew A.
Published: November 2014

It is of interest to determine the internal tensile strength of glass because it is used in material models to understand and design transparent armor. It is difficult to determine this strength because surface conditions limit the ability to apply large tensile stresses needed to cause internally located crack initiation. This article presents a novel approach to estimate the internal tensile strength of glass using a combination of laser shock experiments and computational analysis. Laser shock produces a unique loading condition that causes maximum tension to occur in the interior of the glass without destroying the target. Several laser shock experiments were performed on a plate of borosilicate glass at varying levels of peak pressure. In one experiment, damage was produced only in the interior of the plate (there was no damage on either the front or rear surfaces). This experiment was singled out for analysis because surface flaws did not influence the internal crack initiation event. Computational analysis indicated that the internal tensile strength of this borosilicate glass is approximately 1.2 GPa. The computed results produced damage only in the interior of the glass plate, similar to experimental observation. A similar failure stress was obtained using the Griffith criterion.
Polymorphism in IFI16 affects CD4+ T‐cell counts in HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Booiman T. , Kootstra N. A.
Published: November 2014

Interferon‐γ‐inducible protein 16 (IFI16) plays a pivotal role in the death of bystander CD4+ T‐cells. Here, we demonstrate that SNP rs1417806 in IFI16 is associated with CD4+ T‐cell counts at set point and HIV‐1 disease progression, indicating that IFI16 affects HIV‐1 pathogenesis especially during the early phase of infection.
A derivative‐free algorithm for refining numerical microaggregation solutions
Authors: Aloise Daniel , Araújo Arthur
Published: November 2014

The biggest challenge in disclosing private data is to share information contained in databases, while protecting people from being individually identified. Microaggregation is a family of methods for statistical disclosure control. The principle of microaggregation states that confidentiality rules permit the publication of individual records if they are divided into groups of g or more data, where none of the records is more representative than the others in the same group. The application of such rules leads to replacing individual values by those computed from small groups, which are denoted as microaggregates, before data publication. The microaggregation procedure should be developed to reduce the information loss caused by this replacement process to an extent, so that valuable and accurate information could still be extracted from the microaggregated data. This work proposes a derivative‐free optimization algorithm for the numerical microaggregation problem based on the evaluation of a simplified surrogate function. Computational experiments show that the proposed method can considerably improve the results obtained by other heuristics found in the literature, as it improves some of its best‐known results.
Non‐Newtonian Fluid Mixing in a Twin‐Screw Mixer Geometry: Three‐Dimensional Mesh Development, Effect of Fluid Model and Operating Conditions
Authors: Rathod Maureen L. , Ashokan Bharani K. , Fanning Lindsay M. , Kokini Jozef L.
Published: November 2014

Mixing was examined in a Readco continuous mixer (Readco Kurimoto, LLC, York, PA); a mesh was developed for three‐dimensional (3D) finite element method simulation and validated against experimental Newtonian fluid results. The mesh was designed to ensure accuracy in areas with a high velocity gradient while minimizing computational cost. It was utilized for investigation of non‐Newtonian fluids, including power‐law and Bird–Carreau models. Simple shear flow is seen at high in the center of the mixer; efficient dispersive mixing appears near the barrel wall at all flow rates. Both configurations experience increasing velocity and with mixer speed. Efficient dispersive mixing is observed near the barrel center with parallel paddles. Staggered paddles cause areas of backflow, improving fluid retention time. Under the same operating conditions, the Bird–Carreau fluid shows the greater influence of paddle motion, including less flow‐through and significant backflow. Maximum is higher than that seen for the power‐law fluid, while mixing index maxima are similar for both fluids.

Practical Applications

This work evaluates mixing using complex fluids in a realistic geometry and explores the effect of different operating conditions. Previous work has been confined to mainly Newtonian fluids or simplified geometries. A major benefit of 3D numerical simulation is that it enables comprehensive, noninvasive fluid analysis and determination of mixing quality. The most valuable simulations are those that closely mimic existing equipment scenarios. This information will allow industry users to design more efficient mixers and develop better mixer configurations with lower capital cost. This is particularly important to the dough industry which needs a well‐defined mixing profile for both product rheology and machinability.
Influence of a Zigzagging Location of the Knives in the Cutting Unit on the Energy Consumption During the Cutting Process of Horticultural Produce
Authors: Antonov Nikolay M. , Lebed' Nikita I. , Makarov Aleksey M.
Published: November 2014

The authors offer a zigzagging‐type cutting unit to chop horticultural produce into slices. The article states the results of the research made to determine the power parameters of the process of cutting apples, onion root crops and potato root crops using various cutting units. It also states the analysis of the data received. The structure of a testing stand developed to define the strength properties of fruits, vegetables and root crops is described. The influence of the constituent elements of the process of chopping apples on the cutting force has been determined. The optimum values of the factors influencing the power parameters of the cutting process have been determined on the basis of regression equations and two‐dimensional sections of the yield surfaces.

Practical Application

With a view to decrease the energy consumption during the cutting of fruits and vegetables into slices, the authors recommend the use of a zigzagging‐type cutting unit developed by them, which prevents the destruction of the structure of a fruit processed as this could result in excessive juice loss during the operation. Such a cutting tool assures a “clear” slice section, which is uniform in thickness, as well as a low percentage of nonstandard raw materials, which has a direct influence on the increase in the quality of the product obtained, the product being used either immediately or for further processing.
Understanding the Tabletting Characteristics of Ficus deltoidea Powder by Fitting into Compression Models
Authors: Mohd Salleh F.S. , Yusof Y.A. , Anuar M.S. , Chin N.L.
Published: November 2014

The objective of this paper was to investigate the characteristics of Ficus deltoidea powders during tablet formation using a direct compression method. To understand the data further, compression models were fitted, which included those of Heckel, Kawakita, Adams and Panelli–Filho. F. deltoidea is well‐known for its therapeutic properties when used in the form of an extracted powder. We further investigated the effect of the binders Avicel and Acdisol, which are known as a universal binder and a superdisintegrant, respectively. The physical properties, flowability and particle structures were determined to compare behavior and as references to the compression models used. The data were mostly consistent with those predicted by the compression models. As a result, applying compression models, especially the Kawakita model, was successfully performed and can be further related to the development and production of compact F. deltoidea tablets. Thus, this paper provides a fundamental understanding on the tabletting characteristics of F. deltoidea extract powder.

Practical Applications

In this study, a direct compression method was adopted to form the Ficus deltoidea extract powder into tablets. For further investigation, the F. deltoidea extract powder was mixed with two different binders, Avicel and Acdisol, in different ranges of composition. Hence, the pressure and effect of various process variables such as the food powder on tablet density and strength were obtained. For this reason, a study was conducted to increase our understanding of the tablet characteristics of F. deltoidea powder and binders by fitting the data into compression models. Four models had been proposed to reflect the physical and mechanical properties of powders and how these characteristics can be successfully applied in research. Finally, the best fitting compression model was chosen for further development and production of F. deltoidea compact tablets.
Ultimate eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori after first, second, or third‐line therapy in Korea
Authors: Yoon Kichul , Kim Nayoung , Nam Ryoung H , Suh Ji H , Lee Seonmin , Kim Jung M , Lee Ju Y , Kwon Yong H , Choi Yoon J , Yoon Hyuk , Shin Cheol M , Park Young S , Lee Dong H
Published: November 2014

Background and Aims

Resistance rates of Helicobacter pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and quinolone are over 30% in South Korea. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the ultimate eradication rate of H. pylori after first, second, or third‐line therapy in Korea.

Methods

A cohort of 2202 patients with H. pylori was treated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐based triple therapy for seven days. In case of treatment failure or recurrence, moxifloxacin‐based triple therapy (MA) or bismuth‐based quadruple therapy (QUAD) was randomly given. When the second‐line treatment failed or H. pylori recurred, the unused MA or QUAD was used as a third‐line treatment.

Results

Eighty‐six patients had recurrence at least once during consecutive lines of treatments. Among 2116 patients (intention‐to‐treat [ITT]) without recurrence, 1644 (77.7%, per‐protocol [PP]) completely followed our treatment flow. The ITT and PP rates of first‐line treatment were 69.8% and 89.3%. After second line, they reached 78.4% (ITT) and 98.4% (PP). The “final” eradication rate up to third line treatment were 80.0% (1692/2116) and 99.8% (1641/1644), respectively. Resistance to clarithromycin showed significantly lower eradication rate (OR 0.358, P < 0.001) than those with susceptible strains in multivariate analysis. However in PP analysis, there was no significant difference in ultimate success rate regarding resistance pattern.

Conclusion

Final success rate of PP was high, 99.8% in Korea in spite of high antibiotic resistance rates. However, high rate of refusal of further treatment and follow‐up loss made ITT eradication rate low. Proper strategy to improve the treatment adherence is needed.
Determinants of self‐care decision‐making in hospitalised patients with heart failure
Authors: Tsai Pi‐Kuang , Wang Ruey‐Hsia , Lee Chee‐Siong , Tsai Liang‐Miin , Chen Hsing‐Mei
Published: November 2014

Aims and objectives

To explore the important determinants of self‐care decision‐making in inpatients with heart failure.

Background

Self‐care is a natural decision‐making process that helps patients to improve clinical outcomes. However, patients with heart failure engage in insufficient self‐care. More research studies are needed to identify the determinants of self‐care decision‐making.

Design

A cross‐sectional correlational research design.

Methods

A questionnaire survey with a non‐probability sampling was used. A total of 71 inpatients were interviewed at a medical centre in southern Taiwan. Instruments included a demographic and clinical questionnaire, the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale and the Self‐Care of Heart Failure Index.

Results

Admission frequency was the only significant determinant of self‐care maintenance. Heart failure knowledge, admission frequency and type of residence were important determinants of self‐care management. Heart failure knowledge, having a spouse and admission frequency were important determinants of self‐care confidence.

Conclusions

The study findings support the presence of ongoing clinical challenges associated with poor heart failure knowledge and improper performance of self‐care in patients. Admission frequency was correlated with three self‐care variables, while heart failure knowledge was associated with self‐care management and self‐care confidence.

Relevance to clinical practice

More effective strategies, including pre‐discharge education, consultation of successful cases, case sharing and patient support groups, should be designed to enhance patients’ self‐care decision‐making. However, clinical nurses may not be able to actually perform this task or provide consultation services after hospital discharge due to their workload. Establishment of heart disease educators and professional consultation services may be helpful to improve patient education.
Utero‐ovarian varices and absent inferior vena cava in pregnancy
Authors: Kawata Etsuko , Kondoh Eiji , Kawasaki Kaoru , Baba Tsukasa , Ueda Akihiko , Kido Aki , Konishi Ikuo
Published: November 2014

Extensively distended and tortuous vessels on both sides of the uterus are rare incidental findings on transvaginal sonography in early pregnancy. A 31‐year‐old woman with a history of surgical repair for congenital intestinal stenosis was noted to have utero‐ovarian varices on a transvaginal ultrasound examination during her first prenatal visit at 6 weeks' gestation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed dilated ovarian veins along with infrarenal absence of inferior vena cava as well as the absence of external and common iliac veins. Despite concerns regarding spontaneous utero‐ovarian vessels rupture, her antenatal course was uneventful. A vaginal delivery was successfully achieved without any postpartum complication. We also demonstrated an intraoperative view of the utero‐ovarian vessels during cesarean section in her subsequent pregnancy. Absence of inferior vena cava and pelvic varices can occur in women with a history of neonatal surgery. Although the risk of utero‐ovarian varices rupture remains unclear, vaginal delivery may be safely achieved.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with adenomyosis with uterine enlargement
Authors: Mochimaru Aya , Aoki Shigeru , Oba Mari S. , Kurasawa Kentaro , Takahashi Tsuneo , Hirahara Fumiki
Published: November 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to elucidate the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis by comparing their outcomes to those of women without uterine abnormalities.

Material and Methods

The subjects were 36 women diagnosed with adenomyosis before pregnancy who were managed at a tertiary care center between January 2002 and December 2012. Our hospital database was retrospectively reviewed to identify pregnancy outcomes associated with adenomyosis. The control group consisted of 144 women without uterine abnormalities who gave birth during the same period and whose age at delivery was adjusted by applying propensity scores. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the adenomyosis and control groups. The main outcomes were gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery, preterm premature rupture of membranes, fetal malpresentation, cesarean delivery, small‐for‐gestational age, 5‐min Apgar score < 7, umbilical arterial pH < 7.1, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. The data are presented as medians (range) or frequencies (percentage).

Results

The adenomyosis group had significantly higher rates of preterm delivery (41.7% vs 12.5%), preterm premature rupture of membranes (19.4% vs 4.2%), small‐for‐gestational age (33.3% vs 10.4%), fetal malpresentation (27.8% vs 8.3%), and cesarean delivery (58.3% vs 24.3%), as compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed in 5‐min Apgar score < 7 or umbilical arterial pH < 7.1 between the two groups.

Conclusions

Pregnancies in women with adenomyosis were associated with a higher preterm delivery rate and more frequent occurrences of fetal growth restriction and fetal malpresentation, such that both pregnancy and delivery outcomes were poor.
Oral health and risk factors for dental disease of Australian young people in custody
Authors: Haysom Leigh , Indig Devon , Byun Roy , Moore Elizabeth , van den Dolder Paul
Published: November 2014

Aim

To describe the prevalence and risk factors for markers of poor oral health in Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal young people in custody in Australia.

Methods

All incarcerated youth, aged 13–21 years, in New South Wales Juvenile Custodial Centres between August and October 2009 were invited to participate and undertake a dental exam. The main outcome measures were an assessment of moderate/abundant plaque, periodontal disease, dental caries experience, mean decayed and/or filled and/or missing teeth (DMFT) index and untreated decay.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐four participants (91% male, 46% Aboriginal) underwent a dental exam. Markers of poor oral health were common – 49.4% with moderate/abundant plaque, 34.4% with periodontal disease, mean DMFT 3.56 and 54% having untreated decay. Risk factors independently associated with poor oral health were geographical remoteness and non‐fluoridation of the water supply of the usual residence, a shorter incarceration time and dental treatment outside of custody.

Conclusions

Young people entering custody have poor oral health, with those from geographically remote areas without water fluoridation at highest risk. The incarceration period is an opportunity for oral health improvements in these young people through access to dental treatment services. Better triaging systems are needed to identify those of greatest priority, and prevention services are needed.
Signal Extraction for Non‐Stationary Multivariate Time Series with Illustrations for Trend Inflation
Authors: McElroy Tucker , Trimbur Thomas
Published: November 2014

This article advances the theory and methodology of signal extraction by developing the optimal treatment of difference stationary multivariate time‐series models. Using a flexible time‐series structure that includes co‐integrated processes, we derive and prove formulas for minimum mean square error estimation of signal vectors in multiple series, from both a finite sample and a bi‐infinite sample. As an illustration, we present econometric measures of the trend in total inflation that make optimal use of the signal content in core inflation.