bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of logistics strategy, coordination and customer service commitment on Chinese manufacturing firm competitiveness
Authors: Spillan John E. , Mintu-Wimsatt Alma , Kara Ali
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the robustness of the three (Bowersox and Daugherty, 1987) dimensions (process, market and information strategies) of logistics strategy in a Chinese manufacturing environment. In addition, the impact of the three dimensions, coordination and customer service on the organizational competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers firms is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey hosted at Sojump.com and disseminated to members of a manufacturing trade association. A total of 513 completed responses were generated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) were used to test the hypothesized relationships in the conceptual model.

Findings

The findings suggest that the three dimensions of the Bowersox and Daugherty (1987) were relevant to the Chinese manufacturing environment. The authors also found that the overall logistics strategy measured by the three dimensions as well as coordination and customer service effectiveness positively influenced Chinese manufacturing firms’ competiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into logistics and supply chain management may benefit from expanding the understanding to include antecedents and moderating factors (e.g. competition, market turbulence and differences in business environment) into the model. Future studies on cross-cultural logistics/supply chain management logistics may benefit from the application of strategy-structure-process (SSP) approaches similar to those discussed in this manuscript.

Practical implications

This study attempted to provide a robust conceptual framework to increase the understanding of the role of logistics/supply chain management strategy and provide insights to managers seeking to improve firm competitiveness. An essential implication of the conceptual model presented in this manuscript is the dynamics of logistics strategy as a competitive tool.

Social implications

The findings provide an understanding of how business and manufacturing are operating in various locations in China with opportunities for employment and socio-economic gain among the population of these geographic locations. Having employment can provide a better quality of life and assist the community in developing its opportunities for other groups.

Originality/value

As the current Chinese administration seeks to achieve its goal of generating higher value-added production through its “Made in China 2025” initiative, the results the authors represent are quite timely and insightful. Examining manufacturing firms’ logistics strategies (i.e., OLS), coordination and customer service could provide state planners (SOEs) and/or privately owned Chinese manufacturers insights on how to move closer towards their aforementioned goal and achieve global competitiveness.
The principal contradiction and its evolution in the new era of the socialism society with Chinese characteristics
Authors: Wei Xinghua
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Marx suggested that it is infeasible and wrong to arrange the economic categories according to the order by which they have worked in history. Their order is determined by their interrelationship in the modern bourgeois society, which is in contrast to their natural sequence or that which is in accordance with the course of history. Sometimes, a logical sequence is precisely opposite to the historical sequence. There are many efforts to be done in the study of China’s economic and social issues with Marxist logical and historical methods. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

When reading Das Kapital, we can clearly see the historical materialism methods. Another method of Marxist political economics is the scientific abstract method.

Findings

This is based on the new development idea to carry out scientific and technological innovation and change the focus of development from quantity to quality. With regard to the supply side structural reform as the main focus, people’s ever-growing demand for a better life can be satisfied and the higher level dynamic supply–demand balance can be kept.

Originality/value

In fact, measures to remedy unbalanced and inadequate development of the social principal contradiction have been plainly indicated in the report delivered at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. This is based on the new development idea to carry out scientific and technological innovation and change the focus of development from quantity to quality.
A welfare economics analysis of China’s industrial layout restructuring
Authors: Fuxiang Wu , Yue Cai
Published: November 2018

Purpose

At present, China’s industrial spatial layout faces the predicament of over-agglomeration of Eastern China industries and the near disintegration of industrial structure in the central and western regions. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the perspective of differentiated inter-regional labor mobility, this paper constructed a model framework of quadratic sub-utility quasi-linear preference utility function, and conducted model deduction and numerical simulation on causal factors of this spatial imbalance along the two dimensions of individual and regional welfare.

Findings

The study finds that in the long run, industrial spatial layout imposes a certain threshold limit on the portfolio proportion of differentiated labor. The dilemma of China’s industrial spatial layout is attributable to the deviation of the market’s optimal agglomeration from the social optimal agglomeration, and to the disfunction of Eastern China’s role as an intermediary between the global and the domestic value chain.

Originality/value

To resolve this predicament of industrial layout, the unitary welfare compensation based on fiscal transfer payment has to be switched to a more comprehensive approach giving consideration to industrial rebalancing.
Validating a model of strategic leadership practices for Malaysian vocational college educational leaders
Authors: Mohd Ali Hairuddin bin , Zulkipli Inas Binti
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conceptualize, validate and confirm a structural equation modeling (SEM) hypothesized model of strategic leadership practices of Malaysian vocational college educational leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative survey approach. The data were collected from 500 educational leaders of 65 Malaysian vocational colleges throughout Malaysia using a five-point strategic leadership scale. The gender composition of the sample was almost equivalent. The study embarked on descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and full-fledged SEM for the data analyses.

Findings

The findings revealed that the Malaysian vocational college educational leaders had high tendency and inclination of practicing strategic leadership at their workplace. Besides, there was also evidence that the educational leaders of the Malaysian vocational college exhibited high levels or degree of strategic leadership practices. The responses to the survey items were consistent with seven distinct practices of strategic leadership such as strategic orientation, strategic alignment, strategic intervention, restlessness, absorptive capacity, adaptive capacity and leadership wisdom. The use of SEM procedures had confirmed that the hypothesized model of strategic leadership practices for Malaysian vocational college educational leaders was empirically valid and reliable.

Practical implications

The findings highlighted the importance of planning and development of a specific-context training program for Malaysian vocational college educational leaders in strategic leadership. The training was considered fundamental in pursuit of effective leadership and positive institutional outcomes for such colleges in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The study had successfully formulated, tested and validated a model of strategic leadership practices for Malaysian vocational college educational leaders. The model was believed to be the first of its kind in the Malaysian vocational education context.
Household mortgage demand: a study of the UK, Australia and Japan
Authors: Naoi Michio , Tiwari Piyush , Moriizumi Yoko , Yukutake Norifumi , Hutchison Norman , Koblyakova Alla , Rao Jyoti
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Homeownership has been the main focus of housing policies in most countries. Typical means that households use to achieve homeownership is to take out a loan and supplement this with accumulated wealth for a downpayment. This paper aims to analyze the mortgage demand behavior of households in the UK, Australia and Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using three panel data sets, HILDA for Australia, KHPS for Japan and USS for the UK, the paper estimates three equations using ordinary least squares: mortgage demand function, housing demand function and initial loan to value ratio function.

Findings

Though homeownership is a preferred tenure and the mortgages are “recourse” loans, housing markets in these three countries operate in different mortgage market institutional structures. Results indicate that income elasticity of mortgage demand differ despite income elasticity of housing demand being similar. Different mortgage institutions in countries that pose constraints for borrowers also determine mortgage demand. Other factors such as demography and economic conditions have also played an important role in determining mortgage and housing demand.

Originality/value

The paper is first, to the authors’ knowledge, that explores the role of institutions in mortgage demand in a comparative framework for the UK, Japan and Australia.
Equity-oriented design in open education
Authors: Kalir Jeremiah Holden
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to describe the equity-oriented design of a publicly accessible and openly networked computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) initiative that has supported educator discussion about equity topics; to identify design principles for equity-oriented design in open education; and to propose a model for the design of open learning initiatives that are mutually committed to educational equity and educational openness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws from design-based research methodology, specifically design narrative and the worked example. The paper is one response to the need for more “designerly work” in the learning sciences, generally, and more specifically in domains such as CSCL.

Findings

Four design principles are identified that informed the equity-oriented creation and iteration of the Marginal Syllabus, an open CSCL initiative: leveraging the open web, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, working with open content and engaging professional learning as an open practice. This paper also advances the open palimpsests model for equity-oriented design in open education. The model integrates design principles to assist CSCL and open education designers and researchers in creating or iterating projects to be more equity-oriented learning opportunities.

Originality/value

This paper’s design narrative identifies Marginal Syllabus design principles and advances the open palimpsests model for equity-oriented design in open education. The design narrative demonstrates how critical perspectives on the relationship between equity and digital technology can encourage collaboration among diverse project stakeholders, attune to the dynamics of power and agency and respond to the worldly needs of partners and participants.
Spatial data managements in indoor environments
Authors: Alamri Sultan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

With the rapid development of the indoor spaces positioning technologies such as the radio-frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth and WI-FI, the locations of indoor spatial objects (static or moving) constitute an important foundation for a variety of applications. However, there are many challenges and limitations associated with the structuring and querying of spatial objects in indoor spaces. The purpose of this study is to address the current trends, limitations and future challenges associated with the structuring and querying of spatial objects in indoor spaces. Also it addresses the related features of indoor spaces such as indoor structures, positioning technologies and others.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the author focuses on understanding the aspects and challenges of spatial database managements in indoor spaces. The author explains the differences between indoor spaces and outdoor spaces. Also examines the issues pertaining to indoor spaces positioning and the impact of different shapes and structures within these spaces. In addition, the author considers the varieties of spatial queries that relate specifically to indoor spaces.

Findings

Most of the research on data management in indoor spaces does not consider the issues and the challenges associated with indoor positioning such as the overlapping of Wi-Fi. The future trend of the indoor spaces includes included different shapes of indoors beside the current 2D indoor spaces on which the majority of the data structures and query processing for spatial objects have focused on. The diversities of the indoor environments features such as directed floors, multi-floors cases should be considered and studied. Furthermore, indoor environments include many special queries besides the common ones queries that used in outdoor spaces such as KNN, range and temporal queries. These special queries need to be considered in data management and querying of indoor environments.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper successfully addresses the current trends, limitations and future challenges associated with the structuring and querying of spatial objects in indoor spaces.
Modelling SME e-commerce with IMAES
Authors: Sanchez-Torres Javier A. , Juarez-Acosta Fernando
Published: November 2018

Purpose

There are several studies about the adoption of e-commerce for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) that separately, and in a dispersed manner, examine different theoretical approaches. The purpose of this paper is to unify a set of variables to form an integrated model of measurement of the adoption of e-commerce for SMEs.

Design/methodology/discussion

Based on an extensive review of empirical studies focused on the adoption of e-commerce in SMEs, a grouped and integrated model of e-commerce among SMEs was constructed. It was built upon the methodology of psychometrics and was subsequently statistically tested for reliability and validity. A broad study has not been carried out. Thus, the small sample size does not allow the estimation of this model’s predictability.

Findings

This paper proposes a final model, comprising 14 variables (82 items), grouping the significant effects of e-commerce adoption.

Originality/value

This tool is feasible, offering an initial model enabling detailed examination of variables affecting the adoption of e-commerce in SMEs. It contributes significantly to the development of this line of research.
Home-state attachment and its effects
Authors: Thakor Mrugank , Reid Susan , Chen Rui
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Many studies have investigated consumers’ loyalty to businesses situated in the local area, in the community, the region or in the same country. However, the effect of loyalty to the state in which the consumer resides has received little attention. This paper aims to propose the concept of home-state attachment (HSA) and develop models of its antecedents and its effects on criterion variables such as loyalty to local business.

Design/methodology/approach

After refinement of the measure of HSA, the authors conduct two studies (n = 202 and n = 201) among residents of two different Canadian provinces (states). They estimate the models, which include both formative and reflective indicators, using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results of both studies show that HSA can be distinguished from related constructs like consumer ethnocentrism (CET). HSA has a strong effect on loyalty to local businesses, independent of the effect of CET, testifying to its importance. HSA also affects other criterion variables, with loyalty to local business playing a mediational role.

Originality/value

This paper shows that HSA, a social-identity-based motivation for local patronage, is an important but largely overlooked determinant of loyalty to local businesses. The robustness of the results over two studies suggests that appeals to consumers based on this motivation may enhance the effectiveness of marketing programs.
Literature practices: processes leading up to a citation
Authors: Klitzing Nikolai , Hoekstra Rink , Strijbos Jan-Willem
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Literature practices represent the process leading up to the citation of a source, and consist of the selection, reading and citing of sources. The purpose of this paper is to explore possible factors that might influence researchers during this process and discover possible consequences of researchers’ citation behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

In this exploratory study, various factors which could influence literature practices were explored via a questionnaire amongst 112 researchers. Participants were first authors of articles published in 2016 in one of five different journals within the disciplines of experimental psychology, educational sciences and social psychology. Academic positions of the participants ranged from PhD student to full professor.

Findings

Frequencies and percentages showed that researchers seemed to be influenced in their literature practices by various factors, such as editors suggesting articles and motivation to cite. Additionally, a high percentage of researchers reported taking shortcuts when citing articles (e.g. using secondary citations and reading selectively). Logistic regression did not reveal a clear relationship between academic work experience and research practices.

Practical implications

Seeing that researchers seem to be influenced by a variety of factors in their literature practices, the scientific community might benefit from better citation practices and guidelines in order to provide more structure to the process of literature practices.

Originality/value

This paper provides first insights into researchers’ literature practices. Possible reasons for problems with citation accuracy and replicating research findings are highlighted. Opportunities for further research on the topic of citation behaviours are presented.
Economic assessment of bioethanol production from maize in South Africa
Authors: Ndokwana Ayanda , Fore Stanley
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This research investigated the economic feasibility of using maize as feedstock to produce bioethanol in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to generate economic data from a maize-fed bioethanol plant and use it to perform a comparative analysis between the profitability that is generated by the maize exports to Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and the profitability generated by the bioethanol plant in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data. The mixed method approach was chosen owing to the nature of the study which required an analysis of qualitative and quantitative data in order to achieve its objectives.

Findings

The findings from a qualitative instrument indicated that a majority of respondents were in favour of the decision of excluding maize for bioethanol production made by the South African Government. Findings from quantitative analysis revealed that the profitability of the bioethanol plant was largely influenced by the prices of feedstock and bioethanol.

Research limitations/implications

This research was a deterministic feasibility study which ignores the risk associated with price fluctuation of raw materials and products. A probabilistic feasibility study was recommended (Monte Carlo simulation). Such economic data can also help policymakers and investors to make informed decisions.

Originality/value

The study recommended the need to produce bioethanol from the maize cultivated in available arable soils in South Africa, thus alleviating the cost burden of importing oil and obnoxious environmental effects.
Propaganda as marketing
Authors: Gardeström Elin
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the use of two concepts, propaganda and advertisement, in two areas of Swedish society during the 1930s; first, their use by the advertisement business, and second, their use by the Swedish Cooperative Union and Wholesale Society.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting a perspective of conceptual history, inspired by Reinhart Koselleck, the author is trying to pinpoint the meanings that were ascribed to these concepts in a 1930s context, the interdependency between these concepts and other keywords that were used in connection with them.

Findings

The study reveals how the ambiguous and synonymous use of these concepts served different purposes in the two fields of study. In the 1930s, propaganda was a key concept of communication and was used in manifold ways for selling goods and disseminating ideas. Propaganda was used to explain the newly introduced American marketing terminology. During the 1930s, the field of advertisement was trying to change what previously had been labeled as “idea propaganda” into “advertisement.” The ambiguous use of concepts made it possible for the Swedish Cooperative Union and Wholesale Society to combine advertisement for their produced goods with disseminating ideas of the cooperative ideology. The concepts of enlightenment (upplysning) and propaganda were crucial to hold together the ideological and commercial parts of the cooperative movement.

Originality/value

The interaction of meanings between commercial and political concepts is rarely researched in conceptual history or marketing history, which this article advocates to be an important field of study.
Boundary conditions for the emergence of relational trust among exporters and importers
Authors: Ceyhan Semih , Dogan Ismail Cagri , Yildiz Mehmet , Barca Mehmet
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study looks to the answer of whether importers and exporters can develop relational trust and minimize the monitoring and control costs used to prevent opportunistic behavior in a trust relationship. Despite increasing scholarly interest in calculative and relational trust, the boundary conditions affecting the transformation of calculative trust into relational trust remain unaddressed. In response, this study aims to investigate the boundary conditions for the emergence of relational trust in inter-organizational relationships between Chinese exporters and Turkish importers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from Turkish SMEs that import from China. To measure trust between parties, semi-structured interviews with top managers and/or decision-making company owners were conducted. Interview questions covered three categories: antecedents of trust, ways of developing trust and outcomes of trust.

Findings

Results indicated that inter-organizational relationships between Chinese and Turkish firms lack relational-based trust. Most trade transactions between two parties are based on calculations of profit/loss, and Turkish firms use intermediary mechanisms to overcome lack of trust in this environment. The most important boundary conditions for the emergence of relational trust are behavioral uncertainty, the opportunistic behavior of Chinese suppliers and language and cultural barriers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the hitherto unaddressed question of what the boundary conditions are for the transformation of calculative trust into relational trust.
Using statistically designed experiment to optimize vacuum-assisted post-processing of binder jetted specimens
Authors: Movrin Dejan , Luzanin Ognjan , Guduric Vera
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a vacuum-assisted post-processing method for use in binder jetted technology. The method is based on six key technological parameters and uses standard, commercially available consumables to achieve improvement in tensile strength, as well as the microstructure and porosity of the infiltrated matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

Six key technological parameters were systematically varied as factors on three levels, using design of experiment, i.e. definitive screening design. Surface response methodology was used to optimize the process and yield optimal tensile strength for the given range of input factors. Thus obtained, the optimized factor settings were used in a set of confirmation runs, where the result of optimization was experimentally confirmed. To confirm improvement in microstructure of the infiltrated matrix, SEM analysis was performed, while the reduction of porosity was analyzed using mercury porosimetry.

Findings

The obtained results indicate that, compared to its conventional counterpart, the proposed, optimized infiltration method yields improvement in tensile strength which is significant from both the statistical and engineering point of view, while reducing porosity by 3.5 times, using only standard consumables. Scanning electron microscopy examination of fractured specimens’ micrographs also revealed significant morphological differences between the conventional and proposed method of post-processing. This primarily reflects in higher surface area under hardened epoxy infiltrate, which contributes to increased load capacity of specimen cross-section.

Research limitations/implications

At the present stage of development, the most important limitation of the proposed method is the overall size of models which can be accommodated in standard vacuum impregnation units. Although, in this study, the infiltration method did not prove statistically significant, further investigation is required with models of complex geometry, various sizes and mass arrangements, where infiltration would be more challenging and could possibly result in different findings.

Practical implications

The most important practical implication of this study is the experimentally verified result of optimization, which showed that tensile strength and matrix microstructure can be significantly improved, using just standard consumables.

Social implications

Improved strength contributes to reduction of material consumption, which, in a longer run, can be beneficial for environment protection and sustainable development.

Originality/value

Based on literature review, there have been no previous investigations which studied the tensile strength of infiltrated specimens through design of experiment, which involved specimen preheating temperature, level and duration of vacuum treatment of infiltrate mixture and infiltrated specimens and infiltration method.
Characterization of a granulate-based strand deposition process in the FLM-method for definition of material-dependent process strategies
Authors: Schmidt Leander , Schricker Klaus , Bergmann Jean Pierre , Hussenöder Felix , Eiber Mathias
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to characterize the suitability of a direct extrusion process in the fused layer manufacturing (FLM)-method under processing of granulated plastics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a granulate-based direct extrusion system in the FLM method is presented. This system is characterized with respect to the strand deposition mechanism and resulting component properties (geometrically and mechanically).

Findings

The extruder output could be identified as a linear relation between the applied extruder speed and the resulting mass flow. A developed model for the material and temperature-dependent strand deposition process was validated under experimental investigations. Further, it was possible to define process windows to realize desired strand widths and strand heights. In addition, analyses were conducted to determine the tensile strength transversely to the orientation of the layer plane.

Research limitations/implications

The extrusion system was characterized under the processing of materials ABS Magnum 8434 and PLA Ingeo 4043D. Due to the restricted choice of materials, further investigations are planned under an extension of the test materials. Furthermore, the degree of the geometric complexity of the test components should be increased to finally characterize the process.

Originality/value

By means of the characterization of the direct extrusion system, it is possible for users to classify the process and to use the process in specific application areas. In comparison to filament-based extrusion systems, significant advantages can be achieved by means of direct extrusion. These include, for example, the use of less expensive work materials (by factor >10), the use of existing test certificates and the advantage of higher mechanical properties. This makes it possible to meet modern product requirements and to produce competitive components.
Contribution to the evaluation of safety barriers performance
Authors: Hefaidh Hadef , Djebabra Mebarek , Lila Sedrat , Mouna Taghelabet
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The risk control is an unavoidable step in the risk management process. It is materialized by concrete actions of risks reduction in order to decrease their likelihood and/or their severity and also to preserve the environment. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The main goal of the proposed methodology is to define the safety barriers (SB) that can be realized and their contribution to reduce major accidents scenarios that may occur in high-risk establishments.

Findings

In the proposed methodology, the authors present a combination of methods to prove the effectiveness of SB in an industrial installation.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology is a valuable help to industrialists to secure their industrial activities and preserve the environment at the same time.

Originality/value

The retained methods are often used separately for audit purposes or risk assessments of high-risk industrial facilities. In this paper, three methods have been selected and articulated in an approach for a better evaluation of risk control level.
Comparative Evaluation on the Quality and Shelf life of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Filets Using Microwave and Conventional Pasteurization in Combination with Novel Packaging Methods
Authors: Lerfall Jørgen , Jakobsen Anita Nordeng , Skipnes Dagbjørn , Waldenstrøm Lene , Hoel Sunniva , Rotabakk Bjørn Tore
Published: November 2018

A comparative evaluation on the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) on quality and shelf life of Atlantic salmon loins pasteurized with microwave and conventional technology was conducted. The experimental design allowed CO2 to enter the salmon muscle before (soluble gas stabilization [SGS] + vacuum) or after pasteurization (CO2 emitter + vacuum), whereas the control samples (vacuum only) were not presented for CO2. This setup resulted in six different groups; three heated with microwaves and three with conventional pasteurization. The core temperature of microwave samples was 58.8 ± 2.2 °C, whereas the surface temperature was equal to the oven temperature (62 °C) during conventional pasteurization and close to the core temperature during microwave pasteurization (57.6 ± 1.4 °C). Microwave‐heated samples showed higher microbial growth; decreased shelf life; and darker (lower L*‐value), more reddish (higher a*‐value), and yellowish (higher b*‐value) colors compared to conventional‐heated salmon. Lowest liquid loss (LL) was observed in salmon packaged with the CO2 emitter, whereas a SGS step prior to pasteurization did not affect the LL negatively as compared to samples packaged in vacuum only. Treatment with CO2, independent of the prestep using SGS or an emitter, resulted in increased shelf life. Protein denaturation, microbial growth, product color, product shelf life, and sensory properties of the salmon loin were significantly affected by the applied pasteurization method (microwave‐ or conventional pasteurization). However, the heat load was probably too high to detect differences resulting from the pretreatment using SGS or packaging with CO2 emitter.

Practical Application

Recent developments with increased time pressure from both work and past time activities have led to a tremendous increase in the demand for convenient, tasty ready‐to‐use food options. Furthermore, contemporary trends for consumption of fresh or lightly processed seafood stress the need to develop processing methods that allow a fulfillment of these demands, while still offering a reasonable shelf life. Carbon dioxide in combination with either microwave or conventional pasteurization is innovative processing technology that can meet consumer's demand of such products.
The Distinctive Value of Elections and the Case for Compulsory Voting
Authors: Chapman Emilee Booth
Published: November 2018

In this article, I defend compulsory voting on the grounds that it reinforces the distinctive and valuable role that elections play in contemporary democracy. Some scholars have suggested that mandatory voting laws can improve government responsiveness to members of poor and marginalized groups who are less likely to vote. Critics of compulsory voting object that citizens can participate in a wide variety of ways; voting is not important enough to justify forcing people to do it. These critics neglect the importance of voting's particular role in contemporary democratic practice, though. The case for compulsory voting rests on an implicit, but widely shared, understanding of elections as special moments of mass participation that manifest the equal political authority of all citizens. The most prominent objections to mandatory voting fail to appreciate this distinctive role for voting and the way it is embedded within a broader democratic framework.
Rescue therapy for hypercapnia due to high PEEP mechanical ventilation in patients with ARDS and renal failure
Authors: Grant April A. , Hart Valerie J. , Lineen Edward B. , Forsberg Brian C. , Klima Alan , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Schulman Ivonne H. , Badiye Amit , Vianna Rodrigo M. , Patel Amit , Loebe Matthias , Ghodsizad Ali
Published: November 2018

Extracorporeal removal of carbon dioxide in patients experiencing severe hypercapnia due to lung protective mechanical ventilation was first described over four decades ago. There have been many devices developed and described in the interim, many of which require additional training, resources, and staff. This manuscript describes a readily available and relatively simple adjunct that can provide partial lung support in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome complicated by severe hypercapnia and acute kidney injury requiring dialysis.
A Robust Removing Unwanted Variation–Testing Procedure via -Divergence
Authors: Hung Hung
Published: November 2018

Identification of differentially expressed genes (DE genes) is commonly conducted in modern biomedical research. However, unwanted variation inevitably arises during the data collection process, which can make the detection results heavily biased. Various methods have been suggested for removing the unwanted variation while keeping the biological variation to ensure a reliable analysis result. Removing unwanted variation (RUV) has recently been proposed for this purpose, which works by virtue of negative control genes. On the other hand, outliers frequently appear in modern high-throughput genetic data, which can heavily affect the performances of RUV and its downstream analysis. In this work, we propose a robust RUV-testing procedure (a robust RUV procedure to remove unwanted variance, followed by a robust testing procedure to identify DE genes) via -divergence. The advantages of our method are twofold: (a) it does not involve any modeling for the outlier distribution, which makes it applicable to various situations; (b) it is easy to implement in the sense that its robustness is controlled by a single tuning parameter of -divergence, and a data-driven criterion is developed to select . When applied to real data sets, our method can successfully remove unwanted variation, and was able to identify more DE genes than conventional methods.
Variation in bucco‐palatal maxillary sinus width does not permit a meaningful sinus classification
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Mick René‐Bernard , Heimel Patrick , Gahleitner André , Stavropoulos Andreas , Ulm Christian
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The bucco‐palatal sinus width (SW) appears as relevant factor for graft consolidation after maxillary sinus (MS) floor augmentation. The present study aimed to assess (a) SW at different height levels of posterior teeth, (b) possible factors influencing SW, and (c) whether a simple/meaningful sinus classification based on SW is possible.

Methods

The following parameters were recorded on computed tomographies of 76 edentulous and 86 partially edentulous maxillary quadrants displaying 383 tooth sites in total: (a) alveolar ridge height, (b) ‐area, (c) ‐width 2 mm apical to the alveolar crest, (d) ‐width at the sinus floor, and (e) SW and sinus area at a level 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm above the sinus floor. The possible influence of gender, tooth position [i.e., premolar (PM); molar (M)], tooth‐gap extent, and residual alveolar ridge dimensions on SW was assessed. Further, based on percentiles of average values or on the frequency distribution of SW <10, 10–15, or >15 mm, it was attempted to classify the sinus at each given site into narrow, average, or wide.

Results

Gender and tooth‐gap extent presented no relevant impact on MS dimensions; however, significant differences were observed among the various tooth positions regarding all evaluated parameters. The lower the residual alveolar ridge, the wider the MS at 4–10 mm height, while the wider the residual alveolar ridge, the wider the MS. Large variation in SW classes among the different height levels within the same tooth position and among tooth positions within the same person was observed, irrespective of the threshold applied. Further, at a MS height of 10 mm at PM1, PM2, M1, and M2, SW was <10 mm in 68%, 33%, 0%, and 7% of the cases, respectively, while in 3%, 21%, 65%, and 57%, respectively, SW was >15 mm.

Conclusions

There is a large variation in SW depending on the height level within the sinus and on tooth position, which does not permit a simple/meaningful classification of each sinus as “narrow,” “average,” or “wide.” Nevertheless, narrow sinuses (<10 mm) are rather prevalent in the premolar region, while wide sinuses (>15 mm) in the molar region; further, a wider and shorter residual alveolar ridge is associated with a wider SW.
Limited open access in socioecological systems: How do communities deal with environmental unpredictability?
Authors: Chiaravalloti Rafael Morais , Dyble Mark
Published: November 2018

Classical theory on the commons holds that rules are fundamental to sustainability. However, open access may be present in many sustainable socioecological systems. Here, we explore the interaction between environmental unpredictability and cooperation in a fishery in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. We show that a variable annual flood pulse combined with channel blockages results in a high turnover in fishing grounds. To counter this variability, fishers openly share information about fishing areas with all community members, but are highly territorial with neighboring communities. We argue that this open access within communities but common property between communities represents a system of limited open access and, using a mathematical model, suggest that such a system is favored under conditions of moderate competition and high levels of resource unpredictability. Failing to take into account the social norms that underpin limited open access systems may undermine conservation interventions.
Neutrophilic figurate erythema of infancy: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Hamidi Sepehr , Prose Neil S. , Selim Maria A.
Published: November 2018

Neutrophilic figurate erythema of infancy (NFEI) is a rare variant of annular erythema of infancy. It is characterized by annular erythematous plaques, occasionally with a polycyclic configuration. The main challenge is to differentiate this rare entity from other figurate erythemas associated with serious diseases such as neonatal lupus erythematosus. We present the case of a 9‐month‐old female admitted with a skin rash of unclear etiology. The rash started on her face at the age of 3 months and gradually spread to her extremities. She had no constitutional symptoms, and her health and development were otherwise unremarkable since birth. This persistent skin eruption consisted of many ill‐defined erythematous papules and annular plaques. Histologic examination revealed perivascular neutrophils and eosinophils with abundant nuclear dust without signs of vasculitis. NFEI is a diagnostic enigma both clinically and histologically. Absence of an underlying cause, dermal neutrophilic infiltrate with leukocytoclasis, and lack of vascular damage are the keys to diagnosis.
The generative power of metaphor: long‐term action research on disaster recovery in a small Japanese village
Authors: Atsumi Tomohide , Seki Yoshihiro , Yamaguchi Hironori
Published: November 2018

Disaster recovery is a dynamic process of creating, maintaining, and changing the meaningful context of survivors. It is completed when they redevelop their self‐reliance and resume managing their social relations with a sense of community. This study employed action research to examine how researchers and survivors collaborated to change disaster recovery through the generative power of metaphor in a small village in Japan that experienced the Niigata–Chuetsu earthquake on 23 October 2004. It outlines long‐term collaborative practices as survivors undertook new activities owing to the power of the metaphor of ‘school’. Once ‘school’ was adopted as the metaphor for where survivors learnt new skills and passed on traditional knowledge, they created new metaphors and performed new activities independently, which is critical for recovery as it demonstrates self‐reliance. The paper assesses the reasons why generative metaphors worked effectively in this case and highlights some academic and practical implications for disaster recovery.
Fracture analysis of V‐notched rubbers: An experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Heydari‐Meybodi Mahdi , Ayatollahi Majid R. , Dehghany Mohammad , Berto Filippo
Published: November 2018

In this study, the rupture load in rubbers weakened by sharp V‐notch is investigated under mode I loading. To this end, first, mode I fracture tests are performed on V‐notched samples made of styrene‐butadiene rubbers and the corresponding rupture loads are obtained. Then, the effective stretch (ES) criterion, which was recently developed by the present authors for rupture assessment of cracked rubber parts, is extended and used for the V‐notched rubbers. It is shown that similar to cracked rubbers, the state of stress near the notch tip is also nearly uniaxial. By employing the ES criterion, the critical displacements corresponding to the rupture in the tested samples are calculated. Finally, the predictions of the criterion are compared with the corresponding experimental values, and good consistency is shown to exist.
Connected Seas II: The perception and memory of the seas
Authors: North Michael
Published: November 2018

The second part of my article “Connected Seas” examines the perception and memory of the seas as an element of maritime connectivity. It introduces the concept of realm of memory (lieu de mémoire) into maritime history. In four comparative case studies on the Sound, the Straits of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles, and the Straits of Malacca, the application of the concept of lieu de mémoire is tested with respect to the various memories of the seafaring nations and ethnic communities.
Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large pheochromocytoma: Comparative outcomes
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Kitahara Seiji , Ito Hideaki , Oba Kazuo , Ohmi Chietaka , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To evaluate operative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy through a transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneal approach for large (>5 cm in diameter) pheochromocytomas.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the results of a transperitoneal approach with those of a retroperitoneal approach in 22 patients (mean age 57.5 years, range 38–76 years) with unilateral large pheochromocytomas (12 right, 10 left). The mean body mass index, operation time, pneumoperitoneum time, estimated blood loss, fluctuation in blood pressure and complication rate were compared between the two approaches.

Results

The mean tumor diameter (range) was 7.0 cm (range 5.2–15.5 cm), and no significant differences were observed between the transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneal approach in any baseline clinical parameter. For right‐sided procedures, significant differences were found for operation time (113 vs 85 min), pneumoperitoneum time (93 vs 64 min) and estimated blood loss (96 vs 23 mL; P < 0.05, transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneal approach, respectively). No open conversion or recurrence was reported, but one right transperitoneal approach case required blood transfusion. No difference in these parameters was noted on the left side.

Conclusions

For right side procedures, the retroperitoneal approach is feasible, safer and faster than the transperitoneal approach for large pheochromocytomas. Early transection of the feeding artery is beneficial for managing the tumor and reducing the risk of bleeding.
Regional Rural‐Urban Differences in E‐Cigarette Use and Reasons for Use in the United States
Authors: Mumford Elizabeth A. , Stillman Frances A. , Tanenbaum Erin , Doogan Nathan J. , Roberts M. E. , Wewers M. E. , Chelluri Devi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To determine whether there are rural/urban differences in e‐cigarette use and reasons for use that vary across the 10 Health & Human Services (HHS) regions.

Methods

Age‐adjusted bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted for n = 225,413 respondents to the 2014–2015 Tobacco Use Supplement‐Current Population Survey to estimate the prevalence of e‐cigarette use. Reasons for e‐cigarette use were collected from n = 16,023 self‐respondents who reported ever using e‐cigarettes.

Findings

While nationally rural residents appeared more likely to use e‐cigarettes, adjusted results indicated that current e‐cigarette use was significantly less likely across the northern and western regions (New England, East North Central, Heartland, North Central Mountain, Northwest, and Southwest Pacific regions). Reasons for e‐cigarette use differed by urban/rural status and region; for example, the rationale to use e‐cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid was significantly more common among rural compared to urban adults in the New England and New York/New Jersey regions, but less common in the Southeast.

Conclusions

For several regions, there were no significant rural/urban differences in e‐cigarette use and reasons for use. Yet those regions that present differences face the need to develop public health approaches to minimize urban/rural disparities in health education, services, and outcomes related to tobacco use, particularly where access to health care is limited. Public health campaigns and guidance for clinical care within HHS regions should be tailored to reflect regional differences in beliefs about e‐cigarettes.