bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly accurate and numerically stable computations of double-layer coaxial waveguides
Authors: Kubiczek Krzysztof , Kampik Marian
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and investigate a fast and accurate algorithm for the modeling of characteristic impedance of double-layer coaxial waveguides.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the newly developed numerically stable analytical formula for calculation of the characteristic impedance of double-layer coaxial conductor and its elements such as resistance, inductance, capacitance and conductance per unit length. The formula contains modified scaled Bessel functions. The results of the developed analytical formula were compared with results obtained from the axis-symmetric 2D and 3D finite element method (FEM) simulations, using three different solvers.

Findings

The proposed method shows a good agreement between results obtained with the new fast and stable analytical model and particular FEM models, selected depending on frequency range. The relative difference between characteristic impedance calculated using the new analytical method and obtained from chosen FEM method for discussed frequency range is less than 0.1 per cent which proves the correctness of the new analytical formula. Noteworthy is the fact that the relative difference of the resistance computed using the developed analytical method and obtained with Maxwell FEM solver for the frequency in range from 1 Hz to 10 MHz is less than 0.01 per cent. The presented work shows that when the calculations are performed over wide frequency range, it is necessary to use more than one solver, especially when the wavelength is comparable with dimensions of the conductor. The computation time of the new analytical model is much shorter than the computation time of FEM.

Originality/value

An efficient, numerically stable algorithm for computation of characteristic impedance of a double-layer coaxial conductor (waveguide).
Mixed multiscale three-node triangular elements for incompressible elasticity
Authors: Wu Wenan , Zheng Hong
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to introduce the hybrid finite element (FE) – meshfree method and multiscale variational principle into the traditional mixed FE formulation, leading to a stable mixed formulation for incompressible linear elasticity which circumvents the need to satisfy inf-sup condition.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the hybrid FE–meshfree method, the displacement and pressure are interpolated conveniently with the same order so that a continuous pressure field can be obtained with low-order elements. The multiscale variational principle is then introduced into the Galerkin form to obtain stable and convergent results.

Findings

The present method is capable of overcoming volume locking and does not exhibit unphysical oscillations near the incompressible limit. Moreover, there are no extra unknowns introduced in the present method because the fine-scale unknowns are eliminated using the static condensation technique, and there is no need to evaluate any user-defined stability parameter as the classical stabilization methods do. The shape functions constructed in the present model possess continuous derivatives at nodes, which gives a continuous and more precise stress field with no need of an additional smooth process. The shape functions in the present model also possess the Kronecker delta property, so that it is convenient to impose essential boundary conditions.

Originality/value

The proposed model can be implemented easily. Its convergence rates and accuracy in displacement, energy and pressure are even comparable to those of second-order mixed elements.
Diversity in under-researched countries: new empirical fields challenging old theories?
Authors: Klarsfeld Alain , Knappert Lena , Kornau Angela , Ngunjiri Faith Wambura , Sieben Barbara
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further restore diversity and equality to its national contexts by presenting new and so far less visible perspectives from under-researched countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This special issue consists of five articles representing four countries and one country-cluster: Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Korea and the English-speaking Caribbean. Three of the contributions are focused on gender diversity, while the remaining two are more general descriptions of diversity challenges and policies in the respective countries (namely, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the English-speaking Caribbean).

Findings

In addition to providing an overview of this issue’s articles, this paper highlights developments and current themes in country-specific equality and diversity scholarship. In particular, drawing on the special issue’s five papers, and building on the main threads that weave the special issue together, the authors show both the relevance of (some) western theories while also pointing to the need for reformulation of others.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude with a call to further explore under-researched contexts and especially to develop locally relevant, culture-sensitive theoretical frameworks.

Originality/value

How do smaller and less developed countries experience equality and diversity concepts? How are their approaches different from those experienced in already researched countries, or, on the contrary, what commonalities can be found found among them? How do theoretical frameworks originated in the West apply (or not) in these less studied countries? Are new, locally grounded frameworks needed to better capture the developments at play? Such are questions addressed by the contributions to this special issue.
Constructing the Norm-critical awareness scale
Authors: Tengelin Ellinor , Cliffordson Christina , Dahlborg Elisabeth , Berndtsson Ina
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Healthcare professionals’ conscious or unconscious norms, values and attitudes have been identified as partial explanations of healthcare inequity. Norm criticism is an approach that questions what is generally accepted as “normal” in society, and it enables professionals to identify norms that might cause prejudice, discrimination and marginalisation. In order to assess norm-critical awareness, a measurement scale is needed. The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale for measuring norm-critical awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

The scale-development process comprised a qualitative item-generating phase and a statistical reduction phase. The item pool was generated from key literature on norm criticism and was revised according to an expert panel, pilot studies and one “think aloud” session. To investigate the dimensionality and to reduce the number of items of the scale, confirmatory factor analysis was performed.

Findings

The item-generation phase resulted in a 46-item scale comprising five theoretically derived dimensions revolving around function, consequences, identity, resistance and learning related to norms. The item-reduction phase resulted in an instrument consisting of five dimensions and 20 items. The analyses indicated that a summary score on the scale could be used to reflect the broad dimension of norm-critical awareness.

Originality/value

The Norm-critical awareness scale comprises five theoretically derived dimensions and can be used as a summary score to indicate the level of norm-critical awareness in educational contexts. This knowledge is valuable for identifying areas in greater need of attention.
The evaluation of learning transfer of industry skills council (ISC) training programs using success case method
Authors: Moon Hanna , Ryu Doam , Jeon Dongwon
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Industry skills council (ISC) in Korea is at an earlier stage in terms of its formation and incubation. As a governance model similar to sector councils in Canada and UK, it still requires training and development of talents who work for ISCs. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of training programs that are currently provided to personnel of the ISC to foster their learning systematically and to develop measures for effectiveness of the training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluated the training program for the staff of the ISC secretariat as a tool to activate the councils’ main functions. In terms of methodology, we developed an effective training model to measure the training transfer and used it as an analytical framework for evaluation. Success case method was applied to identify the best case of training transfer that reinforces the role and function of ISC.

Findings

Learning transfer can help not only the transfer of the learning contents but also the role of the organization that the members belong to and strengthen the function of the ISC. By transferring the content matter of the learning, it can help strengthen the capacity of members to carry out the roles and functions of the ISC, and further strengthen the functions of the council and the role of key players in labor markets.

Research limitations/implications

An effective training model for the personnel of national sectoral bodies or non-profit organization can be further investigated.

Practical implications

The learning transfer evaluation model for ISC staff has unique characteristics that are different from previous studies. ISC has the characteristics of public goods that are established with government support and are active in developing human resources in each industry sector.

Originality/value

Incubating ISC in South Korea is at an earlier stage in terms of research and policy practice. The research findings in this study lay the foundations for further empirical explorations.
A study of variation theory to enhance students’ genre awareness and learning of genre features
Authors: To Kwok-Kuen , Pang Ming Fai
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how different arrangements, such as lesson structures and patterns of variation, enhance students’ genre awareness, their understanding of genre features of informative text and can generate new learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an example of learning study consisting of a design experiment, and embedded in the design was the selected test criteria. The variation theory of learning served as the major guiding principle for the pedagogical design, lesson analysis and evaluation.

Findings

The findings of this study give support to variation theory being a powerful pedagogical tool for improving students’ understanding of informative texts and enabling them to generate new learning. Students in the target group who had more opportunities to encounter the “first contrast, next contrast and last generalisation” pattern of variation performed better than those in the comparison group, who were exposed to the “first generalisation, next contrast and last generalisation” pattern. The pure hierarchical lesson structure used for the target group was found to be more conducive to learning than the mixed structure (sequential–hierarchical structure) used in the comparison group.

Originality/value

Both the lesson structure and patterns of variation and invariance used are extremely important in developing a powerful method of enhancing students’ genre awareness, their understanding of genre features of informative text and to generate new learning.
Study to promote the sustainable mobility in university
Authors: Scheffer Ana Paula , Pagnussat Cechetti Viviane , Lauermann Lisandra Paola , Riasyk Porto Eliara , Dalla Rosa Francisco
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The United Nations (2030 Agenda) recognize the need to work with sustainable urban mobility problems such as traffic jams, pollution, inadequate infrastructure are becoming recurring issues in urban centers, directly affecting the quality of life. Such an unsustainable system is frequently observed at universities, as these houses a large concentration of people and vehicles, without proper planning. To promote sustainable strategies at universities, this research aims to focus on the sustainable mobility plan (SMP) applied at the University of Passo Fundo (UPF).

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliographic research about the current mobility of the campus has been carried out. A questionnaire was distributed to understand opinions about the subject of key people.

Findings

The priority treatment given to vehicles, mostly, is an alert factor, which must be solved immediately, considering the need of planning and restructuring it. The suggestions of possible solutions were also relevant, and are being considered for the plan’s implementation.

Originality/value

This study stands out for using the 2030 Agenda, specifically Goal 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), using the university campus as a study object. The mobility plan elaboration was constituted by several actions to fill all parts of the mentioned goal. This study stands out because its methodology can be used in other universities besides UPF and also, to a larger scale, in cities, with similar technical features.
Including SDGs in the education of globally responsible leaders
Authors: Arruda Filho Norman de Paula , Hino Marcia Cassitas , Przybylowicz Beuter Barbara Sueli
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion of the role of education in developing a new mindset for sustainability leadership by analyzing a project of a Brazilian business school that implemented a sustainability training module regarding the UN 2030 Agenda. Considering the purpose of signatory school of the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education, this analysis reflects on the student capacities to become sustainable future value generators for business and society in general.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is characterized as a quantitative research whose strategy is the investigation between variables to understand the learning evolution of the study participants in each of the topics addressed in the training module. The research has a positivist approach that explores data using statistical methods to detect possible behavior patterns in the analyzed data volume, based on secondary data sourced from the questionnaire that validated student knowledge at the beginning and end of the class.

Findings

The data show a considerable impact of education in developing a new mindset for sustainability leadership as there is a big variation students’ average knowledge of the themes that made up the sustainability mindset suggesting that the students’ exposure to the content in the school environment helps increase their knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills the need to understand the effectiveness of the creation of specific modules of sustainability for students from different areas of activity.
Applying SERVQUAL
Authors: Gregory Jess L.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Austerity approaches in higher education require choosing the highest leverage strategies of increasing student satisfaction. Attending to student perceptions of program/service quality (SERVQUAL) is a means to identify areas that have the greatest return on investment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores how a program has applied the SERVQUAL model and survey to identify areas for growth.

Findings

The survey of 57 students in a cohort-based doctoral program demonstrated the smallest gaps (highest satisfaction) with the domains of empathy (1.33) and responsiveness (1.30) and the lowest with reliability (2.03), tangibles (1.97) and assurance (1.90).

Practical implications

While not all of the five dimensions are within the purview of a program to address (some may require funding that is determined at a college or university level), many of the gaps can be addressed by adopting procedures and policies that increase transparency so that students can moderate their expectations and faculty and staff can provide reliable information. Additionally, the use of the SERVQUAL model provided this program with specific, actionable information that could be used to improve the program.

Originality/value

The study includes a review of studies that have applied the SERVQUAL model in higher education. The application of SERVQUAL to a cohort-based doctoral program to identify program improvements and steward program image fits into a gap in the extant literature.
Assessment of the perception of cultural heritage as an adaptive re-use and sustainable development strategy
Authors: Dogan Huriye Armagan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model which can measure the effect of perception on the assessment of cultural heritage by analysing the façades of buildings for adaptive re-use and sustainable development strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focusses on the correlation between adaptive re-use and sustainability of cultural heritage, by analysing the invisible social context which has an impact on the establishment of adaptive re-use strategies. The method adopted included literature review and applied experiments for extending the methodology of Langston on the adaptive re-use potential model in order to establish a new tool which can be applied to cultural heritage. The assessment process followed the integrated cultural heritage management approach to identify the indicators which can be implemented on cultural heritage, and, furthermore, for the sustainability of the environment.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the perception of the society can rely on different indicators which affect people to assert an artefact as cultural heritage. Furthermore, these indicators can have an impact on the adaptive re-use strategies regarding the interaction with society. Societies’ perception should not be omitted, and they need to be integrated while evaluating and developing the strategy of adaptive re-use. Therefore, a holistic approach to this process can bring continuity and sustainability to the environment.

Originality/value

No similar prior studies on the perception of cultural heritage as an approach to adaptive re-use strategies have been carried out. Therefore, it is hoped that this model can lead and guide, and, furthermore, be adopted in other similar situations in the assessment and decision-making process of adaptive re-use.
The integration of mortgage and capital markets: a tale of two administrations
Authors: Parnes Dror , Nippani Srinivas
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to extend the literature by exploring the degrees of integration of both fixed and adjustable mortgage rates and diverse riskless (Treasury) and risky (corporate) interest rates in the capital markets from January 1, 2010, until November 7, 2018. This period is uniquely characterized by a sharp conversion on January 20, 2017, from enhanced financial regulation during the Obama administration to major deregulatory ambitions during the first 22 months of the Trump administration.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the augmented Dickey and Fuller and the Phillips and Perron unit root tests to examine time series stationarity and the Johansen cointegration rank and the Stock-Watson common trends tests to inspect various cointegrations and regressions of time series pairs to explore different effects. The authors deploy these techniques over the entire time frame, as well as for distinct sub-periods of similar length.

Findings

The authors conclude that a deregulatory setting favors cointegration between mortgage and non-corporate capital markets. However, an enriched regulatory environment supports cointegration between mortgage and corporate capital markets. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer protection Act from July 21, 2010, created a unique though short-term effect on the relationships between Treasury and corporate bonds and fixed-rate mortgages.

Practical implications

The journey contributes to the overall understanding of the interactions among US financial markets. They are considered efficient, competitive and fully developed if their prices quickly adjust to economic changes and regulatory transformations.

Originality/value

The authors study the degrees of integration of various conventional and adjustable mortgage rates and different fixed and floating interest rates in the US capital markets from January 1, 2010, until November 7, 2018. This recent time frame has yet to be examined in the economic literature. This period is also characterized by a sharp transformation on January 20, 2017, from enhanced financial regulation during the Obama administration to major deregulatory drives during the first 22 months of the Trump administration.
Empowering leadership and innovative work behavior: a moderated mediation examination
Authors: Rao Jada Umamaheswara , Mukhopadhyay Susmita , Titiyal Rohit
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the relationship between empowering leadership and the innovative work behavior of employees. Utilizing a moderated mediation mechanism, the study additionally uncovers the mediating impact of knowledge sharing and the moderating influence of role clarity in the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional design was used in the study, and developed questionnaires were administered to 235 supervisor-subordinates dyads working in Indian organizations to test the proposed relationships. SPSS 20 and AMOS 20 were used for statistical analysis.

Findings

The hypothesized moderated mediation model was supported. Knowledge sharing mediated the relationship between empowering leadership and innovative work behavior. The moderating impact of role clarity between empowering leadership and knowledge sharing was supported. It was also observed that stronger role clarity strengthened the indirect relationship between empowering leadership and innovative work behavior. Overall, the study shows that empowering leaders creates a cultivating climate for innovative work behavior by encouraging knowledge sharing among the members subject to clear identification of employee roles.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional design of the study limits the authors from drawing definitive generalizations. Self-reported measures used in the study increase the chances of bias.

Practical implications

Findings of the study can be utilized by leaders for promoting innovative work behavior in the organization, which has been identified as a key to organizational growth and development.

Originality/value

The study attempts to address the under developed relationship between empowering leadership and innovative work behavior.
The influence of customer characteristics on frontline employees’ customer need knowledge
Authors: Hüttel Björn A. , Ates Zelal , Schumann Jan Hendrik , Büttgen Marion , Haager Stephanie , Komor Marcin , Volz Julian
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of individual customer characteristics on frontline employees’ (FLEs) customer need knowledge (CNK), a construct that objectively measures FLEs’ ability to accurately identify a given customer’s hierarchy of needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses hierarchical data involving the customer and bank advisor levels in the banking sector of three European countries. The matched sample consisted of 1,166 customers and 332 employees. To account for the nested structure of the data, the study used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) using HLM software.

Findings

The results show that customers’ financial experience and risk aversion positively influence CNK and customer-perceived responsibility for the service outcome negatively impacts CNK. The results further show the impact of individual customer cultural values on CNK, which can be influenced by customer-oriented employee training. Cross-level interaction effects indicate that training measures can reverse negative influences of customers’ high power distance and uncertainty avoidance on CNK, whereas for customers characterized by high long-term orientations, training measures can backfire.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research on the antecedents of FLEs’ CNK by examining the currently overlooked influence of individual customer characteristics that are pertinent to the employee–customer interaction process. The study reveals customer characteristics as a new area of antecedents influencing FLEs’ accurate perceptions of customer needs.
Optimization of aqueous extraction of orevactaene and flavanoid pigments produced by Epicoccum nigrum
Authors: Kaur Sawinder , Panesar Paramjit S. , Gurumayum Sushma , Rasane Prasad , Kumar Vikas
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The extraction of bioactive compounds such as pigments from natural sources, using different solvents, is a vital downstream process. The present study aims to investigate the effect of different variables, namely, extraction temperature, mass of fermented rice and time on the extraction process of orevactaene and flavanoid pigment from Epicoccum nigrum fermented broken rice.

Design/methodology/approach

Central composite rotatable design under response surface methodology was used for deducing optimized conditions. The pigments were extracted under conditions of extraction temperature (40-70°C), mass of fermented rice (0.5-1.5 g) and time (30-90 min), using water as the extraction media. The experimental data obtained were studied by analysis of variance. Data were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The optimum conditions generated by the software for aqueous extraction process, i.e. extraction temperature of 55.7°C, 0.79 g of fermented matter and extraction time of 56.6 min, resulted in a pigment yield of 52.7AU/g orevactaene and 77.2 AU/g flavanoid.

Research limitations/implications

The developed polynomial empirical model for the optimal recovery of the orevactaene and flavanoid pigments could be used for further studies in prediction of yield under specified variable conditions.

Practical implications

The response surface methodology helped in optimizng the conditions for the eco-friendly low-cost aqueous extarction process for orevactaene and flavanoid pigments, produced by Epicoccum nigrum during solid state fermentation of broken rice. This optimization can provide the basis for scaling up for industrial extraction process.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on optimizing the extraction conditions to get the maximum yield of orevactaene and flavanoid pigments, using water as the extracting media. No literature is available on the optimization of the extraction process of Epicoccum nigrum pigments, to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
Factors affecting investors’ decision regarding investment in Islamic Sukuk
Authors: Duqi Andi , Al-Tamimi Hussein
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of UAE investors regarding their investment preference of Sukuk versus conventional bonds.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified questionnaire was used in this study with the objective of answering the research questions and testing the developed hypothesis. The survey was conducted on a sample of investors of the UAE Dubai Financial Market, which is one of the main exchanges where Sukuk are traded.

Findings

The results indicate that Sukuk features (characteristics) represent the most important influencing factor in the willingness of UAE investors to invest in Islamic Sukuk, followed by the religious factor, as strongly predicted, followed by the expected return and followed by the availability of information. Finally, the results indicate that there is no significant difference in investment in Sukuk among UAE investors based on investors’ gender.

Originality/value

The current study is considered the first of its kind conducted on the UAE. As far as the authors know, there are no studies that focus specifically on social and economic factors that affect the propensity of investors to trade in Sukuk.
Barriers to environmental sustainability of construction projects
Authors: Opoku De-Graft Joe , Ayarkwa Joshua , Agyekum Kofi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The construction industry plays an important role in the achievement of the 11th and 15th of the Sustainable Development Goals. Efforts have been made by most developing and developed economies toward the achievement of these goals. Despite the efforts being made by the construction industry toward the achievement of these goals, there are still barriers that prevent built environment consultants from advancing environmental sustainability (ES) of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to identify barriers to ES of construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review on barriers to the adoption of ES was conducted and face-to-face semi-structured interviews of purposively selected built environment consultants in Ghana were carried out. Thematic template analysis of qualitative data was conducted.

Findings

The key findings from the study include perceived initial costs, lack of knowledge on ES, technological difficulties, external pressures in adopting ES practices and environmental conditions in developing countries.

Originality/value

The outputs of this study offer strategies which are very significant to the construction industry in embracing ES. Further, the findings contribute to knowledge on achieving the sustainable development agenda.
Commercial rights management in post-legislative Olympic sponsorship
Authors: Burton Nicholas , Bradish Cheri
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of preventative counter-ambush marketing initiatives and rights protection strategies, providing an historical view of rights management and the International Olympic Committee’s sponsorship protection initiatives through ambush marketing’s formative years.

Design/methodology/approach

In examining the antecedents and implications of the Canadian Olympic Committee’s (COC) forward-thinking approach to ambush marketing protection, and to explore the development of preventative counter-ambush initiatives, an historical examination of IOC and COC policies and protocols regarding ambushing and sponsorship protection over a 30-year period was undertaken, informing the development of a proposed model of proactive commercial rights management.

Findings

The findings indicate that a progressive shift in the counter-ambush activities of major commercial rights holders may be underway: increasingly, the COC has stressed education and communication as key components of their commercial rights protection strategy, in lieu of enforcing the legal protection provided them by the Olympic and Paralympic Marks Act of 2007. The resultant commercial rights management model proposed reflects this proactive approach, and illustrates the need for events and sponsorship stakeholders to Anticipate, (Re)Act and Advocate.

Originality/value

The study offers a contemporary perspective into counter-ambush strategies within the context of the COC’s brand protection measures and industry practice. The proactive approach to commercial rights management explored represents a significant step in ambush marketing prevention on the part of the COC.
Processing, Nutrition, and Functionality of Hempseed Protein: A Review
Authors: Wang Qingling , Xiong Youling L.
Published: May 2019

The increasing demand for plant proteins, along with rising awareness of the nutritional and functional roles of dietary proteins, has prompted the nutrition and food industry to explore nontraditional protein sources. Hempseed protein with its excellent nutritional value and superior digestibility has drawn great interest in both scientific and industrial fields. In this review, the chemistry and nutritional quality of hempseed protein and the health benefits of bioactive peptides derived thereof are highlighted. Processing, functionality, and application of various hemp protein products, including hempseed meal, hemp protein concentrates, and hemp protein isolates, are discussed. Moreover, recent advances in technological innovation to improve hempseed protein functionality are introduced. The objective of this review is to provide an updated summary of the research on hempseed protein and to fill the knowledge gap in the exploitation of potential nutritional, health, and processing benefits of this emerging protein source.
Effects of processing methods on nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae
Authors: Baek Minhee , Kim Mi‐Ae , Kwon Yun‐Suk , Hwang Jae‐Sam , Goo Tae‐Won , Jun Mira , Yun Eun‐Young
Published: May 2019

We examined the effects of different processing methods on the nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of mealworms. After processing with nine methods, we calculated the contents of protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, minerals (P, Ca, K, Fe, Na), vitamin B group (B1, B2, B3), moisture, and calories. When processed by freeze drying among freeze drying, hot air drying, oven broiling, roasting, pan frying, deep frying, boiling, steaming, and microwaving, the contents of protein, some minerals, and vitamins were the highest. The content of total minerals was lowest after deep frying, and those of vitamin B1 and B3 were the lowest after microwaving. Antioxidant activity was then evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. DPPH assays showed that microwaving, freeze drying, deep frying, steaming, boiling, and oven broiling of mealworms yielded scavenging activities of 20.9–29.0% at 2,000 μg/mL, which was similar to the activity level (22.7–33.2%) of 40–60 μM tocopherol. ABTS assays confirmed that only freeze‐dried mealworms at 2,000 μg/mL exhibited higher activity than 10 μM tocopherol. Interestingly, similar trends were found for antioxidant activity levels and total phenolic contents in mealworms.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for oligometastatic pulmonary tumors from cervical cancer
Authors: Hou Xiaorong , Wang Weiping , Zhang Fuquan , Hu Ke
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for oligometastatic pulmonary tumors from cervical cancer.

Methods

A total of 29 oligometastatic pulmonary lesions from cervical cancer in 19 patients were treated with SBRT in our institute from 2011 to 2016. Thirteen patients (68.4%) suffered with solitary lung metastasis, three patients (15.8%) with multiple unilateral lesions and three patients (15.8%) with bilateral lesions. The median size of lung lesions was 2 cm (0.7–5.6 cm). Patients underwent cone‐beam CT before the delivery of SBRT. The most common dose fractionation schemes were 64 Gy in eight fractions (eight lesions) and 56 Gy in seven fractions (seven lesions). Nine patients (47.4%) received systemic chemotherapy.

Results

The median follow‐up was 9.5 months (3.0–62.4 months). The one‐year overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS) and local control (LC) rates were 76.8%, 55.8% and 75.6%, respectively. The median PFS was 12.7 months. Six patients (31.6%) gained more than 20 months disease‐free survival. Eleven patients (57.9%) experienced tumor relapse, including seven patients with pulmonary relapse and four patients with extra‐pulmonary disease. Only one patient (5.3%) experienced symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (grade 2).

Conclusion

SBRT was an efficacy and safe approach for patients with oligometastatic pulmonary tumor from cervical cancer. SBRT should be considered as a potential alternative to resection for these patients.
The design modification of advanced ventricular assist device to enhance pulse augmentation and regurgitant flow shut‐off
Authors: Miyamoto Takuma , Byram Nicole , Karimov Jamshid H. , Adams Joseph , Dessoffy Raymond , Kuban Barry D. , Gao Shengqiang , Horvath David J. , Fukamachi Kiyotaka
Published: May 2019

The new Advanced ventricular assist device (Advanced VAD) has many features such as improving pulsatility and preventing regurgitant flow during pump stoppage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of design modifications of the Advanced VAD on these features in vitro. Bench testing of four versions of the Advanced VAD was performed on a static or pulsatile mock loop with a pneumatic device. After pump performance was evaluated, each pump was run at 3000 rpm to evaluate pulse augmentation, then was stopped to assess regurgitant flow through the pump. There was no significant difference in pump performance between the pump models. The average pulse pressure in the pulsatile mock loop was 23.0, 34.0, 39.3, 33.8, and 37.3 mm Hg without pump, with AV010, AV020 3S, AV020 6S, and AV020 RC, respectively. The pulse augmentation factor was 48%, 71%, 47%, and 62% with AV010, AV020 3S, AV020 6S, and AV020 RC, respectively. In the pump stop test, regurgitant flow was −0.60 ± 0.70, −0.13 ± 0.57, −0.14 ± 0.09, and −0.18 ± 0.06 L/min in AV010, AV020 3S, AV020 6S, and AV020 RC, respectively. In conclusion, by modifying the design of the Advanced VAD, we successfully showed the improved pulsatility augmentation and regurgitant flow shut‐off features.
Dialogic reading vs screen exposure intervention is related to increased cognitive control in preschool‐age children
Authors: Twait Emma , Farah Rola , Shamir Netta , Horowitz‐Kraus Tzipi
Published: May 2019

Aim

Shared reading leads to better language and executive functions. This study was designed to examine the effect of dialogic reading compared to screen‐exposed intervention on executive functions using behavioural and electroencephalogram measures.

Methods

The effect of six weeks of dialogic reading intervention on executive functions was examined in 16 children (seven females, 61.73 months, SD 7.07, min–max 50–170) vs 16 children exposed to screen (six females, 64.31 months, SD 64.31, min–max 52–74) recruited through posted ads in daycares in the north of Israel. Behavioural and attention/inhibition electroencephalogram tasks were used to assess the effects of intervention.

Results

Comparisons using t‐test showed that the dialogic reading group demonstrated higher executive functions and language scores vs the screen‐exposed group. Greater accuracy rates, shorter reaction times and a smaller gap between P300 amplitudes were found for the dialogic reading group compared to the screen group for the electroencephalogram task.

Conclusion

Dialogic reading intervention is related to improved executive functions and language abilities compared to screen‐based story‐telling. Parents and teachers should consider employing this method in preschool children as a facilitator for future academic abilities.
The incidence of cancer and mortality in paediatric onset inflammatory bowel disease in Denmark and Finland during a 23‐year period: a population‐based study
Authors: Malham Mikkel , Jakobsen Christian , Paerregaard Anders , Virta Lauri J. , Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Wewer Vibeke
Published: May 2019

Background

Recent studies report increased risks of both cancer and mortality in paediatric onset inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD) but the reproducibility of this is unknown.

Aim

To estimate the risk of cancer and mortality in the Danish and Finnish pIBD population in a 23‐year period compared to the general population.

Methods

The pIBD population was defined as individuals registered in the national patient registries with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) or IBD‐unclassified before their 18th birthday from 1992 to 2014. This cohort was cross referenced with the national cancer and mortality registries identifying all pIBD patients who subsequently developed cancer and/ or died and followed up to the end of 2014. Risk estimates are presented as standardised incidence ratios calculated based on incidence figures from the populations.

Results

Six thousand six hundred and eight‐nine patients with pIBD were identified (median age at follow‐up 22.3 years; median follow‐up: 9.6 years [interquartile range: 4.8‐16.0]). Seventy‐two subsequently developed cancer and 65 died. The standardised incidence ratio of cancer in general was 2.6 (95% CI: 1.8‐3.7) and 2.5 (95% CI: 1.8‐3.4) in CD and UC, respectively. The standardised mortality ratios were 2.2 (95% CI: 1.4‐3.4) and 3.7 (95% CI: 2.7‐5.0) in CD and UC, respectively. The leading causes for mortality were cancer, suicide and infections.

Conclusions

We found an increased risk of cancer and mortality in pIBD. This underlines the importance of cancer surveillance programs and assessment of mental health in the standard of care in adolescent pIBD patients.
Letter: high ferritin to haemoglobin ratio is related to early mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Gkamprela Eleana , Mani Iliana , Alexopoulou Alexandra , Vasilieva Larisa , Pouriki Sophia , Dourakis Spyros P.
Published: May 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Czaja papers. To view these articles, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15173 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15275.
Editorial: tailoring mycophenolate mofetil rescue therapy for success in autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Czaja Albert J.
Published: May 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Nicoll et al papers. To view these articles, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15248 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15276.
Letter: high ferritin to haemoglobin ratio is related to early mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis – author’s reply
Authors: Czaja Albert J.
Published: May 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Czaja and Gkamprela et al papers. To view
these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15173 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15266.
Letter: improving detection of colorectal cancer using two‐stage investigation process—faecal immunochemical test and urinary volatile organic compounds
Authors: Widlak Monika M. , Neal Matthew , Arasaradnam Ramesh P.
Published: May 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Bond et al paper. To view this article, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15140.
Rituximab and reduced‐intensity chemotherapy in children and adolescents with mature B‐cell lymphoma: interim results for 231 patients enrolled in the second Russian‐Belorussian multicentre study B‐NHL‐2010M
Authors: Maschan Alexey , Myakova Natalia , Aleinikova Olga , Abugova Yulia , Ponomareva Natalia , Belogurova Margarita , Fechina Larisa , Fedorova Alina , Grigor'eva Natalia , Lebedev Vladimir , Nikonova Olga , Shamardina Anastassia , Sharapova Guzel , Smirnova Nadezhda , Rudneva Anastassia , Volchkov Egor , Samochatova Elena
Published: May 2019

The value of adding rituximab to chemotherapy in children with aggressive B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) is still insufficiently studied. We enrolled 231 patients [mean age 9 years old (range 2–17); male:female ratio 3·4:1] with Burkitt (BL, 179 patients, 76·7%), diffuse large B‐cell (32 patients, 14%), primary mediastinal B‐cell (14 patients, 6%), and other (6 patients, 2·6%) B‐cell lymphomas in a prospective study of immuno‐chemotherapy. Stages were I–II in 32% and III–IV in 68% of the patients. Four doses of 375 mg/m2 rituximab were added to the Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Munster‐NHL‐90‐like chemotherapy, with methotrexate being reduced or omitted in the first 2 induction blocks. The complete remission rate was 100% in limited‐stage and 91·4% in advanced‐stage patients. Five advanced‐stage patients (2·2%) died in induction and 1 patient with stage 2 B‐NHL died in remission; 11 patients in the high‐risk group progressed on therapy (3 non‐BL are alive after salvage) and 5 relapsed. Sixteen patients (9·7%) with advanced stage disease proceeded to transplant. With a median follow‐up of 46 months, 98·5 ± 1% of patients with limited disease and 88·1 ± 2% (88·1% in Risk Group 3; 82·6% in Risk Group 4) in advanced stages are alive. This study confirmed that combined immunochemotherapy for B‐lymphomas is highly effective in children, despite reducing the intensity of the induction blocks.
How Much of Barrier to Entry is Occupational Licensing?
Authors: Blair Peter Q. , Chung Bobby W.
Published: May 2019

We exploit state variation in licensing laws to study the effect of licensing on occupational choice using a boundary discontinuity design. We find that licensing reduces equilibrium labour supply by an average of 17–27 per cent.
Adipogenesis induces growth inhibition of dedifferentiated liposarcoma
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Yu Dan Bi , Kim Mingi , Choi Yoon‐La
Published: May 2019

Well‐differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) are the most common types of liposarcoma. Although WDLPS and DDLPS patients receive intensive treatment including radical surgery and systemic therapy, their overall 5‐year survival rates are 90% and 30%, respectively, indicating that DDLPS is clinically more aggressive. We examined whether adipogenic stimulation induces adipogenesis in human WDLPS/DDLPS cells by using dexamethasone, indomethacin, insulin, and 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX), all putative medications or drugs. Functional in vitro experiments showed that treatment with these four compounds induced adipogenic potency by transcriptional and translational upregulation of genes related to the maintenance of stemness and adipogenic differentiation. Using in vivo xenograft models, we found that the induction of stemness and adipogenesis inhibited the tumorigenic potency of DDLPS. This study suggests a potential application of drug repositioning in which adipogenesis‐inducing compounds could be used to treat DDLPS patients in a clinical setting.
Approach to the unraveled questions over neuromuscular junction diseases
Authors: Murai Hiroyuki
Published: May 2019

This focused review series should be very useful to the readers, covering the various unraveled questions about neuromuscular disorders, such as anti‐low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 4, animal models and childhood myasthenia gravis.
Microvascular capillary assessment in relation to forearm blood flow
Authors: Henriksson Peter , Lind Lars , Qing Lu , Freyschuss Anna
Published: May 2019

Objective

To study whether vascular reactivity as assessed by the methods forearm blood flow (FBF) and postocclusive reactive hyperaemia (PRH) in the nail fold was related as a measure of endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in the microcirculation.

Methods

Microvascular reactivity was assessed in forearm blood flow and in the nail fold by vital capillaroscopy of individual microvessels as postocclusive reactive hyperaemia. Vascular reactivity was assessed at baseline (n = 25) as well as after infusion of acetylcholine and of sodium nitroprusside (n = 13). We also performed a multivariate regression analysis to assess whether forearm blood flow or flow‐mediated dilatation related to postocclusive reactive hyperaemia.

Results

This study showed a distinct microvascular response to both acetylcholine (endothelium‐dependent vasodilation) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium‐independent vasodilation) during forearm blood flow assessment and postocclusive reactive hyperaemia assessment in the nail fold (n = 13). These changes were inversely related (r‐ = −0·57; P<0·05).

Conclusions

Forearm blood flow was inversely correlated to postocclusive reactive hyperaemia. Postocclusive reactive hyperaemia was shortened after infusion with both acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. This occurred in parallel with the expected increase in forearm blood flow, conceivably reflecting that both methods can be used to assess endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in the microcirculation.