bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customer deference to service providers in ordinary service encounters
Authors: Wongkitrungrueng Apiradee , Nuttavuthisit Krittinee , Szabo-Douat Teodora , Sen Sankar
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of customer deference to service providers in service encounters, and articulate its chief antecedents, experiences and consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in Thailand, using critical incident technique. A total of 253 subjects share their experiences of being “deferential” (i.e. “kreng-jai” in Thailand) during everyday service encounters.

Findings

The findings indicate that in cultures in which the cultural norm (i.e. kreng-jai) is to be considerate of others, customers often become deferential of the service provider during service encounters, especially when customers perceive that the service provider’s well-being is compromised. However, customer deference involves aversive feelings which lead customers to devise coping strategies and avoid future contact with a company.

Research limitations/implications

Using a specific cultural norm, the findings challenge prior finding that people from collectivist culture are more likely to tolerate and be satisfied with service encounters, and document the role of previously unexamined customer-related factors in driving satisfaction in ordinary service encounters.

Practical implications

The findings recommend service providers to preempt customers’ deference by establishing and communicating the role and acceptable behaviors, managing physical distance with customers, and monitoring customer non-verbal behavior and facial expressions to detect the customers’ true feelings.

Originality/value

No prior research has comprehensively examined the phenomenon whereby consumers seek to benefit service providers at the expense of their own well-being. This study demonstrates that customer deference degrades customer satisfaction even in ordinary service encounters.
Examining the amount of mandatory non-financial information disclosed by Spanish state-owned enterprises and its potential influential variables
Authors: Andrades Peña Javier , Jorge Manuel Larrán
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent of mandatory non-financial information disclosed by Spanish state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and barriers to and/or drivers of such disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish this task, three data sources were used. To study the extent of non-financial information disclosed and the influence exerted by some variables of such disclosures, the authors performed a content analysis of website disclosures of all Spanish SOEs identified by the General Intervention Board of the State Administration. Likewise, reports published by such companies on their web pages were also examined. To investigate the barriers to the disclosure of non-financial information by Spanish SOEs, the data were collected through interviews with key personnel.

Findings

Results showed that the disclosure of mandatory non-financial information by Spanish SOEs is lagging behind when compared to private companies. The key personnel revealed different reasons for the low level of disclosures such as the lack of an accountability awareness in Spain. The institutional size was the variable that most significantly affects the disclosure of mandatory non-financial information by Spanish SOEs.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research was to examine the influence of some variables on the amount of mandatory non-financial information disclosed by Spanish SOEs. Previous studies have been focused on exploring the level of non-financial information disclosed voluntarily by these companies.
Transient liquid phase bonding in the Cu-Sn system
Authors: Hosseinzaei Behnam , Kiani Rashid Ali Reza
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the features of microstructures and mechanical properties of the joints which were produced by transient liquid phase method. The difference between phases in bonding region identified through metallography pictures and applying hardness and shear strength tests.

Design/methodology/approach

The bonding process was carried out at a temperature of 300°C for time durations ranging from 15 to 120 min. The scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy system and optical microscopy were used to examine microstructural characteristics, and mechanical properties of the joints were studied by applying microhardness and shear tests. The shear tests were conducted by a shear fixture which was mounted on the tensile machine.

Findings

The intermetallic compounds of the Cu6Sn5−η and the Cu3Sn-ε were formed simultaneously in the bonding interface. Although the η-phase, which exhibits scallop-shaped morphology, grows very quickly, upon completion of the isothermal solidification stage, it turns into the ε-phase. The hardness of the bonding interface is significantly higher than that of the substrate. The shear results show that once the bonding process is complete, brittle fracture occurs. Moreover, a greater decrease in strength was observed when the ε-phase is the only phase in the bonding region.

Originality/value

The hardness number of the η-phase is higher than that of the ε-phase. The hardness numbers of the η-phase and the ε-phase are 894 and 689 HV, respectively. The mean shear strength values of the samples that were bonded at 300 °C for 15, 60 and 120 min were 11.7, 9.5 and 5.4 MPa, respectively.
Commentary on “The sibling’s perspective: experiences of having a sibling with a learning disability and behaviour described as challenging”
Authors: Kassa Clare
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the article by Chase and McGill from the perspective of Sibs, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting siblings of disabled children and adults.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary explores the implication of Chase and McGill’s findings for sibling support.

Findings

The article highlights how siblings need greater support throughout their life and argues that their views must influence the provision and development of that support.

Originality/value

This viewpoint focuses on the needs of adult siblings, often a forgotten group facing unique challenges and shared experiences.
Selection of Vibrio crassostreae relies on a plasmid expressing a type 6 secretion system cytotoxic for host immune cells
Authors: Piel Damien , Bruto Maxime , James Adèle , Labreuche Yannick , Lambert Christophe , Janicot Adrian , Chenivesse Sabine , Petton Bruno , Wegner K. Mathias , Stoudmann Candice , Blokesch Melanie , Le Roux Frédérique
Published: August 2019

Pacific oyster mortality syndrome affects juveniles of Crassostrea gigas oysters and threatens the sustainability of commercial and natural stocks of this species. Vibrio crassostreae (V. crassostreae) has been repeatedly isolated from diseased animals, and the majority of the strains have been demonstrated to be virulent for oysters. In this study, we showed that oyster farms exhibited a high prevalence of a virulence plasmid carried by V. crassostreae, while oysters, at an adult stage, were reservoirs of this virulent population. The pathogenicity of V. crassostreae depends on a novel transcriptional regulator, which activates the bidirectional promoter of a type 6 secretion system (T6SS) genes cluster. Both the T6SS and a second chromosomal virulence factor, r5.7, are necessary for virulence but act independently to cause haemocyte (oyster immune cell) cytotoxicity. A phylogenetically closely related T6SS was identified in V. aestuarianus and V. tapetis, which infect adult oysters and clams respectively. We propose that haemocyte cytotoxicity is a lethality trait shared by a broad range of mollusc pathogens, and we speculate that T6SS was involved in parallel evolution of pathogen for molluscs.
Enhancement of the geomagnetic field reduces the phototaxis of rice brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens associated with frataxin down‐regulation
Authors: Zhang Ying‐Chao , Wan Gui‐Jun , Wang Wei‐Hong , Li Yue , Yu Yang , Zhang Yu‐Xia , Chen Fa‐Jun , Pan Wei‐Dong
Published: August 2019

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is an environmental cue that provides directional information for animals. The intensity of GMF is varied over space and time. Variations in the GMF intensity affect the navigation of animals and their physiology. In this study, the phototaxis of the migratory insect rice planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (N. lugens) and frataxin in N. lugens (Nl‐fh), which is a mitochondrial protein required for cellular iron homeostasis and iron‐sulfur cluster assembly, were investigated by using different intensities of magnetic field. From the results, individuals of N. lugens showed decreased phototaxis when reared and tested in a behavioral arena under a strong magnetic field. Besides the reduction in performance, an accompanying effect of the strong magnetic field condition was a reduced level of Nl‐fh‐messenger RNA, and a Nl‐fh knockdown indeed impaired the phototactic behavior in a tested sample of insects. This leads to the conclusion that the expression of frataxin is dependent on the strength of the surrounding magnetic field and that functional frataxin facilitates phototactic behavior in N. lugens.
Which patients benefit most from stereotactic body radiotherapy or surgery in medically operable non‐small cell lung cancer? An in‐depth look at patient characteristics on both sides of the debate
Authors: Chua Gail Wan Ying , Chua Kevin Lee Min
Published: August 2019

The role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in early stage medically operable non‐small cell lung cancer is currently under debate. SBRT's advantage is its ability to provide high radiotherapy doses to a tumor in a short timeframe, without the risk of postoperative complications and mortality. Currently, in part due to limited prospective data comparing both treatments, international guidelines continue to recommend surgical resection as the gold standard for medically operable patients. However, not all patients possess uniform characteristics, and there is some evidence that certain subgroups of patients would benefit more from one form of treatment ‐ SBRT or surgery ‐ than the other. The aim of this review is to provide a brief summary of the evidence comparing SBRT to surgery, followed by a deeper discussion of the subgroups of patients who would benefit most from surgery: those with large tumors, centrally located tumors, increased risk of occult nodal metastases, increased risk of toxicity from radiotherapy and radioresistant histological tumor subtypes. Meanwhile, patients who could benefit most from SBRT might include elderly patients, those with reduced lung function or cardiac comorbidities, those with synchronous lung nodules, and those with specific tumor mutational status. We hope that this review will aid in the clinical decision‐making process regarding patient selection for either treatment.
Microcirculation and haemodynamics after infraclavicular brachial plexus block using adrenaline as an adjuvant to lidocaine: a randomised, double‐blind, crossover study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Holmberg A. , Ho A. V. , Fernand D. , Toska K. , Wester T. , Klaastad Ø. , Drægni T. , Sauter A. R.
Published: August 2019

We evaluated the effect of adrenaline on human skin microcirculation (nutritive and sub‐papillary) and systemic cardiovascular variables after it was added to lidocaine in infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks. Twelve healthy, non‐smoking male volunteers were included, each attending two study sessions 2 weeks apart, and they were studied using a crossover design. In both sessions, they received an ultrasound‐guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block in the non‐dominant arm with 0.4 ml.kg−1 lidocaine, 15 mg.ml−1 with or without adrenaline 5 μg.ml−1. Microcirculation was assessed by laser Doppler fluxmetry (sub‐papillary blood flow), capillary video microscopy (nutritive blood flow) and continuous temperature measurements. Heart rate and arterial pressure were recorded continuously and non‐invasively. Median (IQR [range]) sub‐papillary blood flow increased substantially 30 min after the brachial plexus block, from 8.5 (4.4–13.5 [2.9–28.2]) to 162.7 (111.0–197.8 [9.5–206.7]) arbitrary units with adrenaline (p = 0.017), and from 6.9 (5.3–28.5 [1.8–42.1] to 133.7 (16.5–216.7 [1.0–445.0] arbitrary units without adrenaline (p = 0.036). Nutritive blood flow (functional capillary density, capillaries.mm−2, measured at the dorsal side of the hand) decreased in the blocked extremity when adrenaline was used as adjuvant, from median (IQR [range]) 45 (36–52 [26–59]) to 38 (29–41 [26–42]), p = 0.028, whereas no significant change occurred without adrenaline. Median finger skin temperature (°C) increased by 44% (data pooled) with no significant differences between the groups. No significant changes were found in the systemic cardiovascular variables with or without adrenaline. We conclude that lidocaine infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks caused an increase in skin sub‐papillary blood flow. The addition of adrenaline produced stronger and longer lasting blocks, but decreased the nutritive blood flow.
Different clinical risk scores for prediction of early mortality after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: which is the best?
Authors: Badawy Amr , Seo Satoru , Toda Rei , Fuji Hiroaki , Fukumitsu Ken , Taura Kojiro , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: August 2019

Background

Prediction of early mortality after hepatectomies for hepatocellular carcinoma is essential to identify high‐risk patients and to decrease the operative mortality rate. Several post‐operative clinical risk scores were developed recently to predict mortality post‐hepatectomy; however, which one is the best remains undefined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the different post‐operative clinical risk scores in predicting early mortality after hepatectomies.

Methods

A total of 240 patients who underwent liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma at our hospital between June 2011 and July 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Post‐operative clinical risk scores including 50–50 criteria, peak bilirubin >7 mg/dL, model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD), risk assessment for early mortality and Hyder scores were evaluated for their performance in predicting early mortality after hepatic resection using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The 90‐day mortality rate after hepatic resection was around 2.5%. The 50–50 criteria and peak bilirubin >7 mg/dL were weak predictors of early mortality with low sensitivity (area under the ROC curve: 0.65, 0.66, respectively), whereas, Hyder, risk assessment for early mortality, and post‐operative MELD were good predictors of early mortality (area under the ROC curve: 0.89, 0.91 and 0.88, respectively). Moreover, MELD score on post‐operative day 3 was an independent risk factor for 90‐day mortality with an odds ratio of 1.4 (95% confidence interval 1.06–1.81, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Post‐operative clinical risk scores, especially MELD, were capable of predicting early mortality after liver resection and should be used to identify high‐risk patients and provide them with more intensive medical care.
The impact of dementia on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Ninomiya Shigeo , Amano Shota , Ogawa Tadashi , Ueda Yoshitake , Shiraishi Norio , Inomata Masafumi , Shimoda Katsuhiro
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of dementia on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis.

Methods

We reviewed medical data of 96 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystitis and acute cholecystitis. The patients were divided into the dementia group (n = 18) and non‐dementia group (n = 78). Clinical features of the patients and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Mean age and rates of The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification score > 2 in the dementia group were significantly higher than those of the non‐dementia group (P < .001, P = .008, respectively). Incidences of acute cholecystitis and the rate of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in the dementia group were significantly higher than those of the non‐dementia group (P = .009, P = .01, respectively). The rates of conversion to laparotomy and non‐surgical complications in the dementia group were higher than those in the non‐dementia group (P = .02, P = .03, respectively). Postoperative hospital stay in the dementia group was significantly longer than that in the non‐dementia group (15.2 ± 9.3 vs 8.2 ± 3.2 days, P = .009). Subgroup analysis of patients with acute cholecystitis showed postoperative hospital stay in the dementia group to be significantly longer than that in the non‐dementia group (18.7 ± 10.7 vs 10.3 ± 4.2 days, P = .03).

Conclusion

Patients with dementia who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy have a high incidence of acute cholecystitis and a high rate of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage, which may result in increased rates of conversion to laparotomy and prolong the postoperative hospital stay.
The ethical landscape of gene drive research
Authors: Callies Daniel Edward
Published: August 2019

Gene drive technology has immense potential. The ability to bypass the laws of Mendelian inheritance and almost ensure the transmission of specific genetic material to future generations creates boundless possibilities. But alongside these boundless possibilities are major social and ethical issues. This article aims to introduce gene drive technology, some of its potential applications, and some of the social and ethical issues that arise during research into the technology. For example, is investigation into gene drives hubristic? Would applications of gene drives count as technological fixes? Or does research into such a technology sit on a slippery slope or lock us in to its full‐scale use? Are there perverse effects of engaging in research, and, most importantly, who ought to be included in the decision‐making process regarding research and field trials? Understanding the basic ethical landscape of this technology will prove invaluable to the public, scientists, and policy‐makers as research moves forward.
Prognostic utility of pre‐transplantation [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma who underwent rituximab, dexamethasone, high‐dose cytarabine, carboplatin salvage chemotherapy
Authors: Mesguich Charles , Roch Alexandre , Hindié Elif , Milpied Noël , Bordenave Laurence , Tlili Ghoufrane , Bouabdallah Krimo
Published: August 2019

We analysed the outcomes of 62 patients with refractory/relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (rrDLBCL) who had pre‐transplantation fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) after R‐DHAC (rituximab, dexamethasone, high‐dose cytarabine, carboplatin) salvage chemotherapy, and were evaluated using Deauville criteria and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). A positive pre‐transplantation PET/CT with Deauville score of 5 was associated with shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = 0·01), while a Deauville score of 4 was not predictive of outcome. Only pre‐transplant TLG was significantly associated with both PFS (P = 0·005) and overall survival (P = 0·03). TLG deserves to be further investigated in prospective studies.
Can Rust Belt or Three Cities Explain the Sociospatial Changes in Atlantic Canadian Cities?
Authors: Kaida Lisa , Ramos Howard , Singh Diana , Pritchard Paul , Wijesingha Rochelle
Published: August 2019

Research on American secondary cities has largely focused on so–called “rust belt” cities and has found that they tend to have economic stagnation, racialization, and urban decay in their urban cores occurring after economic crises. Most urban research on Canadian cities has, by contrast, focused on the country's largest cities, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, and has found that urban cores are getting richer, less diverse, and undergoing infrastructural improvements. We examine each model by looking at four secondary Atlantic Canadian cities (Halifax, Moncton, St. John's, and Charlottetown) that all faced major economic crisis in the 1990s to see whether these models can explain the sociospatial changes occurring in them. Analysis of 1996 and 2006 Canadian Census data finds unlike “rust belt” cities or changes seen in larger Canadian cities, there is no clear sociospatial concentration of change. Rather, change is seen through “hot spots” of economic and physical characteristics of neighborhoods.
Multispectral imaging of hand eczema
Authors: Hald Marianne , Thyssen Jacob P. , Zachariae Claus , Røpke Mads A. , Carstensen Jens M. , Schultz Nette , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: August 2019

Background

Hand eczema is a disease with large variation in clinical presentation and severity. Scoring systems for quantitative severity assessment exist. However, they are observer‐dependent. An objective quantitative tool for scoring of hand eczema would improve categorization of hand eczema.

Objective

To investigate the usefulness of multispectral imaging in assessing severity of hand eczema with respect to extent and the different morphological features.

Methods

Patients with hand eczema (n = 60) and healthy controls (n = 28) were included. The severity of hand eczema was assessed by a dermatologist using the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) and a global assessment (Physician Global Assessment [PGA]). Multispectral imaging of the hand was performed on all patients and controls using the VideometerLab Instrument.

Results

Areas of the morphological elements identified by multispectral imaging were statistically significantly correlated with the PGA scores. Analyzed by Cohen's kappa, a moderate agreement between imaging‐based severity assessment and PGA was found. The imaging‐based severity assessment was also correlated with HECSI (Spearman rho 0.683, P < .001). Still, the imaging‐based algorithm was not capable of differentiating hand eczema patients from controls.

Conclusions

Multispectral imaging allows quantitative measurements of different skin parameters to be performed. In its present form, multispectral imaging cannot replace the clinical assessment of a dermatologist. However, after refinement, this or similar technologies could prove useful.
Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion is dependent on right ventricular volume in addition to function
Authors: Zhao Hang , Kang Yu , Pickle Jacob , Wang Jing , Han Yuchi
Published: August 2019

Background

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an effective parameter for assessing right ventricular (RV) function in echocardiographic studies. The preload dependency of TASPE has not been explored.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 380 cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) exams. RV ejection fraction (EF) and end‐diastolic volume (EDV) were measured from short‐axis cine images. TAPSE was measured as the difference of the perpendicular distance of the tricuspid annulus to the RV apex during diastole and systole. RV dysfunction was defined as RVEF <47%. The relationship of TAPSE, RVEF, and indexed RVEDV (RVEDVi) were evaluated. The TAPSE cut‐off values derived from CMR were tested in a validation group (n = 46) with an echocardiographic exam performed within 1 month of the CMR.

Results

TAPSE had a good linear correlation with RVEF (r = .69, P < .001). In normal RVEF patients, TAPSE had a positive correlation with RVEDVi (r = .208, P = .014). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a higher TAPSE cut‐off value of 2.4 cm in the top normal to mildly dilated RV volume group for identifying RV dysfunction with lower predictive accuracy (sensitivity 80%, specificity 67%, area under the curve = 0.78, P < .001) as compared with 2.0 cm for the normal RV size or moderate to severely dilated RV groups. The higher TAPSE cutoff showed improved sensitivity (73% vs 43%) and Youden index (0.55 vs 0.43) in our validation cohort.

Conclusions

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion not only correlates with RVEF, but also is dependent on RV volume. The cut‐off value and predictive accuracy of TAPSE for detecting RV dysfunction vary with different RV volumes.
Impact of nanosized additives on the fatigue damage behaviour of asphalt mixtures
Authors: Santagata Ezio , Baglieri Orazio , Miglietta Fabrizio , Tsantilis Lucia , Riviera Pier Paolo
Published: August 2019

The study presented in this paper aimed at evaluating the impact of different nanosized additives, including an organophilic nanoclay and multiwall carbon nanotubes, on the fatigue properties of dense‐graded asphalt mixtures. Cyclic direct tension fatigue tests were carried out, and the corresponding results were interpreted by means of a simplified version of the visco‐elastic continuum damage model. The experimental investigation also included linear viscoelastic characterization of the considered materials. Results derived from tests carried out on the mixtures containing nanosized additives were compared with those obtained for a reference standard mixture. It was found that the use of the abovementioned additives can give a substantial contribution to the enhancement of the fatigue damage resistance of asphalt mixtures. Moreover, when comparing the two types of additives, it was observed that organophilic nanoclays can outperform multiwall carbon nanotubes.
The effects of prompts on L2 writing performance and engagement
Authors: Cho Minyoung
Published: August 2019

This study investigated how task complexity influences second language (L2) writing. Specifically, it focused on the possibility that prompts can create different demands at different stages of L2 writing production and on ways that prompts may affect learners’ engagement in the revision of their writing. Fifty‐one English as a foreign/second language participants, divided into two groups, wrote a narrative essay. One group was asked to write about a past success (the recalling prompt, high in formulation demand). The other group was asked to write about an imagined future success (the imagining prompt, high in conceptualization demand). Both groups wrote a draft and had unlimited revision opportunities. Writing performance was evaluated in terms of the complexity, accuracy, fluency, and lexis produced in the participants’ first draft. Learner engagement was assessed in terms of the time the participants voluntarily chose to spend on revision. The findings indicated that (i) the recalling prompt resulted in more complex but less accurate sentences than the imagining prompt; and (ii) the recalling prompt resulted in more extended engagement in revision than the imagining prompt. The findings suggest linguistic and behavioral influences of prompts on writing. Pedagogical implications are offered.
A proof‐of‐principle study comparing barrier function and cell morphology in face and body skin
Authors: Gorcea M. , Lane M. E. , Moore D. J.
Published: August 2019

Objective

The purpose of this pilot in vivo study was to investigate corneocyte size and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in facial cheek and volar forearm skin as a function of consecutive tape stripping. Changes in corneocyte size and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured as a function of stratum corneum (SC) depth at both anatomical sites. To our knowledge, this is the first published quantitative comparison based on these parameters. This work complements our previously published studies on face skin barrier recovery at 24 h and 4 weeks post‐tape stripping [Gorcea et al., Skin Res. Technol., 19, 2013, e375‐e382; Gorcea et al., Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. 35, 2013, 250].

Methods

Transepidermal water loss in vivo measurements of forearm and facial skin sites were taken before tape stripping commenced (baseline) and after each tape was collected. Optical microscopy and image analysis techniques were employed to characterize corneocyte size as a function of skin depth (tape strip number) for both anatomical sites.

Results

Transepidermal water loss increased significantly from baseline with sequential tape stripping at both anatomical skin sites. Volar forearm skin required approximately three times as many tapes to ‘damage’ the SC barrier (arbitrarily defined as twice baseline TEWL) compared to facial cheek skin demonstrating significant differences in barrier properties between cheeks and forearms (P < 0.05). Corneocyte size decreased significantly with depth for both sites (P < 0.001). Corneocytes from face skin were significantly smaller than corneocytes from volar forearm skin.

Conclusion

Statistically significant differences between facial and body skin stratum corneum cell morphology and transepidermal water loss were demonstrated and quantitatively measured as a function of tape stripping.
Exercise testing and exercise training within cystic fibrosis centres across Australia and New Zealand: what is considered important and what is current practice?
Authors: Sawyer Abbey , Cavalheri Vinicius , Wood Jamie , Hill Kylie
Published: August 2019

Background

Within Australian and New Zealand cystic fibrosis (CF) centres, exercise testing and exercise training are common components of clinical care, but current practices regarding these components have not been reported.

Aim

To determine the extent, scope and importance placed on exercise testing and exercise training within CF centres across Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

Information pertaining to exercise testing and training practices was sought by administering a survey to health professionals working in CF centres across Australia and New Zealand. The survey comprised five sections (46 questions) and was sent via an online link (Qualtrics). Response rate was optimised using the Dillman approach. Approval for this study was granted from the Human Research Ethics Committee at Curtin University (HRE2018‐074). Completion of the survey was taken as informed consent.

Results

A response rate of 80% (n = 32/40) was achieved. Each state/territory in Australia, except the Northern Territory was represented in the survey responses. Eight of the 12 major regions in New Zealand were also represented. Regarding tests of exercise capacity, field‐based tests were performed more commonly than laboratory‐based tests (n = 28/32; 88% vs n = 11/32 centres; 34%; difference: 54%; 95% confidence interval 31–70%). Most (89%) respondents perceived field tests to be at least ‘somewhat’ important, whereas 91% of respondents perceived laboratory tests to be ‘a little’ to ‘somewhat’ important. Physical activity and/or exercise were discussed by at least one health professional in the CF team at every clinic appointment and/or annual review. Most centred offered outpatient exercise training each year to their patients (n = 24/32; 75%).

Conclusion

This survey captures the current practices of exercise testing and training in CF centres across Australia and New Zealand.
Static cut‐points of hypertension and increased arterial stiffness in children and adolescents: The International Childhood Vascular Function Evaluation Consortium
Authors: Zhao Min , Mill Jose´ G. , Yan Wei‐Li , Hong Young Mi , Skidmore Paula , Stoner Lee , Mora‐Urda Ana I. , Khadilkar Anuradha , Alvim Rafael de Oliveira , Kim Hae Soon , Montero López Pilar , Zhang Yi , Saeedi Pouya , Zaniqueli Divanei , Jiang Yuan , Oliosa Polyana Romano , de Faria Eliane Rodrigues , Mu Kai , Niu Da‐yan , Magnussen Costan G. , Xi Bo
Published: August 2019

Pediatric elevated blood pressure (BP) and hypertension are usually defined using traditional BP tables at the 90th and 95th percentiles, respectively, based on sex, age, and height, which are cumbersome to use in clinical practice. The authors aimed to assess the performance of the static cut‐points (120/80 mm Hg and 130/80 mm Hg for defining elevated BP and hypertension for adolescents, respectively; and 110/70 mm Hg and 120/80 mm Hg for children, respectively) in predicting increased arterial stiffness. Using data from five population‐based cross‐sectional studies conducted in Brazil, China, Korea, and New Zealand, a total of 2546 children and adolescents aged 6‐17 years were included. Increased arterial stiffness was defined as pulse wave velocity ≥sex‐specific, age‐specific, and study population‐specific 90th percentile. Compared to youth with normal BP, those with hypertension defined using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline (hereafter referred to as “percentile‐based cut‐points”) and the static cut‐points were at similar risk of increased arterial stiffness, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 2.35 (1.74‐3.17) and 3.07 (2.20‐4.28), respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and net reclassification improvement methods confirmed the similar performance of static cut‐points and percentile‐based cut‐points (P for difference > .05). In conclusion, the static cut‐points performed similarly well when compared with the percentile‐based cut‐points in predicting childhood increased arterial stiffness. Use of static cut‐points to define hypertension in childhood might simplify identification of children with abnormal BP in clinical practice.
Non‐word writing does not require the phonological output buffer: Neuropsychological evidence for a direct phonological‐orthographic route
Authors: Friedmann Naama , Yachini Maya , Gvion Aviah , Nickels Lyndsey
Published: August 2019

What is the route that is used for writing non‐words to dictation? Does it have to pass through phonological output? Two possibilities are found in the literature. In one, writing non‐words requires access from the phonological input buffer to the phonological output buffer and from there, via phoneme‐to‐grapheme conversion, to the orthographic output buffer. The second approach maintains that writing non‐words can proceed directly from the phonological input buffer to the orthographic output buffer. In this study, we discriminate between these two options using a cognitive neuropsychological approach. Specifically, we present a multiple case study of 24 individuals with a developmental impairment to the phonological output buffer, who nevertheless show unimpaired non‐word writing. These data lead to the conclusion that the phonological output buffer is not necessary when writing non‐words and that writing non‐words to dictation can proceed directly from the phonological input buffer to the orthographic output buffer. We suggest that the cognitive assumption that non‐word writing proceeds through the phonological output buffer may have resulted from graphic conventions and the depiction of the lexical processing model: in the common depiction of the model drawing a line through the phonological output buffer is visually simpler than a direct line (which would require lines to cross or long bypass lines).
Anti‐skin aging properties of protocatechuic acid in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shin Seoungwoo , Cho Shin Hwan , Park Deokhoon , Jung Eunsun
Published: August 2019

Background

Protocatechuic acid has reported containing antioxidant effects. However, information on its other biological activities such as anti‐wrinkle properties is limited

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate an antioxidant, collagen synthesis, MMP‐1 inhibition (in vitro), and anti‐wrinkle (in vivo) effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) as a potent ingredient for wrinkle‐care cosmetic.

Methods

Antioxidant effect was evaluated based on its scavenging activity for free radicals (DPPH, ABTS+). To evaluate the anti‐skin aging potency of PCA, levels of MMP‐1 and type I procollagen were measured using an ELISA kit in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. To further investigate if PCA could increase collagen synthesis, full‐thickness human skin explants were immunostained with an anti‐collagen I antibody. In an in vivo study, 22 female subjects were enrolled in a placebo‐controlled trial. Facial wrinkle, especially crow’s feet around eyes, was treated with lotion‐containing 0.02% PCA for 8 weeks and compared with the placebo.

Results

In in vitro study, PCA showed high antioxidant activ ity. PCA also showed potential to induce the synthesis of type I collagen in human dermal fibroblast and skin explants. It inhibited MMP‐1 secretion from UVA‐irradiated human dermal fibroblast. An in vivo study, treatment with lotion‐containing 0.02% PCA for 8 weeks significantly reduced the percentage of all skin wrinkle parameters.

Conclusion

Based on the results of in vitro assays and in vivo skin testing in human subjects, PCA shows potential in anti‐wrinkle or anti‐skin aging treatments.
What are adult psychiatric inpatients' experience of seclusion: A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Askew Louise , Fisher Paul , Beazley Peter
Published: August 2019

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Seclusion involves isolating a patient in a room away from other patients in order to contain aggressive behaviour, and it is used in psychiatric hospitals.

Research has found that seclusion is often viewed by patients as negative; however, there is limited in‐depth understanding of the deeply personal experience.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This systematic review found that the published research may have flaws with the quality of analysis, mainly due to limited researcher reflexivity.

The review of qualitative research revealed that during seclusion, patients feel vulnerable, neglected and abused, disconnected from the experience and that it is dangerous to their mental health.

What are the implications for practice?

For clinicians facilitating the seclusion process to use their therapeutic skills to provide patients with a sense of being cared for.

For clinical supervision to allow space to explore interpersonal dynamics during seclusion in order to enhance therapeutic staff–patient interaction.

Introduction

There is limited understanding of patients' seclusion experience. A 2013 systematic review provides some insight; however, more knowledge is required in order to improve patient care. This is a systematic review of qualitative research into the patient experience of seclusion. The qualitative focus enables the phenomena to be the central focus.

Question

“What are adult psychiatric inpatients' experience of seclusion?” and “What is the quality of the applicable research?”

Method

Electronic searches for qualitative research published between 2006 and 2017 were undertaken. Data were excluded if it was not explicitly related to seclusion. Research was appraised using three standardized appraisal criterion. Themes were generated through thematic synthesis.

Results

Eight papers met inclusion criteria; four had been translated into English. Four themes were identified: “feeling vulnerable,” “feeling neglected and abused,” “disconnecting” and “seclusion is dangerous to mental health.” Participants felt vulnerable and without control. They experienced staff and room as neglectful and abusive. Participants mentally disconnected. The experience threatened participants' mental health.

Discussion

Participants' experience is an amalgamation of interpersonal experience and the environment. Disconnecting may be a coping strategy.

Implications for practice

The findings have implications for seclusion practice, staff training and clinical supervision. Specific attention needs to be paid to the staff–patient interaction.
The Opportunistic Principal
Authors: Wagner Dirk Nicolas
Published: August 2019

This article sheds light on a surprisingly persistent gap in economic theory: Economists have extensively studied agency relationships between principals and agents, but economic analysis has traditionally been preoccupied with problems created by agents rather than principals. Principal‐agent theory traditionally neglects opportunism on part of the principals. As a result, economic theory fails to fully explain gaps in economic performance. Even worse, the for decades biased concept of opportunism has shaped generations of students in economics and business and thus has contributed to deficient managerial and economic outcomes.

Under the presumption that not only agents but also principals demonstrate opportunistic behavior, the economic definition of opportunism as established by Oliver Williamson is further developed. This contribution extends the concept of opportunism to principals. The principal’s illegitimate interference with the autonomy of the agent is discussed which shows that whilst agent opportunism largely rests on information asymmetry, principal opportunism feeds itself off power asymmetries. In an interdisciplinary effort and building on recent research in the area of bullying and mobbing, the economic rationale of principal opportunism is explained with the help of a simple game‐theoretic model. On this basis, it is demonstrated how a more balanced perception of principal agent relationships can contribute to an updated theory of the firm.
The role of linguistic ideologies in language contact situations
Authors: Rodríguez‐Ordóñez Itxaso
Published: August 2019

The field of contact linguistics has long argued for the paramount importance of social factors in understanding the outcomes of linguistic contact. In contrast, linguistic ideologies have not played a central role in theories of language contact, though this has begun to change in recent decades. This article provides an account of early theorizations of linguistic ideologies and their increasingly important applications to the study of contact phenomena. A brief survey of more recent theoretical advancements with respect to ideologies and contact phenomena follows, paying special attention to studies in linguistic anthropology and variationist sociolinguistics. While recognizing the challenges inherent in the study of linguistic ideologies, this article argues that they should be at the foreground of contact linguistics. To this end, methodological tools for such study are presented, along with theoretical considerations and future directions.
Multiscale modeling of backward erosion piping in flood protection system infrastructure
Authors: Fascetti Alessandro , Oskay Caglar
Published: August 2019

This article presents a novel multiscale modeling approach to simulate the evolution of the backward erosion piping (BEP) process in flood protection systems (FPSs). A multiphase description of the BEP phenomenon is proposed for the numerical solution at the local scale and validated by means of full‐scale experimental results available in the literature. Results of the local scale simulations are used as the training set for a multilayer machine learning (ML) model to bridge the information between the local and system scales. Accuracy of the trained ML algorithms is demonstrated by comparing results obtained from detailed physics‐based numerical models. The novelty of the proposed methodology lies in its capability of real‐time predictions of the overall response at the system scale. A case study is presented where a portion of the Nashville Metro Levee System is analyzed over the span of a year, to assess the likelihood of BEP in the infrastructure. The capability of the model to accept water height data obtained from field measurements is exploited in the numerical simulations.
Season specificity in the cold‐induced calcium signal and the volatile chemicals in the atmosphere
Authors: Hiraki Hayato , Watanabe Manabu , Uemura Matsuo , Kawamura Yukio
Published: August 2019

Cold‐induced Ca2+ signals in plants are widely accepted to be involved in cold acclimation. Surprisingly, despite using Arabidopsis plants grown in a growth chamber, we observed a clear seasonal change in cold‐induced Ca2+ signals only in roots. Ca2+ signals were captured using Arabidopsis expressing Yellow Cameleon 3.60. In winter, two Ca2+ signal peaks were observed during a cooling treatment from 20 to 0°C, but in summer only one small peak was observed under the same cooling condition. In the spring and autumn seasons, an intermediate type of Ca2+ signal, which had a delayed first peak and smaller second peaks compared with the those of the winter type, was observed. Volatile chemicals and/or particles in the air from the outside may affect plants in the growth chamber. This idea is supported by the fact that incubation of plants with activated carbon changed the intermediate‐type Ca2+ signal to the summer‐type. The seasonality was also observed in the freezing tolerance of plants cold‐acclimated in a low‐temperature chamber. The solar radiation intensity was weakly correlated, not only with the seasonal characteristics of the Ca2+ signal but also with freezing tolerance. It has been reported that the ethylene concentration in the atmosphere seasonally changes depending on the solar radiation intensity. Ethylene gas and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid treatment affected the Ca2+ signals, the shape of which became a shape close to, but not the same as, the winter type from the other types, indicating that ethylene may be one of several factors influencing the cold‐induced Ca2+ signal.
Periodic breathing: Fine tuning the phenotype
Authors: Naughton Matthew T.
Published: August 2019

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The relationship between nurse manager's transformational leadership style and medication safety
Authors: Lappalainen Margit , Härkänen Marja , Kvist Tarja
Published: August 2019

Aim

To describe medication safety, transformational leadership and their relationship as evaluated by Registered Nurses.

Background

Medication safety is one of the aspects of patient safety and an important part of nurses' daily practices. Nurse managers can ensure medication safety by adopting a transformational leadership style. However, little evidence exists regarding how transformational leadership relates to medication safety.

Methods

Data were collected from Registered Nurses (n = 161) in three Finnish hospitals in May 2016 using an electronic questionnaire incorporating the Transformational Leadership Scale (TLS) and Medication Safety Scale (MSS). Data were analysed using statistical analyses including descriptive analyses, principal component analysis and multivariate analyses. STROBE reporting guidelines were followed (see Appendix S1).

Findings

Nurses evaluated medication safety and transformational leadership in their units to be excellent and good, respectively. There was a moderate but statistically significant correlation between transformational leadership and medication safety. The medication competence of nurses and the management of nursing processes were significantly related to medication safety.

Conclusions

Nurse managers' transformational leadership style can promote medication safety in units. The medication competence of nurses must be addressed because assurance and confidence in their own expertise in pharmacotherapeutic tasks positively affects their perceptions of medication safety.