bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhinogenic Contact Point Headache: Surgical Treatment Versus Medical Treatment
Authors: La Mantia Ignazio , Grillo Calogero , Andaloro Claudio
Published: December 2017

Rhinogenic contact point headache (RCPH) is a headache syndrome secondary to mucosal contact points in the sinonasal cavities, in the absence of inflammatory signs, hyperplastic mucosa, purulent discharge, sinonasal polyps, or masses. It may result from pressure on the nasal mucosa due to anatomic variations among which the septal deviation, septal spur, and concha bullosa, are the most commonly observed. In recent years, RCPH has remained a subject of controversy regarding both its pathogenesis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of surgical and medical treatment of pain relief in patients with RCPH, evaluating the intensity, duration, and frequency of headaches, and the impact of different treatments on quality of life. Ninety-four patients with headache, no symptoms or signs of acute and chronic sinonasal inflammation and who present with intranasal mucosal contact points positive to the lidocaine test were randomized into 2 equal groups and given medical or surgical treatment. The authors used visual analog scale, number of hours, and days with pain to characterize the headache and Migraine Disability Assessment score (MIDAS) to assess the migraine disability score before and 3 to 6 months after treatment. After treatment the severity, duration, and frequency of the headache decreased significantly (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.031, respectively) as well as the MIDAS in the surgical group compared with medical group. Our results suggest that surgical removal of mucosal contact points is more effective than local medical treatment improving the therapeutic outcomes in patients with contact point headache.
A Study on Environmental Factors for Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Xu Da-Peng , Qu Wei-dong , Sun Chao , Cao Rong-Yu , Liu Dian-wei , Du Ping-gong
Published: December 2017

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between environmental factors and nonsyndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) in Yantai District, China. A retrospective case–control study was carried out. A total of 236 NSCL/P children were selected from Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Yantai Stomatological Hospital between September 2013 and December 2016 as cases; 209 controls were chosen from other diagnosis in the same department during the same period. The 2 groups matched age and sex. The parents of participants were inquired regarding the risk factors, and the answers were filled in a questionnaire by physicians. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analysis the data. There was significantly increased NSCL/P risk with high maternal age (P =0.002), family history (P = 0.001), abortion history (P = 0.033), poor parental education level (P = 0.008), maternal smoking (P = 0.044), maternal alcohol (P = 0.039), common cold or fever (P = 0.035), drug use (P = 0.006), and maternal stress (P = 0.049). Reduced NSCL/P risk was found with folic acid supplementation (P = 0.005), adequate maternal age (P = 0.002), and high parental education (P = 0.001). The proper amount of folic acid, the appropriate age of childbearing, and the high education were the protective factors of NSCL/P, whereas family history, abortion history, drug use during pregnancy, maternal tobacco and alcohol, and maternal stress were the risk factors for NSCL/P in Yantai District, China.
Decreased Tidal Volume With Increased Height, but not Colloid Transfusion, is Associated With Worse Outcomes and Postoperative Pneumonia After Coil Embolization of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Li-Min , Li Rui , Zhao Xiao-Chun , Wang Ming-Li
Published: December 2017

Background:

The tidal volume setting as well as colloid transfusion during the peri-operative period after intracranial aneurysm is controversial. A multicenter retrospective study was conducted to determine whether or not an increased tidal volume setting and colloid transfusion are associated with poor outcomes and postoperative pulmonary complications after intracranial aneurysm.

Method:

Data from endovascular coiling to treat intracranial aneurysms that took place between 30 March 2014 and 30 March 2016 were collected in a multicenter chart. The primary outcomes were better (defined as a Modified Rankin scores [MRS] ≤2) and worse outcomes (MRS ≥3). Secondary outcomes included pneumonia and non-pneumonia in patients with intracranial aneurysms. Univariate analysis, bivariate logistic regression, Spearman correlation, and a linear regression model were performed to account for the association between peri-operative risk factors and different outcomes.

Results:

Bivariate logistic analysis showed that worse outcomes were correlated with height, Hunt and Hess scores (HHS), and Fisher grade (P < 0.05). There was no significant association between colloid transfusion and worse outcomes and postoperative pneumonia (P > 0.05). Postoperative pneumonia incidence was associated with increased height in a population with intracranial aneurysms (P < 0.05). The Spearman correlation and a linear regression model suggested that increased height was significantly correlated with lower tidal volume setting (per unit of body weight; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Decreased tidal volume with increased height, but not colloid transfusion, was independently associated with worse outcomes and postoperative pneumonia across a spectrum of risk profiles. These findings may help to improve practice decisions regarding tidal volume settings.
Transfer and nontransfer patients in isolated low-grade blunt pediatric solid organ injury: Implications for regionalized trauma systems
Authors: Tessler Robert A. , Lyons Vivian H. , Hagedorn Judith C. , Vavilala Monica S. , Goldin Adam , Arbabi Saman , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Regionalization of trauma care is a national priority and hospitalization for blunt abdominal trauma, which may include transfer, is common among children. The objective of this study was to determine whether there were differences in mortality, treatment, or length of stay between patients treated at or transferred to a higher level trauma center and those not transferred and admitted to a lower level trauma center.

METHODS

Cohort from Washington state trauma registry from 2000 to 2014 of patients 16 years or younger with isolated Grade I-III spleen, liver, or kidney injury.

RESULTS

Among 54,034 patients 16 years or younger, the trauma registry captured 1177 (2.2%) patients with isolated low grade solid organ injuries; 226 (19.2%) presented to a higher level trauma center, 600 (51.0%) presented to a lower level trauma center and stayed there for care, and 351 (29.8%) were transferred to a higher level trauma center. Forty (3.4%) patients underwent an abdominal operation. Among the 950 patients evaluated initially at a lower level trauma center, the risk of surgery did not differ significantly between those who were not transferred compared to those who were (relative risk, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–6.01). The risk of total splenectomy was no different for patients who stayed at a lower level trauma center compared with those who were transferred to a higher level trauma center (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.33–2.16). Nontransferred patients had a 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.45–0.88) times lower risk of staying in the hospital for an additional day compared with patients who were transferred to a higher level trauma center. One patient died.

CONCLUSION

Few pediatric patients with isolated low grade blunt solid organ injury require intervention and thus may not need to be transferred; trauma systems should revise their transfer policies. Prevention of unnecessary transfers is an opportunity for cost savings in pediatric trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care management, level III.
Undertriage in trauma: Does an organized trauma network capture the major trauma victim? A statewide analysis
Authors: Horst Michael A. , Jammula Shreya , Gross Brian W. , Cook Alan D. , Bradburn Eric H. , Altenburg Juliet , Von Nieda Danielle , Morgan Madison , Rogers Frederick B.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Proper triage of critically injured trauma patients to accredited trauma centers (TCs) is essential for survival and patient outcomes. We sought to determine the percentage of patients meeting trauma criteria who received care at non-TCs (NTCs) within the statewide trauma system that exists in the state of Pennsylvania. We hypothesized that a substantial proportion of the trauma population would be undertriaged to NTCs with undertriage rates (UTR) decreasing with increasing severity of injury.

METHODS

All adult (age ≥15) hospital admissions meeting trauma criteria (ICD-9, 800–959; Injury Severity Score [ISS], > 9 or > 15) from 2003 to 2015 were extracted from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) database, and compared with the corresponding trauma population within the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) registry. PHC4 contains all hospital admissions within PA while PTSF collects data on all trauma cases managed at designated TCs (Level I-IV). The percentage of patients meeting trauma criteria who are undertriaged to NTCs was determined and Network Analyst Location-Allocation function in ArcGIS Desktop was used to generate geospatial representations of undertriage based on ISSs throughout the state.

RESULTS

For ISS > 9, 173,022 cases were identified from 2003 to 2015 in PTSF, while 255,263 cases meeting trauma criteria were found in the PHC4 database over the same timeframe suggesting UTR of 32.2%. For ISS > 15, UTR was determined to be 33.6%. Visual geospatial analysis suggests regions with limited access to TCs comprise the highest proportion of undertriaged trauma patients.

CONCLUSION

Despite the existence of a statewide trauma framework for over 30 years, approximately, a third of severely injured trauma patients are managed at hospitals outside of the trauma system in PA. Intelligent trauma system design should include an objective process like geospatial mapping rather than the current system which is driven by competitive models of financial and health care system imperatives.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiological study, level III; Therapeutic, level IV.
Injuries associated with police use of force
Authors: Bozeman William P. , Stopyra Jason P. , Klinger David A. , Martin Brian P. , Graham Derrel D. , Johnson James C. , Mahoney-Tesoriero Katherine , Vail Sydney J.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Use of force [UOF] by police can result in serious injuries and fatalities. The risk of significant injuries associated with different force modalities is poorly defined. We sought to determine the incidence of police UOF and compare the likelihood of significant injury with different force modalities.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter observational study of all UOF incidents was conducted via mandatory UOF investigations at three mid-sized police agencies over a two year period. Expert physicians reviewed police and medical records to determine injury severity using a priori injury severity stratification criteria.

RESULTS

There were 893 UOF incidents, representing a UOF rate of 0.086% of 1,041,737 calls for service (1 in 1167) and 0.78% of 114,064 criminal arrests(1 in 128). Suspects were primarily young (mean age, 31 years; range, 12–86 years) males (89%). The 1,399 force utilizations included unarmed physical force (n = 710, 51%), CEWs (504, 30%), chemical (88, 6.3%), canines (47, 3.4%), impact weapons (9, 0.6%), kinetic impact munitions (8, 0.6%), firearms (6, 0.4%), and other (27, 1.9%). Among 914 suspects, 898 (98%) sustained no or mild injury after police UOF. Significant (moderate or severe) injuries occurred in 16 (1.8%) subjects. Logistic regression analysis shows these are most associated with firearm and canine use. There was one fatality (0.1%) due to gunshots. No significant injuries occurred among 504 CEW uses (0%; 95% confidence interval, 0.0–0.9%). Of the 355 suspects transported to a medical facility, 78 (22%) were hospitalized. The majority of hospitalizations were unrelated to UOF (n = 59, 76%), whereas a minority (n = 19, 24%) were due to injuries related to police UOF.

CONCLUSION

Police UOF is rare. When force is used officers most commonly rely on unarmed physical force and CEWs. Significant injuries are rare. Transport for medical evaluation is a poor surrogate for significant injury due to UOF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiological, level II.
Variability of child access prevention laws and pediatric firearm injuries
Authors: Hamilton Emma C. , Miller Charles C. , Cox Charles S. , Lally Kevin P. , Austin Mary T.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

State-level child access prevention (CAP) laws impose criminal liability on adults who negligently allow children access to firearms. The CAP laws can be further divided into strong CAP laws which impose criminal liability for negligently stored firearms and weak CAP laws that prohibit adults from intentionally, knowingly, and/or recklessly providing firearms to a minor. We hypothesized that strong CAP laws would be associated with a greater reduction in pediatric firearm injuries than weak CAP laws.

METHODS

We constructed a cross-sectional national study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Kids Inpatient Database from 2006 and 2009 using weighted counts of firearm-related admissions among children younger than 18 years. Poisson regression was used to estimate the association of CAP laws with pediatric firearm injuries.

RESULTS

After adjusting for race, sex, age, and socioeconomic income quartile, strong CAP laws were associated with a significant reduction in all (incidence rate ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.93), self-inflicted (incidence rate ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.79), and unintentional (incidence rate ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.74) pediatric firearm injuries. Weak CAP laws, which only impose liability for reckless endangerment, were associated with an increased risk of all pediatric firearm injuries.

CONCLUSION

The association of CAP laws on hospitalizations for pediatric firearm injuries differed greatly depending on whether a state had adopted a strong CAP law or a weak CAP law. Implementation of strong CAP laws by each state, which require safe storage of firearms, has the potential to significantly reduce pediatric firearm injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and epidemiology study, level III.
SeqsLab: an integrated platform for cohort-based annotation and interpretation of genetic variants on Spark
Authors: Chang Ming-Tai , Tung Yi-An , Chung Jen-Ming , Yao Hung-Fei , Li Yun-Lung , Lin Yin-Hung , Wang Yao-Ting , Chen Chien-Yu , Su Chung-Tsai
Published: December 2017

SeqsLab is a platform that helps researchers to easily annotate and interpret genetic variants derived from a large quantity of personal genomes. It provides an integrated interface to annotate the variants based on curated databases as well as in silico estimation on the effects of the variants. SeqsLab adopts the scalable cluster computing framework, Spark, and incorporates several customized algorithms to speed up the process of variant annotation and interpretation. The key features of SeqsLab include efficient annotation on large structural variations, diverse combinations of variant filters, easy incorporation with a vast amount of public databases, and scalable architecture of analyzing hundreds of human whole genomes simultaneously.

Availability and Implementation

SeqsLab is implemented with JAVA. The generated annotation will then be stored in Elasticsearch for real-time query and exploratory analysis. SeqsLab can be accessed by web browsers and is freely available at http://portal.seqslab.net/.

Contact

chungtsai_su@atgenomix.com

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Barcoding analysis of HIV drug resistance mutations using Oxford Nanopore MinION (ONT) sequencing
Authors: Gonzalez Claudia , Gondola Jessica , Ortiz Alma Y , Castillo Juan M , Pascale Juan M , Martinez Alexander A
Published: December 2017

Determination of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is becoming an integral baseline HIV evaluation for newly infected subjects, as the level of pre-treatment resistance is increasing worldwide. Until now, the gold standard for monitoring ART mutations is the Sanger sequencing method, however, next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) because high-throughput capability, are gaining attention as a method for detection of HIVDR. In the present work, we evaluated the use of the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION as an alternative method for detection of drug resistance mutations in pre-treatment HIV positive subjects.

We evaluate 36 samples taken during November 2016 from treatment naïve subjects with age greater than 18 years old, who went to the lab for their first HIV monitoring. To evaluate the agreement between Sanger and MinION generated sequences, we aligned the sequences (∼1200bp) with muscle v. 3.8.31. Then we counted the differences and calculated the p-distance of the obtained sequences, comparing paired sequences and grouping Sanger and MinION obtained sequences. The percentage of similarity among each sequence was also evaluated.

All samples were submitted to the Standford University HIV drug resistance database (HIVdb version 8.4). Then we compared the resistance predictions obtained from the sequences generated by Sanger and MinION methods.

Results: The median of available pores was 1314 for the first run, 1215 for the second run, and 536 for the third run. After 3 hours with SQK-NSK007 a total of 18803 2D reads were base-called and in 16577 reads (88%) a barcode was detected.

Comparing the nucleotide differences of each sample, we observed that 23 (74%) samples had identical sequence, for the other samples the percentage of identity among each analyzed sequence was greater than 95%. A good positive predictive value (100%) in the estimation of drug resistance mutations in the groups of protease inhibitors (PI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

We present an approach for the analysis of HIV reads generated with MinION ONT, further studies are guaranteed before the application of this methodology in clinical settings to assess its suitability for HIVDR testing.
Nanjinganthus: An Unexpected Flower from the Jurassic of China
Authors: Fu Qiang , Diez José Bienvenido , Pole Mike , García-Ávila Manuel , Liu Zhong-Jian , Chu Hang , Hou Yemao , Yin Pengfei , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Du Kaihe , Wang Xin
Published: December 2017

The origin of angiosperms has been the focus of intensive botanical debate for well over a century. The great diversity of angiosperms in the Early Cretaceous makes the Jurassic rather expected to elucidate the origin of angiosperm. Former reports of early angiosperms are frequently based on a single specimen, making many conclusions tentative. Here, based on observations of 284 individual flowers preserved on 28 slabs in various states and orientations, we describe a fossil flower,Nanjinganthus dendrostylagen. et sp. nov., from the South Xiangshan Formation (Early Jurassic) of China. The large number of specimens and various preservations allows us to give an evidenced interpretation of the flower. The complete enclosure of ovules inNanjinganthusis fulfilled by a combination of an invaginated and ovarian roof. Characterized by its actinomorphic flower with a dendroid style, cup-form receptacle, and angio-ovuly,Nanjinganthusis abona fideangiosperm from the Jurassic.Nanjinganthusre-confirms the existence of Jurassic angiosperms and provides first-hand raw data for new analyses on the origin and history of angiosperms.
Investigating systematic review for multi-disciplinary research in the built environment
Authors: Parida Subhadarsini , Brown Kerry
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which a systematic review approach is transferable from medicine to multi-disciplinary studies in the built environment research.

Design/methodology/approach

Primarily a review paper, it focuses on specific steps in the systematic review to clarify and elaborate the elements for adapting an evidence base in the built environment studies particular to the impact of green building on employees’ health, well-being and productivity.

Findings

While research represents a potentially powerful means of reducing the gap between research and practice by applying tried and tested methods, the methodological rigour is debatable when a traditional systematic review approach is applied in the built environment studies involving multi-disciplinary research.

Research limitations/implications

The foundational contribution of this paper lies in providing methodological guidance and an alternative framework to advance the longstanding efforts in the built environment to bridge the practitioner and academic divide.

Originality/value

A systematic review approach in the built environment is rare. The method is unique in multi-disciplinary studies especially in green building studies. This paper adopts the systematic review protocols in this cross-disciplinary study involving health, management and built environment expertise.
Designing an efficient tidal turbine blade through bio-mimicry: a systematic review
Authors: Kulkarni Siddharth , Chapman Craig , Shah Hanifa , Parn Erika Anneli , Edwards David John
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review in the tidal energy physics, the ocean environment, hydrodynamics of horizontal axis tidal turbines and bio-mimicry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an insight of the tidal turbine blade design and need for renewable energy sources to generate electricity through clean energy sources and less CO2emission. The ocean environment, along with hydrodynamic design principles of a horizontal axis tidal turbine blade, is described, including theoretical maximum efficiency, blade element momentum theory and non-dimensional forces acting on tidal turbine blades.

Findings

This review gives an overview of fish locomotion identifying the attributes of the swimming like lift-based thrust propulsion, the locomotion driving factors: dorsal fins, caudal fins in propulsion, which enable the fish to be efficient even at low tidal velocities.

Originality/value

Finally, after understanding the phenomenon of caudal fin propulsion and its relationship with tidal turbine blade hydrodynamics, this review focuses on the implications of bio-mimicking a curved caudal fin to design an efficient horizontal axis tidal turbine.
Reflections on studio-based learning: assessment and critique
Authors: Megahed Naglaa
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Since the teaching of architecture is now carried out in architectural studios with the critique session as the core of its assessment, the aim of this paper is to analyse architecture students’ attitudes, satisfaction levels and experiences in terms of different critique and assessment methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on two main approaches – the literature and questionnaire survey. In addition, the study relies on the author’s personal observations in design studio teaching and as a practitioner of the method.

Findings

It is important to establish clear goals for design critique and assessment and to include different critique methodologies – self critique, peer critique, group critique and professional critique. All such methodologies should be undertaken in an interactive environment that facilitates communication and exchange of scholarly thoughts among students, instructors and other professionals.

Practical implications

The study involves the investigation of students’ responses and reactions to the various critique methodologies and their underlying practices in the context of Egypt. This is based on the questionnaire survey undertaken by the author in 2016. The questionnaire is designed to generate both qualitative and quantitative data.

Social implications

This study aims to understand the students’ perspective about their design experiences with regard to studio-based learning and its impact on their education.

Originality/value

While the topic of design critique about students has been studied heavily in the Western world, there is a lack of similar information in most Egyptian universities. To fill this gap, the Architecture Program at Port Said University was closely observed.
The impacts of monetary rewards on public sector employees in construction
Authors: Chinyio Ezekiel , Suresh Subashini , Salisu Jamilu Bappa
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Literature indicates that monetary reward or compensation impacts on the level of attraction, motivation, job satisfaction and retention of employees. The elements of compensation include salary, bonuses (allowances), gratuity and pension. The purpose of this study is to investigate how these four elements of compensation specifically influence the attraction, motivation, job satisfaction and retention of public sector construction employees of Jigawa State of Nigeria to inform how their employer can raise the current levels of satisfaction and retention of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The Positivist paradigm guided the empirical research where a questionnaire was developed, pilot-tested and administered to 265 people using stratified random sampling. A total of 260 questionnaires were collected, representing a response rate of 98 per cent. The data obtained were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results established that construction employees in Jigawa State’s public sector were motivated by allowances and gratuity, attracted to the job by salary, pension and gratuity and remained in their jobs through the influences of gratuity and pension. Gratuity played a major role, as it impacted on all the four variables studied.

Practical implications

These findings are applicable to Jigawa State of Nigeria but can be extrapolated to other public sector construction employees in the whole country. The findings could also be generalized in other states where the pay scales are different within the ministries.

Originality/value

The impacts of four elements of monetary rewards on four employees’ variables were studied. The specifics of which elements of compensation influence the employees of Jigawa State’s Ministry of Works and Transport have been identified. The findings from this study showed that gratuity played a primary role, as it impacted highly on all the four variables of job attraction, motivation, satisfaction and retention. Pension also played a high role, as it impacted heavily on job attraction, satisfaction and retention. Comparatively salary and allowances had high impact on one variable each: job attraction and motivation, respectively.
Designing a lean storage allocation policy for non-uniform unit loads in a forward-reserve model
Authors: Shah Bhavin , Khanzode Vivek
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The contemporary e-tailing marketplace insists that distribution centers are playing the roles of both wholesalers and retailers which require different storage-handling load sizes due to different product variants. To fulfill piecewise retail orders, a separate small size-fast pick area is design called “forward buffer” wherein pallets are allocated from reserve area. Due to non-uniform pallets, the static allocation policy diminishes forward space utilization and also, more than practically required buffer size has been identified as wastage. Thus, dynamic storage allocation policy is required to design for reducing storage wastage and improving throughput considering non-uniform unit load sizes. The purpose of this paper is to model such policy and develop an e-decision support system assisting enterprise practitioners with real-time decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is developed as a dynamic storage allocation policy and mathematical modeled as knapsack-based heuristics. The execution procedure of policy is explained as an example and tested with case-specific data. The developed model is implemented as a web-based support system and tested with rational data instances, as well as overcoming prejudices against single case findings.

Findings

The provided model considers variable size storage-handling unit loads and recommends number of pallets allocations in forward area reducing storage wastes. The algorithm searches and suggests the “just-right” amount of allocations for each product balancing existing forward capacity. It also helps to determine “lean buffer” size for forward area ensuring desired throughput. Sensitivity and buffer performance analysis is carried out for Poisson distributed data sets followed by research synthesis.

Practical implications

Warehouse practitioners can use this model ensuring a desired throughput level with least forward storage wastages. The model driven e-decision support system (DSS) helps for effective real-time decision making under complicated business scenarios wherein products are having different physical dimensions. It assists the researchers who would like to explore the emerging field of “lean” adoption in enterprise information and retail-distribution management.

Originality/value

The paper provides an inventive approach endorsing lean thinking in storage allocation policy design for a forward-reserve model. Also, the developed methodology incorporating features of e-DSS along with quantitative modeling is an inimitable research contribution justifying rational data support.
Mobile supply chain management in the Industry 4.0 era
Authors: Barata João , Rupino Da Cunha Paulo , Stal Janusz
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify avenues for future research in mobile supply chain management (mSCM) in the advent of Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was used to identify, classify, and analyze current knowledge, identify trends, and propose recommendations for future research.

Findings

Other research fields, such as operations, production, industrial engineering, and computer science, seem to have a head start in research into Industry 4.0. Several avenues are suggested for investigation under an information systems lens.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the care taken in the systematic literature review, the language (English), the selected keywords, and selected databases represent a natural limitation.

Practical implications

With Industry 4.0 at the top of the agenda of managers and countries, it is important to identify relevant research avenues.

Originality/value

A gap between the extant literature on mSCM and new concerns raised by Industry 4.0 is presented, and some research opportunities to close those gaps are proposed.
Exploring the determinants of liquidity with big data – market heterogeneity in German markets
Authors: Cajias Marcelo , Freudenreich Philipp
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the market liquidity (time-on-market (TOM)) and its determinants, for rental dwellings in the largest seven German cities, with big data.

Design/methodology/approach

The determinants of TOM are estimated with the Cox proportional hazards model. Hedonic characteristics, as well as socioeconomic and spatial variables, are combined with different fixed effects and controls for non-linearity, so as to maximise the explanatory power of the model.

Findings

Higher asking rent and larger living space decrease the liquidity in all seven markets, while the age of a dwelling, the number of rooms and proximity to the city centre accelerate the letting process. For the other hedonic characteristics heterogeneous implications emerge.

Practical implications

The findings are of interest for institutional and private landlords, as well as governmental organisations in charge of housing and urban development.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to deal with the liquidity of rental dwellings in the seven most populated cities of Europe’s second largest rental market, by applying the Cox proportional hazards model with spatial gravity variables. Furthermore, the German rental market is of particular interest, as approximately 60 per cent of all rental dwellings are owned by private landlords and the German market is organised polycentrically.
The real alternative? A comparison of German real estate returns with bonds and stocks
Authors: Szumilo Nikodem , Wiegelmann Thomas , Łaszkiewicz Edyta , Pietrzak Michal Bernard , Balcerzak Adam P.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how real estate returns behaved over the last two decades in relation to the other two asset types. This allows a direct evaluation of how investors make allocation choices and perceive risks and rewards offered by properties in the context of changing market conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A de-smoothed MSCI index is used to reflect direct property returns and control for both income and capital returns within it. Indirect property returns are approximated by the RX Real Estate index. By supplementing this data with an analysis of trends in both space and capital markets it is possible to relate investor behavior to events affecting other assets.

Findings

It is possible to identify three distinctive periods characterized by different correlation of returns and behavior of investors: before the crisis of 2008, the crisis period between 2008 and 2012 and recovery afterwards. These appear to have corresponded to different stages of the economic cycle. Interestingly, performance of asset classes has also differed over that period suggesting that at different points in the cycle asset allocation decisions may have been made differently.

Practical implications

It appears that as investments over the last 15 years real assets in Germany behaved similarly to bonds. It is possible that this phenomenon was driven by an aversion to the stock market and its associated risk which became a concern after the financial crisis of 2008. Over the downturn that followed the market shock investors appear to have turned to assets with simpler risk profiles like direct real estate and government debt. On the other hand, the correlation between direct property investment index and stock returns has been found to be small but negative. This shows not only that the two asset classes were often driven by different factors but also suggests that diversification was, at least theoretically, possible.

Originality/value

Direct real estate investment returns have repeatedly been found to exhibit characteristics similar to those found in bond as well as equity markets (Eichholtz and Hartzell, 1996; Clayton and MacKinnon, 2003) but little research examines the correlation between returns offered by those asset classes in a mature financial and property market. In addition, the recent financial crisis provided a dynamically changing investment which is ideal for investigating structural relationships between assets.
Spatial effects and non-linearity in hedonic modeling
Authors: Cajias Marcelo , Ertl Sebastian
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the asymptotic properties and prediction accuracy of two innovative methods proposed along the hedonic debate: the geographically weighted regression (GWR) and the generalized additive model (GAM).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess the asymptotic properties of linear, spatial and non-linear hedonic models based on a very large data set in Germany. The employed functional form is based on the OLS, GWR and the GAM, while the estimation methodology was chosen to be iterative in forecasting, the fitted rents for each quarter based on their 1-quarter-prior functional form. The performance accuracy is measured by traditional indicators such as the error variance and the mean squared (percentage) error.

Findings

The results provide evidence for a clear disadvantage of the GWR model in out-of-sample forecasts. There exists a strong out-of-sample discrepancy between the GWR and the GAM models, whereas the simplicity of the OLS approach is not substantially outperformed by the GAM approach.

Practical implications

For policymakers, a more accurate knowledge on market dynamics via hedonic models leads to a more precise market control and to a better understanding of the local factors affecting current and future rents. For institutional researchers, instead, the findings are essential and might be used as a guide when valuing residential portfolios and forecasting cashflows. Even though this study analyses residential real estate, the results should be of interest to all forms of real estate investments.

Originality/value

Sample size is essential when deriving the asymptotic properties of hedonic models. Whit this study covering more than 570,000 observations, this study constitutes – to the authors’ knowledge – one of the largest data sets used for spatial real estate analysis.
Affect and cognition, part 2: affect types and mindset types
Authors: Fink Gerhard , Yolles Maurice
Published: December 2017

Purpose

A typology of basic affective and cognitive orientations is developed within a generic cultural socio-cognitive trait theory of a “plural affect agency” (the emotional organisation).

Design/methodology/approach

Affective personality is defined in terms of a set of affect traits. These are defined in terms of epistemically independent bipolar affect types, which in turn coalesce into a set of mindset types that can be related to the classical four temperaments.

Findings

Different affect types are supposed to differently regulate the three stages of emotion management. Affect types and cognitive types provide mutual contexts, and foster reciprocal affect and cognitive orientations.

Research limitations/implications

The theory provides guidance for analysis of cultural differentiation within social systems (societies/organisations), with reference to identification, elaboration and execution of “emotion knowledge” and “cognitive knowledge”.

Practical implications

Understanding interdependencies between cognition and emotion regulation is a prerequisite of managerial intelligence and strategic cultural intelligence, which is in demand for interaction and integration processes across social systems.

Originality/value

From the framework model linking emotion expression and emotion regulation with cognition analysis, a typology arises allowing ex-ante expectation of typical patterns of behaviour.
One Door Mental Health Lived Experience Framework
Authors: Schweizer Richard , Marks Ellen , Ramjan Rob
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Recently, the importance of a lived experience workforce in the delivery of mental health services has been demonstrated. The roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia has generated the need for a significant increase in the disability workforce, including psychosocial disability. The purpose of this paper is to describe the strategies outlined in the One Door Mental Health Lived Experience Framework (LEF), which is the culmination of over 30 years of experience in providing mental health services and the employment of a lived experience workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

One Door developed and implemented the LEF, a thorough guide to the employment and support of a workforce of people with lived experience of mental illness, through consultation with consumers, carers, stakeholders, practice advisors, management, human resources and employee focus groups.

Findings

Extensive support structures in the LEF are key to achieving the benefits of a lived experience workforce. The LEF has positioned One Door successfully for the achievement of key organisational goals in mental health support and advocacy.

Research limitations/implications

Mental health policies and support are critical for productivity outcomes in any workplace regardless of the level of lived experience of the employees. This paper provides organisations, particularly those within the mental health sector, an example to build on in their own employment and support strategies.

Originality/value

This paper is of particular value in the context of organisations in the mental health sector transitioning to the NDIS.
Why make the effort? Exploring recovery college engagement
Authors: Harper Leanne , McKeown Mick
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Whilst there is growing evidence to suggest that the recovery college (RC) environment supports students towards their mental health recovery (Meddings et al., 2015b), students’ initial motivations for engagement, alongside factors that may hinder or support attendance, have yet to be exclusively explored. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

All new RC students were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview three months following their enrolment. Four participants completed an interview which were later analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Four themes emerged within analysis: making the effort; being “too unwell”; friendly environment; and glad I came. These are discussed alongside the literature, and it is proposed that whilst there is a substantial struggle involved in engagement with a RC, likely related to mental health and social factors, the RC environment, peer support and support of the tutors helps students to overcome the impact of this.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the small sample size and exploratory stance of this study, additional research into the complexities around engagement with RCs is strongly recommended. Only students who had attended at least one RC course chose to participate in this study, therefore an under-researched population of non-attendees may provide a valuable contribution to further understanding.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to qualitatively explore factors which may support, or hinder, initial and ongoing engagement with a RC. It is proposed that a greater understanding of these important issues could be used to increase RC accessibility and inclusion.
Ben Robinson in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Robinson Ben , Carson Jerome
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Ben Robinson.

Design/methodology/approach

Ben provides a short summary of his life and is then interviewed by Jerome.

Findings

Ben talks about his inpatient treatment for anorexia and his long journey of recovery.

Research limitations/implications

Single case studies provide us with unique insights into the lived experience of people with mental health problems. They often provide us with hints as to how services could be improved.

Practical implications

Ben argues that the voice of service users needs to be heard more by professionals. “The only experts of a mental health problem are the people who have been through a mental health issue themselves”.

Social implications

One of the classic recovery reports talked about “going the extra mile”. Ben talks about how his family therapist would visit him at the end of her working day. As he says, “this was something she didn’t have to do, but wanted to do as she genuinely cared for us”.

Originality/value

Ben is determined to use his experiences for the benefit of others. Even to have helped a single person will be his biggest life achievement.
Compositional and experimental investigation of the effect of reactor temperature on softwood and hardwood pyrolysis
Authors: Oyebanji Joseph Adewumi , Oyedepo Sunday Olayinka
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of reactor temperature on softwood and hardwood pyrolysis. Experiments are performed at six temperature levels ranging from 300 to 800°C under N2 atmosphere. The weights of char, tar and gas yields produced were measured and recorded in percentage of initial weight of the pyrolyzed samples. Results of the study showed that hardwood produces maximum char, tar and gas yields of 41.02 per cent at 300°C,44.10 per cent at 300°C and 56.86 per cent at 800°C, respectively, whereas softwood produces maximum yields of 30.10 per cent at 300°C, 28.25 per cent at 300°C and 68.73 per cent at 800°C, respectively. Proximate analysis shows that volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content and moisture content of hardwood are 74.83, 14.28, 2.81 and 8.08 per cent, respectively, and that of softwood are 79.76, 12.65, 0.98 and 6.61 per cent, respectively. Result of the elemental analysis results shows that the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur contents for hardwood are 52.20, 6.45, 0.68, 39.64 and 1.03 per cent, respectively, and that of softwood are 45.95, 4.57, 0.56, 48.13 and 0.79 per cent, respectively. The higher heating value of hardwood and softwood are 21.76 and 16.50 kJ/g respectively. This study shows that char and tar yields decrease with increase pyrolysis temperature, whereas gas yield increases as pyrolysis temperature increases for the wood samples considered. At all temperatures considered in this study, gas yields are higher than tar and char yields for softwood, whereas for hardwood, tar yield decreases with increase in temperature with accompanying increase in gas yield.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments are performed at six temperature levels ranging from 300 to 800°C under N2 atmosphere.

Findings

At all temperatures considered in this study, gas yields are higher than tar and char yields for softwood, whereas for hardwood, tar yield decreases with increase in temperature with accompanying increase in gas yield.

Originality/value

Results of the study showed that hardwood produces maximum char, tar and gas yields of 41.02 per cent at 300°C,44.10 per cent at 300°C and 56.86 per cent at 800°C, respectively, whereas softwood produces maximum yields of 30.10 per cent at 300°C, 28.25 per cent at 300°C and 68.73 per cent at 800°C, respectively.
Testing the Use of Pigs as Human Proxies in Decomposition Studies
Authors: Connor Melissa , Baigent Christiane , Hansen Eriek S.
Published: December 2017

Pigs are a common human analogue in taphonomic study, yet data comparing the trajectory of decomposition between the two groups are lacking. This study compared decomposition rate and gross tissue change in 17 pigs and 22 human remains placed in the Forensic Investigation Research Station in western Colorado between 2012 and 2015. Accumulated degree days (ADD) were used to assess the number of thermal units required to reach a given total body score (TBS) (1) which was used as the measure of decomposition. A comparison of slopes in linear mixed effects model indicated that decomposition rates significantly differed between human donors and pig remains χ2(1) = 5.662, p = 0.017. Neither the pig nor the human trajectory compared well to the TBS model. Thus, (i) pigs are not an adequate proxy for human decomposition studies, and (ii) in the semiarid environment of western Colorado, there is a need to develop a regional decomposition model.