bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling reconfigurability in supply chains using total interpretive structural modeling
Authors: Biswas Pallab
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, analyze, and categorize the major enablers of reconfigurability that can facilitate structural changes within a supply chain in a global scenario. The paper also addresses five reconfigurability dimensions in the perspective of supply chains and the major enablers to attain them. The paper further aims to understand the mutual interactions among these enablers through the identification of hierarchical relationships among them.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework that holistically considers all the major enablers of reconfigurability has been developed. The hierarchical interrelationships between major enablers have been presented and interpreted using a novel qualitative modeling technique, i.e., total interpretive structural modeling (TISM), which is an extension of ISM. SPSS 22.0 is employed to carry out a one-tailed one-sample t-test further to test the hypotheses for validating the results of TISM. Impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis has been employed to identify the driving and dependence powers of these reconfigurability enablers.

Findings

In this paper, 15 enablers for reconfigurability paradigm have been identified through literature review and expert opinions. The authors established interrelationships and interdependencies among these enablers and categorized them as enablers of each dimension. New product development and customer satisfaction come at the highest level of priority. The levels of these enablers were obtained using TISM. The authors compared the results with the clusters derived from MICMAC analysis, and the results are found to be well within the acceptable range.

Research limitations/implications

The study has implications for both practitioners and academia. The work provides a comprehensive list of enablers that are relevant to reconfigure supply chains in today’s volatile global market. This research will also help decision makers to strategically focus on the top-level enablers and their concerned dimensions. The research is based on an automobile company case study and can be extended to products with volatile and changing demands.

Originality/value

The proposed model for reconfigurability enablers using TISM is a new effort altogether in the area of supply chain management. The novelty of this research lies in its identification of specific enablers to reconfigure a supply chain through different dimensions.
Delivering the message
Authors: Moorefield-Lang Heather Michele
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of podcasts, online radio broadcasts, YouTube channels, and other technology medium to deliver information and professional development to peers in the field and professionals in librarianship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores five case studies of librarians and library professionals who have created online programs specifically geared to the field using technologies such as podcasting, YouTube channels, Twitter Chats, and Google Hangouts. The case studies include librarians in the public, academic, and school settings as well as one professional from The American Library Association. Interviews via Google Hangouts took place to gather information for each narrative. NVivo 10 qualitative data analysis software was used to pull out themes and commonalities among narratives. Some examples include, intended audience, program focus, platform topics, technology, and challenges.

Findings

Face-to-face delivery of information and professional development can be difficult with librarians and professionals located across the USA and the world. These five interviewees share new opportunities and examples in the delivery of training and information in the field of librarianship without ever needing to leave an office or desk.

Originality/value

Podcasting in librarianship is a topic of modest popularity but it is typically used with students and at the academic library level where the topics of podcasts and libraries are addressed. The topics of podcasts, online radio broadcasts, and other technologies in librarian peer-to-peer instruction and professional development are uncharted territory in the field of scholarly research. This piece opens research to multiple opportunities in both practice and scholarship in how technology can aid in professional development and information delivery to peers and practitioners in the field.
Promoting information literacy: perspectives from UK universities
Authors: Ellis Claire , Johnson Frances , Rowley Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Academic libraries have sought to become the leaders in the provision of information literacy (IL). The purpose of this paper is to identify to what extent IL is being promoted through institutional websites.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from all UK university websites (n=133) in early 2015 to identify the promotion of IL. Content analysis was used for the five categories: IL in the mission statement, visions or strategic plan; IL model or framework; IL policy; IL assessment; and, IL training. Data collection was limited to information in the public domain which could be accessed from individual websites, which were searched and browsed systematically.

Findings

In total, 85.7 per cent of universities promote IL to some extent on their websites in at least one of the five categories, however the degree of the information provided varied extensively. Less than 6 per cent of universities promote IL at institutional level. Only 17.3 per cent refer to a model or framework, 15.8 per cent show their IL policy and 9 per cent provide information on their assessment of students’ IL skills. Information on IL training is offered on 84.2 per cent of websites, the most common method being online tutorials, although 52.6 per cent only offer training for one or two aspects of IL, primarily information seeking and citing and referencing.

Originality/value

This paper provides up-to-date data concerning how universities in the UK promote IL in the public domain via their websites. It should be of interest to academic librarians who are responsible for IL provision.
Using linked open data to enhance the discoverability, functionality and impact of Emblematica Online
Authors: Cole Timothy W. , Han Myung-Ja K. , Janina Sarol Maria , Biel Monika , Maus David
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Early Modern emblem books are primary sources for scholars studying the European Renaissance. Linked Open Data (LOD) is an approach for organizing and modeling information in a data-centric manner compatible with the emerging Semantic Web. The purpose of this paper is to examine ways in which LOD methods can be applied to facilitate emblem resource discovery, better reveal the structure and connectedness of digitized emblem resources, and enhance scholar interactions with digitized emblem resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This research encompasses an analysis of the existing XML-based Spine (emblem-specific) metadata schema; the design of a new, domain-specific, Resource Description Framework compatible ontology; the mapping and transformation of metadata from Spine to both the new ontology and (separately) to the pre-existing Schema.org ontology; and the (experimental) modification of the Emblematica Online portal as a proof of concept to illustrate enhancements supported by LOD.

Findings

LOD is viable as an approach for facilitating discovery and enhancing the value to scholars of digitized emblem books; however, metadata must first be enriched with additional uniform resource identifiers and the workflow upgrades required to normalize and transform existing emblem metadata are substantial and still to be fully worked out.

Practical implications

The research described demonstrates the feasibility of transforming existing, special collections metadata to LOD. Although considerable work and further study will be required, preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of LOD for both users and libraries.

Originality/value

This research is unique in the context of emblem studies and adds to the emerging body of work examining the application of LOD best practices to library special collections.
Novel exploration of 3D printed wrist arthroplasty to solve the severe and complicated bone defect of wrist
Authors: Han Qing , Qin Yanguo , Zou Yun , Wang Chenyu , Bai Haotian , Yu Tao , Huang Lanfeng , Wang Jincheng
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Although proximal row carpectomy, wrist arthrodesis and even total wrist arthroplasty were developed to treat wrist disease using bone and cartilage of the wrist, severe and complicated bone defects caused by ferocious trauma and bone tumors remain a stubborn problem for surgeons. Development and application of the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology may provide possible solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Computed tomography (CT) data of three cases with severe bone defects caused by either trauma or bone tumor were collected and converted into three-dimensional models. Prostheses were designed individually according to the residual anatomical structure of the wrist based on the models. Both the models and prostheses were produced using 3D printing technology. A preoperative design was prepared according to the models and prostheses. Then arthroplasty was performed after preoperative simulation with printed models and prostheses.

Findings

The diameter of the stem and radial medullary cavity, the direction and location of the prosthesis, and other components were checked during the preoperative design and simulation process phases. The three cases with 3D printed wrist all regained reconstruction of normal anatomy and part of the function after surgery. The average increasing Cooney score rate of Cases 2 and 3 was 133.34 ± 23.57 per cent, and that of Case 1 reached 85 per cent. The average declining rate of the Gartland and Werley Score in Cases 2 and 3 was 65.21 ± 18.89 per cent, and that of Case 1 dropped to 5 per cent in the last follow-up. The scores indicated that patients experienced pain relief and function regain. In addition, the degree of patient satisfaction improved.

Originality/value

3D printed wrist arthroplasty may provide an effective method for severe and complicated cases without sacrificing other bones. Personal customization can offer better anatomy and function than arthrodesis or other traditional surgical techniques.
System and process development for coaxial extrusion in fused deposition modelling
Authors: Taylor Adam C. , Beirne Stephen , Alici Gursel , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to design and test a system capable of coaxial fused deposition modelling (FDM) and assess the coaxial fibres produced for their coaxial concentricity. The goal is to achieve concentricity values below the literature standard of 15 per cent.

Design/methodology/approach

This research discusses the design of the coaxial nozzle internal geometry and validates the modelling process by using computational fluid dynamics to assess its flow profile. Sequentially, this paper discusses the abilities of current additive manufacturing (AM) technology in the production of the coaxial nozzle.

Findings

The methodology followed has produced coaxial fibres with concentricity values as low as 2.89 per cent and also identifies a clear speed suitable for coaxial printing using polylactic acid (PLA) as the internal and external materials.

Research limitations/implications

The concentricity of the printed fibres is heavily influenced by the feed rate for the thermoplastic feedstock. This in turn alters the viscosity of the material to be printed, implying that a relationship exists between feed rate and print temperature, which can be further optimised to potentially obtain higher concentricity values.

Practical implications

This paper adds reliability and repeatability to the production of coaxially printed structures, the likes of which has numerous potential applications for biological printing.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this study will provide an AM platform to alter the paradigm of biofabrication by introducing a new level of versatility to the construction of biofabricated structures.
Tensile strength of partially filled FFF printed parts: meta modelling
Authors: Mahmood Shahrain , Qureshi A.J. , Goh Kheng Lim , Talamona Didier
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the tensile strength of partially filled fused filament fabrication (FFF) printed parts with respect of cross-sectional geometry of partially filled test pieces. It was reported in the authors’ earlier work that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of a specimen, whereas the number of shells and infill density are directly proportional to the UTS with all other parameters being held constant. Here, the authors present an in-depth evaluation of the phenomenon and a parametric model that can provide useful estimates of the UTS of the printed part by accounting for the dimensions of the solid floor/roof layers, shells and infills.

Design/methodology/approach

It was found that partially filled FFF printed parts consist of hollow sections. Because of these voids, the conventional method of determining the UTS via the gross cross-sectional area given by A = b × h, where b and h are the width and thickness of the printed part, respectively, cannot be used. A mathematical model of a more accurate representation of the cross-sectional area of a partially filled part was formulated. Additionally, the model was extended to predict the dimensions as well as the lateral distortion of the respective features within a printed part using input values from the experimental data.

Findings

The result from this investigation shows that to calculate the UTS of a partially filled FFF part, the calculation based on the conventional approach is not sufficient. A new meta-model is proposed which takes into account the geometry of the internal features to give an estimate of the strength of a partially filled printed part that is closer to the value of the strength of the material that is used for fabricating the part.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the tensile strength of a partially filled FFF printed part. The results have shown that the tensile strength of a partially filled part can be similar to that of a solid part, at a lower cost: shorter printing time and lower material usage. By taking into account the geometries within a printed part, the cross-sectional area can be accurately represented. The mathematical model which was developed would aid end-users to predict the tensile strength for a given set of input values of the process parameters.
Expat pay and compensation: fair or not fair?
Authors: Desplaces David , Congden Steven W.
Published: March 2017

Synopsis

The manager of engineering at Palm Oasis Engineering in Dubai expressed dissatisfaction with his compensation. The uncertainty of his continued participation at a key position came at a critical time for the company. This case provides an event for the analysis of HRM issues of a small company in a nontraditional, international context. Real and perceptual issues surrounding expatriate employee compensation, including wages and benefits relative to home country, cost indices, inflation, and currency fluctuations, are analyzed. Motivation and negotiation strategy are also examined.

Research methodology

This case has been disguised to protect the anonymity of the company and key individuals. The industry, name of the company, and names of personnel have been changed. The authors were granted access to key personnel at the company during a limited time frame.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is designed for upper level, undergraduate international management, international human resource management, and human resource management courses. The case is designed as a mid-semester decision-based case that allows students to apply concepts on motivation, human resource management, and negotiation.
Restructuring at Suzlon Energy Ltd
Authors: S.R. Vishwanath , Singh Kulbir , Arora Jaskiran , Prasad Durga
Published: March 2017

Synopsis

The case highlights the ambitious growth strategy of Suzlon, an Indian company specializing in non-conventional (wind) energy. In 2007, Suzlon announced the acquisition of REpower of Germany, one of the top wind power companies in the world. It issued zero coupon and coupon bearing foreign currency (US dollar) convertible bonds (FCCB) amounting to $760 million to finance the acquisition. These bonds were listed in Singapore. Due to deteriorating business conditions the company experienced a sharp decline in profitability and stock price resulting in a debt overhang. At the same time, the Indian rupee depreciated from INR44 to INR55 leading to losses on largely unhedged, foreign currency coupon payments. The company had to restructure its capital structure to escape bankruptcy. Since FCCB holders did not agree to restructure the terms of the instrument, the company had to turn to senior lenders to restructure debt. Eventually Suzlon had to sell-off REpower to reduce leverage.

Research methodology

The case is based on interviews of market intermediaries and published information. The information relating to the restructuring has been taken from the information statement filed with the Securities Exchange Board of India and the Stock Exchanges. The timeline of events were constructed from the information available in company press releases. Financial statements and other details are from the documents filed with the regulators and supplemented with the information available in Prowess database. The stock price and stock market index data are from the websites of Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India. Exchange rates, inflation and interest rates have been taken from Bloomberg and the Reserve Bank of India website. Valuation inputs like multiples are from Prowess database and security analyst reports. Sources of information are documented appropriately in the case and instructor’s manual. Although we interviewed the investment bankers involved in the restructuring we have not included any private information in the case to preserve confidentiality.

Relevant courses and levels

This case can be used in a corporate finance course or in a module on debt restructuring in a corporate restructuring course or in the financing module in an advanced corporate finance course or in an International Finance course. It can also be used to teach an integrated approach to valuation and financing in a valuation course.

Theoretical bases

The case highlights the rationale for issuing FX convertible debt, parity conditions in international finance and the use of alternate valuation models.
Performance management system – Core Business School
Authors: Attri Rekha , Bairagi Rahul
Published: March 2017

Synopsis

This case about the Core Business School enunciates the development of a performance appraisal criterion for the faculty members. The case highlights the situation when despite the administration of an appraisal process for the academic year 2012-2013, there was a uniform increment announced which was lower than the previous year’s increment on the pretext that the admission numbers for the next academic session were much low. The faculty and staff were in a dilemma of whether to continue in such an organization where the absence of a formal appraisal system would hamper their career progression or wait for another year for things to change.

Research methodology

This case is developed after an in-depth interview with the dean academics and the HR faculty of the Core Business School who headed the designing of the performance appraisal system and thereafter its implementation.

Relevant courses and levels

This case can be used for the elective course on performance management or human resource management course in MBA program.
Daily bread – a gourmet pursuit
Authors: Abhi Shinu , Venugopal Vasanti
Published: March 2017

Synopsis

Arjun Sekri, a professional-turned-entrepreneur, set out to establish the first branded gourmet industrial bakery in Bengaluru, India in late 2002. His lack of experience in the unorganized food and beverages industry did not deter him from establishing a highly popular industrial and retail bakery chain called “Daily Bread”. The case is about his roller coaster ride in establishing a premium retail food brand in India. Though many of the stores did reasonably well, many things went wrong predominantly on the operations front due to the severe impact of global price inflation, manifested by high real estate rentals, raw material, packing and logistics costs and wage costs. After two years of rapid expansion, in order to curb the bleeding bottom line, Arjun decided to shut down all the newly created stores and production units except the one in Bengaluru which was doing well. By late 2009, the dilemma Arjun faced was what should he do next?

Research methodology

The case study is based on primary data collected from the protagonist and a few other stakeholders involved in the case along with secondary data from published sources.

Relevant courses and levels

Entrepreneurship courses at MBA level or executive programs.

Theoretical bases

The case deals with the life cycle management of a venture with special emphasis on opportunity evaluation, setting up, funding and stakeholders selection.
Bricolage and Identity Work
Authors: Visscher Klaasjan , Heusinkveld Stefan , O'Mahoney Joe
Published: March 2017

Lévi‐Strauss’ concept of bricolage has been used widely in a variety of management and organizational studies to highlight creative ‘situational tinkering’. Yet, we know little about ‘the bricoleur’ beyond the assumption of a functional agent responding to conditions of resource scarcity or environmental complexity. As such, studies offer limited possibilities in explaining the occurrence of bricolage in the absence of external demands, or much about who the bricoleur is. Drawing on 136 in‐depth interviews with management consultants, this study argues for a richer understanding of bricolage by exploring the identity of the bricoleur. In doing so, the paper achieves three outcomes. First, it uses the original symbolic and cultural insights of bricolage made by Lévi‐Strauss to detail how bricoleur identities are constructed; Second, it highlights how different organizational strategies enable and constrain the pursuit of bricoleur identities; Finally, it emphasizes the bricoleur's status as primarily an aspirational elite identity in the context of consultancy work, in contrast to its usual treatment as a ‘low status’ activity.
Popularizing a Management Accounting Idea: The Case of the Balanced Scorecard
Authors: Cooper David J. , Ezzamel Mahmoud , Qu Sandy Q.
Published: March 2017

We explore how the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), as a management accounting technique, was developed and marketed as a general management practice. Drawing on actor network theory (ANT), we analyze interviews with key actors associated with theBSC, insights gained from attendingBSCtraining workshops, and other documentary evidence to construct a history of theBSC. Our historical analysis offers theoretical tools to understand how the various features of the accounting technique were translated and transformed, that is, shaped and solidified. This translation entailed processes of modification, labelling, framing, and specification of abstract categories and cause‐effect relations. We also examine the networks and associations that both shape the form of theBSCand mobilize the interests of various constituencies around it to produce what can be regarded as a global management technology. Finally, we highlight the strategies and actions used to maintain control of this technique through its continuous reinvention, and, by doing so, we emphasize the idea of strategic agency.
An update on the diagnosis and treatment of dens invaginatus
Authors: Zhu J , Wang X , Fang Y , Von den Hoff JW , Meng L
Published: March 2017

Dens invaginatus is a malformation with varying anatomical features, posing challenges to treatment. Early and accurate diagnosis plays a significant role in selecting the appropriate treatment. The diagnosis of teeth with a complex root canal system including dens invaginatus has made progress with the application of three‐dimensional imaging techniques in endodontics. Advanced treatment options provide hope for teeth that could not be saved before. This review discusses diagnostic methods and treatment options for teeth with dens invaginatus, and provides guidelines for the management of dens invaginatus cases in clinic. Current as well as traditional diagnostic techniques are summarized. Treatment options including state‐of‐the‐art alternatives are presented for coronal dens invaginatus and radicular dens invaginatus.
The relationship between nasopharyngeal CCL5 and microbiota on disease severity among infants with bronchiolitis
Authors: Hasegawa K. , Mansbach J. M. , Ajami N. J. , Petrosino J. F , Freishtat R. J. , Teach S. J. , Piedra P. A. , Camargo  C. A.
Published: March 2017

Emerging evidence suggests that the airway microbiota plays an important role in viral bronchiolitis pathobiology. However, little is known about the combined role of airway microbiota and CCL5 in infants with bronchiolitis. In this multicenter prospective cohort study of 1005 infants (age <1 year) hospitalized for bronchiolitis during 2011‐2014, we observed statistically significant interactions between nasopharyngeal airway CCL5 levels and microbiota profiles with regard to the risk of both intensive care use (Pinteraction=.02) and hospital length‐of‐stay ≥3 days (Pinteraction=.03). Among infants with lower CCL5 levels, the Haemophilus‐dominant microbiota profile was associated with a higher risk of intensive care use (OR, 3.20; 95%CI, 1.18‐8.68; P=.02) and hospital length‐of‐stay ≥3 days (OR, 4.14; 95%CI, 2.08‐8.24; P<.001) compared to the Moraxella‐dominant profile. Conversely, among those with higher CCL5 levels, there were no significant associations between the microbiota profiles and these severity outcomes (all P≥.10).
Causes of pain and loss of function in rotator cuff disease: analysis of 1383 cases
Authors: Maher Anthony , Leigh Warren , Brick Matt , Young Simon , Caughey Michael
Published: March 2017

Background

The New Zealand Rotator Cuff Registry is a multicentre, nationwide prospective study of rotator cuff repairs established in March 2009.

Methods

A total of 1383 rotator cuff repairs were included in this study, all with completed baseline Flex‐SF scores, pain scores and standardized operative forms.

Results

Increasing tear size and tear retraction, over 4 cm, were associated with decreasing Flex‐SF scores but not pain. Tear area (a composite of tear size and retraction) is increased with advancing age, male gender and a traumatic history but not with smoking. Increased pain scores were associated with supraspinatus (SS) single tears, compared to subscapularis tears, and with labral tears. SS/infraspinatus tears had lower Flex‐SF scores compared to subscapularis/SS.

Conclusion

This study presents the relationship between baseline function, pain and tear characteristics in symptomatic rotator cuff tears. Increasing tear size and retraction are related to a loss of function but have minimal effect upon pain. Pain generators included labral pathology, and the involvement of SS. The intraoperative appearance of the long head of biceps pathology did not predict baseline pain and function.
Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography‐guided biopsy in pathological fractures
Authors: Stokes Christopher M. , Elsewaisy Osama , Pang Grant , Slavin John L. , Schlicht Stephen M. , Choong Peter F. M.
Published: March 2017

Background

Obtaining a histological diagnosis is essential for appropriate management of pathological fractures. Computed tomography (CT) is an accurate method of obtaining diagnosis for musculoskeletal tumours. We analysed whether diagnostic accuracy was maintained in the evaluation of pathological fractures.

Methods

A retrospective review of 101 consecutive patients presenting to our tertiary musculoskeletal tumour centre with pathological fracture was performed. Patients underwent core needle biopsy under CT guidance of pathological fractures diagnosed by plain radiography and either CT or magnetic resonance imaging. The histopathology of the CT‐guided biopsy was compared with the sample obtained from open biopsy or definitive surgery to determine diagnostic accuracy.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was 52 ± 20 years (range: 18–85) in a cohort of 46 men and 55 women. Diagnostic accuracy of CT‐guided biopsy was 82.18%. There were 65 malignant and 36 benign tumours with diagnostic accuracy of 86.15% and 80.56%, respectively. The positive predictive value for a malignant tumour was 98.21% whilst it was 93.1% for benign tumours. The femur (53 cases) and humerus (25 cases) were the commonest bones fractured. The most frequent diagnoses were metastasis (20.79%), giant cell tumour (17.82%), osteosarcoma (9.90%) and myeloma (9.90%). There were no complications of CT‐guided biopsy.

Conclusion

Pathological fracture does not confound the diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumours. CT‐guided biopsy is an accurate diagnostic tool in the evaluation of pathological fractures. Final diagnosis and management should be made in the context of appropriate anatomical and functional imaging using a multidisciplinary approach.
Joint Modeling of Zero-Inflated Panel Count and Severity Outcomes
Authors: Juarez-Colunga E. , Silva G. L. , Dean C. B.
Published: March 2017

Panel counts are often encountered in longitudinal, such as diary, studies where individuals are followed over time and the number of events occurring in time intervals, or panels, is recorded. This article develops methods for situations where, in addition to the counts of events, a mark, denoting a measure of severity of the events, is recorded. In many situations there is an association between the panel counts and their marks. This is the case for our motivating application that studies the effect of two hormone therapy treatments in reducing counts and severities of vasomotor symptoms in women after hysterectomy/ovariectomy. We model the event counts and their severities jointly through the use of shared random effects. We also compare, through simulation, the power of testing for the treatment effect based on such joint modeling and an alternative scoring approach, which is commonly employed. The scoring approach analyzes the compound outcome of counts times weighted severity. We discuss this approach and quantify challenges which may arise in isolating the treatment effect when such a scoring approach is used. We also show that the power of detecting a treatment effect is higher when using the joint model than analysis using the scoring approach. Inference is performed via Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.
The contribution of parent–child numeracy activities to young Chinese children's mathematical ability
Authors: Huang Qi , Zhang Xiao , Liu Yingyi , Yang Wen , Song Zhanmei
Published: March 2017

Background

A growing body of recent research has shown that parent–child mathematical activities have a strong effect on children's mathematical learning. However, this research was conducted predominantly in Western societies and focused mainly on mothers’ involvement in such activities.

Aims

This study aimed to examine both mother–child and father–child numeracy activities in Hong Kong Chinese families and both parents’ unique roles in predicting young Chinese children's mathematics ability.

Sample

A sample of 104 Hong Kong Chinese children aged approximately 5 years and their mothers and fathers participated in this study.

Methods

Mothers and fathers independently reported the frequency of their own numeracy activities with their children. Children were assessed individually using two measures of mathematical ability. Hierarchical regression models were used to investigate the contribution of parent–child numeracy activities to children's mathematical ability.

Results

Mothers’ participation in number skill activities and fathers’ participation in number game and application activities significantly predicted their children's mathematical performance even after controlling for background variables and children's language ability.

Conclusions

This study extends previous research with a sample of Chinese kindergarten children and shows that parent–child numeracy activities are related to young children's mathematical ability. The findings highlight the important roles that mothers and fathers play in their young children's mathematical learning.
Boundary interaction: Towards developing a mobile technology‐enabled science curriculum to integrate learning in the informal spaces
Authors: Sun Daner , Looi Chee‐Kit
Published: March 2017

This paper explores the crossover between formal learning and learning in informal spaces supported by mobile technology, and proposes design principles for educators to carry out a science curriculum, namely Boundary Activity‐based Science Curriculum (BAbSC). The conceptualization of the boundary object, and the principles of boundary activity as the key elements to fuse the merits of learning in informal spaces with formal learning, are discussed and elaborated. The key elements of BAbSC are further articulated to provide the framework for curriculum design and development from a holistic perspective. The proposed principles and framework will reinforce the theoretical underpinnings of mobile technology‐enabled curriculum design and development, and can be used to guide teachers to implement curriculum in a more principle‐based and structured manner.
Surgical outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 3402 patients and results of stone analysis in 1559 patients
Authors: Rizvi Syed Adibul Hasan , Hussain Manzoor , Askari Syed Hassan , Hashmi Altaf , Lal Murli , Zafar Mirza Naqi
Published: March 2017

Objective

To report our experience of a series of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures in a single centre over 18 years in terms of patient and stone characteristics, indications, stone clearance and complications, along with the results of chemical analysis of stones in a subgroup.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analysed the outcomes of PCNL in 3402 patients, who underwent the procedure between 1997 and 2014, obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Data analysis included patients’ age and sex, laboratory investigations, imaging, punctured calyx, duration of operation, volume of irrigation fluid, radiation exposure time, blood transfusion, complications and stone‐free status at 1‐month follow‐up. For the present analysis, outcomes in relation to complications and success were divided in two eras, 1997–2005 and 2006–2014, to study the differences.

Results

Of the 3402 patients, 2501 (73.5%) were male and 901 (26.5%) were female, giving a male:female ratio of 2.8:1. Staghorn (partial or complete) calculi were found in 27.5% of patients, while 72.5% had non‐staghorn calculi. Intracorporeal energy sources used for stone fragmentation included ultrasonography in 917 patients (26.9%), pneumatic lithoclast in 1820 (53.5%), holmium laser in 141 (4.1%) and Lithoclast® master in 524 (15.4%). In the majority of patients (97.4%) a 18–22‐F nephrostomy tube was placed after the procedure, while 69 patients (2.03%) underwent tubeless PCNL. The volume of the irrigation fluid used ranged from 7 to 37 L, with a mean of 28.4 L. The stone‐free rate after PCNL in the first era studied was 78%, vs 83.2% in the second era, as assessed by combination of ultrasonography and plain abdominal film of the kidney, ureter and bladder. The complication rate in the first era was 21.3% as compared with 10.3% in the second era, and this difference was statistically significant. Stone analysis showed pure stones in 41% and mixed stones in 58% of patients. The majority of stones consisted of calcium oxalate.

Conclusions

This is the largest series of PCNL reported from any single centre in Pakistan, where there is a high prevalence of stone disease associated with infective and obstructive complications, including renal failure. PCNL as a treatment method offers an economic and effective option in the management of renal stone disease with acceptable stone clearance rates in a resource‐constrained healthcare system.
The TIR/BB‐loop mimetic AS‐1 prevents non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatic insulin resistance by inhibiting NLRP3‐ASC inflammasome activation
Authors: Wang Xiaolu , Gao Yun , Song Juan , Tang Chao , Wang Man , Que Linli , Liu Li , Zhu Guoqing , Chen Qi , Yao Yong , Xu Yong , Li Jiantao , Li Yuehua
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by excessive intracellular lipid accumulation, inflammation and hepatic insulin resistance. As the incidence of NASH is increasing worldwide, there is an urgent need to find novel interventional approaches. The pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β, generated and released from Kupffer cells, is considered to initiate the development of NASH. AS‐1, a synthetic low‐molecule mimetic of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), disrupts the interaction between the IL‐1 receptor and MyD88. Here, we investigated whether AS‐1 could attenuate the pathogenesis of NASH with an emphasis on hepatic insulin resistance.

Experimental Approach

Eight‐week‐old db/db mice were fed a control diet or a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet. AS‐1 (50 mg·kg−1) or vehicle was administered i.p.

Key Results

AS‐1 administration significantly ameliorated NASH as evidenced by alanine aminotransferase levels and CD68 levels in livers of MCD‐fed mice. AS‐1 inhibited the MCD diet‐induced activation of caspase 1 and the NLRP3‐ASC inflammasome, and also reduced the enhanced levels of ROS, malondialdehyde, 3‐nitrotyrosine, NADPH oxidase complex and CYP reductase‐associated cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1) expression in the liver. In addition, AS‐1 decreased ROS, inflammasome activation and IL‐1β production in free fatty acid‐LPS‐treated Kupffer cells. Finally, pretreatment with AS‐1 significantly ameliorated gluconeogenesis and insulin desensitization induced by IL‐1β, probably by blocking the interaction between MyD88 and the IL‐1 receptor.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results indicate that AS‐1 can ameliorate NASH and hepatic insulin resistance and could be considered as a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of NASH.
Is GH dosing optimal in female patients with adult‐onset GH deficiency? An analysis from the NordiNet® International Outcome Study
Authors: Höybye Charlotte , Weber Matthias M. , Pournara Effie , Tønnes Pedersen Birgitte , Biller Beverly M. K.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To evaluate gender differences in GH dosing, IGF‐I and cardiovascular risk markers in adults with GH deficiency (GHD).

Design

NordiNet® International Outcome Study (NCT00960128), a noninterventional, multicentre study, evaluates the long‐term effectiveness and safety of Norditropin® (Novo Nordisk A/S) in the real‐life clinical setting.

Patients

Nondiabetic patients (n = 252; 41·7% female) with adult‐onset GHD (age ≥20 years at GH start), ≥4 years’ GH therapy and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) data at baseline and 4 years.

Measurements

Effects of gender (adjusted for baseline age and body mass index [BMI], average GH dose, treatment duration and concomitant medication) on change from baseline to 4 years (∆) in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), IGF‐I, lipids and waist circumference were evaluated.

Results

GH dose (mean [SE]; mg/day) was similar between females (0·22 [0·02]) and males (0·21 [0·01]) at baseline, but higher in females from year 1 (year 4, females, 0·45 [0·03]; males, 0·32 [0·02]). Mean IGF‐I standard deviation score [SDS] was lower in females vs males at each treatment year; more than one‐third of females still had an IGF‐I SDS below 0 at year 4, compared with only 21·8% of men. An adverse lipid profile at baseline remained poor in more females than males at 4 years. Improvement in total cholesterol was significantly associated with gender (P < 0·0001), improving less in females than in males.

Conclusions

These data highlight that, even after 4 years, GH dose is suboptimal in many female patients, which may impact clinical outcomes; therefore, GH titration for women requires further improvement.
Comparative study of magnetic resonance defaecography and evacuation proctography in the evaluation of obstructed defaecation
Authors: Zafar A. , Seretis C. , Feretis M. , Karandikar S. , Williams S. C. , Goldstein M. , Chapman M.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Obstructed defaecation syndrome is a common condition of multifactorial aetiology and requires specialized evaluation. Accurate and reproducible pelvic floor imaging is imperative for multidisciplinary decision‐making. Evacuation proctography (EP) and magnetic resonance defaecography (MRD) are the main imaging modalities used to assess dynamic pelvic floor function. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the findings and acceptability of MRD and EP in the same cohort of patients.

Method

This was a prospective comparative study of MRD vs EP in 55 patients with obstructed defaecation syndrome in a single National Health Service Foundation Trust.

Results

Fifty‐five patients were recruited and underwent both EP and MRD. Detection rates for rectocoele were similar (82% vs 73%, P = 0.227), but EP revealed a significantly higher number of trapping rectocoeles compared to MRD (75% vs 31%, P < 0.001). EP detected more rectal intussusceptions than MRD (56% vs 35%, P = 0.023). MRD appeared to underestimate the size of the identified rectocoele, although it detected a significant number of anatomical abnormalities in the middle and anterior pelvic compartment not seen on EP (1.8% enterocoele, 9% peritoneocoele and 20% cystocoele). Patients achieved higher rates of expulsion of rectal contrast during EP compared to MRD, but this difference was not significant (76% vs 64% in MRD, P = 0.092). Of the two studies, patients preferred MRD.

Conclusions

MRD provides a global assessment of pelvic floor function and anatomical abnormality. MRD is better tolerated by patients but it is not as sensitive as EP in detecting trapping rectocoeles and intussusceptions.
Brain natriuretic peptide and right heart dysfunction after heart transplantation
Authors: Talha Samy , Charloux Anne , Piquard François , Geny Bernard
Published: March 2017

Heart transplantation (HT) should normalize cardiac endocrine function, but brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels remain elevated after HT, even in the absence of left ventricular hemodynamic disturbance or allograft rejection. Right ventricle (RV) abnormalities are common in HT recipients (HTx), as a result of engraftment process, tricuspid insufficiency, and/or repeated inflammation due to iterative endomyocardial biopsies. RV function follow‐up is vital for patient management as RV dysfunction is a recognized cause of in‐hospital death and is responsible for a worse prognosis. Interestingly, few and controversial data are available concerning the relationship between plasma BNP levels and RV functional impairment in HTx. This suggests that infra‐clinical modifications, such as subtle immune system disorders or hypoxic conditions, might influence BNP expression. Nevertheless, due to other altered circulating molecular forms of BNP, a lack of specificity of BNP assays is described in heart failure patients. This phenomenon could exist in HT population and could explain elevated BNP plasmatic levels despite a normal RV function. In clinical practice, intra‐individual change in BNP over time, rather than absolute BNP values, might be more helpful in detecting right cardiac dysfunction in HTx.
The country‐level effects of drinking, heavy drinking and drink prices on pre‐drinking: An international comparison of 25 countries
Authors: Labhart Florian , Ferris Jason , Winstock Adam , Kuntsche Emmanuel
Published: March 2017

Introduction and Aims. The practice and adverse consequences of pre‐drinking have been documented within a dozen countries, but little remains known about the differences between countries or the country‐specific determinants of pre‐drinking. This study aims to estimate the percentage of pre‐drinkers in different countries and the impact of country‐level indicators such as the price of alcohol and the prevalence of drinkers and of heavy drinkers. Design and Methods. Using data from the Global Drug Survey, the percentage of pre‐drinkers was estimated for 25 countries from 65 126 respondents. Bivariate and multivariate multilevel models were used to model the impact of the on‐premise/off‐premise drinks price ratio, the prevalence of current drinkers and of heavy drinkers on the percentage of pre‐drinkers. Results. The estimated percentage of pre‐drinkers per country ranged from 17.7% (Greece) to 85.4% (Ireland). Across all countries, the higher the prevalence of current drinkers, the higher the percentage of pre‐drinkers. In addition, an interaction between the prevalence of heavy drinkers and the price ratio was found. In countries with a low price ratio, the higher the prevalence of heavy drinkers, the higher the percentage of pre‐drinkers. The opposite effect was observed in countries with high price ratios. Discussion and Conclusions. Pre‐drinking appears to be a worldwide phenomenon. The significant effects of all three indicators demonstrate the role of country‐level determinants underpinning the prevalence of pre‐drinking across countries. Policy makers could use the reported findings for initiating campaigns to reduce pre‐drinking behaviour. [Labhart F, Ferris J, Winstock A, Kuntsche E. The country‐level effects of drinking, heavy drinking and drink prices on pre‐drinking: An international comparison of 25 countries.
Analysis of patients’ willingness to be mobile, taking into account individual characteristics and two exemplary indications
Authors: Augustin Jobst , Schäfer Ines , Augustin Matthias , Zander Nicole
Published: March 2017

Background

With respect to health care planning, it is commonly assumed that patients consult the nearest physician. In reality, however, patients frequently accept great­er efforts/expenses than necessary to see a physician. The objective of the present study was to determine under which circumstances patients were willing to accept additional efforts/expenses, and which role sociodemographic and clinical characteristics play in this regard.

Methods

Data collection was carried out in the context of a multicenter cross‐sectional study among office‐based and hospital‐affiliated (University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf) dermatologists. Patients (n = 309) with psoriasis and chronic wounds were surveyed about their mobility patterns and disease severity. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and multivariate methods.

Results

The willingness to accept additional efforts/expenses is primarily determined by a physician's expertise and service portfolio. Comparing both diagnoses showed that psoriasis patients usually traveled longer distances than wound patients. Among psoriasis patients, one significant predictor for accepting additional efforts/expenses was the level of education. With regard to wound patients, key factors included wound size (severity).

Conclusion

The present study revealed complex mobility patterns among patients, which are affected by numerous personal as well as clinical factors. Depending on the diagnosis and individual preferences, additional efforts/expenses can – among other things – be explained by disease severity. Further studies are required to obtain more conclusive data.