bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement scale of international opportunity identification in early internationalization firms
Authors: Mostafiz Md Imtiaz , Sambasivan Murali , Goh See Kwong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the international opportunity identification (IOI) scale through psychometric evaluation in an emerging economy context.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples consist of international firms operating in the apparel industry in Bangladesh. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on the first wave of responses to unfold the underlying dimensions of IOI. The second wave of data was used to confirm the validity of IOI scale through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

EFA suggests a unidimensional scale, which is supported by CFA. The relationship between IOI and financial performance is significant and confirms nomological validity. Results also confirm the validity and reliability of the IOI scale.

Originality/value

This study indicates that IOI is a reliable and valid scale to measure the strategic action of the international firms operating in emerging economies, and has a positive relationship with financial performance.
Evolution of corporate governance in India and its impact on the growth of the financial market: an empirical analysis (1995-2014)
Authors: Guha Shouvik Kumar , Samanta Navajyoti , Majumdar Abhik , Singh Mandeep , Bharadwaj Ananya
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The past few decades have seen a gradual convergence in corporate governance norms the world over, entailing a discernible shift towards shareholder primacy models. It holds particularly true of developing countries, many of which have steadily amended corporate governance norms to enhance the scope of shareholder rights. This is usually justified through the rationale that increasing protection for foreign investors and shareholders would mean greater investment in capital market and overall financial market development. In India, the shift coincides with a series of fundamental economic and financial policy reforms initiated in the 1990s: collectively and loosely referred to as “liberalisation”, this process marks a paradigm-shift from a tightly controlled welfare economy to one considerably more laissez-faire in its orientation. A fallout of which was that the need to attract and sustain foreign investments acquired an unprecedented significance. The purpose of this paper is to help the readers understand in this larger context the corporate law reform initiatives in India, particularly those pertaining to shareholder rights and allied issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper empirically tests the hypothesis that enhanced shareholder protection leads to greater levels of investments, and financial developments generally. It then uses regression analysis to detect if the change in corporate governance, making it more shareholder-friendly, has had any effect on growth in financial market. It is divided into two broad parts. The first tracks the evolution of corporate governance norms in India. A robust qualitative and quantitative analysis is used to determine the tilt towards a shareholder primacy regime that Indian corporate governance regime now displays. The second chapter deals with the regression analysis where the outcome variable is financial market growth, and explanatory variable is the change in the governance regime with relevant control variables.

Findings

The authors find that change in shareholder primacy corporate governance has little effect on financial market growth in India. The authors would suggest that instead of changing the law in books, more emphasis should be given to implement those regulations and increase the overall rule of law.

Originality/value

This is the first time that such a wide-scale study has been conducted in India, using Bayesian methods. It ought to be of immense value to professionals and academics both.
Finding “just right” books for children: analyzing sentiments in online book reviews
Authors: Choi Yunseon
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study is part of a larger research project which aims to investigate whether sentiments in online reviews on children’s books would represent significant factors which are useful for selecting the right books for children. This paper aims to examine whether positive, negative or neutral attitude would be directly associated with the overall ratings of books.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates subjectivity and polarity of online reviews on children’s books such as neutral, positive or negative sentiment. For the investigation of a statistical association between the sentiment values and the rating scores, this study performs correlation analysis. For a clear explanation of the factors affecting the relationships between the sentiment value and the rating score, this study uses the concept-level sentiment analysis of online reviews.

Findings

The findings of this study demonstrate that there is a weak or low correlation between the sentiment value and the rating score of a book and they are hardly related for most books. The results of this study also uncover key contributing factors that affected the correlations between two variables and made the relationship weak.

Research limitations/implications

This study increases awareness of the implications of online reviews as user-generated contents for complementing the existing controlled vocabulary.

Practical implications

This study contributes to improving library catalogs by using latent topics extracted from online reviews which provide additional access points for assisting in the selection of books.

Originality/value

Although several studies have conducted on online reviews in the domain of business, no research appears to exist on the sentiment analysis of online reviews about children’s books. This study attempts to address the potential and challenges associated with using online reviews to help find the right books for children.
Can green taxation trigger plug-in hybrid electric vehicle acquisition?
Authors: Barros Victor , Pádua Hugo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse to what extent financial incentives under the green tax reform introduced in Portugal in 2014 drive behaviours of acquiring a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Design/methodology/approach

The existent literature identifies a number of factors that influence the interest for PHEV acquisition, including access to financial incentives. However, empirical evidence is not clear as to which factors are more relevant. The authors extend an existent theoretical model of five factors by including ten factors. On this basis, the study carries out a survey and develops a structural equation model to investigate what drives the interest to acquire a PHEV.

Findings

Financial incentives are superior to other factors in explaining the interest in acquiring a PHEV. Education, lower income levels, living in larger cities and driving smaller vehicles shape the interest on these vehicles differently. Financial incentives were found to closely offset the difference in price between conventional vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Social implications

This study finds that public policies can be powerful in shaping consumers’ behaviour, although the amount of the financial incentive is key to triggering a large-scale effect.

Originality/value

The survey in this study allows an in-depth and ex ante analysis of the interest in acquiring PHEV under a green tax reform, taking into account other dimensions and socio-economic variables not accounted for in existent studies.
Willingness to pay for airline security
Authors: Shahrabani Shosh , Teitler Regev Sharon
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Due to recent international media reports of terrorist attacks in airports, people are more aware of the risk terrorism poses to flying and the need for security measures in the airline industry. This study aims to examine factors affecting willingness to pay (WTP) for airline security and safety flights after terror attacks incident.

Design/methodology/approach

A polling company distributed an internet survey among 415 Israelis in July 2014, after thousands of missiles had been fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, threatening the population and disrupting aviation traffic to and from Israel. The results show that individuals who attributed higher importance to airline security and exhibited more fear and less optimism were willing to pay more for airline security and safety.

Findings

The results show that individuals who attributed higher perceived importance to airline security and exhibited more fear and less optimism were willing to pay more for the security and safety of flying.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the study are important for understanding how terrorist attacks and negative aviation events affect people’s feelings, pessimism/optimism and general attitudes toward airline security.

Originality/value

Due to the increase in the number of terror attack involving airlines, it is important for understanding the demand for tickets on secure airlines. Such an understanding is essential for evaluating the perceived benefit of safety and security improvements in the aviation industry and for developing marketing strategies for different tickets.
Emerging structural models for governance of public hospitals
Authors: Lipunga Andrew Munthopa , Tchereni Betchani M.H. , Bakuwa Rhoda Cythia
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the contemporary understanding and emerging structural models of organisational governance of public hospitals in order to provide evidence-based guidance to countries that are reforming their public hospital governance structures in line with best practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the structural dimension of Cooper, Fusarelli and Randall’s policy model and institutional theory to review the legislative frameworks of four model countries supported by extant literature.

Findings

The paper conceptually distinguishes health system governance and organisational governance in the health system. It further visualises the emerging alternative legislative models of organisational governance and a hierarchy of governors applicable to public hospitals.

Originality/value

The paper provides critical knowledge for understanding organisational governance within health system governance framework and develops tools that can be used in reforming institutional mechanism of organisational governance of public hospitals.
Rainwater propeller pumps structural integrity
Authors: Galatanu Sergiu Valentin , Muntean Sebastian , Marsavina Liviu , Ailinei Iulian Ionut , Micota Dan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the structural integrity of the rainwater propeller pumps installed in the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WTP).

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical analysis is performed to determine the maximum shear stress on the fasten bolts. The rainwater propeller pump is examined in operation at normal conditions and when one blade is progressively blocked.

Findings

The failure mechanism of the rainwater pump impeller is determined.

Research limitations/implications

The fibbers and wastes are discharged together with rainwater during storms with these types of pumps to avoid the flood of the WTP. Several catastrophic events have occurred in service due to the fibbers clog the gap between the impeller blades and the pump casing. The clogging process is partially understood so actual technical solutions deal with effects rather the main causes.

Practical implications

The operation time of all seven rainwater pumps installed in Timisoara’s WTP is investigated. Climate changes in Banat region and new waste properties found in the wastewater require appropriate technical solutions. A technical solution is proposed based on these investigations to extend the operation time and to diminish the operation and maintenance costs.

Social implications

These large pumps are installed in the urban sewage centralised system implemented in the most cities. The access to the sewerage network is a requirement of any community, regardless of the social status.

Originality/value

The fracture surfaces of both fastening bolts of the rainwater pump impellers produced in service are examined. As a result, it has been identified that the catastrophic events are due to the brittle fracture of both fasten bolts between the impeller blades and the pump hub, respectively. The catastrophic events of the rainwater propeller pumps are directly correlated to the clog level of the impeller. The numerical simulation is performed to determine the maximum shear stress on the fasten bolts. The case with pump operating at normal conditions is performed identifying its vulnerabilities to clog conditions. Next, one impeller blade is progressively blocked considering three time stop scenarios associated with different clog levels. Conclusively, the operating time of the rainwater pump up to the catastrophic failure is correlated to the clog level of the impeller.
Human factors in information leakage: mitigation strategies for information sharing integrity
Authors: Wong Wai Peng , Tan Hwee Chin , Tan Kim Hua , Tseng Ming-Lang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the human factors triggering information leakage and investigate how companies mitigate insider threat for information sharing integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed is multiple case studies approach with in-depth interviews with five multinational enterprises (MNEs)/multinational corporations (MNCs).

Findings

The findings reveal that information leakage can be approached with human governance mechanism such as organizational ethical climate and information security culture. Besides, higher frequency of leakages negatively affects information sharing integrity. Moreover, this paper also contributes to a research framework which could be a guide to overcome information leakage issue in information sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The current study involved MNCs/MNEs operating in Malaysia, while companies in other countries may have different ethical climate and information sharing culture. Thus, for future research, it will be good to replicate the study in a larger geographic region to verify the findings and insights of this research.

Practical implications

This research contributes to the industry and business that are striving toward solving the mounting problem of information leakage by raising awareness of human factors and to take appropriate mitigating governance strategies to pre-empt information leakage. This paper also contributes to a novel theoretical model that characterizes the iniquities of humans in sharing information, and suggests measures which could be a guide to avert disruptive leakages.

Originality/value

This paper is likely an unprecedented research in molding human governance in the domain of information sharing and its Achilles’ heel which is information leakage.
Mitigating risk: mediating transition through the enactment of information literacy practices
Authors: Hicks Alison
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the emergent grounded theory of mitigating risk, which was produced through an analysis of the information literacy practices of English-speakers who are learning a language overseas as part of their undergraduate degree.

Design/methodology/approach

The grounded theory emerges from a qualitative study that was framed by practice theory and transitions theory, and employed constructivist grounded theory, semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation methods to explore the information activities of 26 language-learners from Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA.

Findings

The grounded theory of mitigating risk illustrates how academic, financial and physical risks that are produced through language-learner engagement overseas catalyse the enactment of information literacy practices that enable students to mediate their transition overseas.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s theory-building is localised and contextual rather than generalisable.

Practical implications

The grounded theory broadens librarians’ and language-educators’ knowledge of student activities during immersive educational experiences as well as extending understanding about the shape that information literacy takes within transition to a new intercultural context.

Social implications

The grounded theory develops understanding about the role that local communities play within intercultural transition and how these groups can respond to and prepare for increasingly fluid patterns of global movement.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to an increasingly sophisticated theoretical conceptualisation of information literacy while further providing a detailed exploration of transition from an information perspective.
Bridging the divide
Authors: Cousins Fionnuala , Reid Peter , Tait Elizabeth
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the development of a new graduate certificate course in Petroleum Data Management. The course was developed in response to an identified gap in skills and training in data management that was perceived to be a substantial risk in terms of: industry sustainability, efficiency and potentially wider implications of safety as assets are transferred between operators and for decommissioning. The aim of this paper is to critically reflect on how academia and industry can work together to support emerging professions in information management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on observations and interviews from key stakeholders involved in the course development.

Findings

The course development process was ultimately successful but also challenging and lessons have been learned which will be of interest to the wider professional and academic body. These include: securing resources and industry engagement for course development, negotiating cultural differences between academic and industry and managing stakeholder relationships throughout the lifecycle of the course development.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the challenges and opportunities of developing a university course in collaboration with industry partners. Oil and gas exploration and production is a data-intensive industry but it was only relatively recently that attempts have been made to set industry standards and roles of “data manager” or “data analyst” have been created to manage these. This paper has wider implications for understanding the professionalisation of the nascent data management disciplines and contributes to the ongoing dialogue around the changing library and information science profession.
SEC adopts rules to modernize and simplify disclosure
Authors: Richman Laura D. , Bakst David S. , Gray Robert F. , Hermsen Michael L. , Pinedo Anna T. , Schuette David A.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To describe the modernization and simplification amendments of certain disclosure requirements of Regulation S-K and related rules and forms recently adopted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides an overview of the amendments, their effective dates and related practical considerations for companies.

Findings

The amendments cover many provisions within Regulation S-K and affect various forms that rely on the integrated disclosure requirements of Regulation S-K. The amendments are designed to enhance the readability and navigability of SEC filings, to discourage repetition and disclosure of immaterial information and to reduce the burdens on registrants, all while still providing material information to investors. The amendments contain several changes relating to confidential information contained in exhibits. For consistency, parallel amendments have been adopted to rules other than Regulation S-K, as well as to forms for registration statements and reports.

Practical implications

Most of the amendments are effective May 2, 2019. The amendments relating to the redaction of confidential information in certain exhibits became effective April 2, 2019. Given these dates, companies should review the rule changes implemented by the amendment now and consider how they will impact their disclosure in upcoming SEC filings.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced lawyers in the Corporate & Securities practice.
Haptic technology – potential for library services
Authors: Wójcik Magdalena
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The subject of the paper is haptic technology considered as a tool for improving the performance of libraries. The purpose of this paper is to determine the potential of this technology in the design of innovative library services. Specific goals include description of the ideas and features of haptic technology, identification of the main areas of application of haptic technology and outlining the possible uses of haptic technology in library services.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of analysis and criticism of literature was used. The state of research from the period 2008–2018 on the use of haptic technology in libraries was established based on a systematic search of selected sources, such as resources indexed by Google Scholar, the Worldcat catalogue and the LISTA database.

Findings

Haptic technology is a topic that should be covered more often in library and information science because it has a great potential to improve library services and make them more attractive. The two most important areas in which haptic technology could be applied in libraries are education and services, especially for disabled users that have special educational and service needs. Although it could be very helpful for disabled users, haptic technology can also be used in various contexts to provide more responsive and intuitive user interfaces for electronic library services.

Research limitations/implications

The purpose of this paper is not to exhaust the topic but to continue and complement the problems pointed out by P. Fernandez and to initiate further discussion on this topic.

Practical implications

The results can be widely used in practice as a framework for the implementation of haptic technology in libraries.

Social implications

The paper can help to facilitate the debate on the role of implementing new technologies in libraries.

Originality/value

The problem of haptic technology is very rarely addressed in the subject literature in the field of library and information science.
Dimensional capability of selected 3DP technologies
Authors: Mou Younss Ait , Koc Muammer
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the findings of an investigation to compare three different three-dimensional printing (3DP) or additive manufacturing technologies [i.e. fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA) and material jetting (MJ)] and four different equipment (FDM, SLA, MJP 2600 and Object 260) in terms of their dimensional process capability (dimensional accuracy and surface roughness). It provides a comprehensive and comparative understanding about the level of attainable dimensional accuracy, repeatability and surface roughness of commonly used 3DP technologies. It is expected that these findings will help other researchers and industrialists in choosing the right technology and equipment for a given 3DP application.

Design/methodology/approach

A benchmark model of 5 × 5 cm with several common and challenging features, such as around protrusion and hole, flat surface, micro-scale ribs and micro-scale long channels was designed and printed repeatedly using four different equipment of three different 3DP technologies. The dimensional accuracy of the printed models was measured using non-contact digital measurement methods. The surface roughness was evaluated using a digital profilometer. Finally, the surface quality and edge sharpness were evaluated under a reflected light ZEISS microscope with a 50× magnification objective.

Findings

The results show that FDM technology with the used equipment results in a rough surface and loose dimensional accuracy. The SLA printer produced a smoother surface, but resulted in the distortion of thin features (<1 mm). MJ printers, on the other hand, produced comparable surface roughness and dimensional accuracy. However, ProJet MJP 3600 produced sharper edges when compared to the Objet 260 that produced round edges.

Originality/value

This paper, for the first time, provides a comprehensive comparison of three different commonly used 3DP technologies in terms of their dimensional capability and surface roughness without farther post-processing. Thus, it offers a reliable guideline for design consideration and printer selection based on the target application.
Proinsulin associates with poor β‐cell function, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide, and insulin resistance in persistent type 2 diabetes after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass in humans
Authors: Patel Kapila , Levesque Kiarra , Mark Victoria , Pierini Esmeralda , Rojas Betsy , Ahlers Michael , Shah Ankit , Laferrère Blandine
Published: June 2019

Background

The determinants of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission and/or relapse after gastric bypass (RYGB) remain fully unknown. This study characterized β‐ and α‐cell function, in cretin hormone release and insulin sensitivity in individuals with (remitters) or without (non‐remitters) diabetes remission after RYGB.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of two distinct cohorts of individuals with or without diabetes remission at least 2 years after RYGB. Each individual underwent‐either an oral glucose (remitters) or a mixed meal (non‐remitters) test; glucose, proinsulin, insulin, C‐peptide, glucagon, incretins and leptin were measured.

Results

Compared to remitters (n = 23), non‐remitters (n = 31) were older (mean [±SD] age 56.1 ± 8.2 vs. 46.0 ± 8.9 years, P < 0.001), had longer diabetes duration (13.1 ± 10.1 vs. 2.2 ± 2.4 years, P < 0.001), were further out from the surgery (5.6 ± 3.3 vs. 3.5 ± 1.7 years, P < 0.01), were more insulin resistant (HOMA‐IR 4.01 ± 3.65 vs. 2.08 ± 1.22, P < 0.001), but did not differ for body weight. As predicted, remitters had higher β‐cell glucose sensitivity (1.95 ± 1.23 vs. 0.86 ± 0.55 pmol/kg/min/mmol, P < 0.001) and disposition index (1.55 ± 1.75 vs 0.33 ± 0.27, P = 0.003), compared to non‐remitters, who showed non‐suppressibility of glucagon during the oral challenge (time × group P = 0.001). Higher proinsulin (16.55 ± 10.45 vs. 6.62 ± 3.50 PM, P < 0.0001), and proinsulin: C‐peptide (40.83 ± 29.43 vs. 17.13 ± 7.16, P < 0.001) were strongly associated with non‐remission status, while differences in incretins between remitters and non‐remitters were minimal.

Conclusions

Individual without diabetes remission after gastric bypass have poorer β‐cell response and lesser suppression of glucagon to an oral challenge; body weight and incretins differ minimally according to remission status.
Prevalence of methotrexate intolerance among patients with rheumatoid arthritis using the Arabic version of the methotrexate intolerance severity score
Authors: Albaqami Jawza , Alshalhoub Rawan , Almalag Haya , Dessougi Maha , Al Harthi Amal , Bedaiwi Mohamed K. , Omair Mohammed A.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Methotrexate (MTX) is the anchor drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MTX is associated with adverse events that limit its use. The MTX intolerance severity score (MISS) was developed to identify symptoms related to MTX use in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and RA patients. The aim of this study is to translate and validate the MISS in the Arabic language.

Methods

Forward and backward translation of the MISS were performed by two fluent Arabic translators and reviewed by three rheumatologists. Consecutive patients with RA who used MTX for ≥3 months were recruited from two tertiary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A test was considered positive if the patient scored ≥6 points. The internal consistency and stability of the items were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and the test‐retest method.

Results

A total of 185 patients were recruited. Of those patients, 158 (85.4%) were female. The mean (±SD) age and disease duration were 49.7 (±12.67) and 8.67 (±7.1) years, respectively. The mean Disease Activity Score of 28 joints was 3.2 (±1.3). Fifty‐five (30%) patients were illiterate. Seventy‐three (39.5%) patients had a positive MISS. Of those patients, 55 (75.3%) and 18 (24.7%) were using the oral and subcutaneous forms of MTX, respectively. The Arabic MISS had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.792) and a factorable study size for test‐retest and factor analysis (Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin = 0.745).

Conclusion

The Arabic MISS showed validity and good reliability in detecting MTX intolerance in RA patients. MTX intolerance is prevalent among RA patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Performance evaluation of a line blot assay system for detection of anti‐PM‐Scl antibody in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Kuwana Masataka , Takehara Kazuhiko
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the performance of a line blot (LB) assay for identifying anti‐PM‐Scl antibody (Ab).

Methods

We screened 56 serum samples from systemic sclerosis patients using a protein immunoprecipitation (IP) assay and an LB assay (Systemic Sclerosis Profile Euroline® Blot test kit) to detect anti‐PM‐Scl Ab. We compared the results obtained by the IP and LB assays.

Results

Among the 56 serum samples of SSc patients, 9 sera were positive for anti‐PM‐Scl75 Ab and 1 for anti‐PM‐Scl100 Ab by the LB assay. The protein IP assay revealed that none of the samples precipitated 75 or 100 kDa proteins identical to the anti‐PM‐Scl Ab reference serum, regardless of the positive or negative results obtained in the LB assay. Therefore, the false‐positive rates for both anti‐PM‐Scl75 Ab and anti‐PM‐Scl100 Ab by the LB assay were 100%.

Conclusion

Detection of anti‐PM‐Scl Ab assessed with a commercial LB assay requires extreme caution since it may yield false‐positive data.
Comparison of postoperative complications between different operation methods for esophageal cancer
Authors: Ding Qingqing , Zhou Wenyin , Xue Yibo , Han Xiao , Yin Dandan , Xue Lei , Luo Jinhua
Published: June 2019

Background

We explored the selection of surgical method and differences in postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer (EC).

Methods

The data of 434 patients with EC who underwent thoracic surgery at the Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital between January 2011 and December 2016 were collected. Patients were divided into three groups: Sweet surgery (143 cases), Ivor–Lewis surgery (232 cases), and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE, 59 cases). The number of postoperative days, number of lymph nodes dissected, and incidence of pulmonary infection, serous membrane fluid, arrhythmia, chylous fistula, gastric emptying dysfunction, and anastomotic leakage were recorded.

Results

A statistically significant number of female stage I patients with upper EC underwent MIE (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications were observed in all three groups but were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A greater number of lymph nodes were dissected in the Ivor–Lewis group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Clinically, MIE is often selectively used for women with upper and mid‐early EC, especially in stage I. In our sample, more lymph nodes were dissected in the Ivor–Lewis than in the MIE group, which can reduce recurrence and improve the survival rate. Ivor–Lewis surgery is often used in mid‐lower and terminal EC, while MIE is often used in upper and mid‐early EC. Compared to the other surgical methods, MIE does not increase the risk of postoperative complications. The gradual maturation of MIE technology will further expand indications and increase the number of lymph nodes dissected.
Congress and Administrative Policymaking: Identifying Congressional Veto Power
Authors: Acs Alex
Published: June 2019

The ability of presidents to unilaterally shape administrative policymaking challenges a foundation of congressional power: Rarely can Congress statutorily veto administrative actions over presidential opposition. Consequently, Congress has turned to other means of influence, including the appropriations and oversight processes, although questions remain about the degree to which they have been effective. To investigate, I study a spatial model of administrative policymaking that assumes Congress can execute a legislative veto, as well as a baseline model in which congressional influence requires a coalition with the president. I compare the two models and develop empirical tests that exploit instances when their implications differ. Applying the tests to data on federal regulatory policymaking shows consistent evidence that Congress exerts veto power over administrative activity, even over those actions endorsed by the president. I conclude by discussing some broader implications, including the extent to which existing studies understate the constraints on presidential power.
They carry the border on their backs: Atypical commerce and bodies’ policing in Barrio Chino, Melilla
Authors: Krichker Dina
Published: June 2019

This paper contributes to discussion of the embodied border and demonstrates how the border becomes spatial through violence. It sheds light on the construction of spaces of violence in border zones in the context of the exploitation of the bodies of porteadoras (cross‐border workers in Melilla). Narratives of border guards, porteadoras, and Melillan citizens demonstrate how violent discourse around the border pass of Barrio Chino is produced and normalised. The paper argues that a set of behaviours performed by the participants of the border spectacle, as well as media tools, contribute to the social construction of Barrio Chino as a space of normalised violence. The paper makes this case in three ways. First, I elaborate on how the Spanish–Moroccan border is embodied by porteadoras and how this process is gendered. Then, I analyse how border violence is spatial and how it is normalised in a particular territorial setting. In conclusion, I point towards how the state utilises such spaces of normalised violence to strengthen its borders and to reinforce its territoriality. By problematising spaces of normalised violence, the paper provides an alternative vision of border‐zone construction.
Expectations of the transition to secondary school in children with developmental language disorder and low language ability
Authors: Gough Kenyon Sheila M. , Lucas Rebecca M. , Palikara Olympia
Published: June 2019

Background

A successful transition from primary to secondary school for typically developing (TD) children is associated with academic and psychosocial outcomes. Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) tend to have pervasive needs in both of these domains, yet little is known about their experience of this transition. We have no information concerning the transition for children with low language (LL).

Aim

(1) To explore the expectations of the transition to primary school for children with DLD, children with LL proficiency, and their TD peers; (2) to examine the predictors of transition concerns for each group.

Sample

Children aged 10–11 in the final year of primary school with DLD (n = 30), LL (n = 29), or TD (n = 48) were recruited from eight UK primary schools in the summer term.

Methods

A battery of standardized language and psychosocial assessments, including the School Concerns Questionnaire (SCQ; Rice et al. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 81, 2011, 244), was administered.

Results

The TD group had significantly lower levels of school concern than DLD and LL groups while DLD and LL groups did not significantly differ. Scholastic competence predicted overall concerns of children with DLD; social competence predicted TD overall concerns; and no variables predicted overall concerns of children with LL. Exploration of school concern subfactors highlighted the importance of emotion recognition for all groups and social competence for children with LL.

Conclusions

Results indicate that school provision to facilitate a successful transition may most usefully target different areas depending on pupils’ language level.
Impact of narrative and badging on learning and engagement in a psychology learning game
Authors: Fanfarelli Joey R.
Published: June 2019

The literature reflects a shortage of empirical research on educational game design. This paper presents the results from a randomized controlled study on the impact of narrative and digital badging on learning and engagement in an educational game that teaches basic brain structure and function to undergraduate psychology students. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, and correspondingly played a base version of the game, the base version plus fantasy‐based narrative, the base version plus digital badges or the base version and both fantasy‐based narrative and digital badges. Eighty students completed a subject matter pretest, played the game in its entirety and then completed a posttest. Quantitative analyses revealed that the manipulations did not significantly impact learning or engagement. While the manipulations were ineffective in this study, future research should examine how professional writing affects narrative impact and how difficulty level can be better assessed in digital badging in order to see if the results remain consistent.
Gabapentin alleviates chronic spontaneous pain and acute hypoxia‐related pain in a mouse model of sickle cell disease
Authors: Sadler Katelyn E. , Langer Sarah N. , Menzel Anthony D. , Moehring Francie , Erb Ashley N. , Brandow Amanda M. , Stucky Cheryl L.
Published: June 2019

Pain is the main complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Individuals with SCD experience acute pain episodes and chronic daily pain, both of which are managed with opioids. Opioids have deleterious side effects and use‐associated stigma that make them less than ideal for SCD pain management. After recognizing the neuropathic qualities of SCD pain, clinically‐approved therapies for neuropathic pain, including gabapentin, now present unique non‐opioid based therapies for SCD pain management. These experiments explored the efficacy of gabapentin in relieving evoked and spontaneous chronic pain, and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced acute pain in mouse models of SCD. When administered following H/R, a single dose of gabapentin alleviated mechanical hypersensitivity in SCD mice by decreasing peripheral fibre activity. Gabapentin treatment also alleviated spontaneous ongoing pain in SCD mice. Longitudinal daily administration of gabapentin failed to alleviate H/R‐induced pain or chronic evoked mechanical, cold or deep tissue hypersensitivity in SCD mice. Consistent with this observation, voltage‐gated calcium channel (VGCC) α2δ1 subunit expression was similar in sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglia and lumbar spinal cord tissue from SCD and control mice. Based on these data, gabapentin may be an effective opioid alternative for the treatment of chronic spontaneous and acute H/R pain in SCD.
Longitudinal changes in bone density in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy: A case for early intervention
Authors: Trinh Anne , Wong Phillip , Fahey Michael C. , Brown Justin , Strauss Boyd J. , Ebeling Peter R. , Fuller Peter J. , Milat Frances
Published: June 2019

Context

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a motor disorder affecting movement, muscle tone and posture due to damage to the foetal or infant brain. The subsequent lack of ambulation, nutritional deficiencies, anticonvulsant use and hormonal deficiencies have been implicated in the low bone mass associated with this condition.

Objective

To assess changes in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) during adolescence and young adulthood in individuals with CP. The effect of ambulation, nutrition, hypogonadism on longitudinal changes in aBMD is also examined.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Setting and participants

Forty‐five subjects with CP who had longitudinal dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans at a single tertiary hospital between 2006 and 2018.

Results

Mean age at first DXA was 19.4 years (range: 10‐36 years), 57.8% were male and 80% were nonambulatory. The mean Z‐scores at baseline were <−2.0 at all sites – lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), total hip (TH) and total body (TB). The median change in aBMD was +1.2%‐1.9% per year in all subjects but in those <20 years of age, the median change was 4%‐8% per year. Z‐scores across all sites remained stable over time. Reduced functional state as measured by the gross motor functional classification scale (GMFCS) had a small negative effect on aBMD over time.

Conclusion

In adolescents with CP, low bone mass was evident from the baseline DXA. However, significant bone accrual occurred during the second decade, followed by bone maintenance in young adulthood. Future studies should focus on optimizing bone health from early childhood.
Cognitive impairment as one of the important non‐motor symptoms in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Niino Masaaki , Miyazaki Yusei
Published: June 2019

Cognitive impairment is one of the most important non‐physical symptoms of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and few studies have reported on cognitive impairments in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Adequate batteries are required to assess cognitive function in MS, and cognitive impairments in patients with MS are likely not adequately evaluated. As cognitive impairment usually affects employment status and activities of daily living in patients with MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, the effect of this symptom on daily activities should be closely examined. The present review focuses on the prevalence and characteristics of cognitive impairments in patients with MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, as well as the methods used to evaluate cognitive function in such patients.
Relation between cognitive restraint and weight: Does a content validity problem lead to a wrong axis of care?
Authors: Julien Sweerts Sabrina , Fouques Damien , Lignier Baptiste , Apfeldorfer Gérard , Kureta‐Vanoli Katherine , Romo Lucia
Published: June 2019

The aim of this research is to examine the relation between weight and cognitive restraint (CR), which is the intention to control food intake in order to maintain or lose weight, in a general French population sample. Is CR more prevalent in individuals with obesity than overweight, underweight or normal‐weight subjects in this cross‐sectional study? Are people affected by obesity non‐restrained eaters? A total of 507 French people (80.2% women and 19.8% men), aged 18‐78 years, responded to an online questionnaire. It appears that the most used questionnaire measuring CR has content validity problems as it seems to measure effective control and not the intention. Therefore, a numeric scale was used to answer the questions. Even if it is not possible in this study to test a causal link with latent variable modelling, our results seem to show that people with obesity more frequently intend to eat less or to eat healthier and/or to eat less sugar and fat than other people in order to control their weight. However, people affected by obesity do not succeed in so doing. These results raise the question of treatments advocating the increase of self‐control. Finally, it would be necessary to obtain a real, scientific consensus on what CR is and on how to measure it in order to study the most effective treatments for people with overweight or obesity.
The medium is not the message: A content analysis of public information about vaping product regulations in Australia
Authors: Saw Kyle Eu Soon , Morphett Kylie , Puljević Cheneal , Bromberg Marilyn , Gartner Coral
Published: June 2019

Introduction and Aims

Vaping products have been growing in popularity in recent years, including in Australia. Australian laws covering vaping products are complex and vary significantly between jurisdictions. It has been acknowledged that there is public confusion about these laws. This study aims to explore publically‐available information about vaping products‐related laws disseminated via mainstream media and key stakeholder websites.

Design and Methods

A content analysis was conducted on 302 news articles identified in the Factiva database, and on 73 key stakeholder websites that provided information about vaping product regulations in Australia between January 2005 and January 2018. Items were coded for the type of regulations discussed, the source of information and the information provided about the legal status of vaping products.

Results

Public advice covered regulations around sales, public use, nicotine importation, nicotine's classification as a poison and nicotine possession. In the majority of news articles, journalists did not cite the source of the information pertaining to vaping products laws, making it difficult for the public to judge its accuracy. We identified several inconsistencies in the information being disseminated through both channels.

Discussion and Conclusions

The inconsistent information provided to the public regarding vaping products likely reflects Australia's complex and varying laws governing the sale, use and possession of vaping products with and without nicotine. We recommend that relevant Australian federal, state and territory health agencies provide a clear and consistent message that covers all relevant information pertaining to vaping products and nicotine within respective jurisdictions.
Application of three‐dimensional proximal isovelocity surface area method in tricuspid regurgitation quantification
Authors: Wang Bing‐Yan , Li Lian , Zhou Dan , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Recently, three‐dimensional proximal isovelocity surface area (3D PISA) method has already been widely used in tricuspid regurgitation assessment. This study attempts to demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of 3D PISA quantifying tricuspid regurgitation and explore the clinical value of 3D PISA in quantifying tricuspid regurgitation.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients with more than mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were enrolled. Effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) and regurgitant volume (Rvol) were assessed by transthoracic 3D PISA method and three‐dimensional vena contracta area (3D VCA) method. The 3D VCA was used as reference method. We analyzed the correlation and differences of EROA between 3D PISA method and the reference method.

Results

Both EROA and Rvol assessed by the 3D PISA had good correlations with the reference method, particularly in the assessment of eccentric jets, with the correlation coefficients of r (EROA) = 0.83, P < 0.001, r (Rvol) = 0.90, P < 0.001, respectively. 3D PISA method had good agreement with 3D VCA method in grading TR. Intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreement were also good.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional proximal isovelocity surface area method can accurately quantify the degree of tricuspid regurgitation with good repeatability and shorter time‐consuming, which is worthy of further study. 3D PISA method is expected to be a new method for evaluating tricuspid regurgitation in clinic practice.