bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MHD flow of a non-Newtonian nanofluid over a non-linearly stretching sheet in the presence of thermal radiation with heat source/sink
Authors: Macha Madhu , Naikoti Kishan , Chamkha Ali J
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the mangnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow of a viscous, incompressible and electrically conducting non-Newtonian nanofluid obeying power-law model over a non-linear stretching sheet under the influence of thermal radiation with heat source/sink.

Design/methodology/approach

– The transverse magnetic field is applied normal to the sheet. The model used for the nanofluid incorporates the effects of Brownian motion with thermophoresis in the presence of thermal radiation. On this regard, thermophoresis effect on convective heat transfer on nanofluids are investigated simultaneously. The governing partial differential equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations by suitable similarity transformations which are solved numerically by variational finite element method.

Findings

– The computations carried out for some values of the power-law index, magnetic parameter, radiation parameter, Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The effect of these parameters on the velocity, temperature and nanoparticle volume fraction distribution are presented graphically. The skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number for various values of the flow parameters of the problem are also presented.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no investigations has been reported regarding the study of non-Newtonian nanofluids which obeying power-law model over a nonlinear stretching sheet. The principal aim of this paper is to study the boundary layer MHD flow of a non-Newtonian power-law model over a non-linear stretching sheet on a quotient viscous incompressible electrically conducting with a nanofluid.
Effects of material hardening model and lumped-pass method on welding residual stress simulation of J-groove weld in nuclear RPV
Authors: Liu Chuan , Luo Ying , Yang Min , Fu Qiang
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify the effect of material hardening model and lump-pass method on the thermal-elastic-plastic (TEP) finite element (FE) simulation of residual stress induced by multi-pass welding of materials with cyclic plasticity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Nickel-base alloy and stainless steel, which are used in J-type weld for manufacturing the nuclear reactor pressure head, can easily harden during multi-pass welding. The J-weld welding experiment is carried out and the temperature cycle and residual stress are measured to validate the TEP simulation. Thermal-mechanical sequence coupling method is employed to get the welding residual stress. The lumped-pass model and pass-by-pass FE model are built and two materials hardening models, kinematic hardening model and mixed hardening model, are adopted during the simulations. The effects of material hardening models and lumped-pass method on the residual stress in J-weld are distinguished.

Findings

– Based on the kinematic hardening model, the stresses simulated with the lumped-pass FE model are almost consistent with those obtained by the pass-by-pass FE model; while with the mixed hardening material model, the lumped-pass method has great effect on the simulated stress.

Practical implications

– A computation with mixed isotropic-kinematic material seems not to be the appropriate solution when using the lumped-pass method to save the computation time.

Originality/value

– In the simulation of multi-pass welding residual stress involved in materials with cyclic plasticity, the material hardening model should be carefully considered. The kinematic hardening model with lump-pass FE model can be used to get better simulation results with less computation time. The results give a direction for welding residual stress simulation for the large structure such as the reactor pressure vessel.
Flow stress identification of tubular materials using the progressive inverse identification method
Authors: Asaadi Erfan , Heyns P. Stephan
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a progressive inverse identification algorithm to characterize flow stress of tubular materials from the material response, independent of choosing an a priori hardening constitutive model.

Design/methodology/approach

– In contrast to the conventional forward flow stress identification methods, the flow stress is characterized by a multi-linear curve rather than a limited number of hardening model parameters. The proposed algorithm optimizes the slopes and lengths of the curve increments simultaneously. The objective of the optimization is that the finite element (FE) simulation response of the test estimates the material response within a predefined accuracy.

Findings

– The authors employ the algorithm to identify flow stress of a 304 stainless steel tube in a tube bulge test as an example to illustrate application of the algorithm. Comparing response of the FE simulation using the obtained flow stress with the material response shows that the method can accurately determine the flow stress of the tube.

Practical implications

– The obtained flow stress can be employed for more accurate FE simulation of the metal forming processes as the material behaviour can be characterized in a similar state of stress as the target metal forming process. Moreover, since there is no need for a priori choosing the hardening model, there is no risk for choosing an improper hardening model, which in turn facilitates solving the inverse problem.

Originality/value

– The proposed algorithm is more efficient than the conventional inverse flow stress identification methods. In the latter, each attempt to select a more accurate hardening model, if it is available, result in constructing an entirely new inverse problem. However, this problem is avoided in the proposed algorithm.
Improving customer satisfaction by increasing the reach: Life Insurance Corporation of India
Authors: Raman Prashant
Published: June 2016

Subject area

Strategic Management and Marketing.

Study level/applicability

Management students (MBA).

Case overview

In the present times of global competition and busy schedules of individuals, it is expected that companies provide service with security, sincerity and flexibility keeping pace with changing global scenario of marketing. Service receiver expects competitive and optimum facilities with ease while sitting in any corner of the world at any time of the day. It implies that the service provider should be available at all times/all places for satisfying the needs of the customers. A daunting task ahead of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was to change its conventional approach and work toward a newer, user-friendly one. The top management, i.e. the Board of Directors, took up the task of identifying a quicker but securer approach to provide optimum facilities to the policyholders.

Expected learning outcomes

Achieving customer satisfaction through alternate collection channels and retaining market share, role of customer servicing in creating competitive advantage, challenges for a large public sector enterprise – traditional approach or modern approach, role of private companies in development of insurance industry, creating awareness about the product/service through different distribution channels and use of information and telecommunication technologies to reach remote places, are the expected learning outcomes.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
Pediasure: children’s health problem now a history!
Authors: Baig Farah Naz
Published: June 2016

Subject area

Advertising, Marketing Management, Integrated Marketing Communications.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate third year/fourth year students. The case is positioned at the beginning of the course.

Case overview

The case aims to help the students in understanding the concepts of push and pull marketing in the nutritional supplement category which is different from the FMCG sector in terms of the decision-making process and consumer behavior. The brand is bought by the mother, consumed by the kids and endorsed by the doctors. The brand manager faces the dilemma of budget division on push vs pull marketing considering the previous back lash from the doctors when the company shifted toward pull marketing.

Expected learning outcomes

By the end of the case, the students should have understood the following concepts: push versus pull marketing, decision-making unit, decision-making process and customer acquisition vs retention efforts.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
An exploratory conceptualization of consumer design perception for digital devices
Authors: Mishra Abhishek
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Despite the volume of work on the subject, product design and its conceptualization has remained relatively abstract. There is hardly any discussion about the holistic meaning of design, especially with regards to its meaning for a user. This paper aims to explore consumer design perception to provide it a multidimensional definition and measure that is more relevant to industrial designers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was done in two qualitative phases: the first to generate and confirm the design dimensions pre-conceived from literature, corroborated with consumer voices; and the second to include gamified depth interviews triangulated with conventional depth interviews and word association-based correspondence analysis to generate items that can measure each of those dimensions.

Findings

The first study confirms five dimensions of consumer design perception: visual, functional, kinesthetic, interface and information. Following the second phase, the study proposes five items for visual design, seven for functional design, three for kinesthetic design, four for interface design and five for information design.

Research limitations/implications

Though through multiple qualitative studies, combined with literary evidence, this work provides reasonable qualitative validity to the findings, a semiotic analysis-based methodologies that can further concretize, if not refute, the findings. Rooted in the theory of design value, the study explores transformation of design values, from the designer’s domain to that of a consumer. While each of the design constructs has gone through a thorough investigation in literature, this work is the first to provide a unified theory of consumer design perception.

Practical implications

Designers have long struggled to know what consumers want. There is a clear divide in designers and consumers’ meanings of design. This study attempts to bridge this divide. Items measuring each construct should enable them in tweaking their offerings to a consumer’s liking.

Originality/value

Design is an abstract term and can be applied by a designer or a consumer. Dimensionalization of this complex term for better understanding using innovative qualitative tools serves as an original contribution to field of design research.
The relationship between risk aversion, brand trust, brand affect and loyalty
Authors: Kumar Mishra Mukesh , Kesharwani Ankit , Das Dolly
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship among risk aversion, brand trust, brand affect, attitudinal loyalty and behavioral loyalty for low involvement day-to-day use of personal care products.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the above-stated objective, a theoretical model was tested using structural equation modeling. Before undertaking the analysis, preliminary analysis techniques such as the common method bias social desirability bias reliability and validity analysis were also assessed.

Findings

The results indicate that, for low involvement products, risk adverse consumers do not purchase a brand based only on trust. Risk aversion is also positively associated with attitudinal loyalty. When it comes to the relationship between brand trust and brand affect, it has been concluded that brand trust has had an important impact on brand affect. In this study, it has been found that attitudinal loyalty has a positive and strong impact on behavioral loyalty. This paper explains that due to the lack of trust, certain risk adverse customers are sticking with a particular brand.

Originality/value

Most of the brand loyalty research has been performed on high involvement products, whereas very limited research is available on low involvement day-to-day use products (i.e. personal care products), in particular where the consumption period of the product is less than a month. This kind of research is very rare, and this study has been done to fill this gap using rigorous data analysis.
A decision matrix approach to green project management processes
Authors: Al-Tekreeti Mustafa Sahban , Beheiry Salwa Mamoun
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision matrix for green project management processes (GPMPs) in commercial construction projects. GPMPs can assist in decoding all of the information required to make green-conscious decisions at various stages of a project.

Design/methodology/approach

– Integrate the environmental factors into the traditional project management processes (PMPs) of major construction projects. The integrated product is worked into a process index, and the analytical hierarchy processes (AHP) method is used to prioritize the GPMPs according to pre-set criteria.

Findings

– Research established the theoretical backing of green practices integration in the traditional PMPs, by creating an AHP weighted GPMP index that is linked to usable decision matrix.

Originality/value

– Develops a fresh methodology to facilitate green decision-making in the project management of commercial construction projects.
Are sustainable buildings healthy? An investigation of lifecycle relationship between building sustainability and its environmental health impacts
Authors: Ajayi Saheed O. , Oyedele Lukumon O. , Jaiyeoba Babatunde , Kadiri Kabir , David Sunday Aderemi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– There have been speculations as to whether environmental friendly buildings are always healthy. Using lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodology, the purpose of this paper is to investigate lifecycle relationship between building sustainability and its environmental health impacts

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to achieve this, a block of classroom was modelled with the aid of Revit software, and its lifecycle global warming potential (GWP) and human health impacts were analysed using green building studio and ATHENA impact estimator tools. Sensitivity analyses of the block of classrooms were then carried out by varying the building materials and energy use pattern of the original typology. The LCA was performed for seven alternative typologies that were achieved through variation in the building materials and energy use patterns.

Findings

– For all the eight building typologies, the study shows a direct relationship between GWPs and human health impacts. This confirms that the more sustainable a building, the less its tendency for having negative health effects on building operatives, occupants and the wider environment. Again, the more green a building in terms of its materials and energy use pattern, the healthier the building becomes.

Research limitations/implications

– The human health impacts was evaluated by measuring amount of particulate matter (PM2.5) produced by the buildings while environmental impact was evaluated by measuring global warming (KgCO2) potentials of the buildings throughout its lifecycle. The study has been based on the impacts of building materials and energy use patterns over the entire lifecycle of the buildings and materials used for construction.

Originality/value

– The study established a positive relationship between GWP of building and its human health impacts. Thus, all arguments relating to the relationship between building sustainability and health are laid to rest by the paper.
Dirty industries’ competitiveness in EU’s new members
Authors: Karaduman Hasan Agan , Gonel Feride
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Despite the success in achieving the objectives for the use of renewable energy sources, the EU’s competitiveness is not at the desired level. In particular, the largest decreases in fossil-type energy intensity were observed in last 13 members of EU, namely, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The purpose of this paper is to trace how these countries protect the competitiveness of their dirty (energy-intensive) industries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employs revealed comparative advantage (RCA) indices to measure the comparative advantage (CA) of EU-13 in dirty industries for the period 1995-2014 and assesses these indices in the framework of EU’s climate policy.

Findings

– Some policies which make industries to adapt EU’s 20-20-20 targets are forcing industries. In order to compete, these industries are leaving Europe and looking elsewhere. In this study the authors found that, particularly chemicals and non-metallic mineral manufactures resulted in a weakening of their CA over the years in some of these members. Similarly it is found that the RCA indices of iron and steel and non-ferrous metals are decreasing.

Originality/value

– The study addresses the EU-13’s position in terms of their competitiveness and find the connection with the EU’s climate policy through their RCAs of dirty industries.
Peer influence strategies in collectively consumed products (events and festivals): an exploratory study among university students
Authors: Scully Kirsten , Moital Miguel
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine peer influence in the context of purchasing collectively consumed products. The particular focus of the paper is on strategies used by university students for persuasion and resistance when attending events and festivals.

Design/methodology/approach

Five females and three males studying for a degree in the UK were interviewed. Independent analysis of the interview transcripts was undertaken to identify persuasion and resistance strategies, as well as the factors influencing a strategy’s success.

Findings

A number of persuasion and resistance strategies are used and certain strategies use specific language techniques. Some of these strategies are only applicable to reference groups who have a history of consuming products together, as they resort to past experiences as a means of producing a persuasion or resistance argument. The extent to which the influence is successful is also discussed as being very subjective and dependent on the particular context of the persuasion exercise.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to exclusively examine peer influence in the context of collectively consumed products, notably influence and resistance strategies and the conditions which can make these effective. The paper illustrates the types of strategies peers use when attending events, in particular those used by people who live in a fairly close social system (university study) and where there is no formal hierarchy (in contrast with parent–children influence). The context can influence the types of strategies used, for example, the nature of the relationship between students, which is based on high levels of trust, makes it inappropriate to use certain strategies.
Sustainable and non-sustainable consumer behavior in young adults
Authors: David Lee Joonwhan , Bahl Angelica , Black Gregory S. , Duber-Smith Darrin C. , Vowles Nicole S.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Using broad definitions of sustainable and non-sustainable consumer behavior, identifying key elements of these types of consumer behavior and differentiating between spirituality and religiosity, the purpose of this study is to develop and test a research model.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify elements of the research constructs. Literature on sustainable business practices was particularly important. Once elements were identified, measures used in previous consumer behavior research were used to collect data from 116 undergraduate students enrolled in marketing and management classes at a major university located in the southwestern USA.

Findings

Results indicate that the level of a consumer’s spirituality affects both sustainable and non-sustainable consumer behavior. In addition, the model predicts that the level of a consumer’s religiosity has no impact on non-sustainable consumer behavior, and this prediction is verified by the study results.

Practical implications

As it is important for businesses to conduct sustainable business practices, it may also be beneficial to consumers to practice sustainable behavior. A significant predictor of this sustainable consumer behavior is spirituality, and it is important to distinguish spirituality from religiosity.

Originality/value

Sustainable consumer behavior is more thoroughly described. Also, religiosity and spirituality are delineated. Finally, for the first time, the separate and distinct impact of religiosity and spirituality on sustainable and non-sustainable consumer behavior is assessed.
Renal Replacement Therapy in Slovenia: Excerpts From 2013 Data
Authors: Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Gubenšek Jakob , Arnol Miha , Adamlje Tone , Ceglar Zlata , Damevska Gabriela , Globokar Mateja , Černe Senka , Čufer Andrej , Drozg Andrej , Ekart Robert , Knap Bojan , Kandus Aljoša , Kapun Sonja , Kralj‐Lopert Simona , Klančič Dimitrij , Kunc‐Rešek Natalija , Kralj Stojan , Malovrh Marko , Močivnik Marjan , Novljan Gregor , Romozi Karmen , Rus Igor , Saksida Silvan , Vujkovac Bojan , Ponikvar Rafael
Published: June 2016

This report provides a summary of the 2013 Slovenian renal replacement therapy (RRT) data, obtained from 24 renal centers: 23 dialysis and one transplant center, referring from 31 December 2013, with 100% response rate to individual patient questionnaires. Slovenia had a population of 2 061 085 on 1 January 2014. The total number of patients treated by RRT was 2077, i.e. 1008.3 per million of population (pmp); 1349 (65%) were treated by hemodialysis, 52 (2.5%) by peritoneal dialysis, and 676 (32.5%) had a functioning kidney graft. A total of 260 incident patients, 126.2 pmp (at day one), started RRT, their median age was 69 years, 59.8% were men,. 58.5% of hemodialysis patients were treated with on‐line hemodiafiltration. Vascular access was arteriovenous fistula in 79%, polytetrafluoroethylene graft in 8%, and catheter in 13% of patients, mean blood flow 276 ± 41 mL/min, 5.5% dialyzed in a single‐needle mode. The crude death rate was 11.4% in all RRT patients (incident patients day 1 included, 15.9% in hemodialysis, 12.3% in peritoneal dialysis, 2.1% in transplant recipients). 60 kidney transplantations were performed in 2013, from deceased donors.
Temporary Catheters as a Permanent Vascular Access in Very Elderly Hemodialysis Patients: Frequency of Complications and Interventions
Authors: Gubensek Jakob , Zrimsek Matej , Premru Vladimir , Buturovic‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael
Published: June 2016

The choice of vascular access in very elderly hemodialysis patients can be complex. Data on the frequency of interventions and complications when temporary catheters are used for long periods in this population are lacking. All incident patients ≥80 years old, dialyzed over non‐tunneled catheters, were included and the frequency of interventions (re‐insertions and wire‐exchanges) and complications (catheter‐related blood stream infections) were recorded. In 31 patients aged 84 ± 4 years, dialyzed for 1.4 ± 1.1 years, 87 interventions were needed (2.02/patient‐year). The median time to first intervention was 5.5 months and the 1‐year intervention‐free rate was 32%. There were three catheter‐related blood stream infections (0.2/1000 access‐days), comparing favorably to tunneled catheters. To conclude, temporary catheters are associated with a low rate of complications and an acceptable rate of interventions. Therefore, they could be the optimal vascular access in very elderly patients when the placement of an arterio‐venous fistula is not feasible.
Malnutrition in Renal Failure: Pleiotropic Diagnostic Approaches, Inefficient Therapy and Bad Prognosis
Authors: Knap Bojan , Arnol Miha , Romozi Karmen , Marn Pernat Andreja , Gubenšek Jakob , Ponikvar Rafael , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Večerić‐Haler Željka
Published: June 2016

Malnutrition is very common and connected with high morbidity and mortality of patients on chronic hemodialysis. A cross‐sectional, longitudinal study was performed in maintenance dialysis patients intending to determine association between modified Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), serum albumin and mortality. Cross‐sectional study of phase angle (PhA) values and other indices of bioelectrical impedance body analysis (BIA) were correlated to biochemical data and malnutrition‐inflammation score (MIS). In the group of 184 hemodialysis patients, we found 39 malnourished patients. In overall 50 months of observation, 25 out of 39 malnourished patients died. All patients with albumin values less than 30 g/L died. The group with albumin values greater than 30 g/L (N = 26) showed higher survival rate, 12 patients died in the observed period. SGA values higher than 21 and albumin values lower than 30 g/L are useful predictors of death in malnourished dialysis patients. PhA is an independent predictor of malnutrition with promising potential to replace other diagnostic tools.
Ankle‐Brachial Index and Long‐Term (10 Years) Survival of Nondiabetic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Bevc Sebastjan , Purg Darinka , Knehtl Maša , Hren Martin , Turnšek Nina , Hojs Nina , Zorman Tadej , Dvoršak Benjamin , Ekart Robert , Hojs Radovan
Published: June 2016

Low (<0.9) and high (>1.4) ankle brachial index (ABI) is associated with a higher cardiovascular (CV) mortality in the general and hemodialysis (HD) population. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of ABI on long‐term survival of 52 non‐diabetic HD patients. The ABI was determined using an automated, non‐invasive waveform analysis device. Patients were divided into three groups: low (<0.9), normal (0.9–1.4) and high (>1.4) ABI. Patients were observed from the date of ABI measurement until their death or ten years. Survival analysis showed higher risk for CV death in HD patients with high ABI compared to normal ABI (log rank test P < 0.027). In Cox regression model adjusted for arterial hypertension, smoking, serum cholesterol and triglycerides, high ABI (P < 0.049) remained a predictor of mortality. The results indicate an association between ABI and long‐term survival of non‐diabetic HD patients and only high ABI was associated with higher CV mortality.
The HR department's contribution to line managers' effective implementation of HR practices
Authors: Trullen Jordi , Stirpe Luigi , Bonache Jaime , Valverde Mireia
Published: June 2016

The implementation of human resource (HR) practices (HRPs) is increasingly regarded as a cornerstone in the achievement of overall HRM effectiveness. This article addresses the role of the HR department in contributing to line managers' (LMs) effective implementation of HRPs. It does so by comparing the actions of HR departments in both effective and ineffective implementation processes in different firms. Its findings reveal that HR departments can make a difference by taking initiatives that foster LMs' implementation abilities, motivation and opportunities, such as deploying in‐the‐field HR specialists, framing practices in appealing ways, involving LMs in the development of HRPs and seeking CEO support, among others. By fleshing out these HR initiatives and linking them to the AMO framework, we build an inductive model that offers a more nuanced view of what HR departments can do to have their proposals effectively implemented by LMs.
Subordinate perceptions of family‐supportive supervision: the role of similar family‐related demographics and its effect on affective commitment
Authors: Basuil Dynah A. , Manegold Jennifer G. , Casper Wendy J.
Published: June 2016

Using survey data from 227 employees, we draw from shared reality theory to study subordinate perceptions of family‐supportive supervision, its antecedents and outcomes. We focus on similarity in salient subordinate and supervisor family‐related demographics as an antecedent to perceived family‐supportive supervision. As expected, female subordinates perceived more family‐supportive supervision from female supervisors than from male supervisors. Likewise, parent subordinates perceived parent supervisors, compared with nonparent supervisors, to be more family supportive. Subordinate perception of family‐supportive supervision also positively related to affective commitment – mediating the indirect positive relationship between similarity in family‐related demographics and affective commitment.
Potentially Missed Diagnosis of Ischemic Stroke in the Emergency Department in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study
Authors: Madsen Tracy E. , Khoury Jane , Cadena Rhonda , Adeoye Opeolu , Alwell Kathleen A. , Moomaw Charles J. , McDonough Erin , Flaherty Matthew L. , Ferioli Simona , Woo Daniel , Khatri Pooja , Broderick Joseph P. , Kissela Brett M. , Kleindorfer Dawn
Published: June 2016

Objective

Missed diagnoses of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the ED may result in lost opportunities to treat AIS. Our objectives were to describe the rate and clinical characteristics of missed AIS in the ED, to determine clinical predictors of missed AIS, and to report tissue plasminogen (tPA) eligibility among those with missed strokes.

Methods

Among a population of 1.3 million in a five‐county region of southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky, cases of AIS that presented to 16 EDs during 2010 were identified using ICD‐9 codes followed by physician verification of cases. Missed ED diagnoses were physician‐verified strokes that did not receive a diagnosis indicative of stroke in the ED. Bivariate analyses were used to compare clinical characteristics between patients with and without an ED diagnosis of AIS. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of missed AIS diagnoses. Alternative diagnoses given to those with missed AIS were codified. Eligibility for tPA was reported between those with and without a missed stroke diagnosis.

Results

Of 2,027 AIS cases, 14.0% (n = 283) were missed in the ED. Race, sex, and stroke subtypes were similar between those with missed AIS diagnoses and those identified in the ED. Hospital length of stay was longer in those with a missed diagnosis (5 days vs. 3 days, p < 0.0001). Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89 to 0.98) and decreased level of consciousness (LOC) (aOR = 3.58, 95% CI = 2.63 to 4.87) were associated with higher odds of missed AIS. Altered mental status was the most common diagnosis among those with missed AIS. Only 1.1% of those with a missed stroke diagnosis were eligible for tPA.

Conclusion

In a large population‐based sample of AIS cases, one in seven cases were not diagnosed as AIS in the ED, but the impact on acute treatment rates is likely small. Missed diagnosis was more common among those with decreased LOC, suggesting the need for improved diagnostic approaches in these patients.
Are East Asians happy to work more or less? Associations between working hours, relative income and happiness in China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Bardo Anthony R. , Liu Darren
Published: June 2016

As East Asians are, on average, less happy than those in economically developed Western nations, more insights regarding the associations between work, income and happiness are needed. This study analyzes data from the 2010 East Asian Social Survey to investigate these associations in China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and is framed in a similar context as previous studies that utilize data from Western nations and through the lens of social comparison theory. Path analysis is used to model the associations between happiness and its predictors while taking correlations between the predictors into account. Results show that working hours are negatively associated with happiness in China, Japan and Taiwan, but such an association is not observed in South Korea. At the same time, relative income is significantly associated with happiness in all four East Asian nations, but it only mediates the association between working hours and happiness in China. These results suggest that careful consideration of economic and labour policies are critical to promote the happiness of East Asian workers. Findings from this study are useful for further inquiries with regard to specific explanatory factors of the associations between working hours, relative income and happiness in East Asia.
Expression of CUL1 correlates with tumour‐grade and recurrence in urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Mao Shi‐Yu , Xiong Da‐Bo , Huang Tian‐Bao , Zheng Jun‐Hua , Yao Xu‐Dong
Published: June 2016

Background

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a major health problem in the general population. We aimed to evaluate the function of Cullin‐1 (CUL1) and unravel its underlying molecular mechanism to develop novel treatment options equivalent to UC.

Methods

To evaluate the function of CUL1, a group of 132 pairs of UC patients were recruited for this study. UC tissues and their adjacent noncancerous tissues (NCTs) were collected between 2008 and 2009. We used immunohistochemistry to analyse the correlation between CUL1 expression and clinicopathologic variables and patient survival.

Results

CUL1 was dramatically overexpressed in high‐grade UC tissues compared with low‐grade UC tissues. CUL1 up‐regulation in recurrence cases in comparison with the non‐recurrence cases. CUL1 expression upregulated in human UC tissues versus NCTs. CUL1 protein expression associated with androgen receptor.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that increased CUL1 expression is significantly correlated with poor prognosis of patients with UC. CUL1 might be an important marker and a therapeutic target for UC.
Polyculturalism among Undergraduates at Diverse Universities: Associations through Intergroup Anxiety with Academic and Alcohol Outcomes
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa , Levy Sheri R. , London Bonita , Lewis Melissa A.
Published: June 2016

U.S. universities are increasingly racially/ethnically diverse. Simultaneously, undergraduate graduation rates and alcohol use remain important concerns. Understanding factors that contribute to success and well‐being among students in these diverse college settings is critical to informing educational policy and programming. Polyculturalism is the belief that different racial/ethnic groups have always interacted, exchanged, and influenced each other, and it has been associated with more positive intergroup attitudes and greater comfort with diversity. Across four studies (three cross‐sectional, one longitudinal) with racially/ethnically diverse undergraduates at two diverse institutions in the Northeastern United States, controlling for potentially confounding variables (year in college, age, race/ethnicity, nativity, high school GPA, current GPA, endorsement of multiculturalism and colorblindness, self‐esteem, ethnic identification, general social anxiety, and mood across time points), greater endorsement of polyculturalism was associated with greater academic self‐efficacy, greater sense of belonging, less use of alcohol to cope with intergroup anxiety, and fewer adverse alcohol‐related consequences; further, lower intergroup anxiety mediated those associations. Results suggest studying polyculturalism and intergroup anxiety may contribute to our understanding of undergraduate outcomes at diverse institutions. Future work might explore how educational policy and programming can incorporate polyculturalism to promote engagement and well‐being of undergraduates at these diverse institutions.
Protected fatty acid supplementation during estrus synchronization treatment on reproductive parameters of dairy goats
Authors: Oliveira Juliana dos Santos Kuhner , Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira da , Souza‐Fabjan Joanna Maria Gonçalves , Esteves Luciana Vieira , Feres Luiz Fernando Rodrigues , Rodrigues Carla Aparecida Florentino , Torres Filho Rodolpho de Almeida , de Oliveira Juliana , Brandão Felipe Zandonadi
Published: June 2016

This study evaluated the effect of the protected fatty acid inclusion during estrus synchronization on reproductive parameters. Goats (n = 32) received progestagen sponges for 6 days and 200 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin and 30 µg d‐cloprostenol were given on Day 5. No difference was found among control (C), 1% protected fatty acid inclusion (C + 1%) or 4% protected fatty acid inclusion (C + 4%) groups, respectively, in estrus (100.0, 100.0 or 90.9%), estrus duration (31.6 ± 12.3; 43.2 ± 12.9 or 40.8 ± 14.1 h), animals ovulating (100.0, 90.0 or 100.0%) or ovulation rate (1.3 ± 0.5; 1.1 ± 0.3 or 1.2 ± 0.4). The interval from sponge removal to ovulation and from estrus to ovulation, respectively, were shorter for C + 4% (45.2 ± 8.0 h; 18.3 ± 11.0 h) compared with C (56.3 ± 12.6 h; 30.6 ± 10.5 h) or C + 1% (57.7 ± 8.7 h; 30.3 ± 11.1 h). The average ovulatory follicle diameter was smaller for C + 4% (6.2 ± 0.7 mm) than C (7.5 ± 0.8 mm), but similar to C + 1% (7.0 ± 1.5 mm). Insulin, insulin‐like growth factor 1, glucose and progesterone concentrations were similar among groups. The inclusion of protected fatty acid during synchronization treatment promoted no benefits on ovulation rate, but 4% anticipated the ovulation time.
Effects of 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester on growth and blood components in growing Holstein steers
Authors: Han Zhaoyu , Yang Baokui , Yang Zhen , Xi Yumeng
Published: June 2016

Twenty‐four Chinese Holstein growing steers were randomly divided into three groups and fed a diet containing 0 (the control group), 15 (treatment I group, or TG1) or 25 (treatment II group, or TG2) g/day 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi). Compared with the control group, the final body weights, total gains and average daily gains in the treatment groups increased (P < 0.01). The concentration of total protein (TP) for TG1 increased (P < 0.01). The levels of albumin in TG1 were higher than those in TG2 and the control group (P < 0.05). The concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in TG2 increased (P < 0.05), but concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the treatment groups decreased (P < 0.05). HMBi improved the concentrations of selenium in both TG1 (P < 0.05) and TG2 (P < 0.01). The levels of glutathion peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in TG2 were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, HMBi increased the concentrations of growth hormone (GH) in both TG1 (P < 0.05) and TG2 (P < 0.01). These results indicate that the addition of HMBi increases growth performance, serum concentrations of GH and AST; 15 g/day HMBi increases concentrations of total protein and albumin, and 25 g/day HMBi increases concentrations of ALT and GSH‐Px.
The Debate over Military (or Civilian‐Military?) Dictatorship in Brazil in Historiographical Context
Authors: RIDENTI MARCELO
Published: June 2016

This article highlights the renewed interest in the history of the coup of 1964 and the dictatorship that followed in Brazil, as well as some debates involved in the production of memoirs, investigative journalism and academic research on the topic. It analyses at more length one of the polemics: the increasing use of the term ‘civilian‐military’ to qualify the coup, the rule, and the dictatorship. It argues that – independent of the use of the term – the most important aspect is to understand the complex relationship between the military and civilians as part of a broader process of conservative modernisation during this period.
Identification of C12orf4 as a gene for autosomal recessive intellectual disability
Authors: Philips A.K. , Pinelli M. , de Bie C.I. , Mustonen A. , Määttä T. , Arts H.H. , Wu K. , Roepman R. , Moilanen J.S. , Raza S. , Varilo T. , Scala G. , Cocozza S. , Gilissen C. , van Gassen K.L.I. , Järvelä I.
Published: June 2016

Intellectual disability (ID) is a major health problem in our society. Genetic causes of ID remain unknown because of its vast heterogeneity. Here we report two Finnish families and one Dutch family with affected individuals presenting with mild to moderate ID, neuropsychiatric symptoms and delayed speech development. By utilizing whole exome sequencing (WES), we identified a founder missense variant c.983T>C (p.Leu328Pro) in seven affected individuals from two Finnish consanguineous families and a deletion c.799_1034‐429delinsTTATGA (p.Gln267fs) in one affected individual from a consanguineous Dutch family in the C12orf4 gene on chromosome 12. Both the variants co‐segregated in the respective families as an autosomal recessive trait. Screening of the p.Leu328Pro variant showed enrichment in the North Eastern sub‐isolate of Finland among anonymous local blood donors with a carrier frequency of 1:53, similar to other disease mutations with a founder effect in that region. To date, only one Arab family with a three affected individuals with a frameshift insertion variant in C12orf4 has been reported. In summary, we expand and establish the clinical and mutational spectrum of C12orf4 variants. Our findings implicate C12orf4 as a causative gene for autosomal recessive ID.
Predictors and outcomes of unplanned early rehospitalization in the first year following lung transplantation
Authors: Courtwright Andrew M. , Salomon Stacey , Fuhlbrigge Anne , Divo Miguel , Rosas Ivan O. , Camp Phillip C. , Mallidi Hari H. , Burkett Patrick , El‐Chemaly Souheil , Wolfe David J. , Goldberg Hilary J.
Published: June 2016

Unplanned early rehospitalization (UER), defined as an unscheduled admission within 30 days of a hospital discharge, is associated with graft loss and recipient mortality in some solid organ transplants but has not been investigated in lung transplant. In this retrospective study, we collected socio‐demographic and clinical factors to determine predictors and outcomes of UER in the first year following lung transplantation. There were 193 patients who underwent lung transplantation and survived to discharge during the 7.9‐year study period. There were 116 (60.1%) patients with at least one UER. Infections (32.8%) and post‐surgical complications (11.8%) were the most common reasons for UER. On multivariate analysis, the strongest predictor of having an UER was discharge to a long‐term acute care facility (odds ratio: 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–6.20; P=.003). Patients with any UER in the first year following transplantation had worse adjusted survival (hazard ratio: 1.89, 95% CI 1.02–3.50; P=.04). It is unclear, however, to what extent UERs reflect preventable outcomes. Further large‐scale, prospective research is needed to identify the extent to which certain types of UER are modifiable and to define patients at high‐risk for preventable UER.
Urban landscape and forest vegetation regulate the range expansion of an exotic lace bug Corythucha marmorata (Hemiptera: Tingidae)
Authors: Sakata Yuzu , Yamasaki Michimasa , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: June 2016

Landscapes and vegetation are critical factors in dispersion of exotic insects and expansion of their range. However, few studies have addressed how the surrounding landscape affects the establishment of exotic insects. We assessed the relationship between establishment of an exotic lace bug Corythucha marmorata (Uhler) and the surrounding landscape in the northern edge of the lace bug's expanded range. We found that the lace bugs showed variability in their density among populations. Urban areas had a positive effect, while the natural forest vegetation had a negative effect on lace bug density, with a buffer range of 1–2 km. Moreover, their abundance decreased with distance from the source population. Our results suggest that natural forest landscapes in urban areas may inhibit the range expansion of invasive insects that feed on exotic plants growing in human‐disturbed habitats.
Prevalence and patterns of permanent tooth agenesis in individuals with Down syndrome: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Palaska Pinelopi K. , Antonarakis Gregory S.
Published: June 2016

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence and patterns of permanent tooth agenesis in individuals with Down syndrome, using meta‐analysis methodology. Two independent investigators carried out a literature search to locate articles pertaining to permanent tooth agenesis in individuals with Down syndrome. The outcomes of interest were the prevalence and pattern of permanent tooth agenesis. Thirteen articles were selected for inclusion. The estimated overall prevalence of permanent tooth agenesis, excluding third molars, was 54.6% (95% CI: 44–66%). Considerable heterogeneity was present across the studies. Among subjects with tooth agenesis, approximately half had three or more missing teeth. The permanent teeth with the highest prevalence of agenesis were the maxillary lateral incisor (27%), mandibular second premolar (21%) and maxillary second premolar (18%). The single most commonly absent tooth, however, was the mandibular left second mandibular premolar (19.9%), followed by the maxillary left lateral incisor (19.4%). Little data describing specific tooth‐agenesis patterns were available. In conclusion, individuals with Down syndrome display high prevalence rates and severity of agenesis of permanent teeth. Proper and timely diagnosis of missing permanent teeth is thus necessary, to allow a more comprehensive long‐term treatment plan and a more favorable prognosis in these individuals.
Challenges, developments and perspectives in intermittent river ecology
Authors: Datry Thibault , Fritz Ken , Leigh Catherine
Published: June 2016

Although more than half the world's river networks comprise channels that periodically cease to flow and dry [intermittent rivers (IRs)], river ecology was largely developed from and for perennial systems. Ecological knowledge of IRs is rapidly increasing, so there is a need to synthesise this knowledge and deepen ecological understanding.

In this Special Issue, we bring together 13 papers spanning observational case studies, field and laboratory experiments and reviews to guide research and management in this productive field of freshwater science. We summarise new developments in IR ecology, identify research gaps and needs, and address how the study of IRs as highly dynamic ecosystems informs ecological understanding more broadly.

This series of articles reveals that contemporary IR ecology is a multifaceted and maturing field of research at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial ecology. This research contributes to fresh water and general ecology by testing concepts across a range of topics, including disturbance ecology, metacommunity ecology and coupled aquatic‐terrestrial ecosystems.

Drying affects flow continuity through time and flow connectivity across longitudinal, lateral and vertical dimensions of space, which aligns well with the recent emphasis of mainstream ecology on meta‐system perspectives. Although most articles here focus on the wet phase, there is growing interest in dry phases, and in the terrestrial vegetation and invertebrate assemblages living in and along IR channels. We encourage interdisciplinary studies on IRs to further blur the demarcation between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and develop more integrated perspectives.

As a result of climate change and human modification of landscapes and waterways, flooding and drought are expected to become more extreme and widespread. Shifts in streamflow regimes from perennial to intermittent may exacerbate the duration and frequency of dry phases in IRs with serious implications for river ecosystems and the quality and diversity of services they provide.