bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and interaction energy and DFT studies of 1-methyl-3-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-one
Authors: Saber Asmaa , Srhir Mohamed , Hökelek Tuncer , Mague Joel T. , Hamou Ahabchane Noureddine , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Essassi El Mokhtar
Published: November 2019

In the title molecule, C11H10N2O, the dihydrobenzimidazol-2-one moiety is essentially planar, with the prop-2-yn-1-yl substituent rotated well out of this plane. In the crystal, C—HMthy...π(ring) interactions and C—HProp...ODhyr (Mthy = methyl, Prop = prop-2-yn-1-yl and Dhyr = dihydro) hydrogen bonds form corrugated layers parallel to (10\overline{1}), which are associated through additional C—HBnz...ODhyr (Bnz = benzene) hydrogen bonds and head-to-tail, slipped, π-stacking [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.7712 (7) Å] interactions between dihydrobenzimidazol-2-one moieties. The Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (44.1%), H...C/C...H (33.5%) and O...H/H...O (13.4%) interactions. Hydrogen-bonding and van der Waals interactions are the dominant interactions in the crystal packing. Computational chemistry calculations indicate that in the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen-bond energies are 46.8 and 32.5 (for C—HProp...ODhyr) and 20.2 (for C—HBnz...ODhyr) kJ mol−1. Density functional theory (DFT) optimized structures at the B3LYP/6–311 G(d,p) level are compared with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state. The HOMO–LUMO behaviour was elucidated to determine the energy gap.
Crystal structures of the GH6Orpinomycessp. Y102 CelC7 enzyme with exo and endo activity and its complex with cellobiose
Authors: Huang Hsiao-Chuan , Qi Liu-Hong , Chen Yo-Chia , Tsai Li-Chu
Published: November 2019

The catalytic domain (residues 128–449) of theOrpinomycessp. Y102 CelC7 enzyme (OrpCelC7) exhibits cellobiohydrolase and cellotriohydrolase activities. Crystal structures ofOrpCelC7 and its cellobiose-bound complex have been solved at resolutions of 1.80 and 2.78 Å, respectively. Cellobiose occupies subsites +1 and +2 within the active site ofOrpCelC7 and forms hydrogen bonds to two key residues: Asp248 and Asp409. Furthermore, its substrate-binding sites have both tunnel-like and open-cleft conformations, suggesting that the glycoside hydrolase family 6 (GH6)OrpCelC7 enzyme may perform enzymatic hydrolysis in the same way as endoglucanases and cellobiohydrolases. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed cellobiose (major) and cellotriose (minor) to be the respective products of endo and exo activity of the GH6OrpCelC7.
Identification of Duhem-type piezoelectric hysteresis using a modified bee colony algorithm
Authors: Chen Qun , Yang Zong-Xiao
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The determination of parameters of Duhem model that can describe piezoelectric hysteresis is usually a great challenge. The purpose of this paper is to find a way to identify the parameters of Duhem model by using a modified bee colony algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

The promising bee colony algorithm has great potential to identify hysteresis nonlinearity, but has not yet been used to identify the Duhem-type hysteresis in the literatures. To explore this possibility, the classical bee colony algorithm is modified to enhance its performance regarding both searching capability and convergence speed. In the modification, the current optimal solution is used to guide the search direction, which can balance the local and global searching ability. Moreover, a new searching formula for scout bees is proposed to enhance the convergence ability of the algorithm.

Findings

Through a series of experiments, the modified algorithm can attain the optimal parameters with a 0.61 µm peak valley error and a 0.12 µm root-mean-square error. Compared to the particle swarm optimization and classical bee colony algorithms, the modified bee colony algorithm can reach higher parameter identification accuracy. Based on 50 trials, the robustness of the posed algorithm was also proved.

Originality/value

The well-performed modified bee colony algorithm is a good candidate in parameter identification of Duhem-type hysteresis nonlinear systems. As there is no work studying the parameter identification of Duhem model using a bee colony algorithm in the literatures, this work closed this gap and explored the ability of bee colony algorithm to identify piezoelectric hysteresis with superb accuracy and robustness.
Hierarchical shape optimization of one-sided transverse flux heating induction coil
Authors: Schulze Martin , Nikanorov Alexander , Nacke Bernard
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The transverse flux heating (TFH) concept offers very high electrical efficiency in combination with unique technological flexibility. Numerous advantages make this method beyond competition to be applied in e.g. processing lines. However, all potential advantages of TFH can be realized in practice only by optimal design of the inductor shape using numerical modelling and optimization techniques. This paper aims to describe a hierarchical approach to the optimal design of a one-sided induction coil, which will be used for one-sided TFH of continuous moving thin metal strip to achieve a homogeneous temperature distribution along the strip width.

Design/methodology/approach

Depending on the design step, 2D or 3D FEM simulations using ANSYS® Mechanical including the electromagnetics package are used. The harmonic electromagnetic solution is coupled to a transient thermal model which takes the strip movement into account. All models use the symmetries of the inductor workpiece arrangement to keep the calculation times as low as possible.

Findings

Due to the geometry of a TFH coil, the models can image a quarter or half of the arrangement. Preliminary investigations of different inductor head shapes can be carried out quickly and then further improved on more complex models in combination with the use of optimization algorithms.

Practical implications

Using hierarchical structure for designing a one-sided TFH coil, offers an efficient and quick way to create a coil which is adapted to the application.

Originality/value

The one-sided inductor design is considered, and the results are generally valid.
Problematizing the presentation and reception of political brands
Authors: Pich Christopher , Armannsdottir Guja , Dean Dianne , Spry Louise , Jain Varsha
Published: November 2019

Purpose

There are explicit calls for research devoted to how political actors present their brand to the electorate and how this is interpreted. Responding to this, the purpose of this paper is to build an understanding of how political brand messages and values are received and aligned with voter expectations, which in turn shapes the consistency of a political brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an interpretivist perspective, this two-stage approach first focuses on semi-structured interviews with internal stakeholders of the UK Conservative Party and second uses focus group discussions with external stakeholders (voters) of age 18-24 years. Data was collected between 1 December 2014 and 6 May 2015.

Findings

The findings suggest that the UK Conservative brand had recovered from the “nasty party” reputation. Further, the Conservative brand was perceived as credible, trustworthy and responsible, with positive associations of “economic competence”. However, while the nasty party imagery has declined, the UK Conservative brand continues to face challenges particularly in terms of longstanding negative associations perceived by both internal and external markets.

Research limitations/implications

It must be acknowledged that all research methods have their own limitations, and acknowledging these will strengthen the ability to draw conclusions. In this study, for example, due to time constraints during the election campaign period, 7 participants supported stage one of the study and 25 participants supported stage two of the study. However, participants from stage one of the study represented all three elements of the UK Conservative Party (Parliamentary, Professional and Voluntary). In addition, the elite interviews were longer in duration and this provided a greater opportunity to capture detailed stories of their life experiences and how this affected their brand relationship. Similarly, participants for stage two focussed on young voters of age 18-24 years, a segment actively targeted by the UK Conservative Party.

Practical implications

The brand alignment framework can help practitioners illuminate components of the political brand and how it is interpreted by the electorate. The increasing polarisation in politics has made this a vital area for study, as we see need to understand if, how or why citizens are persuaded by a more polarised brand message. There are also social media issues for the political brand which can distort the carefully constructed brand. There are opportunities to evaluate and operationalize this framework in other political contexts.

Originality/value

The brand alignment model extends current branding theory first by building on an understanding of the complexities of creating brand meaning, second, by operationalizing differences between the brand and how it is interpreted by the electorate, finally, by identifying if internal divisions within the political party pose a threat to the consistency of the brand.
Psychological contract and organizational justice: the role of normative contract
Authors: Estreder Yolanda , Rigotti Thomas , Tomás Inés , Ramos José
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of the psychological contract (PC) simultaneously at the individual level (fulfillment of obligations by the organization and PC violation) and the organizational level (normative contract), and their relationship with employees’ evaluations of organizational justice. Based on justice and information processing approaches, the hypothesis is that normative contract has an effect on employees’ perceptions of organizational justice, and also moderates the relationship between PC violation and organizational justice.

Design/methodology/approach

Multilevel modeling was employed with a multinational sample of 5,338 employees nested in 214 companies.

Findings

Findings showed that beyond the positive effect of fulfillment of obligations by the organization, PC violation has a strong negative effect on organizational justice. In addition, normative contract has a positive effect on organizational justice, showing that when shared perceptions of normative contract are higher, then the organizational justice perceptions of employees are also higher. Furthermore, the normative contract moderated the relationship between PC violation and organizational justice, showing that the negative relationship of PC violation with organizational justice was stronger when the normative contract was higher.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that normative contract has effects on organizational justice, and that PC violation had more negative effects on employees’ perceptions of organizational justice perceptions when colleagues’ shared perceptions of fulfillment were higher. This means that social context (shared perceptions in an organization about the PC) has effects on individual perceptions of organizational justice. Companies need to pay attention to detrimental effects on employees who perceive a worse PC than their colleagues do.

Originality/value

The study extends the current research by demonstrating that employee–employer exchanges are not limited to individual level effects because shared perceptions of PC fulfillment (normative contract) also have relevant effects on employees’ perceptions of organizational justice.
Diagnostic testing in Bayesian analysis
Authors: Assaf A. George , Tsionas Mike G.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present several Bayesian specification tests for both in- and out-of-sample situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on the Bayesian equivalents of the frequentist approach for testing heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation and functional form specification. For out-of-sample diagnostics, the authors consider several tests to evaluate the predictive ability of the model.

Findings

The authors demonstrate the performance of these tests using an application on the relationship between price and occupancy rate from the hotel industry. For purposes of comparison, the authors also provide evidence from traditional frequentist tests.

Research limitations/implications

There certainly exist other issues and diagnostic tests that are not covered in this paper. The issues that are addressed, however, are critically important and can be applied to most modeling situations.

Originality/value

With the increased use of the Bayesian approach in various modeling contexts, this paper serves as an important guide for diagnostic testing in Bayesian analysis. Diagnostic analysis is essential and should always accompany the estimation of regression models.
Development and validation of Islamic Governance Examination tool in healthcare settings
Authors: Abdul Rahman Hanif , Abdul Aziz Amin , Ibrahim Muhamad Adib , Suhaili Noor-Arpah , Daud Ahmad Zahid , Naing Lin
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate the Islamic Governance Examination tool (IGET) in applicability to the healthcare setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study using IGET, developed by a panel of expert and extensive literature, which measures Islamic governance (IG) domains – Tauhid, Juristic, Values and Culture. Health and allied health professionals from the largest hospital in Brunei were recruited to establish validity and reliability of the instrument. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to explore the relationship of the IG domains.

Findings

Content validity and construct validity were established with good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α ranged 0.835–0.953). SEM supports the conceptual model and demonstrated potential to improve quality of health services. By articulating internal and organisational processes put in place for compatibility of Muslim patients and accommodating incumbent form of healthcare governance.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study developing, validating and exploring IG components in healthcare setting. Usage of IGET should be cross-validated in different disciplines and settings before application. Nonetheless, IG as a whole need to be developed further to create healthcare environment compatible for Muslim patients and complement current health services to improve health service quality for everyone.
Development of an integrated canvas on turnaround strategy
Authors: Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Malik Aakash
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding regarding corporate turnaround. An integrated discussion regarding different corporate failure factors, conditions, symptoms followed by turnaround strategies and its results have been provided.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors have done a comprehensive systematic and integrated literature review study of research articles on corporate turnaround. The paper reviewed discussed different dimensions of turnaround management. The authors applied thematic reductionist categorisation with logical arguments to develop an integrated turnaround canvas (ICT).

Findings

An ICT has been developed. ICT is a holistic framework to comprehend turnaround strategy. Impact of precondition and turnaround levers on cash flow dynamics and the operational and strategic levers for successful turnaround performance of the firm has also been presented. Authors have also tabulated the entire spectrum of corporate turnaround.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual work would help researchers interested in turnaround research to anchor their study at different points in ICT canvas. This could be at the decline precondition stage, corporate failure state, turnaround levers (strategic and operational) application phase and in terms of turnaround performance.

Practical implications

The ICT canvas would help managers to identify the set of corporate failure preconditions which might lead their firm to decline phase. The ICT canvas would also help managers based upon the identification of decline preconditions to select an appropriate turnaround interventions required to arrest the corporate failure. Finally, the ICT canvas would help in identifying the operational and strategic levers for successful turnaround implementation and thus achieving the desired corporate performance.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to provide an integrated perspective on corporate turnaround as the developed ICT canvas consisted of identification of decline preconditions, corporate failure, turnaround levers (strategic and operational ) and turnaround performance.
Promoting a revamped CRM through Internet of Things and Big Data: an AHP-based evaluation
Authors: Abu Ghazaleh Mohamad , Zabadi Abdelrahim M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Internet of things (IoT) and big data (BD) could change how the societies function. This paper explores the role of IoT and BD and their impact on customer relationship management (CRM) investments in modern customer service. The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytic hierarchy planning framework to establish criteria weights and to develop a general self-assessment model for determining the most important factors influencing the IoT and BD investment in CRM. The authors found that most studies have focused on conceptualizing the impact of IoT without BD and with limited empirical studies and analytical models. This paper sheds further light on the topic by presenting both IoT and BD aspects of future CRM.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology is used to weight and prioritize the factors influencing the IoT and BD investment in modern CRM in the service industry. The AHP framework resulted in a ranking of 21 sustainability sub-factors based on evaluations by experienced information technology and customer service professionals.

Findings

The paper provides significant insight on the new frontier of CRM, focusing on the use of IoT and BD and the respective solutions to address them were identified. This study primarily contributes in providing the process of effectively managing and implementing IoT and BD in big businesses by identifying the connecting link between firms and customers.

Practical implications

The understanding of new frontier of CRM connective via IoT and BD can solve the dilemmas and challenges linked to the practice of implement IoT and BD in the information systems field. The study provides valuable information and critical analysis of IoT and BD with regard to the integration of CRM. Finally, this study further provides directions for future researchers.

Originality/value

IoT and BD are a growing phenomenon, which business decision-makers and information professionals need to consider seriously to properly ascertain the modern CRM dimensions in the digital economies. They also should embrace the proper CRM innovation, which is powered by IoT and BD, and discover how IoT and BD can bring the next level of maturity to CRM “CRM of everything.”
Complexities in mega rail transportation projects
Authors: Gharehbaghi Koorosh , McManus Kerry , Hurst Neville , Robson Kathryn , Myers Matt
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to initially evaluate the most current and important complications of sustainable mega rail transportation projects. This purpose is assisted by thoroughly reviewing the foremost uncertainties and challenging issues of STI. Once these factors are established, they will be the base of STI indicators. Finally, to consolidate such alignment, the Sydney Metro and Melbourne Metro are then compared and analyzed. The analysis would then create a platform to measure sustainability and relevant complexities in mega rail transportation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

To further consolidate such hypothesis, this research investigated two mega rail transportation projects in Australia. Both Sydney Metro and Melbourne Metro Rail were selected as the basis of case study, as both possess similar sustainability aspects.

Findings

As an outcome this research found that, complexities in both of these projects were based on future challenges and opportunities including imperfect equalization or not balancing all the four sustainability indicators; and where and how to emphasize the overlapping of these four indicators. In summary, these findings can assist the relevant planners, to better prepare and manage mega railway infrastructure and their operations.

Originality/value

While the sustainability for transportation infrastructure has been covered extensively by other authors, this paper strengthens the four specific and separate STI indicators – especially for mega rail infrastructure. Although, there are some crossover areas within these indicators, however, this research separately validates each as an independent entity. Commonly, there are three dimensions within the sustainability domain – environmental, economical and social. Nevertheless, for this research, a fourth dimension engineering which includes all the technical focus, has been separately developed. This is particularly important to effectively deal with all the complexities, particularly for mega projects, such as rail transportation infrastructure. Accordingly, separating the engineering dimension would thus reshape the triple bottom line factors to include a separate technical focus. To further evaluate this separation of the four specific areas, two mega Australian rail transportation projects are then reviewed as experiments.
Career decisions of married Indian IT female expatriates
Authors: Shah Dhara , Agrawal Narendra M. , Moeller Miriam
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Despite more than 50 years of research into gender and work, the impact of female expatriates persists to be underrepresented in mainstream international human resource management (IHRM) literature. The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the perceptions of married Indian information technology (IT) women regarding career and expatriating discussions they have with their husbands and its impact on their decision making to undertake international assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 married Indian IT women who had undertaken international assignments after marriage. The study includes two data sets, 1: women on less than one-year assignment; 2: women on greater than one-year assignments.

Findings

The study found that women who went on short-term assignments of less than one year travelled alone and found it fortunate and convenient to leave their children in the care of their husbands, in-laws, parents and maids. While in the cases of women travelling for longer-term assignments, most husbands accompanied them. The study suggests that while spousal support was the key, having a shared purpose with husbands along with extended family support was equally significant to facilitate women undertaking an international assignment. As an impetus, the authors note a change within the Indian society where both partners come together to make decisions about expatriating.

Research limitations/implications

The authors discuss the implications for IHRM as they relate to gender diversity within organisations.

Originality/value

The research, underpinned by the early workings of a theory of career hierarchy, explores the complexities in expatriation decision-making processes of married women from the emerging economy of India with traditional family values, who are working within a modern and liberal IT industry.
Performance art strategy for tourism segmentation: (a Silat movement of Minangkabau ethnic group) in the event of tourism performance improvement
Authors: Wahyono Wahyono , Hutahayan Benny
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the strategy of performance art, especially Silat Movement (as a source and identity of traditional dance movement of Minangkabau ethnic group), as a marketing medium of tourism, especially in West Sumatera Province.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a qualitative approach among six cases of dance. Quantitative method was used to collect data about the dance movement of Minangkabau ethnic group, which is in accordance with the cultural value that they adopt. The data collecting technique used was focus group discussion, documentation, observation and interview. The case study method was used to conduct this research, focusing on the Silat dance movement as a medium to promote tourism. The research method is presented to generate a study that is in harmony with the background and the problem statement. This was a qualitative descriptive analysis research with the aim of providing a comprehensive illustration of performance art as a medium to promote tourism in West Sumatera.

Findings

Minangkabau ethnic dance movement, which is based on custom and religion, includes movements originating from the Silat movement. Movements in Minangkabau dance include Silat movements, such as attacking and fending off, rolling over, sawhorse posture and leg and hand movements. This is an original movement source and derives from cultural movements born from the fighter. That is why the Minangkabau dancer is a male; females were initially not allowed to dance because the movements are not suitable for them. Movement stylization suitable for a woman appears when she starts involving in dance movements in Minangkabau. Given the basis of culture and religion, the concept of suitable movements for a woman involves having no pelvic-rocking movements, erotic movements (with legs, hands and head) or other movements, such as rolling over, fighting and fending off. When male and female dancers perform together, they are not allowed to touch each other.

Originality/value

The movement in the dancing art of Minangkabau actually should be in harmony with, balanced on and based on the value of Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabulah, which is the philosophy of the Minangkabau ethnic group. This means, a religious value must be seen in all expressions of dance movements of the Minangkabau ethnic group; no expression should contradict the values of the religious and customs value. A similar perception to the philosophy states that it is very helpful for Indonesian choreographer for the needs of aesthetic from the rich of Indonesian dance. Also, Hastuti and Supriyanti (2012) state that it can be a differentiator from the dance rules of Western thought patterns.
Artificial intelligence, news sentiment, and property market liquidity
Authors: Braun Johannes , Hausler Jochen , Schäfers Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a text-based sentiment indicator to explain variations in direct property market liquidity in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of an artificial neural network, market sentiment is extracted from 66,070 US real estate market news articles from the S&P Global Market Intelligence database. For training of the network, a distant supervision approach utilizing 17,822 labeled investment ideas from the crowd-sourced investment advisory platform Seeking Alpha is applied.

Findings

According to the results of autoregressive distributed lag models including contemporary and lagged sentiment as independent variables, the derived textual sentiment indicator is not only significantly linked to the depth and resilience dimensions of market liquidity (proxied by Amihud’s (2002) price impact measure), but also to the breadth dimension (proxied by transaction volume).

Practical implications

These results suggest an intertemporal effect of sentiment on liquidity for the direct property market. Market participants should account for this effect in terms of their investment decisions, and also when assessing and pricing liquidity risk.

Originality/value

This paper not only extends the literature on text-based sentiment indicators in real estate, but is also the first to apply artificial intelligence for sentiment extraction from news articles in a market liquidity setting.
Judging informal learning interventions: a vignette study
Authors: Pennings Helena Josefina Maria , Bottenheft Charelle , Van de Boer-Visschedijk Gillian C. , Stubbé Hester Elisabeth
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Informal learning is seen as the most important way to acquire and develop the skills and competencies required for work. The Dutch Defence organisation (DDO) aims to use the opportunities for development of employees that informal learning offers better and is looking for suitable interventions. Four possible interventions to improve informal learning were developed, based on factors that influence informal learning. The purpose of this paper is to assess how Dutch Military personnel rate these interventions and to gather their opinions and preferences per intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 96 employees completed an online mixed-method vignette study. In the questionnaire, the four interventions were introduced by a visualisation in the form of a “comic strip” (vignette), and respondents’ perceptions were measured with multiple choice and open-ended questions.

Findings

Respondents clearly indicated a preference for two of the four interventions, i.e. informal mentorship and safe learning environment. They provided numerous advantages and disadvantages per intervention. They also indicated that all four interventions could be used throughout the entire Dutch Defence Organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The results contribute to a thoughtful design of interventions that can be used in practice; also, the interventions can be improved based on the advantages, disadvantages and suggestions formulated by the respondents in this vignette study.

Originality/value

The designs of interventions are studied in a systematic way by the target population before they are actually developed and implemented. In addition, the use of “comic strips” and visualisations in vignette studies is quite original.
Competitive intelligence in hospitality and tourism: a perspective article
Authors: Köseoglu Mehmet Ali , Morvillo Alfonso , Altin Mehmet , De Martino Marcella , Okumus Fevzi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to critically review competitive intelligence (CI) research and offer suggestions for future research in the hospitality and tourism (HT) field.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews and synthetizes current CI research in the HT field.

Findings

The study findings suggest that CI research in HT is at an embryonic level, as researchers have not used the same terminology on what CI is, how CI is implemented and what should be included in the CI framework. Hence, researchers should address the link between operation and CI practices. Also, new studies discussing business espionage and ethics in CI practices are needed because the related studies are rare.

Practical implications

The study offers specific theoretical and practical implications for CI research.

Originality/value

This study provides a perspective on future developments of CI research in the HT field.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem quality for sustainable franchising
Authors: Mutumba Abbey , Ngoma Mohammad , Munene John C. , Ntayi Joseph Mpeera
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the mediation effects of public–private–partnership (PPP) on the association between complementary entrepreneurial networking and the entrepreneurial ecosystem quality for sustainable franchising.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to collect this study’s qualitative data from a study population of sub-franchisor organizations in Uganda. Statistical techniques were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Part of the authorized distributors’ mutually beneficial networking is directly connected to multi-actor networks that continuously simplify their local access to affordable franchise financing, mentors and supportive leaders. Also, the same association is mediated through PPP supported franchise-business information and widely appealing awards to be won.

Research limitations/implications

One of the areas for further study is a related study on the moderating effects of the PPP support in another developing country, which is clarified in this study.

Originality/value

The complexity theory has provided an explanation of the entrepreneurial ecosystem quality for sustainable franchising across the rural and urban markets in an African country.
Japanese Dermatological Association Guidelines: Outlines of guidelines for cutaneous melanoma 2019
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhiro , Asai Jun , Igaki Hiroshi , Inozume Takashi , Namikawa Kenjiro , Hayashi Ayato , Fukushima Satoshi , Fujimura Taku , Ito Takamichi , Imafuku Keisuke , Tanaka Ryota , Teramoto Yukiko , Minagawa Akane , Miyagawa Takuya , Miyashita Azusa , Wada Makoto , Koga Hiroshi , Sugaya Makoto
Published: November 2019

With consideration of the ongoing developments in treatment options for cutaneous melanoma, the Japanese Skin Cancer Society published the first guidelines for cutaneous melanoma in 2007 and later revised them in 2015. Here, we report on an English version of the 2019 Japanese Melanoma Guidelines. In this latest edition, all processes were carried out according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. A comprehensive published work search, systematic review and determination of recommendations in each clinical question were performed by a multidisciplinary expert panel consisting of dermatologists, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and a radiation oncologist. The advent of novel agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and molecular‐targeted agents, has drastically changed the nature of treatment for adjuvant and advanced‐stage diseases among melanoma patients worldwide. Additionally, recent reports of clinical trials regarding surgical procedures and a better understanding of molecular biology and tumor immunology in clinical types of melanoma have had an impact on clinical practise. Based on these viewpoints, eight relevant clinical questions were raised in this report that aim to help clinicians select the appropriate therapeutic approach.
Working transgenerationally: a clinical discussion on family dynamics and treatment
Authors: Lee Wai‐Yung
Published: November 2019

Building on Lieberman’sTransgenerational theory(1979), which posited that many inexplicable family problems could be traced to unresolved conflicts arising from clashes between cultural differences across generations, forty multi‐generation families that have been treated with either a child, an adult, or a member from the older generation as symptom bearers were reviewed in this project. This paper is a discussion of the findings obtained from exploring these presenting symptoms from the perspective of transgenerational dynamics, and a presentation of a treatment approach in working transgenerationally. In addition to family histories, we also focused in this work on the importance of working with problematic interpersonal patterns across generations in order to negotiate a more satisfactory and developmentally appropriate boundary between subsystems.

Practitioner points

Analysis of clinical data with Chinese families shows that many individual mental health problems can reflect unresolved conflict in transgenerational relationships

Transgenerational theory is useful in helping us understand the link between generations

Along with structural family therapy theory this enables members of multi‐generations to negotiate a developmentally appropriate pattern between subsystems

Using biofeedback in a family assessment protocol to elicit children’s responses to parental conflict helps link repeated patterns transmitted transgenerationally
Against a descriptive turn
Authors: Gane Nicholas
Published: November 2019

While description is a valuable aspect of meaningful sociological work, this paper takes issue with Mike Savage’s argument that the social sciences, and sociology in particular, should seek to prioritize description over practices of explanation and analysis, and attention to questions of causality.  The aim of this paper is not to take issue with descriptive forms of sociology in themselves, but to argue that the answer to the problems identified by Savage and Burrows in their landmark paper “The Coming Crisis of Empirical Sociology” is not to follow commercial forms of research by prioritizing practices of description and classification at the cost of asking fundamental questions about the “why?” and the “how?” of social life and politics. Rather, this paper argues that it is imperative that sociology does not simply describe inequalities of different types, but questions, explains, and analyses the structures and mechanisms through which they are created, reproduced, and sustained. The argument will be developed in three stages. First, this paper will restate the main points of Savage’s call for descriptive sociology; second, it will address his critique of “epochalist thinking” and subsequent opposition to the idea of neoliberalism; and third, it will respond to his use of Thomas Piketty’s work as a model for developing sociological descriptions of class and inequality.
Argentinean Puna Plants with In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities as a Potential Nutraceutical
Authors: Torres‐Carro Romina , Ana Yamile , Rojas‐Márquez Jorge David , Stempin Cinthia Carolina , Zampini Iris Catiana , Isla María Inés , Alberto María Rosa
Published: November 2019

Parastrephia lucida (Compositae), Tessaria absinthioides (Compositae), and Ephedra multiflora (Ephedraceae), three plant species from the Argentinean Puna (3600 m.a.s.l.) were selected for their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties to prepare mixtures to evaluate their use as nutraceuticals. Seven binary and ternary herbal mixtures made of ethanol 20% extracts of the selected plant species were prepared (Mixtures A to G), and they were analyzed for their effect on proinflammatory enzymes and their antioxidant activity in two cellular systems and in cell free systems. Toxicity tests were also carried out, and they were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode‐array detector (HPLC‐DAD) to quantify chemical markers. Mix A (equal parts of the three selected plant species) showed an important inhibitory capacity of different proinflammatory enzymes. Its potency on COX‐2 was also higher than that of ibuprofen. Mix A and Mix G (P. lucida and T. absinthioides 1:1) showed a high antioxidant capacity in cellular and in cell‐free systems. Toxicity assays further demonstrated their safety. This work shows the potential use of herbal mixtures made of medicinal plant species from the Argentinean Puna as nutraceutical or dietary supplements with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities.

Practical Application

P. lucida, T. absinthioides, and E. multiflora are three plant species that are commonly used by Argentinean Puna inhabitants with medicinal purposes. Their proven safety, their antioxidant activity as well as their capacity to inhibit different proinflammatory enzymes make them attractive candidates to be used in combination as part of a dietary supplement aimed to prevent or palliate gastrointestinal and systemic inflammatory diseases. The use of native plant species as an alternative to more common and commercial plant species would have a positive impact on local communities’ economies.
Rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy: Profile of women admitted to a Western Australian tertiary obstetric hospital
Authors: Ongzalima Chris O. , Greenland Melanie , Vaughan Geraldine , Ng Andre , Fitz‐Gerald Jordan A. , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Dickinson Jan E. , Hung Joe , Katzenellenbogen Judith M.
Published: November 2019

This retrospective study assessed maternal and perinatal outcomes for women with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) admitted to the largest tertiary obstetric hospital in Western Australia from 2009 to 2016. Of 54 women identified, 75.9% were Indigenous, 59.3% lived in rural areas and 40.7% had severe RHD. Heart failure developed in 10% who gave birth. Indigenous women were younger, had higher gravidity (P = 0.0305), were more likely to receive secondary prophylaxis (P = 0.0041) and have sub‐optimal antenatal clinic attendance (P = 0.0078). There were no maternal deaths and two perinatal deaths (4.0%), reflecting vigilance in the obstetric management of women with RHD in Western Australia.
Erythrocyte transfusions increased the risk of elevated serum ferritin in very low birthweight infants and were associated with altered longitudinal growth
Authors: Alm Stina , Stoltz Sjöström Elisabeth , Nilsson Sommar Johan , Domellöf Magnus
Published: November 2019

Aim

There has been a lack of population‐based longitudinal data on serum ferritin in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants during hospitalisation. Our aim was to fill this gap in the knowledge and investigate risk factors for elevated serum ferritin and associations between erythrocyte transfusions and longitudinal growth.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed longitudinal data on 126 VLBW infants treated at Umeå University Hospital, Sweden, between 2010 and 2013.

Results

The infants' mean gestational age and birthweight were 26.9 weeks and 899 g. Most (91%) received erythrocyte transfusions, and the majority had multiple erythrocyte transfusions. There was a significant correlation between serum ferritin and the volume of transfusions. Almost two‐thirds had at least one serum ferritin measurement of more than 350 µg/L, indicating iron overload. In those with complete anthropometric data (n = 78), there was no significant effect of serum ferritin concentrations in relation to longitudinal growth, but there was a positive association between the erythrocyte transfusion dose and longitudinal growth in VLBW infants born before 25 weeks.

Conclusion

This is the first population‐based study to investigate longitudinal data on serum ferritin in VLBW infants during hospitalisation. The unexpected positive finding in the subgroup born at less than 25 weeks needs further research with a larger cohort.
Cost‐effectiveness of long‐acting insulin analogues vs intermediate/long‐acting human insulin for type 1 diabetes: A population‐based cohort followed over 10 years
Authors: Lee Tsung‐Ying , Kuo Shihchen , Yang Chen‐Yi , Ou Huang‐Tz
Published: November 2019

Aims

This study assessed the cost‐effectiveness of long‐acting insulin analogues (LAIAs) vs intermediate/long‐acting human insulin (ILAHI) for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in real‐world clinical practice.

Methods

Individual‐level analyses were conducted within a longitudinal population‐based cohort of 540 propensity score‐matched T1D patients (LAIAs, n = 270; ILAHI, n = 270) with over 10 years of follow‐up using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, 2004–2013, from third‐party payer and healthcare sector perspectives. The study outcomes included the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one case of clinical events (eg, hypoglycaemia, diabetes‐related complications), medical costs, and cost per case of events prevented. Cost estimates are presented in 2013 British pounds (GBP, £).

Results

The NNTs using LAIAs vs ILAHI to avoid one case of hypoglycaemia requiring medical assistance, outpatient hypoglycaemia and any diabetes‐related complications were 12, 9 and 10 for mean follow‐up periods of 5.84, 6.02 and 3.62 years, respectively. From third‐party payer and healthcare sector perspectives, using LAIAs instead of ILAHI saved GBP6924‐GBP7116 per case of hypoglycaemia requiring medical assistance prevented, GBP5346‐GBP5508 per case of outpatient hypoglycaemia prevented, and GBP3570‐GBP3680 per case of any diabetes‐related complications prevented. Sensitivity analyses considering sampling uncertainty showed that using LAIAs over ILAHI yields at least a 76% probability of cost‐saving for avoiding one case of hypoglycaemia requiring medical assistance, outpatient hypoglycaemia or any diabetes‐related complications.

Conclusions

This real‐world evidence reveals that compared with ILAHI, the greater pharmaceutical costs associated with LAIAs for patients with T1D could be substantially offset by savings from averted hypoglycaemia or diabetes‐related complications.
Acute caffeine intake increases muscle oxygen saturation during a maximal incremental exercise test
Authors: Ruíz‐Moreno Carlos , Lara Beatriz , Brito de Souza Diego , Gutiérrez‐Hellín Jorge , Romero‐Moraleda Blanca , Cuéllar‐Rayo Ángel , Del Coso Juan
Published: November 2019

Aims

The main mechanism behind caffeine's ergogenicity lies in its tendency to bind to adenosine receptors, although other mechanisms might be involved. The aim of this investigation was to analyse the effects of caffeine on muscle oxygen saturation during exercise of increasing intensity.

Methods

Thirteen healthy and active individuals volunteered to participate in a randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial. During 2 different trials, participants either ingested a placebo (cellulose) or 3 mg/kg of caffeine. After waiting for 60 min to absorb the substances, participants underwent a maximal ramp cycle ergometer test (25 W/min). Near infrared spectrometers were positioned on each leg's vastus lateralis to monitor tissue O2 saturation. Blood lactate concentration was measured 1 min after the end of the exercise test.

Results

In comparison to the placebo, the ingestion of caffeine improved the maximal wattage (258 ± 50 vs 271 ± 54 W, respectively, P < .001, effect size [ES] = 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14–0.35) and blood lactate concentration (11.9 ± 3.8 vs 13.7 ± 3.5 mmol/L, P = .029, ES = 0.38; 95% CI 0.14–0.75) at the end of the test. Caffeine increased muscle oxygen saturation at several exercise workloads with a main effect found in respect to the placebo (F = 6.28, P = .029; ES = 0.30 to 0.54; 95% CI 0.01–0.78). Peak pulmonary ventilation (124 ± 29 vs 129 ± 23 L/min, P = 0.035, ES = 0.25; 95% CI 0.07–0.40) and peak oxygen uptake (3.18 ± 0.70 vs 3.33 ± 0.88 L/min, P = 0.032, ES = 0.26; 95% CI 0.08–0.51) were also increased with caffeine.

Conclusion

Acute ingestion of 3 mg/kg of caffeine improved peak aerobic performance and increased peak pulmonary ventilation. In addition, caffeine induced changes in muscle oxygen saturation during submaximal workloads, suggesting that this mechanism might also contribute to caffeine's ergogenic effect.
What does mental health have to do with well‐being?
Authors: Keller Simon
Published: November 2019

Positive mental health involves not the absence of mental disorder but rather the presence of certain mental goods. Institutions, practitioners, and theorists often identify positive mental health with well‐being. There are strong reasons, however, to keep the concepts of well‐being and positive mental health separate. Someone with high positive mental health can have low well‐being, someone with high well‐being can have low positive mental health, and well‐being and positive mental health sometimes conflict. But, while positive mental health and well‐being are not identical, there is an informative conceptual connection between them. Positive mental health usually contributes instrumentally to the living of a good human life, where a good human life includes (but is not limited to) well‐being.