bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mandibular Surgical Navigation: An Innovative Guiding Method
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Orabona Giovanni Dell’ Aversana , Solari Domenico , Bonavolontà Paola , Iaconetta Giorgio , Califano Luigi
Published: September 2017

Mandibular osteotomies are usually required to treat craniomaxillofacial disorders. Losses of mandibular continuity result in esthetic and functional deficiency. During the past 30 years, the spread of the computer-assisted surgery techniques, rapid prototyping, and surgical navigation technique has improved the reliability and the outcomes of mandibular resections and reconstructions, by providing realtime feedback to surgeon. Recent studies reported the feasibility and the precision of surgical navigation applied to mandibular surgical resection and reconstruction with fibula flap but none of them describes a method to navigate the jaw allowing its full motility during the operation. To our knowledge, this is the first-time description of such a kind of method to navigate the jaw positioning the dynamic reference frame directly on the mandibular branch to maintain the full mobility of the mandible. The method described in our series has allowed an accurate surgical navigation of the jaw without the need of intermaxillary fixation. This technique could greatly facilitate resection and reconstructive surgical procedures of the jaw while ensuring precision and accuracy. The encouraging results obtained in the present report suggest to further investigate the possibilities of this technique to better define the method and its indications.
Does Fat Grafting Influence Postoperative Edema in Orthognathic Surgery?
Authors: Cabrejo Raysa , DeSesa Christopher R. , Sawh-Martinez Rajendra , Steinbacher Derek M.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Autologous fat grafting is a useful adjunctive procedure to orthognathic surgery and may also confer anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study is to answer the clinical question: among patients undergoing orthognathic operations, what are the effects of fat grafting on facial edema (magnitude, duration, and rate of decrease)?

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed. Three-dimensional photos (Canfield, Fairfield, NJ) from preoperative and a series of postprocedure time-points were analyzed. The data set was divided into a fat-grafted cohort and a non-fat-grafted cohort and later analyzed using paired and unpaired t tests and linear regressions to determine significant correlations.

Results:

One hundred sixteen pre- and postoperative three-dimensional photo data sets were included. The sample included 29 subjects. The facial volume was analyzed both overall and comparing each subgroup (orthognathic vs. orthognathic + fat grafting group). Postoperative facial volume increase averaged 23.7% for the entire cohort (FG and nFG). By week 12, the swelling decreased about 62% from baseline. In all patients, there was a statistically significant decrease in facial volume with time. In the fat-grafted group, despite adding volume, the facial volume was equal to the non-fat-grafted group at week 1, yet the rate of decrease was faster through week 12.

Conclusion:

The majority of postoperative facial edema decreases by 12 weeks following orthognathic surgery. In this cohort of patients, despite the addition of volume, concurrent fat grafting lessened postoperative edema, and led to a greater magnitude and speed of resolution.
Tear Trough Deformity: Study of Filling Procedures for Its Correction
Authors: Pascali Michele , Quarato Davide , Pagnoni Marco , Carinci Francesco
Published: September 2017

The aim of this work is to discuss the anatomy of the tear trough region with relative danger areas, and to describe 2 different options to correct this deformity.

The tear trough is a concave deformity of the orbital fat that is noticeable as a result of inherited anatomic differences and aging. However, the periorbital region is a complex area with its own septa and ligaments, fat compartments, muscles, vascularization, and lymphatic drainage and presents anatomic characteristics that must be taken into account in order to achieve good results and avoid complications.

The use of hyaluronic acid gel or autologous fat for soft tissue correction is a good option.

A total of 96 patients with periorbital hollowing were divided into 2 groups; each group received a different treatment, from December of 2013 to December of 2015, with hyaluronic- or lipo-filling.
Interobserver Consistency of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using a VOTE Classification System
Authors: Altintaş Ahmet , Yegin Yakup , Çelik Mustafa , Kaya Kamil Hakan , Koç Arzu Karaman , Kayhan Fatma Tülin
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

To explore the interobserver consistency of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and review the current literature.

Methods:

In total, 55 patients with an apnea–hypopnea index >5, as determined by on overnight sleep study, were included in this study, 45 males and 10 females, with an average age of 46.87 ± 10.06 years old (range, 19–71). For all OSAS patients, DISE was performed by the same surgeon, which was recorded digitally. The video recordings of DISE were evaluated independently by 3 experienced surgeons who were asked to note his or her decisions as the pattern, site, and degree of upper airway collapse using a VOTE (velum, oropharynx lateral wall, tongue base, and the epiglottis) classification system.

Results:

Interobserver consistency in the diagnosis of velum-related obstruction in anteroposterior, lateral, and concentric configurations ranged from poor to good. Only significant interobserver consistency among observers A and B was obtained in the diagnosis of oropharynx-related obstruction in the lateral configuration (concordance 60.0%, kappa: 0.365, P < 0.05). Interobserver consistency in the diagnosis of the tongue-related collapse in an anteroposterior configuration, the epiglottis-related collapse in an anteroposterior and lateral configuration ranged from fair to moderate (all kappa values >0.20, all P values < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our data suggested that the interobserver consistency of DISE ranged from poor to good. Therefore, further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to standardize DISE procedures, training, and interpretation.
Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease Type 1A: Influence of Body Mass Index on Nerve Conduction Studies and on the Charcot–Marie–Tooth Examination Score
Authors: Jerath Nivedita U. , Shy Michael E.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease type 1A (CMT1A) is caused by a duplication of the peripheral myelin protein gene 22 at chromosome 17p11.2-12. There is limited data regarding whether body mass index (BMI) affects electrophysiological or clinical data in those with CMT1A.

Methods:

Electrophysiological data, the Charcot–Marie–Tooth examination score (CMTES) and BMI from 101 patients with known CMT1A were obtained and analyzed.

Results:

When controlling for age, a higher BMI does not affect ulnar motor nerve conduction studies in those with CMT1A, but rather components of the CMTES (loss of pinprick and motor strength in the lower extremities).

Conclusions:

BMI and clinical components of the CMTES are correlated, but it is uncertain which came first—whether the loss of lower extremity pinprick sensation and motor strength results in a higher BMI or if higher BMI results in these signs.
David Colin Sherrington. 5 March 1945—4 October 2014
Authors: Richards Randal W. , Hodge Philip
Published: September 2017

David Colin Sherrington began life as a Liverpool docker's son and became an internationally recognized authority on reactive polymers and using polymer-supported reagents in novel applications. His research career began at University of Liverpool with his PhD work on the mechanisms of cationic polymerization. From 1972 until retirement in 2010, Strathclyde University was his chief research base. In the very early years he continued with mechanistic and kinetic studies of cationic polymerization, but soon moved to the field of polymer-supported reactions and reagents, to which he devoted the rest of his research career. An important contribution to the direction of his scientific activity was the secondment years he spent at Unilever, where he became involved in polymeric high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs). In the following years, he devoted much effort to accurate characterization of these and other porous polymer supports, frequently involving him in learning new techniques (e.g. neutron scattering). An important feature was the use of polymer supports to catalyse oxidation reactions, especially olefin epoxidation. He gained valuable insight into many aspects of his research from the many visiting professorships over his career. He was involved on the editorial board of
Reactive Polymers
continuously from 1982 until 2010 and he was awarded many honours. His free time was mainly devoted to fishing, particularly for salmon, an activity he shared with his wife and a group of friends for many years. His warmth, intellect and clear interest in the careers of his research students were key components in creating the polymer ‘family’ to which they belonged. His years of retirement were saddened by multiple system atrophy, a devastating illness throughout which he was cared for by Val, his wife.
Walking with wider steps changes foot placement control, increases kinematic variability and does not improve linear stability
Authors: Perry Jennifer A. , Srinivasan Manoj
Published: September 2017

Walking humans respond to pulls or pushes on their upper body by changing where they place their foot on the next step. Usually, they place their foot further along the direction of the upper body perturbation. Here, we examine how this foot placement response is affected by the average step width during walking. We performed experiments with humans walking on a treadmill, both normally and at five different prescribed step widths. We prescribed step widths by requiring subjects to step on lines drawn on the treadmill belt. We inferred a linear model between the torso marker state at mid-stance and the next foot position. The coefficients in this linear model (which are analogous to feedback gains for foot placement) changed with increasing step width as follows. The sideways foot placement response to a given sideways torso deviation decreased. The fore–aft foot placement response to a given fore–aft torso deviation also decreased. Coupling between fore–aft foot placement and sideways torso deviations increased. These changes in foot placement feedback gains did not significantly affect walking stability as quantified by Floquet multipliers (which estimate how quickly the system corrects a small perturbation), despite increasing foot placement variance and upper body motion variance (kinematic variability).
Cu

1–
x

Fe

x

O: hopping transport and ferromagnetism
Authors: Nasir Mohd. , Islam Rakibul , Ahmed Md. A , Ayaz Saniya , Kumar Gautham , Kumar Sunil , Prajapat C. L. , Roussel Frederick , Biring Sajal , Sen Somaditya
Published: September 2017

Single phase, sol–gel prepared Cu

1
–x

Fe

x

O (0 ≤ 
x
 ≤ 0.125) powders are characterized in terms of structural, electronic and magnetic properties. Using dielectric and magnetic studies we investigate the coupling of electron and spin. The electrical conductivities and activation energies are studied with increasing Fe content. Modelling of experimental conductivity data emphasizes a single hopping mechanism for all samples except
x
 = 0.125, which have two activation energies. Hole doping is confirmed by confirming a majority Fe
3+
substitution of Cu
2+
in CuO from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies (XPS). Such a substitution results in stabilized ferromagnetism. Fe substitution introduces variation in coercivity as an intrinsic magnetic property in Fe-doped CuO, and not as a secondary impurity phase.
A new Miocene baleen whale from Peru deciphers the dawn of cetotheriids
Authors: Marx Felix G. , Lambert Olivier , de Muizon Christian
Published: September 2017

Cetotheriidae are an iconic, nearly extinct family of baleen whales (Mysticeti) with a highly distinct cranial morphology. Their origins remain a mystery, with even the most archaic species showing a variety of characteristic features. Here, we describe a new species of archaic cetotheriid,
Tiucetus rosae
, from the Miocene of Peru. The new material represents the first mysticete from the poorly explored lowest portion of the highly fossiliferous Pisco Formation (allomember P0), and appears to form part of a more archaic assemblage than observed at the well-known localities of Cerro Colorado, Cerro los Quesos, Sud-Sacaco and Aguada de Lomas.
Tiucetus
resembles basal plicogulans (crown Mysticeti excluding right whales), such as
Diorocetus
and
Parietobalaena
, but shares with cetotheriids a distinct morphology of the auditory region, including the presence of an enlarged paroccipital concavity. The distinctive morphology of
Tiucetus
firmly places Cetotheriidae in the context of the poorly understood ‘cetotheres’
sensu lato
, and helps to resolve basal relationships within crown Mysticeti.
Breeding decisions and output are correlated with both temperature and rainfall in an arid-region passerine, the sociable weaver
Authors: Mares Rafael , Doutrelant Claire , Paquet Matthieu , Spottiswoode Claire N. , Covas Rita
Published: September 2017

Animal reproductive cycles are commonly triggered by environmental cues of favourable breeding conditions. In arid environments, rainfall may be the most conspicuous cue, but the effects on reproduction of the high inter- and intra-annual variation in temperature remain poorly understood, despite being relevant to the current context of global warming. Here, we conducted a multiyear examination of the relationships between a suite of measures of temperature and rainfall, and the onset and length of the breeding season, the probability of breeding and reproductive output in an arid-region passerine, the sociable weaver (Philetairus socius). As expected, reproductive output increased with rainfall, yet specific relationships were conditional on the timing of rainfall: clutch production was correlated with rainfall throughout the season, whereas fledgling production was correlated with early summer rainfall. Moreover, we reveal novel correlations between aspects of breeding and temperature, indicative of earlier laying dates after warmer springs, and longer breeding seasons during cooler summers. These results have implications for understanding population trends under current climate change scenarios and call for more studies on the role of temperature in reproduction beyond those conducted on temperate-region species.
Numerical studies of cavitation erosion on an elastic–plastic material caused by shock-induced bubble collapse
Authors: Turangan C. K. , Ball G. J. , Jamaluddin A. R. , Leighton T. G.
Published: September 2017

We present a study of shock-induced collapse of single bubbles near/attached to an elastic–plastic solid using the free-Lagrange method, which forms the latest part of our shock-induced collapse studies. We simulated the collapse of 40 μm radius single bubbles near/attached to rigid and aluminium walls by a 60 MPa lithotripter shock for various scenarios based on bubble–wall separations, and the collapse of a 255 μm radius bubble attached to aluminium foil with a 65 MPa lithotripter shock. The coupling of the multi-phases, compressibility, axisymmetric geometry and elastic–plastic material model within a single solver has enabled us to examine the impingement of high-speed liquid jets from the shock-induced collapsing bubbles, which imposes an extreme compression in the aluminium that leads to pitting and plastic deformation. For certain scenarios, instead of the high-speed jet, a radially inwards flow along the aluminium surface contracts the bubble to produce a ‘mushroom shape’. This work provides methods for quantifying which parameters (e.g. bubble sizes and separations from the solid) might promote or inhibit erosion on solid surfaces.
Singular diffusionless limits of double-diffusive instabilities in magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Kirillov Oleg N.
Published: September 2017

We study local instabilities of a differentially rotating viscous flow of electrically conducting incompressible fluid subject to an external azimuthal magnetic field. In the presence of the magnetic field, the hydrodynamically stable flow can demonstrate non-axisymmetric azimuthal magnetorotational instability (AMRI) both in the diffusionless case and in the double-diffusive case with viscous and ohmic dissipation. Performing stability analysis of amplitude transport equations of short-wavelength approximation, we find that the threshold of the diffusionless AMRI via the Hamilton–Hopf bifurcation is a singular limit of the thresholds of the viscous and resistive AMRI corresponding to the dissipative Hopf bifurcation and manifests itself as the Whitney umbrella singular point. A smooth transition between the two types of instabilities is possible only if the magnetic Prandtl number is equal to unity,
Pm
=1. At a fixed
Pm
≠1, the threshold of the double-diffusive AMRI is displaced by finite distance in the parameter space with respect to the diffusionless case even in the zero dissipation limit. The complete neutral stability surface contains three Whitney umbrella singular points and two mutually orthogonal intervals of self-intersection. At these singularities, the double-diffusive system reduces to a marginally stable system which is either Hamiltonian or parity–time-symmetric.
Coordinate representation for non-Hermitian position and momentum operators
Authors: Bagarello F. , Gargano F. , Spagnolo S. , Triolo S.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we undertake an analysis of the eigenstates of two non-self-adjoint operatorsq^andp^similar, in a suitable sense, to the self-adjoint position and momentum operatorsq^0andp^0usually adopted in ordinary quantum mechanics. In particular, we discuss conditions for these eigenstates to bebiorthogonal distributions, and we discuss a few of their properties. We illustrate our results with two examples, one in which the similarity map between the self-adjoint and the non-self-adjoint is bounded, with bounded inverse, and the other in which this is not true. We also briefly propose an alternative strategy to deal withq^andp^, based on the so-calledquasi *-algebras.
Comparing physical and social cognitive skills in macaque species with different degrees of social tolerance
Authors: Joly Marine , Micheletta Jérôme , De Marco Arianna , Langermans Jan A. , Sterck Elisabeth H. M. , Waller Bridget M.
Published: September 2017

Contemporary evolutionary theories propose that living in groups drives the selection of enhanced cognitive skills to face competition and facilitate cooperation between individuals. Being able to coordinate both in space and time with others and make strategic decisions are essential skills for cooperating within groups. Social tolerance and an egalitarian social structure have been proposed as one specific driver of cooperation. Therefore, social tolerance is predicted to be associated with enhanced cognitive skills that underpin communication and coordination. Social tolerance should also be associated with enhanced inhibition, which is crucial for suppressing automatic responses and permitting delayed gratification in cooperative contexts. We tested the performance of four closely related non-human primate species (genusMacaca) characterized by different degrees of social tolerance on a large battery of cognitive tasks covering physical and social cognition, and on an inhibitory control task. All species performed at a comparable level on the physical cognition tasks but the more tolerant species outperformed the less tolerant species at a social cognition task relevant to cooperation and in the inhibitory control task. These findings support the hypothesis that social tolerance is associated with the evolution of sophisticated cognitive skills relevant for cooperative social living.
Seasonal variation in nutrient utilization shapes gut microbiome structure and function in wild giant pandas
Authors: Wu Qi , Wang Xiao , Ding Yun , Hu Yibo , Nie Yonggang , Wei Wei , Ma Shuai , Yan Li , Zhu Lifeng , Wei Fuwen
Published: September 2017

Wild giant pandas use different parts of bamboo (shoots, leaves and stems) and different bamboo species at different times of the year. Their usage of bamboo can be classified temporally into a distinct leaf stage, shoot stage and transition stage. An association between this usage pattern and variation in the giant panda gut microbiome remains unknown. Here, we found associations using a gut metagenomic approach and nutritional analyses whereby diversity of the gut microbial community in the leaf and shoot stages was significantly different. Functional metagenomic analysis showed that in the leaf stage, bacteria species over-represented genes involved in raw fibre utilization and cell cycle control. Thus, raw fibre utilization by the gut microbiome was guaranteed during the nutrient-deficient leaf stage by reinforcing gut microbiome robustness. During the protein-abundant shoot stage, the functional capacity of the gut microbiome expanded to include prokaryotic secretion and signal transduction activity, suggesting active interactions between the gut microbiome and host. These results illustrate that seasonal nutrient variation in wild giant pandas substantially influences gut microbiome composition and function. Nutritional interactions between gut microbiomes and hosts appear to be complex and further work is needed.
A restatement of the natural science evidence base concerning the health effects of low-level ionizing radiation
Authors: McLean Angela R. , Adlen Ella K. , Cardis Elisabeth , Elliott Alex , Goodhead Dudley T. , Harms-Ringdahl Mats , Hendry Jolyon H. , Hoskin Peter , Jeggo Penny A. , Mackay David J. C. , Muirhead Colin R. , Shepherd John , Shore Roy E. , Thomas Geraldine A. , Wakeford Richard , Godfray H. Charles J.
Published: September 2017

Exposure to ionizing radiation is ubiquitous, and it is well established that moderate and high doses cause ill-health and can be lethal. The health effects of low doses or low dose-rates of ionizing radiation are not so clear. This paper describes a project which sets out to summarize, as a restatement, the natural science evidence base concerning the human health effects of exposure to low-level ionizing radiation. A novel feature, compared to other reviews, is that a series of statements are listed and categorized according to the nature and strength of the evidence that underpins them. The purpose of this restatement is to provide a concise entrée into this vibrant field, pointing the interested reader deeper into the literature when more detail is needed. It is not our purpose to reach conclusions on whether the legal limits on radiation exposures are too high, too low or just right. Our aim is to provide an introduction so that non-specialist individuals in this area (be they policy-makers, disputers of policy, health professionals or students) have a straightforward place to start. The summary restatement of the evidence and an extensively annotated bibliography are provided as appendices in the electronic supplementary material.
Low recruitment due to altered settlement substrata as primary constraint for coral communities under ocean acidification
Authors: Fabricius Katharina E. , Noonan Sam H. C. , Abrego David , Harrington Lindsay , De'ath Glenn
Published: September 2017

The future of coral reefs under increasing CO
2
depends on their capacity to recover from disturbances. To predict the recovery potential of coral communities that are fully acclimatized to elevated CO
2
, we compared the relative success of coral recruitment and later life stages at two volcanic CO
2
seeps and adjacent control sites in Papua New Guinea. Our field experiments showed that the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on coral recruitment rates were up to an order of magnitude greater than the effects on the survival and growth of established corals. Settlement rates, recruit and juvenile densities were best predicted by the presence of crustose coralline algae, as opposed to the direct effects of seawater CO
2
. Offspring from high CO
2
acclimatized parents had similarly impaired settlement rates as offspring from control parents. For most coral taxa, field data showed no evidence of cumulative and compounding detrimental effects of high CO
2
on successive life stages, and three taxa showed improved adult performance at high CO
2
that compensated for their low recruitment rates. Our data suggest that severely declining capacity for reefs to recover, due to altered settlement substrata and reduced coral recruitment, is likely to become a dominant mechanism of how OA will alter coral reefs.
Unmasking cellular response of a bloom-forming alga to virus infection by resolving expression profiling at a single-cell level
Authors: Rosenwasser Shilo , Frada Miguel J. , Pilzer David , Rotkopf Ron , Vardi Assaf
Published: September 2017

Marine viruses are major evolutionary and biogeochemical drivers of microbial life in the ocean. Host response to viral infection typically includes virus-induced rewiring of metabolic network to supply essential building blocks for viral assembly, as opposed to activation of anti-viral host defense. Nevertheless, there is a major bottleneck to accurately discern between viral hijacking strategies and host defense responses when averaging bulk population response. Here we use Emiliania huxleyi, a bloom-forming alga and its specific virus (EhV), as one of the most ecologically important host-virus model system in the ocean. Using automatic microfluidic setup to capture individual algal cells, we quantified host and virus gene expression on a single-cell resolution during the course of infection. We revealed high heterogeneity in viral gene expression among individual cells. Simultaneous measurements of expression profiles of host and virus genes at a single-cell level allowed mapping of infected cells into newly defined infection states and uncover a yet unrecognized early phase in host response that occurs prior to viral expression. Intriguingly, resistant cells emerged during viral infection, showed unique expression profiles of metabolic genes which can provide the basis for discerning between viral resistant and sensitive cells within heterogeneous populations in the marine environment. We propose that resolving host-virus arms race at a single-cell level will provide important mechanistic insights into viral life cycles and will uncover host defense strategies.
Serial dependence is absent at the time of perception but increases in visual working memory
Authors: Bliss Daniel P. , Sun Jerome J. , D’Esposito Mark
Published: September 2017

Recent experiments have shown that visual cognition blends current visual input with that from the recent past to guide ongoing decision making. This serial dependence is tuned to the similarity between consecutive stimuli and appears to exploit the temporal autocorrelation normally present in visual scenes to promote perceptual stability. While these benefits have been assumed, evidence that serial dependence directly alters stimulus perception has been limited. In the present study, we parametrically vary the delay between stimulus and response in a spatial delayed response task to explore the trajectory of serial dependence from the moment of perception into post-perceptual visual working memory. We find that behavioral responses made immediately after viewing a stimulus show evidence of adaptation, but not attractive serial dependence. Only as the memory period lengthens is a blending of past and present information apparent in behavior, reaching its maximum with a memory delay of six seconds. These results dovetail with other recent findings to bolster the interpretation that serial dependence is a phenomenon of mnemonic rather than perceptual processes. We also demonstrate that when leading mathematical models of visual working memory are adjusted to account for this trial-history effect, their fit to behavioral data is substantially improved.
About difference electron densities and their properties
Authors: Burla Maria Cristina , Carrozzini Benedetta , Cascarano Giovanni Luca , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Polidori Giampiero
Published: September 2017

Difference electron densities do not play a central role in modern phase refinement approaches, essentially because of the explosive success of the EDM (electron-density modification) techniques, mainly based on observed electron-density syntheses. Difference densities however have been recently rediscovered in connection with theVLD(Vive la Difference) approach, because they are a strong support for strengthening EDM approaches and forab initiocrystal structure solution. In this paper the properties of the most documented difference electron densities, here denoted asF−Fp,mF−FpandmF−DFpsyntheses, are studied. In addition, a fourth new difference synthesis, here denoted as {\overline F_q} synthesis, is proposed. It comes from the study of the same joint probability distribution function from which theVLDapproach arose. The properties of the {\overline F_q} syntheses are studied and compared with those of the other three syntheses. The results suggest that the {\overline F_q} difference may be a useful tool for making modern phase refinement procedures more efficient.
Value co-production through external communication consulting
Authors: Kantanen Helena
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the prerequisites of value co-production by a communication consultant and workshop participants during a communication improvement programme carried out in a medium-sized family firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from a socio-constructivist view of learning that emphasises participatory processes. It utilises the value co-production concept, referring to collaborative, dialogic activities between the consultant and the client. The theoretical framework includes the transcoder, re-interpreter, and free creator roles of a consultant as realised in a consultancy process characterised by dialogic interaction and equity. The approach is qualitative, and the data come from the expectations of the management team, a video recording of a communication improvement workshop, insights produced in the workshop, and a research journal.

Findings

The roles of a consultant were found to be those of organiser, transcoder, re-interpreter, and co-creator. Additionally, a dialogue facilitator role was highlighted as a central prerequisite of value co-production. The importance of a positive spirit in consultancy sessions was questioned because problems can thereby be hidden behind positivity. The value of confusing or even destructive episodes was emphasised as a source of new perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations related to the quality of the video recordings, and that the company employees did not yet evaluate the value gained in the long run.

Practical implications

This paper shows that a communication consultant gains insights from company representatives’ insider views in conflict-management situations, and that these conflicts can be useful for organisational learning.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research into strategic communication because it provides new knowledge about the consultant-client interface, particularly in value co-production, in the few studies conducted in the context of SMEs. The study utilises the novel research methodology of video analysis.
Instruments for organizational communication assessment for Japanese care facilities
Authors: Yamaguchi Ikushi
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the measures required to assess organizational communication for Japanese organizations, specifically focusing on Japanese care facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from the two-wave panel research, using the question items generated from a literature survey and several interview and focus group interview research were statistically analyzed. For the first wave of the research, questionnaires were distributed to 850 workers in June 2014. In all, 356 completed questionnaires were returned directly to the researcher, a response rate of 41.9 percent. For the second wave of the research, the questionnaires were distributed to 719 workers in February 2015, and 386 completed questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 53.69 percent.

Findings

Some items were excluded as a result of the exploratory factor analysis using the first-wave data and the constructs of the questions of each dimension of communication were confirmed as a result of the confirmatory factor analysis using the second-wave data.

Originality/value

While significant research into communication audits has been conducted across a wide variety of organizations in the USA and Europe, very few studies have focused on the development of an appropriate communication audit instrument for Japan. The development of a Japanese communication audit questionnaire is critical. In addition, instruments specific to industries are also required. This is the first study that focused on developing a Japanese organizational communication audit.
Visibly different from the academic norm
Authors: Lewis Patricia
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Professor Ruth Simpson has been a key contributor to the field of gender and organization studies (GOS) over the past 25 years. She has influenced debates on women in management, the gender of management education, masculinity and management and the “doing” of gender in organizational life. In this paper i review our joint work – informed by a poststructuralist feminist perspective – which considers the complex struggles around normativity in relation to management and entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This review is based on a consideration of four pieces of work completed between 2005 and 2012, including (Simpson and Lewis, 2005, 2007) and (Lewis and Simpson, 2010, 2012).

Findings

Drawing on the concepts of voice and visibility, the research examines how the ability to exemplify the norm in relation to management and entrepreneurship must be constantly secured and how processes of inclusion and exclusion in relation to the norm are characterised by relentless agitation and turmoil.

Originality/value

We (Ruth and Patricia) developed the conceptual framework of the (In)visibility vortex as a means of connecting the individual to organizational processes, discourses and cultural norms
Really saying something
Authors: Kumra Savita
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the work of Ruth Simpson and the subsequent collaborations have contributed to understanding of the gendered constructions of meritocracy, as they apply in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a personal analysis of the work of Ruth Simpson and her colleagues and the way in which her work has resonated with me and influenced our joint collaborations. The key questions our work has addressed, both when we work together and with others, include how merit is constructed. Is it gendered? How does it influence organizational outcomes? How is merit recognized? Is merit “performed”? Key theoretical constructs and frameworks are used to address these issues; including, gendered organizational structures and regimes (Acker, 1990; Ely and Meyerson, 2000; Gherardi and Poggio, 2001), the gendered nature of meritocracy (Thornton, 2007; Sommerlad, 2012, Brink van den and Benschop, 2012) and the performance and “stickiness” of meritocracy (Ashcraft, 2013, Bergman and Chalkley, 2007).

Findings

The paper reveals alternative ways of interrogating the discourse of meritocracy. Usually taken for granted, as an objective and fair mechanism for the allocation of scarce resources, the concept is examined and found to be much more contingent, unstable and subjective than had previously been considered. The gender-based implications of these findings are assessed.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the work are to broaden the field and develop frameworks within which we can understand more clearly the way in which merit is understood. Through the work we have done, we have highlighted that merit far from being an objective measure of ability is deeply rooted in contextual and we argue, gendered understandings of contribution, worth and desert.

Practical implications

The practical implications are that firms can no longer rely on discourses of meritocracy to evidence their commitment to equality and fairness. They will need to go further to show a direct link between fairness in the design of processes as well as fairness in the outcomes of these processes. Until these objectives are more clearly articulated, we should continue to shine a light on embedded inequalities.

Social implications

The social implications are that a call for wider societal understanding of meritocracy should be made. Rather than simply accepting discourses of merit, key constituent groups who have not benefitted from the prevailing orthodoxy should seek to examine the concept and draw their own conclusions. In this manner, the author develops societal mechanisms that do not just purport to ensure equality of outcome for all; they achieve it.

Originality/value

This paper offers an examination of the development of ideas, how we can learn from the work of influential scholars within the field and, in turn, through collaboration, advance understanding.
Dirty work, masculinity and giving voice through innovative qualitative methods
Authors: Slutskaya Natasha
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to recount the author’s personal and professional experiences of working with Professor Ruth Simpson on two interconnected projects: the exploration of meanings that butchers attach to their jobs and the research on the experiences of those involved in such occupations as street cleaning, refuse collection and graffiti removal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a discussion on how the turn to multiple research methods such as ethnography, photo elicitation and collaborative documentary could provide voice to participants and generate richer data sets.

Findings

Drawing on Ruth Simpson’s work on how gender is experienced by men in different occupations, the paper highlights how responses to stigma associated with dirty work cannot be understood by attending to just one aspect of difference, as they are formed at the intersection of class, gender, ethnicity and occupation.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into how manual work can open up meanings integral to an enduring gendered, working class habitus and how exploring one axis of difference (for example, just gender) might fail to address the complexity and ambiguity of the negotiation of many categories that shape identities and experiences of workers in these occupations.
I agree to sit next to you. Does that mean I like you? Measuring using the wrong tapeline – the lack of ‘Social Distance’ measures for inclusive school development and research – a review of the literature
Authors: Gerullis Anita , Huber Christian
Published: September 2017

This review provides an overview of definitions and measurements of ‘Social Distance’ and attitudes children without disabilities carry towards children with disabilities. Measures include explicit and implicit approaches but clearly, the ‘Bogardus Social Distance Scale’ (A Social Distance Scale, 1933, 14 May 2014) is the most used scale in research, yet it is outdated. For a deeper look into what impacts children's ‘Social Distance’ in inclusive school settings and in order to find measurable constructs, relevant attitude questionnaires are discussed. To bring long‐used measures and attitudes together, a comprehensive model of ‘Social distance’ is introduced. This model integrates the classical view on ‘Social Distance’ as interaction willingness with feelings associated with this interaction and includes attitudes children carry towards individuals and towards the group the interaction partner is believed to belong to. In summary, this paper shows the need for a more comprehensive and precise measure on how school children really engage with one another.
Nutritional support in paediatric Crohn's disease: outcome at 12 months
Authors: Gavin J , Ashton JJ , Heather N , Marino LV , Beattie RM
Published: September 2017

Aim

Paediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with growth delay and poor nutritional status. Maintenance enteral nutrition (MEN) supplementation is a potential adjunct to improve growth/prolong remission.

Methods

Newly diagnosed CD patients were identified. Anthropometry, treatments and outcomes were collected for 12 months following diagnosis. Data are presented as medians.

Results

A total of 102 patients were identified (age = 13 years, 76% male), 58 (57%) completed exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) as induction therapy, and 77 (75%) entered clinical remission. Following induction, 58 (57%) of all patients continued MEN and 44 (43%) consumed normal diet (ND). BMI Z‐score increased (diagnosis‐12 months) for EEN (−1.41 to −0.21 (p = <0.0001)) and steroid groups (−0.97 to −0.11 (p = 0.001)). BMI Z‐score increased (post induction – 12 months) for MEN (−0.62 to −0.44 (p = 0.04)) but not ND (−0.33 to −0.4 (p = 0.79)). Height Z‐score did not increase for any treatment group over 12 months. MEN and ND group relapse rates were similar at six months, MEN = 21/58 (36%); ND = 21/44 (48%) (p = 0.24) and 12 months, MEN = 24/58 (41%); ND = 13/44 (30%) (p = 0.22). Fewer patients treated with EEN then MEN relapsed less than six months, 14 of 43 (33%), compared to patients treated with steroids then ND 16/29 (55%) (p = 0.09).

Conclusion

BMI Z‐score increased but height Z‐score remained unchanged over 12 months for the MEN group. Use of MEN was not associated with prolonged time to relapse. Prospective studies are required to examine the utility of MEN.
Letter: Cuban immigrants to the US developing IBD have a progressive shortening of the lag between time of arrival and disease onset
Authors: Actis G. C. , Pellicano R.
Published: September 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Damas and Abreu, and Damas et al papers.
To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14278 and
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14145.
Letter: lipid‐lowering effect of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in chronic hepatitis B—more evidence is needed
Authors: Huang R. , Wang J. , Xia J. , Yan X. , Wu C.
Published: September 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Shaheen et al and Shaheen et al papers. To
view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14282 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14218.
Letter: Cuban immigrants to the US developing IBD have a progressive shortening of the lag between time of arrival and disease onset. Authors’ reply
Authors: Damas O. , Abreu M. T.
Published: September 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Actis and Pelicano, and Damas et al papers.
To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14249 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14145.
Letter: lipid‐lowering effect of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in chronic hepatitis B—more evidence is needed. Authors’ reply
Authors: Shaheen A. A. , Al‐Mattooq M. , Yazdanfar S. , Burak K. W. , Swain M. G. , Congly S. E. , Borman M. A. , Lee S. S. , Myers R. P. , Coffin C. S.
Published: September 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Huang et al and Shaheen et al papers. To
view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14266 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14218.
Fertility, immigration, and the fight against climate change
Authors: Earl Jake , Hickey Colin , Rieder Travis N.
Published: September 2017

Several philosophers have recently argued that policies aimed at reducing human fertility are a practical and morally justifiable way to mitigate the risk of dangerous climate change. There is a powerful objection to such “population engineering” proposals: even if drastic fertility reductions are needed to prevent dangerous climate change, implementing those reductions would wreak havoc on the global economy, which would seriously undermine international antipoverty efforts. In this article, we articulate this economic objection to population engineering and show how it fails. We argue, first, that the economic objection paints an inaccurate picture of the complicated relationship between demographic change and economic growth, and second, that any untoward economic effects of fertility reduction can be mitigated with additional policies. Specifically, we argue that supplementing fertility reduction with policies that facilitate the emigration of younger people from developing nations to developed nations could allow for both global reductions in GHG emissions and continued economic stability. Further, we show that moral arguments against such unprecedented increases in immigration are unsuccessful. We conclude that population engineering is a practical and morally justifiable tool for addressing the twin evils of climate change and global poverty.
Ethical issues raised by thyroid cancer overdiagnosis: A matter for public health?
Authors: Rogers Wendy A. , Craig Wendy L. , Entwistle Vikki A.
Published: September 2017

Current practices of identifying and treating small indolent thyroid cancers constitute an important but in some ways unusual form of overdiagnosis. Overdiagnosis refers to diagnoses that generally harm rather than benefit patients, primarily because the diagnosed condition is not a harmful form of disease. Patients who are overdiagnosed with thyroid cancer are harmed by the psycho‐social impact of a cancer diagnosis, as well as treatment interventions such partial or total thyroidectomy, lifelong thyroid replacement hormone, monitoring, surgical complications and other side effects. These harms seem to outweigh any putative benefit of knowing about a cancer that would not have caused problems if left undiscovered. In addition to harms to patients, thyroid cancer overdiagnosis leads to significant opportunity costs at a societal level, due to costs of diagnosis and treatment. Unlike many other overdiagnosed cancers, accurate risk stratification is possible with thyroid cancer. At the individual patient level, use of this risk information might support informed choice and/or shared decision‐making, as mandated by clinical ethics frameworks. And this approach might, to some extent, help to reduce rates of diagnosis and intervention. In practice, however, it is unlikely to stem the rising incidence and associated harms and costs of overdiagnosed thyroid cancer, especially in situations where health professionals have conflicts of interest. We argue in this article that thyroid cancer overdiagnosis may be usefully understood as a public health problem, and that some public health approaches will be readily justifiable and are more likely to be effective in minimising its harms.