bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Disposable and Standard Gonioscopy Lenses Comparable?
Authors: Lee Bonny , Szirth Bernard C. , Fechtner Robert D. , Khouri Albert S.
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

Gonioscopy is important in the evaluation and treatment of glaucoma. With increased scrutiny of acceptable sterilization processes for health care instruments, disposable gonioscopy lenses have recently been introduced. Single-time use lenses are theorized to decrease infection risk and eliminate the issue of wear and tear seen on standard, reusable lenses. However, patient care would be compromised if the quality of images produced by the disposable lens were inferior to those produced by the reusable lens. The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of images produced by disposable versus standard gonioscopy lenses.

Materials and Methods:

A disposable single mirror lens (Sensor Medical Technology) and a standard Volk G-1 gonioscopy lens were used to image 21 volunteers who were prospectively recruited for the study. Images of the inferior and temporal angles of each subject’s left eye were acquired using a slit-lamp camera through the disposable and standard gonioscopy lens. In total, 74 images were graded using the Spaeth gonioscopic system and for clarity and quality. Clarity was scored as 1 or 2 and defined as either (1) all structures perceived or (2) all structures not perceived. Quality was scored as 1, 2, or 3, and defined as (1) all angle landmarks clear and well focused, (2) some angle landmarks clear, others blurred, or (3) angle landmarks could not be ascertained. The 74 images were divided into images taken with the disposable single mirror lens and images taken with the standard Volk G-1 gonioscopy lens. The clarity and quality scores for each of these 2 image groups were averaged and P-values were calculated.

Results:

Average quality of images produced with the standard lens was 1.46±0.56 compared with 1.54±0.61 for those produced with the disposable lens (P=0.55). Average clarity of images produced with the standard lens was 1.47±0.51 compared with 1.49±0.51 (P=0.90) with the disposable lens.

Conclusions:

We conclude that there is no significant difference in quality of images produced with standard versus disposable gonioscopy lenses. Disposable gonioscopy lenses may be an acceptable alternative to standard reusable lenses, especially in conditions where sterilization is difficult.
Can Glaucomatous Visual Field Progression be Predicted by Structural and Functional Measures?
Authors: Schrems Wolfgang A. , Schrems-Hoesl Laura-M. , Mardin Christian Y. , Laemmer Robert , Kruse Friedrich E. , Horn Folkert K.
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to compare the predictive value of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) measurements obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT), morphometric parameters of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO), and frequency-doubling technique perimetry to predict visual field conversion of normal individuals, ocular hypertensive subjects, and early preperimetric glaucoma patients as determined by standard automated perimetry (SAP).

Patients and Methods:

This longitudinal single-center study included 107 eyes of 56 controls, 164 eyes of 98 patients with ocular hypertension, and 169 eyes of 110 patients with preperimetric glaucoma. At baseline, all patients and controls underwent OCT (Spectralis OCT), CSLO (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph) examination, optic disc photography, and frequency-doubling technique perimetry. At baseline SAP was normal in all participants. Univariate and multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) were measured to model the conversion-free survival including morphometric functional and clinical variables.

Results:

The median follow-up period was 6.9 years. In total, 48 eyes (10.9%) demonstrated visual field conversion in the follow-up. RNFLT temporal-inferior outside normal limits demonstrated the highest HR with 1.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.4) per 10 μm loss for OCT, and Glaucoma probability score global outside normal limits demonstrated the highest HR with 1.3 (95 % confidence interval, 1.1-1.5) per 0.1 increase for CSLO in a multivariate model adjusted for photograph-based glaucoma staging, central corneal thickness, and SAP pattern SD.

Conclusions:

Both measurement of RNFLT by OCT and Glaucoma probability score by CSLO are highly predictive of future visual field conversion and provide independent predictive information beyond optic disc assessment, central corneal thickness, and SAP pattern SD.
Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Use in the Treatment of Bleomycin Pulmonary Toxicity
Authors: Shah Aakash , Pasrija Chetan , Kronfli Anthony , Wehman Brody , Griffith Bartley P. , Sanchez Pablo G. , Garcia Jose P. , Kon Zachary N.
Published: January 2017

Pulmonary toxicity is a devastating complication of bleomycin chemotherapy. This insult is likely exacerbated by the free radical injury induced by high inspired oxygen content, which is required to support these patients. Traditional treatment consists of high-dose corticosteroids. We report the case of a 45-year-old man who developed bleomycin pulmonary toxicity, which failed to respond to treatment with highdose corticosteroids. We used protective mechanical ventilatory settings while supported on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using a bicaval dual-lumen, single cannula system to allow for lung recovery. This case demonstrates the feasibility of using veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to treat bleomycin pulmonary toxicity in a patient who has failed traditional therapy.
We Know What the Cardiac Surgeon Did during Last Hybrid Arrhythmia Procedure
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Pison Laurent , Gelsomino Sandro , Aksoy Ismail , La Meir Mark , Maessen Jos
Published: January 2017

Superior vena cava (SVC) is an important source of origin of atrial fibrillation (AF) triggers other than a pulmonary vein. Because of the proximity of SVC-aorta ganglionic plexi to the SVC and the extension of myocardium in the SVC from the right atrium, SVC frequently becomes an important source of ectopic beats initiating AF. The potential complications of SVC isolation may include sinus node injury. Sinus node isolation was observed in a patient who had undergone previous surgical isolation of SVC for AF, while attempting to ablate endocardially, near the superior part of interatrial septum for an atrial tachycardia.
Exploring the Mechanism Underlying the Association Between Pain Intensity and Mental Health Among Latinos
Authors: Zvolensky Michael J. , Bakhshaie Jafar , Paulus Daniel J. , Langdon Kirsten J. , Garza Monica , Valdivieso Jeanette , Ditre Joseph , Ochoa-Perez Melissa , Lemaire Chad , Bogiaizian Daniel , Robles Zuky , Rodríguez-Cano Rubén , Manning Kara
Published: January 2017

There is limited understanding of pain and its relationship to mental health in Latinos, and limited knowledge about the biobehavioral mechanisms that underlie pain–mental health interrelations. To address these gaps, the present investigation sought to address whether anxiety sensitivity explained relations between pain intensity and anxious arousal, depressive symptoms, social anxiety, and depressive and anxiety disorders among an economically disadvantaged Latino sample. Participants included 349 adult Latinos (88% women; Mage = 38.8) who attended a community-based primary health care. In the multiple mediation model, anxiety sensitivity physical concerns accounted for the association between pain intensity and anxious arousal symptoms, cognitive concerns accounted for the association between pain intensity and depressive symptoms, and social concerns accounted for the association between pain intensity and social anxiety symptoms. This is the first study to demonstrate the explanatory role of anxiety sensitivity in pain-affective associations among disadvantaged Latinos.
Increased Trichotillomania Symptoms in a Child With Fluoxetine Treatment
Authors: Yektaş Çiğdem , Tufan Ali Evren
Published: January 2017

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a mental disorder characterized by uncontrolled and impulsive hair pulling leading to hair loss, distress, and disordered functioning. Treatment choices include behavioral therapy (especially habit reversal training) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, randomized controlled trials conducted with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have led to controversial results of effectiveness for TTM. Here, we report a female patient whose TTM symptoms increased after fluoxetine use.
Common foundations of optimal control across the sciences: evidence of a free lunch
Authors: Russell Benjamin , Rabitz Herschel
Published: January 2017

A common goal in the sciences is optimization of an objective function by selecting control variables such that a desired outcome is achieved. This scenario can be expressed in terms of a control landscape of an objective considered as a function of the control variables. At the most basic level, it is known that the vast majority of quantum control landscapes possess no traps, whose presence would hinder reaching the objective. This paper reviews and extends the quantum control landscape assessment, presenting evidence that the same highly favourable landscape features exist in many other domains of science. The implications of this broader evidence are discussed. Specifically, control landscape examples from quantum mechanics, chemistry and evolutionary biology are presented. Despite the obvious differences, commonalities between these areas are highlighted within a unified mathematical framework. This mathematical framework is driven by the wide-ranging experimental evidence on the ease of finding optimal controls (in terms of the required algorithmic search effort beyond the laboratory set-up overhead). The full scope and implications of this observed common control behaviour pose an open question for assessment in further work.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Control of autoresonance in mechanical and physical models
Authors: Kovaleva A.
Published: January 2017

Autoresonant energy transfer has been considered as one of the most effective methods of excitation and control of high-energy oscillations for a broad range of physical and engineering systems. Nonlinear time-invariant feedback control provides effective self-tuning and self-adaptation mechanisms targeted at preserving resonance oscillations under variations of the system parameters but its implementation may become extremely complicated. A large class of systems can avoid nonlinear feedback, still producing the required state due to time-variant feed-forward frequency control. This type of control in oscillator arrays employs an intrinsic property of a nonlinear oscillator to vary both its amplitude and the frequency when the driving frequency changes. This paper presents a survey of recently published and new results studying possibilities and limitations of time-variant frequency control in nonlinear oscillator arrays.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Cone separation, quadratic control systems and control of spin dynamics in the presence of decoherence
Authors: Khaneja Navin
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we study some control problems related to the control of coupled spin dynamics in the presence of relaxation and decoherence in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The decoherence is modelled through a master equation. We study some model problems, whereby, through an appropriate choice of state variables, the system is reduced to a control system, where the state enters linearly and controls quadratically. We study this quadratic control system. Study of this system gives us explicit bounds on how close a coupled spin system can be driven to its target state and how much coherence and polarization can be transferred between coupled spins. Optimal control for the quadratic control system can be understood as the separation of closed cones, and we show how the derived results on optimal efficiency can be interpreted in this formulation. Finally, we study some finite-time optimal control problems for the quadratic control system.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Controllability of networked higher-dimensional systems with one-dimensional communication
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Xiaofan , Chen Guanrong
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the state controllability of networked higher-dimensional linear time-invariant dynamical systems is considered, where communications are performed through one-dimensional connections. The influences on the controllability of such a networked system are investigated, which come from a combination of network topology, node-system dynamics, external control inputs and inner interactions. Particularly, necessary and sufficient conditions are presented for the controllability of the network with a general topology, as well as for some special settings such as cycles and chains, which show that the observability of the node system is necessary in general and the controllability of the node system is necessary for chains but not necessary for cycles. Moreover, two examples are constructed to illustrate that uncontrollable node systems can be assembled to a controllable networked system, while controllable node systems may lead to uncontrollable systems even for the cycle topology.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Synchronization patterns: from network motifs to hierarchical networks
Authors: Krishnagopal Sanjukta , Lehnert Judith , Poel Winnie , Zakharova Anna , Schöll Eckehard
Published: January 2017

We investigate complex synchronization patterns such as cluster synchronization and partial amplitude death in networks of coupled Stuart–Landau oscillators with fractal connectivities. The study of fractal or self-similar topology is motivated by the network of neurons in the brain. This fractal property is well represented in hierarchical networks, for which we present three different models. In addition, we introduce an analytical eigensolution method and provide a comprehensive picture of the interplay of network topology and the corresponding network dynamics, thus allowing us to predict the dynamics of arbitrarily large hierarchical networks simply by analysing small network motifs. We also show that oscillation death can be induced in these networks, even if the coupling is symmetric, contrary to previous understanding of oscillation death. Our results show that there is a direct correlation between topology and dynamics: hierarchical networks exhibit the corresponding hierarchical dynamics. This helps bridge the gap between mesoscale motifs and macroscopic networks.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Nonlinear dynamics as an engine of computation
Authors: Kia Behnam , Lindner John F. , Ditto William L.
Published: January 2017

Control of chaos teaches that control theory can tame the complex, random-like behaviour of chaotic systems. This alliance between control methods and physics—cybernetical physics—opens the door to many applications, including dynamics-based computing. In this article, we introduce nonlinear dynamics and its rich, sometimes chaotic behaviour as an engine of computation. We review our work that has demonstrated how to compute using nonlinear dynamics. Furthermore, we investigate the interrelationship between invariant measures of a dynamical system and its computing power to strengthen the bridge between physics and computation.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Horizons of cybernetical physics
Authors: Fradkov Alexander L.
Published: January 2017

The subject and main areas of a new research field—cybernetical physics—are discussed. A brief history of cybernetical physics is outlined. The main areas of activity in cybernetical physics are briefly surveyed, such as control of oscillatory and chaotic behaviour, control of resonance and synchronization, control in thermodynamics, control of distributed systems and networks, quantum control.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
A previously established divergent lineage of the hybrid fungal pathogenVerticillium longisporumemerges as stem striping pathogen in British oilseed rape
Authors: Depotter Jasper R. L. , Seidl Michael F. , van den Berg Grardy C. M. , Thomma Bart P.H.J. , Wood Thomas A.
Published: January 2017

Population genetic structures illustrate evolutionary trajectories of organisms adapting to differential environmental conditions. Pathogen populations are typically shaped by co-evolution with their hosts through genetic co-structuring. Verticillium stem striping was mainly observed in continental Europe, but has recently emerged in other countries including the United Kingdom. The disease is caused by the hybrid fungal speciesVerticilliumlongisporumthat originates from at least three separate hybridization events, yet strains from the hybridization event betweenVerticilliumprogenitor species A1 and D1 are mainly responsible for Verticillium stem striping. By using multi-locus genotype analysis, we reveal a hitherto un-described dichotomy withinV. longisporumlineage A1/D1 that correlates with the geographic distribution of the isolates with an “A1/D1 West” and an “A1/D1 East” cluster according to their relative location in Europe. Genome comparison between representatives of the A1/D1 West and East clusters confirmed mutual common origin, excluding distinctiveness through separate hybridization events. The A1/D1 West population is responsible for the sudden emergence of Verticillium stem striping in the UK. Remarkably, this emergence is caused by a BritishV. longisporumpopulation that is genetically more diverse than the entire A1/D1 East cluster. Conceivably,V. longisporumhas previously established in the UK, but remained latent or undiagnosed as an oilseed rape pathogen until recently. This finding illustrates that a recent introduction is not a prerequisite for a pathogen to emerge, as environmental factors and cultural practices can also play a pivotal role in outbreaks of novel diseases.
Hydrogen-bonded assemblies in the molecular crystals of 2,2′-thiodiacetic acid with ethylenediamine ando-phenylenediamine
Authors: Gomathi V. , Theivarasu C.
Published: January 2017

Carboxylate molecular crystals have been of interest due to the presence of hydrogen bonding, which plays a significant role in chemical and crystal engineering, as well as in supramolecular chemistry. Acid–base adducts possess hydrogen bonds which increase the thermal and mechanical stability of the crystal. 2,2′-Thiodiacetic acid (Tda) is a versatile ligand that has been widely explored, employing its multidendate and chelating coordination abilities with many metals; however, charge-transfer complexes of thiodiacetic acid have not been reported. Two salts, namely ethylenediaminium 2,2′-thiodiacetate, C2H10N22+·C4H4O4S22−, denoted Tdaen, and 2-aminoanilinium 2-(carboxymethylsulfanyl)acetate, C6H9N2+·C4H5O4S−, denoted Tdaophen, were synthesized and characterized by IR,1H and13C NMR spectroscopies, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In these salts, Tda reacts with the aliphatic (ethylenediamine) and aromatic (o-phenylenediamine) diamines, and deprotonates them to form anions with different valencies and different supramolecular networks. In Tdaen, the divalent Tda2−anions form one-dimensional linear supramolecular chains and these are extended into a three-dimensional sandwich-type supramolecular network by interaction with the ethylenediaminium cations. However, in Tdaophen, the monovalent Tda−anions form one-dimensional zigzag supramolecular chains, which are extended into a three-dimensional supramolecular network by interaction with the 2-aminoanilinium cations. Thus, both three-dimensional structures display different ring motifs. The structures of these diamines, which are influenced by hydrogen-bonded assemblies in the molecular crystals, are discussed in detail.
K1+2xNi1−xFe2(AsO4)3(x= 0,125): un nouvel arséniate à structure de type α-CrPO4
Authors: Ben Smail Ridha , Zid Mohamed Faouzi
Published: January 2017

A new arsenate K1+2xNi1−xFe2(AsO4)3(x= 1/8) {potassium nickel diiron(III) tris[arsenate(V)]} was synthesized using a flux method and its crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. This material was also characterized by qualitative energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The crystal structure belongs to the α-CrPO4-structure type, space groupImma. It consists of a three-dimensional-framework built up from FeO6and Ni0.875□1.25O6-octahedra and AsO4-tetrahedra that are sharing corners and/or edges, generating tunnels running along the [010] and [001] directions in which the potassium cations are located. The proposed structural model was validated by bond-valence-sum calculations, charge-distribution (CHARDI) and Madelung energy analyses.
GPA as a predictor of helpful behavior: an accounting student sample
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall P.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value of student grade point average (GPA) as a predictor of pro-social, helpful behavior. This voluntary behavior has been shown to be highly valuable to managers and co-workers. GPA is not only predictive of success in core tasks on the job, it is also predictive of voluntary, helpful behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of literature on predictive value of GPA, in general, as well as that of contextual and helpful behavior on the job is followed by the report of a study with accounting students. The study helps to explain the predictive value of GPA and identifies measures useful in identifying helpful behavior.

Findings

Findings indicate that two, brief, reliable surveys (contextual performance, job dedication), grounded in several research studies are highly related to voluntary, helpful behavior on the job. The relationships are based on observations of the supervisors of the employees. Regression analysis also provides relatively strong prediction equations.

Practical implications

Studies of GPA have focused almost exclusively on the relationship of GPA with job longevity, financial compensation, and technical skill performance. This paper helps demonstrate the positive relationship of the GPA metric with contextual, pro-social, helpful employee behavior.

Originality/value

In the past 35 years research has illuminated the concept that voluntary, helpful employee behavior is as important or even more important than technical skill performance when it comes to unit and/or organizational performance. Very little research has been completed to date to demonstrate that GPA, as a predictor variable, does more than predict skill performance and success on the job. The present study helps to extend the value of GPA as a predictor of success.
An analysis of financial speculation: from theMaqasid Al-Shari’ahperspective
Authors: Rafikov Ildus , Saiti Buerhan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the topic of financial speculation with special reference to forex and offers an analysis from theMaqasid Al-Shari’ahperspective, whereby authors propose to limit the outreach of speculative instruments in the financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors will make use of a simple textual analysis of existing materials and documents. To come up with conclusions, relevant to this study and to make them credible enough, the authors will undertake to review the existing literature in the next part of the paper and will later present his analysis of findings in light of financial crises and the objectives ofShari’ah.

Findings

TheMaqasid Al-Shari’ahapproach used in the analysis suggests that speculative financial instruments do not constitute a necessity, and their harmful practice must be limited to protect the religion, life, lineage, intellect and property.

Originality/value

Financial speculation in general and foreign exchange in particular must be regulated. Their current practices of financial system pose significant challenges for entire economies as well as individuals. Muslims should also avoid speculative financial instruments, such as forex, because they are a clear threat to individual and state wealth and prosperity. In addition, they threaten traditional businesses and social norms in Muslim societies.
Reflection on higher degree apprenticeship development
Authors: Irons Alastair
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of designing, developing and implementing a higher degree apprenticeship programme.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this paper is a case study. Data have been gathered from students, employers and academic colleagues.

Findings

The findings from the case study are that the implementation of a higher degree apprenticeship programme for the first time is a complex and time-consuming process, but there are significant benefits and positive outcomes. The process of development and implementation requires commitment from all partners in the programme.

Research limitations/implications

This is only one case study and is based on the experiential findings from one institution with one employer. Whilst the findings cannot be generalised, it is hoped that others will gain insight from the shared experiences.

Practical implications

The practical implications from the case study are that there are a range of activities that need to be undertaken and completed before a degree apprenticeship programme can be implemented. Some of these activities can happen in parallel but others are dependent on each other. There are various stakeholders in the operation of the programme which adds to the complexity.

Originality/value

This case study is an original case study evaluating the experience of developing and operating a degree apprenticeship programme for the first time. It provides a description of the challenges and opportunities in developing and implementing the programme and as such hopefully will provide value to others as they go through similar processes of development and implementation.
The Hub in a Pub: University of Wolverhampton Apprenticeship Hub
Authors: Felce Alison
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the innovative approach being taken by the University of Wolverhampton to create an Apprenticeship Hub through which the regional offer for Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships can be accessed. Readers can review the approach taken and consider the possibilities of a similar approach in their own context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study that sets out and discusses the drivers behind the approach adopted to create the Apprenticeship Hub. It identifies the stakeholders who will engage with the Apprenticeship Hub and it outlines the reasons for, and benefits of, working in collaboration with other organisations to provide an integrated offer for apprenticeship provision across the region.

Findings

The Apprenticeship Hub is a physical entity within a well-known local landmark building that is easily accessible to the communities which is intended to serve. It has been developed to meet the national and local contexts and, although only recently established, it is meeting the needs of the stakeholder groups. It provides an environment through which the integrated regional apprenticeship offer can be accessed.

Practical implications

The world of apprenticeships is changing significantly with many new requirements for employers and for education. It is a complex road to travel, particularly for Higher Education (HE) which has not, traditionally, been involved in the world of apprenticeships. This paper posits that a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement and recognition of respective strengths can lead to organisations working in partnership to draw together their respective expertise to ensure that, through a collaborative approach they can meet the needs of the communities that they serve.

Originality/value

Apprenticeships are new to HE; universities are entering a complex and unknown territory. This paper sets out the approach taken by one university to work in partnership with others to provide an integrated offer that could be adopted or adapted by other providers to their own context.
A conceptual framework for work-applied learning for developing managers as practitioner researchers
Authors: Zuber-Skerritt Ortrun , Abraham Selva
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework for work-applied learning (WAL) that fosters the development of managers and other professionals as lifelong learners and practitioner researchers – through reflective practice, action research, action learning and action leadership, for positive organisational change.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework is designed from a holistic, affective-socio-cognitive approach to learning, teaching, research and development. It is based on a phenomenological research paradigm and informed by aspects of various theories, including experiential learning theory, strengths-based theory, grounded theory and critical theory/realism.

Findings

Based on classical and recent literature and the authors’ extensive experience, the WAL model presented here is an effective and practical approach to management education, research and development. It is useful for present and future requirements of business, industry, government and society at large in this twenty-first century, and in pursuit of a world of equality, social justice, sustainable development and quality of life for all. This is because of the nature of the research paradigm, particularly its collaborative and emancipatory processes.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical, pedagogical and methodological rationalisation for WAL. This model is particularly useful for developing individual, team and organisational learning and for cultivating managers – or professional learners generally – as practitioner researchers. These researchers may act as role models of collaborative action leadership in their organisations with a cascading effect. This paper therefore advances an incipient literature on practitioner researchers as action leaders.
Determining the value of undergraduate business programs from market vs academic perspectives
Authors: Fisher Steven , Chi Robert , Fisher Dorothy , Kiang Melody
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate an understanding of the value-added to students enrolled in selected undergraduate business programs from an academic and market perspectives. Although there are numerous studies that rank undergraduate colleges and universities, the selection of the “best value” undergraduate business program is a formidable task for prospective students. This study uses data envelopment analysis (DEA), a linear programming-based tool, to evaluate undergraduate business administration programs. The DEA model connects costs (inputs) with benefits (outputs) to evaluate the value-added to students by undergraduate business programs from a market as well as academic perspectives. The study’s findings should assist prospective students in selecting business programs that provide the best value from their individual perspectives. The results can also help schools to identify their corresponding market niche and allocate their recourses more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Use DEA method. DEA was developed by Charnes et al. (1979) to evaluate the performance of multi-input and -output production operations. The analytical and computational capacities of DEA are firmly based on mathematical theory.

Findings

This study takes a different approach toward the ranking of college programs. Most studies rank-order programs (universities) based on arbitrary weightings of attributes of quality and provide a general ranking of programs that is said meet the needs of many different constituencies including students, parents, donors, administrators’ faculty and alumni.

Originality/value

This is an original research using DEA and The Bloomberg/Businessweek online data for business school ranking.
Professional identity development in higher education: influencing factors
Authors: Barbarà-i-Molinero Alba , Cascón-Pereira Rosalía , Hernández-Lara Ana beatriz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In the last few years, the interest on professional identity development (PID) and the factors that influence PID has become central in higher education (HE) literature. However, the knowledge developed in this domain has focussed on a factor at a time and on a degree or discipline, thus being difficult to have a general picture of all the factors that influence the development of professional identity in HE. The purpose of this paper is to try to go further by proposing a systematic and integrative conceptual framework on the factors that influence PID of HE students.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the influencing factors on PID the authors used primary and secondary data sources. In particular, the authors first conducted a thorough literature review to identify the influencing factors on PID already studied, and second the authors conducted a qualitative pilot study through four Focus Groups to identify new factors not acknowledged before.

Findings

The resulting integrative conceptual framework considers the following categories of influencing factors on PID: social experience, educational context, perceived congruence with the profession, demographic characteristics, professional image, professional experience, personal development and self-engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework constitutes a roadmap for future research on career development and counselling to develop in order to enhance PID at university. Nonetheless, this proposed conceptual framework needs to be validated with empirical data.

Originality/value

This paper integrates all the existing knowledge on the influencing factors on PID from different disciplines by constructing a conceptual framework to be validated with further research.
Academics’ perceptions of bullying at work: insights from Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Saima , Kalim Rukhsana , Kaleem Ahmad
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Despite an extensive history of research into workplace bullying and the psychosomatic harm associated with it in western contexts, research into the occurrence and manifestation of bullying behavior in the academic workplaces of non-western countries is sparse. In response to this gap, the purpose of this paper is to start a research conversation by reporting an empirical enquiry into the occurrence, forms and perceptions of workplace bullying among academics in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with a representative sample of academics in a large Pakistani province through a cross-sectional survey.

Findings

This study reveals that workplace bullying is prevalent among academics in the Pakistani context, with up to half of them regularly exposed to practices such as excessive work monitoring, undermining of professional competence, lack of recognition of work contributions and obstruction of important work-related matters.

Research limitations/implications

The findings underscore the need for developing broader institutional actions, clear policies and grievance procedures to discourage bullying at work in Pakistan. Higher educational managers will find the results useful for development of anti-bullying policies and codes of conduct.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the perceptions, occurrence and demographic risk factors associated with workplace bullying among academics in the Pakistani context.
Leadership for learning
Authors: Paletta Angelo , Alivernini Fabio , Manganelli Sara
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between the school context, the leadership of the school principal, and a set of process variables related to teachers and the educational climate, which have been shown to mediate the effects of the principal’s leadership on schools and students. The authors examined the following research questions: does the school context influence the principal’s leadership? When the influences of the school context are controlled for, does the principal’s leadership influence the process variables related to teachers and educational climate?

Design/methodology/approach

The research questions are analysed in a multilevel context by developing two models regarding the hypothesized relationships between the study variables. With the use of multilevel structural equation modelling techniques the models were empirically tested on data from Italian teachers and students from a sample of schools in Italy. The database include 1,566 teachers from 47 schools of different types and levels from the Autonomous Province of Trento.

Findings

In those schools which have the highest leadership scores, the authors also find a greater degree of job satisfaction among the teachers, higher levels of self-efficacy of teachers, and a better educational climate, which is more respectful of the basic rules of coexistence existing within the school. An interesting additional element is that the positive relationship between the exercise of leadership and the process variables related to academic success is still present, even if the effects of the school context are controlled for.

Research limitations/implications

It should be observed that the results of this study, particularly due to the non-representative nature of the sample considered, should be considered as preliminary evidence that will require further confirmation, and which cannot be immediately generalized. The results obtained can be influenced by the specific territorial area in which this search has been conducted. The Autonomous Province of Trento, from the rest of Italy, is characterized by a highly centralized education system, with a relative homogeneity of the conditions of the context in which schools have achieved so widespread high levels of student learning.

Originality/value

When studying leadership it is important to consider the school context, particularly the role of the initial level of learning of the students, as this study shows that in schools where the prior knowledge of students is greater, teachers are generally more satisfied with their job and they report a better educational environment. If the influence of the context were not taken into account, this could easily be mistaken for that of the actions of the principal.
The effect of information bias on the formation of impressions: courtroom implications
Authors: Gordillo Fernando , Mestas Lilia , Arana José M. , Pérez Miguel Ángel , Escotto Eduardo Alejandro , López Rafael Manuel , Pérez Francisco
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The ability to form impressions allows predicting future behaviour and assessing past conduct by facilitating decision making in different contexts. Both verbal cues (what we know about someone) and non-verbal cues (the emotion expressed) could modulate this process to a different degree. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between these variables and their impact on the formation of impressions within criminal proceedings.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted that involved 142 Mexican students, who evaluated emotional response (happiness, sadness, fear and anger) and personality (emotional stability, kindness, responsibility, sociability and creativity) through the facial expression of a Spanish child-murderer. Two groups were formed for comparative purposes, one of which was provided with information on the murderer (activated information (AI)), while the second group had no related information whatsoever (deactivated information (DI)).

Findings

The results recorded a higher score for happiness (p=0.037,η2=0.03) and anger (p=0.001,η2=0.08), and a lower one for sadness (p=0.002,η2=0.06), fear (p=0.002,η2=0.07), emotional stability (p<0.001,η2=0.09) responsibility (p<0.001,η2=0.10) and kindness(p=0.01,η2=0.05) in the AI condition compared to the DI condition.

Originality/value

The formation of impressions is an adaptive process that may be affected by variables that are complex and difficult to control, which within legal proceedings might bias court decisions and compromise the objectivity required of the judiciary.
Nitrogen deposition and climate change have increased vascular plant species richness and altered the composition of grazed subalpine grasslands
Authors: Boutin Marion , Corcket Emmanuel , Alard Didier , Villar Luis , Jiménez Juan‐José , Blaix Cian , Lemaire Cédric , Corriol Gilles , Lamaze Thierry , Pornon André
Published: January 2017

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition and climate warming are two major components of global change that drive species richness and composition in plant communities. However, their combined effects have been insufficiently investigated across large spatial and temporal scales particularly in high‐elevation, nutrient‐limited ecosystems.

We examine whether and how N deposition and climate warming have altered the plant richness and the composition of subalpine semi‐natural, extensively grazed grasslands of the Pyrenees, using two complementary approaches: (i) analysis of 553 relevés to explore vegetation changes across large ecological gradients including temperature and N deposition (spatial approach) and (ii) a re‐sampling of a subset of 40 sites among the 553 sites to assess temporal changes over the past decades (temporal approach).

Both approaches showed that the vascular plant species richness increased when temperature and cumulative N deposition increase, shifting the species composition towards more thermophilic and eutrophic communities.

Synthesis. We hypothesize that the release from abiotic constraints (milder temperature and higher nitrogen availability) due to global changes and long‐standing extensive grazing counteracting the negative effects of nitrogen deposition have been responsible for the diversity and compositional changes of plant communities over the last decades in the Pyrenees. Thus, in contrast with other grasslands, high‐elevation grazed grasslands may increase in species diversity with nitrogen deposition under climate warming.
A tumour‐promoting role of Th9 cells in hepatocellular carcinoma through CCL20 and STAT3 pathways
Authors: Tan Hongwu , Wang Shuyun , Zhao Ludong
Published: January 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and aggressive human malignancy. An imperative demand is present for a better understanding of the functions and regulations of the immune system and how they affect HCC pathogenesis. Recently, a group of interleukin 9 (IL‐9)‐producing CD4+ T cells, termed Th9 cells, has been described in mice and humans with both tumour‐inhibiting as well as tumour‐promoting effects. The specific roles of Th9 cells in human HCC are not entirely understood. Here, we examined the frequencies and functions of IL‐9‐producing Th9 cells in HCC patients. We found that the frequencies of circulating IL‐9‐producing Th9 cells were significantly higher in HCC patients compared to in healthy individuals. In HCC patients, the frequencies of IL‐9‐producing Th9 cells were significantly higher in peritumour and tumour tissues than in unaffected liver tissues. Interestingly, HCC patients with higher tumour‐infiltrating Th9 frequency had significantly shorter disease‐free survival period after resection. Previously, high expression of CCL20 was associated with poor prognosis in HCC. CCL20 also induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐like changes in HCC cells. We found that incubation of primary HCC cells with autologous Th9 significantly elevated the CCL20 production from tumour cells, which could be partially inhibited by suppressing STAT3. Together, this study suggested a tumour‐promoting role of Th9 cells in HCC.
A 3‐year interval is too short for re‐screening women testing negative for human papillomavirus: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Zorzi M , Frayle H , Rizzi M , Fedato C , Rugge M , Penon MG , Bertazzo A , Callegaro S , Campagnolo M , Ortu F , Del Mistro A ,   and the Veneto HPV‐screening Working Group
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare the results from an initial negative human papillomavirus (HPV) test with re‐screening after 3 years in women attending two HPV‐based screening programmes.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Two cervical service screening programmes in Italy.

Population

Women aged 25–64 years invited to screening from April 2009 to October 2015.

Methods

Eligible women were invited to undergo an HPV test. Those with a negative HPV test went on to the next screening round 3 years later. Cytology triage was performed for HPV+ (HPV by Hybrid Capture 2) samples, with immediate colposcopy (if abnormal) and HPV re‐testing 1 year later (if negative).

Main outcome measures

Participation rate, positivity at HPV and at triage, referral rate to colposcopy, positive predictive value for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) at colposcopy, and detection rate for CIN2+.

Results

We present the results from 48 751 women at the first screening and 22 000 women at re‐screening 3 years later. The response rate was slightly higher at the second screening (74.5 versus 72.1% at the first screening; referral rate, RR 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.07–1.14). Compared with the first screening, we observed a significant reduction at the second screening in terms of HPV positivity (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.51–0.60), referral rate to colposcopy (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.41–0.53), CIN2+ detection rate (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13–0.39), and positive predictive value (PPV) for CIN2+ at colposcopy (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29–0.87).

Conclusions

The very low frequency of disease and inadequate PPV at colposcopy indicate that a 3‐year interval after a negative HPV test is too short.

Tweetable abstract

Three years after a negative HPV the frequency of cervical disease is so low that re‐screening is inefficient.
Costs of Food Safety Investments in the Meat and Poultry Slaughter Industries
Authors: Viator Catherine L. , Muth Mary K. , Brophy Jenna E. , Noyes Gary
Published: January 2017

To develop regulations efficiently, federal agencies need to know the costs of implementing various regulatory alternatives. As the regulatory agency responsible for the safety of meat and poultry products, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service is interested in the costs borne by meat and poultry establishments. This study estimated the costs of developing, validating, and reassessing hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), sanitary standard operating procedures (SSOP), and sampling plans; food safety training for new employees; antimicrobial equipment and solutions; sanitizing equipment; third‐party audits; and microbial tests. Using results from an in‐person expert consultation, web searches, and contacts with vendors, we estimated capital equipment, labor, materials, and other costs associated with these investments. Results are presented by establishment size (small and large) and species (beef, pork, chicken, and turkey), when applicable. For example, the cost of developing food safety plans, such as HACCP, SSOP, and sampling plans, can range from approximately $6000 to $87000, depending on the type of plan and establishment size. Food safety training costs from approximately $120 to $2500 per employee, depending on the course and type of employee. The costs of third‐party audits range from approximately $13000 to $24000 per audit, and establishments are often subject to multiple audits per year. Knowing the cost of these investments will allow researchers and regulators to better assess the effects of food safety regulations and evaluate cost‐effective alternatives.