bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation on fire hazard and smoke toxicity of epoxy FRP composites
Authors: Bakhtiyari Saeed , Taghi Akbari Leila , Jamali Ashtiani Masoud
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is assessment of fire and smoke hazards of some fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). The use of FRP strengthening strips has been found rapid growth in construction industry of Iran and many other countries. However, the fire and smoke hazards of these materials in both construction and use phases need to be determined and the appropriated measures against fire should be taken.

Design/methodology/approach

The fire hazards of two types of fibre-reinforced epoxy composites (graphite fibre-reinforced polymer and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer) were investigated in bench-scale using cone calorimeter test method. Time to ignition, heat release rate, total heat release, smoke release and carbon monoxide production were measured and analysed. Time to flashover of an assumed room lined with the tested FRP was analysed with Conetools software. Smoke production and toxicity of the considered composites were also analysed and discussed, using the fractional effective dose parameter.

Findings

The results showed that the tested FRP products had a high fire hazard and a potential high contribution to fire growth. The tests also proved that the used epoxy resin had a low glass transition temperature, around 50°C; therefore, the mechanical strength of the product could be drastically reduced at first stages of a probable fire incident. This also showed that a regular thermal barrier, typically used for protection of plastic foams against fire, could not be sufficient for the protection of strengthening FRP composites.

Originality/value

This research was carried out for the first time for the materials used in construction industry of Iran. The results and achievements were very useful for safe use and development of proper details of application of the system.
Does the post-disaster resilient city really exist?
Authors: Paidakaki Angeliki , Moulaert Frank
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of “resilience” by disentangling the contentious interactions of various parameters that define and guide resilience trajectories, such as the physical infrastructure, socio-spatial inequalities, path dependencies, power relationships, competing discourses and human agency. This socio-political reconstruction of “resilience” is needed for two reasons: the concept of resilience becomes more responsive to the complex realities on the ground, and the discussion moves toward the promotion of more dynamic recovery governance models that can promote socially just allocated redundancy in housing actions, which could be seen as a key to incubating resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that mobilizes theories of urban political ecology, social innovation and housing with the aim to examine the tensions between various discourses that steer housing production during post-disaster recovery processes, and put a spotlight on the heterogeneity in the transformative capacity of the various actors, institutions and visions of housing systems that preexist or emerge in the post-disaster city. This heterogeneity of actors (i.e. growth coalitions, neighborhood associations and housing cooperatives) consequently leads the discussion toward the investigation of “new” roles of the state in formulating relevant disaster governance models and housing (re)construction systems.

Findings

The initial stress produced by a natural event is often extended because of long-term unmet housing needs. The repercussion of this prolonged stress is a loss of social progress partly due to the reiterated oppression of alternative housing production propositions. In this paper, the authors conclude that an asset-based community development approach to recovery can provide an antidote to the vicious cycles of social stress by opening up diverse housing options. This means that the recovery destiny is not predetermined according to pre-set ideas but is molded by the various bottom-up dynamics that democratically sketch the final socially desirable reconstruction outcome(s).

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is twofold. By using theoretical insights from urban political ecology, housing studies and social innovation, the paper first builds up onto the current reconstruction of the notion of disaster resilience. Second, by identifying a heterogeneity of “social resilience cells”, the paper leads the discussion toward the investigation of the “new” role of the state in formulating relevant recovery governance models. In this respect, the paper builds a narrative of social justice in terms of the redistribution of resources and the cultivation of empowerment across the various housing providers who struggle for their right to the reconstruction experiment.
Volatility spillovers between crude oil price and stock markets: evidence from BRIC countries
Authors: Bagchi Bhaskar
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamic relationship between crude oil price volatility and stock markets in the emerging economies like BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries in the context of sharp continuous fall in the crude oil price in recent times.

Design/methodology/approach

The stock price volatility is partly explained by volatility in crude oil price. The author adopt an Asymmetric Power ARCH (APARCH) model which takes into account long memory behavior, speed of market information, asymmetries and leverage effects.

Findings

For Bovespa, MICEX, BSE Sensex and crude oil there is an asymmetric response of volatilities to positive and negative shocks and negative correlation exists between returns and volatility indicating that negative information will create greater volatility. However, for Shanghai Composite positive information has greater effect on stock price volatility in comparison to negative information. The study results also suggest the presence long memory behavior and persistent volatility clustering phenomenon amongst crude oil price and stock markets of the BRIC countries.

Originality/value

The present study makes a number of contributions to the existing literature in the following ways. First, the author have considered crude oil prices up to January 31, 2016, so that the study can reflect the impact of declining trend of crude oil prices on the stock indices which is also regarded as “new oil price shock” to measure the volatility between crude oil price and stock market indices of BRIC countries. Second, the volatility is captured by APARCH model which takes into account long memory behavior, speed of market information, asymmetries and leverage effects.
From seeing to believing: using instructional video to develop culturally responsive teaching
Authors: Fullam Jordan P.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the potential for instructional video to build capacity in culturally responsive teaching, and outline an approach developed at NYU’s Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools (Metro Center) for using inquiry-based, teacher-led teams to study, develop and film culturally responsive teaching in action. The paper explores the use of instructional video in an asset-focused model of professional development that develops culturally responsive teaching through digital videos that can be shared among colleagues, posted online and presented at professional conferences.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary aims of the paper are conceptual and include drawing on a review of the literature on instructional video to map onto one model of professional development the learning goals and reflective activities that are most likely to develop the potential of instructional video to change beliefs and develop critical consciousness, and providing anecdotal evidence to explore the potential for using instructional video in an asset-focused, transformative and responsive model of professional development in culturally responsive teaching.

Findings

Instructional video can be effective for professional development in culturally responsive teaching because people often need to see transformations in teaching and learning before they can believe such transformations are possible. Instructional videos of effective culturally responsive teaching, in this manner, highlight best practices and provide a way for schools to post an “early win” in their work in addressing achievement gaps.

Practical implications

Instructional video can assist educators in confronting and challenging prevailing deficit-based beliefs about ostensibly “low-achieving” students that limit possibilities for culturally responsive teaching; opening up opportunities for transformative learning and inviting the shift to a culturally responsive mindset; and examining and discussing models of excellent teaching. This model of professional development is asset-focused and transformative because it moves teacher voices from margin to center and empowers teachers as models and stewards of transformative learning.

Originality/value

Although numerous studies have documented the potential of instructional video in asset-focused and transformative models of professional development, only two studies explore the potential of instructional video specifically in the development of culturally responsive teaching (Lopez, 2013; Rosaen, 2015). This paper contributes to this nascent literature through documenting an approach to instructional video that was developed for and with teachers at a K-8 public school in Brooklyn.
Planning practices: a multiple case study in the high-performing banks
Authors: Ridwan Mohammad Sihab
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the strategic planning practices applied in the high-performing banking industry in the Indonesian context and how decision style facilitates successful planning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative research approach as the framework for this study to get a genuine explanation of the perspectives of participants researched about strategic planning. The data collection method used in-depth semi-structured and unstructured interviews of both key informants and non-planning members in each identified bank. Three banks were selected because of their commitment in strategic planning and their high-performance status. This study used research information from a panel of experts to first define a bank as high performing in the first instance, and then to select the three top performing banks for the study.

Findings

This study has provided useful findings about the strategic planning practices in the high-performing banks. The key findings comprise the fact that all three banks in this study have carried out the usual and main strategic planning activities presented in this study: the vital role of the CEO in strategic planning has been proven, and planning flexibility in the strategic planning process has been identified, among other related findings.

Originality/value

This study provides a useful research model for investigating strategic planning practices both in the relatively stable and predictable business environment and turbulent and unpredictable business environment. This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first to investigate the issue in the Indonesian context.
Appropriation process of dirty work: focus on health executives in a medical services restructuring
Authors: Urasadettan Jennifer , Burellier Franck
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The literature related to the dirty work had been mobilised to explain how the changes in hospitals (technification and increasing complexification work in particular) affected the allocation of the function between the various corporation (physicians, nursing staff, administration), and contributed to make them evolve. The purpose of this paper is to better understand in a context of organisational change what is the process that allows individuals to appropriate the dirty work that one tries to delegate to them.

Design/methodology/approach

To deal with this issue, for a year and a half, the authors conducted a longitudinal case study based on the evolution of the organisational merger between to medical units in a French hospital.

Findings

The results showed that the appropriation of dirty work first needs the acceptance of task shifting, then a phase to normalise dirty work through various tactics (reframing, refocusing, and team recognition). The authors also emphasised the essential role played by these activities to enhance collaboration between doctors and caregivers in their quest for restructuring and institutionalising change.

Originality/value

While the literature on dirty work focuses on the “how and why” the allocation of the function between the various corporation can evolve, this research investigates more in depth the working of the appropriation process itself. The issue of appropriation introduces a new element in the framework of dirty work and can constitute an interesting focus for managers looking to enhance organisational change.
Ideas in conflict: a case study on tensions in the process of preparing sustainability reports
Authors: Frostenson Magnus , Helin Sven
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand conflicts in sustainability reporting (SR) preparation.

Design/methodology/approach

In the preparation of SRs, the logic of financial rationality is often assumed to take precedence over the logic of sustainability. Based on an explorative qualitative case study of a large Swedish retailer, the paper problematizes this view. Over a reporting cycle, employees and consultants involved in the preparation process are interviewed. Conflicting ideas about SRs are identified and analyzed through the lens of institutional logics.

Findings

The study identifies five tensions in SR preparation. These tensions relate to conflicting ideas of what an SR is, how it should be written and how it should be used. Among findings, a conflict of logics can be found as the basis of at least one tension. However, tensions may also emerge within a shared sustainability logic.

Research limitations/implications

A contribution of the study is that it sets its finger on the actual fieldwork with SRs. The study shows that it is unreasonable to claim that SRs are “self-evidently” captured by management according to financial rationality. Possibly, the nature of the studied firm, a company within the pharmaceutical and health sector, implies a stronger sustainability logic than in other firms.

Practical implications

According to the study, the results of an SR preparation process are highly dependent on the sometimes conflicting ideas of preparers and others within the company. It is of high importance to identify and clarify such conflicting ideas already in the beginning of the process, to link the SR to the corporate social responsibility strategy of the firm, and to involve top management in the process.

Originality/value

The study identifies underlying tensions in SR preparation. It also introduces a theoretical framework that makes it possible to analyze tensions in the preparation process.
Analysing the inclusion of stand-alone courses on ethics and CSR
Authors: Larrán Jorge Manuel , Andrades Peña Francisco Javier , Muriel de los Reyes Maria Jose
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the Master of Business Administration (MBA) curricula of top-ranked business schools are offering stand-alone courses on ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR). To provide additional evidence, this study tests some hypotheses to contrast the effect of different variables on the inclusion of stand-alone courses on ethics and CSR. Also, the paper provides a comparative analysis in two ways: one comparison aims to analyse how the presence of ethics and CSR stand-alone courses in the MBA programmes over the past 10 years has evolved, and the other comparison seeks to explore whether there are differences between different rankings with regard to the inclusion of ethics and CSR stand-alone courses in the MBA curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

A Web content analysis was conducted on the curricula of 92 of the top 100 global MBA programmes ranked by the Financial Times in their 2013 ratings.

Findings

The findings show that there is a trend towards the inclusion of stand-alone courses on CSR and ethics as electives. Empirically, the findings suggest that the presence of ethics and CSR elective stand-alone subjects in the MBA programmes is explained by the following variables: public/private, business school’s accreditation and cultural influence. Comparatively, the findings suggest that requiring CSR and business ethics stand-alone courses in the MBA programmes ranked by the Financial Times have not increased over the past 10 years. In addition, when we have compared the results of this study with other rankings, we have appreciated that there are important differences between top MBA programmes in accordance with the aims and scope of rankings.

Originality/value

The findings of this study seem to suggest that business schools included in the Financial Times ranking have not changed their view based on a shareholder approach, which is focused on providing an economics-centred training.
Supply chain-oriented corporate water accounting: a research agenda
Authors: Christ Katherine Leanne , Burritt Roger Leonard
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Water is critical to all life on Earth and a crucial business resource which evidence suggests is often mismanaged. Corporate water accounting is an emerging practice designed to help corporations address water issues. Indirect water management in supply chains is important, but hitherto little consideration has been given to supply chain water accounting. This paper aims to synthesise available literature and infer how future research can further knowledge and take-up in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative literature review is used to synthesise the current state of knowledge and the prospects for academic research looking to further practice in supply chain water accounting.

Findings

Literature reveals two contrasting issues in need of further research, first, between normative and practical approaches to supply chain water accounting and, second, the focus on external reporting versus management.

Research limitations/implications

One main limitation is recognised. Technical aspects of supply chain water accounting tools, for example, water footprints and material flow cost accounting are not considered as focus is on the take-up of corporate supply chain water accounting in practice.

Practical implications

This study sets out an agenda for the future of supply chain water accounting which can be used to guide research and stimulate extension in practice and take-up of important indirect considerations in corporate water accounting in supply chains.

Originality/value

The integrative literature review leads to the identification of future research opportunities and a set of research questions relating to useful information, links with internal decision-making and external collaboration, application in companies of different sizes and to furthering the take-up of corporate water accounting practice in the increasingly important collaborative supply chain relationships which span the globe.
Hand‐to‐foot bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure fat mass in healthy children: A comparison with air‐displacement plethysmography
Authors: Foucart Lisa , De Decker Annelies , Sioen Isabelle , De Henauw Stefaan , Michels Nathalie
Published: May 2017

Aim

To identify children at risk of overweight, assessing children's body composition in a valid way is crucial. The present cross‐sectional study examines the comparability of children's fat mass percentage obtained by hand‐to‐foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) versus BodPod air‐displacement plethysmography as a reference method.

Methods

The body composition of 206 Belgian children (7–13 years; 7.7% overweight) was measured with BodPod and hand‐to‐foot BIA (Tanita BC418 with built‐in formula).

Results

Overall, comparability was the highest in girls. Good ranking agreement (rho = 0.819) and interchangeability (intra‐class correlation (ICC) = 0.757) were found in girls but not in boys (rho = 0.568; ICC = 0.512). Although bioelectrical impedance resulted in an overall overestimation of only 0.5 fat%, it underestimated and overestimated fat% in children with, respectively, higher and lower fat%. The 95% limits of agreement distance was around 17 fat%, and there was a significant difference from the line of identity (intercept ≠ 0; slope ≠ 1).

Conclusions

Despite good ranking agreement, the use of BIA as an alternative for the BodPod is not recommended because of over‐/underestimation and wide limits of agreement. It is not possible to calculate a simple correction factor for the whole fat% range to make the two approaches interchangeable.
Editorial: the impact of the placebo effect in Crohn's disease
Authors: Bernstein C. N.
Published: May 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Jairath et al and Jairath, Feagan papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13973 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14074.
Trajectories of anxiety and depression in liver transplant candidates during the waiting‐list period
Authors: Annema Coby , Roodbol Petrie F. , Van den Heuvel Edwin R. , Metselaar Herold J. , Van Hoek Bart , Porte Robert J. , Ranchor Adelita V.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To explore whether distinct trajectories of anxiety and depression exist among liver transplant candidates, and to gain insight into demographic, clinical, and individual characteristics related with these trajectories.

Design

A multicentre, prospective cohort study among 216 liver transplant candidates. Respondents filled out a questionnaire at study entrance and subsequently every 6 months until transplantation or removal from the waiting list.

Methods

Anxiety (STAI6), depression (CES‐D), demographic, and individual variables were assessed by questionnaire. Clinical variables were retrieved by medical record review. The SAS PROC TRAJ procedure was used to identify distinct trajectories. Univariate and multiple ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to explore related variables.

Results

Regarding anxiety, three stable trajectories were identified as follows: below clinical level (51%), slightly above clinical level (34%), and high above clinical level (15%). Regarding depression, four stable trajectories were identified as follows: below clinical level (23%), slightly below clinical level (34%), slightly above clinical level (28%), and high above clinical level (6%). For anxiety as well as for depression, experiencing more liver disease symptoms, a lower level of personal control, making more use of emotional coping, and making less use of task‐oriented coping increased the likelihood of membership in those trajectories with higher symptom levels.

Conclusion

Distinct, but stable, trajectories of anxiety and depression were present in liver transplant candidates. The trajectories with symptom levels above clinical relevant levels for anxiety or depression comprised, respectively, 49% and 34% of the respondents. Therefore, psychological screening and subsequently providing appropriate interventions are warranted early in the transplant process.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject

For transplant candidates, the waiting‐list period is a period of uncertainty and unpredictability.

Psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, are common among liver transplant candidates.

Several demographic, clinical, and individual characteristics are associated with anxiety and depression, but these results remain inconclusive.

What does this study add

Distinct trajectories of symptoms of anxiety and depression are present among liver transplant candidates.

Given the stability of the trajectories over time, the symptom level at baseline is indicative of the symptom level during the waiting‐list period.

Experiencing more liver disease symptoms, low mastery, more use of emotional coping, and less use of task‐oriented coping are associated with trajectories of high symptom levels.
A comparison of item response models for accuracy and speed of item responses with applications to adaptive testing
Authors: van Rijn Peter W. , Ali Usama S.
Published: May 2017

We compare three modelling frameworks for accuracy and speed of item responses in the context of adaptive testing. The first framework is based on modelling scores that result from a scoring rule that incorporates both accuracy and speed. The second framework is the hierarchical modelling approach developed by van der Linden (2007, Psychometrika, 72, 287) in which a regular item response model is specified for accuracy and a log‐normal model for speed. The third framework is the diffusion framework in which the response is assumed to be the result of a Wiener process. Although the three frameworks differ in the relation between accuracy and speed, one commonality is that the marginal model for accuracy can be simplified to the two‐parameter logistic model. We discuss both conditional and marginal estimation of model parameters. Models from all three frameworks were fitted to data from a mathematics and spelling test. Furthermore, we applied a linear and adaptive testing mode to the data off‐line in order to determine differences between modelling frameworks. It was found that a model from the scoring rule framework outperformed a hierarchical model in terms of model‐based reliability, but the results were mixed with respect to correlations with external measures.
Social accountability in frontline service delivery: Citizen engagement and provider response in four Indonesian districts
Authors: Wetterberg Anna , Hertz Jana C. , Brinkerhoff Derick W.
Published: May 2017

Social accountability (SA) tools engage citizens in improving frontline service delivery. Contextual factors are increasingly recognized as key to the effectiveness and sustainability of SA. This article identifies micro‐level factors associated with attitudes and continued commitment to SA, drawing on 60 interviews with providers, clients and local officials at 15 primary health centres in four Indonesian districts. We found that healthcare providers and local governments demonstrated responsiveness to citizens not only in conducive contexts, but also in less favourable ones. State actors’ perceptions of the appropriate role of citizens varied. We conclude that long‐term sustainability of citizen engagement in accountability relationships will depend upon alignment of providers’ and citizens’ expectations, along with supportive institutional incentives.
Effect of oral tobacco use and smoking on outcomes of Crohn's disease in India
Authors: Arora Umang , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N , Kedia Saurabh , Bopanna Sawan , Mouli Pratap Venigalla , Yadav Dawesh P , Makharia Govind K , Yajnik Vijay , Ahuja Vineet
Published: May 2017

Background and Aim

Smoking has been linked with adverse outcomes in Crohn's disease (CD); however, it is not known whether oral tobacco (OT) use affects disease outcomes in these patients. The study aimed to assess the association between smoking or OT and outcomes in CD.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on prospectively maintained records of CD patients from 2004 to 2016. The parameters assessed included disease characteristics at baseline (location, behavior, age at onset, perianal disease, and extraintestinal manifestations), course pattern, and outcomes (surgery, hospitalizations, immunomodulator or biologics use, and steroid requirement).

Results

A total of 426 patients were included (mean age: 39.9 years; 59.9% men; median follow up: 71 months). Forty patients were ever‐OT users, and 59 were ever‐smokers, ever‐use being defined as daily use for at least 2 years. OT use was associated with male sex and smoking. Both OT use and smoking had no effect on baseline characteristics, but upper gastrointestinal disease was less common in ever‐smokers. Both OT use and smoking did not have any effect on surgery, immunomodulator, and biologic use. Similarly, no association was found between these outcomes and duration, daily, and cumulative exposure to tobacco. Current but not former tobacco use in both smoked (adjusted odds ratio = 2.59 [1.22–5.49]) and OT (adjusted odds ratio = 2.97 [1.03–8.6]) forms increased risk of hospitalizations.

Conclusion

Oral tobacco use and smoking had no significant detrimental effect on disease phenotype or medical and surgical requirements in CD in Indian patients, affirming other non‐Caucasian studies that found lack of effect of smoking. However, current tobacco use in any form was associated with hospitalization during follow up.
I. DEVELOPMENTAL METHODOLOGY AS A CENTRAL SUBDISCIPLINE OF DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE
Authors: Card Noel A.
Published: May 2017

This first chapter introduces the main goals of the monograph and previews the remaining chapters. The goals of this monograph are to provide summaries of our current understanding of advanced developmental methodologies, provide information that can advance our understanding of human development, identify shortcomings in our understanding of developmental methodology, and serve as a flagpost for organizing developmental methodology as a subdiscipline within the broader field of developmental science. The remaining chapters in this monograph address issues in design (sampling and big data), longitudinal data analysis, and issues of replication and research accumulation. The final chapter describes the history of developmental methodology, considers how the previous chapters in this monograph fit within this subdiscipline, and offers recommendations for further advancement.
IV. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ANALYSIS OF LONGITUDINAL DATA
Authors: Grimm Kevin J. , Davoudzadeh Pega , Ram Nilam
Published: May 2017

Longitudinal data analytic techniques include a complex array of statistical techniques from repeated‐measures analysis of variance, mixed‐effects models, and time‐series analysis, to longitudinal latent variable models (e.g., growth models, dynamic factor models) and mixture models (longitudinal latent profile analysis, growth mixture models). In this article, we focus our attention on the rationales of longitudinal research laid out by Baltes and Nesselroade (1979) and discuss the advancements in the analysis of longitudinal data since their landmark paper. We highlight the developments in growth and change analysis and its derivatives because these models best capture the rationales for conducting longitudinal research. We conclude with additional rationales of longitudinal research brought about by the development of new analytic techniques.
Impact of predictive scoring model and e‐mail messages on African American blood donors
Authors: Bachegowda Lohith S. , Timm Brad , Dasgupta Pinaki , Hillyer Christopher D. , Kessler Debra , Rebosa Mark , France Christopher R. , Shaz Beth H.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Expanding the African American (AA) donor pool is critical to sustain transfusion support for sickle cell disease patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The aims were to: 1) apply cognitive computing on donation related metrics to develop a predictive model that effectively identifies repeat AA donors, 2) determine whether a single e‐mail communication could improve AA donor retention and compare retention results on higher versus lower predictive score donors, and 3) evaluate the effect of e‐mail marketing on AA donor retention with culturally versus nonculturally tailored message.

RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2012, 30,786 AA donors donated blood at least once on whom predictive repeat donor scores (PRDSs) was generated from donor‐related metrics (frequency of donations, duration between donations, age, blood type, and sex). In 2013, 28% (8657/30,786) of 2011 to 2012 donors returned to donate on whom PRDS was validated. Returning blood donors had a higher mean PRDS compared to nonreturning donors (0.649 vs. 0.268; p < 0.001). In the e‐mail pilot, high PRDS (≥0.6) compared to low PRDS (<0.6) was associated with 89% higher donor presentation rate (p < 0.001), 20% higher e‐mail opening rate (p < 0.001), and, specifically among those who opened the e‐mail, 159% higher presentation rate (p < 0.001). Finally, blood donation rate did not differ (p = 0.79) as a function of generic (n = 9312, 1.4%) versus culturally tailored (n = 9326, 1.3%) message.

CONCLUSION

Computational algorithms utilizing readily available donor metrics can identify highly committed AA donors and in conjunction with targeted e‐mail communication has the potential to increase the efficiency of donor marketing.
Characters of odd degree of symmetric groups
Authors: Giannelli Eugenio
Published: May 2017

We construct a natural bijection between odd‐degree irreducible characters of and linear characters of its Sylow 2‐subgroup . We show that such a bijection is nicely induced by the restriction functor. We conclude with a characterization of the irreducible characters of such that the restriction of to has a unique linear constituent.
Design and Testing of a Crashworthy Landing Gear
Authors: Kim Tae-Uk , Shin JeongWoo , Wook Lee Sang
Published: May 2017

The development of a crashworthy landing gear is presented based on the civil regulations and the military specifications. For this, two representative crashworthy requirements are applied to helicopter landing gear design: the nose gear is designed to collapse in a controlled manner so that it does not penetrate the cabin and cause secondary hazards, and the main gear has to absorb energy as much as possible in crash case to decelerate the aircraft. To satisfy the requirements, the collapse mechanism triggered by shear-pin failure and the shock absorber using blow-off valve (BOV) is implemented in the nose and main gear, respectively. The crash performance of landing gear is demonstrated by drop tests. In the tests, performance data such as ground reaction loads and shock absorber stroke are measured and crash behaviors are recorded by high-speed camera. The test data show a good agreement with the prediction by simulation model, which proves the validity of the design and analysis.
Design Optimization of a Vaneless “Fish-Friendly” Swirl Injector for Small Water Turbines
Authors: Airody Ajith , De Montmorency David , Peterson Sean D.
Published: May 2017

Large-scale power generation and delivery to remote locales is often prohibitively expensive, due in part to the excessive costs of delivering the materials required to build the necessary infrastructure. In addition, these facilities can have deleterious effects on the local ecosystem. With their reduced physical and environmental footprints, small-scale run-of-river hydroelectric facilities capable of generating power from the modest head provided by streams and rivers are attractive alternatives. Concern remains, however, for the health and safety of the local fish population in these waterways. In order to further reduce the impact of small-scale axial turbine-based hydroelectric facilities on the local fauna, AlfaStar Hydro has proposed a vaneless swirl injector to replace traditional inlet guide vanes (IGVs), as well as a “fish-friendly” rotor designed to rotate relatively slowly and with wide passages between the blades to enable the safe egress of fish drawn into the turbine. Herein, we perform a numerical study of the flow development in the vaneless swirl injector as a function of the number of revolutions and the pitch angle of the rifling in the absence of a rotor toward maximizing turbine efficiency. Swirl intensity, pressure loss in the injector, and axial and circumferential velocity distributions are incorporated as performance metrics into an objective function to optimize the casing design. Results indicate that the number of revolutions of the injector has considerably less influence on overall injector performance than does pitch angle. The casing with the best predicted performance consists of four revolutions at a pitch angle of 25 deg.
ToF-SIMS quantification of bromine based insecticide in mosquito netting
Authors: Zhou Chuanzhen , Stevie Fred A. , Smith Stephen C.
Published: May 2017

Insecticides are used to combat diseases such as malaria by incorporation in or topical application on mosquito netting. Determination of the insecticide available on the surface of the treated material has been difficult to achieve. A recent study of the chlorine based insecticide permethrin in mosquito netting has shown that time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was able to detect and, with the development of ion implanted standards, to quantify permethrin on the fiber surface and subsurface. The ion implantation method has been used extensively for SIMS quantification. A similar approach to analysis and quantification has now been achieved for the brominated insecticide deltamethrin, which is used at significantly lower concentrations than permethrin. ToF-SIMS analysis of deltamethrin indicated a dominant bromine ion in the negative ion mass spectrum. 79Br was implanted into high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is the netting material, into acetone washed netting fibers, and into silicon to verify implant dose. ToF-SIMS depth profiles of the implanted HDPE showed a detection limit of 5.2 × 1017 atoms/cm3, which corresponds to a detection limit of 0.046% by weight for deltamethrin. The implanted fiber showed an implant profile superimposed on the bromine contributed from the deltamethrin. The insecticide concentration below the fiber surface at two different locations was measured at 0.17 and 0.23 wt. %, which is in excellent agreement with the insecticide specification of 0.18 wt. % ±25%. Analysis of unimplanted netting fibers showed localized high concentrations of insecticide. The results obtained provide quantitative analysis of the insecticide on the surface and bulk of the netting and are significant to evaluate net performance.
First Complete Genome Sequence of
Arracacha virus A
Isolated from a 38-Year-Old Sample from Peru
Authors: Adams Ian P. , Boonham Neil , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: May 2017

We present here the first complete genomic sequence of
Arracacha virus A
from a Peruvian arracacha sample collected in 1975 and compare it with the genomes of other nepoviruses. Its RNA1 and RNA2 both had greatest amino acid identities with those of the subgroup A nepovirus
Melon mild mottle virus
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus reuteri CECT8605
Authors: Sañudo Ana I. , Olivares Mónica M. , Bañuelos Oscar
Published: May 2017

Lactobacillus reuteri
CECT8605 has shown potential probiotic properties in both
in vitro
and
in vivo
assays. Besides its beneficial characteristics, general aspects concerning genetic stability and safety for human consumption have been studied. Its genome sequence has been a useful tool to support preliminary conclusions based on empirical observations.
First Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Isolated from a Moroccan Hospital Floor
Authors: Alouane Tarek , Uwingabiye Jean , Lemnouer Abdelhay , Lahlou Lamiaa , Laamarti Meriem , Kartti Souad , Benhrif Oussama , El Misbahi Hamza , Frikh Mohammed , Benlahlou Yassine , Bssaibis Fatna , El Abbassi Soukaina , Kabbage Samia , Maleb Adil , Elouennass Mostafa , Ibrahimi Azeddine
Published: May 2017

This report describes the whole-genome shotgun sequences of two multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
strains, ABE8_07 and ABE12_M, isolated from a Moroccan hospital floor. These two genome sequences will initiate the study and characterization of the
Acinetobacter baumannii
genome in Morocco.
Draft Genome Sequence of Tetragenococcus halophilus Strain FBL3, a Probiotic Bacterium Isolated from Galchijeot, a Salted Fermented Food, in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Eiseul , Kim Jae-Hwan , Yang Seung-Min , Suh Seung-Man , Kim Hyun-Joong , Kim Chang-Gyeom , Choo Dong-Won , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: May 2017

Tetragenococcus halophilus
strain FBL3 is a lactic acid bacterium isolated from galchijeot, a fermented food made from the salted guts of the hairtail fish, in the Republic of Korea. The draft genome of
T. halophilus
strain FBL3 comprised 87 contigs (≥1 kb) with a total size of 2,420,904 bp and a G+C content of 38.5%.
Penoscrotal haematoma after cardiac catheterisation
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Soni Parita , Chadha Sameer , Malik Bilal
Published: May 2017

Scrotal haematoma is an extremely rare complication after cardiac catheterisation (CC) with only few cases reported in literature. We report a 56-year-old patient who developed large scrotal haematoma after CC via transfemoral approach requiring blood transfusion due to haemodynamic instability. After an uneventful elective procedure, he was discharged with a collagen plug-based vascular closure device (Angio-Seal). He developed sudden onset, excruciating groin pain with scrotal swelling and shock. Bleeding was stopped with manual compression over the femoral artery and 2 units of packed red blood cells were transfused. CT angiogram revealed scrotal haematoma without active bleeding. Testicular blood supply remained intact. Scrotal swelling improved with conservative management and patient got discharged 3 days later in a stable condition. The review of literature suggests that penoscrotal haematoma is unusual after CC but may result from arterial injury or bleeding into the fascial planes. Majority of patients require observation but surgery is indicated in selected cases for vascular complications.
Cost-effectiveness of anatomical and functional test strategies for stable chest pain: public health perspective from a middle-income country
Authors: Bertoldi Eduardo G , Stella Steffen F , Rohde Luis Eduardo P , Polanczyk Carisi A
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The aim of this research is to evaluate the relative cost-effectiveness of functional and anatomical strategies for diagnosing stable coronary artery disease (CAD), using exercise (Ex)-ECG, stress echocardiogram (ECHO), single-photon emission CT (SPECT), coronary CT angiography (CTA) or stress cardiacmagnetic resonance (C-MRI).

Setting

Decision-analytical model, comparing strategies of sequential tests for evaluating patients with possible stable angina in low, intermediate and high pretest probability of CAD, from the perspective of a developing nation’s public healthcare system.

Participants

Hypothetical cohort of patients with pretest probability of CAD between 20% and 70%.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome is cost per correct diagnosis of CAD. Proportion of false-positive or false-negative tests and number of unnecessary tests performed were also evaluated.

Results

Strategies using Ex-ECG as initial test were the least costly alternatives but generated more frequent false-positive initial tests and false-negative final diagnosis. Strategies based on CTA or ECHO as initial test were the most attractive and resulted in similar cost-effectiveness ratios (I$ 286 and I$ 305 per correct diagnosis, respectively). A strategy based on C-MRI was highly effective for diagnosing stable CAD, but its high cost resulted in unfavourable incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER) in moderate-risk and high-risk scenarios. Non-invasive strategies based on SPECT have been dominated.

Conclusions

An anatomical diagnostic strategy based on CTA is a cost-effective option for CAD diagnosis. Functional strategies performed equally well when based on ECHO. C-MRI yielded acceptable ICER only at low pretest probability, and SPECT was not cost-effective in our analysis.
Sex differences in the association between area deprivation and generalised anxiety disorder: British population study
Authors: Remes Olivia , Wainwright Nick , Surtees Paul , Lafortune Louise , Khaw Kay-Tee , Brayne Carol
Published: May 2017

Objective

Studies have shown that area-level deprivation measured by factors, such as non-home ownership, non-car ownership and household overcrowding, can increase the risk for mental disorders over and above individual-level circumstances, such as education and social class. Whether area-level deprivation is associated with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) independent of personal circumstances, and whether this association is different between British women and men is unknown.

Design

Large, population study.

Setting

UK population-based cohort.

Participants

30 445 people from the general population aged 40 years and older and living in England consented to participate at study baseline, and of these, 21 921 participants completed a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire used to capture GAD. Area deprivation was measured in 1991 using Census data, and GAD was assessed in 1996–2000. 10 275 women and 8219 men had complete data on all covariates.

Main outcome measure

Past-year GAD defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV).

Results

In this study, 2.5% (261/10 275) of women and 1.8% (145/8219) of men had GAD. Women living in the most deprived areas were over 60% more likely to develop anxiety than those living in areas that were not deprived (OR=1.63, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.21; p=0.001), but this association between deprivation and GAD was not apparent in men (OR=1.13, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.77; p=0.598).

Conclusions

The absolute numbers of people living in deprived conditions are large worldwide. This, combined with a growing mental health burden, means that the findings obtained in this study remain highly relevant. The WHO has emphasised the need to reduce social and health inequalities. Our findings provide a strong evidence base to this call, showing that the environment needs to be taken into account when developing mental health policy; gender is important when it comes to assessing the influence of the environment on our mental health.
The association between alcohol drinking and self-reported mental and physical functioning: a prospective cohort study among City of Helsinki employees
Authors: Salonsalmi Aino , Rahkonen Ossi , Lahelma Eero , Laaksonen Mikko
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Alcohol drinking is associated with ill health but less is known about its contribution to overall functioning. We aimed to examine whether alcohol drinking predicts self-reported mental and physical functioning 5-7 years later.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

Helsinki, Finland.

Participants

40-year-old to 60-year-old employees of the City of Helsinki (5301 women and 1230 men) who participated in a postal survey in 2000–2002 and a follow-up survey in 2007.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Mental and physical functioning measured by the Short Form 36 Health Survey.

Results

Alcohol drinking was differently associated with mental and physical functioning. Heavy average drinking, binge drinking and problem drinking were all associated with subsequent poor mental functioning except for heavy average drinking among men, whereas only problem drinking was associated with poor physical functioning. Also, non-drinking was associated with poor physical functioning. Problem drinking was the drinking habit showing most widespread and strongest associations with health functioning. The associations between problem drinking and poor mental functioning and with poor physical functioning among women remained after adjusting for baseline mental functioning, sociodemographic factors, working conditions and other health behaviours.

Conclusions

Alcohol drinking is associated especially with poor mental functioning. Problem drinking was the drinking habit strongest associated with poor health functioning. The results call for early recognition and prevention of alcohol problems in order to improve health functioning among employees.